UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
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x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE |
| SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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| For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 |
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o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE |
| SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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| For the transition period from ________________ to ________________ |
Commission file number: 000-50417
RBC LIFE SCIENCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Nevada | | 91-2015186 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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2301 Crown Court, Irving, Texas | | 75038 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 972-893-4000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: | Common Stock, $0.001 par value |
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No R.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o No R.
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 R 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 R No o.
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer o | | Accelerated filer o |
Non-accelerated filer o | (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company R |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No R.
Aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2013: $1,329,904
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of February 28, 2014: 2,212,250
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be used in connection with its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements included in this report, other than statements of historical or present facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical or present facts, that address activities, events, outcomes and other matters that we plan, expect, intend, assume, believe, budget, predict, forecast, project, estimate or anticipate (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, but not limited to, “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate” or “believe”. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and time of future events. Although we believe that the expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, they involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, in many cases, beyond our control. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which this report was filed with the SEC. We expressly disclaim any obligation to issue any updates or revisions to our forward-looking statements, even if subsequent events cause our expectations to change regarding the matters discussed in those statements. Over time, our actual results, performance or achievements will likely differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, and such differences might be significant and materially adverse to our shareholders. Many important factors that could cause such a difference are described in this Form 10-K in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors and Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, which you should review carefully. Please consider our forward-looking statements in light of those risks as you read this report.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I | | |
Item 1. | Business | |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | |
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments | |
Item 2. | Properties | |
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings | |
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | |
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PART II | | |
Item 5. | Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | |
Item 6. | Selected Financial Data | |
Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | |
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | |
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | |
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | |
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures | |
Item 9B. | Other Information | |
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PART III | | |
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | |
Item 11. | Executive Compensation | |
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | |
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | |
Item 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | |
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PART IV | | |
Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules | |
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SIGNATURES | |
PART I
Overview
RBC Life Sciences, Inc., a Nevada corporation formed in 1999 (along with its subsidiaries, sometimes hereinafter referred to collectively as “we”, “our”, the “Company” or “RBC”), is principally engaged in the marketing and distribution of nutritional supplements and personal care products (collectively “Nutritional Products”) through subsidiaries in the U.S., Canada, Taiwan and, effective July, 2013, an office in Hong Kong. This product line is marketed under the “RBC Life” brand name and may be broadly categorized as: (i) wellness products, (ii) fitness products and (iii) skin care products. The product line includes herbal formulas, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and skin, hair and body care products.
In certain markets, primarily the U.S., Canada , Taiwan and Hong Kong, we market Nutritional Products through a network of independent distributors that we refer to as “Associates.” We also market Nutritional Products in certain international markets through license arrangements. The licensees are third parties who are granted exclusive rights to distribute Nutritional Products in their respective territories and, for the most part, distribute these products through an independent network of Associates in the licensed territory.
Associates are independent contractors who purchase products for personal use, purchase products for resale to retail customers and sponsor other individuals as Associates. Associates can derive compensation both from the direct sales of products and from sales generated by sponsored Associates. The marketing effort of our Associates involves person-to-person communication of information related to our products and the system by which our products are sold. We believe this feature makes network marketing a more effective means of marketing our products than in-store retail sales where there is little or no direct explanation of product benefits. Network marketing provides financial opportunity to a broad cross-section of people, including those seeking to simply supplement other income, as well as those who desire a full-time home-based business.
In addition to Nutritional Products, we also market a line of wound care products (“Medical Products”) through a U.S. subsidiary under the MPM Medical brand name. Medical Products are primarily distributed in the U.S. to hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and pharmacies through traditional medical/surgical supply dealers and pharmaceutical distributors. These products are used to prevent and treat wounds, and manage pain associated with wounds, in the acute care, long-term care and oncology markets.
Our principal offices are located at 2301 Crown Court, Irving, Texas 75038. We can be reached by phone at 972-893-4000, by fax at 972-893-4111 and by email at webmaster@rbclifesciences.com. Our corporate information can be accessed at www.rbclifesciences.com or www.mpmmedicalinc.com.
Industry Overview
Nutritional Products. In the Nutritional Products business segment, we compete in two industries: nutrition and direct selling. The nutrition industry is highly fragmented and very competitive. Companies in this industry manufacture and distribute products generally intended to maintain and/or enhance the body's health and general well-being. Products manufactured and distributed include (i) nutritional supplements, (ii) natural and organic foods, (iii) functional foods and (iv) natural and organic personal care and household products. The majority of our net sales in this segment are sales of nutritional supplements.
According to data published by the Nutrition Business Journal (“NBJ”), global nutrition industry sales increased 7% to $347 billion in 2012. Of that $347 billion, nutritional supplements contributed $97 billion, while natural and organic foods contributed $101 billion, functional foods $112 billion, and natural and organic personal care and household products $37 billion. In 2012, total sales of nutritional supplements in our largest markets, the United States, Russia/Eastern Europe and Asia grew 7%, 10% and 12%, respectively. NBJ projected that sales of nutrition supplements in 2013 would grow by 8% in the US, 10% in Russia/Eastern Europe and 12% in Asia.
We believe that there are a number of demographic, health care and lifestyle trends that continue to drive the growth of the nutrition industry, including:
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• | The aging population, particularly the baby-boomer generation, combined with consumers' tendency to purchase more nutritional supplements as they age; |
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• | The general public's heightened awareness and understanding of the connection between diet and health, and its interest in healthier lifestyles and more proactive approaches in managing health care needs; |
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• | Rising health care costs that lead many consumers to take preventive measures, including alternative medicines and nutritional supplements; and |
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• | The publication of research findings supporting the positive health effects of certain nutritional supplements. |
Nutritional products are distributed through various market participants, which include the following:
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• | Mass market retailers, including mass merchandisers, drug stores, supermarkets, and discount stores; |
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• | Natural health food retailers; |
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• | Health care professionals and practitioners; and |
Our primary distribution model is a network marketing system, which is a common form of direct selling. According to the latest data available from the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (the "WFDSA"), the direct selling industry generated approximately $167 billion in worldwide retail sales in 2012, with approximately 90 million independent distributors. WFDSA statistics show that the U.S. continues to be the largest market for direct sales in the world. According to the Direct Selling Association (“DSA”), the U.S. member association of the WFDSA, the U.S. generated approximately $32 billion in retail sales in 2012 with approximately 16 million independent distributors. DSA statistics show that wellness products, which include nutritional supplements, accounted for 27%, and personal care products accounted for 17%, of the approximately $32 billion in annual retail sales generated in the U.S. in 2012.
Medical Products. In the Medical Products business segment, we compete in the wound care industry. Industry participants in this multi-billion dollar market are companies of all sizes that manufacture and distribute a wide range of products related to the treatment and prevention of wounds. Products manufactured and distributed in this industry include:
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• | Wound management products such as adhesive bandages and gauze; |
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• | Wound closure products such as staples, various clips and sutures; |
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• | Advanced wound care products, which are represented by a variety of moist wound healing dressings such as alginate dressings, film dressings, foam dressings, hydrocolloid dressings and hydrogel dressings; |
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• | Active wound healing products such as skin replacements, collagen dressings and growth factors; |
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• | Debriding products including various cleansers; and |
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• | Pressure relief devices such as beds, mattress overlays and other support devices. |
Wounds requiring treatment can be either acute or chronic. Industry data indicates that acute wounds comprise a large majority of all wounds. These are wounds that follow the normal process of healing and generally include burns, traumatic wounds and surgical incisions. Chronic wounds are wounds that do not heal within a normally expected time frame under standard care and generally include venous, arterial, pressure and diabetic ulcers. The increasing prevalence of chronic wounds is driven by the large and growing elderly, diabetic and obese populations as these groups are more likely to suffer from conditions that compromise circulation, which is a primary cause of chronic wounds.
Our Medical Products generally fall into the advanced wound care and debriding product categories. These products are primarily used in the prevention and treatment of chronic wounds.
Competitive Strengths
Product Portfolio. We have developed a line of high-quality health products based on the demands of the industries in which we operate. Our product lines feature proprietary products, newly developed products and products that have been available for many years. We regularly review and if necessary improve our product formulations based on new scientific data, market demands and regulatory changes to ensure our product portfolio remains current and attractive to our customers, and satisfies regulatory requirements.
In-house Manufacturing. We manufacture certain proprietary raw materials for our exclusive use, including the key raw material used in certain of our top-selling products, Microhydrin® and Microhydrin Plus®, which are Nutritional Products. Together, these products accounted for 11% of consolidated net sales and 15% of Nutritional Products sales in 2013. We believe that our ability to manufacture these proprietary raw materials is a competitive advantage for us because it allows us to better protect our proprietary technology and know-how, and better manage the quality of and costs associated with the production of our key raw materials.
Science-based Product Development. We emphasize science-based product development in the fields of nutrition and wound care. We have developed substantially all of our products utilizing scientific data as the basis of product formulation, including published research, in-house and third-party research and sponsored research. We maintain an on-going research and development effort that includes in-house personnel as well as third-party advisers including medical professionals.
Operating Flexibility. Other than the production of certain proprietary raw materials, we contract the production of all our products to third-party contract manufacturers. This arrangement allows us to minimize capital expenditures, benefit from specialized expertise provided by the contract manufacturer and maintain operating overhead in line with sales. We have found the marketplace for quality contract manufacturers to be competitive and attractive. We have established an internal quality system, including the use of in-house quality control laboratories and personnel, to monitor the performance of our third-party manufacturers to ensure they maintain a high quality of service.
Experienced Management Team. Our management team includes individuals with expertise in various managerial disciplines including nutrition, wound care, international business development, marketing, sales, operations, quality assurance, finance and information technology.
Business Strategy
We seek to grow our business by pursuing the following strategies:
Exploit New Product Opportunities; Develop New and Improved Products. In May 2011, we launched a new dietary supplement product, Stem-KineTM. Stem-Kine has been shown in published human clinical studies to nutritionally enable bone marrow and other stem cell-producing tissues, which form the natural repair and renewal system of the body, to increase their production of stem cells. We market this product under a license agreement that provides RBC certain exclusive marketing rights in 42 countries, including all countries where our products are currently sold by us or our licensees, except that the licensor has retained the right to sell Stem-Kine to licensed health care practitioners in the U.S. We initially launched Stem-Kine in the North American market and then expanded its distribution into the Taiwan market under the name SK Plus in July 2012. Stem-Kine is also distributed in Hong Kong. We believe this product possesses unique features and benefits that provide a key opportunity for sales growth in the Nutritional Products segment.
As a distributor of health products, we believe that it is vital to continually evaluate ways to improve existing products and to develop new and innovative products. We expect to use our existing resources and, to the extent we deem prudent, invest additional resources, to identify opportunities for new and improved products. As was the case with Stem-Kine, our product development activities will continue to center around the development and introduction of science-based products in response to newly released clinical and other scientific data, new technology and customer preferences.
Attract and Retain Network Marketing Associates. We believe that the network marketing model is the most effective way to sell our Nutritional Products. Our objective is to increase sales in this channel by increasing the attraction, recruitment, retention and productivity of our Associates. We seek to accomplish these objectives by (i) providing training and support to new and existing Associates through various means, including the sponsorship of meetings and events and providing sales tools and resources at low or no cost, (ii) introducing new and/or improved products and (iii) providing financial incentives through the Associate compensation plan. In 2013, we continued to enhance our training programs, which are designed to increase the leadership and training skills of field Associates who are actively working to grow their distributorships. We also award our top performing associates with an all-expenses paid trip to our annual Leadership Conference. These conferences provide significant incentive to our associates to grow their sales organizations. For 2014 we anticipate continuing to develop and enhance these programs.
Expand Network Marketing into New Markets. We believe that significant growth opportunities for our Nutritional Products exist in new international markets. Before initiating sales in a new market, we consider a number of factors including anticipated demand for our products, market size, receptiveness to network marketing, and the market entry process, which includes consideration of possible regulatory restrictions on our products or our network marketing system. To the extent possible, we expect to seamlessly integrate our Associate compensation plan in each new market to allow Associates to receive commissions for global—not merely local—product sales. We believe the seamless integration of the Associate compensation plan significantly enhances our ability to expand internationally.
To test the market internationally for our products and network marketing program, during 2010, we began selling selected Nutritional Products in certain countries in Southeast Asia, under a not-for-resale (“NFR”) program. The NFR program allows consumers in NFR markets to sign up as customers, purchase products, refer others to our network marketing program and receive
commissions. Depending on the results of our efforts under the NFR program, we will consider opening an office to support our sales efforts, as we did in Taiwan in 2011.
During 2013, we entered into agreements with an Associate to market Nutritional Products in Australia, Hong Kong and other Asian markets. See Note E to the financial statements located elsewhere in this report for additional information related to our arrangement with this Associate. We anticipate opening an office in Malaysia in early 2014. We will consider opening additional offices in Southeast Asia as expansion opportunities develop.
Expand Medical Products in Existing and New Markets. We believe there is significant opportunity to increase net sales of our Medical Products in the U.S. and international markets. We have developed and continue to develop new market opportunities in the U.S. based on our expertise in the wound care market. During 2014, we expect to (i) continue to enhance our product offering, (ii) provide specialized wound care training and other support to our field sales force and (iii) increase the body of clinical data supporting the safety and efficacy of our products. In addition, we continue to work with third parties to facilitate the expansion of Medical Products distribution into international markets, primarily focusing on Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Leverage and Expand our Relationship with CCI. Our largest customer is Coral Club International, Inc. (“CCI”), which is a licensee that distributes Nutritional Products in a territory comprised mainly of Russia and the republics of the former Soviet Union. Net sales to CCI accounted for approximately 46% of consolidated net sales in 2013. Our objective is to support CCI in this territory by supplying CCI with new products and providing operational and regulatory support. We will continue to implement initiatives to accomplish these objectives and seek other ways to facilitate growth in this territory. See Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors for further discussion about our sales to CCI.
Products
The Nutritional Products segment, which accounted for 75%, 75% and 76% of consolidated net sales in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, markets nutritional supplements and personal care products under the RBC Life brand name. The Medical Products segment markets wound care products under the MPM Medical brand name. For additional information related to these industry segments, please see Note N to our consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this report.
Nutritional Products. We currently market a line of approximately 100 nutritional supplements and personal care products, including herbs, vitamins and minerals, as well as natural skin, hair and body care products. These products may be broadly categorized as: (i) wellness products, (ii) fitness products and (iii) skin care products. Featured products include:
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• | Stem-Kine – dietary supplement shown in published human clinical studies to nutritionally enable bone marrow and other stem cell-producing tissues, which form the natural repair and renewal system of the body, to increase their production of stem cells; |
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• | Microhydrin and Microhydrin Plus – powerful, broad-spectrum antioxidants; |
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• | NeuroBright® – introduced in August 2009 and patented in January 2013, this product supports healthy brain function and enhances energy and acuity; |
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• | Organic Spirulina – sold in powder, tablet, capsule and, in combination with other ingredients, bar forms, a nutritious algae that provides a complete range of vital nutrients and a higher percentage of easily digested protein than meat; |
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• | OliViva® – made from freshly harvested olive leaves, an antioxidant beverage that supports the immune system, increases energy and supports the cardiovascular system; |
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• | Colo-Vada Plus® – an effective 14-day colon cleansing program that has been widely used for more than 20 years; |
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• | HydraCel® – a product that improves the quality of drinking water by reducing surface tension for increased hydration and making water more alkaline; |
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• | 24 Seven – a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement; |
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• | Immune 360® – a product to nourish and support the function of the immune system; and |
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• | VitAloe – a blend of research-backed ingredients designed to support the immune system and nutrients that support the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. |
Our top-selling products are antioxidant products marketed under the trade names Microhydrin and Microhydrin Plus, which collectively accounted for approximately 11% of consolidated net sales in 2013 and 10% in 2012. No other product accounted for more than 10% of our sales. Stem-Kine, which was launched in May 2011, has also become a top-selling product accounting for 8% of consolidated net sales in 2013 and 7% in 2012. With the exception of Stem-Kine, our finished products are produced according to our specifications and/or formula; Stem-Kine is produced in accordance with the formula owned by its developer. In all cases, however, our finished products are produced by manufacturers and suppliers that we do not control. We maintain quality control of our products through the quality systems we have established, which include the use of in-house
laboratories as well as the manufacturing and laboratory facilities of our third-party suppliers. We believe our manufacturing and distribution practices are in compliance with current good manufacturing practice regulations as established by the FDA.
Substantially all of our product line has been developed utilizing scientific data as the basis of product formulation. Scientific data includes published research, in-house and third-party research and sponsored research. Most of our product formulations feature one or more of the following key ingredients:
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• | Silica mineral hydride, a nutritional antioxidant manufactured by us using our proprietary formula and process and used as an ingredient in the formulation of nutritional supplement and personal care products; |
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• | Organic Spirulina sourced from the highest quality producers, sold as a stand-alone product and combined as an ingredient in many other nutritional supplement formulations; and |
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• | Organic Aloe vera and certain aloe vera extracts specially processed to retain the benefits found in a fresh aloe vera leaf. These ingredients are used in the formulations of nutritional supplements, an aloe vera beverage and topical personal care products. |
Our in-house manufacturing facility produces certain key raw materials for our product line. Through this facility and our own proprietary manufacturing processes, we ensure the quality of those key raw materials used in our product line. We provide raw materials manufactured by us to third-party manufacturers for their use in producing our finished products. Our proprietary raw materials represent key ingredients used in certain top-selling products including Microhydrin, Microhydrin Plus, NeuroBright and HydraCel.
Medical Products. As is the case with our Nutritional Products, substantially all of our Medical Products were developed utilizing scientific data as the basis of product formulation. Our Medical Products are produced according to our specifications and/or formulas by manufacturers and suppliers that we do not control. We maintain quality control of our products through the quality systems we have established, which include the use of in-house laboratories as well as the manufacturing and laboratory facilities of our third-party suppliers.
We currently market a line of over 35 wound care products. Certain wound care products, which account for approximately 86% of Medical Products sales, are for the treatment and healing of wounds such as pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, cuts, burns and abrasions. These products include cleansers, dressings, hydrogels, collagen, calcium alginates, moisture barriers, antimicrobials and a unique hydrogel wound dressing with Lidocaine. Our other wound care products, which represent approximately 14% of Medical Products sales, are designed to reduce destruction to skin and tissue caused by radiation, and to reduce pain and itching in the skin and the internal mucosa caused by radiation reactions or reactions to certain cancer medications.
Manufacturing and Product Sourcing
We manufacture certain proprietary raw materials used in the production of many of our Nutritional Products. Included in the raw materials we produce is silica mineral hydride, the key ingredient used in production of certain of our top-selling products including Microhydrin and Microhydrin Plus. These raw materials are manufactured according to proprietary formulations and processes developed by us for our exclusive use. Our manufacturing operations are conducted at our headquarters located in Irving, Texas.
We source Stem-Kine from its developer, which produces Stem-Kine in accordance with its own formula and specifications. We purchase and market Stem-Kine under the terms of a license agreement which provides the Company with certain exclusive rights to market Stem Kine until December 31, 2014. We believe that the developer is a high-quality manufacturer and is capable of meeting our current and projected demand during the term of the agreement.
With respect to our other finished products, we contract with third-party manufacturers and suppliers, such as Progressive Laboratories, Inc., Strukmyer, LLC, Merical Vita-Pak, Inc. and Pacific Nutritional, Inc., to produce the products according to our specifications and/or formulas. This strategy provides operating flexibility with minimum investment and helps us to control operating costs. We believe that our manufacturers and suppliers are high-quality and are capable of meeting our current and projected demand over the next several years. We do not have long-term contracts with any of these manufacturers or suppliers. Most of our products can be manufactured by a number of contract manufacturers at competitive prices.
Sales by Geographic Area
For information related to sales by geographic region for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, please see Note N to our consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this report.
Independent Distributor Network
Overview. We distribute Nutritional Products in the U.S., Canada, Taiwan and, commencing in July 2013, Hong Kong, through a network of independent distributors that we refer to as “Associates.” In using this distribution model, we sell substantially all of our Nutritional Products in these markets through individuals who are not our employees. Our Associates generally purchase products from us for personal consumption or for resale to consumers. The concept of network marketing is based on the strength of personal recommendations that frequently come from friends, neighbors, relatives and close associates. We believe that network marketing is an effective method of distribution because it allows person-to-person interaction about our products and business, which is not readily available through other distribution channels.
Our sales in these markets are dependent upon the number and productivity of our Associates. Growth in sales is dependent upon the sponsorship of new Associates and retention of existing Associates. We had approximately 11,100 and 13,000 active Associates at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We consider an Associate active if he/she has placed an order within the previous 12 months.
In certain markets in Southeast Asia and, beginning in February 2013, Australia, the Company sells certain Nutritional Products under our NFR program. The NFR program allows consumers in NFR markets to sign up as customers, purchase products, refer others to our network marketing program and receive commissions. The principle difference between an NFR program customer and our Associates in the U.S., Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong is that Associates in these markets may resell the products that they purchase from us whereas NFR program customers cannot. However, an NFR program customer can sponsor a new NFR program customer, who is then able to purchase products directly from us. Because of the similarities between NFR program customers and Associates in our key markets, we consider an NFR program customer to be equivalent to an Associate.
During 2013, the Company entered into agreements with an Associate to market Nutritional Products in Australia, Hong Kong and other Asian markets. Pursuant to these agreements, we made advances to this Associate to support marketing activities and fund costs related to the opening of an office in Hong Kong in July, 2013. See Part IV, Item 15, Note E to the financial statements located elsewhere in this report for further information related to this Associate. We believe that providing local marketing and sales support, customer service and product order fulfillment provides a better platform to generate additional sales growth in the Hong Kong market. We anticipate opening an office in Malaysia in early 2014, and will consider opening additional offices in Southeast Asia as expansion opportunities develop.
We do not have any significant accounts receivable from our Associates because they are required to pay for purchases prior to shipment. Associates pay for products primarily by credit card, although orders can also be paid with cash, direct account withdrawal, money orders or checks. We are not dependent upon the sales of any individual Associate, the loss of whom would have a material adverse effect on our business.
Associates. A person who wishes to become an Associate must complete an application under the sponsorship of an existing Associate. Upon the Company's acceptance of the application, the new Associate then becomes part of the sponsoring Associate's organization. New Associates sign a written contract and agree to adhere to policies and procedures that govern the activities of Associates. Associates are independent contractors and not our employees. An Associate has the right to purchase products at wholesale, sponsor new Associates and earn compensation in accordance with the Associate compensation plan. While some Associates sell products and recruit new Associates on a full-time basis, most engage in these activities on a part-time basis or only purchase our products for personal consumption.
Sponsoring. We develop and sell sales materials and tools for use by our Associates, who have the primary responsibility for recruiting and educating new Associates with respect to our products, the Associate compensation plan and how to build a successful distributorship. Because new Associates are linked to their sponsor, sponsorship of new Associates creates multiple levels in the network marketing structure. Persons that an Associate sponsors are referred to as “downline” or sponsored Associates.
Sponsoring activities are not required of Associates and we do not pay any commissions for the act of sponsoring new Associates, although commissions are paid based on the product sales of downline associates. Because of the financial incentives provided to those who succeed in building an Associate network that purchases and resells products, we believe that many of our Associates attempt, with varying degrees of effort and success, to sponsor new Associates.
Compensation. Our Associate compensation plan provides several opportunities for Associates to earn compensation. We believe our compensation plan provides financial rewards comparable to those offered by other compensation plans in the industry. There are generally two ways in which our Associates earn compensation:
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• | Through retail markups on sales of products purchased at wholesale; and |
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• | Through a series of commissions on product sales generated by the Associate and his or her downline Associates. |
Commissions are based on the total monthly sales by the Associate and his or her downline organization. As an Associate's business expands from successfully sponsoring new Associates into the business, who in turn expand their own businesses, an Associate can earn higher commissions. Most commissions are paid to Associates monthly.
Support. Associates are encouraged to assume responsibility for training and motivating other Associates within their respective downline organizations and to conduct meetings for potential new Associates. Associates can purchase sales and training materials from us, and they generally assume the costs of advertising and marketing our products to their customers, as well as the direct cost of sponsoring and training new Associates.
In addition to the development of sales and training materials for use by our Associates, we also periodically sponsor and conduct local, regional and international Associate events and training seminars. Attendance at these sessions is voluntary, although our experience indicates that the most effective and successful Associates are those that participate in training activities. These live events are supplemented by regular e-mail communications and corporate conference calls.
We also use the Internet to support our Associates and enhance communication with them. Through our multimedia website, Associates can obtain information about us and our products. They can also obtain other current information such as new product announcements, descriptions of product specials and sales promotions and other marketing and training materials. In addition, Associates have the ability to sponsor new Associates and to place orders through our website. To help our Associates effectively manage their businesses, we allow them to obtain a wide range of information related to their downline organization directly from our database, which can be accessed through our website.
Compliance. On occasion, Associates fail to adhere to our Associate policies and procedures. We systematically review reports of alleged Associate misconduct. Infractions of the policies and procedures are reviewed by a compliance committee that determines what disciplinary action may be warranted in each case. If we determine that an Associate has violated any of our Associate policies and procedures, we may take a number of disciplinary actions. For example, we may terminate the Associate's purchase and distribution rights completely or impose sanctions, such as warnings or probation. We may also withdraw or deny awards, suspend privileges, withhold commissions until specific conditions are satisfied or take other appropriate actions at our discretion.
Returns. Our product return policy allows retail customers to return the unused portion of any product to the Associate who sold them the product for a full cash refund. We reimburse the Associate with a replacement product or a credit on account upon receipt of proper documentation and the return of the remaining product.
Nutritional Products returned by Associates that are unused and resalable are refunded up to one year from the date of purchase at 100% of the sales price less a 10% restocking fee and commissions paid. Returned product that is damaged during shipment to the customer is 100% refundable. Return of product that is not damaged at the time of receipt by the Associate may result in cancellation of the Associate’s distributorship according to the terms of the Associate agreement. For the years 2013, 2012 and 2011, returns were less than 1% of Nutritional Products sales.
Licensees
We have entered into exclusive license arrangements for distribution of our Nutritional Products in certain international markets. Under these arrangements, the licensees purchase products from us for distribution in their territories, and, in most cases, pay us a monthly royalty based on sales of our products in their territories. Most of our sales under these arrangements are to CCI, which has exclusive distribution rights in a territory comprised mainly of Russia and the republics of the former Soviet Union. Sales to CCI were 46%, 44% and 45% of consolidated net sales in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Under arrangements with other licensees, our products are also distributed in other international markets including Western Europe, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.
Pursuant to these arrangements, the licensees, who are unaffiliated third parties, are granted exclusive rights to sell our products in their respective territories, which is generally accomplished through network marketing. The independent distributor networks of licensees using the network marketing distribution model have similar characteristics to our Associate network, and the distributors are compensated through a similar compensation plan as that used by us for our Associates. All of the license agreements with our licensees require the licensees to purchase minimum annual amounts from us in order to retain their exclusive rights.
Medical Products Distribution
Sales force. At December 31, 2013, the MPM Medical sales force consisted of seven full-time sales representatives and one manufacturer representative assigned to specific geographic territories within the U.S. This compares to a sales force at December 31, 2012 that consisted of eight full-time sales representatives and two manufacturer representatives.
Distribution. We distribute our wound care products primarily in the U.S. to hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, pharmacies and home health care agencies through a traditional, nationwide network of medical/surgical supply dealers and pharmaceutical distributors. Our sales force calls on the customers that use our wound care products, as well as the dealers and distributors through whom our customers purchase these products.
One medical/surgical dealer accounts for a significant portion of Medical Products sales. This dealer distributes our Medical Products and provides services primarily to nursing homes, and obtains reimbursement for the price of products from Medicare. This dealer accounted for 44%, 53% and 59% of Medical Products net sales in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
On February 27, 2012, we were notified that this dealer filed a voluntary petition for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana, California on February 24, 2012. According to its bankruptcy petition, this dealer filed its petition as the most effective means of stabilizing its finances as it resolves a recent reimbursement guidelines dispute with Medicare, which the dealer believes is improperly withholding payments. The petition states that this dealer relies on Medicare payments for more than 90% of its revenue and that Medicare has currently suspended all of its payments to the dealer. In a press release issued by the dealer at the time of the filing, the dealer stated that the Chapter 11 filing will allow it to continue operating without interruption while it resolves its payment dispute with Medicare as expeditiously as possible. As of February 28, 2014, we had approximately $240,000 in pre-petition accounts receivable that are owed by this dealer. Since the bankruptcy filing, we have continued to fill this dealer's post-petition orders, with payments received in accordance with our normal terms. While we believe the amounts due to us from this dealer will be collected in full, we will continue to monitor these proceedings as they progress in order to appropriately assess and enforce our rights in this matter.
Third-Party Reimbursement. Most of our Medical Products are purchased by health care providers for use on patients in their care. In most cases, these health care providers obtain reimbursement for the cost of our products from various third-party payers, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance plans and managed care organizations. In response to national attention focused on health care, significant health care reform initiatives have been adopted and others have been proposed that may affect the availability and amount of third-party reimbursements. Also, in an effort to control rising health care costs, there have been, and may continue to be, proposals by legislators, regulators and third-party payers to curb these costs. We believe that presently available third-party reimbursement is adequate to support the market for our products; however, continued demand for our Medical Products is partially dependent upon the extent of available reimbursement for these products.
Returns. Generally, unused Medical Products may be returned up to six months from the date of purchase for a refund equal to 100% of the sales price less a 25% restocking fee. Returned product that was damaged during shipment to the customer is 100% refundable. For the years 2013, 2012 and 2011, returns were less than 2% of Medical Products sales.
Trademarks, Patents or Other Intellectual Property
We have trademark registrations in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions of the Company name, RBC Life Sciences®; our Nutritional Product brand name, RBC Life®; our logo and certain key product names including Microhydrin®, Colo-Vada Plus®, Immune 360® and OliViva®. We also have trademark registrations in the U.S. of certain other key product and product ingredient names such as NeuroBright®, Microhydrin® Plus, HydraCel, Regenecare®, OraMagic®, RadiaPlex® and NormlShield®. In addition, we have trademark applications pending in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions for other key trade dress used by us. As long as we continue to renew our trademarks when necessary, the trademark protection provided by them is perpetual. We also rely on common law trademark rights to protect our unregistered trademarks. Common law trademark rights do not provide the same level of protection as afforded by a U.S. federal registration of a trademark. Also, common law trademark rights are limited to the geographic area in which the trademark is actually used. These trademarks are useful in achieving brand recognition within our industries.
In January 2013, we were granted US Patent 8357422 for "Neurobright", which is a unique dietary supplement formulation that nutritionally supports cognitive function, learning and remembering. The basis for the patent was an 18-month controlled
animal study conducted by Dr. Tres Thompson of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas. The study showed that Neurobright increased both cognitive function and psychomotor abilities in animals.
We utilize proprietary formulations and manufacturing processes to produce certain raw materials, which are principal ingredients in our leading products. We have not filed for patent protection related to all of our proprietary formulations or manufacturing processes. Therefore, there can be no assurance that another company will not replicate one or more of our products.
The developer of Stem-Kine has filed a patent application in the U.S. that covers compositions of matter, uses and formulations associated with Stem-Kine. There can be no assurance that this patent will be issued, that it will exclude competitors or provide us with competitive advantages or that others have not or will not develop similar products.
Seasonality
Our business is not subject to significant seasonal fluctuations. However, as a practical matter, CCI, whose principal office is located in Moscow, generally limits its shipping orders during the winter months due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Inventory Requirements, Backlogs
Distributors of our Nutritional Products, except for licensees, and distributors of our Medical Products generally do not maintain large inventories of our products. They depend on us to maintain our inventory at a level that will allow us to fill their orders or the orders of their customers, as the case may be, as they are placed. We generally ship orders within 24 to 72 hours after we receive them so there is no significant backlog of orders related to these distribution channels.
We do not maintain inventory in anticipation of product orders from our licensees. Under the terms of our license agreements, the licensee is generally required to make a cash deposit equal to 50% of the purchase order amount at the time the purchase order is placed, and must allow two to three months for delivery. In addition, under our agreement with CCI, we store products for CCI in our warehouse and then ship them at a later date to locations designated by CCI in accordance with its business needs. As part of this agreement, CCI accepts ownership of and pays for the products as they are segregated in our warehouse for CCI’s account. However, we do not recognize sales until the products are shipped. Therefore, we define backlog as purchase orders received by us that are accompanied by the requisite deposit, plus the purchase price of CCI products that are stored in our warehouse pending shipment. Backlog fluctuates depending on licensee ordering patterns and the timing of CCI’s shipping requests. Backlog was approximately $6,298,000 and $5,813,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We expect substantially all of the backlog at December 31, 2013 to be filled during 2014.
Industry/Competitors
We market our Nutritional Products in a highly competitive industry both domestically and internationally. We compete against companies that sell heavily advertised products through retail stores as well as other network marketing companies. Many of our competitors are significantly larger than we are, have far greater financial resources and have broader name recognition.
In the distribution of Nutritional Products, we compete with retail outlets, such as health food stores, supermarkets and department stores, and other network marketing companies. We endeavor to compete successfully by offering a wide selection of products that incorporate proprietary technology, are science-based and have a reputation for high quality. We believe that our products possess features and provide benefits that are desired by consumers looking for natural health products. We place a high degree of emphasis on new product development to ensure our product line remains current with developing trends in our industry and new scientific evidence. We generally do not attempt to compete based on price, although price is a consideration. Prices are justified through product quality and benefits and, to the extent possible, the proprietary ingredients and unique formulations.
We also compete against other network marketing companies for the time, attention and commitment of new and current Associates. The pool of individuals interested in the business opportunities presented by network marketing tends to be limited in each market and is reduced to the extent other network marketing companies successfully recruit these individuals into their businesses. Our ability to remain competitive depends, in significant part, on our success in sponsoring and retaining Associates. We endeavor to compete successfully by offering unique and effective products at prices competitive with other network marketing companies, a rewarding Associate compensation plan and attractive Associate support programs.
Our Medical Products also face heavy competition. In the wound care product market, we compete against a number of companies, most of which are significantly larger, have far greater financial resources and have broader name recognition. As with our Nutritional Products, we place a high degree of emphasis on new product development to ensure our product line remains
current with developing trends and new scientific evidence. We endeavor to compete by offering a range of high quality products, which are unique and effective, at competitive prices.
Research and Development
From time to time, we have contracted with scientists at universities, medical colleges and private research organizations to conduct pilot studies to evaluate the safety and functions of our products. Most of these studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety and functions of Microhydrin or Microhydrin-based formulations. We have also engaged several studies to evaluate the efficacy of certain of our wound care products distributed to the oncology market. Amounts expended by us to fund these studies have not been significant.
We enhance our product line through the development of new products and the improvement of existing products. New product ideas are derived from a number of sources, including in-house personnel with significant experience in product formulation and development, medical and nutrition professionals, trade publications, scientific and health journals, product suppliers and other third parties. Prior to introducing new products, we investigate product formulations to ensure that they are backed by sound scientific research and are in compliance with applicable regulations.
Governmental Regulations
General. In both our United States and foreign markets, we are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints. Such laws, regulations and other constraints exist at the federal, state or local levels in the United States and at all levels of government in foreign jurisdictions, including regulations pertaining to: (1) the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, importation, sale and storage of our products; (2) product claims and advertising, including direct claims and advertising by us, as well as claims and advertising by distributors, for which we may be held responsible; (3) our network marketing program; and (4) transfer pricing and similar regulations that affect the level of U.S. and foreign taxable income and customs duties.
Products. One or more of the following agencies in the United States regulates the formulation, manufacture, packaging, labeling, advertising, distribution and sale of our products: the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”); the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”); the Consumer Product Safety Commission; the U.S. Department of Agriculture; the Environmental Protection Agency; and various agencies of the states and foreign countries into which our products are shipped or sold.
We market food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, over-the-counter drug products and medical devices. In the U.S., the FDA regulates our products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) and related regulations. To ensure compliance with the FDCA and FDA regulations, the FDA has numerous enforcement tools, including the ability to issue warning letters, initiate product seizures and injunctions, order product withdrawals and recalls and pursue fines and criminal penalties.
The majority of our products are classified as dietary supplements, which are defined in the FDCA as products intended to supplement the diet that contain one or more of certain dietary ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs or botanicals, amino acids and other dietary substances used to supplement diets. The FDCA has been amended several times with respect to dietary supplements, most significantly by the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (“DSHEA”). This legislation governs the formulation, manufacturing, marketing and sale of dietary supplements, including the content and presentation of health-related information included on the labels or labeling of dietary supplements. We believe DSHEA generally provides a favorable regulatory climate to consumers and the dietary supplement industry. However, several bills to amend DSHEA in ways that would make this law less favorable to consumers and the dietary supplement industry have been proposed in Congress. We cannot predict whether this legislation will pass in its present form, in amended form or at all. Proposed changes may include on or more of the following; (1) premarket approval for safety and effectiveness of dietary ingredients; (2) specific premarket review of dietary ingredient stimulants; (3) reversal of the burden of proof standard that now rests on the FDA; and (4) a redefining of "dietary ingredient" to remove botanicals or selected classes of ingredients now treated as dietary ingredients.
Pursuant to the FDCA, a dietary supplement that contains a new dietary ingredient ("NDI"), which is defined as an ingredient not on the market before October 15, 1994, must have a history of use or other evidence of safety establishing that it is reasonably expected to be safe. The manufacturer must notify the FDA at least 75 days before marketing products containing NDIs and provide the FDA with the information upon which the manufacturer based its conclusion that the product has a reasonable expectation of safety. In July 2011, the FDA published draft guidance for the industry to attempt to clarify the FDA's interpretation of the NDI notification requirements, and this guidance raises new challenges to the development of NDIs. In addition, increased FDA enforcement could lead the FDA to challenge dietary ingredients already on the market as "illegal" under the FDCA because of the failure to submit an NDI notification. During December 2012, following consultation with stakeholders, the FDA indicated
it intends to revise the draft Guidance. Depending on the form of any final Guidance issued by the FDA on the use of NDIs, the Company may be required to develop evidence that ingredients used in our products actually qualify for so-called "grandfather" status, develop evidence that they are otherwise exempt from the notification requirement, and/or submit one or more new dietary ingredient notifications. The Company may also elect to develop new formulations in order to avoid use of any non-grandfathered ingredients.
The FDCA permits dietary supplement products to include truthful, non-misleading and substantiated statements of nutritional support. Such claims include: (i) statements that claim a benefit related to a classical nutrient deficiency disease and disclose the prevalence of such disease in the U.S.; (ii) statements describing general well-being resulting from consumption of a dietary ingredient; (iii) statements that describe the role of a nutrient or dietary ingredient intended to affect the structure or function of the body; and (iv) statements that characterize the documented mechanism by which a dietary ingredient acts to maintain such structure or function. These claims are also known as “structure/function” claims. A dietary supplement that includes a structure/function claim on its labeling is required to include a disclaimer stating that the FDA has not evaluated the claim, and the manufacturer must notify the FDA of the use of such claim.
The FDA distinguishes between statements of nutritional support, including structure/function claims, which do not require prior FDA approval, and claims that a product is intended to prevent, treat, cure, mitigate or diagnose disease, otherwise known as “drug claims,” which do require prior FDA approval. It is the intended use of a product that is determinative, and intended use can be derived from various sources, including labeling and advertising claims. The making of a drug claim in relation to a dietary supplement may result in the product being declared an unapproved new drug in violation of the FDCA. The FDA has issued a regulation intended to clarify the distinction between permissible structure/function and impermissible drug claims. While in some cases there is no clear distinction between the two, we believe that the labeling and advertising of our dietary supplements complies with these regulations. We do not make drug claims for any of our dietary supplements.
The FDCA requires that manufacturers possess substantiation demonstrating that structure/function claims made for dietary supplements are truthful and not misleading. The agency has issued a Guidance Document describing the amount and type of evidence it would consider adequate to support structure/function claims. According to the FDA Guidance, marketers should possess the type of evidence that experts in the relevant area of study would consider to be competent and reliable. Competent and reliable scientific evidence adequate to substantiate a claim, according to the Guidance, would consist of information derived primarily from human studies. Failure of a company to possess competent and reliable scientific evidence to substantiate structure/function claims made for its dietary supplement products may result in enforcement action and the FDA requiring that such claims be deleted or amended. We believe we possess competent and reliable scientific evidence to support structure/function claims made for our dietary supplement products.
In June 2007, as authorized by DSHEA, the FDA adopted good manufacturing practice regulations (“GMPs”) specifically for dietary supplements, which regulations are applicable to those who manufacture, package, label or hold dietary supplements. These new GMPs are more onerous than the GMPs that previously applied to dietary supplements and require, among other things, dietary supplements to be prepared, packaged and held in compliance with specific rules, and require quality control provisions similar to those in the GMPs for drugs. As a small business, our effective compliance date under the new GMPs was June 2009. Under these regulations, we are responsible for complying with GMPs applicable to the activities in which we engage, i.e. the holding and distribution of dietary supplements. We believe our practices are in compliance with these GMPs, but there can be no assurance that our operations or the manufacturing and distribution practices of our suppliers will be in compliance in all respects at all times. Additionally, there is a potential risk of increased audits as the FDA and other regulators seek to ensure compliance with the GMPs. We have experienced increases in product costs as a result of the necessary increase in testing of raw ingredients and finished products and compliance with higher quality standards.
In December 2006, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act, which amended the FDCA and became effective in December 2007. These regulations, among other things, require companies that manufacture, pack or distribute nonprescription drugs or dietary supplements to report serious adverse events allegedly associated with their products to the FDA and institute recordkeeping requirements for all adverse events whether serious or non-serious. We believe that we have the necessary systems in place to comply with these regulations.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), enacted in 2011, for which the FDA is promulgating rules, is also applicable to some of the Company's products and will require the development of a food safety plan and the implementation of preventative measures to protect against food contamination. Dietary supplements manufactured in accordance with GMP's, and foods manufactured in accordance with the low acid food regulations, are exempt.
Most of our Medical Products are regulated under the FDCA as medical devices. Under the FDCA, medical devices are classified into one of three classes—Class I, Class II or Class III—depending on the degree of risk associated with each medical
device and the extent of control needed to ensure safety and effectiveness. The class to which a device is assigned determines, among other things, the type of premarket submission or application required for marketing. Device classification depends on the intended use of the device and upon a product's indications for use. Most of our medical devices are classified as Class I, and we do not now nor do we intend to market any Class III medical devices.
Class I devices are those for which safety and effectiveness can be assured by adherence to a set of regulatory guidelines called General Controls. General Controls are the only level of controls that apply to Class I devices and include provisions of the FDCA pertaining to adulteration, misbranding, device registration and listing, premarket notification, banned devices, notification and repair/replacement/refund, records and reports, restricted devices, and GMPs. Class II devices are those for which General Controls alone are insufficient to provide reasonable assurance of its safety and effectiveness and there is sufficient information to establish Special Controls the FDA deems necessary to provide such assurance. Special Controls may include special labeling requirements, mandatory performance standards and post market surveillance. Most Class I devices are exempt from premarket notification (510(k)) requirements, and while a few Class II devices are exempt, most Class II devices require 510(k) premarket notification. A 510(k) premarket notification requires demonstration of substantial equivalence to another legally U.S. marketed device. Substantial equivalence means that the new device is at least as safe and effective as the predicate device. The process of obtaining a 510(k) clearance typically can take several months to a year or longer and may involve the submission of limited clinical data supporting assertions that the product is substantially equivalent to an already approved device or to a device that was on the market before the enactment of the Medical Device Amendments of 1976. We believe that our medical devices are manufactured and marketed in accordance with these statutory requirements and the FDA’s related regulations.
In foreign markets, prior to commencing operations and prior to making or permitting sales of our products, we may be required to obtain an approval, license or certification from the relevant country’s ministry of health or comparable agency. Where a formal approval, license or certification is not required, we nonetheless seek a favorable opinion of counsel regarding our compliance with applicable laws. Prior to entering a new market in which a formal approval, license or certificate is required, we work extensively with local authorities in order to obtain the requisite approvals. The approval process generally requires us to present each product and product ingredient to appropriate regulators and, in some instances, arrange for testing of products by local technicians for ingredient analysis. The approvals may be conditioned on reformulation of our products, or may be unavailable with respect to some products or some ingredients. Product reformulation or the inability to introduce some products or ingredients into a particular market may have an adverse effect on sales. We must also comply with product labeling and packaging regulations that vary from country to country. Our failure to comply with these regulations can result in a product being temporarily or permanently removed from sale in a particular market.
Prior to importing and distributing our products in international markets, our licensees are generally required to obtain approvals, licenses, or certifications from a country's department of health or comparable agency. Applications to request these approvals may require the submission of significant amounts of information related to product manufacturing processes and ingredients, which in many cases we must provide. After submission of the applications, final approvals may be conditioned on reformulation of our products for the market or may be withheld with respect to certain products or product ingredients. Licensees are also required to comply with local product labeling and packaging regulations that vary from country to country.
Advertising of products in the U.S. is subject to regulation by the FTC under the FTC Act. The FTC Act prohibits unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce. The FTC Act also provides that the dissemination of any false advertisement pertaining to drugs or foods, which would include dietary supplements, is an unfair or deceptive act or practice. Under the FTC’s substantiation doctrine, an advertiser is required to have a “reasonable basis” for all objective product claims before the claims are made. Failure to adequately substantiate claims may be considered either deceptive or unfair practices. The FTC typically requires claims concerning the efficacy or safety of drugs and foods, including dietary supplements, to be supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence which is defined as tests, analyses, research, studies, or other evidence based on the expertise of professionals in the relevant area, that have been conducted and evaluated in an objective manner by persons qualified to do so, using procedures generally accepted in the profession to yield accurate and reliable results. Generally, the amount and type of evidence that will be sufficient is what experts in the relevant area of study would consider to be adequate. The FTC has issued a Dietary Supplement Advertising Guide for Industry that describes the amount and type of evidence the FTC will consider adequate for a dietary supplement. Advertising of our products is also regulated by state and local authorities under the various state consumer protection and consumer fraud acts. We believe that we have the necessary documentation to support our advertising and promotional claims.
In October 2009, the FTC issued new Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising ("Guides"). These new Guides significantly extend the scope of potential liability associated with the use of testimonials, endorsements and new media methods, such as blogging, in advertising. As of the December 1, 2009 effective date of the Guides, advertisers are required either to substantiate that the experiences conveyed by testimonials or endorsements represent typical consumer experiences with the advertised product or clearly and conspicuously disclose the typical consumer experience with the
advertised product. In many instances, this will require advertisers to possess "competent and reliable scientific evidence" to substantiate the consumer or endorser representations.
Under the new Guides, advertisers also may be liable for statements made by consumers in the context of "new media," including blogs, depending on the relationship between the consumer and the advertiser. Although an advertiser's control over the consumer's comments will be relevant to a determination regarding liability for false or misleading statements, it will not necessarily be dispositive.
The FTC may enforce compliance with the law in a variety of ways, both administratively and judicially, including orders requiring limits on advertising, corrective advertising, consumer redress, divestiture of assets, rescission of contracts, cease and desist orders, injunctions and such other relief as the agency deems necessary to protect the public.
Self-regulatory agencies under the umbrella of the National Advertising Review Council, such as the National Advertising Division (“NAD”) of the Council of the Better Business Bureaus and the Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (“ERSP”), may initiate investigations into product claims either on their own or upon the request of a complainant. Non-compliance with the recommendations of either the NAD or ERSP may result in referral of the matter to the FTC.
We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications that may be administered by any federal, state, local or foreign regulatory authority, nor can we determine what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative orders, when and if promulgated, would have on our business in the future. They could include, however, requirements for the reformulation of certain products to meet new standards, the recall or discontinuation of certain products that cannot be reformulated, additional record-keeping, expanded documentation of the properties of certain products, expanded or different labeling and additional scientific substantiation. Any or all of these requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Network Marketing. Our network marketing program is subject to laws and regulations in each country in which we operate. Generally these laws are directed at ensuring that product sales ultimately are made to consumers and that advancement within a sales organization is based on sales of the enterprise's products, rather than investments in the organization or other non-retail sales-related criteria. These laws include anti-pyramiding, securities, lottery, referral selling, anti-fraud and business opportunity statutes, regulations and judicial decisions. In addition to federal regulation by the FTC in the U.S., each state has enacted its own “Little FTC Act” to regulate sales and advertising. We actively strive to comply with all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations affecting this distribution channel. We believe that our network marketing system satisfies the standards and case law defining a legal marketing system; however, the regulatory and legal requirements concerning network marketing systems do not include “bright line” rules and are inherently fact-based.
We cannot predict the nature of any future law, regulation, interpretation or application, nor can we predict what effect additional governmental legislation or regulations, judicial decisions or administrative orders, when and if promulgated, would have on our business in the future. It is possible that future developments may require that we revise our network marketing program. Any or all of these requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Transfer Pricing. In the U.S. and other countries, we are subject to transfer pricing and other tax regulations designed to ensure that appropriate levels of income are reported as earned by our U.S. or foreign entities and are taxed accordingly. In addition, our operations are subject to regulations designed to ensure that appropriate levels of customs duties are assessed on the importation of our products. We have adopted transfer pricing arrangements with respect to our foreign operations that we believe are in compliance with all applicable transfer pricing laws. If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or the taxing authorities of any other jurisdiction were to successfully challenge these arrangements or require changes in our transfer pricing practices, we could be required to pay higher taxes and our results of operations would be adversely affected if our foreign tax credit was limited on our U.S. federal income tax return. There can be no assurance that we will continue to be found to be operating in compliance with transfer pricing laws, or that those laws will not be modified, which as a result, may require changes in our operating procedures.
Employees
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had 76 employees. We do not foresee a significant change in the number of our employees during 2014.
Additional Available Information
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), and, accordingly, file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We make available free of charge through our website at www.rbclifesciences.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the SEC, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports. This information may also be obtained from the SEC’s on-line database located at www.sec.gov, which contains material regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. You may also obtain copies of any of our reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC, free of charge, at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 on official business days during the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
Please carefully consider the following risk factors, which could materially adversely affect us. The fact that some of these risk factors may be the same or similar to those that we have filed with the SEC in past reports means only that the risks are present in multiple periods. We believe that many of the risks that are described here are part of doing business in the industries in which we operate and will likely be present in all periods. The fact that certain risks are endemic to these industries does not lessen their significance. Among others, risks and uncertainties that may affect our business, financial condition, performance, development, and results of operations include the following:
Two of our customers constitute a significant portion of our sales.
In 2013 and 2012, two of our customers accounted for approximately 57% of consolidated net sales. One customer, CCI, a licensee that distributes Nutritional Products primarily in Russia and the republics of the former Soviet Union, accounted for approximately 46% and 44% of consolidated net sales in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The other customer, a medical/surgical dealer that distributes Medical Products and provides services to the long-term care market, accounted for approximately 11% and 13% of consolidated net sales in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Accordingly, a loss of significant business from, or adverse performance by, either of these customers would be harmful to our business, results of operations and financial condition. Factors that could adversely affect our sales to these customers include, but are not limited to, the continued negative effects of global economic conditions, additional unfavorable changes in market conditions in the markets serviced by these customers, changes in government regulations that affect sales in markets serviced by these customers, competition from other entities that sell similar products in markets serviced by these customers or an unfavorable change in our business relationship with these customers. The president of CCI beneficially holds approximately 18% of our outstanding common stock and served as a member of our Board of Directors until June 2004.
On February 27, 2012, we were notified that the medical/surgical dealer that accounted for approximately 11% and 13% of our consolidated net sales in 2013 and 2012, respectively, filed a voluntary petition for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana, California on February 24, 2012. According to its bankruptcy petition, this dealer filed its petition as the most effective means of stabilizing its finances as it resolves a recent reimbursement guidelines dispute with Medicare, which the dealer believes is improperly withholding payments. The petition states that this dealer relies on Medicare payments for more than 90% of its revenue and that Medicare has currently suspended all of its payments to the dealer. In a press release issued by the dealer at the time of the filing, the dealer stated that the Chapter 11 filing will allow it to continue operating without interruption while it resolves its payment dispute with Medicare as expeditiously as possible. As of February 28, 2014, we had approximately $240,000 in pre-petition accounts receivable that are owed by this dealer. Since the bankruptcy filing, we have continued to fill this dealer's post-petition orders, with payments received in accordance with our normal terms. While we believe the amounts due to us from this dealer will be collected in full, we will continue to monitor these proceedings as they progress in order to appropriately assess and enforce our rights in this matter. A loss of significant business from this customer would be harmful to our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Sales to CCI are made pursuant to a long-term agreement, which expires in July 2014.
In July 2004, the Company entered into a ten-year exclusive license agreement with CCI, which replaced an expiring five-year exclusive license agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company recorded sales in the amount of approximately$11,700,000 in 2013. While the Company believes it has a satisfactory relationship with CCI, there can be no assurance that the exclusive license agreement will be renewed on terms that will be consistent with previous agreements or acceptable to the Company. Failure to renew the license agreement with CCI or renewal under terms that are less favorable may result in a significant loss of revenues and be harmful to our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Net sales of our Nutritional Products are dependent upon an independent sales force and third-party licensees, and we do not have direct control over the marketing of our Nutritional Products.
We rely on non-employee, independent Associates and third-party licensees to purchase, market and sell our Nutritional Products. Licensees, which accounted for 46%, 45% and 46% of our consolidated net sales in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are third parties that have entered into license agreements with us pursuant to which they purchase products for distribution in the licensed territories. License agreements generally require licensees to market our products using the RBC brand and impose minimum sales requirements throughout the term that the licensee must meet to retain the distribution rights conveyed by the license agreements. Licensees are responsible for satisfying all regulatory requirements in the licensed territories related to the importation, labeling, storage, distribution and sale of our products. Licensees are also responsible for all marketing and sales activities in the licensed territories. Accordingly, net sales to licensees are directly dependent upon the efforts of the licensees and our future sales volume will depend in large part upon their success in the importation, marketing, sales and distribution of our products in the licensed territories.
In 2013, 2012 and 2011 net sales from our Associates contributed 29%, 30% and 30%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales. Net sales to our Associate network decreased 3% in 2013 and 13% in 2012 and increased 45% in 2011. Associates are independent contractors who purchase products directly for their own use or for resale. Associates typically engage in the distribution of our products on a part-time basis and likely engage in other business activities, some of which may compete with us. We have a large number of Associates in relation to the size of the corporate staff that implements our marketing programs and provides motivational support to our Associates. We undertake minimal effort to provide individual training to Associates. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our Associates will participate in our marketing strategies, plans or Associate compensation plan or accept our introduction of new products. Associates may voluntarily terminate their agreements with us at any time and, like most network marketing companies, we experience high turnover in Associates from year to year. Because of this high turnover, we must continually recruit new Associates. To increase net sales, we must increase the number and/or productivity of our Associates. Operating results could be adversely affected if our existing and new business opportunities and products do not generate sufficient economic incentive or interest to retain existing Associates and to attract new Associates. Several factors affect our ability to attract and retain Associates, including:
•on-going motivation of our Associates;
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• | perception of our products, service level and business opportunity among our Associates and within our industry; |
•significant changes in the amount of commissions paid;
•general business and economic conditions;
•public perception and acceptance of the nutritional supplement industry and network marketing;
•public perception and acceptance of RBC and our products;
•the limited number of people interested in pursuing network marketing as a business;
•our ability to provide products that satisfy market demands; and
•competition in recruiting and retaining active Associates.
One of our products is marketed under a license agreement with the product's developer.
One of our Nutritional Products, Stem-Kine, accounted for approximately 8% of net sales in 2013. Stem-Kine is marketed by us under the terms of a license agreement with the product's developer. Our agreement with this developer provides us with certain exclusive marketing rights through December 31, 2014. If our marketing rights with respect to Stem-Kine are terminated or we are unable to extend them beyond December 31, 2014, then our financial condition and operating results would be adversely affected.
Three of our products constitute a significant portion of our net sales.
Three of our Nutritional Products, Microhydrin, Microhydrin Plus and Stem-Kine, constitute a significant portion of our sales, accounting for approximately 19% of net sales in 2013. If the demand for any of these products decreases significantly, government regulation restricts the sale of these products, we are unable to adequately source or deliver these products or we cease offering these products for any reason without a suitable replacement, then our financial condition and operating results would be adversely affected.
Failure to succeed in, or expand into, international markets will limit our ability to achieve future growth.
We opened an office and distribution facility in Taiwan on October 1, 2011. During 2013, we entered into an agreement with an Associate to enter into Australia and Hong Kong. See Part IV, Item 15, Note E to the financial statements located elsewhere in this report for further information related to this Associate. Further, we anticipate opening an office and distribution facility in Malaysia in early 2014. We believe that our ability to achieve future growth is dependent in part on our ability to operate successfully in new markets and then continue to expand internationally. However, there can be no assurance that our international
operations will be successful or that we will be successful in establishing operations in any other international markets. Our failure to operate successfully internationally could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Expanding into international markets requires that we overcome significant regulatory and legal barriers, and also problems encountered as a result of differences in language, culture and legal systems. Once we have entered a market, we must adhere to the regulatory and legal requirements of that market. We may be required to reformulate certain of our products before they can be sold in a given country. Given these circumstances, we cannot make any assurances that we will be able to successfully reformulate our products in a manner that meets local regulatory requirements and remains attractive to local customers. Prior to entering a new international market, it is difficult to assess the extent to which our products and sales techniques will be accepted or successful in that market. In many market areas, other network marketing companies already have significant market penetration, the effect of which could be to desensitize the local Associate population to a new opportunity, or to make it more difficult for us to attract qualified Associates. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain and retain necessary permits and approvals in new markets, or that we will have sufficient capital to finance our expansion efforts in a timely manner. Even if we are able to commence operations in new markets, there may not be a sufficient population of persons who are interested in our network marketing system.
Adverse economic conditions may harm our business.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be affected by various general economic factors and conditions. Periods of economic slowdown or recession in any of the countries in which we operate or in which our products are marketed and sold could lead to a decline in the use of our products and therefore could have an adverse effect on our business. Global economic conditions continue to be challenging and unpredictable. The uncertainty with respect to the timing and extent of economic recovery pose a risk as consumers and businesses, including health care providers, may postpone spending, or seek new ways to eliminate spending, in response to uncertain and challenging economic conditions. Other risks related to an economic downturn include difficulties in obtaining credit, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, insolvency of key suppliers and customer insolvencies. We cannot predict the timing or duration of any economic slowdown or recession or the timing or strength of a subsequent recovery, or how the markets may continue to be impacted by these general economic conditions. If the markets for our products significantly deteriorate due to economic conditions, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Changes in customer preferences and demand could negatively impact our operating results.
Our business is subject to changing customer preferences and demand. The industries in which we operate are characterized by changes in demand for existing products and demand for new products and enhancements. Our success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and respond to these changes. Our failure to accurately predict these trends could negatively impact customer opinion of our products, which in turn could harm our customer relationships and cause the loss of sales. The success of our new product offerings and enhancements depends upon a number of factors, including our ability to:
•accurately anticipate customer needs;
•innovate and develop new products or product enhancements that meet these needs;
•successfully commercialize new products or product enhancements in a timely manner;
•price our products competitively;
•manufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volumes and in a timely manner;
•differentiate our product offerings from those of our competitors; and
•satisfy government regulations related to the manufacture, labeling, sale and distribution of our products.
If we do not introduce new products or make enhancements to meet the changing needs of our customers in a timely manner, some of our products could be rendered obsolete, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and operating results. Demand for our products could also be adversely affected by changes in demographic trends, changes in government regulations or policies and particularly with regard to Nutritional Products, changes in disposable consumer income.
Our Associate network business is subject to the effects of adverse publicity and negative public perception.
Our ability to attract and retain Associates and to sustain and enhance sales through our Associates may be affected by adverse publicity or public perception regarding our industry, our competition or our business generally. This adverse public perception may include publicity regarding the legality of network marketing despite the fact that U.S. courts have established standards defining a legal network marketing system. This adverse public perception may also include publicity regarding the quality or efficacy of nutritional supplement products or ingredients in general or our products or ingredients specifically, and
regulatory investigations, regardless of whether those investigations involve us or our Associates or the business practices or products of our competitors or other network marketing companies. There can be no assurance that we will not be subject to adverse publicity or negative public perception in the future or that such adverse publicity will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may have to obtain regulatory approvals before we market and sell certain existing and new products.
Pursuant to FDA regulations, a dietary supplement that contains an NDI, which is defined as an ingredient not on the market before October 15, 1994, must have a history of use or other evidence of safety establishing that it is reasonably expected to be safe. The manufacturer must notify the FDA at least 75 days before marketing products containing NDIs and provide the FDA with the information upon which the manufacturer based its conclusion that the product has a reasonable expectation of safety. In July 2011, the FDA published draft guidance for the industry to attempt to clarify the FDA's interpretation of the NDI notification requirements. This guidance raised new challenges to the development of NDIs, which could limit our ability in the future to introduce new products to the market and thereby limit our ability to generate additional net sales. During December 2012, following consultation with stakeholders, the FDA indicated it intends to revise the draft Guidance. Depending on the form of any final Guidance issued by the FDA on the use of NDIs, the Company may be required to develop evidence that ingredients used in our products actually qualify for so-called "grandfather" status, develop evidence that they are otherwise exempt from the notification requirement, and/or submit one or more new dietary ingredient notifications. The Company may also elect to develop new formulations in order to avoid use of any non-grandfathered ingredients. It is uncertain what form a final Guidance would take. Manufacturers or marketers of dietary supplements in the United States and certain other jurisdictions that make product performance claims, including structure/function claims, must have substantiation in their possession that the statements are truthful and not misleading. In addition, increased FDA enforcement could lead the FDA to challenge dietary ingredients already on the market as "illegal" under the FDCA because of the failure to submit an NDI notification. Although we do not believe that any of our products require additional approval by the FDA, if the FDA were to conclude that we failed to properly file an NDI notification, then we could be subject to enforcement actions by the FDA, which could result in a significant loss of net sales and harm to our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), enacted in 2011, for which the FDA is promulgating rules, is also applicable to some of the Company's products and will require the development of a food safety plan and the implementation of preventative measures to protect against food contamination. Dietary supplements manufactured in accordance with GMP's, and foods manufactured in accordance with the low acid food regulations, are exempt. Failure to comply with the rules being promulgated by the FDA could result in a significant loss of net sales and harm to our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Most of our Medical Products are classified as medical devices under FDA regulations. Before certain medical devices can be sold, they require premarket review and clearance by the FDA, which is generally accomplished through the 510(k) premarket notification procedure. Clearance through this procedure requires demonstration that a new device is substantially equivalent to another device with 510(k) clearance or grandfather status. There is no assurance that the FDA will act favorably or quickly in its review of any 510(k) submissions, or that we will not encounter significant difficulties and costs in our efforts to obtain FDA clearance or approval, all of which could delay or preclude the sale of new products in the U.S. Any delays or failure to obtain FDA clearance or approvals of new products we develop, or the costs of obtaining FDA clearance or approvals, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We do not have any submissions pending approval and none are presently being prepared.
Growth of Medical Products sales depends in part upon the availability of adequate third-party reimbursement.
The continued growth of our Medical Products segment will depend in part on the availability of adequate reimbursement to health care providers who use our products from third-party health care payers, such as Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance plans and managed care organizations. At present, third-party payers increasingly are challenging the pricing of medical products and services. Also, in response to national attention focused on health care, significant health care reform initiatives have been adopted and others have been proposed that may affect the availability and amount of third-party reimbursements. Accordingly, reimbursement may not be at, or remain at, price levels adequate to allow health care providers to realize an appropriate return on the purchase of our products. In addition, third-party payers may not cover all or a portion of the cost of our products and related services, or they may place significant restrictions on the circumstances in which coverage will be available. Should adequate reimbursement from third-party payers become restricted or unavailable, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We must rely on independent third parties for the supply of our products.
We depend on outside suppliers to supply certain raw materials used in the manufacture of our products. In addition, all of our finished products are manufactured by independent third parties. There is no assurance that our current suppliers and manufacturers will continue to reliably supply products to us at the level of quality or quantity we require. If any of our third-party suppliers and manufacturers become unable or unwilling to continue to provide the products in required volumes and quality levels at acceptable prices, we will be required to identify and obtain acceptable replacement suppliers and manufacturing sources. Although we believe that we could establish alternate sources for most of our products, any delay in locating and establishing relationships with other sources could result in product shortages and back orders for the products, with a resulting loss of net sales. In addition, any actual or perceived degradation of product quality as a result of our reliance on third-party manufacturers may have an adverse effect on net sales or result in increased product returns.
Shortages of raw materials may temporarily affect our margins or our profitability related to the sale of those products.
In the past, we have experienced temporary shortages of the raw materials used in certain of our nutritional products. Although multiple sources were available to supply such raw material ingredients, quantities of the materials we purchased during these shortages were at higher prices, which negatively impacted our gross margins for those products. While we periodically experience price increases due to unexpected raw material shortages and other unanticipated events, this has historically not resulted in a material effect on our overall cost of goods sold. However, there is no assurance that our raw materials will not be significantly adversely affected in the future, causing our profitability to be reduced.
As a product manufacturer and distributor we may be subject to product liability claims.
As a manufacturer of ingredients used in and a distributor of products produced for human consumption and topical application, we could become exposed to product liability claims and litigation to prosecute such claims. Additionally, the distribution of these products involves the risk of injury to consumers as a result of tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. To date, we have had a very limited product claims history and such matters have not materially affected our business, financial condition or results of operations. We are not aware of any instance in which any of our products have been defective in any way that could give rise to material losses or expenditures related to product liability claims. Although we maintain product liability insurance, which we believe to be adequate for our needs, there can be no assurance that we will not be subject to claims in the future or that our insurance coverage will be adequate or that we will be able to maintain adequate insurance coverage.
Nutritional supplement products may be supported by only limited availability of conclusive clinical studies.
Our products include nutritional supplements that are made from vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances for which there is a long history of human consumption. Some of our products contain innovative ingredients or combinations of ingredients. Although we believe that all of our products are safe when taken as directed, there is little long-term experience with human consumption of certain of these product ingredients or combinations of ingredients in concentrated form. We conduct research and test the formulation and production of our products, but, in many cases, product formulations are supported by only limited clinical studies or no clinical studies. Furthermore, because we are highly dependent on consumers’ perception of the efficacy, safety, and quality of our products, as well as similar products distributed by other companies, we could be adversely affected in the event that those products prove or are asserted to be ineffective or harmful to consumers or in the event of adverse publicity associated with any illness or other adverse effects resulting from consumers’ use or misuse of our products or similar products of our competitors.
A violation of marketing or advertising laws by Associates in connection with the sale of our products or the promotion of our Associate compensation plan or the sale of our products by Associates in foreign markets where our products are not approved for sale could adversely affect our business.
New Associates enter into a written contract and agree to adhere to our Associate policies and procedures. Although these policies and procedures provide direction to our Associates regarding acceptable sales and marketing activities, including prohibiting Associates from making certain claims regarding products or income potential from the distribution of the products, Associates may from time to time, without our knowledge and in violation of our policies, create promotional materials or otherwise provide information that does not accurately describe our products or our marketing program. They also may sell our products in international markets where our products are not approved for sale or make statements regarding potential earnings, product claims or other matters in violation of our policies or applicable laws and regulations concerning these matters. These violations may result in legal action against us by regulatory agencies or state attorneys general or negatively affect our ability to sell our products in foreign markets. We take what we believe to be commercially reasonable steps to monitor Associate activities to guard against misrepresentation and other illegal or unethical conduct by Associates. There can be no assurance that our efforts in this regard
will be sufficient to accomplish this objective. Publicity resulting from these Associate activities can also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain Associates and may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Laws and regulations may prohibit or severely restrict our sales efforts and could adversely affect our ability to do business.
The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, importation, sale, marketing and storage of our products are subject to extensive regulation by various federal agencies, including the FDA, the FTC, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture the Environmental Protection Agency and by various agencies of the states, localities and foreign countries in which our products are manufactured, distributed and sold. Our, or our distributors' failure to comply with those regulations could lead to the imposition of significant penalties or claims, including civil penalties, product recalls or product seizures, cease and desist orders, injunctions, criminal sanctions, limits on advertising, consumer redress, divestitures of assets, and rescission of contracts and could materially and adversely affect our business. In addition, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretation of existing regulations may result in significant compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales and may adversely affect the marketing of our products, resulting in a significant loss of net sales.
In February 2014, the FDA issued two proposed rules. The first, “Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Label”, addresses new scientific information and design changes. The second, “Serving Sizes of Foods that can Reasonably be Consumed at One-Eating Occasion; Dual-Column Labeling; Updating, Modifying and Establishing Certain Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed; Serving Size for Breath Mints; and Technical Amendments” addresses revised serving size requirements, criteria for labeling based on package size, and other issues. Both of these proposed rules are open for comment, and the FDA is proposing a compliance date of two years after the effective date for any final rule resulting from these proposed rules. The adoption of these proposed new regulations may result in significant compliance costs and may adversely affect the marketing of our products, which could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In markets outside the U.S., we, or a licensee, as the case may be, may be required to obtain approvals, licenses or certifications from a country's ministry of health or a comparable agency prior to importing our products. Approvals or licensing may be conditioned on reformulation of products or may be unavailable with respect to certain products or product ingredients. In addition, changes to laws, regulations or standards governing the issuance of these approvals and licenses may adversely affect the ability of our products to be imported, which could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Network marketing systems such as ours are subject to laws and regulations directed at ensuring that product sales are made to consumers of the products and that compensation, recognition and advancement within the marketing organization are based on the sale of products rather than investment in the sponsoring company. We are subject to the risk that, in one or more of our present or future markets, the marketing system used by us or one of our licensees could be found not to comply with these laws and regulations or may be prohibited. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations or such a prohibition could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is subject to the risks associated with intense competition from larger, wealthier and more established competitors.
We face intense competition in the business of distributing and marketing Nutritional Products and Medical Products. Numerous competitors compete actively for customers and, in the case of other network marketing companies, for Associates. In addition to network marketing companies, these competitors may include numerous other manufacturers, distributors, marketers, retailers and physicians that actively compete for the business of consumers in both our domestic and foreign markets. Many of our competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater financial, technical, product development, marketing and sales resources, greater name recognition, larger established customer bases and more developed distribution channels than we do. We currently do not have significant patent or other proprietary protection, and our competitors may introduce products with the same or similar ingredients that we use in our products. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully in this intensely competitive environment.
We are also subject to significant competition from other network marketing organizations for the time, attention and commitment of new and existing Associates. Because the network marketing industry is not particularly capital-intensive or otherwise subject to high barriers to entry, it is relatively easy for new competitors to emerge who compete with us for our Associates. In addition, the fact that our Associates may easily enter and exit our network marketing program contributes to the level of risk that we face from competitors. The pool of individuals interested in the business opportunities presented by network marketing tends to be limited in each market, and it is reduced to the extent other network marketing companies successfully recruit these individuals into their businesses. Although we believe we offer an attractive opportunity for Associates, there can be no assurance that other network marketing companies will not be able to recruit our existing Associates or deplete the pool of potential Associates in a given market.
Our business is subject to intellectual property risks.
Patent protection for our Nutritional Supplements and Medical Products generally is impractical given the large number of manufacturers who produce similar products having many ingredients in common. To the extent we deem commercially reasonable, we endeavor to seek trade dress protection or patents for our products, which protection has been sought in the U.S., Canada and certain other countries in which we are either presently operating or may operate in the future. Notwithstanding these efforts, there can be no assurance that our efforts to protect our trade secrets, formulas and trademarks will be successful. Nor can there be any assurance that third parties will not assert claims against us for infringement of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation with respect to protection of our intellectual property or claims of others against us could result in substantial costs and diversion of management and other resources and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
We developed proprietary formulations and manufacturing processes to produce certain raw materials, which are principal ingredients in our leading products. We have not filed for patent protection for all of our proprietary formulations or manufacturing processes. Therefore, there can be no assurance that another company will not replicate one or more of our products and thereby adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition.
The developer of Stem-Kine, from whom we license marketing rights, has filed a patent application in the U.S. that covers compositions of matter, uses and formulations associated with Stem-Kine. There can be no assurance that this patent will be issued, that it will exclude competitors or provide us with competitive advantages or that others have not or will not develop similar products, the occurrence of any of which may adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition.
The market for our products depends to a significant extent upon the goodwill associated with our trademarks and trade names. We own, or have licenses to use, the material trademarks and trade name rights used in connection with the packaging, marketing and distribution of our products in the markets where those products are sold. Although most of our trademarks are registered in the United States and in certain foreign countries in which we operate, we may not be successful in asserting trademark or trade name protection. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. The loss or infringement of our trademarks could impair the goodwill associated with our brands and harm our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
We are subject to risks associated with our reliance upon information technology systems.
Our success is dependent in part on the accuracy, reliability and proper use of sophisticated and dependable information processing systems and management information technology. Our information technology systems are designed and selected in order to facilitate order entry and customer billing, maintain customer records, accurately track purchases and incentive payments, manage accounting, finance and manufacturing operations, generate reports and provide customer service, technical support and an interactive website for use by our Associates. We have encountered, and may encounter in the future, errors in our software or our enterprise network, or inadequacies in the software and services supplied by our vendors. Any such errors or inadequacies that we may encounter in the future may result in interruptions to our services and may damage our relationships with, or cause us to lose, our Associates, licensees or customers, which would harm our financial condition and operating results. Such errors may be expensive or difficult to correct in a timely manner, and we may have little or no control over whether any inadequacies in software or services supplied to us by third parties are corrected in a timely manner, if at all. Despite our precautions, the occurrence of a natural disaster or other unanticipated problems could result in interruptions in services and adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition.
Failure to adequately maintain security and prevent unauthorized access to electronic and other confidential information and data breaches could materially adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
We have become increasingly dependent upon automated information technology processes. In addition, a portion of our business operations is conducted over the Internet, increasing the risk of viruses that could cause system failures and disruptions of operations. Any failure to maintain the security of our customers’ confidential information, or data belonging to ourselves or our suppliers, could put us at a competitive disadvantage, result in deterioration in our customers’ confidence in us, and subject us to potential litigation, liability, fines and penalties, resulting in a possible material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to risks associated with the replacement of our existing MLM software system.
In late 2013, we engaged the services of a company owned by a member of our Board of Directors that specializes in the development and implementation of MLM software systems to replace and enhance the system that had been used since 2009. See Part IV, Item 15, Note P to the financial statements located elsewhere in this report for further information related to this related party transaction. Failure to properly develop, test, implement and enhance the functions of this new software system may result in interruptions to our services and may damage our relationships with, or cause us to lose, our Associates and customers, which would harm our financial condition and operating results. Further, development of the new system may not be completed in the time required, or within budget, resulting in the necessity to continue operating our existing system or seek alternative systems, potentially at significantly greater cost or with a loss of functionality.
We are dependent on a single manufacturing and distribution facility.
Our business is dependent on the operation of a single manufacturing and distribution facility located in Irving, Texas. Despite our precautions, damage to or destruction of our facility may result in significant disruption in service and adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition.
Our future financial results could be adversely impacted by asset impairments.
We test our goodwill, which is related to the Nutritional Products segment, for impairment at the end of each year, or on an interim basis if events occur or circumstances change that might indicate a reduction of the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. No impairment losses have been recognized as a result of this testing; however, no assurance can be given that an impairment charge will not be required in future periods. The amount of any such annual or interim impairment charge could be significant, and could have a material adverse effect on reported financial results for the period in which the charge is taken.
Changes in conditions in foreign territories and exchange rate fluctuations affect our foreign operations and could reduce our net sales and earnings.
In 2013, approximately 62% of consolidated net sales came from foreign territories. Of this 62%, 6% was generated from our Canadian operation, 10% was generated collectively from our Southeast Asia/Australia operations, and the remainder came from foreign territories through export sales to our licensees who are subject to license agreements with us. We intend to continue to expand foreign sales of our products, exposing us to risks of changes in social, political and economic conditions in foreign countries, including changes in the laws, regulations and policies that govern the importation, distribution and sale of foreign-made products. While transactions with our licensees and customers in NFR markets are generally denominated in U.S. dollars, exchange rate fluctuations can have a significant impact on the ability of customers to purchase our products and of our licensees to conduct successful businesses in the licensed territories. Given our inability to predict the degree of exchange rate fluctuations, we cannot estimate the effect these fluctuations may have upon future reported results, product pricing or overall financial condition.
Taxation and transfer pricing considerations affect our international operations.
Our principal domicile is the United States. Under tax treaties, we are eligible to receive foreign tax credits in the U.S. for certain taxes actually paid abroad. Because we have foreign operations, taxes paid to foreign taxing authorities may exceed amounts of the credits available to us, resulting in the payment of a higher overall effective tax rate on our worldwide operations. We have adopted transfer pricing arrangements with respect to our foreign operations to regulate intercompany transfers, which arrangements are subject to transfer pricing laws that regulate the flow of funds between the subsidiaries and the parent corporation for product purchases, management services and contractual obligations, such as the payment of Associate incentives. If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or the taxing authorities of any other jurisdiction were to successfully challenge these arrangements or require changes in our transfer pricing practices, we could be required to pay higher taxes and our operating results would be adversely affected. We believe that we operate in compliance with all applicable transfer pricing laws. However, there can be no assurance that we will continue to be found to be operating in compliance with transfer pricing laws, or that those laws will not be modified, which, as a result, may require changes in our operating procedures.
We may be held responsible for certain taxes relating to our distributors.
Our Associates are subject to taxation, and in some instances, legislation or governmental agencies impose an obligation on us to collect taxes, such as sales taxes, withholding or value added taxes, and to maintain appropriate records. In addition, under current law, our Associates in the U.S., Canada and Taiwan are treated for income tax purposes as independent contractors and, accordingly, compensation is not subject to employment taxes or other employment benefit expenses. The definition of independent contractor has been challenged in the past and any changes to the definition of an independent contractor could possibly jeopardize
the exempt status enjoyed by direct sellers and impose on us the responsibility for social security and similar taxes. There is no assurance that future legislation at the federal or state level, or in countries other than the U.S., affecting direct sellers will not be enacted, which could harm our financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to, among other things, requirements regarding the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.
We are required to comply with various corporate governance and financial reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules and regulations adopted by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. In particular, we are required to include management reports on the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as part of our annual reports on Form 10-K, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We expect to continue to spend significant amounts of time and money on compliance with these rules. Our failure to correct any noted weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting could result in the disclosure of material weaknesses which could have a material adverse effect upon the price of our common stock.
Our stock price has been volatile and subject to various market conditions, and there is a limited public trading market for our common stock.
The trading price of our common stock has been subject to wide fluctuations. The price of our common stock may fluctuate in the future in response to quarter-to-quarter variations in operating results, material announcements by us or our competitors, scientific discoveries or technological innovations, governmental regulatory action, conditions in the industry segments in which we operate or other events or factors. The price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with us or that are outside of our control. These fluctuations could cause our stock price to decline materially.
Our common stock trades on the OTCQB, which is operated by the OTC Markets Group Inc., and there is a limited public trading market for our common stock. There can be no assurance that an active public trading market for our common stock will be sustained. If for any reason an active public trading market does not continue, purchasers of the shares of our common stock may have difficulty in selling their securities should they desire to do so and the price of our common stock may decline.
The beneficial ownership of a significant percentage of our common stock gives Clinton H. Howard effective control and limits the influence of other shareholders on important policy and management issues.
My Garden, Ltd., a limited partnership controlled by Clinton H. Howard who is the Company's founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, owned 43% of our outstanding common stock at December 31, 2013. Collectively with My Garden, Ltd.'s stock ownership, Mr. Howard beneficially owned 44% of our outstanding common stock at December 31, 2013. By virtue of this stock ownership, Mr. Howard is able to exert significant influence over the election of the members of our Board of Directors and our business affairs. This concentration of ownership could also have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control that might otherwise be beneficial to shareholders. Since Mr. Howard currently serves on the Board of Directors, there can be no assurance that conflicts of interest will not arise with respect to this directorship or that conflicts will be resolved in a manner favorable to other shareholders.
If our shareholders sell a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, the market price of our common stock could fall.
Two of our principal shareholders hold a large number of shares of our outstanding common stock. Any decision by either of our principal shareholders to aggressively sell their shares could depress the market price of our common stock.
We depend on our key personnel, and the loss of the services provided by any of our executive officers or other key employees could harm our business and results of operations.
Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our senior management, many of whom would be difficult to replace. These employees may voluntarily terminate their employment with us at any time. We may not be able to successfully retain existing personnel or identify, hire and integrate new personnel. If we lose the services of our executive officers or key employees for any reason, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.
We entered into agreements with an Associate to expand our Nutritional Products sales into certain international markets. Failure of this Associate to fulfill his obligations under these agreements could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
On July 30, 2013, the Company was notified that the Associate with whom the Company had entered into agreements to market Nutritional Products in Australia, Hong Kong and other Asian markets, as described in Part IV, Item 15. Note E located elsewhere in this report, was unable to fulfill certain financial obligations under the agreements. The Company deemed this failure to represent a material breach of the agreements. Through December 31, 2013, the Company had advanced funds to this Associate (net of marketing fees earned by the Associate) totaling approximately $620,000. The Company is in discussions with the Associate to determine the appropriate course of action to ensure that the Associate is able to perform his financial obligations and to protect the Company's sales in Australia, Hong Kong and other Asian markets. However, there can be no assurance that the advances will be recovered in accordance with the terms of the agreements.
As a result of a 1-for-500 reverse stock split, the number of holders of record of our common stock is less than 300. Public companies whose stock is held by fewer than 300 holders of record may be eligible to terminate the registration of such stock pursuant to the Exchange Act and cease their compliance with applicable public reporting requirements. The market price and liquidity of the stock of companies that terminate their compliance with public reporting requirements may be reduced following such termination.
On August 9, 2013, the Company completed a 1-for-500 reverse stock split (the "Reverse Split"), whereby each 500 shares of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock was converted into one whole share of new common stock (the "New Common Stock"). Immediately following the Reverse Split, the Company completed a 50-for-1 forward stock split (the "Forward Split" and together with the Reverse Split, the "Stock Splits") whereby each share of New Common Stock was converted into 50 shares of common stock. As a result of the Stock Splits, the number of registered shareholders has declined to fewer than 300.
Section 12(g)(4) of the Exchange Act allows for the registration of any class of securities pursuant to the Exchange Act to be terminated 90 days after a company files a certification with the Securities and Exchange Commission that the number of holders of record of such class of security is less than 300 persons. If the Company determines that cessation of filing reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders, our common stock would no longer trade on the OTCQB, and would be traded on the Pink Sheets, which may result in a lower market price and reduced liquidity of our common stock. While the Company presently has no plans to cease compliance with applicable public reporting requirements, the number of holders of our common stock would enable the Company to do so in the future.
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Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments. |
None.
We own an approximately 119,000 square foot facility that houses our executive offices, manufacturing operations and warehousing and distribution operations. This facility is located in Irving, Texas, and is subject to a deed of trust as collateral on a term loan with a balance of approximately $1.3 million as of December 31, 2013. We use this facility for both the Nutritional Products and Medical Products business segments.
Canada. During 2013, we operated an administrative office in Burnaby, British Columbia. This office was leased on a month-to-month basis at an annualized rental of approximately $19,000. This office was closed in early 2014.
Taiwan. We lease facilities in Taipei, Taiwan to support warehousing, distribution and administrative operations in Taiwan at an annual rental of approximately $89,000. The lease agreement on this facility expires on April 30, 2014.
Malaysia. In December, 2013, we executed a lease for a facility in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to support warehousing, distribution and administrative operations at an annual rental of approximately $47,000. The lease commences on March 1, 2014, and expires on April 30, 2017.
We believe these facilities are suitable and adequate in relation to our present and immediate future needs.
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Item 3. | Legal Proceedings. |
From time to time we are involved in litigation arising out of our operations. We maintain liability insurance, including product liability coverage, in amounts we believe are adequate. We also believe that Associate compliance is critical to the integrity of our business; we therefore actively enforce our agreements with Associates. As a result, we periodically become involved in
Associate compliance actions and consider these actions routine and incidental to our business. These compliance actions may from time to time involve litigation. We are not currently engaged in any legal proceedings that we expect would materially harm our business or financial condition.
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Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures. |
Not applicable.
PART II
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Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. |
Our common stock is traded on the OTCQB, which is operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. The following reflects the range of high and low bid quotes for our common stock for each calendar quarter during each of the past two years. Such quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The prices quoted below have been adjusted to reflect a one-for-500 reverse stock split and a 50-for-one forward stock split that were completed on August 9, 2013.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended |
| | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 |
2013 | | | | | | | | |
HIGH | | $ | 2.00 |
| | $ | 1.90 |
| | $ | 1.70 |
| | $ | 1.67 |
|
LOW | | 1.05 |
| | 0.50 |
| | 0.12 |
| | 1.15 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
2012 | | | | | | | | |
HIGH | | $ | 2.20 |
| | $ | 2.60 |
| | $ | 2.90 |
| | $ | 2.00 |
|
LOW | | 0.20 |
| | 0.80 |
| | 0.90 |
| | 0.10 |
|
As of March 7, 2014 there were approximately 260 holders of our common stock. Since our inception, we have paid no dividends on our stock. We do not anticipate that we will pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
We did not sell any of our equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 during 2013. We also did not repurchase any of our equity securities during the fourth quarter of 2013.
For information concerning securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans, refer to Part III, Item 12.
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Item 6. | Selected Financial Data. |
The financial data included in the table shown below has been selected by us and has been derived from the financial statements for the periods indicated. The following financial data should be read together with the information in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 |
| | (In thousands, except per share data) |
Results of Operations Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 25,471 |
| | $ | 25,160 |
| | $ | 28,448 |
| | $ | 28,157 |
| | $ | 24,925 |
|
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | | (736 | ) | | (590 | ) | | (211 | ) | | 891 |
| | (324 | ) |
Net earnings (loss) | | (500 | ) | | (361 | ) | | (71 | ) | | 558 |
| | (335 | ) |
Net earnings (loss) per common share – diluted (a) | | (0.23) |
| | (0.16) |
| | (0.03 | ) | | 0.25 |
| | (0.15 | ) |
Balance Sheet Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 3,746 |
| | 3,896 |
| | 3,859 |
| | 4,220 |
| | 3,972 |
|
Working capital | | 4,362 |
| | 5,120 |
| | 5,568 |
| | 5,513 |
| | 4,676 |
|
Total assets | | 17,534 |
| | 18,014 |
| | 18,826 |
| | 18,344 |
| | 18,613 |
|
Long-term obligations | | 1,349 |
| | 1,545 |
| | 1,728 |
| | 1,896 |
| | 2,052 |
|
Shareholders' equity | | 9,014 |
| | 9,515 |
| | 9,863 |
| | 9,876 |
| | 9,219 |
|
(a) Per share amounts presented reflect the impact of the Stock Splits, which were completed on August 9, 2013. See Part IV, Item 15, Note B for further information related to the Stock Splits.
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Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.
Overview
We operate in two industry segments, Nutritional Products and Medical Products.
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• | Through the Nutritional Products segment, we distribute products in three broad categories: (i) wellness products; (ii) fitness products; and (iii) skin care products. Products include herbal formulas, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and personal care products. In certain markets, including the U.S., Canada, Taiwan, and, beginning in July 2013, Hong Kong, we distribute Nutritional Products directly through a network of independent Associates. In certain international markets, we distribute Nutritional Products through exclusive license arrangements with third parties, who for the most part, distribute our products through an independent Associate network in the licensed territory. |
Industry-wide factors that affect us and our competitors include the aging population, who tend to purchase more nutritional supplements as they age; the general public's heightened awareness and understanding of the connection between diet and long-term health; and a growing interest in natural alternatives related to prevention of illness. We expect these trends to continue. In addition, the economic challenges that have affected the U.S. and international markets have likely increased the desire of individuals to seek a second source of income through a network marketing opportunity, although potentially offsetting that trend is the economic downturn's negative impact on consumer spending and disposable income.
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• | Through the Medical Products segment, we distribute wound care products. These products are distributed primarily in the U.S. to hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and pharmacies through traditional medical/surgical supply dealers and pharmaceutical distributors. Medical Products are used to prevent and treat wounds, and manage pain associated with wounds, in the acute care, long-term care and oncology markets. |
Industry-wide factors affecting this segment include the increasing prevalence of chronic wounds, which is driven by the large and growing elderly, diabetic and obese populations as these groups are more likely to suffer from chronic wounds. However, the increasing national focus on rising health care costs continues to provide impetus for third-party payers, including government-related payers such as Medicare, to challenge the pricing of medical products and services. We expect these trends to continue.
Net sales. Consolidated net sales in dollars and as a percentage of consolidated net sales are as follows:
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
| | | | | | (U.S. dollars in 000’s) | | | | |
Nutritional Products: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Licensees | | $ | 11,726 |
| | 46 | % | | $ | 11,282 |
| | 45 | % | | $ | 12,932 |
| | 46 | % |
Associate network | | 7,359 |
| | 29 | % | | 7,555 |
| | 30 | % | | 8,656 |
| | 30 | % |
| | 19,085 |
| | 75 | % | | 18,837 |
| | 75 | % | | 21,588 |
| | 76 | % |
Medical Products | | 6,387 |
| | 25 | % | | 6,324 |
| | 25 | % | | 6,860 |
| | 24 | % |
| | $ | 25,472 |
| | 100 | % | | $ | 25,161 |
| | 100 | % | | $ | 28,448 |
| | 100 | % |
Licensees. We sell Nutritional Products to third parties who purchase products from us in accordance with a license arrangement that gives the licensee exclusive rights to distribute our products in the licensed territory. For the most part, licensees are required to distribute our products in their territories through network marketing. We do not maintain inventory to fulfill licensee orders; licensees are generally required to pay us a 50% deposit with their orders and then pay the balance when products are ready to ship. We recognize sales when we ship products to the licensees. In general, licensees also pay us a monthly royalty based on sales in their territories. We record these royalties as sales. Gross profit on net sales to licensees is significantly less than on sales to our Associate network because we do not pay Associate commissions or incur other expenses related to marketing or distribution in the licensed territory.
Our net sales in this distribution channel are dependent upon the licensee's success in building the market for our products in the licensed territory. Factors that may affect the success of our licensees include (i) global and regional economic conditions, which can impact customer spending practices and the licensee's ability to appropriately finance and operate its business; (ii) changes in currency exchange rates, which can impact licensee profit margins; (iii) the licensee's ability to attract new Associates and retain existing Associates to sell and consume products, which requires the implementation of effective marketing, sales and support programs by the licensee; and (iv) competition from other suppliers of nutritional supplements and other network marketing companies operating in the licensee's territory. We support the business of our licensees by making available to the licensee high-quality products, innovative new products, technical information required to obtain product approvals in the licensee's territory and materials related to marketing, sales and support programs we use to manage and market to our Associate network.
Our principal licensee is CCI. In July 2004, we entered into a ten-year exclusive license agreement, which replaced an expiring five-year license agreement, giving CCI distribution rights in 31 countries, including Russia and the republics of the former Soviet Union. CCI accounted for 99%, 98% and 99% of licensee net sales in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The President of CCI is a former member of our Board of Directors and beneficially owns approximately 18% of our outstanding common stock. Pricing for individual products sold to CCI is reviewed periodically by the Company. Implementation of price changes requires 60 days' notice to CCI.
Associate network. We sell Nutritional Products to Associates who purchase products for personal consumption or for resale to retail customers; Associates also sponsor new Associates who also engage in these activities. Associates pay for product purchases prior to shipment, mainly through the use of credit cards, and we recognize sales when we ship products to the Associates. We compensate Associates for their sales activities through our Associate compensation plan. This plan allows Associates to earn higher commissions as their sales and the sales of their downline Associates increase.
During 2010, we began selling Nutritional Products in certain countries in Southeast Asia, under a not-for-resale (“NFR”) program. The NFR program allows consumers in NFR markets to sign up as customers, purchase products, refer others to our network marketing program and receive commissions. Depending on the results of our efforts under the NFR program, we will consider opening an office to support our sales efforts, as we did in Taiwan in 2011.
During 2013, we entered into agreements with an Associate to market Nutritional Products in Australia, Hong Kong and other Asian markets. See Note E to the financial statements located elsewhere in this report for additional information related to our arrangement with this Associate. We anticipate opening an office in Malaysia in early 2014. We will consider opening additional offices in Southeast Asia as expansion opportunities develop.
Sales in this distribution channel are dependent upon the number and productivity of our Associates. The opportunities and challenges that affect us in this channel are similar to those that affect our licensees, including (i) global and regional economic conditions; (ii) our ability to attract new Associates and retain existing Associates to sell and consume products; and (iii) competition from other suppliers of nutritional supplements and other network marketing companies operating in these markets. We attempt to effectively address these opportunities and challenges by offering, among other things, (i) high-quality products, (ii) innovative new products, (iii) a financially rewarding, up-to-date Associate compensation plan, (iv) Company-sponsored meetings and sales tools, and (v) a website maintained exclusively for Associates where Associates can obtain sales and marketing materials, place orders, sign up new Associates and track and manage their business activity.
The following table sets forth the Associate network net sales by geographic region as a percentage of total Associate network net sales for the periods indicated:
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| | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
U.S. | | 46 | % | | 56 | % | | 69 | % |
Canada | | 21 | % | | 19 | % | | 19 | % |
Southeast Asia & Other | | 33 | % | | 25 | % | | 12 | % |
| | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % |
Medical Products. We sell Medical Products primarily to wholesalers such as medical/surgical dealers and pharmaceutical distributors. These wholesalers supply various health care providers such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and pharmacies. Our sales force, which is comprised of employed sales representatives and independent manufacturer representatives, markets our products to both wholesalers and health care providers. In some cases, wholesalers maintain their own sales forces, including health care professionals, to market and provide services related to products that they supply, which include our products. We sell
to wholesalers on terms that generally require payment within 30 to 60 days. We recognize sales when products are shipped. Manufacturer representatives receive a percentage of sales as compensation, which percentage varies by product.
In this segment we compete against a number of companies, most of which are significantly larger, have far greater financial resources and have broader name recognition. We endeavor to compete in this segment by offering products that have unique features and are high quality and competitively priced. We place a high degree of emphasis on identifying market needs and trends to ensure our product line remains current with developing trends and new scientific evidence. By offering unique products, we are able to service niche markets not serviced by our larger competitors.
One medical/surgical dealer accounts for a significant portion of our Medical Products sales. This dealer distributes our Medical Products primarily to nursing homes, and obtains reimbursement for the price of our products from Medicare. This dealer accounted for 44%, 53% and 59% of our Medical Products net sales in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. On February 24, 2012, this dealer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, as further described in Part I, Item 1. Business and Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales primarily consists of costs related to (i) raw materials, labor and overhead directly associated with in-house production activities, (ii) product components, products and sales materials purchased from third-party manufacturers and suppliers, (iii) quality control testing performed by our in-house quality control laboratory and by outside testing laboratories, (iv) import duties, (v) freight and (vi) provisions for slow moving or obsolete inventory. Cost of sales and gross profit vary based on the sales mix of products sold within a distribution channel as well as the mix of product sales among distribution channels.
Distributor Commissions. We pay sales incentives to Associates that are calculated in accordance with our Associate compensation plan. A portion of these sales incentives are rebates and, accordingly, are recorded as a reduction of sales. Associates earn rebates based on the amount of their personal monthly purchases.
Most sales incentives paid to Associates are classified as distributor commissions. These commissions are calculated based on the total monthly sales by the Associate and his or her downline organization, and Associates can qualify to receive additional commissions as sales in their organizations expand. Most commissions are paid to Associates monthly.
In September 2009, we adopted a new Associate compensation plan under which all of our Associates are now compensated. After adoption of the current compensation plan, the portion of sales incentives classified as rebates decreased while the portion of sales incentives classified as distributor commissions increased. In order to help provide a smooth transition from the former compensation plan to the current compensation plan, we provided performance-based commission subsidies to certain Associates, which increased overall commission expense during 2010, 2011 and 2012. One portion of this commission subsidy program ended as of August 31, 2011, while the remainder of the program ended December 31, 2012.
We also classify commissions paid to manufacturer representatives who sell Medical Products as distributor commissions. Total commissions to manufacturer representatives average less than 2% of Medical Products net sales.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses include wages and benefits, rents and utilities, travel, professional fees, promotion and advertising, along with other marketing and administrative expenses. Wages and benefits represent the largest component of selling, general and administrative expenses.
Casualty Gain. In 2012, the Company recognized a casualty gain in connection with the replacement of the roof of its facility in Irving, Texas and reimbursement for a related claim under a replacement cost insurance policy. The replacement of the roof was necessitated by a hailstorm which occurred in May 2011.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements included in this report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“US GAAP”). Our significant accounting policies are described in Note B to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes. Those estimates and assumptions are based on historical experiences and changes in the business environment. However, actual results may sometimes differ materially from estimates under different conditions. Critical accounting policies and estimates are defined as both those that are material to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and that require management’s most subjective judgments. We believe our most critical accounting policies and estimates are as described in this section.
Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue at the point products are shipped, which is the point the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the customer. Under the terms of our license agreements, our licensees are generally required to make a cash deposit equal to 50% of the purchase order amount at the time the purchase order is placed, and allow two to three months for delivery. In addition, under our agreement with CCI, we segregate and store products for CCI in our warehouse and then ship them at a later date to locations designated by CCI in accordance with its business needs. As part of this agreement, CCI accepts ownership of and pays for the products as they are segregated in our warehouse for CCI’s account; however, we do not recognize revenue until the products are shipped. Deposits and payments received for unshipped products are recorded as deferred revenue. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are classified as sales. Also, sales are recorded net of the rebate portion of sales incentives paid to Associates.
Intangible Assets. We review the carrying value of our goodwill and other intangible assets at the end of each year and at other times if events and circumstances warrant such a review. In accordance with ASC 350-20-35, an estimate of the fair value of the Nutritional Products reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. The methods used for estimating the fair value of the Nutritional Products reporting unit uses estimates of future sales and cash flows, as well as the enterprise values of other publicly traded MLM companies engaged in the sale and distribution of Nutritional Products. If the carrying value of our goodwill or other intangible assets is considered impaired, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the goodwill or intangible assets exceeds its fair value. We believe that the estimates of future sales, cash flow and fair value are reasonable. Changes in estimates of sales, cash flow and fair value, however, could affect the evaluation. See Note L to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 15 elsewhere in this report for a discussion of the fair value assumptions used for assessing goodwill for impairment.
Income Taxes. The process by which we calculate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate involves estimating the actual current tax liability together with assessing temporary differences in recognition of income (loss) for tax and accounting purposes. Based on our estimates of the expected future tax consequences related to these differences, we record deferred tax assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. We recognize in our financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is “more likely than not” to be sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. We then assess the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset.
Actual income taxes could differ significantly from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law or changes or adjustments resulting from the final review of our tax returns by taxing authorities. These differences could have an impact on the income tax provision and operating results in the period in which such determination is made.
Share-based Payments. We recognize share-based compensation expense based on the fair value of share-based awards. Share-based compensation is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the awards expected to vest and recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period of the award.
We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of share-based awards. Option valuation models require the input of assumptions, including the expected life of the share-based awards, the expected stock price volatility, the risk-free interest rate and the expected dividend yield. The expected life is based on the term of the award. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility rates. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury issues whose term is consistent with the expected life of the share-based award. The expected dividend yield is 0.0% since we do not pay dividends and have no current plans to do so in the future. We recognized share-based compensation expense of approximately $20,600, $38,300 and $44,500 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Stock Splits. On August 9, 2013, the Company completed a 1-for-500 reverse stock split (the "Reverse Split"), whereby each 500 shares of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock was converted into one whole share of new Common Stock (the "New Common Stock"). No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Split. In lieu of issuing fractional shares to shareholders in connection with the Reverse Split, the Company will pay $0.1691 per share to shareholders.
Immediately following the Reverse Split, the Company completed a 50-for-1 forward stock split (the "Forward Split" and together with the Reverse Split, the "Stock Splits") whereby each share of New Common Stock was converted into 50 shares of Common Stock.
Our common stock began trading at the split-adjusted price on August 12, 2013. All share numbers and per share amounts presented reflect the Stock Splits. Amounts recorded as common stock and additional paid in capital within Shareholders' Equity have been restated to reflect the impact of the Stock Splits.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our operating results as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:
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| | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
Net sales | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
Cost of sales | | 52.8 | % | | 49.8 | % | | 49.7 | % |
Gross profit | | 47.2 | % | | 50.2 | % | | 50.3 | % |
Operating expenses: | | | | |
| | |
|
General and administrative | | 36.7 | % | | 39.0 | % | | 33.9 | % |
Distributor commissions | | 10.9 | % | | 12.8 | % | | 15.2 | % |
Depreciation and amortization | | 2.0 | % | | 2.0 | % | | 1.5 | % |
Casualty gain | | — | % | | (1.8 | )% | | — | % |
Total operating expenses | | 49.6 | % | | 52.0 | % | | 50.6 | % |
Operating profit (loss) | | (2.4 | )% | | (1.8 | )% | | (0.3 | )% |
Interest expense | | 0.5 | % | | 0.5 | % | | 0.5 | % |
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | | (2.9 | )% | | (2.3 | )% | | (0.8 | )% |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | (1.0 | )% | | (0.9 | )% | | (0.5 | )% |
Net earnings (loss) | | (1.9 | )% | | (1.4 | )% | | (0.3 | )% |
2013 Compared with 2012 (000's except per share amounts)
Net sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $25,471 compared with net sales for the prior year of $25,160, an increase of $311 or 1%. This increase was due to a $248 increase in net sales of Nutritional Products and an increase of $63 in net sales of Medical Products. The increase in net sales of Nutritional Products was attributable to an increase in net sales to our licensees of $444, and a decrease in net sales to our Associate network of $196.
The increase in net sales to our licensees of $444 was primarily due to an increase in sales to CCI. Net sales to CCI increased 6%, in 2013 compared with 2012. The increase in net sales to CCI was partially offset by a decrease in sales to other licensees in 2013 compared to 2012.
Net sales in the Associate network channel are generally dependent on the number and productivity of our Associates. Net sales through the Associate network decreased $196, or 3%, during 2013 compared with 2012. Sales in our North American markets decreased by approximately 13.3% in 2013, primarily due to a 23% decrease in the average number of active associates. This decrease is primarily a result of fewer new Associates recruited in 2013. Also contributing to the decline was our performance in Taiwan, where our sales decreased by 5%, largely due to a decrease in the number of new recruits, which was partially offset by an increase in sales per new recruit. The decreases in our North American and Taiwan markets were largely offset by our entry into Australia in February, 2013, and the opening of an office in Hong Kong in July, 2013.
Net sales of Medical Products increased by $63 despite a 17% decrease in sales to our largest customer in this segment, which distributes wound care products and provides services to the long-term care market. Sales to this dealer in 2013 accounted for 44% of Medical Products net sales. On February 24, 2012, this dealer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as described above under the section "Overview - Medical Products Distribution". The increase in sales to all other customers in this segment was driven by an increase in our private label business and an increase in sales of collagen products.
Cost of sales. Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $13,459 compared with cost of sales in the prior year of $12,528, a decrease of $931 or 7%. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales was 53% in 2013 and 50% in 2012. The cost of sales rate was unfavorably impacted by higher product costs realized in our Licensee and Medical Products channels, and lower licensee royalties earned in 2013.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013, were $9,345 compared with 2012 expenses of $9,809, a decrease of $464, or 5%. The decrease was primarily due to lower payroll and benefits of approximately $359 related to the reorganization of our North American operations, reduced contract labor costs of approximately $249 primarily due to lower expenditures for information technology projects, reduced product testing costs of $389 as a result of the substantial completion in 2012 of our product stability testing program under GMP's and reduced spending of $147 for
sales meetings, advertising and marketing material costs. These reductions were partially offset by additional costs of $430 related to the commencement of operations in Hong Kong, $59 for sales contests, $61for legal and professional fees, $70 for the sale of a trademark in 2012 that did not recur in 2013, and unfavorable foreign currency translation expenses of $107. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 37% in 2013 compared with 39% in 2012. This percentage decrease is a result of the decrease in costs identified above.
Distributor commissions. Distributor commissions for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $2,786 compared with distributor commissions in 2012 of $3,215, a decrease of $429 or 13%. With regard to our Associate network, distributor commissions as a percentage of commissionable sales, exclusive of rebates, which are recorded as a reduction of sales, were 37% in 2013 compared with 42% in 2012. This decrease was primarily attributable to certain changes to our Associate compensation plan which were implemented in 2012. On a consolidated basis, distributor commissions as a percentage of net sales were 11% in 2013 compared with 13% in 2012.
Income taxes. We recorded income tax benefits of $236 and $228 in 2013 and 2012, respectively, based on our estimate of the effective annual income tax rate, giving effect to certain credits, deductions and tax rates in foreign jurisdictions. Our effective income tax rates in 2013 and 2012 were 32.1% and 38.7%, respectively.
Net loss. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $500, or $0.23 per diluted share, compared with a net loss in the prior year of $361, or $0.16 per diluted share. This decline resulted from the factors described above and the non-recurrence of a casualty gain recognized in 2012, which is more fully described below.
2012 Compared with 2011 (000's except per share amounts)
Net sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $25,160 compared with net sales for the prior year of $28,448, a decrease of $3,288 or 12%. This decrease was due to a $2,751 decrease in net sales of Nutritional Products. and a decrease of $536 in net sales of Medical Products. The decrease in net sales of Nutritional Products was attributable to a decline in net sales to our licensees of $1,650, and a decrease in net sales to our Associate network of $1,101.
The decrease in net sales to our licensees of $1,650 resulted from a decrease in sales to CCI. Net sales to CCI decreased 14% in 2012 compared with 2011. Since 2009, CCI's business has been negatively affected by the global economic recession and other factors within its markets; accordingly, our sales to this customer have declined.
Net sales in the Associate network channel are generally dependent on the number and productivity of our Associates. Net sales through the Associate network decreased $1,101, or 13%, during 2012 compared with 2011. This decrease is primarily a result of fewer new Associates recruited in 2012, as well as a decline in the average sales per new Associate. These decreases are attributable to certain marketing and sales initiatives conducted during 2011 that were not repeated in 2012. During the second quarter of 2011, we launched a new product, Stem-Kine, and offered special price discounts on the purchase of Stem Kine in connection with the product launch. Stem Kine is a dietary supplement that has been shown in published human clinical studies to nutritionally enable bone marrow and other tissues to increase their production of stem cells, which form the natural repair and renewal system of the body. In addition, we offered a high-commission entry pack program that attracted a large number of new Associates to join the Company. Existing Associates heavily promoted sales of this entry pack in 2011 as they sought to win a Company sponsored sales contest and take advantage of the high commissions associated with this transaction. Although these initiatives generated a significant amount of incremental sales in 2011, they did not provide a commensurate increase in operating profits. Because of these results, these initiatives were not repeated in 2012.
The $536 decrease in net sales of Medical Products resulted from decreased sales to the largest customer in this segment, which distributes wound care products and provides services to the long-term care market. Sales to this dealer in 2012 accounted for 54% of Medical Products net sales. On February 24, 2012, this dealer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as described above under the section "Overview - Medical Products Distribution"
Cost of sales. Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $12,528 compared with cost of sales in the prior year of $14,132, a decrease of $1,604 or 11%. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales was 50% in 2012 and 2011.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012, were $9,809 compared with 2011 expenses of $9,634, an increase of $175, or 2%. The increase was attributable to additional expenses of approximately $361 for the operation of the Company's Taiwan branch for a full year, increased costs for product testing of $157 and additional salaries and benefits related to management realignment of $46. These costs were partially offset by favorable foreign currency translation adjustments of $85, proceeds from the sale of a trademark of $70, reduced legal and professional fees of $62, reduced marketing costs of $54 and reduced credit card fees and other costs of $108. As a percentage of net sales, general
and administrative expenses were 39% in 2012 compared with 34% in 2011. This percentage increase is attributable to deleveraging as a result of the sales decrease in 2012, as well as the increase in costs identified above.
Distributor commissions. Distributor commissions for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $3,215 compared with distributor commissions in 2011 of $4,312, a decrease of $1,097 or 25%. With regard to our Associate network, distributor commissions as a percentage of commissionable sales, exclusive of rebates, which are recorded as a reduction of sales, were 42% in 2012 compared with 50% in 2011. This decrease was primarily attributable to certain changes in our associate compensation plan implemented in the first quarter of 2012, which were adopted to better balance commissions earned on sales to new Associates and sales to existing Associates. On a consolidated basis, distributor commissions as a percentage of net sales were 13% in 2012 compared with 15% in 2011.
Casualty Gain. In 2012, the Company recognized a casualty gain of $443 in connection with the replacement of the roof of its facility in Irving, Texas and reimbursement for a related claim under a replacement cost insurance policy. The replacement of the roof was necessitated by a hailstorm which occurred in May 2011.
Income taxes. We recorded an income tax benefit of $228 in 2012 based on our estimate of the effective annual income tax rate, giving effect to certain credits and deductions. We recorded an income tax benefit of $139 in 2011 based on our estimate of the effective annual income tax rate, giving effect to certain credits and deductions, primarily research and development credits and domestic production activities deductions, that were available to recover taxes paid in prior periods. Our effective income tax rates in 2012 and 2011 were 38.7% and 66.1%, respectively.
Net loss. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $361, or $0.16 per diluted share, compared with a net loss in the prior year of $71, or $0.03 per diluted share. This decline resulted from the factors described above.
Variations in Period-to-Period Results
We may experience variations in the results of operations from quarter to quarter and/or year to year as a result of factors that include the following:
| |
• | The level of recruiting and retention of Associates in the U.S., Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, NFR markets and territories served by our licensees; |
| |
• | Variations in the level of business activity generated by our key customers; |
| |
• | The opening of new markets; |
| |
• | The timing and efficacy of Company-sponsored events, promotions and other marketing and sales initiatives; |
| |
• | New product introductions; |
| |
• | The negative impact of new regulations or changes in existing regulations domestically and/or internationally that may limit or restrict the sale of certain products; |
| |
• | The integration and operation of new information technology systems; |
| |
• | The inability to introduce new products or the introduction of new products by competitors; |
| |
• | Entry into one or more of our markets by competitors; |
| |
• | General conditions in the nutritional supplement industry, the network marketing industry and the wound care industry; and |
| |
• | General economic conditions globally and/or in markets where we or our licensees conduct business. |
As a result of these and other factors, sales, expenses, and results of operations could vary significantly in the future, and period-to-period comparisons should not be relied upon as indications of future performance.
Liquidity and Capital Resources (000's)
Historically, our principal need for funds has been for operating expenses, working capital and capital expenditures. We have funded our cash requirements through equity financing, debt financing and cash flow from operations. We have also used operating leases to finance the use of certain buildings and equipment required for our operations. We require working capital primarily to fund inventory purchases and, to a lesser extent, accounts receivable balances associated with sales of our Medical Products. We do not rely on lines of credit or other similar short-term financing arrangements to finance working capital needs.
Cash and working capital. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we had a net decrease in cash of $150, which compares to a net increase in cash in 2012 of $38. At December 31, 2013, we had working capital of $4,362, a $758 decrease from working capital at December 31, 2012 of $5,120. This decrease in working capital reflects a decrease in current assets of
$136 and an increase in current liabilities of $622. The reasons for the changes in cash and working capital are further described below.
Operating activities. In 2013, our operating activities provided cash flows of $294 compared with $445 in 2012. The decrease in operating cash flow of $151 was primarily attributable to an increase in inventory in 2013 of $66 compared to a decrease in 2012 of $1,375 which resulted in a cash flow decrease of $1,441. The increase in inventory in 2013 was driven primarily by inventory ordered on behalf of CCI, which was largely offset by a continued focus on our supply chain and reducing our investment in other inventories. Also, in 2013, the net loss adjusted for non-cash activities, including depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, casualty gain and deferred taxes, used cash flows of $124 in 2013 compared to $73 in 2012, further reducing cash flow by $51. These reductions in cash flow were partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $172 in 2013, compared to a reduction of $589 in 2012. This improved 2013 cash flow by $761. Changes in accounts payable are largely driven by the timing of inventory purchases. Deferred revenues increased by $451 in 2013 compared to $235 in 2012, improving cash flow by $216. Changes in deferred revenues are driven by the timing of orders by and shipments to CCI. Also helping to offset the reduction in cash flow were improvements in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets.
Operating activities include the management of working capital accounts such as accounts receivable, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued operating expenses and deferred revenues. Because net sales to licensees represent approximately 46% of consolidated net sales, one of the most significant factors that can affect our working capital accounts is the arrangement we maintain with our licensees, principally CCI. In accordance with our license agreements, product orders from licensees are generally accompanied by a cash deposit equal to 50% of the value of the order. These deposits are used in part to make deposits with our suppliers against orders we place to fulfill licensee product orders. In addition, in accordance with our license agreement with CCI, we segregate and store finished products for CCI in our warehouse and then ship them at a later date based on CCI’s business needs. CCI pays the remaining 50% due on its product orders when goods are segregated in our warehouse for CCI’s account. Accordingly, because we do not recognize a sale to CCI until products are shipped from our warehouse, there can be a significant difference in timing between the date we receive cash from CCI and the date we recognize the related gross profit in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Cash received as deposits for product orders and as payment for stored products are recorded as deferred revenue. Deposits we make with our suppliers are recorded as prepaid expenses. Inventory held in our warehouse for CCI’s account is reported as inventory in our financial statements until it is shipped to CCI.
Investing activities. During 2013, we used cash of $267 for capital expenditures, including $152 to begin development of a new system to support our Associates' sales and marketing efforts. The new system will be completed in two phases in 2014 and is anticipated to cost approximately $800 in total. Capital expenditures in 2013 also include $78 for the build out of a new office facility in Malaysia, which is anticipated to be open in early 2014. The new facility is anticipated to cost approximately $105 in total.
Financing activities. During 2013, financing activities used net cash flows of $215, which represented repayment of long-term debt of $197, and redemption of common stock of $18. The redemption was in connection with the reverse stock split that was implemented on August 9, 2013. See Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates - Stock Splits for more information about the reverse and forward stock splits.
Share repurchase program. On August 28, 2013, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had authorized a plan to repurchase, at management's discretion, up to 111,000 shares of our common stock, representing 5% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock. The Company's repurchase plan was effective as of that date, and expires on February 28, 2015. No common stock repurchase transactions were executed as a result of the share repurchase program during 2013.
General liquidity and cash flows. We believe that our working capital requirements can be met through available cash and cash generated from operating activities for the foreseeable future; however, an overall decrease in demand for our products could adversely affect our liquidity. In the event of a significant decrease in cash provided by our operating activities, we may seek outside sources of capital including bank borrowings and other types of debt or equity financings. We can give no assurance, however, that we would be able to obtain any outside financing or obtain financing on terms we would find acceptable.
Other than as outlined in Investing Activities above, we have no plans or requirements for any significant capital expenditures during the next 12 months.
Contractual Cash Obligations
The table below summarizes our contractual obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2013:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Payments Due by Period (000’s) |
Contractual Obligations | | Total |
| | 2014 |
| | 2014-2015 |
| | 2015-2016 |
| | 2019 and beyond |
|
Long-term debt | | $ | 1,349 |
| | $ | 212 |
| | $ | 478 |
| | $ | 557 |
| | $ | 102 |
|
Operating leases | | 505 |
| | 156 |
| | 269 |
| | 80 |
| | — |
|
Purchase obligations (1) | | 3,730 |
| | 3,730 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Employment agreements | | 2,310 |
| | 1,502 |
| | 635 |
| | 173 |
| | — |
|
____________________
(1) Purchase obligations consist of outstanding purchase orders issued in the ordinary course of our business. These purchase orders are primarily related to the purchase of inventory.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2013, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements, other than the operating leases and certain purchase commitments described above.
Inflation
We do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our operating results. Substantial increases in costs, however, could have an impact on us and the industries in which we operate. We believe that, to the extent inflation affects our costs in the future, we could generally offset inflation by increasing prices if competitive conditions permit.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note B to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for information regarding recent accounting pronouncements.
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Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk (000's). |
The following discussion about our market risk includes “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates which could affect our future results of operations and financial condition. We manage our exposure to these risks through our regular operating and financing activities.
Foreign exchange. We have foreign-based operations in Taiwan and Canada which each accounted for 6% of 2013 net sales. We also began operations in Hong Kong during 2013, which accounted for approximately 2.0% of 2013 net sales. We advance funds to and from our foreign operations denominated in U.S. dollars, exposing the foreign operation to the effect of changes in spot exchange rates of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar. We do not regularly use forward-exchange contracts to hedge these exposures. Based on our foreign currency exchange rate exposure for intercompany advances of approximately $36 to our Canadian operation, $1,558 to our Taiwan operation and $1,028 to our Hong Kong operation at December 31, 2013, a 10% adverse change in the currency rate would reduce earnings (loss) before income taxes by approximately $ 263.
All transactions with our licensees are denominated in U.S. dollars so the licensee bears the currency exchange risk. Accordingly, exchange rate fluctuations in international markets served by our licensees do not directly affect our results of operations. However, exchange rate fluctuations in these markets may affect the ability of our licensees to conduct successful businesses.
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Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. |
The financial statements and supplementary data are listed in the Index to Financial Statements on Page F-1 of this report.
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Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. |
None.
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Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures. |
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated as of December 31, 2013 , the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as of December 31, 2013, were effective for the purpose of ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the rules and forms of the Exchange Act and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of published financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We believe, however, that a controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls systems are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud or error, if any, within a company have been detected.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013.
Management's report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, this annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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Item 9B. | Other Information. |
None.
PART III
Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this report as we will file a definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 18, 2014, pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report, and certain information included in such proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference. Only those sections of the proxy statement that specifically address the items set forth herein are incorporated by reference.
| |
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. |
The information for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
| |
Item 11. | Executive Compensation. |
The information for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
| |
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. |
The information for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
| |
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. |
The information for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
| |
Item 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. |
The information for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
PART IV
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Item 15. | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. |
(a)(1) Financial Statements. The following financial statements and related documents are filed as part of this report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Lane Gorman Trubitt, PLLC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules. None.
(a)(3) Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
|
| | |
Ex. No. | | Description |
| | |
3.1 | | Articles of Incorporation (2) |
| | |
3.2 | | Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, dated August 7, 2013 regarding the reverse stock split* |
| | |
3.3 | | Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, dated August 7, 2013 regarding the forward stock split* |
| | |
3.4 | | Bylaws (2) |
| | |
3.5 | | Amendment No. 1 to Bylaws (5) |
| | |
3.6 | | Amendment No. 2 to Bylaws (10) |
| | |
4.1 | | Specimen copy of Certificate for Common Stock* |
| | |
4.2 | | The 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (3) |
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4.3 | | The 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (8) |
| | |
10.1 | | Form of Member Agreement and Policies with Distributors (1) |
| | |
10.2 | | Form of Indemnification Agreement (2) |
| | |
10.3 | | Mortgage Note, dated March 15, 2001, in the principal amount of $3,000,000, executed by Royal BodyCare, Inc. and Clinton H. Howard in favor of Allstate Life Insurance Company(9) |
| | |
10.4 | | Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases, Rents and Contracts, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated March 16, 2001, between Royal BodyCare, Inc., as Trustor, Robin R. Green, as Trustee and Allstate Life Insurance Company, as Beneficiary(9) |
| | |
10.5 | | Exclusive Distributorship Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2004, between Royal BodyCare, Inc. and Coral Club International, Inc.(7) |
| | |
10.6 | | Sales and Marketing Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2013 between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Terry Butler* |
| | |
10.7 | | First Addendum Operations Agreement - Australia, dated as of January 16, 2013, between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Terry Butler* |
| | |
10.8 | | Second Addendum Operations Agreement - Hong Kong, dated as of June 3, 2013, between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Terry Butler* |
| | |
10.9 | | Employment Agreement dated October 18, 2013, between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Clinton H. Howard (12) |
| | |
10.10 | | Employment Agreement dated August 6, 2012, between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Steven E. Brown (11) |
| | |
10.11 | | Proposal for Services and Statement of Work dated December 3, 2013, between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and GSAT, Inc.* |
| | |
10.12 | | Employment Agreement dated January 8, 2014, between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Richard S. Jablonski* |
| | |
10.13 | | Employment Agreement dated January 8, 2014 between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Kevin B. Young* |
|
| | |
| | |
14.1 | | Code of Ethics(6) |
| | |
21.1 | | List of company subsidiaries* |
| | |
23.1 | | Consent of Lane Gorman Trubitt, PLLC, independent registered public accountants to incorporation of report by reference * |
| | |
23.2 | | Consent of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, legal counsel (4) |
| | |
24.1 | | Power of Attorney (4) |
| | |
31.1 | | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
| | |
31.2 | | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
| | |
32.1 | | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
| | |
32.2 | | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
101.INS | | XBRL Instance Document ** |
| | |
101.SCH | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document ** |
| | |
101.CAL | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document ** |
| | |
101.DEF | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document ** |
| | |
101.LAB | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document ** |
| | |
101.PRE | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document ** |
* Filed herewith
** Filed electronically herewith
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed May 7, 1999
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 26, 2000
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 29, 2003
(4) Incorporated by reference to the registration statement filed on Form S-8 filed October 15, 2003
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 14, 2003
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 14, 2004
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2004
(8) Incorporated by reference to the registration statement filed on Form S-8 filed December 22, 2006
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 13, 2009
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 9, 2010
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 7, 2012
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 12, 2013
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
| | | |
| | RBC LIFE SCIENCES, INC., |
| | a Nevada corporation |
| | | |
Date: | March 27, 2014 | By: | /s/ Clinton H. Howard |
| | | Clinton H. Howard, Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
| | | | |
Signature | | Title | | Date |
| | | | |
/s/ Clinton H. Howard | | Chairman of the Board of Directors, | | |
Clinton H. Howard | | Chief Executive Officer | | |
| | (principal executive officer) | | March 27, 2014 |
| | | | |
/s/ Richard S. Jablonski | | Vice President, Finance, | | |
Richard S. Jablonski | | Chief Financial Officer | | March 27, 2014 |
| | (principal financial and accounting officer) | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Steven E. Brown | | President and Director | | |
Steven E. Brown | | | | March 27, 2014 |
| | | | |
/s/ Joseph. P. Philipp | | Director | | |
Joseph P. Philipp | | | | March 27, 2014 |
| | | | |
/s/ Robert A. Kaiser | | Director | | |
Robert A. Kaiser | | | | March 27, 2014 |
| | | | |
/s/ Andrew V. Howard | | Director | | March 27, 2014 |
Andrew V. Howard | | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Cynthia L. Tysinger | | Director | | March 27, 2014 |
Cynthia L. Tysinger | | | | |
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
| |
| Page |
| |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | |
| |
Consolidated Financial Statements | |
| |
Consolidated Balance Sheets | |
| |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | |
| |
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity | |
| |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | |
| |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
LANE GORMAN TRUBITT, PLLC.
Dallas, Texas
March 27, 2014
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 |
ASSETS | | | | |
Current assets | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 3,745,684 |
| | $ | 3,896,087 |
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $28,000 and $27,417, respectively | | 907,287 |
| | 877,275 |
|
Inventories | | 5,141,509 |
| | 5,084,900 |
|
Deferred income taxes | | 429,640 |
| | 462,088 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | 793,548 |
| | 833,458 |
|
Total current assets | | 11,017,668 |
| | 11,153,808 |
|
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation | | 4,169,078 |
| | 4,488,374 |
|
Goodwill | | 2,263,458 |
| | 2,298,020 |
|
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization | | 37,979 |
| | 43,936 |
|
Other assets | | 45,327 |
| | 30,283 |
|
| | $ | 17,533,510 |
| | $ | 18,014,421 |
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | | |
| | |
|
Current liabilities | | |
| | |
|
Accounts payable, trade | | $ | 1,608,000 |
| | $ | 1,495,194 |
|
Accrued liabilities | | 1,156,818 |
| | 1,111,131 |
|
Current maturities of long-term obligations | | 212,474 |
| | 196,678 |
|
Deferred revenue | | 3,677,893 |
| | 3,230,506 |
|
Total current liabilities | | 6,655,185 |
| | 6,033,509 |
|
Long-term obligations, less current maturities | | 1,136,347 |
| | 1,348,821 |
|
Deferred income taxes | | 727,660 |
| | 1,116,593 |
|
Commitments and contingencies | |
|
| |
|
|
Shareholders' equity | | |
| | |
|
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; 2,212,250 and 2,222,883 shares issued and outstanding in 2013 and 2012, respectively. (See Note B regarding Stock Splits) | | 2,212 |
| | 2,223 |
|
Additional paid-in capital. (See Note B regarding Stock Splits) | | 13,711,522 |
| | 13,708,736 |
|
Accumulated deficit | | (4,814,281 | ) | | (4,314,278 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | 114,865 |
| | 118,817 |
|
| | 9,014,318 |
| | 9,515,498 |
|
| | $ | 17,533,510 |
| | $ | 18,014,421 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31,
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
Net sales | | $ | 25,470,934 |
| | $ | 25,160,172 |
| |
Cost of sales | | 13,459,279 |
| | 12,528,218 |
| |
Gross profit | | 12,011,655 |
| | 12,631,954 |
| |
Operating expenses | | |
| | |
| |
General and administrative | | 9,344,628 |
| | 9,808,930 |
| |
Distributor commissions | | 2,785,568 |
| | 3,214,664 |
| |
Depreciation and amortization | | 506,083 |
| | 515,017 |
| |
Casualty gain | | — |
| | (443,064 | ) | |
Total operating expenses | | 12,636,279 |
| | 13,095,547 |
| |
Operating loss | | (624,624 | ) | | (463,593 | ) | |
Interest expense | | 111,617 |
| | 126,333 |
| |
Loss before income taxes | | (736,241 | ) | | (589,926 | ) | |
Income tax benefit | | (236,236 | ) | | (228,490 | ) | |
Net loss | | $ | (500,005 | ) | | $ | (361,436 | ) | |
| | | | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | $ | (3,952 | ) | | $ | (24,733 | ) | |
Comprehensive loss | | $ | (503,957 | ) | | $ | (386,169 | ) | |
| | | | | |
Basic loss per share | | $(0.23) | | $(0.16) | |
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | | 2,218,757 |
| | 2,222,883 |
| |
Diluted loss per share | | $(0.23) | | $(0.16) | |
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | | 2,218,757 |
| | 2,222,883 |
| |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Additional | | | | Accumulated other | | Total |
| | Common stock | | paid-in | | Accumulated | | comprehensive | | shareholders’ |
| | Shares | | Amount | | capital | | deficit | | income | | equity |
Balance at January 1, 2012 | | 2,222,883 |
| | $ | 2,223 |
| | $ | 13,670,420 |
| | $ | (3,952,842 | ) | | $ | 143,550 |
| | $ | 9,863,351 |
|
Comprehensive income (loss) | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Net loss | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (361,436 | ) | | — |
| | (361,436 | ) |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (24,733 | ) | | (24,733 | ) |
Total comprehensive loss | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | (386,169 | ) |
Exercise of common stock options | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Share-based compensation | | — |
| | — |
| | 38,316 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 38,316 |
|
Balance at December 31, 2012 | | 2,222,883 |
| | 2,223 |
| | 13,708,736 |
| | (4,314,278 | ) | | 118,817 |
| | 9,515,498 |
|
Comprehensive loss | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Net loss | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (500,005 | ) | | — |
| | (500,005 | ) |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (3,952 | ) | | (3,952 | ) |
Total comprehensive loss | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | (503,957 | ) |
Share-based compensation | | — |
| | — |
| | 20,648 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 20,648 |
|
Share Repurchase & Other | | (10,633 | ) | | (11 | ) | | (17,862 | ) | | 2 |
| |
| | (17,871 | ) |
Balance at December 31, 2013 | | 2,212,250 |
| | $ | 2,212 |
| | $ | 13,711,522 |
| | $ | (4,814,281 | ) | | $ | 114,865 |
| | $ | 9,014,318 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31,
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (500,005 | ) | | $ | (361,436 | ) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities | | | | |
| |
Depreciation and amortization | | 588,287 |
| | 584,737 |
| |
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets | | 2,529 |
| | — |
| |
Deferred income taxes | | (235,460 | ) | | 108,611 |
| |
Share-based compensation | | 20,648 |
| | 38,316 |
| |
Casualty gain | | — |
| | (443,064 | ) | |
Change in operating assets and liabilities | | | | |
| |
Accounts receivable | | (30,017 | ) | | (291,646 | ) | |
Inventories | | (66,178 | ) | | 1,375,057 |
| |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | (91,918 | ) | | (207,442 | ) | |
Other assets | | (15,946 | ) | | (4,303 | ) | |
Accounts payable, trade | | 116,517 |
| | (632,973 | ) | |
Accrued liabilities | | 55,086 |
| | 44,412 |
| |
Deferred revenue | | 450,689 |
| | 235,083 |
| |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | 294,232 |
| | 445,352 |
| |
Cash flows from investing activities | | |
| | |
| |
Purchase of property and equipment | | (267,055 | ) | | (805,385 | ) | |
Proceeds from insurance policy | | — |
| | 625,247 |
| |
Proceeds from sale of equipment | | — |
| | — |
| |
Net cash used in investing activities | | (267,055 | ) | | (180,138 | ) | |
Cash flows from financing activities | | |
| | |
| |
Redemption of common stock | | (17,872 | ) | |
|
| |
Payments of long-term obligations | | (196,678 | ) | | (182,056 | ) | |
Net cash used in financing activities | | (214,550 | ) | | (182,056 | ) | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash flows | | 36,970 |
| | (45,615 | ) | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | (150,403 | ) | | 37,543 |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | | 3,896,087 |
| | 3,858,544 |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | | $ | 3,745,684 |
| | $ | 3,896,087 |
| |
Supplemental cash flow disclosures | | |
| | |
| |
Interest paid | | $ | 112,887 |
| | $ | 127,509 |
| |
Income tax refunds received, net | | 169,165 |
| | 119,881 |
| |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND ORGANIZATION
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. (along with its subsidiaries, sometimes hereinafter referred to collectively as “RBC” or the “Company”) is principally engaged in the marketing and distribution of nutritional supplements and personal care products (collectively “Nutritional Products”) through subsidiaries in the U.S., Canada, Taiwan and, beginning in July, 2013, Hong Kong. This product line is marketed under the “RBC Life” brand name. In certain markets, primarily the U.S., Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong, the Company markets its products through a network of distributors that are referred to as “Associates.” The Associates are independent contractors who purchase products for personal use, purchase products for resale to retail customers and sponsor other individuals as Associates. Accordingly, Associates may be product consumers only or they may also seek to derive compensation both from the direct sales of products and from sales generated by sponsored Associates.
RBC also markets its Nutritional Products in certain international markets through license arrangements. The licensees are third parties who are granted exclusive rights to distribute RBC products in their respective territories and, for the most part, distribute these products through an independent distributor network in a licensed territory. Under these arrangements, the independent distributor network in a licensed territory is compensated by the licensee in accordance with a compensation plan similar to the one used by RBC for its Associates.
In addition to its Nutritional Products, RBC also markets a line of wound care products (“Medical Products”) under the MPM Medical brand name through a U.S. subsidiary. Medical Products are primarily distributed in the U.S. to hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and pharmacies through traditional medical/surgical supply dealers and pharmaceutical distributors. Medical Products are used to prevent and treat wounds, and manage pain associated with wounds, in the acute care, long-term care and oncology markets.
NOTE B – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation and Reporting - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RBC and its wholly owned subsidiaries, RBC Life Sciences USA, Inc., RBC Life Sciences Canada, Inc., RBC Life Sciences Hong Kong Limited and MPM Medical, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Subsequent events were evaluated through the issuance date of the financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company holds cash deposits in foreign bank accounts from time to time. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $366,000 and $71,000, respectively, were held in a Canadian bank, and $354,000 and $322,000, respectively, were held in a Taiwanese bank. At December 31, 2013, $444,000 was held in a Hong Kong bank. For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company includes in its cash and cash equivalents credit card receivables due from its credit card processors.
The Company maintains certain cash balances at a bank located in the United States which at times may exceed insured limits. The Company maintains an agreement with this bank which provides certain collateral as security against the possibility of losses in excess of insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk.
Accounts Receivable - The Company’s accounts receivable arise in the normal course of business and primarily relate to sales of Medical Products to various businesses and individuals. Accounts receivable are generally due within 30, 45 or 60 days and are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.
Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time accounts are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the industry as a whole. The Company charges accounts receivable against the allowance when they become uncollectible, and any payments subsequently received on such accounts are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventories - Inventories consisting of raw materials and bulk products, packaging materials and finished goods are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of inventories is determined using the first in, first out method.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, principally on the straight-line method, ranging from three to 25 years.
Intangible Assets and Amortization - Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are reviewed annually for impairment or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s intangible assets with finite lives consisted of copyrights, trademarks, other registrations and other intangibles, which are amortized over an average life of 19 years.
The Company has designated year end as the date of its annual goodwill impairment test. The Company tests goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, to the fair value of the unit. Fair value is determined by estimating the present value of future cash flows and the value of comparable companies based on sales multiples. An impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value. To date, the Company has not recognized any impairment losses related to the carrying value of its goodwill. See Note L for a discussion of the fair value assumptions used for assessing goodwill for impairment.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Stock Splits - On August 9, 2013, the Company completed a 1-for-500 reverse stock split (the "Reverse Split"), whereby each 500 shares of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock, was converted into one whole share of new Common Stock (the "New Common Stock"). No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Split. In lieu of issuing fractional shares to shareholders in connection with the Reverse Split, the Company will pay $0.1691 per share to shareholders.
Immediately following the Reverse Split, the Company completed a 50-for-1 forward stock split (the "Forward Split" and together with the Reverse Split, the "Stock Splits") whereby each share of New Common Stock was converted into 50 shares of Common Stock.
Our common stock began trading at the split-adjusted price on August 12, 2013. All share numbers and per share amounts presented reflect the Stock Splits. Amounts recorded as common stock and additional paid in capital within the Shareholders' Equity section of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets have been restated to reflect the impact of the Stock Splits.
Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue - Sales are recorded when products are shipped, which is the point the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the customer. Sales include amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling and are recorded net of sales taxes. The Company generally requires a cash or credit card payment at the point of sale for Nutritional Products sold to its Associates. With regard to orders received from its third-party licensees, the Company generally requires the licensee to make a cash deposit equal to 50% of the order at the time an order is placed, and to pay the remaining 50% when the products are segregated in the Company's warehouse and ready to ship; however, sales are not recognized until the products are shipped. Deposits and payments received for unshipped products are recorded as “deferred revenue.”
The Company’s agreements with its third-party licensees generally provide that licensees pay to the Company a monthly royalty, which is calculated as a specified percentage of the licensees’ sales, as defined, in the territories covered by the license agreements. Royalties paid by licensees are recorded as sales and amounted to $1,801,000 and $2,003,000 in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Distributor Commissions - Distributor commissions consist primarily of commissions paid to Associates in accordance with the Associate compensation plan. These commissions are calculated based on the total monthly sales by the Associate and his or her downline organization. Most commissions are paid to Associates monthly. Sales incentives paid to Associates that represent rebates are recorded as a reduction of sales rather than distributor commission expense. Associates can earn rebates if the amount of their personal monthly sales exceeds a threshold amount set forth under the Associate compensation plan. Associate rebates recorded as a reduction of sales were $281,000 and $272,000 in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Casualty Gain. In 2012, the Company recognized a casualty gain in connection with the replacement of the roof of its facility in Irving, Texas and reimbursement for a related claim under a replacement cost insurance policy. The replacement of the roof was necessitated by a hailstorm which occurred in May 2011.
Income Taxes - The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are provided based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the currently enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which these differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax expense or benefit is the result of changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities. An allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded in whole or in part when it is more likely than not that such tax benefits will not be realized.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company’s policy is to record any interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within its provision for income taxes.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic earnings (loss) per common share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and, when dilutive, common shares issuable for stock options.
Accounting Estimates - In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("US GAAP"), management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Financial Instruments - The carrying value of cash, interest-bearing deposits, accounts receivable and payable, accrued liabilities and lines of credit approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. Fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on interest rates for the same or similar instruments offered having the same or similar maturities and collateral requirements. At December 31, 2013, fair value of fixed-rate long-term debt was $1,469,000, which was $120,000 above the carrying value of $1,349,000. At December 31, 2012, fair value of fixed-rate long-term debt was $1,713,000, which was $168,000 above the carrying value of $1,545,000. See Note L for a discussion of the fair value assumptions used for determining the fair value of our fixed-rate long-term debt.
Segment Information - The Company’s operations involve two operating segments: the Nutritional Products segment and the Medical Products segment. Nutritional Products are developed and distributed to a network of independent Associates operating primarily in North America and Southeast Asia and to licensees operating in certain other countries outside of North America and Southeast Asia. Medical Products are developed and sold primarily throughout the U.S. through medical/surgical supply dealers and pharmaceutical distributors to medical institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes and pharmacies.
Product Return Policy – Up to one year from the date of purchase, Nutritional Products that are unused and resalable may be returned by an Associate for a refund equal to 100% of the sales price to the Associate less a 10% restocking fee and commissions paid. The return of product by an Associate, other than product damaged at the time of receipt, may result in cancellation of the distributorship. Generally, unused Medical Products may be returned up to six months from date of purchase for a refund equal to 100% of the sales price less a 25% restocking fee. Returned products damaged during shipment are replaced by the Company. Nutritional Products purchased by licensees may not be returned to the Company for a refund except in the case of a product defect.
Advertising - Advertising expense is charged to operations when incurred. Advertising expenses were $44,000 and $117,000 in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Translation of Foreign Currencies - All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date. Revenue and expense accounts are translated at weighted average exchange rates. Translation gains and losses are reflected as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated statements of operations. In 2013, the Company recorded a loss on foreign currency transactions of $66,000. In 2012, the Company recorded a gain on foreign currency transactions of $40,000.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under US GAAP are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net earnings (loss) as the amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity. The Company’s other comprehensive income (loss) is attributed to translation gains or losses of foreign currencies.
Share-Based Compensation – The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense based on the fair value of share-based awards. Share-based compensation is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the awards expected to vest and recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period of the award. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate fair value of share-based awards, which requires various assumptions including estimating stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected life.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2013-02"), which provides guidance to update the presentation of reclassifications from comprehensive income to net income in consolidated financial statements. Under this new guidance, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income either by the respective line items of net income or by cross-reference to other required disclosures. The new guidance does not change the requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
NOTE C – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, accounts receivable consist of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 |
Accounts receivable | | | | |
Trade | | $ | 914,287 |
| | $ | 904,692 |
|
Other | | 21,000 |
| | — |
|
Total | | 935,287 |
| | 904,692 |
|
Less allowance for doubtful accounts | | 28,000 |
| | 27,417 |
|
Net accounts receivable | | $ | 907,287 |
| | $ | 877,275 |
|
Changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 |
Beginning balance | | $ | 27,417 |
| | $ | 29,361 |
|
Bad debt provision | | 9,926 |
| | 9,019 |
|
Accounts written off | | (9,343 | ) | | (10,963 | ) |
Ending balance | | $ | 28,000 |
| | $ | 27,417 |
|
One medical/surgical dealer accounts for a significant portion of Medical Products sales. This dealer filed a voluntary petition for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana, California on February 24, 2012. See Note M elsewhere in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about this dealer. The total amount receivable from this dealer at December 31, 2013 was approximately $527,000. Approximately $240,000 of this amount represents a pre-petition receivable. While we believe the amounts due from this dealer will be collected in full, we will continue to monitor these proceedings as they progress in order to appropriately assess and enforce our rights in this matter.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE D – INVENTORIES
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, inventories consist of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 |
Raw materials and bulk products | | $ | 371,863 |
| | $ | 173,450 |
|
Packaging materials | | 135,138 |
| | 237,871 |
|
Finished goods | | 4,634,508 |
| | 4,673,579 |
|
| | $ | 5,141,509 |
| | $ | 5,084,900 |
|
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company reviews products based on expiration date and expected rate of sale to determine if the expected net realizable value of products are less than cost. A valuation reserve is established to reduce the carrying value of those products to their net realizable value. The valuation reserve was approximately $157,000 and $290,000 at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
NOTE E – PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 |
Advances to Associate | | $ | 339,603 |
| | $ | — |
|
Advance payments to suppliers | | 202,682 |
| | 223,267 |
|
Certificates of deposit – restricted | | 79,909 |
| | 85,357 |
|
Prepaid income taxes | | 7,349 |
| | 303,983 |
|
Prepaid insurance and other | | 164,005 |
| | 220,851 |
|
Total | | $ | 793,548 |
| | $ | 833,458 |
|
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held certificates of deposit in the amount of approximately $80,000 and $85,000, respectively, which were pledged to secure surety bonds.
During 2013, the Company entered into agreements with an Associate to market Nutritional Products in Australia, Hong Kong and other Asian markets. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company made cash advances to this Associate to support marketing activities and fund costs related to the opening of an office in Hong Kong. Also in accordance with the agreements, these advances do not bear interest, and are to be recovered from monthly marketing fees calculated as a percentage of sales that are generated in the Associate's markets.
On July 30, 2013, the Company was notified by the Associate that he was unable to fulfill certain of his financial obligations under the agreements. The Company deemed this failure to represent a material breach of the agreements. Through July 31, 2013, the Company had advanced funds to this Associate totaling approximately $403,000 (net of marketing fees earned).
Because the Associate was unable to fulfill his financial obligations related to the operation of the Hong Kong office, the Company has continued to advance funds in order to keep the Hong Kong office in operation. Through December 31, 2013, net advances under the agreements were $620,000, which represents gross advances of $692,000, less $72,000 in marketing fees earned through that date. Gross advances made after July 31, 2013 total approximately $280,000. Due to the risk that not all of the advances will be recovered from marketing fees, advances made after July 31, 2013 are fully reserved, and the related expense is included in general and administrative expense during the period.
Advances outstanding (net of marketing fees earned and reserves for uncollectible advances) as of December 31, 2013 were approximately $340,000. The Company expects to recover the full amount of the net advances outstanding from marketing fees over the next 12 months and they are classified as a prepaid expense and other current asset. The Company is in discussions to determine the appropriate course of action with respect to this Associate to protect the Company's operations in Australia, Hong Kong and other Asian markets. However, there can be no assurance that the advances will be recovered in accordance with the terms of the existing agreements.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE F – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, property and equipment consist of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 |
Building and improvements | | $ | 3,912,449 |
| | $ | 3,812,692 |
|
Computer software and office equipment | | 2,592,382 |
| | 2,444,383 |
|
Warehouse equipment | | 254,034 |
| | 234,625 |
|
Automotive equipment | | 14,717 |
| | 14,717 |
|
| | 6,773,582 |
| | 6,506,417 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | | 3,745,677 |
| | 3,159,216 |
|
| | 3,027,905 |
| | 3,347,201 |
|
Land | | 1,141,173 |
| | 1,141,173 |
|
| | $ | 4,169,078 |
| | $ | 4,488,374 |
|
Depreciation expense totaled approximately $582,300, and $578,800 for the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
NOTE G – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Company measures its goodwill for impairment at the end of each year or in the event of an impairment indicator. No impairment losses have been recognized as a result of this testing. See Note L for a discussion of the fair value assumptions used for assessing goodwill for impairment.
Goodwill balances are summarized as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Gross Carrying Value | | Accumulated Amortization |
Balance, January 1, 2012 | | $ | 3,413,527 |
| | $ | (1,126,668 | ) |
Currency translation adjustment | | 21,778 |
| | (10,617 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2012 | | 3,435,305 |
| | (1,137,285 | ) |
Currency translation adjustment | | (67,442 | ) | | 32,880 |
|
Balance, December 31, 2013 | | $ | 3,367,863 |
| | $ | (1,104,405 | ) |
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, other intangible assets consist of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 |
| | Average Life (years) | | Gross Carrying Value | | Accumulated Amortization | | Average Life (years) | | Gross Carrying Value | | Accumulated Amortization |
Copyrights, trademarks and other registrations | | 19 | | $ | 99,100 |
| | $ | (65,405 | ) | | 19 | | $ | 99,100 |
| | $ | (60,119 | ) |
Other | | 19 | | 12,600 |
| | (8,316 | ) | | 19 | | 12,600 |
| | (7,644 | ) |
| | | | $ | 111,700 |
| | $ | (73,721 | ) | | | | $ | 111,700 |
| | $ | (67,763 | ) |
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Amortization expense related to other intangible assets totaled approximately $6,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The aggregate estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets is as follows:
|
| | | |
Year ended December 31, | |
2014 | $ | 5,957 |
|
2015 | 5,957 |
|
2016 | 5,957 |
|
2017 | 5,957 |
|
2018 | 5,957 |
|
Thereafter | 8,194 |
|
| $ | 37,979 |
|
NOTE H – ACCRUED LIABILITIES
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, accrued liabilities consist of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 |
Distributor commissions | | $ | 507,365 |
| | $ | 443,707 |
|
Salaries and wages | | 502,303 |
| | 499,894 |
|
Sales and property taxes | | 83,159 |
| | 69,483 |
|
Medical products sales rebates | | 35,340 |
| | 52,611 |
|
Interest | | 8,711 |
| | 9,981 |
|
Other | | 19,940 |
| | 35,455 |
|
Total | | $ | 1,156,818 |
| | $ | 1,111,131 |
|
NOTE I – LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, long-term obligations consist of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 |
Mortgage note payable bearing interest at 7.75%, payable in monthly installments of $25,797 through April 2019, collateralized by land and building, and personally guaranteed by the Company’s CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors | | $ | 1,348,821 |
| | $ | 1,545,499 |
|
Less – current maturities | | 212,474 |
| | 196,678 |
|
| | $ | 1,136,347 |
| | $ | 1,348,821 |
|
Long-term obligation payments payable in the next five years are as follows:
|
| | | |
Year ended December 31, | |
2014 | $ | 212,474 |
|
2015 | 229,538 |
|
2016 | 247,973 |
|
2017 | 267,889 |
|
2018 | 289,403 |
|
Thereafter | 101,544 |
|
| $ | 1,348,821 |
|
NOTE J – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock incentive plans - On July 1, 1998, the Company’s shareholders adopted the 1998 Stock Option Plan and reserved 500,000 shares of common stock for issuance under this plan. Effective September 4, 2003, the Company’s shareholders adopted
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
an amendment and restatement of this plan, which, among other things, increased the number of shares reserved under this plan to 3,500,000. This plan expired July 1, 2008 although options granted under this plan remain outstanding at December 31, 2013.
On June 1, 2006, the Company’s shareholders adopted the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) under which 2,500,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. The 2006 Plan provides for the issuance of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock awards and stock appreciation rights, and permits grants to employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company.
Generally, stock options granted under these plans vest over a period from four to five years and have a term of nine years. Certain stock options granted under these plans were fully vested upon grant and certain options have terms of five years.
Stock Option Accounting - The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense based on the fair value of share-based awards as estimated at the grant date. Share-based compensation expense for 2013 and 2012 was approximately $20,600 and $38,300, respectively, and is classified as a general and administrative expense. Tax benefits related to this expense were immaterial because virtually all share-based compensation resulted from grants of ISOs. No tax benefit is recorded for an ISO unless upon exercise a disqualifying disposition occurs. The Company will prospectively record any excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options as cash flows from financing activities. There were no material excess tax benefits in 2013 or 2012.
Fair Value - The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
|
| | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
Weighted average expected life (years) | | 4.5 | | 4.5 - 6.0 | |
Risk-free interest rate | | 1.40% | | 0.6% - 1.0% | |
Expected volatility | | 261.00% | | 245% - 310% | |
Expected dividend yield | | —% | | —% | |
The weighted average expected life is based on the option term. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility rates. The expected dividend yield is 0.0% since the Company has no history of paying dividends and currently has no plans to do so.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Stock Option Activity - All share numbers and per share amounts presented reflect the Stock Splits. See Note B for additional information regarding the Stock Splits. A summary of stock option activity for the two years ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Options | | Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share | | Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
Outstanding on January 1, 2012 | | 119,057 |
| | $ | 3.30 |
| | | | |
Granted | | 11,680 |
| | 2.40 |
| | | | |
Exercised | | — |
| | — |
| | | | |
Forfeited/canceled | | (44,611 | ) | | 1.80 |
| | | | |
Outstanding on December 31, 2012 | | 86,126 |
| | 4.00 |
| | | | |
Granted | | 2,160 |
| | 1.17 |
| | | | |
Exercised | | — |
| | — |
| | | | |
Forfeited/canceled | | (18,890 | ) | | 3.47 |
| | | | |
Outstanding on December 31, 2013 | | 69,396 |
| | $ | 4.00 |
| | 4.3 |
| | $ | — |
|
Exercisable on December 31, 2013 | | 54,646 |
| | $ | 4.23 |
| | 3.7 |
| | $ | — |
|
A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested stock options as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 , and changes during the year then ended, is presented below:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2013 | | 2012 |
| | Shares | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share | | Shares | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share |
Non-vested stock options January 1, | | 19,976 |
| | $ | 2.90 |
| | 17,991 |
| | 4.40 |
|
Non-vested stock options granted | | 2,160 |
| | 1.14 |
| | 11,680 |
| | 2.40 |
|
Vested stock options | | (7,386 | ) | | 2.92 |
| | (8,017 | ) | | 4.70 |
|
Forfeited stock options | | — |
| | — |
| | (1,678 | ) | | 1.70 |
|
Non-vested stock options at December 31, | | 14,750 |
| | $ | 2.68 |
| | 19,976 |
| | $ | 2.90 |
|
Additional information related to stock options granted, vested and exercised for the two years ended December 31, 2013 is a follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
Grant date fair value of stock options granted | | $ | 2,471 |
| | $ | 27,663 |
| |
Grant date fair value of stock options vested | | 21,586 |
| | 37,814 |
| |
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised | | — |
| | — |
| |
As of December 31, 2013, there was approximately $37,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option grants. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE K – INCOME TAXES
The income tax expense (benefit) reconciled to the tax computed at the statutory Federal rate of 34% is as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
Federal income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate | | $ | (250,322 | ) | | $ | (200,575 | ) | |
State income taxes, net of federal benefit | | (755 | ) | | 6,490 |
| |
Share-based compensation | | 6,759 |
| | 10,682 |
| |
Effect of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits | | 42,340 |
| | 9,404 |
| |
R&D tax credits recognized | | (35,417 | ) | | (27,044 | ) | |
Other, net | | 1,159 |
| | (27,447 | ) | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | $ | (236,236 | ) | | $ | (228,490 | ) | |
Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are comprised of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2013 | | 2012 |
Deferred tax assets related to: | | | | |
Inventories | | $ | 289,818 |
| | $ | 365,087 |
|
Accounts receivable and other assets | | 9,800 |
| | 9,596 |
|
Accrued liabilities | | 89,816 |
| | 81,647 |
|
Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards | | 583,787 |
| | 70,102 |
|
Other | | 16,349 |
| | 21,965 |
|
| | 989,570 |
| | 548,397 |
|
Valuation allowance | | (214,479 | ) | | — |
|
Net deferred tax assets | | 775,091 |
| | 548,397 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities related to: | | |
| | |
|
Property and equipment | | (462,221 | ) | | (596,290 | ) |
Intangible assets | | (610,890 | ) | | (606,612 | ) |
Deferred tax liabilities | | (1,073,111 | ) | | (1,202,902 | ) |
Net deferred tax liabilities | | $ | (298,020 | ) | | $ | (654,505 | ) |
| | | | |
Net current deferred tax assets | | $ | 429,640 |
| | $ | 462,088 |
|
Net long-term deferred tax liabilities | | (727,660 | ) | | (1,116,593 | ) |
| | $ | (298,020 | ) | | $ | (654,505 | ) |
At December 31, 2013, the Company has U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $401,000 and tax credit carryforwards of approximately $139,000 that begin to expire in 2020, if not utilized. The Company also has net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $1,126,000 in Canada which will begin to expire in 2016 if not utilized, and $244,000 in Hong Kong which can be utilized at any time in the future.
In February 2013, the Canada Revenue Agency completed an audit of the Company's income tax returns for the period 2008-2011. As a result of that audit, the Company and the Canada Revenue Agency agreed to a change in the transfer pricing between the Company's U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries. As a result, net operating losses of approximately $913,000 for the period 2008-2011 were reversed. Because of the history of operating losses in Canada, and the uncertainty related to recovery of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance for the full amount of this Canadian deferred tax asset had been established. Accordingly, the write-off of these deferred tax assets did not significantly impact the Company's financial position or results of operations in 2012. Pursuant to review by competent authority between the U.S and Canadian taxing authorities, in November 2013, the Canada Revenue Agency reversed its position, and determined that the aforementioned net operating losses for 2008-2011 should not be
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
reversed. Accordingly, the deferred tax assets were reinstated at December 31, 2013. As noted above, due to the history of operating losses in Canada and the uncertainty related to recovery of these deferred tax assets, the deferred tax assets are fully reserved, with no net impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S., Canada and Taiwan on a federal basis and in certain U.S. state jurisdictions. The most significant taxing jurisdiction is the U.S. federal jurisdiction. The Company’s 2009 through 2013 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS for U.S. federal tax purposes. As of December 31, 2013, no tax years were under examination in any taxing jurisdiction.
Income tax expense (benefit) for continuing operations consists of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
Current | | | | | |
Federal | | $ | 2,941 |
| | $ | (353,064 | ) | |
Foreign | | (3,717 | ) | | 10,206 |
| |
Deferred | | | | | |
Federal | | (196,484 | ) | | 114,772 |
| |
Foreign | | (38,976 | ) | | (404 | ) | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | $ | (236,236 | ) | | $ | (228,490 | ) | |
NOTE L - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
As defined in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurements. These valuation techniques are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect less transparent active market data, as well as internal assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
· Level 1-Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets
· Level 2-Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose significant inputs are observable and
· Level 3-Instruments with significant unobservable inputs
The fair value of our fixed-rate long-term debt as described in the Financial Instruments section under Note B was determined based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.
We have also performed the required impairment review related to goodwill, as described in Note B. A fair value-based methodology is used in testing the carrying value of goodwill, utilizing assumptions including: (1) a long-term projection of revenues and expenses; (2) estimated discounted future cash flows; (3) weighted-average cost of capital; (4) expected tax rate and (5) the enterprise value of comparable companies as a percentage of sales. Factors used in the valuation of goodwill include, but are not limited to, management's plans for future operations, recent operating results and discounted projected future cash flows. These factors are considered Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.
NOTE M – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases - The Company leases office and warehouse space and certain equipment using operating leases for various periods through 2018. Rental expense under non-cancelable operating leases totaled $193,000 and $217,000 in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
| | | |
Year ended December 31, | |
2014 | $ | 156,039 |
|
2015 | 134,840 |
|
2016 | 134,392 |
|
2017 | 76,866 |
|
2018 | 3,024 |
|
| $ | 505,161 |
|
Employee Arrangements - The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain of its key executives. In October, 2013, the Company entered into an employment agreement with the Company's Chief Executive Officer, expiring December 31, 2014, which agreement automatically renews for an additional one-year term unless either party provides notice to the other 60 days prior to the last day of the then current term. Among other things, the agreement provides that if employment is terminated for certain reasons set forth in the agreement, which reasons do not include a change of control, the Company will be required to make a severance payment in an amount equal to the greater of (i) the remaining compensation due through the end of the current term or (ii) one-half of the annual base salary. Upon termination of the agreement, the Chief Executive Officer will receive a specified portion of his salary for an additional three-year period for consulting services.
In August, 2012, the Company entered into an employment agreement with the Company's President, expiring December 31, 2015, which agreement automatically renews for an additional one-year term unless either party provides notice to the other 30 days prior to the last day of the then current term. Among other things, the agreement provides that if employment is terminated for certain reasons set forth in the agreement, which reasons do not include a change of control, the Company will be required to make a severance payment in an amount equal to the greater of (i) the remaining compensation due through the end of the current term or (ii) one-half of the annual base salary. In the event that the Company chooses not to renew the agreement, the President will be entitled to one-half of the annual base salary as severance.
In January, 2014, the Company entered into an employment agreement with the Company's Chief Financial Officer, expiring December 31, 2014, which agreement automatically renews for an additional one-year term unless either party provides notice to the other 30 days prior to the last day of the then current term. Among other things, the agreement provides that if employment is terminated for certain reasons set forth in the agreement, which reasons do not include a change of control, the Company will be required to make a severance payment in an amount equal to the greater of (i) the remaining compensation due through the end of the current term or (ii) one-half of the annual base salary. In the event that the Company chooses not to renew the agreement, the Chief Financial Officer will be entitled to one-half of the annual base salary as severance.
In January, 2014, the Company entered into an employment agreement with the Company's Vice President of Sales, expiring December 31, 2014. Among other things, the agreement provides that if employment is terminated for certain reasons set forth in the agreement, which reasons do not include a change of control, the Company will be required to make a severance payment in an amount equal to his monthly base salary for a period of 90 days.
In December, 2013 and January, 2014, the Company entered into employment agreements with four other officers or members of the executive team, expiring December 31, 2014. The agreements generally replaced agreements which had an expiration date of December 31, 2013. Among other things, the agreements provide that if employment is terminated for certain reasons set forth in the agreements, which reasons do not include a change of control, the Company will be required to make a severance payment in an amount equal to the greater of (i) the remaining compensation due through the end of the current term or (ii) one-half of the annual base salary.
The Company’s employees can participate in an employee benefit plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code offered through its Professional Employer Organization. This plan covers employees in the U.S. who are at least 18 years of age and have been employed by the Company longer than three months. The Company makes discretionary matching contributions equal to 10% of the employees’ contributions. Total matching contributions made by the Company during 2013 and 2012 were approximately $13,000 and $12,000, respectively.
Litigation - The Company is from time to time engaged in routine litigation. The Company regularly reviews all pending litigation matters in which it is involved and establishes reserves deemed appropriate by management.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
One medical/surgical dealer accounts for a significant portion of Medical Products sales. This dealer distributes our Medical Products and provides services primarily to nursing homes, and obtains reimbursement for the price of our products from Medicare. This dealer accounted for 44% and 53% of Medical Products net sales in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
On February 27, 2012, we were notified that this dealer filed a voluntary petition for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana, California on February 24, 2012. According to its bankruptcy petition, this dealer filed its petition as the most effective means of stabilizing its finances as it resolves a reimbursement guidelines dispute with Medicare, which the dealer believes is improperly withholding payments. The petition states that this dealer relies on Medicare payments for more than 90% of its revenue and that Medicare has currently suspended all of its payments to the dealer. In a press release issued by the dealer at the time of the filing, the dealer stated that the Chapter 11 filing will allow it to continue operating without interruption while it resolves its payment dispute with Medicare as expeditiously as possible. As of February 28, 2014, we had approximately $240,000 in pre-petition accounts receivable that are owed by this dealer. Since the bankruptcy filing, we have continued to fill this dealer's post-petition orders, with payments received in accordance with our normal terms. While we believe the amounts due to us from this dealer will be collected in full, we will continue to monitor these proceedings as they progress in order to appropriately assess and enforce our rights in this matter.
NOTE N – SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA
The Company's segments are based on the organization structure that is used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. Based on this management approach, the Company has two operating segments: Nutritional Products and Medical Products.
The Nutritional Products segment manufactures and distributes a line of approximately 100 nutritional supplements and personal care products, including herbs, vitamins and minerals, as well as natural skin, hair and body care products. Nutritional Products are marketed under the “RBC Life” brand name through subsidiaries in the U.S. and Canada, Taiwan, and beginning in July, 2013, Hong Kong. These products are distributed by a network of independent Associates in certain markets, primarily in the U.S., Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong, and by licensees operating in certain other international markets. For the most part, licensees also market the Nutritional Products in their respective territories through a network of independent Associates.
The Medical Products segment markets a line of over 35 wound care products under the MPM Medical brand name through a U.S. subsidiary operating primarily in the U.S. The wound care products are distributed to hospitals, nursing homes, home health care agencies, clinics and pharmacies through a network of medical/surgical supply dealers and pharmaceutical distributors. Medical Products are used to prevent and treat wounds, and manage pain associated with wounds, in the acute care, long-term care and oncology markets.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note B. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments primarily based on operating profit. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated, and intersegment revenues are not significant. In calculating operating profit (loss) for these two segments, administrative expenses incurred that are common to the two segments are allocated on a usage basis.
Segment information is as follows (in thousands):
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nutritional Products | | Medical Products | | Consolidated |
Year ended December 31, 2013 | | | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 19,084 |
| | $ | 6,387 |
| | $ | 25,471 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | | 527 |
| | 61 |
| | 588 |
|
Operating profit (loss) | | (792 | ) | | 168 |
| | (625 | ) |
Capital expenditures | | 267 |
| | — |
| | 267 |
|
Total assets | | 13,861 |
| | 3,673 |
| | 17,534 |
|
Year ended December 31, 2012 | | |
| | |
| | |
|
Net sales | | $ | 18,837 |
| | $ | 6,324 |
| | $ | 25,160 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | | 511 |
| | 74 |
| | 585 |
|
Operating profit (loss) | | (716 | ) | | 252 |
| | (464 | ) |
Capital expenditures | | 805 |
| | — |
| | 805 |
|
Total assets | | 15,011 |
| | 3,003 |
| | 18,014 |
|
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial information summarized geographically based on the customer’s ordering location for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is listed below (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Net Sales | | Long-lived Assets |
Year ended December 31, 2013 | | | | |
Domestic | | $ | 9,656 |
| | $ | 5,862 |
|
Russia/Eastern Europe | | 11,657 |
| | — |
|
Canada | | 1,530 |
| | 511 |
|
Southeast Asia | | 2,454 |
| | 143 |
|
All others | | 174 |
| | — |
|
Totals | | $ | 25,471 |
| | $ | 6,516 |
|
Year ended December 31, 2012 | | |
| | |
|
Domestic | | $ | 10,548 |
| | $ | 6,229 |
|
Russia/Eastern Europe | | 11,010 |
| | — |
|
Canada | | 1,421 |
| | 545 |
|
Southeast Asia | | 1,898 |
| | 86 |
|
All others | | 283 |
| | — |
|
Totals | | $ | 25,160 |
| | $ | 6,860 |
|
Significant Customers - The Company recorded sales to CCI, a licensee of the Company, in the amount of $11,657,000 and $11,010,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company also recorded sales to a medical/surgical dealer (see Note M) in the amount of $2,807,000 and $3,383,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These sales accounted for more than 10% of net sales in these years. In no other case did a customer of the Company account for more than 10% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2013 or 2012.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE O – LOSS PER SHARE
Summarized basic and diluted loss per common share were calculated as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Net Loss | | Shares | | Per Share |
Year ended December 31, 2013 | | | | | | |
Basic loss per common share | | $ | (500,005 | ) | | 2,218,757 |
| | $(0.23) |
Effect of dilutive stock options | | — |
| | — |
| | |
Diluted loss per common share | | $ | (500,005 | ) | | 2,218,757 |
| | $(0.23) |
| | | | | | |
Year ended December 31, 2012 | | |
| | |
| | |
Basic loss per common share | | $ | (361,436 | ) | | 2,222,883 |
| | $(0.16) |
Effect of dilutive stock options | | — |
| | — |
| | |
Diluted loss per common share | | $ | (361,436 | ) | | 2,222,883 |
| | $(0.16) |
For 2013 and 2012, the number of stock options that were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share because their exercise price was greater than the average market price of our common stock or were otherwise anti-dilutive, was approximately 75,000 and 103,000, respectively.
NOTE P – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Debt Guarantees – The Company’s Chairman of the Board has guaranteed a mortgage note of the Company. The balance of this note was $1,349,000 at December 31, 2013.
Customer Arrangement – In July 2004, the Company entered into a ten-year exclusive license agreement with CCI, which replaced an expiring five-year exclusive license agreement. In connection therewith, the Company received a license fee of $65,000, which was recorded as deferred revenue and is being recognized as sales over the term of the agreement. Deferred revenue associated with CCI’s account, which included (i) deposits received against purchase orders issued to the Company by CCI, (ii) payments received for products held by the Company for shipment to CCI at a later date, and (ii) the unrecognized portion of the license fee, totaled $3,682,000 and $3,212,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company recorded sales to CCI in the amount of $11,657,000 and $11,010,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Pricing for individual products sold to CCI is reviewed periodically by the Company. Implementation of price changes requires 60 days' notice to CCI. Pursuant to the license agreement between CCI and the Company, CCI also paid royalties to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 in the amount of $1,801,000 and $2,079,000, respectively, which are included in sales. The president of CCI beneficially owned approximately 18% of the Company’s outstanding common stock at December 31, 2013 and was a member of the Company’s Board of Directors until June 2004.
Associate Sales and Marketing System - In December 2013, the Company engaged GSAT, Inc. ("GSATi") to develop a new Associate sales and marketing system. The contract contemplates the development and implementation of a new Associate support system, with substantial completion by September, 2014. Anticipated total payments to GSATi under the contract will be approximately $710,000, excluding taxes. Total payments of approximately $76,000 were made to GSATi during 2013. The founder and CEO of GSATi is a member of our Board of Directors.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE Q – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is summarized as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended |
| | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 |
| | (Unaudited - In thousands, except per share data) |
2013 | | | | | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 5,691 |
| | $ | 6,694 |
| | $ | 6,640 |
| | $ | 6,446 |
|
Gross profit | | 2,973 |
| | 2,971 |
| | 3,036 |
| | 3,032 |
|
Net earnings (loss) | | (8 | ) | | (147 | ) | | (142 | ) | | (203 | ) |
Earnings (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | 0.00 |
| | $ | (0.07 | ) | | $ | (0.06 | ) | | $ | (0.09 | ) |
Diluted | | $ | 0.00 |
| | $ | (0.07 | ) | | $ | (0.06 | ) | | $ | (0.09 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
2012 | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Net sales | | $ | 6,068 |
| | $ | 6,549 |
| | $ | 6,713 |
| | $ | 5,830 |
|
Gross profit | | 3,129 |
| | 3,455 |
| | 3,071 |
| | 2,977 |
|
Net earnings (loss) | | (73 | ) | | 320 |
| (a) | (328 | ) | | (279 | ) |
Earnings (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | (0.03 | ) | | $ | 0.14 |
| (a) | $ | (0.15 | ) | | $ | (0.13 | ) |
Diluted | | $ | (0.03 | ) | | $ | 0.15 |
| (a) | $ | (0.15 | ) | | $ | (0.13 | ) |
(a) In the second quarter of 2012, the Company recognized a casualty gain of approximately $443,000 in connection with the replacement of the roof of its facility in Irving, Texas and reimbursement for a related claim under a replacement cost insurance policy. The replacement of the roof was necessitated by a hailstorm which occurred in May 2011.
Exhibit Index |
| | |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
| | |
3.2 | | Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, dated August 7, 2013, regarding the reverse stock split |
| | |
3.3 | | Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, dated August 7, 2013 regarding the forward stock split |
| | |
4.1 | | Specimen copy of Certificate for Common Stock |
| | |
10.6 | | Sales and Marketing Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2013, between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Terry Butler |
| | |
10.7 | | First Addendum Operations Agreement - Australia, dated as of January 16, 2013, between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Terry Butler |
| | |
10.8 | | Second Addendum Operations Agreement - Hong Kong, dated as of June 3, 2013 between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Terry Butler |
| | |
10.11 | | Proposal for Services and Statement of Work dated December 3, 2013, between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and GSAT, Inc. |
| | |
10.12 | | Employment Agreement dated January 8, 2014, between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Richard S. Jablonski |
| | |
10.13 | | Employment Agreement dated January 8, 2014, between RBC Life Sciences, Inc. and Kevin B. Young |
| | |
21.1 | | List of company subsidiaries |
| | |
23.1 | | Consent of Lane Gorman Trubitt, PLLC, independent registered public accountants to incorporation of report by reference |
| | |
31.1 | | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | |
31.2 | | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | |
32.1 | | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | |
32.2 | | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
101.INS | | XBRL Instance Document ** |
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101.SCH | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document ** |
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101.CAL | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document ** |
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101.DEF | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document ** |
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101.LAB | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document ** |
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101.PRE | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document ** |
** Filed electronically herewith