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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 0-26272
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 59-2705336 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) | |
2050 Diplomat Drive | ||
Dallas, Texas | 75234 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (972) 241-4080
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. Yesþ Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filero Accelerated filero Non-Accelerated filerþ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yeso Noþ
At November 6, 2006, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock was 8,199,933 shares.
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
September 30, 2006
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
September 30, 2006
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Certification Pursuant to Section 906 |
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements included in this report, other than statements of historical facts, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “pursue,” “continue,” “feel” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.
We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including the risk described in Risk Factors, and elsewhere in this report. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or strategic investments. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent our expectation only as of the date of this report and should not be relied on as representing our expectations as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if our expectations change.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in this report. Important factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
• | our relationship with our distributors; | ||
• | our need to continually recruit new distributors; | ||
• | our internal controls and accounting methods may require further modification; | ||
• | our need to raise additional capital if revenues continue to decline; | ||
• | risks related to an SEC investigation and securities litigation; | ||
• | adverse consequences from audit committee investigations or management changes; | ||
• | regulatory matters governing our products and network marketing system; | ||
• | regulatory matters pertaining to direct-selling laws, specifically in China; | ||
• | our ability to recruit and maintain key management and consultants; | ||
• | adverse publicity associated with our products or direct selling organizations; | ||
• | product liability claims; | ||
• | our reliance on outside manufacturers; | ||
• | risks associated with operating internationally, including foreign exchange risks; | ||
• | product concentration; | ||
• | dependence on increased penetration of existing markets; | ||
• | the competitive nature of our business; and | ||
• | our ability to generate sufficient cash to operate and expand our business. |
Market data and other statistical information used throughout this report is based on independent industry publications, government publications, reports by market research firms or other published independent sources and on our good faith estimates, which are derived from our review of internal surveys and independent sources. Although we believe that these sources are reliable, we have not independently verified the information and cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including under the heading “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in our financial statements and the related notes.
Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date hereof, and forward looking statements in documents attached are incorporated by reference speak only as of the date of those documents. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statement or to report any events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Unless otherwise noted, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Company,” refer to Natural Health Trends Corp. and its subsidiaries.
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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
December | September | |||||||
31, 2005 | 30, 2006 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 18,470 | $ | 12,142 | ||||
Restricted cash | 903 | 652 | ||||||
Accounts receivable | 300 | 259 | ||||||
Inventories, net | 12,993 | 9,881 | ||||||
Other current assets | 4,632 | 4,777 | ||||||
Total current assets | 37,298 | 27,711 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 3,143 | 3,942 | ||||||
Goodwill | 14,145 | 14,145 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net | 4,529 | 3,811 | ||||||
Other assets | 4,833 | 5,260 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 63,948 | $ | 54,869 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 2,023 | $ | 1,023 | ||||
Income taxes payable | 1,308 | 1,528 | ||||||
Accrued distributor commissions | 4,001 | 3,363 | ||||||
Other accrued expenses | 6,827 | 6,133 | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 9,897 | 8,113 | ||||||
Debt | 109 | — | ||||||
Other current liabilities | 2,537 | 2,999 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 26,702 | 23,159 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
Minority interest | 77 | 43 | ||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding | — | — | ||||||
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 7,108,867 and 8,199,933 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006, respectively | 7 | 8 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 69,417 | 69,902 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (32,668 | ) | (39,092 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income: | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 413 | 849 | ||||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 37,169 | 31,667 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 63,948 | $ | 54,869 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2005 | 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 58,071 | $ | 29,945 | $ | 150,789 | $ | 105,740 | ||||||||
Cost of sales | 12,984 | 6,646 | 33,590 | 23,220 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | 45,087 | 23,299 | 117,199 | 82,520 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Distributor commissions | 29,087 | 15,456 | 77,959 | 54,902 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 15,108 | 10,630 | 36,662 | 34,567 | ||||||||||||
Recovery of KGC receivable | — | (338 | ) | — | (652 | ) | ||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 44,195 | 25,748 | 114,621 | 88,817 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 892 | (2,449 | ) | 2,578 | (6,297 | ) | ||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | (88 | ) | 309 | (761 | ) | 696 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest | 804 | (2,140 | ) | 1,817 | (5,601 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax provision | (610 | ) | (344 | ) | (924 | ) | (788 | ) | ||||||||
Minority interest | (75 | ) | 9 | (138 | ) | (35 | ) | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 119 | $ | (2,475 | ) | $ | 755 | $ | (6,424 | ) | ||||||
Income (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.30 | ) | $ | 0.11 | $ | (0.80 | ) | ||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.30 | ) | $ | 0.09 | $ | (0.80 | ) | ||||||
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 6,951 | 8,200 | 6,875 | 8,039 | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 8,418 | 8,200 | 8,267 | 8,039 | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2005 | 2006 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 755 | $ | (6,424 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment | 290 | 823 | ||||||
Amortization of intangibles | 705 | 718 | ||||||
Minority interest | 138 | 35 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | 469 | ||||||
Imputed interest on KGC installment payable | — | (527 | ) | |||||
Recovery of KGC receivable | — | (652 | ) | |||||
Imputed compensation | 33 | — | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | (328 | ) | 56 | |||||
Inventories | (3,353 | ) | 3,006 | |||||
Other current assets | (4,423 | ) | (515 | ) | ||||
Other assets | (604 | ) | (138 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable | 1,107 | (952 | ) | |||||
Income taxes payable | 579 | 215 | ||||||
Accrued distributor commissions | 1,686 | (603 | ) | |||||
Other accrued expenses | 2,987 | (699 | ) | |||||
Deferred revenue | 4,283 | (1,787 | ) | |||||
Other current liabilities | 641 | 453 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 4,496 | (6,522 | ) | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment | (1,885 | ) | (1,622 | ) | ||||
Decrease in restricted cash | 255 | 114 | ||||||
Decrease in certificate of deposit | — | 104 | ||||||
Proceeds from KGC receivable (see Note 4) | — | 1,492 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (1,630 | ) | 88 | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Payments on debt | (529 | ) | (23 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 3,606 | 18 | ||||||
Offering costs | (104 | ) | — | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 2,973 | (5 | ) | |||||
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | 161 | 111 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 6,000 | (6,328 | ) | |||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period | 22,324 | 18,470 | ||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period | $ | 28,324 | $ | 12,142 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Nature of Operations
Natural Health Trends Corp. (the “Company”) is an international direct-selling organization headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The Company was originally incorporated as a Florida corporation in 1988. The Company merged into one of its subsidiaries and re-incorporated in the State of Delaware effective June 29, 2005. Subsidiaries controlled by the Company sell personal care, wellness, and “quality of life” products under the “NHT Global” brand to an independent distributor network that either uses the products themselves or resells them to consumers. Prior to June 1, 2006, the Company marketed its “NHT Global” branded products under the name “Lexxus International”. As part of this worldwide name change, the Company’s U.S. subsidiary changed its name from Lexxus International, Inc. to NHT Global, Inc (“NHT Global U.S.”).
The Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries have an active physical presence in the following markets: North America, which consists of the United States and Canada; Greater China, which consists of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and China; Southeast Asia, which consists of Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia; Australia and New Zealand; South Korea; Japan; Latin America, which primarily consists of Mexico; and Slovenia.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. As a result, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial information for the interim periods presented. The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the fiscal year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our 2005 Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 31, 2006.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Effective December 31, 2005, the Company sold its 51% equity interest in its Eastern European business, KGC Networks Pte Ltd. (“KGC”). As a result, the results of operations of KGC are not included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. Effective July 1, 2006, the Company sold its equity interests in eKaire.com, Inc. and other subsidiaries that distribute products under the “Kaire” brand (collectively, the “Kaire Entities”). As a result, the results of operations of the Kaire Entities are not included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The results of operations of the Kaire Entities for the first six months of 2006 are included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. See Note 4.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements include estimates associated with obsolete inventory and the fair value of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, as well as those used in the
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determination of liabilities related to sales returns, distributor commissions, and income taxes. Various assumptions and other factors prompt the determination of these significant estimates. The process of determining significant estimates is fact specific and takes into account historical experience and current and expected economic conditions. Historically, actual results have not significantly deviated from those determined using the estimates described above.
Reclassification
Certain restricted cash balances have been reclassified in the prior year consolidated balance sheet to conform to current year presentation.
Revenue Recognition
Product sales are recorded when the products are shipped and title passes to independent distributors. Product sales to distributors are made pursuant to a distributor agreement that provides for transfer of both title and risk of loss upon our delivery to the carrier that completes delivery to the distributors, which is commonly referred to as “F.O.B. Shipping Point.” The Company primarily receives payment by credit card at the time distributors place orders. Amounts received for unshipped product are recorded as deferred revenue. The Company’s sales arrangements do not contain right of inspection or customer acceptance provisions other than general rights of return.
Actual product returns are recorded as a reduction to net sales. The Company estimates and accrues a reserve for product returns based on its return policies and historical experience.
During April 2005, the Company launched a new product line, Gourmet Coffee Café, which consists of coffee machines and the related coffee and tea pods, in the North American market. As the Gourmet Coffee Café is a very different product than the Company’s other products and since there is no basis to reasonably estimate the Company’s sales returns or warranty obligation, the Company has deferred all revenue generated from the sale of coffee machines and the related coffee and tea pods until sufficient return and warranty experience on the product can be established. The deferral totaled approximately $1.7 million and $1.2 million in revenue and related costs, respectively, for product shipped through September 30, 2006. The deferred costs are recorded in other current assets as the sales return period for distributors is only valid for one year from date of shipment. Since the launch, the Company has experienced a high rate of defects and product returns. As a result, the Company has delayed continued sales of our existing inventory of this product and approached the manufacturer for resolution. The manufacturer has agreed to repair all of the machines in our existing inventory and provide discounts on future purchases. The Company is currently planning to re-launch the sale of the coffee machines in the second half of 2007.
Enrollment package revenue, including any nonrefundable set-up fees, is deferred and recognized over the term of the arrangement, generally twelve months. Enrollment packages provide distributors access to both a personalized marketing website and a business management system. No upfront costs are deferred as the amount is nominal.
Shipping charges billed to distributors are included in net sales. Costs associated with shipments are included in cost of sales.
Income Per Share
Basic income per share is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is determined using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, consisting of shares that might be issued upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants. In periods where losses are reported, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding excludes common stock equivalents because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
The dilutive effect of stock options and warrants is reflected by application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefit that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible are assumed to be used to repurchase shares. The potential tax benefit derived from exercise of non-qualified stock options has been excluded from the treasury stock calculation as the Company is uncertain that the benefit will be realized.
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Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2005 | 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 119 | $ | (2,475 | ) | $ | 755 | $ | (6,424 | ) | ||||||
Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding | 6,951 | 8,200 | 6,875 | 8,039 | ||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants | 1,467 | — | 1,392 | — | ||||||||||||
Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding | 8,418 | 8,200 | 8,267 | 8,039 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.30 | ) | $ | 0.11 | $ | (0.80 | ) | ||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.30 | ) | $ | 0.09 | $ | (0.80 | ) |
Options to purchase 310,000 shares of common stock were outstanding during each of the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005, but were not included in the computation of diluted income per share because the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.
Options and warrants to purchase 1,932,628 and 3,172,628 shares of common stock were outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted income per share because of the net loss reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. Options and warrants for 844,624 and 1,080,504 shares of common stock, respectively, were still outstanding at September 30, 2006. Such warrants expire on October 6, 2009. The options have expirations through June 23, 2014.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This Interpretation requires the Company to recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective January 1, 2007, with the cumulative effect, if any, of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to beginning-of-year accumulated deficit. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 on the consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements,” which provides interpretive guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. SAB No. 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The Company is currently assessing the impact, if any, the adoption of SAB No. 108 will have on the consolidated financial statements. The cumulative effect, if any, of applying the provisions of SAB No. 108 will be reported as an adjustment to beginning-of-year accumulated deficit.
3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company maintains the 2002 Stock Option Plan (the “2002 Plan”) which provides for the granting of incentive and nonqualified stock options to employees, officers of the Company, members of the board of directors, or consultants. The terms of any particular grant are determined by the board of directors or a committee appointed by the board of directors. Historically, the terms have ranged from five to ten years. Stock options granted to employees and officers of the Company generally vest over three years, and stock options granted to members of the board of directors generally vest immediately. In 2005, the Company amended the 2002 Plan to increase the maximum number of shares available to be issued to 1,550,000 shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2006, 825,376 shares remained available to be granted under the 2002 Plan.
On August 18, 2006, the Compensation Committee of Company’s Board of Directors approved, subject to stockholder approval, the Natural Health Trends Corp. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). Under the 2007 Plan, the Company may grant
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(i) incentive stock options, (ii) nonqualified stock options, (iii) restricted stock, (iv) restricted stock units, (v) stock appreciation rights either in tandem with an option or alone and unrelated to an option, or SARs, (vi) performance shares, (vii) award shares, or (viii) stock awards. The 2007 Plan replaces in its entirety the 2002 Plan, which shall be deemed terminated as of the date the Company’s stockholders approve the 2007 Plan. Awards made under the 2002 Plan, however, shall continue to be subject to the terms of such Plan, except to the extent that either there is no conflict between the terms of the 2002 Plan and the terms of the 2007 Plan with respect to such awards or the recipient consents to the applicability of the terms of the 2007 Plan to such awards. The purpose of the 2007 Plan is to enable the Company to attract and retain employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisors; to provide an incentive for them to assist in achieving long-range performance goals; and to enable them to participate in the long-term growth of the Company. The maximum number of shares available for issuance under the 2007 Plan is 1,550,000 shares of common stock.
From January 2001 through April 2003, the Company granted 1,331,500 stock options outside of the 2002 Plan. The grant included 570,000 options granted to the LaCore and Woodburn Partnership, an entity controlled by Mark Woodburn, former President and director of the Company, and Terry LaCore, former Chief Executive Officer of NHT Global U.S. and former director of the Company; 600,000 options granted to Mr. LaCore; 30,000 options granted to Benchmark Consulting Group (which was subsequently assigned to the LaCore and Woodburn Partnership); 120,000 options granted to members of the Company’s Board of Directors; 1,500 options granted to an employee; and 10,000 options granted to then unrelated parties.
On February 10, 2006, the Company entered into an Escrow Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore, the LaCore and Woodburn Partnership, and Krage and Janvey LLP, as escrow agent (the “Agent”). Pursuant to the Agreement, (i) the Company issued and deposited with the Agent stock certificates in the name of the Agent representing an aggregate of 1,081,066 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Escrowed Shares”) and (ii) Woodburn and LaCore deposited with the Agent $1,206,000 in immediately available funds (the “Cash Deposit”). The Escrowed Shares are the shares of common stock issued upon the cashless exercise of options issued in 2001 and 2002 to LaCore and the LaCore and Woodburn Partnership for 1,200,000 shares of common stock exercisable at $1.00 and $1.10 per share. The number of Escrow Shares is based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock on February 9, 2006 of $10.14 and the surrender of 118,934 option shares as payment of the aggregate exercise price of $1,206,000.
The Escrowed Shares were issued pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to the Agent upon receipt from the Agent of an irrevocable proxy to the Company to vote the Escrowed Shares on all matters presented at meetings of stockholders or any written consent executed in lieu thereof. On October 31, 2006, the Company entered into various agreements (the “Settlement Agreements”) with Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore in settlement of certain claims and, as a part of that agreement, agreed that the Escrowed Shares will be reissued to Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore and then pledged to the Company to secure certain obligations of Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore to the Company under the Settlement Agreements. See Note 8.
As of September 30, 2006, 120,000 options granted outside of the 2002 Plan remain outstanding.
Adoption of SFAS 123(R) and Transition
Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for its stock-based compensation plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” The Company did not recognize compensation cost related to stock options granted to its employees and non-employee directors that had an exercise price equal to or above the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” and related interpretations using the modified-prospective transition method. The modified-prospective transition method does not allow for restatement of prior periods and accordingly, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and future periods will not be comparable to our historical results of operations. Under the modified-prospective transition method, compensation cost recognized in our results of operations includes (1) compensation cost for all stock-based awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, January 1, 2006 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, and (2) compensation cost for all stock-based awards granted on or subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Compensation cost is presented in the same lines as cash compensation paid to the same individuals.
As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006, the Company recognized stock-based compensation of approximately $167,000 and $469,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, which approximates $0.02 and $0.06 per share, respectively. Because the Company maintained a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets, the Company did not recognize any tax benefit related to stock-based compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.
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As of September 30, 2006, there was $1.1 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation on a pre-tax basis related to non-vested stock options. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.
Pro Forma Information Under SFAS No. 123(R) for Periods Prior to January 1, 2006
The following table illustrates the effect on net income and income per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based employee compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 (in thousands, except per share data):
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||
September 30, 2005 | September 30, 2005 | |||||||
Net income, as reported | $ | 119 | $ | 755 | ||||
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects | — | — | ||||||
Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects | (20 | ) | (60 | ) | ||||
Pro forma net income | $ | 99 | $ | 695 | ||||
Basic income per share: | ||||||||
As reported | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.11 | ||||
Pro forma | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.10 | ||||
Diluted income per share: | ||||||||
As reported | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.09 | ||||
Pro forma | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.08 |
No options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.
Valuation and Expense Information under SFAS No. 123(R)
The Company continues to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate fair value of equity awards, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. Due to the “plain vanilla” characteristics of the Company’s stock options, the simplified method, as permitted by the guidance provided in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, is used to determine expected life. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock computed over a period generally commensurate with the expected life of the stock options. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield at the time of grant. Forfeitures are estimated based on comparable data because we have limited relevant historical information. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the awards’ vesting periods.
On July 31, 2006, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Stephanie Hayano pursuant to which Ms. Hayano agreed to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors. Ms. Hayano was granted options to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2.79 per share (the closing price on The Nasdaq Stock Market on July 31, 2006, the date of grant). The options vest in equal annual installments over three years and expire on July 31, 2011. The grant date fair value of the options of $1.81 per share was estimated based on an expected life of 3.5 years, risk-free interest rate of 4.9%, expected volatility of 94%, and dividend yield of zero. No other stock options were granted during the three months ended September 30, 2006.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company granted 170,000 stock options with a weighted-average fair value of $2.27 per share. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant with the following weighted-average assumptions: expected life of 3.5 years, risk-free interest rate of 4.9%, expected volatility of 93%, and dividend yield of zero.
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A summary of the status and activity of the Company’s stock option awards is as follows:
Wtd. Avg. | ||||||||||||||||
Wtd. Avg. | Remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
Exercise | Contractual | Intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
Shares | Price | Life | Value1 | |||||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2005 | 1,922,124 | $ | 5.17 | 5.9 | $ | 11,431 | ||||||||||
Granted | 20,000 | 9.31 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Exercised | (1,091,066 | ) | 1.01 | — | — | |||||||||||
Forfeited or expired | (148,934 | ) | 2.82 | — | — | |||||||||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2006 | 702,124 | 12.25 | 4.4 | 630 | ||||||||||||
Granted | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Exercised | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Forfeited or expired | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at June 30, 2006 | 702,124 | 12.25 | 4.2 | 266 | ||||||||||||
Granted | 150,000 | 2.79 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Exercised | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Forfeited or expired | (7,500 | ) | 10.01 | — | — | |||||||||||
Outstanding at September 30, 2006 | 844,624 | 10.59 | 4.1 | 132 | ||||||||||||
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2006 | 826,918 | 10.66 | 4.1 | 132 | ||||||||||||
Exercisable at September 30, 2006 | 512,132 | 12.98 | 3.7 | 132 |
1 | Aggregate intrinsic value is defined as the positive difference between the current market value and the exercise price and is estimated using the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day of the periods ended as of the dates indicated (in thousands). |
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No stock options were exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2006. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $9,701,000. No options were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The total fair value of stock options vested during each of the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006 was $20,000, and the total fair value of stock options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006 was $92,000 and $197,000, respectively.
A summary of the Company’s non-vested stock activity is as follows:
Wtd. Avg. | ||||||||
Fair Value | ||||||||
at Grant | ||||||||
Shares | Date | |||||||
Non-vested at December 31, 2005 | 222,980 | $ | 6.74 | |||||
Granted | 12,000 | 6.03 | ||||||
Vested | (17,496 | ) | 6.69 | |||||
Forfeited or expired | (30,000 | ) | 6.49 | |||||
Non-vested at March 31, 2006 | 187,484 | 6.74 | ||||||
Granted | — | — | ||||||
Vested | (2,496 | ) | 7.87 | |||||
Forfeited or expired | — | — | ||||||
Non-vested at June 30, 2006 | 184,988 | 6.72 | ||||||
Granted | 150,000 | 1.81 | ||||||
Vested | (2,496 | ) | 7.87 | |||||
Forfeited or expired | — | — | ||||||
Non-vested at September 30, 2006 | 332,492 | 4.50 | ||||||
4. SALE OF SUBSIDIARY STOCK
KGC Networks
Effective December 31, 2005, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Bannks Foundation (“Bannks”), a Lichtenstein foundation and owner of 49% of the common shares of KGC Networks Pte Ltd. (“KGC”), a Singapore corporation, pursuant to which the Company sold to Bannks 51,000 common shares representing the Company’s 51% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of KGC for a total cash purchase price of $350,000.
At the same time and as a condition of the sale, the Company entered into a separate agreement pursuant to which KGC is obligated to pay to the Company 24 monthly payments of approximately $169,000 each, including interest at 2.5%, to settle an outstanding inter-company payable in the amount of approximately $2.1 million and to pay for inventories ordered and partially delivered totaling approximately $884,000, as well as the Company’s undertaking to continue to supply KGC with certain products for a period of at least 48 months. The Company discounted the 24 monthly payments based on its cost of capital and recorded the receivable at $3.1 million. Given its interest in the retained profits and cumulative translation adjustment of KGC of approximately $434,000, the Company recognized a nominal gain on sale. Since the receivable from KGC is unsecured, the Company recorded a reserve totaling approximately $2.8 million, which will be reduced as payments are received. As of September 30, 2006, KGC is current on all monthly payments due, and as such, the Company reversed $652,000 of the reserve.
KGC sells the Company’s products into a separate network of independent distributors located primarily in Russia and other Eastern European countries. Upon the effective date of the transactions above, the Company no longer consolidates the financial statements of KGC. The Company does not believe these transactions result in a discontinued operation as the Company will continue to supply KGC with a significant amount of product for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the results of KGC for the first nine months of 2005 have been reported in results from operations.
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Had KGC not been reflected in results from operations, the Company’s statement of operations for the first three and nine months of 2005 would have reflected the following (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, 2005 | September 30, 2005 | |||||||||||||||
As | As | |||||||||||||||
Actual | Adjusted | Actual | Adjusted | |||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 58,071 | $ | 48,231 | $ | 150,789 | $ | 124,315 | ||||||||
Gross profit | 45,087 | 36,988 | 117,199 | 95,812 | ||||||||||||
Distributor commissions | 29,087 | 24,891 | 77,959 | 65,799 | ||||||||||||
Income from operations | 892 | 1,675 | 2,578 | 3,363 |
Kaire Entities
Effective July 1, 2006, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Kaire International (Canada) Ltd. (“Kaire International”) pursuant to which the Company sold to Kaire International 1,000 common shares of eKaire.com (“eKaire”), a Delaware corporation, representing 100% of the total number of common shares of eKaire outstanding; 510 common shares of Kaire Nutraceuticals Australia Pty. Limited (“Kaire Australia”), an Australian company, representing the Company’s 51% of the total number of common shares of Kaire Australia outstanding; and 510 common shares of Kaire Nutraceuticals New Zealand Limited (“Kaire New Zealand”), a New Zealand company, representing the Company’s 51% of the total number of common shares of Kaire New Zealand outstanding for book value, which approximates $150,000.
Upon the effective date of the transaction, the Company no longer consolidates the financial statements of the Kaire Entities. The Company does not believe the historical revenues and expenses of the Kaire Entities or the actual sale transaction is significant, and therefore, does not warrant discontinued operation presentation. As such, the results of the Kaire Entities for the first six months of 2006 have been reported in the Company’s consolidated results from operations.
5. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (In Thousands)
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2005 | 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 119 | $ | (2,475 | ) | $ | 755 | $ | (6,424 | ) | ||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 60 | 209 | 144 | 436 | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 179 | $ | (2,266 | ) | $ | 899 | $ | (5,988 | ) | ||||||
6. CONTINGENCIES
Legal Matters
During the fall of 2003, the customs agency of the government of South Korea brought a charge against LXK, Ltd. (“LXK”), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary operating in South Korea, with respect to the importation of the Company’s Alura product. The customs agency alleges that Alura is not a cosmetic product, but rather should be categorized and imported as a pharmaceutical product. On February 18, 2005, the Seoul Central District Court ruled against LXK and fined it a total of 206.7 million Korean won (approximately $216,000 at September 30, 2006). LXK also incurred related costs of 40.0 million Korean won (approximately $42,000 at September 30, 2006) as a result of the judgment. The Company recorded a reserve for the entire 246.7 million Korean won at December 31, 2004 and has appealed the ruling. On May 10, 2006, an intermediate court of appeals issued a ruling that the Company believes reversed that part of the judgment that had imposed 186.7 million Korean won of the fine, but upheld the fine of 20.0 million Korean won (which has already been paid) and the ruling that Alura cannot be imported as a cosmetic product. LXK has filed an appeal of this ruling with the Korean Supreme Court. The Company has been unable to determine with certainty that it will not be subject to the fine of 186.7 million Korean won if the appeal is unsuccessful, and will therefore continue to reserve 226.7 million Korean won (approximately $236,000 at September 30, 2006). The inability to sell Alura in South Korea if the appeal is unsuccessful is not anticipated to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, cash flow or business prospects of LXK.
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On or around March 31, 2004, NHT Global U.S. received a letter from John Loghry, a former NHT Global distributor, alleging that NHT Global U.S. had wrongfully terminated an alleged oral distributorship agreement with Mr. Loghry and that the Company had breached an alleged oral agreement to issue shares of the Company’s common stock to Mr. Loghry. On May 13, 2004, NHT Global U.S. and the Company filed an action against Mr. Loghry in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas (the “Loghry Case”) seeking, inter alia, unspecified damages from Mr. Loghry for disparagement and a declaration that Mr. Loghry was not wrongfully terminated and is not entitled to recover anything from NHT Global U.S. or the Company. Mr. Loghry filed counterclaims against the Company and NHT Global U.S. asserting his previously threatened claims. In September 2004, Mr. Loghry filed third party claims against certain officers of the Company and NHT Global U.S., including against Terry LaCore, former Chief Executive Officer of NHT Global U.S. and former director of the Company, and Mark Woodburn, former President and director of the Company, for fraud, Messrs. LaCore, Woodburn, and a certain NHT Global distributor for conspiracy to commit fraud and tortuous interference with contract. In February 2005, the court dismissed all of Mr. Loghry’s claims against the individual defendants, except the claims for fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. Mr. Loghry then filed amended counterclaims and, on June 2, 2005, the Company and the other counterclaim defendants moved to dismiss the counterclaims on the grounds that the claims were barred by Mr. Loghry’s failure to disclose their existence when he filed for personal bankruptcy in September 2002. On June 30, 2005, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska granted Mr. Loghry’s request to reopen his bankruptcy case. On September 6, 2005, the United States Trustee filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska (the “Trustee’s Case”) against the Company; NHT Global U.S.; Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn; Curtis Broome, President of Greater China and Southeast Asia; and a certain independent distributor of NHT Global U.S., essentially alleging the same claims asserted by Loghry in the Northern District of Texas. On February 21, 2006, the Trustee’s Case was transferred to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The Company has filed, and the Trustee has opposed, a motion to consolidate the Loghry Case and the Trustee’s Case. The Court has not yet ruled on that motion. On August 29, 2006, the Loghry Case was removed from the Court’s October 2006 trial docket and has not been reset for trial. Nor has the Trustee’s Case been set for trial. In addition, in the Loghry Case, the Company has filed a motion for summary judgment dismissing Mr. Loghry’s remaining claim against the Company in that case. Each of the other plaintiffs in the Loghry Case has also filed motions for summary judgment dismissing all of the remaining counter-claims against them in that case. Mr. Loghry has also filed a motion for partial summary judgment dismissing certain claims and counter-claim defenses of the Company and the other plaintiffs in the Loghry Case. All of these motions for summary judgment are still pending. The Company continues to deny the allegations by Loghry and the United States Trustee and intends to vigorously contest their claims. An unfavorable judgment could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company.
On November 1, 2004, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha (d/b/a Toyota Motor Corporation) and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (the “Toyota Entities”) filed a complaint against the Company and NHT Global U.S. in United States District Court for the Central District of California (CV04-9028). The complaint alleges trademark and service mark dilution, unfair competition, trademark and service mark infringement, and trade name infringement, each with respect to Toyota’s Lexus trademark. The Company reached a settlement agreement, dated August 31, 2005, under which the Toyota Entities agreed to terminate their claims against the Company, and the Company agreed to discontinue use of the Lexxus name and mark and change the name of its Lexxus operations and domain names by June 1, 2006, and sell or otherwise dispose of all product inventory marked with the name Lexxus by December 1, 2006. In compliance with this settlement agreement, the Company has since June 1, 2006, used the name NHT Global in place of Lexxus and Lexxus International and has changed the domain name for its NHT Global business. Continued compliance with this settlement could, however, have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, cash flow or business prospects of the Company.
On November 12, 2004, Dorothy Porter filed a complaint against the Company in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois alleging that she sustained a brain hemorrhage after taking Formula One, an ephedra-containing product marketed by Kaire Nutraceuticals, Inc. and eKaire.com, Inc., former subsidiaries of the Company. Ms. Porter sued the Company for strict liability, breach of warranty and negligence. On October 10, 2006, the Company and Ms. Porter entered into a settlement agreement that requires Ms. Porter to dismiss this lawsuit with prejudice.
On January 13, 2005, Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and Nature’s Sunshine Products de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (collectively “Nature’s Sunshine”) filed suit against the Company in the Fourth Judicial District Court, Utah County, State of Utah seeking injunctive relief and unspecified damages against the Company, NHT Global U.S., the Company’s Mexican subsidiary, and the Company’s Mexico management team, Oscar de la Mora Romo and Jose Villarreal Patino, alleging among other things that the Company’s employment of De la Mora and Villarreal violated or could lead to the violation of certain non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements allegedly in effect between De la Mora and Villarreal and Nature’s Sunshine. After the Company removed the case to federal court, Nature’s Sunshine voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit and filed a new lawsuit in the Fourth Judicial District Court in Utah County, Utah. After a hearing on August 22, 2005, the district court preliminarily enjoined Messrs. De la Mora and Villarreal from disclosing any confidential information of Nature’s Sunshine or soliciting any employee or distributor of Nature’s Sunshine or inducing them to terminate their relationship with Nature’s Sunshine. The court refused, however, to enjoin Messrs. De la Mora or Villarreal from competing with Nature’s Sunshine. Nature’s Sunshine subsequently filed a petition for interlocutory review
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with the Utah Supreme Court. The Supreme Court delegated the petition to the Utah Court of Appeals, which denied the petition. On April 6, 2006, a mutual agreement was entered into with Messrs. De la Mora and Villarreal terminating their employment between them and affiliates of the Company. Nevertheless, Nature’s Sunshine continues to seek damages from the Company and Messrs. De la Mora and Villarreal for alleged solicitation of Nature Sunshine’s employees and distributors and use of Nature’s Sunshine’s confidential information. If the Company or Messrs. De la Mora and Villarreal are unsuccessful in defending this action, the Company may be required to pay damages and attorneys’ fees that may be assessed against it.
On or about March 1, 2006, the Company hired Peter Dale, a former executive with the Nature’s Sunshine subsidiary doing business in Japan, Nature’s Sunshine Japan Co., Ltd. (“NSJ”), to serve as an executive vice president with responsibilities in Asia. On August 14, 2006, NSJ filed a lawsuit against Mr. Dale, but not the Company, in federal court in Utah alleging that Mr. Dale has breached an agreement containing covenants of non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality. The Company intends to assist Mr. Dale in vigorously defending this lawsuit. However, if Nature’s Sunshine were to prevail in such a lawsuit, Mr. Dale could be enjoined from working for the Company until at least February 15, 2007, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business in Japan.
On September 11, 2006, a putative class action lawsuit was filed by The Rosen Law Firm P.A. purportedly on behalf of certain purchasers of the Company’s common stock to recover damages caused by alleged violations of federal securities laws. The lawsuit names the Company and certain current and former officers and directors as defendants. The Company believes that the claims alleged in this lawsuit are without merit, and the Company intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.
Currently, there is no other significant litigation pending against the Company other than as disclosed in the paragraphs above. From time to time, the Company may become a party to litigation and subject to claims incident to the ordinary course of the Company’s business. Although the results of such litigation and claims in the ordinary course of business cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that the final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Regardless of outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
Other Matters
In August 2006, the Company was advised by the Staff of the SEC that it was conducting an informal inquiry into matters that are the subject of previously disclosed investigations by the Company’s Audit Committee, including the payments received by two former officers and directors of the Company from an independent distributor. In connection with the inquiry, the SEC Staff requested that the Company voluntarily provide it with certain information and documents, including information gathered by the independent investigator engaged by the Company’s Audit Committee. The Company voluntarily cooperated with this inquiry. On October 20, 2006, the Company received a formal order of investigation issued by the SEC (see Note 8).
On October 31, 2006, the Company, Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore entered into several agreements (collectively, the “Settlement Agreements”), pursuant to which they resolved certain pending disputes among the parties (see Note 8).
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In August 2001, the Company entered into a written lease agreement and an oral management agreement with S&B Business Services, an affiliate of Brad LaCore, the brother of Terry LaCore, former Chief Executive Officer of NHT Global U.S. and a director of the Company, and Sherry LaCore, Brad LaCore’s spouse. Under the terms of the two agreements, S&B Business Services provided warehouse facilities and certain equipment, managed and shipped inventory, provided independent distributor support services and disbursed payments to independent distributors. In exchange for these services, the Company paid $18,000 annually for leasing the warehouse, $3,600 annually for the lease of warehouse equipment and $120,000 annually for the management services provided, plus an annual average of approximately $12,000 for business related services. The Company paid S&B Business Services approximately $41,000 during the three month periods ended September 30, 2005, and approximately $119,000 and $18,000 during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. No amounts were paid during the three months ended September 30, 2006.
The payment disbursement function was transferred to the Company’s Dallas head office during the third quarter of 2005. In January 2006, the Company hired Sherry LaCore as an employee and simultaneously terminated the oral management agreement with S&B Business Services. Additionally, the Company closed the warehouse facility by the end of March 2006 and terminated the related lease agreement.
A director of the Company’s China subsidiary is the sole director of Access Int’l (Zhuhai Ftz) Warehousing & Trading Co. Ltd. and its group (collectively, “Access”), a transportation and logistics company, and the owner of Info Development Ltd. (“Info”), an
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import services company, both of which provided services to the Company’s Hong Kong subsidiary. Payments totaling approximately $1,928,000 and $3,854,000 were paid to Access and Info during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005, respectively. Payments totaling approximately $47,000 and $429,000 were paid to Access and Info during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006, respectively. At September 30, 2006, approximately $43,000 was due to Info.
In connection with its acquisition of MarketVision Communications Corporation (“MarketVision”) in 2004, the Company entered into a software license agreement (the “Software License Agreement”), with MarketVision Consulting Group, LLC, a limited liability company owned by John Cavanaugh, the President of MarketVision, and Jason Landry, a Vice President of MarketVision (the “Licensee”). Upon an Event of Default (as defined), the Software License Agreement grants, among other things, the Licensee with an irrevocable, exclusive, perpetual, royalty free, fully-paid, worldwide, transferable, sublicensable right and license to use, copy, modify, distribute, rent, lease, enhance, transfer, market, and create derivative works to the MarketVision software. An “Event of Default” under the Software License Agreement includes a “Share Default,” which is defined as the market value per share of the Company failing to equal or exceed $10.00 per share for any one rolling period of six months for a certain period following the acquisition of MarketVision. The last time that the Company’s stock closed at or above $10.00 per share was February 16, 2006, and a Share Default would otherwise have occurred on August 17, 2006. In August, September, and October 2006, the parties to the Software License Agreement amended that agreement to provide that no Share Default will occur prior to November 30, 2006.
Despite the granting of such a license to the Licensee if an Event of Default should occur, under the Software License Agreement, the Company and MarketVision retain the right to continue to use the MarketVision software for its internal use only and not as an application service provider or service bureau, but may not rent, lease, license, transfer or distribute the software without the Licensee’s prior written consent. Moreover, the Company would have the right to receive certain application service provider services from Licensee. Although the Company does not believe that an Event of Default would, by itself, have a material adverse effect on the Company, it is possible that it could trigger other events that have such an effect. For example, it is possible that the Company could lose the services of Mr. Cavanaugh, Mr. Landry, or other employees of MarketVision.
On November 10, 2005, an independent investigator retained by the Company’s Audit Committee learned that an entity controlled by Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore received payments from an independent distributor of the Company’s products during 2001 through August 2005. The Company believes that Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore received from such independent distributor a total of approximately $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The Company believes that the fees paid by the Company to such independent distributor were not in excess of the amounts due under the Company’s regular distributor compensation plan.
Approximately $2.4 million of the funds paid by the independent distributor to Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore were paid at the direction of Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore to an entity that is partially owned by Mr. Woodburn’s father and Randall A. Mason, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and former Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee. The funds were subsequently paid to an entity controlled by Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore at their direction. After investigation by the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors of the Company concluded that Mr. Mason was unaware that these payments were directed by Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore to an entity partially owned by him until uncovered by the Audit’s Committee’s independent investigator on November 10, 2005, and that Mr. Mason was not involved in any misconduct and received no pecuniary benefit from the payments made by the independent distributor. However, since payments were directed into an entity that is partially owned by Mr. Mason, he could no longer be considered “independent” in accordance with the rules of Nasdaq and under the federal securities laws. Therefore, effective November 11, 2005, Mr. Mason resigned as Chairman and a member of the Company’s Audit Committee.
On November 14, 2005, in light of the information learned by the Company’s Audit Committee on November 10, 2005, the Company terminated the employment of each of Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore. See Note 8.
In addition, a loan made by the Company under the direction of Mr. Woodburn in the aggregate principal amount of $256,000 in February 2004 was previously recorded as a loan to a third party. On November 10, 2005, the Audit Committee investigator learned that the Company actually loaned the funds to an entity owned and controlled by the parents of Mr. Woodburn. The loan was repaid in full, partially by an entity controlled by a third party and partially by an entity controlled by Mr. Woodburn in December 2004.
On March 23, 2006, an independent investigator retained by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors confirmed that affiliates of immediate family members of Mr. Woodburn have owned since 1998, and continue to own on March 23, 2006, equity interests in Aloe Commodities (“Aloe”), the largest manufacturer of the Company and the supplier of theSkindulgence® Line andLaVie™ products, representing approximately 5% of the outstanding shares of Aloe. The Company paid Aloe and certain of its affiliates approximately $3,234,000 and $7,369,000 during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005, respectively. The Company paid Aloe and certain of its affiliates approximately $1,874,000 and $3,431,000 during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006, respectively. At September 30, 2006, approximately $7,000 was due to Aloe and certain of its affiliates.
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8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Formal SEC Investigation
On October 20, 2006, the Company received a formal order of investigation issued by the SEC regarding possible securities laws violations by the Company and/or other persons. At this time, it is not possible to predict the outcome of the investigation nor is it possible to assess its impact on the Company. The Company intends to cooperate fully with the SEC with respect to its investigation.
Settlement with Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore
On February 10, 2006, the Company entered into an Escrow Agreement (the “Escrow Agreement”) with Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore, the LaCore and Woodburn Partnership, an affiliate of Woodburn and LaCore, and Krage and Janvey LLP, as escrow agent (the “Escrow Agent”). Pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, (i) the Company issued and deposited with the Escrow Agent stock certificates in the name of the Escrow Agent representing an aggregate of 1,081,066 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Escrowed Shares”) and (ii) Woodburn and LaCore deposited with the Agent an aggregate of $1,206,000 in immediately available funds (the “Cash Deposit”). The Escrowed Shares are the shares of common stock issuable upon the cashless exercise of options issued in 2001 and 2002 to Mr. LaCore and the LaCore and Woodburn Partnership for 1,200,000 shares of common stock exercisable at $1.00 and $1.10 per share. The Escrowed Shares were issued to the Escrow Agent upon receipt from the Escrow Agent of an irrevocable proxy to the Company to vote the Escrowed Shares on matters presented at meetings of stockholders or written consents executed in lieu thereof. The parties also agreed that the Escrow Agent will hold the Escrowed Shares and the Cash Deposit until it receives (i) joint written instructions from the Company, Woodburn and LaCore, or (ii) a final non-appealable order from a court of competent jurisdiction.
On October 31, 2006, the Company, Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore entered into several agreements (collectively, the “Settlement Agreements”), pursuant to which they resolved certain pending disputes among the parties. The following is a summary of the principal terms of the Settlement Agreements:
Main Agreement
Each of the Company, Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore have agreed that:
i. | In connection with certain payments received by Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore from an independent distributor of the Company (see Note 7), they have agreed to pay an aggregate of $2.5 million (the “Payment Amount”) to the Company by no later than October 31, 2008 (see “Non-Recourse Secured Promissory Note” below); | ||
ii. | The Escrowed Shares shall be reissued to Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore (or their designees) and such shares (the “Pledged Shares”) shall be pledged to the Company as collateral for their obligations under (x) the Non-Recourse Secured Promissory Note and (y) the indemnification agreement (see “Indemnification Agreement” below); | ||
iii. | The Pledged Shares and other shares of Company capital stock held directly or indirectly by Messrs. LaCore and/or Woodburn shall be the subject of a voting agreement with the Company (see “Voting Agreement” below); | ||
iv. | The Cash Deposit plus accrued and unpaid interest shall be wired by the Escrow Agent to Mr. LaCore concurrent with the signing of the Settlement Agreements; | ||
v. | Mr. LaCore shall provide the Company with assistance for up to 10 hours per month with respect to network marketing, compensation plan adjustments and strategic planning assistance during the one-year period ending October 31, 2007; | ||
vi. | Mr. Woodburn shall be engaged as a consultant to the Company (see “Consulting Agreement” below); | ||
vii. | Each of Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn shall enter into restricted activity and proprietary rights assignment agreements (see “Restricted Activity Agreements” below); | ||
viii. | The Company shall issue a limited release to each of Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn (see “Limited Release” below); | ||
ix. | Each of Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn shall issue a general release to the Company (see “General Releases” below); |
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x. | Prior to October 31, 2009, without the prior written consent of the Company, each of Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn shall not, among other things, acquire (or seek to acquire) Company assets or capital stock, solicit proxies or influence the voting of the Company’s capital stock, or attend Company stockholder meetings (unless invited by the Company); | ||
xi. | Each of Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn agree to other restrictive covenants, including participate in any class action or other legal action against the Company or its affiliates (except with respect to defending claims), making disparaging statements about the Company or its affiliates, or accepting payments from Company distributors; and | ||
xii. | Claims for indemnification and advancement by Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn shall be governed by Delaware law and the Company’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws. |
Non-Recourse Secured Promissory Note
Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn have executed and delivered a Non-Recourse Secured Promissory Note (the “Note”), pursuant to which they have jointly and severally agreed to pay to the Company the Payment Amount plus interest accrued at the rate of 6% per annum by no later than October 31, 2008. The Pledged Shares have been pledged as the sole collateral to secure Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn’s obligations under the Note and the Indemnification Agreement. At any time, Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn may elect to repay all or part of the Note by delivering a number of Pledged Shares based upon the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Note) of such shares. The Company may also elect at any time to have all or part of the Note repaid by requiring the surrender of a number of Pledged Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the repayment amount. In no event shall Messrs. LaCore and/or Woodburn be obligated to repay an amount due under the Note in excess of the Fair Market Value of the Pledged Shares.
Indemnification Agreement
The Company, Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn have executed and delivered an Indemnification Agreement, pursuant to which each of Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn has agreed as to his individual conduct to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its affiliates for his conduct except for (i) Specified Conduct (as defined), and (ii) conduct for which Messrs. LaCore or Woodburn, as the case may be, is entitled to indemnification from the Company under the Company’s certificate of incorporation, by-laws and Delaware law.
Voting Agreement
The Company, Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn have executed and delivered a Voting Agreement, pursuant to which during the three year period ending October 31, 2009 each of Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn has agreed that all shares of Company capital stock beneficially owned by them or shares acquired by them will be, or become, the subject of the Voting Agreement. Pursuant to the Voting Agreement, all of such shares shall be voted by the Company’s Board of Directors, or such third party that is reasonably acceptable to each of the Company, Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn.
Consulting Agreement
The Company and Mr. Woodburn have executed and delivered a Consulting Agreement, pursuant to which the Company has engaged Mr. Woodburn as a consultant for a one-year period. Mr. Woodburn is to report directly to the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and has agreed to assist the Company with general administration, accounting, finance and strategic planning. Mr. Woodburn will be paid $17,000 per month plus reimbursement of bona fide business expenses approved in advance in writing by the Company. If Mr. Woodburn is terminated without Cause (as defined in the Consulting Agreement), he will be entitled to continue to receive his monthly retainer fee for the remainder of the term, unless he breaches the terms of his Restricted Activity Agreement or otherwise engages in a Competitive Activity (as defined in the Restricted Activity Agreement). Mr. Woodburn is permitted to engage in certain consulting activities for third parties that will not constitute Cause under the Consulting Agreement.
Restricted Activity Agreements
Each of Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn have executed and delivered Restricted Activity and Proprietary Rights Assignment Agreements with the Company, pursuant to which they have each agreed to keep confidential or competitively sensitive information confidential and to disclose and assign to the Company any Work Product (as defined in the agreements). During the one year period ending October 31, 2007, Mr. LaCore has agreed not to directly or indirectly (i) recruit or solicit any company personnel or independent distributors, or (ii) perform any services for any independent distributor of the Company (the “Covenant Not to Interfere”). During the term of his consulting arrangement with the Company through the one year period following the receipt of his
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last monthly consulting fee or severance payment, Mr. Woodburn has also agreed to the Covenant Not to Interfere. In addition, except for Permitted Consulting Arrangements (as hereinafter defined), during the one year period ending on October 31, 2007, Mr. Woodburn has agreed not engage in any activity which competes with any substantial aspect or part of the Company’s business (or any affiliate thereof). “Permitted Consulting Arrangements” means any consulting or similar arrangement or agreement between Woodburn and any third party so long as Woodburn delivers to the Company not less than 10 business days prior to the commencement of service a written notice that describes the terms and conditions of the proposed consulting arrangement.
Limited Release
The Company has executed a limited release in favor of Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn with respect to all charges, claims, causes of action and demands related to their (i) directing, accepting, or permitting payments to or from positions 1001 to 1014 in the Company’s distributor tree from January 1, 2001 through the date of the release, (ii) any related party transactions relating or pertaining to Messrs. LaCore or Woodburn that were previously disclosed in the Company’s public filings, and (iii) any disclosures made or omitted, if any, relating or pertaining to any of the foregoing conduct (collectively, the “Specified Conduct”).
General Releases
Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn have executed a general release in favor of the Company and its affiliates, including present and former stockholders, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, and representatives with respect to all charges, claims, causes of action and demands of any nature, known or unknown, which Messrs. LaCore or Woodburn had or may have in the future, except with respect to the Company’s obligations under the Settlement Agreements.
In connection with the execution of the Settlement Agreements, the Company, Mr. LaCore, Mr. Woodburn, and the Escrow Agent terminated the Escrow Agreement.
Item 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our 2005 Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 31, 2006, and our other filings, including Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC through the date of this report.
Company Overview
The Company is an international direct-selling organization. Subsidiaries controlled by the Company sell personal care, wellness, and “quality of life” products under the “NHT Global” brand to an independent distributor network that either uses the products themselves or resells them to consumers. Prior to June 1, 2006, the Company marketed its “NHT Global” branded products under the name, “Lexxus International”. As part of this worldwide name change, the Company’s U.S. subsidiary changed its name from Lexxus International, Inc. to NHT Global, Inc (“NHT Global U.S.”).
NHT Global commenced operations in January 2001 and has experienced tremendous growth. As of September 30, 2006, it is conducting business in at least 15 countries through approximately 103,000 active distributors. We consider a distributor “active” if they have placed at least one product order with us during the preceding year.
Although we have experienced significant revenue growth in prior years due in part to our efforts to expand into new markets, we do not intend to devote material resources to opening any additional foreign markets in 2006. Our priority for the remainder of 2006 is to progress further on developing the Japanese, Mexican and Chinese markets.
In year 2005 and the first nine months of 2006, we generated greater than 90% of our revenue from outside North America, with sales in Hong Kong representing approximately 62% and 68% of revenue, respectively. Because of the size of our foreign operations, operating results can be impacted negatively or positively by factors such as foreign currency fluctuations, and economic, political and business conditions around the world. In addition, our business is subject to various laws and regulations, in particular regulations related to direct selling activities that create certain risks for our business, including improper claims or activities by our distributors and potential inability to obtain necessary product registrations.
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Effective December 31, 2005, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Bannks Foundation (“Bannks”), a Lichtenstein foundation and owner of 49% of the common shares of KGC Networks Pte Ltd. (“KGC”), a Singapore corporation, pursuant to which the Company sold to Bannks 51,000 common shares representing the Company’s 51% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of KGC for a total cash purchase price of $350,000.
At the same time and as a condition of the sale, the Company entered into a separate agreement pursuant to which KGC is obligated to pay to the Company 24 monthly payments of approximately $169,000 each, including interest at 2.5%, to settle an outstanding inter-company payable in the amount of approximately $2.1 million and to pay for inventories ordered and partially delivered totaling approximately $884,000, as well as the Company’s undertaking to continue to supply KGC with certain products for a period of at least 48 months. The Company discounted the 24 monthly payments based on its cost of capital and recorded the receivable at $3.1 million. Given its interest in the retained profits and cumulative translation adjustment of KGC of approximately $434,000, the Company recognized a nominal gain on sale. Since the receivable from KGC is unsecured, the Company recorded a reserve totaling approximately $2.8 million, which will be reduced as payments are received. As of September 30, 2006, KGC is current on all monthly payments due, and as such, the Company reversed $652,000 of the reserve.
KGC sells the Company’s products into a separate network of independent distributors located primarily in Russia and other Eastern European countries. Upon the effective date of the transactions above, the Company no longer consolidates the financial statements of KGC. The Company does not believe these transactions result in a discontinued operation as the Company will continue to supply KGC with a significant amount of product for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the results of KGC for the first nine months of 2005 have been reported in results from operations.
Had KGC not been reflected in results from operations, the Company’s statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 would have reflected the following (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, 2005 | September 30, 2005 | |||||||||||||||
As | As | |||||||||||||||
Actual | Adjusted | Actual | Adjusted | |||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 58,071 | $ | 48,231 | $ | 150,789 | $ | 124,315 | ||||||||
Gross profit | 45,087 | 36,988 | 117,199 | 95,812 | ||||||||||||
Distributor commissions | 29,087 | 24,891 | 77,959 | 65,799 | ||||||||||||
Income from operations | 892 | 1,675 | 2,578 | 3,363 |
Effective July 1, 2006, the Company sold its equity interests in eKaire.com, Inc. and other subsidiaries that distribute nutritional supplements aimed at general health and wellness (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements).
China is currently the Company’s most important business development project. New direct selling legislation was adopted in December 2005, while multi-level marketing was banned in November 2005 by the government in China. Before the formal adoption of direct selling laws, many of the international direct selling companies started to operate in China in a retail format. In June 2004, NHT Global obtained a license to engage in retail business in China. The license stipulates a capital requirement of $12.0 million over a three-year period, including a $1.8 million initial payment that the Company made in January 2005. In December 2005, the Company submitted a preliminary application for a direct selling license and fully capitalized its Chinese entity with the $12.0 million cash infusion. In June 2006, the Company submitted a final application package.
During 2005 and the first nine months of 2006, approximately 62% and 68% of our revenue, respectively, was generated in Hong Kong. Most of the Company’s Hong Kong revenues are derived from the sale of products that are delivered to members in China. After consulting with outside professionals, the Company believes that our Hong Kong e-commerce business does not violate any applicable laws in China even though it is used for the internet purchases of our products by buyers in China. But the government in China could, in the future, officially interpret its laws and regulations — or adopt new laws and regulations — to prohibit some or all of our e-commerce activities with China and, if our members engage in illegal activities in China, those actions could be attributable to us.
The Company is unable to predict whether it will be successful in obtaining a direct selling license to operate in China, and if it is successful, when it will be permitted to commence direct selling operations there. Further, even if the Company is successful in obtaining a direct selling license to do business in China, it is uncertain as to whether the Company will generate profits from such operations.
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Income Statement Presentation
The Company derives its revenue from sales of its products, sales of its enrollment packages, and from shipping charges. Substantially all of its product sales are to independent distributors at published wholesale prices. We translate revenue from each market’s local currency into U.S. dollars using average rates of exchange during the period. The following table sets forth revenue by market and product line for the time periods indicated (in thousands).
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2005 | 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North America | $ | 3,534 | 6.1 | % | $ | 3,138 | 10.5 | % | $ | 12,486 | 8.3 | % | $ | 9,385 | 8.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Hong Kong | 37,653 | 64.8 | 19,124 | 63.9 | 94,902 | 62.9 | 72,337 | 68.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taiwan | 1,082 | 1.9 | 1,132 | 3.8 | 2,895 | 1.9 | 3,046 | 2.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Southeast Asia | 2,687 | 4.6 | 530 | 1.8 | 5,493 | 3.6 | 1,388 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Russia and Eastern Europe1 | 9,840 | 16.9 | — | — | 26,474 | 17.6 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
South Korea | 2,453 | 4.2 | 3,324 | 11.1 | 6,066 | 4.0 | 9,552 | 9.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Australia/New Zealand | 382 | 0.7 | 240 | 0.8 | 1,120 | 0.7 | 831 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Japan | — | — | 1,572 | 5.2 | — | — | 5,702 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Latin America | 65 | 0.1 | 885 | 2.9 | 65 | 0.1 | 2,808 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total NHT Global | 57,696 | 99.3 | 29,945 | 100.0 | 149,501 | 99.1 | 105,049 | 99.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
North America | 267 | 0.5 | — | — | 956 | 0.7 | 507 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Australia/New Zealand | 108 | 0.2 | — | — | 332 | 0.2 | 184 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total eKaire2 | 375 | 0.7 | — | — | 1,288 | 0.9 | 691 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 58,071 | 100 | % | $ | 29,945 | 100 | % | $ | 150,789 | 100 | % | $ | 105,740 | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||
1 | The Company no longer consolidates the operating results of KGC for periods beginning after December 31, 2005 as it sold its 51% interest in KGC to Bannks Foundation effective December 31, 2005. | |
2 | The Company no longer consolidates the operating results of the Kaire Entities for periods beginning after June 30, 2006 as it sold its interests in the Kaire Entities to Kaire International (Canada) Ltd. effective July 1, 2006. |
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Cost of sales consist primarily of products purchased from third-party manufacturers, freight cost of shipping products to distributors and import duties for the products, costs of promotional materials sold to the Company’s distributors at or near cost, and provisions for slow moving or obsolete inventories. Cost of sales also includes purchasing costs, receiving costs, inspection costs and warehousing costs.
Distributor commissions are our most significant expense and are classified as operating expenses. Under our compensation plan, distributors are paid weekly commissions in the distributor’s home country, in their local currency, for product sold by that distributor’s down-line distributor network across all geographic markets. Distributors are not paid commissions on purchases or sales of our products made directly by them. This “seamless” compensation plan enables a distributor located in one country to sponsor other distributors located in other countries where we are authorized to do business. Currently, there are two fundamental ways in which our distributors can earn income:
• | Through retail markups on sales of products purchased by distributors at wholesale prices; and | ||
• | Through a series of commissions paid on product purchases made by their down-line distributors. |
Each of our products carries a specified number of sales volume points. Commissions are based on total personal and group sales volume points per sales period. Sales volume points are essentially based upon a percentage of a product’s wholesale cost. To be eligible to receive commissions, a distributor may be required to make nominal monthly purchases of our products. Certain of our subsidiaries do not require these nominal purchases for a distributor to be eligible to receive commissions. In determining commissions, the number of levels of down-line distributors included within the distributor’s commissionable group increases as the number of distributorships directly below the distributor increases. Distributor commissions are dependent on the sales mix and, for the first nine months of 2006, represented 52% of net sales. From time to time we make modifications and enhancements to our compensation plan to help motivate distributors, which can have an impact on distributor commissions. From time to time, we also enter into agreements for business or market development, which may result in additional compensation to specific distributors.
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of administrative compensation and benefits, travel, credit card fees and assessments, professional fees, certain occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization, and other corporate administrative expenses. In addition, this category includes selling, marketing, and promotion expenses including costs of distributor conventions which are designed to increase both product awareness and distributor recruitment. Because our various distributor conventions are not always held at the same time each year, interim period comparisons will be impacted accordingly.
Provision for income taxes depends on the statutory tax rates in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We implemented a foreign holding and operating company structure for our non-United States businesses effective December 1, 2005. This new structure re-organizes our non-United States subsidiaries in the Cayman Islands. Though our goal is to improve the overall tax rate, there is no assurance that the new tax structure could be successful. If the United States Internal Revenue Service or the taxing authorities of any other jurisdiction were to successfully challenge these agreements, plans, or arrangements, or require changes in our transfer pricing practices, we could be required to pay higher taxes, interest and penalties, and our earnings would be adversely affected.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
In response to SEC Release No. 33-8040, “Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure about Critical Accounting Policies” and SEC Release Number 33-8056, “Commission Statement about Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the Company has identified certain policies that are important to the portrayal of its consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations. These policies require the application of significant judgment by the Company’s management.
The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements include estimates associated with obsolete inventory and the fair value of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, as well as those used in the determination of liabilities related to sales returns, distributor commissions, and income taxes. Various assumptions and other factors prompt the determination of these significant estimates. The process of determining significant estimates is fact specific and takes into account historical experience and current and expected economic conditions. Historically, actual results have not significantly deviated from those determined using the estimates described above. If circumstances change relating to the various assumptions or other factors used in such estimates the Company could experience an adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of operations. The Company’s critical accounting policies at September 30, 2006 include the following:
Inventory Valuation.The Company reviews its inventory carrying value and compares it to the net realizable value of its inventory and any inventory value in excess of net realizable value is written down. In addition, the Company reviews its inventory for obsolescence and any inventory identified as obsolete is reserved or written off. The Company’s determination of obsolescence is
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based on assumptions about the demand for its products, product expiration dates, estimated future sales, and management’s future plans. Also, if actual sales or management plans are less favorable than those originally projected by management, additional inventory reserves or write-downs may be required. The Company’s inventory value at September 30, 2006 was approximately $9.9 million, net of reserve of $0.9 million. The Company recorded additional reserve of $0.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2006.
Valuation of Goodwill and Impairment Analysis.The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually or sooner whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that they may be impaired. At September 30, 2006, goodwill of approximately $14.1 million was reflected on the Company’s balance sheet. No impairment of goodwill has been identified in any of the periods presented. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company reviews the book value of its property and equipment and intangible assets whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that the net book value of an asset or group of assets may be unrecoverable. The Company’s impairment review includes a comparison of future projected cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) generated by the asset or group of assets with its associated carrying value. The Company believes its expected future cash flows approximate or exceed its net book value. However, if circumstances change and the net book value of the asset or group of assets exceeds expected cash flows, the Company would have to recognize an impairment loss to the extent the net book value of the asset exceeds its fair value. At September 30, 2006, the net book value of the Company’s property and equipment, and intangible assets, were approximately $3.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively. No such losses were recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Allowance for Sales Returns.An allowance for sales returns is provided during the period the product is shipped. The allowance is based upon the return policy of each country, which varies from 14 days to one year, and their historical return rates, which range from approximately 1% to approximately 13% of product sales. Sales returns are approximately 4% and 5% of product sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The allowance for sales returns was approximately $1.7 million and $1.8 million at December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006, respectively. No material changes in estimates have been recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Revenue Recognition.Product sales are recorded when the products are shipped and title passes to independent distributors. Product sales to distributors are made pursuant to a distributor agreement that provides for transfer of both title and risk of loss upon our delivery to the carrier that completes delivery to the distributors, which is commonly referred to as “F.O.B. Shipping Point.” The Company primarily receives payment by credit card at the time distributors place orders. The Company’s sales arrangements do not contain right of inspection or customer acceptance provisions other than general rights of return. Amounts received for unshipped product are recorded as deferred revenue. Such amounts totaled approximately $1.5 million at December 31, 2005 and $1.0 million at September 30, 2006 respectively. Shipping charges billed to distributors are included in net sales. Costs associated with shipments are included in cost of sales.
During April 2005, the Company launched a new product line, Gourmet Coffee Café, which consists of coffee machines and the related coffee and tea pods, in the North American market. As the Gourmet Coffee Café is a very different product than the Company’s other products and since there is no basis to reasonably estimate the Company’s sales returns or warranty obligation, the Company has deferred revenue generated from their sale until sufficient return and warranty experience on the product can be established. The deferral totaled approximately $1.7 million and $1.2 million in revenue and related costs, respectively, for product shipped through September 30, 2006. The deferred costs are recorded in other current assets, as the sales return period for distributors is only for a year. Since the launch, the Company has experienced a high rate of defects and product returns. As a result, the Company has delayed continued sales of our existing inventory of this product and approached the manufacturer for resolution. The manufacturer has agreed to repair all of the machines in our existing inventory and provide discounts on future purchases. The Company is currently planning to re-launch the sale of the coffee machines in the second half of 2007.
Enrollment package revenue, including any nonrefundable set-up fees, is deferred and recognized over the term of the arrangement, generally twelve months. Enrollment packages provide distributors access to both a personalized marketing website and a business management system. No upfront costs are deferred as the amount is nominal. Costs associated with shipments are included in cost of sales. At September 30, 2006, enrollment package revenue totaling $5.4 million was deferred. Although the Company has no immediate plans to significantly change the terms or conditions of enrollment packages, any changes in the future could result in additional revenue deferrals or could cause us to recognize the deferred revenue over a longer period of time.
Tax Valuation Allowance.The Company evaluates the probability of realizing the future benefits of any of its deferred tax assets and records a valuation allowance when it believes a portion or all of its deferred tax assets may not be realized. At September 30, 2006, the valuation allowance equaled its net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of future operating results. The valuation
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allowance will be reduced at such time as management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Any reductions in the valuation allowance will reduce future income tax provisions.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our operating results as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2005 | 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
Net sales | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
Cost of sales | 22.4 | 22.2 | 22.3 | 22.0 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | 77.6 | 77.8 | 77.7 | 78.0 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Distributor commissions | 50.1 | 51.6 | 51.7 | 51.9 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 26.0 | 35.5 | 24.3 | 32.7 | ||||||||||||
Recovery of KGC receivable | — | (1.1 | ) | — | (0.6 | ) | ||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 76.1 | 86.0 | 76.0 | 84.0 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 1.5 | (8.2 | ) | 1.7 | (6.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | (0.1 | ) | 1.0 | (0.5 | ) | 0.7 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest | 1.4 | (7.2 | ) | 1.2 | (5.3 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax provision | (1.1 | ) | (1.1 | ) | (0.6 | ) | (0.8 | ) | ||||||||
Minority interest | (0.1 | ) | — | (0.1 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 0.2 | % | (8.3 | )% | 0.5 | % | (6.1 | )% | ||||||||
Net Sales.Net sales were $29.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $58.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Part of this decrease of $28.2 million, or 49%, was due to the sale of KGC effective December 31, 2005. Excluding KGC, the Company’s net sales decreased $18.3 million, or 38%, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 over the comparable period in the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to the distractions and disruptions caused by management changes in the last twelve months as well as the reaction stemming from the uncertain regulatory environment in China that is currently impacting the Hong Kong based business. Hong Kong net sales decreased $18.5 million, or 49%, over the comparable period a year ago. Net sales for North America were down $0.7 million, or 17%, versus the comparable period a year ago. Partly offsetting the decrease, South Korea net sales increased $0.9 million, or 36%, compared to the same period in 2005, as it experienced a significant increase in its distributor count and introduced new products to the local market. Additionally, Japan and Mexico generated sales totaling $1.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively. A year ago, advanced sales to Japanese distributors from Singapore were approximately $2.0 million.
Net sales were $105.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $150.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Part of this decrease of $45.1 million, or 30%, was due to the sale of KGC effective December 31, 2005. Excluding KGC, the Company’s net sales decreased $18.6 million, or 15%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 over the comparable period in the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to the distractions and disruptions caused by management changes in the last twelve months as well as the reaction stemming from the uncertain regulatory environment in China that is currently impacting the Hong Kong based business. Decreases in Hong Kong net sales (down $22.6 million or 24% versus the comparable period a year ago) and North America (down $3.6 million or 26%) were offset by a net sales increase in South Korea ($3.5 million or 57%). Additionally, Japan and Mexico generated net sales totaling $5.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively. A year ago, advanced sales to Japanese distributors from Singapore were approximately $4.4 million.
As of September 30, 2006, the operating subsidiaries of the Company had approximately 103,000 active distributors, compared to 119,000 and 118,000 active distributors at December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2005, respectively, excluding KGC and the Kaire subsidiaries, which were sold effective July 1, 2006. This decrease is primarily due to the uncertain regulatory environment in China that is currently impacting the Hong Kong-based business.
As of September 30, 2006, the Company had deferred revenue of approximately $8.1 million, of which approximately $1.0 million pertained to product sales and approximately $5.4 million pertained to unamortized enrollment package revenue. Additionally, deferred revenue included approximately $1.7 million of Gourmet Coffee Café product shipped but unrecognized as of September 30, 2006 (approximately $1.2 million in Gourmet Coffee Café related costs are also deferred and recorded in other current assets as of September 30, 2006).
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Cost of Sales.Cost of sales was $6.6 million, or 22.2% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared with $13.0 million, or 22.4% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Excluding KGC, cost of sales decreased $4.6 million, or 41%, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 over the comparable period in the prior year, due primarily to the decrease in net sales. Additionally, excluding KGC, cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 23.3% in the comparable period in the prior year. The percentage decrease results from greater importation cost incurred in Hong Kong a year ago as the Company implemented changes in its logistical processes on product delivered into China.
Cost of sales was $23.2 million, or 22.0% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared with $33.6 million, or 22.3% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Excluding KGC, cost of sales decreased $5.3 million, or 19%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 over the comparable period in the prior year, due primarily to the decrease in net sales. Additionally, excluding KGC, cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 22.9% in the comparable period in the prior year. The percentage decrease results from greater importation cost incurred in Hong Kong a year ago as the Company implemented changes in its logistical processes on product delivered into China.
Gross Profit.Gross profit was $23.3 million, or 77.8% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared with $45.1 million, or 77.6% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Excluding KGC, gross profit was 76.7% of net sales in the comparable period in the prior year, and decreased $13.7 million, or 37%, in the three months ended September 30, 2006, as a result of decreased sales.
Gross profit was $82.5 million, or 78.0% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared with $117.2 million, or 77.7% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Excluding KGC, gross profit was 77.1% of net sales in the comparable period in the prior year, and decreased $13.3 million, or 14%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Distributor Commissions.Distributor commissions were $15.5 million, or 51.6% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared with $29.1 million, or 50.1% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Excluding KGC, distributor commissions decreased by $9.4 million, or 38%, mainly due to the decrease in net sales. Additionally, excluding KGC, distributor commissions as a percentage of sales remained flat at 51.6% compared to a year ago.
Distributor commissions were $54.9 million, or 51.9% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared with $78.0 million, or 51.7% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Excluding KGC, distributor commissions decreased by $10.9 million, or 17%, mainly due to the decrease in net sales. Additionally, excluding KGC, distributor commissions as a percentage of sales decreased one point from 52.9% a year ago primarily as a result of fewer commissions earned in newer markets such as Japan and Mexico, and a reduction in the overall commission rate in South Korea.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.Selling, general and administrative expenses were $10.6 million, or 35.5% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared with $15.1 million, or 26.0% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Excluding KGC, selling, general and administrative expenses were 21.6% of net sales in the comparable period in the prior year, and increased by $0.2 million, or 2%, in the three months ended September 30, 2006, mainly due to the following:
• | costs of opening new markets in Mexico ($0.2 million) and Japan ($0.2 million); | ||
• | higher personnel costs, event costs, professional fees and credit card charges and assessments in Korea ($0.2 million); | ||
• | higher personnel costs (including stock-based compensation) ($0.2 million), legal fees ($0.3 million), and Oracle support costs in North America ($0.2 million); partly offset by | ||
• | lower distributor training costs and credit card charges and assessments in Hong Kong ($1.2 million). |
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $34.6 million, or 32.7% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared with $36.7 million, or 24.3% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Excluding KGC, selling, general and administrative expenses were 21.4% of net sales in the comparable period in the prior year, and increased by $7.9 million, or 30%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2006, mainly due to the following:
• | costs of opening new markets in Mexico ($1.1 million) and Japan ($2.5 million); | ||
• | costs of expansion into China ($0.8 million); | ||
• | higher personnel costs, event costs, professional fees and credit card charges and assessments in Korea ($0.8 million); | ||
• | higher accounting fees ($0.7 million), legal fees ($0.5 million), other professional fees ($0.3 million), personnel costs (including stock-based compensation) ($1.3 million), and Oracle support costs in North America ($0.6 million); | ||
• | increased personnel costs, professional fees, and rent expense in Hong Kong ($1.1 million); partly offset by | ||
• | lower distributor training costs and credit card charges and assessments in Hong Kong ($1.9 million). |
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Other Income (Expense).Other income was $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared with an expense of $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. For the first nine months of the year, other income was $0.7 million compared with an expense of $0.8 million a year ago. This increase in other income for the nine month period results primarily from interest income, including imputed interest of $0.5 million on the KGC receivable, and a reduction in foreign currency losses of $0.7 million due to the elimination of the Company’s exposure to the euro.
Income Taxes.The Company recorded a provision of $0.3 million and $0.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, related to its international operations. The Company did not recognize a tax benefit for U.S. tax purposes due to uncertainty that the benefit will be realized. The Company recorded an income tax provision of $0.6 million, or 76% of income before income taxes and minority interest, for the three months ended September 30, 2005, and a provision of $0.9 million, or 51% of income before income taxes and minority interest, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.
Minority Interest.Minority interest income was $9 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to expense of $75 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Minority interest expense was $35 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to expense of $138 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Since the sale of KGC, minority interest expense has become insignificant.
Net Income (Loss).Net loss was $2.5 million, or 8.3% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to net income of $0.1 million, or 0.2% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Net loss was $6.4 million, or 6.1% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to net income of $0.8 million, or 0.5% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The increased losses were primarily due to lower sales in Hong Kong, and higher selling, general and administrative costs, specifically in North America and the new markets of Mexico, Japan, and China.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash generated from operations has been the main funding source for the Company’s working capital and capital expenditure. In October 2004, the Company raised approximately $16 million, net of transaction fees, through a private equity placement. The Company is constantly evaluating its financial needs and potential sources of additional funding. At September 30, 2006, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $12.1 million, including $4.6 million in China that may not be freely transferable to other countries because the Company’s Chinese subsidiary is subject to a business license capitalization requirement.
At September 30, 2006, the ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.20 to 1.00 and the Company had working capital of approximately $4.6 million. Working capital as of September 30, 2006 decreased $6.0 million compared to that as of December 31, 2005.
Cash used in operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was approximately $6.5 million. Cash was mainly utilized due to the incurrence of net losses and decreases in current liabilities, including deferred revenue, partly offset by a reduction in existing inventories.
Cash provided by investing activities during the period was approximately $0.1 million, which primarily results from proceeds received on the KGC receivable, offset by investment in property and equipment. Cash used in financing activities during the period was approximately $5 thousand due to repayment of debt, partially offset by proceeds received from stock option exercises. Total cash and cash equivalents decreased by approximately $6.3 million during the period.
The Company believes that its existing liquidity and cash flows from operations, including its cash and cash equivalents, should be adequate to fund normal business operations expected in the near future, assuming no significant unforeseen expense or substantial revenue decline.
The Company plans to focus on further developing the Japanese, the Mexican and the Chinese markets in the next twelve months. The Company does not expect the sale of its equity interests in the Kaire Entities effective July 1, 2006 (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements), to have a significant impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Related Party Transactions
In August 2001, the Company entered into a written lease agreement and an oral management agreement with S&B Business Services, an affiliate of Brad LaCore, the brother of Terry LaCore, former Chief Executive Officer of NHT Global U.S. and a director of the Company, and Sherry LaCore, Brad LaCore’s spouse. Under the terms of the two agreements, S&B Business Services provided warehouse facilities and certain equipment, managed and shipped inventory, provided independent distributor support services and disbursed payments to independent distributors. In exchange for these services, the Company paid $18,000 annually for leasing the
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warehouse, $3,600 annually for the lease of warehouse equipment and $120,000 annually for the management services provided, plus an annual average of approximately $12,000 for business related services. The Company paid S&B Business Services approximately $41,000 during the three month periods ended September 30, 2005, and approximately $119,000 and $18,000 during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. No amounts were paid during the three months ended September 30, 2006.
The payment disbursement function was transferred to the Company’s Dallas head office during the third quarter of 2005. In January 2006, the Company hired Sherry LaCore as an employee and simultaneously terminated the oral management agreement with S&B Business Services. Additionally, the Company closed the warehouse facility by the end of March 2006 and terminated the related lease agreement.
A director of the Company’s China subsidiary is the sole director of Access Int’l (Zhuhai Ftz) Warehousing & Trading Co. Ltd. and its group (collectively, “Access”), a transportation and logistics company, and the owner of Info Development Ltd. (“Info”), an import services company, both of which provided services to the Company’s Hong Kong subsidiary. Payments totaling approximately $1,928,000 and $3,854,000 were paid to Access and Info during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005, respectively. Payments totaling approximately $47,000 and $429,000 were paid to Access and Info during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006, respectively. At September 30, 2006, approximately $43,000 was due to Info.
In connection with its acquisition of MarketVision Communications Corporation (“MarketVision”) in 2004, the Company entered into a software license agreement (the “Software License Agreement”), with MarketVision Consulting Group, LLC, a limited liability company owned by John Cavanaugh, the President of MarketVision, and Jason Landry, a Vice President of MarketVision (the “Licensee”). Upon an Event of Default (as defined), the Software License Agreement grants, among other things, the Licensee with an irrevocable, exclusive, perpetual, royalty free, fully-paid, worldwide, transferable, sublicensable right and license to use, copy, modify, distribute, rent, lease, enhance, transfer, market, and create derivative works to the MarketVision software. An “Event of Default” under the Software License Agreement includes a “Share Default,” which is defined as the market value per share of the Company failing to equal or exceed $10.00 per share for any one rolling period of six months for a certain period following the acquisition of MarketVision. The last time that the Company’s stock closed at or above $10.00 per share was February 16, 2006, and a Share Default would otherwise have occurred on August 17, 2006. In August, September, and October 2006, the parties to the Software License Agreement amended that agreement to provide that no Share Default will occur prior to November 30, 2006.
Despite the granting of such a license to the Licensee if an Event of Default should occur, under the Software License Agreement, the Company and MarketVision retain the right to continue to use the MarketVision software for its internal use only and not as an application service provider or service bureau, but may not rent, lease, license, transfer or distribute the software without the Licensee’s prior written consent. Moreover, the Company would have the right to receive certain application service provider services from Licensee. Although the Company does not believe that an Event of Default would, by itself, have a material adverse effect on the Company, it is possible that it could trigger other events that have such an effect. For example, it is possible that the Company could lose the services of Mr. Cavanaugh, Mr. Landry, or other employees of MarketVision.
On November 10, 2005, an independent investigator retained by the Company’s Audit Committee learned that an entity controlled by Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore received payments from an independent distributor of the Company’s products during 2001 through August 2005. The Company believes that Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore received from such independent distributor a total of approximately $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The Company believes that the fees paid by the Company to such independent distributor were not in excess of the amounts due under the Company’s regular distributor compensation plan.
Approximately $2.4 million of the funds paid by the independent distributor to Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore were paid at the direction of Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore to an entity that is partially owned by Mr. Woodburn’s father and Randall A. Mason, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and former Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee. The funds were subsequently paid to an entity controlled by Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore at their direction. After investigation by the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors of the Company concluded that Mr. Mason was unaware that these payments were directed by Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore to an entity partially owned by him until uncovered by the Audit’s Committee’s independent investigator on November 10, 2005, and that Mr. Mason was not involved in any misconduct and received no pecuniary benefit from the payments made by the independent distributor. However, since payments were directed into an entity that is partially owned by Mr. Mason, he could no longer be considered “independent” in accordance with the rules of Nasdaq and under the federal securities laws. Therefore, effective November 11, 2005, Mr. Mason resigned as Chairman and a member of the Company’s Audit Committee.
On November 14, 2005, in light of the information learned by the Company’s Audit Committee on November 10, 2005, the Company terminated the employment of each of Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.
In addition, a loan made by the Company under the direction of Mr. Woodburn in the aggregate principal amount of $256,000 in February 2004 was previously recorded as a loan to a third party. On November 10, 2005, the Audit Committee investigator learned
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that the Company actually loaned the funds to an entity owned and controlled by the parents of Mr. Woodburn. The loan was repaid in full, partially by an entity controlled by a third party and partially by an entity controlled by Mr. Woodburn in December 2004.
On March 23, 2006, an independent investigator retained by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors confirmed that affiliates of immediate family members of Mr. Woodburn have owned since 1998, and continue to own on March 23, 2006, equity interests in Aloe Commodities (“Aloe”), the largest manufacturer of the Company and the supplier of theSkindulgence® Line andLaVie™ products, representing approximately 5% of the outstanding shares of Aloe. The Company paid Aloe and certain of its affiliates approximately $3,234,000 and $7,369,000 during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005, respectively. The Company paid Aloe and certain of its affiliates approximately $1,874,000 and $3,431,000 during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006, respectively. At September 30, 2006, approximately $7,000 was due to Aloe and certain of its affiliates.
Adoption of SFAS 123(R)
Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for its stock-based compensation plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” The Company did not recognize compensation cost related to stock options granted to its employees and non-employee directors that had an exercise price equal to or above the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” and related interpretations using the modified-prospective transition method. The modified-prospective transition method does not allow for restatement of prior periods and accordingly, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and future periods will not be comparable to our historical results of operations. Under the modified-prospective transition method, compensation cost recognized in our results of operations includes (1) compensation cost for all stock-based awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, January 1, 2006 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, and (2) compensation cost for all stock-based awards granted on or subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Compensation cost is presented in the same lines as cash compensation paid to the same individuals.
As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006, the Company recognized stock-based compensation of approximately $167,000 and $469,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, which approximates $0.02 and $0.06 per share, respectively. Because the Company maintained a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets, the Company did not recognize any tax benefit related to stock-based compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.
As of September 30, 2006, there was $1.1 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation on a pre-tax basis related to non-vested stock options. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This Interpretation requires the Company to recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective January 1, 2007, with the cumulative effect, if any, of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to beginning-of-year accumulated deficit. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 on the consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements,” which provides interpretive guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. SAB No. 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The Company is currently assessing the
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impact, if any, the adoption of SAB No. 108 will have on the consolidated financial statements. The cumulative effect, if any, of applying the provisions of SAB No. 108 will be reported as an adjustment to beginning-of-year accumulated deficit.
Off — Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not utilize off-balance sheet financing arrangements other than in the normal course of business. The Company finances the use of certain facilities, office and computer equipment, and automobiles under various operating lease agreements.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Risk
In the first nine months of 2006, approximately 91% of our revenue was recorded in markets outside the United States. However, that figure does not accurately reflect our foreign currency exposure mainly because the Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar. We also purchase all inventories in U.S. dollars. Therefore, our currency exposure, mainly to the Korean won, Singapore dollar, New Taiwan dollar, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, and Australian dollar, represents approximately 22% of our revenue in the first nine months of 2006. The Company incurred a foreign currency loss of $6 thousand and $201 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.
In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we translate revenue and expenses in foreign countries from their local currencies into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates for the period. The local currency of each subsidiary’s primary markets is considered the functional currency. The effect of the translation of the Company’s foreign operations is included in accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity and does not impact the statement of operations.
As currency rates change, translation of our foreign currency functional businesses into U.S. dollars affects year-over-year comparability of equity. We do not plan to hedge translation risks because cash flows from our international operations are generally reinvested locally. Changes in the currency exchange rates that would have the largest impact on translating our international net assets included Korean won, Chinese yuan, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, New Taiwan dollar, and Australian dollar.
Hedging
Our exposure to foreign currency fluctuation is expected to increase as the Company further develops the markets in Japan, Mexico and China. The Company currently has no specific plans, but expects to evaluate whether it should use forward or option contracts to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Seasonality
Historically our revenue has not been impacted by seasonality on any significant basis. From quarter to quarter, the Company is somewhat impacted by seasonal factors and trends such as major cultural events and vacation patterns. For example, most Asian markets celebrate their respective local New Year in the first quarter, which generally has a negative impact on that quarter. We believe that direct selling is also generally negatively impacted during the third quarter, when many individuals, including our distributors, traditionally take time off for vacations. In addition, the national holidays in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan in early October tend to have a significant adverse effect on sales in those markets.
The Company’s spending is materially affected by the major events planned for at different times of the year. A major promotional event could significantly increase the reported expenses during the quarter in which the event actually takes place, while the revenue that might be generated by the event may not occur in the same reporting period.
Interest Rate Risk
As of September 30, 2006, we do not think the Company has any exposure to interest rate risk as the Company has limited borrowings that are interest rate sensitive.
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Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate level of internal controls over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:
• | pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; | ||
• | provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and | ||
• | provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with existing policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The following material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting were reported in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on May 8, 2006:
• | We did not maintain an effective control environment because (1) we lack an effective anti-fraud program to detect and prevent fraud, for example, relating to the previous top two executive officers of the Company, Mark Woodburn and Terry LaCore, in terms of (i) conflicts of interests related to executive officers, especially their financial dealings with independent distributors and other vendors, and (ii) proper supervision of the executives conduct separating their executive duties from personal financial interests outside the Company, (2) we failed to perform background checks consistently on personnel being placed into positions of responsibility, (3) an adequate tone was not set from the top as control measures in place were ignored by the previous top two executives and the importance of controls was not properly emphasized and communicated throughout the Company and (4) we did not effectively address the control deficiencies noted in the fiscal year 2004 external audit; | ||
• | We did not maintain effective monitoring controls over financial reporting because (1) our policies regarding review, supervision and monitoring of our accounting operations throughout the Company were not fully designed, in place, or operating effectively and (2) we do not have an internal audit function; | ||
• | We did not maintain effective control over period-end financial close and reporting because (1) we lacked sufficient complement of personnel with an appropriate level of accounting knowledge, experience and training in the application of GAAP commensurate with our financial reporting requirements to prepare, review and approve account reconciliations and supporting schedules, and (2) our legacy accounting systems do not facilitate the appropriate review and approval over the recording of journal entries to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the journal entries recorded; | ||
• | We did not maintain effective controls over the disbursement function since we (1) lacked adequate segregation of duties and (2) lacked appropriate review, approval, and supporting documentation; | ||
• | We did not maintain effective controls over the payroll function since we (1) lacked adequate segregation of duties and (2) lacked appropriate review, approval, and supporting documentation; | ||
• | We did not maintain effective controls over the inventory function since we (1) did not maintain restricted access to the inventory detail schedule used to support the general ledger balances and (2) used the periodic inventory system and performed monthly inventory counts using physical inventory count sheets lacking reviewer documentation; | ||
• | We lacked documentation with respect to certain related party transactions, subsidiary operations and expense reimbursement procedures. In addition, sufficient policies regarding loans to employees and third parties had not been adopted or implemented, and policies related to independent distributor relationships were inadequate; |
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• | We lacked timely resolution of identified accounting and legal issues, and as a result, did not timely complete period-end financial statements and reporting; and | ||
• | We do not have all material contracts in writing and approved by all parties. |
Each of the control deficiencies described above could result in a misstatement of the aforementioned accounts or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Management has determined that each of the control deficiencies constitutes a material weakness.
Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures at December 31, 2005 were not effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.
In light of this conclusion and as part of the preparation of this report, we have applied compensating procedures and processes as necessary to ensure the reliability of our financial reporting. Accordingly, management believes, based on its knowledge, that (1) this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report, and (2) the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects our financial condition as of December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006, and our results of operations and cash flows for each of the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2006.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In light of the noted material weaknesses, we have instituted, and will continue to institute, control improvements that we believe will reduce the likelihood of similar errors:
• | We are devoting more resources to develop an anti-fraud program to detect and prevent fraud. We have subscribed to compliance training programs provided by WeComply, Inc. concerning fraud awareness, insider trading, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and intend to require substantially all employees to complete such programs. We intend to engage outside counsel in each market to review our distributor-related policies, procedures and business practices. Additionally, the program may include the hiring of outside or in-house counsel to be dedicated to the development and enforcement of compliance programs. Background checks have been performed on Stephanie Hayano, the new President and Chief Executive Officer, the only significant hiring since July 2006, and will be performed on all personnel being placed into positions of material responsibility. The compliance program also will include a communication project to set the right tone from the top. Additionally, we plan to allocate additional resources to following up on addressing control deficiencies identified in the previous audits; | ||
• | The Company is developing additional policies and procedures to further strengthen its reporting, including the areas of revenue recognition, sales and expense cut-off and sales returns. During 2006, the Company hired an analyst to assist in revenue reporting and reconciliation. The Company also developed and distributed to all international subsidiaries formal checklists to provide guidance regarding matters to consider in the period end close process. In addition, we will evaluate whether to engage outside resources to perform internal audit projects; | ||
• | The Company began implementation of the Oracle E-Business Suite during the fourth quarter of 2005 and commenced use of certain functionality on January 1, 2006 that address certain of the material weaknesses listed above, including the effective control over period-end financial close and reporting and the effective control over certain accounting functions. The Oracle implementation facilitated the appropriate review and approval over the recording of journal entries to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the journal entries recorded. Additionally, the Company has made changes to its corporate accounting staff, including the hiring or contracting of additional personnel in the U.S. In December 2005, the Company hired a new general counsel to assist in the legal and compliance effort. The new general counsel commenced work in January 2006; | ||
• | Additional segregation of duties and appropriate review, approval, and supporting documentation were installed in 2006 to maintain effective controls over the disbursement function. We are developing policies for proper documentation, review and approval related to related party transactions, subsidiary operations, distributor compensation adjustments, employee loans, expense reimbursements, and distributor relationships; | ||
• | Additional segregation of duties and appropriate review, approval, and supporting documentation have been implemented since 2005 year end to maintain effective controls over the payroll function; |
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• | With the implementation of the Oracle e-Business Suite’s financial reporting package, we have taken steps to restrict access to the inventory detail schedule used to support the general ledger balances. Additionally, we have hired an inventory accountant and developed additional inventory-related tools to assist our international controllers. With additional implementation of Oracle applications, we plan to eventually replace the current periodic inventory system, relying on monthly inventory counts using physical inventory count sheets, with a perpetual inventory system. Meanwhile, more procedures will be installed for review of inventory count documentation; | ||
• | Additional processes will be instituted to timely resolve identified accounting and legal issues so that period-end financial statements and reporting can be timely completed; and | ||
• | Stronger policy enforcement will be pushed down throughout the Company to eliminate executives making verbal agreements ahead of properly approved written contracts. |
Certain of these remediation efforts, primarily associated with our information technology infrastructure and related controls, will require significant ongoing effort and investment. Our management, with the oversight of our audit committee, will continue to identify and take steps to remedy known material weaknesses as expeditiously as possible and enhance the overall design and capability of our control environment. We believe that the foregoing actions have improved and will continue to improve our internal control over financial reporting, as well as our disclosure controls and procedures.
If the remedial policies and procedures we have implemented, and continue to implement, are insufficient to address the material weakness or if additional significant deficiencies or other conditions relating to our internal controls are discovered in the future, we may fail to meet our future reporting obligations, our financial statements may contain material misstatements and our operating results may be adversely affected. Any such failure could also adversely affect the results of the periodic management evaluations and annual auditor attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, which will be required when the SEC’s rules under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 become applicable to us beginning with the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Internal control deficiencies could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. Although we believe that we have addressed, or will address in the near future, our material weakness in internal controls, we cannot guarantee that the measures we have taken to date or any future measures will remediate the material weakness identified or that any additional material weakness or significant deficiencies will not arise in the future due to a failure to implement and maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting.
Other than described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this report, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings which could have an adverse effect on its business, results of operations, or financial condition. For information relating to such legal proceedings, see Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
The Company is exposed to certain risks factors that may affect operations. The significant risk factors known to the Company are described in Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 8, 2006. There have been no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in that Form 10-K, except for the following.
We May Continue To Experience Substantial Negative Cash Flows, Which May Have A Significant Adverse Effect On Our Business And Could Threaten Our Solvency.
We have experienced substantial negative cash flows during the year ended December 31, 2005, and the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to increase in investment in 2005 as well as declines in our revenues without as much proportional decreases in expenditures in 2006. If this trend continued, the decreasing cash balance could impair our ability to support our operations and, eventually, threaten our solvency, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition as well as our stock price. Negative cash flows and the related adverse market perception associated therewith may have negatively affected, and may in the future negatively affect, our ability to attract new distributors and/or sell our products. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in maintaining an adequate level of cash resources and we could be forced to act more aggressively in the area of expense reduction in order to conserve cash resources as we look for alternative solutions.
If We Continue To Experience Negative Cash Flows, We May Need To Seek Debt Or Equity Financing, Which May Not Be Available On Acceptable Terms Or At All. If Available, It Could Have A Dilutive Effect On The Holdings Of Existing Stockholders.
Unless we are able to stabilize or grow revenues, control expenses and achieve positive cash flows, our ability to support our obligations could be impaired and our liquidity could be adversely affected. Eventually, our solvency and our ability to repay our debts when they come due could be threatened. We may need to seek additional debt or equity financing on acceptable terms in order to improve our liquidity. However, we may not be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing on satisfactory terms, or at all, and any new financing could have a dilutive effect to our existing stockholders.
We Face Risks Related To An SEC Investigation And Securities Litigation That Could Have A Material Adverse Effect On Our Relationships With Our Distributors, Business, Financial Condition And Results Of Operations. We May Face Additional Litigation In The Future That Could Also Harm Our Business.
The SEC has issued a formal order of investigation to determine whether there have been violations of the federal securities laws by us and/or others involved with us. Although we have fully cooperated with the SEC in this matter and intend to continue to fully cooperate, we cannot predict when this investigation will be completed or its outcome. We could face sanctions in connection with any resolution of the SEC investigation, including but not limited to, significant monetary penalties and injunctive relief.
In addition, we and certain of our directors and officers have been named as defendants in a securities class action lawsuit. Due to the volatility of the stock market and particularly the stock prices of network marketing companies, it is possible that we will face additional class action lawsuits in the future. The findings and outcome of the SEC investigation may affect the class action and other lawsuits that are pending and any future litigation that we may face.
Any settlement of the class action and other litigation or any resolution of the SEC investigation may involve significant cash payments that could create or increase negative cash flows. If we are unable to achieve a settlement of the class action and other litigation, we could be liable for large damage awards. There can be no assurance that damage awards, if any, and the costs of litigation will be covered by insurance. If not, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Defending against existing and potential litigation and other governmental proceedings may continue to require significant attention and resources of our management. There can be no assurance that the significant time and effort spent will not adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Continued Adverse News About The Company Could Have A Material Adverse Effect On Our Ability To Attract And Maintain Distributors.
Our recent operating performance, changes in management, decline in stock price, SEC investigation of us and lawsuits filed against us may have negatively affected, and may continue to negatively affect, our ability to attract and retain distributors, without whom we would be unable to sell our products and generate revenues.
Loss Of Key Personnel Could Adversely Affect Our Business.
Our future success depends to a significant degree on the skills, experience and efforts of our top management and key consultants, particularly our management personnel responsible for our Hong Kong and MarketVision subsidiaries. In November 2005, the Company terminated the top two employees, Mark Woodburn, former President and director of the Company, and Terry LaCore, former Chief Executive Officer of NHT Global and former director of the Company, due to misconduct. Although we have recently settled our disputes with these individuals, the changes in senior management during the last twelve months may have had a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We also depend on the ability of our executive officers and other members of senior management to work effectively as a team. The loss of one or more of our executive officers, members of our senior management, or key consultants could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Item 6. EXHIBITS
31.1 | Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
31.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
32.1 | Certification of the 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 the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP. | ||||
Date: November 9, 2006 | /s/ Stephanie S. Hayano | |||
Stephanie S. Hayano | ||||
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||||
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