Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

v3.3.1.900
Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Nature of Operations
 
Natural Health Trends Corp., a Delaware corporation (whether or not including its subsidiaries, the “Company”), is an international direct-selling and e-commerce company. Subsidiaries controlled by the Company sell personal care, wellness, and “quality of life” products under the “NHT Global” brand. In most markets, the Company sells its products to a network of members referred to the Company by other members.
 
The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries have an active physical presence in the following markets: North America; Greater China, which consists of Hong Kong, Taiwan and China; South Korea; Japan; and Europe, which consists of Italy and Slovenia. The Company also operates within certain Commonwealth of Independent States (Russia and Kazakhstan) through its engagement with a local service provider.

 In September 2015, the Company relocated its corporate headquarters from Dallas, Texas to Rolling Hills Estates, California.

Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
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 Company’s financial statements include estimates associated with obsolete inventory and the fair value of acquired intangible assets, including goodwill, revenue recognition, as well as those used in the determination of liabilities related to sales returns, 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 results may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between the estimates and actual results, future results of operations will be affected.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
As of December 31, 2015, cash and cash equivalents include $4.4 million held in banks located within China subject to foreign currency controls. The Company includes credit card receivables due from certain of its credit card processors in its cash and cash equivalents as the cash proceeds are received within two to five days.

Additionally, as of December 31, 2015, cash and cash equivalents include the Company's investments in debt securities, comprising municipal notes, bonds and corporate debt, money market funds and time deposits. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. Debt securities classified as cash equivalents are required to be accounted for in accordance with ASC 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities. As such, the Company determined its investments in debt securities held at December 31, 2015 should be classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity. The cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and discounts to maturity. This amortization is included in other income. Realized gains and losses, as well as interest income, are also included in other income. The fair values of securities are based on quoted market prices.
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of each period were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Cash
$
47,431

 
$
37,314

Cash equivalents
57,483

 
7,502

Total cash and cash equivalents
$
104,914

 
$
44,816


 
The Company maintains certain cash balances at several institutions located in the United States which at times may exceed insured limits.  The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk.

Restricted Cash
 
In June 2015, the Company funded a bank deposit account in the amount of CNY 20 million (USD 3.1 million at December 31, 2015) in anticipation of submitting a direct selling license application in China. Such deposit is required by Chinese laws to establish a consumer protection fund.

The Company periodically maintains a cash reserve with certain credit card processing companies to provide for potential uncollectible amounts and chargebacks. Those cash reserves held by credit card processing companies located in South Korea are reflected in noncurrent assets since they require the Company to provide 100% collateral before processing transactions, which must be maintained indefinitely.
 
Inventories
 
Inventories consist primarily of finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method. The Company reviews its inventory for obsolescence and any inventory identified as obsolete is reserved or written off. The Company’s determination of obsolescence is based on assumptions about the demand for its products, product expiration dates, estimated future sales, and management’s future plans. At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the reserve for obsolescence totaled $29,000 and $18,000, respectively.
 
Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to five years for office equipment and office software and five to seven years for furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the assets. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
 
The Company reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset 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 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.
 
Goodwill
 
The Company assesses qualitative factors in order to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, through this qualitative assessment, the conclusion is made that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, a two-step impairment test is performed. The Company’s policy is to test for impairment annually during the fourth quarter. Considerable management judgment is necessary to measure fair value. The Company did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill during the periods presented.
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company recognizes income taxes under the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be ultimately realized. The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.  Deferred taxes are not provided on the portion of undistributed earnings of subsidiaries outside of the United States when these earnings are considered permanently reinvested. 
 
As a result of capital return activities approved by the Board of Directors during the three months ended September 30, 2015, and anticipated future capital return activities intended to take full advantage of existing U.S. net operating losses, the Company determined that a portion of its undistributed foreign earnings are no longer deemed reinvested indefinitely by its non-U.S. subsidiaries beginning in the quarter ended September 30, 2015. As such, an accumulated deferred tax liability of $9.3 million was recorded against these undistributed earnings, which includes the impact of utilization of foreign tax credits. However, because it is anticipated that these earnings will be offset by U.S. net operating losses that had previously been fully offset by a valuation allowance, the Company also released a similar amount of valuation allowance. Accordingly, there was no significant impact on the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company will continue to periodically reassess the needs of its foreign subsidiaries and update its indefinite reinvestment assertion accordingly. To the extent that additional foreign earnings are not deemed permanently reinvested, the Company expects to recognize additional income tax provision at the applicable U.S. corporate tax rate.

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 2011, and is no longer subject to state income tax examinations for years prior to 2010. No jurisdictions are currently examining any income tax returns of the Company or its subsidiaries.
 
Amounts Held in eWallets
 
Commencing in October 2014, the Company requires commission payments of certain members in Hong Kong to be first deposited into an electronic wallet (eWallet) account in lieu of being paid out directly to members. The eWallet functionality allows members to place new product orders utilizing eWallet available funds and/or request commission payout via multiple payment methods. Amounts held in eWallets are reflected on the balance sheet as a current liability.

Long-Term Incentive
 
Financial rewards earned under the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTI Plan”) are recognized over the performance period as specified performance or other goals are achieved or exceeded. In accordance with the LTI Plan, fifty percent of any cash payment earned is payable in thirty-five equal consecutive monthly installments commencing in February of the calendar year immediately following the conclusion of the performance period and the remaining fifty percent of the payment earned is payable in thirty-five equal consecutive monthly installments commencing in February 2021 and ending in December 2023. As such, certain installments to be paid are reflected on the balance sheet as a non-current liability, and the current portion of the installments is reflected in other accrued expenses.
 
Foreign Currency
 
The functional currency of the Company’s international subsidiaries is generally their local currency. Local currency assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date, and local currency revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the period. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates.  The resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly into accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
Aggregate transaction gains or losses, including gains or losses related to foreign-denominated cash and cash equivalents and the re-measurement of certain inter-company balances, are included in the statement of operations as other income and expense. Loss on foreign exchange totaling $204,000 and $202,000 was recognized during 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Product sales are recorded when the products are shipped and title passes to independent members. Product sales to members are made pursuant to a member agreement that provides for transfer of both title and risk of loss upon the Company’s delivery to the carrier that completes delivery to the members, which is commonly referred to as “F.O.B. Shipping Point.” The Company primarily receives payment by credit card at the time members place orders. Amounts received for unshipped product are recorded as deferred revenue. The Company’s sales arrangements do not contain right of inspection or customer acceptance provisions other than general rights of return.
 
Actual product returns are recorded as a reduction to net sales. The Company estimates and accrues a reserve for product returns based on its return policies and historical experience.
 
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 members 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 members 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 members 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.

Operating Leases

The Company leases most of its physical properties under operating leases. Certain lease agreements generally include rent holidays. The Company recognizes rent holiday periods on a straight-line basis over the lease term beginning when the Company has the right to the leased space.
 
Commissions
 
Independent members earn commissions based on total personal and group bonus volume points per weekly sales period.  Each of the Company’s products are designated a specified number of bonus volume points, which is essentially a percentage of the product’s wholesale price.  The Company accrues commissions when earned and pays commissions on product sales generally two weeks following the end of the weekly sales period.
 
In some markets, the Company also pays certain bonuses on purchases by up to three generations of personally enrolled members, as well as bonuses on commissions earned by up to three generations of personally enrolled members. Independent members may also earn incentives based on meeting certain qualifications during a designated incentive period, which may range from several weeks to up to a year.  These incentives may be both monetary and non-monetary in nature.  The Company estimates and accrues all costs associated with the incentives as the members meet the qualification requirements.
 
From time to time the Company makes modifications and enhancements to the Company’s compensation plan to help motivate members, which can have an impact on member commissions. From time to time the Company also enters into agreements for business or market development, which may result in additional compensation to specific members.

Stock-Based Compensation
 
Stock-based compensation expense is determined based on the grant date fair value of each award, net of estimated forfeitures which are derived from historical experience, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the award.
 
Income Per Share
 
Basic income per share for 2014 was computed via the “two-class” method by dividing net income allocated to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Net income available to common stockholders is allocated to both common stock and participating securities as if all of the income for the period had been distributed. The Company’s Series A convertible preferred stock was a participating security due to its participation rights related to dividends declared by the Company. If dividends were distributed to common stockholders, the Company was also required to pay dividends to the holders of the preferred stock in an amount equal to the greater of (1) the amount of dividends then accrued and not previously paid on such shares of preferred stock or (2) the amount payable if dividends were distributed to the common stockholders on an as-converted basis.
 
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. The dilutive effect of non-vested restricted stock and warrants is reflected by application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, 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. For 2014, the dilutive effect of the Company’s Series A convertible preferred stock was calculated using the more dilutive of the “two-class” method and the “if-converted” method, which assumes that the preferred stock was converted into common stock at the beginning of each period presented.

 All shares of the Company’s Series A convertible preferred stock were converted into shares of common stock in December 2014. Warrants to purchase 88,097 shares of common stock were still outstanding at December 31, 2014. Such warrants were exercised during April 2015.

The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted income per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Income
(Numerator)
 
Shares
(Denominator)
 
Per Share Amount
 
Income
(Numerator)
 
Shares
(Denominator)
 
Per Share Amount
Basic EPS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common stockholders
$
47,241

 
 

 
 

 
$
20,360

 
 

 
 

Less: undistributed earnings to participating securities

 
 

 
 

 
(127
)
 
 

 
 

Net income allocated to common stockholders
$
47,241

 
12,302

 
$
3.84

 
$
20,233

 
12,131

 
$
1.67

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants to purchase common stock

 
21

 
 

 

 
421

 
 

Non-vested restricted stock

 
49

 
 

 

 
48

 
 

Plus: reallocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities

 
 

 
 

 
5

 
 

 
 

Diluted EPS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income allocated to common stockholders plus assumed conversions
$
47,241

 
12,372

 
$
3.82

 
$
20,238

 
12,600

 
$
1.61


 
Certain Risks and Concentrations
 
A substantial portion of the Company’s sales are generated in Hong Kong (see Note 10). Most of the Company’s Hong Kong revenues are derived from the sale of products that are delivered to members in China. In contrast to the Company’s operations in other parts of the world, the Company has not implemented a direct sales model in China. The Chinese government permits direct selling only by organizations that have a license, which the Company is in the process of applying for, and has also adopted anti-multilevel marketing legislation. The Company operates an e-commerce direct selling model in Hong Kong and recognizes the revenue derived from sales to both Hong Kong and Chinese members as being generated in Hong Kong. Products purchased by members in China are delivered to third parties that act as the importers of record under agreements to pay applicable duties. In addition, through a Chinese entity, the Company sells products in China using an e-commerce retail model. The Chinese entity operates separately from the Hong Kong entity, and a Chinese member may elect to participate separately or in both.

The Company believes that its e-commerce direct selling model in Hong Kong does not violate any applicable laws in China, even though it is used for the internet purchase of the Company's products by members in China. The Company also believes that its Chinese entity, including its e-commerce retail platform, is operating in compliance with applicable Chinese laws. However, there can be no assurance that the Chinese authorities will agree with the Company’s interpretations of applicable laws and regulations or that China will not adopt new laws or regulations. Should the Chinese government determine that the Company’s activities violate China’s direct selling or anti-multilevel marketing legislation, or should new laws or regulations be adopted, there could be a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Although the Company attempts to work closely with both national and local Chinese governmental agencies in conducting its business, the Company’s efforts to comply with national and local laws may be harmed by a rapidly evolving regulatory climate, concerns about activities resembling violations of direct selling or anti-multi-level marketing legislation, subjective interpretations of laws and regulations, Chinese nationals collaborating with short traders to damage the Company's business and activities by individual members that may violate laws notwithstanding the Company’s strict policies prohibiting such activities. Any determination that the Company’s operations or activities, or the activities of its individual members or employee sales representatives, or importers of record are not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations could result in the imposition of substantial fines, extended interruptions of business, restrictions on the Company’s future ability to obtain business licenses or expand into new locations, changes to its business model, the termination of required licenses to conduct business, or other actions, any of which could materially harm the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
The Company’s Premium Noni Juice™, Essential Probiotics™ and Triotein™ products account for a significant portion of the Company’s total revenue. The Company currently sources each such product from a single supplier. If demand decreases significantly, government regulation restricts their sale, the Company is unable to adequately source or deliver the products, or the Company ceases offering the products for any reason without suitable replacements, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The carrying amount of the noncurrent restricted cash approximates fair value since, absent the restrictions, the underlying assets would be included in cash and cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents are valued based on level 1 inputs which consist of quoted prices in active markets.
 
Accounting standards permit companies, at their option, to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  The Company has elected to not fair value existing eligible items.

Available-for-sale investments included in cash equivalents at the end of each period were as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Adjusted Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains/Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Adjusted Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains/Losses
 
Fair Value
Municipal bonds and notes
$
35,222

 
$
2

 
$
35,224

 
$

 
$

 
$

Corporate debt securities
5,029

 
(5
)
 
5,024

 

 

 

Financial institution instruments
17,235

 

 
17,235

 
7,502

 

 
7,502

Total available-for-sale investments
$
57,486

 
$
(3
)
 
$
57,483

 
$
7,502

 
$

 
$
7,502


 
Financial institution instruments include instruments issued or managed by financial institutions such as money market fund deposits and time deposits.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases, that requires organizations that lease assets, referred to as “lessees”, to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 will also require disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases and will include qualitative and quantitative requirements. The new standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual years, and early application is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, that requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 will align the presentation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities with International Financial Reporting Standards. The new standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual years, and early application is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period either prospectively or retrospectively. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, that requires inventory not measured using either the last in, first out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable cost of completion, disposal, and transportation.  The new standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and will be applied prospectively.  Early adoption is permitted.  The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers, that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to fulfill a contract.  Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new standard.  In July 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date for annual reporting periods that begin after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted to the original effective date of December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
 
Other recently issued accounting pronouncements did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future financial statements.