UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
OR
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o |
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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)
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Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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59-2705336
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
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2050 Diplomat Drive
Dallas, Texas
(Address of principal executive offices)
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75234
(Zip Code) |
Registrants 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. Yes þ No o
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 filer o Accelerated filer o Non-Accelerated filer þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Act). Yes o No þ
At November 12, 2007, the number of shares outstanding of the registrants common stock was
10,056,268 shares.
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
September 30, 2007
INDEX
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 reliance on our forward-looking statements. 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 forward-looking
statements include the risks described under the caption Risk Factors in our most recent Annual
Report on Form 10-K and in this report, which include the following:
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we may continue to experience substantial negative cash flows; |
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we may need to seek additional debt or equity financing; |
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we face risks related to an SEC investigation and securities litigation; |
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our ability to attract and retain distributors; |
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our ability to recruit and retain key management and consultants; |
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our relationship with our distributors; |
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our inability to control our distributors to the same extent as if they were our own
employees; |
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our ability to protect or use our intellectual property rights; |
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claims against us that could arise from the misconduct of our former officers and
directors; |
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adverse publicity associated with our products, ingredients or network marketing
programs, or those of similar companies; |
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our ability to maintain or expand the number of our distributors or their productivity
levels; |
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our dependence on our Hong Kong and China market for most of our revenue; |
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regulatory matters pertaining to direct-selling laws, particularly in China; |
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the modification of our compensation plan in China in a way that could adversely affect
our business; |
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our inability to obtain a direct-selling license in China; |
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our failure to properly pay business taxes or customs duties, including those of China; |
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risks associated with operating internationally, including foreign currency exchange
risks; |
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risks associated with the amount of compensation paid to distributors, which can affect
our profitability; |
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product liability claims; |
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our internal controls and accounting methods may require further modification; |
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our non-compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; |
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risks associated with our reliance on information technology systems; |
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risks associated with the extensive regulation of our business and the implications of
changes in such regulations; |
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currency exchange rate fluctuations could lower our revenue and net income; |
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failure of new products to gain distributor or market acceptance; |
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product concentration; |
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our reliance on outside manufacturers; |
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the intensely competitive nature of our business; |
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terrorist attacks, acts of war or other disasters, particularly given the scope of our
international operations; |
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adverse consequences from audit committee investigations; |
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disappointing quarterly revenue or operating results, which could adversely affect our
stock price; |
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our common stock is particularly subject to volatility because of the industry in which
we operate; |
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consequences arising if an active public trading market for our common stock does not
continue; |
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adverse consequences if securities analysts publish adverse research or reports, or
otherwise fail to cover us at all; |
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our failure to apply the proceeds derived from our May and October 2007 financings
effectively; |
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adverse cash flow consequences from leverage and debt service obligations; |
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we could be required to make substantial cash payments upon an event of default under
our variable rate convertible debentures; |
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our inability to register the shares of common stock underlying our variable convertible
debentures and warrants issued in October 2007 with the SEC within specified time periods
will result in liquidated damage payment obligations; |
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our ability to operate our business may be limited by the various covenants and
restrictions included in the agreements governing our variable rate convertible debentures
and related warrants issued in October 2007; |
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the conversion of our convertible debentures or other convertible securities or the
exercise of our warrants into shares of our common stock could result in substantial
dilution and could otherwise depress the market price of our common stock; and |
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future sales by us or our stockholders of shares of common stock could depress the
market price of our common stock. |
Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our
forward-looking statements are set forth in this report, including under the heading Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in our financial
statements and the related notes.
Forward-looking statements in this report speak only as of the date hereof, and forward
looking statements in documents 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.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
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December |
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September |
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31, 2006 |
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30, 2007 |
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(Unaudited) |
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ASSETS |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
11,936 |
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$ |
6,199 |
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Restricted cash |
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455 |
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395 |
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Certificates of deposit |
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1,277 |
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Accounts receivable |
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462 |
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522 |
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Inventories, net |
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5,857 |
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5,048 |
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Other current assets |
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2,639 |
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1,606 |
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Total current assets |
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22,626 |
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13,770 |
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Property and equipment, net |
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2,944 |
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1,973 |
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Goodwill |
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14,145 |
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14,145 |
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Intangible assets, net |
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3,400 |
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2,800 |
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Restricted cash |
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4,142 |
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4,911 |
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Deferred tax assets |
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208 |
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213 |
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Other assets |
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1,120 |
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952 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
48,585 |
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$ |
38,764 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
3,424 |
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$ |
3,389 |
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Income taxes payable |
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281 |
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458 |
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Accrued distributor commissions |
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3,852 |
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2,121 |
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Other accrued expenses |
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5,255 |
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4,806 |
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Deferred revenue |
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5,641 |
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4,272 |
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Other current liabilities |
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3,135 |
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3,115 |
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Total current liabilities |
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21,588 |
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18,161 |
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Commitments and contingencies
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Minority interest |
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22 |
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31 |
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Stockholders equity: |
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Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000
shares authorized; 1,761,900 shares
designated Series A convertible preferred
stock, 1,431,075 shares issued and
outstanding at September 30, 2007, aggregate
liquidation value of $2,503 at September 30,
2007 |
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1,280 |
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Common stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000
shares authorized, 8,199,933 and 8,802,674
shares issued and outstanding at December
31, 2006 and September 30, 2007 |
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8 |
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9 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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70,042 |
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73,656 |
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Accumulated deficit |
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(44,128 |
) |
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(55,696 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income: |
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Foreign currency translation adjustment |
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1,053 |
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1,323 |
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Total stockholders equity |
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26,975 |
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20,572 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
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$ |
48,585 |
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$ |
38,764 |
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
1
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
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Three Months Ended |
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Nine Months Ended |
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September 30, |
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September 30, |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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Net sales |
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$ |
29,945 |
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$ |
16,828 |
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$ |
105,740 |
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$ |
63,524 |
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Cost of sales |
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6,646 |
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4,892 |
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23,419 |
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16,559 |
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Gross profit |
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23,299 |
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11,936 |
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82,321 |
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46,965 |
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Operating expenses: |
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Distributor commissions |
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15,456 |
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7,267 |
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54,902 |
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30,187 |
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Selling, general and administrative expenses |
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10,630 |
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8,343 |
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34,368 |
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27,172 |
|
Recovery of KGC receivable |
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|
(338 |
) |
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|
(146 |
) |
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(652 |
) |
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(565 |
) |
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Total operating expenses |
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25,748 |
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15,464 |
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88,618 |
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56,794 |
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Loss from operations |
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(2,449 |
) |
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|
(3,528 |
) |
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(6,297 |
) |
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(9,829 |
) |
Other income, net |
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309 |
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135 |
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696 |
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302 |
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Loss before income taxes and minority interest |
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(2,140 |
) |
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(3,393 |
) |
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(5,601 |
) |
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(9,527 |
) |
Income tax provision |
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|
(344 |
) |
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(97 |
) |
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|
(788 |
) |
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(460 |
) |
Minority interest |
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9 |
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(6 |
) |
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(35 |
) |
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(7 |
) |
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Net loss |
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(2,475 |
) |
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(3,496 |
) |
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(6,424 |
) |
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(9,994 |
) |
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Beneficial conversion feature on preferred stock |
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(1,574 |
) |
Preferred stock dividends |
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(37 |
) |
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(70 |
) |
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Net loss attributable to common stockholders |
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$ |
(2,475 |
) |
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$ |
(3,533 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,424 |
) |
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$ |
(11,638 |
) |
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Loss per share basic and diluted |
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$ |
(0.30 |
) |
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$ |
(0.43 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.80 |
) |
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$ |
(1.41 |
) |
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Weighted-average number of shares outstanding |
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8,200 |
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8,278 |
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8,039 |
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8,254 |
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
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Nine Months Ended |
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September 30, |
|
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2006 |
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2007 |
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
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Net loss |
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$ |
(6,424 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,994 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment |
|
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823 |
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|
767 |
|
Amortization of intangibles |
|
|
718 |
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|
|
600 |
|
Minority interest |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
469 |
|
|
|
656 |
|
Imputed interest on KGC installment payable |
|
|
(527 |
) |
|
|
(228 |
) |
Recovery of KGC receivable |
|
|
(652 |
) |
|
|
(565 |
) |
Impairment of long-lived assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
532 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
Inventories, net |
|
|
3,006 |
|
|
|
861 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
|
660 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
(138 |
) |
|
|
186 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
(952 |
) |
|
|
(44 |
) |
Income taxes payable |
|
|
215 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
Accrued distributor commissions |
|
|
(603 |
) |
|
|
(1,736 |
) |
Other accrued expenses |
|
|
(699 |
) |
|
|
(479 |
) |
Deferred revenue |
|
|
(1,787 |
) |
|
|
(1,376 |
) |
Other current liabilities |
|
|
453 |
|
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
|
(6,522 |
) |
|
|
(10,082 |
) |
|
|
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|
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of property and equipment |
|
|
(1,622 |
) |
|
|
(290 |
) |
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash |
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
(547 |
) |
Decrease in certificate of deposit |
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
1,277 |
|
Proceeds from KGC receivable |
|
|
1,492 |
|
|
|
1,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by investing activities |
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
1,623 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments on debt |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock and warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,575 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of common stock |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
2,665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(6,328 |
) |
|
|
(5,737 |
) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period |
|
|
18,470 |
|
|
|
11,936 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period |
|
$ |
12,142 |
|
|
$ |
6,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Nature of Operations
Natural Health Trends Corp. (the Company), a Delaware corporation, is an international
direct-selling and e-commerce company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. 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.
The Companys majority-owned subsidiaries have an active physical presence in North America;
Greater China, which consists of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and China; Southeast Asia; Australia and
New Zealand; South Korea; Japan; Latin America; and Europe.
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 Companys 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 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 28, 2007.
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 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 Companys
consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
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.
The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of the Companys
financial statements include estimates associated with note and installment receivables, obsolete
inventory and the fair value of acquired intangible assets, including goodwill, and other
long-lived assets, as well as those used in the determination of liabilities related to sales
returns, distributor commissions, and income taxes. The financial statements also include
estimates related to the fair value of various securities and equity awards granted to employees,
directors, and others. 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. The actual
results may differ materially and adversely from the Companys estimates. To the extent that there
are material differences between the estimates and actual results, future results of operations
will be affected.
4
Reclassification
Certain balances have been reclassified in the prior year consolidated financial statements to
conform to current year presentation.
Income Taxes
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN
48). FIN 48 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 adoption of FIN 48 did not materially affect the
consolidated financial statements and, as a result, the Company did not record any cumulative
effect adjustment upon adoption.
As of the date of adoption, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits for
uncertain tax positions. Interest and penalties on tax uncertainties are classified as a component
of income tax expense. The total amount of interest and penalties accrued as of the date of
adoption were not significant. In addition, the total amount of interest and penalties recorded in
the consolidated statements of operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006
and 2007 were not significant.
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States, various states,
and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax
examinations for years prior to 2003, and is no longer subject to state income tax examinations for
years prior to 2001. No jurisdictions are currently examining any income tax returns of the
Company or its subsidiaries.
Revenue Recognition
Product sales are recorded when the products are shipped and title passes to independent
distributors. Product sales are made pursuant to an 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 Companys sales arrangements do not
contain a 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.
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.
Various taxes on the sale of products and enrollment packages to distributors are collected by
the Company as an agent and remitted to the respective taxing authority. These taxes are presented
on a net basis and recorded as a liability until remitted to the respective taxing authority.
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 non-vested
restricted stock and shares that might be issued upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and
warrants and the conversion of preferred stock.
The dilutive effect of non-vested restricted stock, 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.
5
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 following
securities were not included for the time periods indicated as their effect would have been
anti-dilutive:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options to purchase common stock |
|
|
852,124 |
|
|
|
291,000 |
|
|
|
2,092,124 |
|
|
|
1,041,458 |
|
Warrants to purchase common stock |
|
|
1,080,504 |
|
|
|
3,139,811 |
|
|
|
1,080,504 |
|
|
|
3,139,811 |
|
Non-vested restricted stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
668,871 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
711,686 |
|
Convertible preferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,759,307 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,759,307 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,932,628 |
|
|
|
5,858,989 |
|
|
|
3,172,628 |
|
|
|
6,652,262 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued 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 February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities, which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments,
and certain other items, at fair value. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure
requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement
attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 applies to reporting periods
beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of
adopting SFAS No. 159.
3. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Share-based compensation expense totaled approximately $167,000 and $144,000 for the three
months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively, and approximately $469,000 and $656,000 for
the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. No tax benefits were attributed
to the share-based compensation because a valuation allowance was maintained for substantially all
net deferred tax assets.
Following approval by the Compensation Committee, on April 21, 2007 the Company granted
609,940 shares of restricted stock under the Companys 2007 Equity Incentive Plan to the Companys
Executive Officers, directors and other key employees and consultants. Those grants of restricted
stock to the Companys Executive Officers and key employees and consultants vest quarterly on a pro
rata basis over a three-year period. The restricted stock granted to the Companys directors
vested immediately.
On May 25, 2007, the Company filed Schedule TO offering eligible option holders the
opportunity to exchange outstanding stock options with an exercise price greater than $9.00 per
share, which were originally granted under the Companys 2002 Stock Option Plan, for shares of
restricted stock that would be awarded under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Exchange. The number of restricted stock
awards that the Company offered in exchange for each eligible stock option was determined by an
exchange ratio established for that specific stock option. The exchange ratio was determined based
on a number of factors, including the value of outstanding eligible stock options based on the
Black-Scholes option pricing model. The aggregate value of the restricted stock awards that were
offered was roughly comparable to the aggregate Black-Scholes value of the eligible options
surrendered for exchange. The offering period expired on June 25, 2007, and pursuant to the Offer
to Exchange, the Company accepted for cancellation stock options to purchase an aggregate of
499,124 shares of common stock in exchange for 197,896 shares of restricted stock. All restricted
stock awards issued in exchange for eligible stock options vest quarterly on a pro rata basis over
a three-year period.
On July 23, 2007, the Company accepted for cancellation stock options to purchase an aggregate
of 75,000 shares of common stock in exchange for 47,934 shares of restricted stock issued to two
directors of the Company under the Companys 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. These restricted stock
awards issued in exchange for eligible stock options vested immediately upon issuance. The number
of restricted stock awards that the Company offered in exchange for each eligible stock option was
determined by an exchange ratio established for that specific stock option. The exchange ratio for
options that had an exercise price greater than $10.00 per share was determined based on a number
of factors, including the value of outstanding eligible stock options based on the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. For these options, which were issued under the Companys 2002 Stock Option
Plan, the aggregate
6
value of the restricted stock awards that were offered is roughly comparable to the aggregate
Black-Scholes value of the eligible options surrendered for exchange. For options that had an
exercise price of $2.00 per share or less (which were granted in 2002 before the adoption of the
2002 Stock Option Plan), the exchange ratio was determined by multiplying the number of shares for
which the options could be exercised by the difference between the closing price per share on the
last trading day preceding the exchange and the exercise price per share of the options, and then
dividing that product by the closing price per share on the last trading day preceding the
exchange.
The Company continues to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate fair value of
stock options, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. Due to the plain
vanilla characteristics of the Companys 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 Companys 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.
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.
No stock options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
The following table summarizes the Companys stock option awards activity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wtd. Avg. |
|
Wtd. Avg. |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
Remaining |
|
Intrinsic |
|
|
Shares |
|
Price |
|
Contractual Life |
|
Value1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
1,041,458 |
|
|
$ |
8.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(60,000 |
) |
|
|
1.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cancelled/forfeited/expired |
|
|
(830,458 |
) |
|
|
10.62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at September 30, 2007 |
|
|
151,000 |
|
|
|
2.21 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
$ |
59,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2007 |
|
|
100,573 |
|
|
|
2.41 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
38,000 |
|
Exercisable at September 30, 2007 |
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
10.01 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pretax
intrinsic value (the difference between the closing price of the Companys
common stock on the last trading day for the date indicated and the exercise
price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been
received by our option holders had all option holders exercised their options
on the date indicated. |
7
As of September 30, 2007, total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to stock
options was approximately $0.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average
period of 1.9 years.
The following table summarizes the Companys restricted stock awards activity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wtd. Avg. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price at Date |
|
|
Shares |
|
of Issuance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Granted |
|
|
864,520 |
|
|
|
2.55 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(264,050 |
) |
|
|
2.74 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(7,400 |
) |
|
|
2.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at September 30, 2007 |
|
|
593,070 |
|
|
|
2.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of September 30, 2007, total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to
non-vested restricted stock was approximately $0.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over
a weighted-average period of 2.5 years.
4. COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(2,475 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,496 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,424 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,994 |
) |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
|
|
209 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
436 |
|
|
|
270 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive loss |
|
$ |
(2,266 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,492 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,988 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,724 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. CONTINGENCIES
Legal Matters
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 breached its distributorship agreement with
Mr. Loghry and that the Company had breached an agreement to issue shares of the Companys 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)
for disparagement and to declare that they were not liable to Mr. Loghry on his alleged claims.
Mr. Loghry filed counterclaims against the Company and NHT Global U.S. for fraud and breach of
contract, as well as related claims of fraud, tortuous interference and conspiracy against Mark
Woodburn and Terry LaCore (who were officers and directors at that time) and an NHT Global
distributor. In February 2005, the court dismissed all of Mr. Loghrys 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. Loghrys
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. Loghrys 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 Trustees Case) asserting Loghrys
claims against the same defendants. On February 21, 2006, the Trustees Case was transferred to
the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. On March 30, 2007, the
District Court granted summary judgment against Mr. Loghry for lack of standing and against the
Company on some of its claims. The Company dismissed its remaining claims against Mr. Loghry and
moved for entry of a final judgment against Mr. Loghry. The Court has declined to enter final
judgment against Loghry until the Trustees Case is resolved. The Company filed for summary
judgment against the Trustee on November 5, 2007. The Company continues to deny the allegations of
the United States Trustee and intends to vigorously contest the Trustees Case, which has been set
for trial in February 2008. An unfavorable judgment could have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition of the Company.
On September 11, 2006, a putative class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District
Court for the Northern District of Texas by The Rosen Law Firm P.A. purportedly on behalf of
certain purchasers of the Companys 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. On February 20, 2007, the named plaintiffs filed an amended complaint.
On April 23, 2007, the Company
8
and the other defendants filed motions to dismiss the lawsuit. On June 22, 2007, the
plaintiffs filed a response in opposition of the motions to dismiss. On July 23, 2007, the Company
and the other defendants filed replies to the plaintiffs opposition to the motions to dismiss.
The Company believes that the claims alleged in this lawsuit are without merit, and the Company
intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.
On February 9, 2007, the Company and NHT Global U.S. received a demand letter for $229,750
from a former distributor who claims to have wire transferred this amount to NHT Global U.S. in
2004 for products that were not delivered and for exclusive sales rights in England and Japan that
were not honored. The Company has investigated the claim and believes that it is without merit.
Currently, there is no other material 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 Companys 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 Companys 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
Companys Audit Committee, including the payments received by Mark Woodburn and Terry LaCore from
an independent distributor. In connection with the inquiry, the Staff of the SEC requested that
the Company voluntarily provide it with certain information and documents, including information
gathered by the independent investigator engaged by the Companys 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 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 has been cooperating fully
with the SEC with respect to its investigation.
6. 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 director of the Company, and Sherry LaCore,
Brad LaCores 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 $18,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. No amounts were paid
during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
The payment disbursement function was transferred to the Companys 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.
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 Companys 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. The parties to the Software
License Agreement amended that agreement to provide that no Share Default will occur prior to
December 31, 2006. No further amendments have been entered into, and as a result, the Company is
currently in default.
Although an Event of Default has occurred, the Company believes that it continues to have the
right to continue using the MarketVision software for its internal use only and not as an
application service provider or service bureau, but may not rent, lease,
9
license, transfer or distribute the software without the Licensees prior written consent.
Moreover, the Company believes that it has the right to receive certain application service
provider services from Licensee, if it chooses to do so. The Company does not believe that the
occurrence of the Event of Default has had or will have a material adverse effect on the Company.
A former director of the Companys China subsidiary is the sole director of Access Intl
(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 Companys Hong Kong subsidiary. 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. Payments totaling approximately $49,000 and
$212,000 were paid to Info during the three and nine month periods
ended September 30, 2007, respectively. At
September 30, 2007, approximately $6,000 was due to Info.
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 Mark Woodburn, former President
and director of the Company, have owned since 1998, and continued to own on March 23, 2006, equity
interests in Aloe Commodities (Aloe), the largest manufacturer of the Company and the supplier of
the Skindulgence® Line and LaVie products, representing approximately 5% of the outstanding shares
of Aloe. 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. The
Company paid Aloe and certain of its affiliates approximately $684,000 and $1,370,000 during the
three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, respectively. At September 30, 2007,
approximately $485,000 was due to Aloe and certain of its affiliates.
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 Messrs.
Woodburn and LaCore, and Krage and Janvey LLP, as escrow agent (the Agent). Pursuant to the
Escrow 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 Companys common stock (the
Escrowed Shares) and (ii) Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore deposited with the Agent $1,206,000 in cash
(the Cash Deposit). The Escrowed Shares are the shares of common stock issuable upon the
cashless exercise of stock 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 number of Escrow Shares is based upon the closing price of the Companys 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 to the Agent upon receipt from the 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 Agent will hold the
Escrowed Shares and the Cash Deposit until it receives (i) joint written instructions from the
Company, Messrs. 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 relating to, among other things, payments to Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore
from certain positions in the Companys distribution tree, as follows:
|
(a) |
|
Under the main Settlement Agreement, (i) Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore made a
non-recourse promise to repay the Company $2.5 million (the Payment Amount) no later than
October 31, 2008, (ii) the Company agreed to release the Cash Deposit to Mr. LaCore and the
Escrowed Shares to Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore (subject to the pledge described below),
(iii) Mr. LaCore agreed to 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, (iv) Messrs. Woodburn and
LaCore agreed to certain restrictions on their activities, and (v) the parties agreed to
enter into the other Settlement Agreements described below. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore signed a Non-Recourse Promissory Note (the Note) to
pay the Payment Amount plus interest at the rate of 6% per annum, secured by a pledge of
the released Escrow Shares. 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. |
|
|
(c) |
|
The Company and Mr. Woodburn entered into a Consulting Agreement, pursuant to which Mr.
Woodburn agreed for a one-year period to assist the Company as a consultant 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 |
10
|
|
|
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
(described below) 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. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The Company and Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn entered into a Voting Agreement covering
all shares of Company capital stock beneficially owned by them or shares acquired by them
during the three year period ending October 31, 2009. All of such shares shall be voted by
the Companys Board of Directors, or such third party that is reasonably acceptable to each
of the Company, Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn. |
|
|
(e) |
|
Each of Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn signed a Restricted Activity and Proprietary Rights
Assignment Agreements, pursuant to which they 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 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 Agreement with the Company and continuing through the one year period
following the receipt of his 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 Companys 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. |
|
|
(f) |
|
The Company, Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn entered into an indemnification agreement,
pursuant to which each of Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn 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 Companys
certificate of incorporation, by-laws and Delaware law. |
|
|
(g) |
|
The Company 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 certain positions in the Companys
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 Companys public filings, and (iii) any disclosures made or
omitted, if any, relating or pertaining to any of the foregoing conduct (collectively, the
Specified Conduct). |
|
|
(h) |
|
Messrs. LaCore and Woodburn 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 Companys 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.
On March 21, 2007, the Company entered into a temporary week-to-week agreement with Mr. LaCore
to administer certain distributor positions at the top of the Companys distribution network tree
and commissions accrued and payable to those positions for periods beginning on and after February
12, 2007. These are the same positions held by the distributor that indirectly made the payments
to Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore that were discovered by the Audit Committees independent
investigator on November 10, 2005 (as previously disclosed). Under the temporary agreement, Mr.
LaCore was expected to provide certain master distributor services and provide leadership and
support to the Companys other distributors, all of whom are down-lines of the positions
temporarily administered by Mr. LaCore. In return, the Company agreed to pay the commissions
generated by these positions under the Companys distributor compensation plan to Mr. LaCore, who
in turn agreed to pay some or all of the commissions to other distributors downline. The amount
of gross commissions paid to Mr. LaCore for temporary administration of these positions for the
three months ended September 30, 2007 and for the period beginning February 12, 2007 through
September 30, 2007 were $219,000 and $651,000, respectively. The Company terminated the
week-to-week agreement with Mr. LaCore on October 26, 2007.
On August 30, 2007, the Company accepted the surrender of 642,611 shares of the Companys
common stock by Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore in payment of the principal and accrued interest on the
Note. As provided in the Note, the value of the
11
surrendered shares for purposes of determining the credit to be given against the principal
and interest accrued on the Note was equal to the average of the closing prices for the 20
consecutive trading days preceding the date the shares were tendered for surrender.
7. PRIVATE PLACEMENT FINANCING
On May 4, 2007, the Company consummated a private placement financing generating gross
proceeds of approximately $3.0 million. The financing consisted of the sale of 1,759,307 shares of
Series A preferred stock at a price of $1.70 per share, and warrants representing the right to
purchase 1,759,307 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $0.00001 per underlying share.
The Series A preferred stock is convertible at a fixed rate into an equivalent number of shares of
common stock, subject to adjustment only in the event of stock splits, stock dividends,
recapitalizations and similar events that would affect all of stockholders. The Series A preferred
stock accrues cash dividends at the rate of 7% per annum, payable upon declaration by the board of
directors. Cumulative unpaid dividends totaled $70,000 at September 30, 2007. The holders of
Series A preferred stock are generally entitled to vote together with the holders of common stock.
The Series A preferred stock also has a liquidation preference equal to the original purchase price
of the Series A preferred stock plus any accrued but unpaid dividends.
The warrants are exercisable at any time during the period beginning November 4, 2007 (six
months after their issuance) and ending May 4, 2013 (six years after their issuance). The exercise
price for the warrants varies from $3.80 to $5.00 per share, depending on the time of exercise. If
the exercise date is less than three years after the warrant issuance date, the exercise price
shall be $3.80 per share. If the exercise date is at least three years, but less than four years
and six months, after the warrant issuance date, the exercise price shall be $4.35 per share. If
the exercise date is at least four years and six months after the warrant issuance date, the
exercise price shall be $5.00 per share. The number of shares of common stock for which the
warrants are exercisable, and the related exercise price per share, are subject to adjustment only
in the event of stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and similar events that would
affect all stockholders.
The terms of the financing agreements entered into included the granting of certain
registration rights to the original investors and the placement agent in the financing. The
Company was obligated to file a registration statement no later than 60 days after the closing date
of the financing (the Filing Date). The Company filed such registration statement on Form S-3 on
June 29, 2007 and, in response to SEC comments, an amended registration on Form S-3 on August 4,
2007. The registration statement became effective on August 27, 2007. Additionally, the Company
is required to file such additional amendments and supplements to the registration statement as may
be necessary to keep the registration statement current and effective until the earlier of the date
when all of the shares covered by the registration statement are sold or the stockholders may sell
the shares under Rule 144(k) (the Effectiveness Period).
The Company will be subject to certain financial penalties if it does not fully comply with
the registration obligations. If the registration statement is declared effective, but thereafter
ceases to be effective prior to the expiration of the Effectiveness Period due to an intentional
and willful act by the Company without being succeeded immediately by a subsequent registration
statement filed with the SEC covering the shares into which the Series A preferred stock are
convertible and for which the warrants are exercisable (the Underlying Shares), the Company will
be obligated to pay in cash an amount equal to 2% of the product of $1.70 times the number of
shares of Series A preferred stock purchased by the holder.
In connection with the financing, the Company issued to the placement agent as partial
consideration for its placement services, a warrant covering 300,000 shares of our common stock on
the same terms as those set forth in the warrants issued in the financing. The warrant was valued
at $255,000 using a lattice valuation model.
In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 98-5, Accounting for
Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion
Ratios, and Issue No. 00-27, Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments,
the Company allocated proceeds of $2,537,000, net of $454,000 in cash and equity consideration paid
to the placement agent, between the Series A preferred stock and warrants based on their relative
fair values. The fair value of the warrants was estimated at $1,494,000 using a lattice valuation
model. The proceeds, net of issuance costs of $177,000, allocated to the Series A preferred stock
and warrants were $1,574,000 and $786,000, respectively. The Company measured the intrinsic value
of the embedded beneficial conversion feature of the Series A preferred stock at an amount greater
than the proceeds allocated to the preferred stock. As such, the beneficial conversion feature
recognized upon issuance was limited to the proceeds allocated to the preferred stock, or
$1,574,000. The beneficial conversion feature was recorded as a discount to the Series A preferred
stock and recognized immediately as a dividend to preferred stockholders since the Series A
preferred stock was convertible at the date of issuance.
During September 2007, an aggregate of 328,232 shares of Series A preferred stock were
converted into an equivalent number of shares of common stock. An additional 1,276,675 shares of
Series A preferred stock were converted into common stock through November 12, 2007, and as a
result 154,400 shares of Series A preferred stock remained outstanding on that date.
12
8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On October 19, 2007, Anthony B. Martino resigned from the Companys Board of Directors. The
Company intends to actively seek a qualified replacement for this vacancy on its board of
directors.
On October 19, 2007, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain
institutional investors pursuant to which an aggregate of $3,740,000 was provided to the Company in
a private placement of variable rate convertible debentures having an aggregate face amount of
$4,250,000 (the Debentures), seven-year warrants to purchase 1,495,952 shares of the Companys
common stock, and one-year warrants to purchase 1,495,952 shares of the Companys common stock.
The Debentures can be converted by their holders into 1,700,000 shares of the Companys common
stock, subject to adjustment. The Debentures bear interest at the greater of LIBOR plus 4%, or 10%
per annum. Interest is payable quarterly beginning on January 1, 2008. One-half of the original
principal amount of the Debentures is payable in 12 equal monthly installments beginning on
November 1, 2008, and the balance is payable on October 19, 2009, unless extended by the holders to
October 19, 2012. Under certain conditions, the Company may be able to pay principal and interest
in shares of its common stock. Under certain conditions, the Company also has certain rights to
force conversion or redemption of the debentures. In addition, the placement agent received
five-year warrants to purchase 149,595 shares of the Companys common stock. All warrants are
exercisable beginning six months and one day after their respective issuance and have an exercise
price of $3.52 per share.
Item 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Business Overview
We are an international direct-selling and e-commerce company. Subsidiaries controlled by us
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.
As of September 30, 2007, we are conducting business in at least 15 countries through
approximately 67,000 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 2007. Our
priority for the remainder of 2007 is to focus our resources in our most promising markets, namely
Greater China, South Korea and Europe. Sales into the European market are currently fulfilled by
our North American subsidiaries.
During the year 2006 and the first nine months of 2007, we generated approximately 89% and 91%
of our revenue from subsidiaries located outside North America, respectively, with sales in Hong
Kong representing approximately 67% and 63% 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.
China is currently the Companys most important business development project. In June 2004,
NHT Global obtained a general business license 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. Multi-level marketing is generally prohibited in China, and
direct selling is only permitted with a direct selling license. In December 2005, the Company
submitted a preliminary application for a direct selling license and fully capitalized its Chinese
entity with the remaining capital necessary to fulfill the $12.0 million required cash infusion.
In June 2006, the Company submitted a revised application package in accordance with new
requirements issued by the Chinese government. In June 2007, we launched a new e-commerce retail
platform in China that does not require a direct selling license and is separate and distinct from
our current worldwide platform. We believe this model, which offers discounts based on volume
purchases, will encourage repeat purchases of our products for personal consumption in the Chinese
market. The platform is designed to be in compliance with our understanding of current laws and
regulations in China. The Company anticipates filing a new, revised direct selling application
incorporating a name change, our new e-commerce model and other developments. We believe a direct
selling license would enhance the business conducted in China under the proposed e-commerce retail
platform, and we plan to submit a new application for a direct selling license in order to provide
certain new information. 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 enhance its e-commerce retail platform with direct selling operations.
13
Most of the Companys 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.
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 markets 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, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North America |
|
$ |
3,138 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
% |
|
$ |
1,677 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
|
$ |
9,385 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
% |
|
$ |
6,049 |
|
|
|
9.5 |
% |
Hong Kong |
|
|
19,124 |
|
|
|
63.9 |
|
|
|
10,039 |
|
|
|
59.7 |
|
|
|
72,337 |
|
|
|
68.4 |
|
|
|
40,060 |
|
|
|
63.1 |
|
Taiwan |
|
|
1,132 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
1,356 |
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
|
|
3,046 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
4,151 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
|
Southeast Asia |
|
|
530 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
1,388 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
740 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
South Korea |
|
|
3,324 |
|
|
|
11.1 |
|
|
|
2,010 |
|
|
|
11.9 |
|
|
|
9,552 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
7,818 |
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
Australia/New Zealand |
|
|
240 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
831 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
627 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
Japan |
|
|
1,572 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
463 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
5,702 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
1,826 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
Latin America |
|
|
885 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
2,808 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
875 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
China |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
288 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
348 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
Other1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
381 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,030 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total NHT Global |
|
|
29,945 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
16,828 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
105,049 |
|
|
|
99.3 |
|
|
|
63,524 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North America |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
507 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia/New Zealand |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
184 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total eKaire2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
691 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
29,945 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
16,828 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
105,740 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
63,524 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Represents product sales to KGC Networks Ptd Ltd. as
part of a separate agreement entered into effective December 31, 2005 upon the
sale of the Companys 51% interest in KGC to Bannks Foundation. |
|
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. |
14
Cost of sales consist primarily of products purchased from third-party manufacturers, freight
cost for shipping products to distributors, import duties, costs of promotional materials sold to
the Companys 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 an operating
expense. Under our compensation plan, distributors are paid weekly commissions in the
distributors home country, in their local currency, for product sold by that distributors
down-line distributor network across all geographic markets, except China, where in the second
quarter of 2007 we launched an e-commerce portal based on a buyers-club concept and do not pay any
commissions. 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 (in some markets, sales are for personal consumption only and income may not be
earned through retail mark-ups on sales in that market); and |
|
|
|
|
Through 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 products 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 distributors commissionable group increases as the number of distributorships
directly below the distributor increases. Distributor commissions are dependent on the sales mix
and, for fiscal 2006 and the first nine months of 2007, represented 51% and 48% of net sales,
respectively. 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 (including stock-based compensation), 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 structure re-organized our
non-United States subsidiaries into the Cayman Islands. In October 2007, we discontinued our
operational use of this structure to reduce costs and because we determined that our United States
operating losses will lower our overall effective tax rate. We believe that we operate in
compliance with all applicable transfer pricing laws and we intend to continue to operate in
compliance with such laws. However, there can be no assurance that we will continue to be found to
be operating in compliance with transfer pricing laws, or that those laws would not be modified,
which, as a result, may require changes in our operating procedures. 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 Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the Company has
identified certain policies and estimates that are important to the portrayal of its financial
condition and results of operations. Critical accounting policies and estimates are defined as
both those that are material to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations
and as those that require managements most subjective judgments. These policies and estimates
require the application of significant judgment by the Companys management.
The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of the Companys
financial statements include estimates associated with obsolete inventory and the fair value of
acquired intangible assets, including goodwill, and other long-lived assets, 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. The actual
15
results may differ materially and adversely from the Companys estimates. To the extent that
there are material differences between the estimates and actual results, future results of
operations will be affected. The Companys critical accounting policies at September 30, 2007
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 Companys determination of obsolescence is
based on assumptions about the demand for its products, product expiration dates, estimated future
sales, and managements 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 Companys inventory value at September 30, 2007 was approximately $5.0 million, net
of reserve of $1.9 million. Additional reserve was recorded during the first three months of 2007
of $0.3 million related to discontinued products. No other significant write-downs occurred during
the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Valuation of Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets. 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, 2007, goodwill of
approximately $14.1 million was reflected on the Companys balance sheet. No impairment of
goodwill has been identified in any of the periods presented.
The Company reviews the book value of its property and equipment and intangible assets with
definite lives whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying amount of
an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by
comparison of its carrying amounts to future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to
generate. If property and equipment and intangible assets with definite lives are considered to be
impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the
asset exceeds its fair value. During the first three months of 2007, the Company decided to
terminate its existing office lease in Mexico City and relocate to a less costly location. As a
result, an impairment charge of $0.3 million was recorded for certain office equipment and
leasehold improvements. Additionally, the Company determined that it was in its best interest to
discontinue the use of certain computer software in the Japan office, which resulted in additional
impairment totaling $0.2 million. These charges are included as a component of selling, general
and administrative expenses. At September 30, 2007, the net book value of the Companys property
and equipment and intangible assets were approximately $2.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
No additional losses were recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2007.
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 9% of sales. Sales returns are approximately 4% and 5% of sales for the nine months
ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The allowance for sales returns was approximately
$1.8 million and $1.2 million at December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007, respectively. No
material changes in estimates have been recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Revenue Recognition. Product sales are recorded when the products are shipped and title passes
to independent distributors. Product sales are made pursuant to an 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 Companys 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 $1.0 million and $0.7 million at December 31, 2006 and
September 30, 2007, respectively. Shipping charges billed to distributors are included in net
sales. Costs associated with shipments are included in cost of sales.
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, 2007, enrollment package revenue totaling $3.6 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 December 31, 2005, the Company
increased the valuation allowance to equal its net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of
future operating results. During 2006, the Company recorded deferred tax assets in foreign
jurisdictions that are expected to be realized and therefore no valuation allowance is necessary.
The valuation allowance will be reduced at such time as management believes it is more likely
16
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.
|
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|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Cost of sales |
|
|
22.2 |
|
|
|
29.1 |
|
|
|
22.2 |
|
|
|
26.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
77.8 |
|
|
|
70.9 |
|
|
|
77.8 |
|
|
|
73.9 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributor commissions |
|
|
51.6 |
|
|
|
43.2 |
|
|
|
51.9 |
|
|
|
47.5 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
35.5 |
|
|
|
49.6 |
|
|
|
32.5 |
|
|
|
42.8 |
|
Recovery of KGC receivable |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
86.0 |
|
|
|
91.9 |
|
|
|
83.8 |
|
|
|
89.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations |
|
|
(8.2 |
) |
|
|
(21.0 |
) |
|
|
(6.0 |
) |
|
|
(15.5 |
) |
Other income, net |
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes and minority interest |
|
|
(7.2 |
) |
|
|
(20.2 |
) |
|
|
(5.3 |
) |
|
|
(15.0 |
) |
Income tax provision |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
Minority interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
|
(8.3 |
)% |
|
|
(20.8 |
)% |
|
|
(6.1 |
)% |
|
|
(15.7 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Sales. Net sales were $16.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared
to $29.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, a decrease of $13.1 million, or
44%. This decrease was primarily due to the Companys lower marketing profile during the quarter
and members reaction to the uncertain regulatory environment in China that is currently impacting
the Companys Hong Kong-based business. Hong Kong net sales decreased $9.1 million, or 48%, over
the comparable period a year ago. Additionally, net sales for the three month period ended
September 30, 2007 for North America, South Korea, Japan and Latin America were down $1.5 million,
$1.3 million, $1.1 million, and $0.7 million, respectively, over the comparable period a year ago.
Partly offsetting the decrease, Taiwan net sales increased $0.2 million, or 20%, compared to the
same period in 2006, and our China subsidiary generated $0.3 million in net sales.
Net sales were $63.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $105.7
million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, a decrease of $42.2 million, or 40%. This
decrease was primarily due to the Companys lower marketing profile during the third quarter,
distractions and disruptions caused by management changes in the last 18 months through February
2007, a shareholders demand for action involving some of the Companys Chinese members, and the
members reaction to the uncertain regulatory environment in China that is currently impacting the
Companys Hong Kong-based business. Hong Kong net sales decreased $32.3 million, or 45%, over the
comparable period a year ago. Additionally, net sales for the nine month period ended September
30, 2007 for North America, South Korea, Japan and Latin America were down $3.3 million, $1.7
million, $3.9 million, and $1.9 million, respectively, over the comparable period a year ago.
Partly offsetting the decrease, Taiwan net sales increased $1.1 million, or 36%, compared to the
same period in 2006, and our China subsidiary generated $0.3 million in net sales.
As of September 30, 2007, the operating subsidiaries of the Company had approximately 67,000
active distributors, compared to approximately 96,000 and 103,000 active distributors at December
31, 2006 and September 30, 2006, respectively. This decrease is primarily due to the uncertain
regulatory environment in China that is currently impacting the Hong Kong-based business. Hong
Kong experienced a decrease of approximately 27,000 active distributors from September 30, 2006 to
September 30, 2007.
As of September 30, 2007, the Company had deferred revenue of approximately $4.3 million, of
which approximately $0.7 million pertained to product sales and approximately $3.6 million
pertained to unamortized enrollment package revenue.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales was $4.9 million, or 29.1% of net sales, for the three months
ended September 30, 2007 compared with $6.6 million, or 22.2% of net sales, for the three months
ended September 30, 2006. Cost of sales decreased $1.7 million, or 26%, for the three months ended
September 30, 2007 over the comparable period in the prior year, due primarily to the decrease in
net sales. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased primarily due to the decline in
enrollment package revenue, specifically in Hong Kong, as this component of net sales does not
contain any corresponding charge to cost of sales, and due to Chinese importation costs incurred in
Hong Kong, as these costs have not declined at the same rate as net product sales.
17
Cost of sales was $16.6 million, or 26.1% of net sales, for the nine months ended September
30, 2007 compared with $23.4 million, or 22.2% of net sales, for the nine months ended September
30, 2006. Cost of sales decreased $6.8 million, or 29%, for the nine months ended September 30,
2007 over the comparable period in the prior year, due primarily to the decrease in net sales.
Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased primarily due to the decline in enrollment
package revenue, as stated above, and due to Chinese importation costs incurred in Hong Kong, as
these costs have not declined at the same rate as net product sales. Also, the Company recorded an
additional inventory provision of $0.3 million related to products discontinued during the first
quarter of 2007.
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $11.9 million, or 70.9% of net sales, for the three months
ended September 30, 2007 compared with $23.3 million, or 77.8% of net sales, for the three months
ended September 30, 2006. This decrease of $11.4 million was mainly due to decreased sales and, as
stated above, the decline in enrollment package revenue as this component of net sales does not
contain any corresponding charge to cost of sales, and Chinese importation costs incurred in Hong
Kong that did not decrease relative to sales.
Gross profit was $47.0 million, or 73.9% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30,
2007 compared with $82.3 million, or 77.8% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30,
2006. This decrease of $35.3 million was mainly due to decreased sales and, as stated above, the
decline in enrollment package revenue, Chinese importation costs incurred in Hong Kong that did not
decrease relative to sales and the additional inventory provision.
Distributor Commissions. Distributor commissions were $7.3 million, or 43.2% of net sales, for
the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $15.5 million, or 51.6% of net sales, for
the three months ended September 30, 2006. Distributor commissions decreased by $8.2 million, or
53%, mainly due to the decrease in net sales, as well as a decrease in our overall commission rate
that resulted from the implementation of a distributor commission enhancement program during the
second quarter of 2007.
Distributor commissions were $30.2 million, or 47.5% of net sales, for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 compared with $54.9 million, or 51.9% of net sales, for the nine months ended
September 30, 2006. Distributor commissions decreased by $24.7 million, or 45%, mainly due to the
decrease in net sales, as well as a decrease in our commission rate that resulted from less
supplemental commissions paid in North America, fewer commissions earned in the newer markets of
Japan, Latin America, and Europe, our efforts to align the overall commission payout in South Korea
with our other markets, and the implementation of a distributor commission enhancement program
during the second quarter of 2007.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses
were $8.3 million, or 49.6% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2007, compared
with $10.6 million, or 35.5% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Selling,
general and administrative expenses decreased by $2.3 million, or 22% in the three months ended
September 30, 2007, mainly due to the following:
|
|
|
lower employee-related expense ($1.0 million), travel-related costs ($0.2 million),
legal and accounting fees ($0.5 million), and litigation settlement costs ($0.2 million) in
North America; |
|
|
|
|
lower overall costs in Japan ($1.2 million) and Mexico ($0.4 million) due to expense
reduction programs executed in both markets during the first nine months of 2007; |
|
|
|
|
lower credit card charges and assessments ($0.2 million) in Hong Kong; partly offset by |
|
|
|
|
higher professional fees in Asia ($1.5 million). |
Selling,
general and administrative expenses increased to 49.6% of net sales
for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 35.5% of net sales for the comparable period in the prior year
primarily due to certain general and administrative expenses that did not decline at the same rate
as net product sales during the period, as well as higher professional fees incurred in Asia during
the third quarter of 2007.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $27.2 million, or 42.8% of net sales, for
the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $34.4 million, or 32.5% of net sales, for
the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased
by $7.2 million, or 21% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, mainly due to the following:
|
|
|
lower credit card charges and assessments ($0.8 million) in Hong Kong; |
|
|
|
|
lower employee-related expense ($1.1 million), travel-related costs ($0.3 million),
legal and accounting fees ($1.8 million), litigation settlement costs ($0.1 million), and
credit card charges and assessments ($0.2 million) in North America; |
|
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|
|
lower convention costs in North America as the North American Convention was held in the
first quarter of 2006 ($0.9 million); |
18
|
|
|
lower overall costs in Japan ($3.2 million) and Mexico ($1.2 million) due to expense
reduction programs executed in both markets during the first nine months of 2007; |
|
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|
|
the elimination of operating expense incurred by the Kaire Entities, which was sold
effective July 1, 2006 ($0.3 million); |
|
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|
|
the reversal of the reserve established in fiscal 2004 with respect to the allegations
made by the South Korean customs agency regarding importation of Alura into South Korea
($0.2 million); partly offset by |
|
|
|
|
costs to terminate the existing lease facility in Mexico City due to relocation to a
less costly site ($0.4 million); |
|
|
|
|
costs to discontinue the use of certain computer software in the Japan office ($0.2
million); |
|
|
|
|
severance cost for two former executive officers ($0.6 million) in North America; |
|
|
|
|
cost of expansion into Europe ($0.5 million); and |
|
|
|
|
higher professional fees ($1.2 million) and
distributor-related costs ($0.3 million) in Asia. |
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 42.8% of net sales for the nine
months ended September 30, 2007 from 32.5% of net sales for the comparable period in the prior year
primarily due to certain general and administrative expenses that did not decline at the same rate
as net product sales during the period, as well as higher professional fees incurred in Asia during
the third quarter of 2007 and those non-recurring expenses recorded during the first three months
of 2007 in Mexico, Japan and North America identified above related to lease termination, asset
impairment and severance.
Other Income, Net . Other income was $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30,
2007 compared with income of $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. For the
first nine months of the year, other income was $0.3 million compared with income of $0.7 million a
year ago. For each of the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, the decline in
other income was primarily due to less imputed interest on the KGC receivable as compared to the
comparable periods in the prior year. KGC became delinquent on its monthly payments to the Company
in August 2007.
Income Taxes. The Company recorded a provision of $0.3 million and $0.1 million during the
three month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively, related to its international
operations. The Company recorded a provision of $0.8 million and $0.5 million during the nine
month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively, related to its international
operations. The Company did not recognize a tax benefit for U.S. tax purposes in any of the
periods presented due to uncertainty that the benefit will be realized.
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN
48). FIN 48 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 adoption of FIN 48 did not materially affect the consolidated
financial statements and, as a result, the Company did not record any cumulative effect adjustment
upon adoption. As of the date of adoption, the Company does not have any unrecognized tax benefits
for uncertain tax positions.
Net Loss. Net loss was $3.5 million, or 20.8% of net sales, for the three months ended
September 30, 2007 compared to net loss of $2.5 million, or 8.3% of net sales, for the three months
ended September 30, 2006. Net loss was $11.6 million, or 15.7% of net sales, for the nine months
ended September 30, 2007 compared to net loss of $6.4 million, or 6.1% of net sales, for the nine
months ended September 30, 2006. The increased losses for both the three and nine month periods ended
September 30, 2007 were primarily due to lower sales in Hong Kong, partly offset by a reduction in
selling, general and administration expenses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash generated from operations has been the main historical funding source for the Companys
working capital and capital expenditures. Additionally, the Company raised approximately $16.0
million, net of transaction fees, through a private equity placement in October 2004. On May 4,
2007 the Company consummated a private equity placement generating gross proceeds of approximately
$3.0 million. The financing consisted of the sale of 1,759,307 shares of the Companys Series A
convertible preferred stock and the sale of warrants evidencing the right to purchase 1,759,307
shares of the Companys common stock. The warrants are exercisable at any time through the sixth
anniversary following their issuance. The exercise price of the warrants varies from $3.80 to
$5.00 per share, depending on the time of exercise.
More recently, on October 19, 2007 the Company raised gross proceeds of $3.7 million in a
private placement of variable rate convertible debentures (the Debentures) having an aggregate
face amount of $4,250,000, seven-year warrants to purchase 1,496,000 shares of the Companys common
stock, and one-year warrants to purchase 1,496,000 shares of the Companys common stock. The
Debentures bear interest at the greater of LIBOR plus 4%, or 10% per annum. Interest is payable
quarterly beginning on January 1, 2008. One-half of the original principal amount of the
Debentures is payable in 12 equal monthly installments beginning on
19
November 1, 2008, and the balance is payable on October 19, 2009, unless extended by the
holders to October 19, 2012. Under certain conditions, the Company may be able to pay principal
and interest in shares of its common stock. Under certain conditions, the Company also has certain
rights to force conversion or redemption of the debentures. The warrants are exercisable beginning
six months and one day after their respective issuance and have an exercise price of $3.52 per
share. The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the October 2007 private placement to
provide additional working capital.
At September 30, 2007, the Companys cash and cash equivalents totaled $6.2 million, including
$1.1 million in China that may not be freely transferable to other countries because the Companys
Chinese subsidiary is subject to a business license capitalization requirement. At December 31,
2006, the Companys cash and cash equivalents totaled $11.9 million, including $4.1 million in
China.
At September 30, 2007, the ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 0.76 to 1.00 and
the Company had a working capital deficit of $4.4 million. Working capital as of September 30,
2007 decreased $5.4 million compared to that as of December 31, 2006 mainly due to cash used in
operations and additional investment of $0.6 million into a consumer protection fund in South
Korea, offset mainly by the proceeds received from both the KGC receivable and the private equity
placement that occurred during the period.
Cash used in operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $10.1 million. Cash
was mainly utilized due to the incurrence of net losses and decreases in current liabilities,
specifically, accrued distributor commissions and deferred revenue, partly offset by a reduction in
existing inventories.
Cash provided by investing activities during the period was $1.6 million, which primarily
results from proceeds received on the KGC receivable of $1.2 million and $1.3 million received from
a certificate of deposit, offset by an increase in restricted cash of approximately $0.5 million.
This increase in restricted cash reflects additional investment of $0.6 million into a consumer
protection fund in South Korea.
Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $2.7
million, which primarily resulted from the net proceeds received in the private equity placement in
May 2007. Total cash and cash equivalents decreased by approximately $5.7 million during the
period.
The Company believes that its existing liquidity, anticipated improvement in cash flows from
operations, and the proceeds received from the private equity placements consummated in May and
October 2007 should be adequate to fund normal business operations expected in the near future,
assuming no significant unforeseen expense or further revenue decline.
We do not intend to devote material resources to opening any additional foreign markets in
2007. Our priority for the remainder of 2007 is to focus our resources in our most promising
markets, namely Greater China, South Korea and Europe.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued 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 February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities, which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments,
and certain other items, at fair value. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure
requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement
attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 applies to reporting periods
beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of
adopting SFAS No. 159.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign
currency exchange rates. We do not use derivative financial instruments to manage market risks.
In the first nine months of 2007, approximately 91% of our revenue was recorded by
subsidiaries located outside of North America. Revenue transactions and related commission
payments, as well as other incurred expenses, are typically denominated in the local currency.
Accordingly, our international subsidiaries use the local currency as their functional currency.
The results of operations of our international subsidiaries are exposed to foreign currency
exchange rate fluctuations during consolidation since we translate into U.S. dollars using the
average exchanges rates for the period. As exchange rates vary, revenue and other operating
20
results may differ materially from our expectations. Additionally, we may record significant
gains or losses related to foreign-denominated cash and cash equivalents and the re-measurement of
inter-company balances.
We believe that our foreign currency exchange rate exposure is somewhat limited since the Hong
Kong dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar. We also purchase all inventories in U.S. dollars. Our
foreign currency exchange rate exposure, mainly to Korean won, Singapore dollar, New Taiwan dollar,
Japanese yen, Mexican peso, Chinese yuan, European euro, and Australian dollar, represented
approximately 26% of our revenue in the first nine months of 2007. The Company recorded a nominal
foreign currency loss during the first nine months of 2007. Our foreign currency exchange rate
exposure may increase in the near future as our China and European subsidiaries expand operations.
Additionally, our foreign currency exchange rate exposure would significantly increase if the Hong
Kong dollar were no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar.
We currently do not have plans to hedge translation risks. Changes in the currency exchange
rates that would have the largest impact on translating our international net assets include Korean
won, Chinese yuan, European euro, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, New Taiwan dollar, and Australian
dollar.
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:
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pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; |
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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 |
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provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the Companys 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 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 28, 2007:
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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 former 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, and (2) 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; |
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We did not maintain effective monitoring controls over financial reporting because we do
not have an internal audit function; |
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We lacked documentation with respect to certain related party transactions, subsidiary
operations and expense reimbursement procedures. In addition, policies related to
independent distributor relationships were inadequate. |
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 Companys principal executive officer and principal financial
officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures at September 30, 2007, (1) were
not effective to provide reasonable assurance that information
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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, but (2) were effective to provide
reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit
under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decision regarding required
disclosure.
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 periods 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, results of operations and cash flows for the periods
then ended.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, internal control over financial reporting.
In light of the noted material weaknesses, we will continue to institute control improvements
that we believe will reduce the likelihood of similar errors:
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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
required substantially all employees to complete such programs. We may 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. The compliance
program also will include a communication project to set the right tone from the top; |
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We will evaluate whether to engage outside resources to perform internal audit projects;
and |
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We are developing policies for proper documentation, review and approval related to
related party transactions, subsidiary operations, expense reimbursements, and distributor
relationships. |
Certain of these remediation efforts 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 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 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 SECs 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 will address in the near future our material weakness in internal
controls, we cannot guarantee that any measures we take 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.
22
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 5 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 its operations. The risk
factors described in Item 1A in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2006 reflect the risk factors known to the Company as of the date of such filing with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2007. There have been no material changes from
the risk factors as previously disclosed in that Form 10-K, except as follows (references below to
our, us and we are to the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries):
We Could Be Adversely Affected By Additional Audit Committee Investigations.
From time to time, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors may investigate, or employ an
independent investigator to investigate, reported or suspected violations of laws, ethics, or
policies by our officers, directors, employees or consultants. Any discovery of wrongdoing
resulting from any such investigation, or any disclosure of any such investigation or its results,
could have material adverse consequences for us.
Our Failure To Maintain And Expand Our Distributor Relationships Could Adversely Affect Our Business.
We distribute our products through independent distributors, and we depend upon them directly
for all of our sales. Accordingly, our success depends in significant part upon our ability to
attract, retain and motivate a large base of distributors. Our direct selling organization is
headed by a relatively small number of key distributors. The loss of a significant number of
distributors, including any key distributors, could materially and adversely affect sales of our
products and could impair our ability to attract new distributors. Moreover, the replacement of
distributors could be difficult because, in our efforts to attract and retain distributors, we
compete with other direct selling organizations, including but not limited to those in the personal
care, cosmetic product and nutritional supplement industries. Our distributors may terminate their
services with us at any time and, in fact, like most direct selling organizations, we have a high
rate of attrition.
Following a 97% and 33% increase in active distributors in 2004 and 2005, we experienced a 19%
decrease in active distributors during 2006 (excluding KGC and the Kaire Entities which were sold
during 2005 and 2006, respectively) and a 35% decrease in active distributors during the nine month
period ended September 30, 2007. The number of active distributors or their productivity may not
increase and could further decline in the future. Distributors may terminate their services at any
time, and, like most direct selling companies, we experience a high turnover in our distributor
ranks. We cannot accurately predict any fluctuation in the number and productivity of distributors
because we primarily rely upon existing distributors to sponsor and train new distributors and to
motivate new and existing distributors. Operating results could be adversely affected if our
existing and new business opportunities and products do not generate sufficient economic incentive
or interest to retain existing distributors and to attract new distributors.
Changes to Our Distributor Compensation Plan May Not Gain Acceptance
We completed implementation of a change in our compensation plan for distributors during the
third quarter of 2007. Among other things, this change introduced a new bonus value builder
feature allowing independent distributors to customize their product packages, as opposed to having
to select assortments pre-determined by us, and reduced certain thresholds for earning commissions
so that they can be earned earlier and quicker. This change also eliminated a direct bonus feature
of the plan. If distributors fail to understand the compensation plan or are unhappy with it, we
could lose distributors and fail to attract new distributors.
An Increase In The Amount Of Compensation Paid To Distributors Would Reduce Profitability.
A significant expense is the payment of compensation to our distributors, which represented
approximately 51% and 48% of net sales during 2006 and the nine-month period ended September 30,
2007, respectively. Factors impacting the overall commission payout include the growth and depth
of the distributor network, the distributor retention rate, the level of promotions, local
promotional programs and business development agreements. We compensate our distributors by paying
commissions, bonuses, and certain awards and prizes. We closely monitor the amount of compensation
to distributors paid as a percentage of net sales and have recently implemented adjustments to our
compensation plan to provide, in our view, a more viable and sustainable business model for
23
both us and our distributors. There can be no assurance that these changes or future changes
to our compensation plan or product pricing would be successful in maintaining the level of
distributor compensation expense as a percentage of net sales. Furthermore, these changes may make
it difficult to recruit and retain qualified and motivated distributors. An increase in
compensation payments to distributors as a percentage of net sales will reduce our profitability.
Disappointing Quarterly Revenue Or Operating Results Could Cause The Price Of Our Common Stock To Fall.
Our quarterly revenue and operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate
significantly from quarter to quarter. If our quarterly revenue or operating results fall below the
expectations of investors or securities analysts, the price of our common stock could fall
substantially.
Our Common Stock Is Particularly Subject To Volatility Because Of The Industry In Which We Operate.
The market prices of securities of direct selling companies have been extremely volatile, and
have experienced fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating
performance of such companies. These broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the market
price of our common stock.
There Is No Assurance That An Active Public Trading Market Will Continue.
There can be no assurance that an active public trading market for our common stock will be
sustained. If for any reason an active public trading market does not continue, purchasers of the
shares of our common stock may have difficulty in selling their securities should they desire to do
so and the price of our common stock may decline.
If Securities Analysts Do Not Publish Research Or Reports About Our Business Or If They Downgrade Our Stock, The Price Of Our Stock Could Decline.
The trading market for our shares of common stock could rely in part on the research and
reporting that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We do not control
these analysts. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrades our stock,
the price of our stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our
company, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price to
decline.
We Have Broad Discretion To Use The Proceeds Of Our Recent Private Placement Financings.
We have broad discretion in spending the net proceeds generated by our May 2007 and October
2007 private placements. We may spend most of the net proceeds from the private placements in ways
that ultimately prove unsuccessful. Our failure to apply these funds effectively could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, and may
also require further funding, which could dilute stockholders ownership and cause a decline in the
share price of our common stock.
Leverage And Debt Service Obligations May Adversely Affect Our Cash Flows.
In connection with our sale of variable rate convertible debentures in October 2007, we
incurred new indebtedness of $4,250,000. As a result of this indebtedness, we incurred significant
principal and interest payment obligations. The degree to which we are leveraged could, among other
things:
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require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our future cash flows from operations
and other capital resources to debt service, especially if the debentures are not converted
into shares of common stock or we are otherwise unable to make payments of principal and
interest in shares of common stock; |
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make it difficult for us to obtain necessary financing in the future for working
capital, acquisitions or other purposes on favorable terms, if at all; |
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make it more difficult for us to be acquired; |
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make us more vulnerable to industry downturns and competitive pressures; and |
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limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to changes in, our business. |
Our ability to meet our debt service obligations will depend upon our future performance,
which will be subject to financial, business and other factors affecting our operations, many of
which are beyond our control.
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We Could Be Required To Make Substantial Cash Payments Upon An Event Of Default Under Our Variable Rate Convertible Debentures.
Our variable rate convertible debentures provide for events of default including, among
others, payment defaults not timely cured, failure to perform other covenants not timely cured,
cross-defaults not timely cured having a material adverse effect on us, representations or
warranties are untrue when made, certain bankruptcy-type events involving us or one of our
significant subsidiaries, acceleration of more than $150,000 in indebtedness for borrowed money or
under a long-term leasing or factoring agreement, our common stock is no longer listed on an
eligible market, we are subject to certain changes in control or we sell or dispose of more than
40% of our assets in a single or series of related transactions, the registration statement
covering the shares of common stock underlying the debentures and warrants issued in our October
2007 financing is not declared effective, lapses or otherwise cannot be used beyond specified
periods, failure to timely deliver certificates for converted shares, and a judgment in excess of
$250,000 against us, any subsidiary or our respective assets that is not timely vacated, bonded or
stayed. Upon an event of default, the holders of the debentures may elect to accelerate the
payment of all amounts due under the debentures and require that 115% of the outstanding debenture
principal be paid. If an event of default occurs, our available cash could be seriously depleted
and our ability to fund operations could be materially harmed.
We Are Responsible For Having The Resale Of Shares Of Common Stock Underlying Certain of Our
Convertible Securities Issued In Our 2007 Private Placement Financings Registered With The
Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission) Within Specified Time Periods And Will Incur
Liquidated Damage Payment Obligations If The Shares Are Not Registered With The Commission Within
Those Specified Time Periods Or Such Registration Is Not Maintained.
Pursuant to our agreement with the investors in our October 2007 financing, we are obligated
to (i) file a registration statement covering the resale of the shares of common stock underlying
the securities issued in the financing with the Commission within a specified period of time, (ii)
cause the registration statement to be declared effective within certain specified periods of time
and (iii) maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement and the ability of the investors
to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for a specified period. If we fail to comply with these or certain other provisions,
then we will be required to pay liquidated damages of 2.0% per month of the aggregate purchase price paid by the investors in the October 2007 financing until the first
anniversary of the closing date of the financing and 1.0% per month thereafter through the second anniversary of the closing date.
Pursuant to our agreement with the investors in our May 2007 financing, we are obligated for a
specified period of time to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement that we filed
with the Commission covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion
of Series A preferred stock or the exercise of warrants issued in the financing. If we fail to
maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement due to our intentional and willful act
without immediately causing a subsequent registration statement to be filed with the Commission,
then we will be obligated to pay in cash an amount equal to 2% of the product of $1.70 times the
number of shares of Series A preferred stock sold in the financing to the relevant purchasers.
The Agreements Governing The Variable Rate Convertible Debentures And Related Warrants Issued In
Our October 2007 Financing Contain Various Covenants And Restrictions That May Limit Our Ability To
Operate Our Business.
The agreements governing the variable rate convertible debentures and related warrants issued
in our October 2007 financing contain various covenants and restrictions, including, among others:
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until the first anniversary of the closing of the October 2007 financing, we are
required to offer to the investors participating therein the opportunity to participate in
subsequent equity securities offerings by us, subject to certain exceptions for, among
other things, strategic investments; |
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until 60 days after the effective date of the initial registration statement covering
the shares of common stock underlying the debentures and warrants issued in our October
2007 financing, we cannot issue shares of common stock or equivalent securities, subject
to certain exceptions for, among other things, strategic investments
and the issuance of shares of common stock covered by the registration statement; |
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until such time as no investor participating in the financing holds any of the
securities purchased therein, we are prohibited from effecting or entering into an
agreement to effect any financing involving (i) the issuance or sale of common stock or
equivalent securities with an effective price or number of underlying shares that floats or
resets or otherwise varies or is subject to adjustment based on trading prices of or
quotations for shares of common stock, the market for the common stock, or our business or
(iii) any agreement to sell securities at a future-determined price; |
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until the earlier of the date that we obtain stockholder approval of the issuance of all
of the shares of common stock underlying the debentures and warrants issued in the October
2007 financing or none of such debentures or warrants are any longer outstanding, neither
we nor any of our subsidiaries may issue common stock or equivalent securities at an
effective price that is less than $3.52 per share; and |
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for so long as any of the debentures issued in the October 2007 financing remain
outstanding, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries may incur indebtedness for borrowed
money other than permitted indebtedness, create or suffer liens other then some permitted
liens, amend our charter documents in certain circumstances, repurchase shares of common
any of our equity securities other then in certain permitted circumstances, repay certain
indebtedness before its due date, pay cash dividends on stock other then our Series A
preferred stock, or enter into certain transactions with affiliates. |
These restrictions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet
extraordinary capital needs or otherwise restrict corporate activities, any of which could have a
material adverse impact on our business.
The Conversion Of Our Variable Rate Convertible Debentures, The Exercise Of Our Warrants Or The
Exercise Or Conversion Of Our Other Convertible Securities May Result In Substantial Dilution And
May Depress The Market Price Of Our Common Stock.
As of November 12, 2007, we had outstanding 10,056,268 shares of common stock and also (i)
options to purchase an aggregate of 98,500 shares of our common stock, all with an exercise price
of $1.80, (ii) warrants outstanding from our October 2004 private placement exercisable for
1,080,504 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to $12.47 per share, (iii) warrants
outstanding from our May 2007 private placement exercisable for 2,059,307 shares of our common
stock at an exercise price ranging from $3.80 to $5.00 per share, depending on the time of
exercise, (iv) 154,400 shares of Series A preferred stock, convertible into the same number of
shares of common stock, (v) variable rate convertible debentures issued in our October 2007 private
placement that are currently convertible into 1,700,000 shares of common stock (plus up to an
additional 314,862 shares of common stock that may be issued in certain circumstances under the
terms of the debentures, which additional number of shares would increase in the event that we
obtain stockholder approval of the issuance of all of the shares of common stock potentially
issuable under the terms of the debentures), and (vi) warrants issued in our October 2007 private
placement exercisable for 3,141,499 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.52 per share.
If these convertible securities are exercised or converted, and the shares of common stock issued
upon such exercise or conversion are sold, our common stockholders may experience substantial
dilution and the market price of our shares of common stock could decline. Further, the perception
that such convertible securities might be exercised or converted could adversely affect the market
price of our shares of common stock. In addition, holders of our warrants and options are likely to
exercise them when, in all likelihood, we could obtain additional capital on terms more favorable
to us than those provided by the warrants and options. Further, during the time that the foregoing
convertible securities are outstanding, they may adversely affect the terms on which we could
obtain additional capital.
Future Sales By Us Or Our Existing Stockholders Could Depress The Market Price Of Our Common Stock.
If we or our existing stockholders sell a large number of shares of our common stock, the
market price of our common stock could decline significantly. Further, even the perception in the
public market that we or our existing stockholders might sell shares of common stock could depress
the market price of the common stock.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
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(d) Maximum Number |
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(c) Total Number of |
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(or Approximately Dollar |
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Shares (or Units) |
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Value) of Shares (or |
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(a) Total Number |
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(b) Average |
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Purchased as Part of |
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Units) that May Yet Be |
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of Shares (or Units) |
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Price Paid per |
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Publicly Announced |
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Purchased Under the |
Period |
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Purchased |
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Share (or Unit) |
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Plans or Programs |
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Plans or Programs |
August 30, 2007
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642,611 |
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$ |
4.08 |
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On August 30, 2007, the Company accepted the surrender of 642,611 shares of the Companys
common stock by Mark Woodburn and Terry LaCore in payment of the principal and accrued interest on
a non-recourse promissory note to the Company in the amount of $2,500,000 (the Note). The Note
was executed and delivered to the Company on October 31, 2006, in connection with a settlement
agreement between the Company and Messrs. Woodburn and LaCore. It bore interest at the rate of 6%
per year and was secured by a pledge of 1,081,066 shares of the Companys common stock. As
provided in the Note, the value of the surrendered shares for purposes of determining the credit to
be given against the principal and interest accrued on the Note was equal to the average of the
closing prices for the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the date the shares were tendered for
surrender.
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Item 6. EXHIBITS
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Exhibit |
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Number |
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Exhibit Description |
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10.1
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Securities Purchase Agreement dated October 19, 2007 between the Company and certain Purchasers
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22,
2007). |
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10.2
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Form of Registration Rights Agreement signed by the Company and the Purchasers named in the
Securities Purchase Agreement dated October 19, 2007 between the Company and the Purchasers
named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
October 22, 2007). |
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10.3
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Form of Variable Rate Convertible Debenture issued to the Purchasers named in the Securities
Purchase Agreement dated October 19, 2007 between the Company and the Purchasers named therein
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22,
2007). |
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10.4
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Form of Seven Year and One Year Warrants to Purchase Shares of Common Stock of the Company
issued by the Company to the Purchasers named in the Securities Purchase Agreement dated
October 19, 2007 between the Company and the Purchasers named therein (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22, 2007). |
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31.1
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Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). |
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31.2
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Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act. |
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32.1
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Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act
and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 (furnished only). |
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32.2
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Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act
and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 (furnished only). |
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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.
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NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
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Date: November 14, 2007 |
/s/ Chris T. Sharng
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Chris T. Sharng |
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President
(Principal Executive Officer) |
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Exhibit |
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Number |
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Exhibit Description |
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10.1
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Securities Purchase Agreement dated October 19, 2007 between the Company and certain Purchasers
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22,
2007). |
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10.2
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Form of Registration Rights Agreement signed by the Company and the Purchasers named in the
Securities Purchase Agreement dated October 19, 2007 between the Company and the Purchasers
named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
October 22, 2007). |
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10.3
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Form of Variable Rate Convertible Debenture issued to the Purchasers named in the Securities
Purchase Agreement dated October 19, 2007 between the Company and the Purchasers named therein
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22,
2007). |
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10.4
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Form of Seven Year and One Year Warrants to Purchase Shares of Common Stock of the Company
issued by the Company to the Purchasers named in the Securities Purchase Agreement dated
October 19, 2007 between the Company and the Purchasers named therein (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22, 2007). |
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31.1
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Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). |
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31.2
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Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act. |
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32.1
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Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act
and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 (furnished only). |
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32.2
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Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act
and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 (furnished only). |