UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWASHINGTON, DC 20549
(Mark One)
Commission File Number: 001-12421
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 No
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 Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
As of October 31, 2006, 67,986,803 shares of the registrants Class A common stock, $.001 par value per share were outstanding.
Nu Skin, Pharmanex and Big Planet are trademarks of Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. or its subsidiaries. The italicized product names used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are product names, and also, in certain cases, our trademarks.
-i-
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)(U.S. dollars in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-1-
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC. Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
-2-
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)(U.S. dollars in thousands)
-3-
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
-4-
-5-
-6-
-7-
-8-
-9-
-10-
-11-
-12-
-13-
The following Managements Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 17, 2006, and our other filings, including Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC through the date of this report.
Overview
Our revenue for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 decreased 5% and 7% to $276.3 million and $826.2 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2005. Revenue for these periods was negatively impacted by revenue declines in Japan and China. In addition, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations negatively impacted revenue by 1% and 2%, respectively, for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006, particularly as a result of weakening of the Japanese yen. Revenue was positively impacted by growth in a number of our markets including South Korea, the United States, Thailand, Europe, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. In addition, various global initiatives we have implemented during the last several quarters have positively impacted many of our markets. The launch of the second generation Pharmanex® BioPhotonic Scanner (the S2 or the Scanner) and the launch of our g3 nutrition drink have been particularly successful. g3 contributed more than $20 million in revenue globally in the third quarter, and is now one of our top selling products.
Earnings per share for the third quarter of 2006 were $0.19 compared to $0.25 for the same prior year period, and for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 were $0.24 compared to $0.82 for the same prior year period. In addition to the factors described above, earnings for these periods were negatively impacted by an increase in distributor commission rates in Japan, as more fully described in the section below entitled, Selling Expenses. Earnings for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 were also negatively impacted by $1.9 million and $5.8 million in stock option expense, net of income taxes, respectively, as a result of the implementation of a new accounting standard requiring the expensing of stock options beginning in the first quarter of 2006. Earnings per share for the first nine months of 2006 also include restructuring charges and impairment and other charges of $0.28 per share, net of taxes, relating to a business transformation initiative that we implemented during the first quarter of 2006. These charges are more fully described in the sections below entitled Impairment of assets and other and Restructuring and other charges.
Revenue
North Asia. The following table sets forth revenue for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 for the North Asia region and its principal markets (in millions):
Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, particularly a weakening of the Japanese yen, negatively impacted revenue in North Asia by 2% and 4%, respectively, for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006. Revenue in this region was also negatively impacted by an 11% and 12% local currency decline in Japan in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, respectively, compared to the same prior year periods. The executive distributor count in Japan decreased 12% in the third quarter compared to the prior year period.
-14-
Starting in the latter part of 2005 we began to experience a significant slowdown in our business and weakness in the sponsoring environment in Japan, as a result several factors including:
During the last several quarters we have taken significant steps to address these issues. Our recent initiatives include:
We believe that these initiatives are all being well received by our distributor force, and as a result we have seen a slight improvement in year-over-year comparisons in the third quarter compared to the second quarter. We now have approximately 1,200 S2 Scanner units in Japan, and our g3 nutrition drink has already become our second best-selling product in that market. Our distributors are also responding positively to recent compensation plan changes and our corporate image campaign. We believe that all of these initiatives are key to stabilizing the market and returning it to growth.
Our South Korea market continued its strong growth in both our personal care and nutrition businesses, and is now our third largest market. Revenue in this market grew 30% on a local currency basis in the third quarter compared to the same period, and executive and active distributor counts continued to grow significantly as well. We believe that these results are due to the success of strong product and other initiatives, and alignment of our distributor leaders behind these initiatives.
-15-
Greater China. The following table sets forth revenue for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 for the Greater China region and its principal markets (in millions):
Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations did not significantly impact reported revenue in the Greater China region in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006. China revenue decreased by 33% on a local currency basis in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. Our executive and active distributor counts in China decreased 25% and 44%, respectively, in the third quarter on a year-over-year basis. During the last 12 months we have experienced a slowdown in our business and a weakened sponsoring environment in China, which we believe to be a result of several factors, including delays in the direct selling licensing process and related consumer uncertainty and government and media scrutiny of the direct selling industry, which caused us to take a very conservative business approach as we worked towards obtaining a direct selling license. Changes to our compensation plan in 2005 also contributed to the slowdown. As a result, we have lost some aggressive sales leaders, some of whom have pursued potential opportunities with companies that are not operating in compliance with the new direct selling regulations. In addition, we have experienced continued instances of certain sales employees making product sales through unauthorized channels at discounted prices, which has negatively impacted our business. We are taking steps designed to curb these unauthorized sales.
In late July, our direct selling application was approved by the Chinese government, and we now plan to begin the process of augmenting our current business model with a direct selling component. This will allow us to engage an entry-level, non-employee sales force that will be able to sell certain products away from our fixed retail locations. The new direct selling regulations prohibit the use of multi-level compensation plans for direct selling, so we will compensate these independent contractors based on their personal selling efforts only. We plan to maintain our retail store/employed sales representative model that will allow independent distributors to become employed sales representatives upon developing successful sales organizations and be compensated for personal sales volume as well as the sales volume of the employed sales representative's group. We are in the process of making some modifications to our employed sales representative compensation model to simplify it and to make it more consistent with the compensation model we are implementing for the independent distributor sales force. In addition, products we market with a general food classification, including our LifePak supplements and certain other Pharmanex products, are not approved for direct selling, and will therefore continue to be sold only through our retail store channel until such time as we obtain a health food classification for these products.
We plan to begin conducting direct selling activities in Shanghai in late 2006, and we will then proceed to expand our direct selling model throughout China during 2007. Following Shanghai, we will focus on opening direct selling in Beijing and Guangdong provinces during early 2007. Upon opening direct selling in these three provinces and municipalities, we will be operating our hybrid model in provinces that account for approximately 50% of our existing revenue base. We anticipate that by the end of 2007 approximately 90% of our existing revenue base will be covered by our hybrid model. The direct selling regulations require us to secure licenses in each of the provinces in which we wish to implement direct selling. This provincial licensing process will include a requirement that we establish service centers that will primarily be used to provide a product return location and will not require a large capital investment. Although it will likely take some time to integrate direct selling into our business model, expand throughout the market and train our sales force to work successfully within the new direct selling guidelines, we believe that this will positively impact our business in China as this process unfolds. For example, we will now be able to hold training meetings in larger numbers than was allowed previously, which should be helpful in sponsoring and business building. For a discussion of the risks to our business and uncertainties associated with the implementation of direct selling in China, please refer to the section below entitled "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements".
-16-
Local currency revenue in Taiwan was up 4% and 1%, respectively, and Hong Kong local currency revenue was up 3% and 7%, respectively, on a year-over-year basis in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 compared to the same prior-year periods. Our recent build out of a gym spa in Taiwan, consisting of a product showcase combined with a fitness center and spa, has helped generate additional brand awareness in that market. In addition, we are seeing excitement with our distributors in both Taiwan and Hong Kong surrounding business opportunities in China as we implement direct selling. Our executive distributor counts in Taiwan and Hong Kong were up 3% and 10%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the same prior year period.
North America. The following table sets forth revenue for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 for the North America region and its principal markets (in millions):
Revenue in Canada increased on a year-over-year basis primarily due to favorable currency fluctuations. We believe that several key growth initiatives recently implemented in the United States positively impacted third quarter revenue in that market. Since the second quarter of 2006 we have been rolling out S2 Scanners and Nu Skin® ProDerm Skin Analyzer (the ProDerm Skin Analyzer) units into the U.S. market. In addition, in October of 2006 we held a successful North American distributor convention.
The introduction of the ProDerm Skin Analyzer contributed to a 24% increase in personal care sales in the United States in the third quarter compared to the same prior year period. This initial version of the ProDerm Skin Analyzer enables distributors to demonstrate the effectiveness of our skin care products by providing close up skin images, and we continue to work on developing a model that will quantify skin conditions and attributes. Our global strategy with respect to the ProDerm Skin Analyzer will be to focus this tool initially on the United States and Europe, and then over time consider the launch of the updated version of this tool in our other global markets as we continue to assess its success in the United States and as we work to develop a tool with enhanced functionality. Currently, we anticipate that we will introduce the updated version of this tool globally beginning in late 2007.
South Asia/Pacific. The following table sets forth revenue for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 for the South Asia/Pacific region and its principal markets (in millions):
Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted revenue in South Asia/Pacific by 6% and 3%, respectively, during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 compared to the same periods in 2005. As a result of recent successful initiatives, our Singapore/Malaysia/Brunei and Thailand markets have been experiencing improving year-over-year revenue trends over the last few quarters. Our third quarter launch of g3 juice has been particularly successful in driving revenue. Executive and active distributor counts in the region declined by 3% and 13% in the third quarter, respectively, when compared with the prior year.
-17-
Other Markets. The following table sets forth revenue for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 for our Other Markets (in millions):
Revenue growth in Europe resulted from growth in Germany and France and the expansion into Israel and Russia. Distributor sponsorship and leadership also remained strong, and we believe that our success in Europe is in part attributable to the strong alignment of distributor leaders behind certain initiatives in the various local markets. We recently introduced a limited number of Nu Skin ProDerm Skin Analyzers into the European market, and this tool has been received with a very positive response by our European distributors.
Gross profit
Gross profit as a percentage of revenue increased to 82.5% for the third quarter of 2006 from 82.3% for the same period in 2005, due to a decrease in Scanner amortization following our transition to less expensive S2 Scanners and the write-down of first generation Scanner units in the first quarter. For the first nine months of 2006 gross profit as a percentage of revenue remained level at 82.6% compared to the same period in 2005.
Selling expenses
Selling expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 43.7% and 43.1% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006, respectively, from 41.7% and 42.0% for the same periods in 2005 due primarily to an increase in selling expenses in Japan. In the second half of 2005, selling expenses in Japan, as a percentage of revenue, had declined following some changes we made to our compensation plan earlier that year. The 2005 compensation plan changes had a negative impact on our business in Japan, and in order to correct this situation we implemented enhancements to our compensation plan in Japan that took effect April 1, 2006 and were designed to bring the average commission rate in that market back to its previous levels before the 2005 change. As a result, we expect our global commission rate to remain slightly above 43% for the near future.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 to $86.3 million and $265.1 million from $88.1 million and $265.2 million for the same periods in 2005. This decrease is attributable to our transformation initiative implemented in early 2006 and the progress we are making in our efforts to streamline our business and reduce overhead. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 increased to 31.2% and 32.1% from 30.3% and 29.8% for the same periods in 2005. These increases were impacted by:
-18-
Impairment of assets and other
During the first quarter of 2006, we recorded impairment charges of $20.8 million, primarily relating to our first generation BioPhotonic Scanners. In February 2006, as a result of our launch of and transition to the second generation BioPhotonic Scanner, we determined it was necessary to write down the book value of the existing inventory of the prior model of the Scanner. The impairment charges relating to the Scanner recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2006 totaled $19.0 million.
In addition, during the first quarter of 2006 we completed a settlement agreement with a Big Planet vendor to terminate our purchase commitments for video technology for approximately $1.8 million as we looked to change direction with our Big Planet business.
Restructuring and other charges
During the first quarter of 2006, we recorded restructuring and other charges of $11.1 million, primarily relating to our business transformation initiative designed to (i) eliminate organizational redundancies, (ii) revamp administrative support functions, (iii) prioritize investments to favor profitable initiatives and markets, and (iv) increase efficiencies in the supply chain process. As a result, our overall headcount was reduced by approximately 225 employees, the majority of which related to the elimination of positions at our U.S. headquarters. These expenses consisted primarily of severance and other compensation charges.
Although our business transformation initiative will be an ongoing process, nearly all of the restructuring expenses related to the transformation were incurred during the first quarter of 2006. We believe that these initiatives will generate savings of approximately $15 million in 2006 and continued savings going forward. We plan to reinvest a portion of these savings towards various growth initiatives, particularly in Japan.
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 was approximately $0.2 million of income and $2.2 million of expense compared to $1.6 million and $3.5 million of expense for the same periods in 2005. Fluctuations in other income (expense), net are impacted by interest expense and foreign exchange fluctuations to the U.S. dollar on the translation of yen-based bank debt and other foreign denominated intercompany balances into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes.
Provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 was $8.0 million and $10.3 million of expense compared to $10.6 million and $34.1 million of expense for the same periods in 2005. The effective tax rate was 37.7% of pre-tax income during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006, compared to rates of 37.5% and 36.9% in the same prior-year periods.
Net income
As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 decreased to $13.2 million and $17.0 million from $17.7 million and $58.3 million for the same periods in 2005.
-19-
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, our principal uses of cash have included operating expenses, particularly selling expenses, and working capital (principally inventory purchases), as well as capital expenditures, stock repurchases and dividends, and the development of operations in new markets. We have generally relied on cash flow from operations to fund operating activities, and we have at times incurred long-term debt in order to fund strategic transactions and stock repurchases.
We typically generate positive cash flow from operations due to favorable gross margins and the variable nature of selling expenses, which constitute a significant percentage of operating expenses. We generated $48.4 million in cash from operations during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, compared to $82.1 million during the same period in 2005. This decrease in cash generated from operations is due to lower revenue and lower profitability in the first nine months of 2006 resulting from the severance payments and other restructuring charges as well as the increased payment of taxes in 2006.
As of September 30, 2006, working capital was $108.8 million, compared to $149.1 million as of December 31, 2005. Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were $118.3 million and $155.4 million, respectively. The decrease in cash balances was primarily due to the increase in the payment of debt and repurchases of stock in 2006 compared to 2005 as well as the proceeds from debt in 2005. The decrease in working capital was due primarily to the decrease in cash balances.
We anticipate capital expenditures of approximately $35 million to $40 million for 2006, of which we incurred $28.2 million in the first nine months of 2006. These capital expenditures are primarily related to:
-20-
As of September 30, 2006, we had long-term debt pursuant to various credit facilities and other borrowings as summarized in the following table:
-21-
Our board of directors has approved a stock repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase our outstanding shares of Class A common stock on the open market or in private transactions. The repurchases are used primarily for our equity incentive plans and strategic initiatives. During the third quarter of 2006, we repurchased approximately 1,425,000 shares of Class A common stock under this program for an aggregate amount of approximately $24.1 million. Currently, approximately $98.4 million is available under the stock repurchase program for repurchases, inclusive of an additional $75 million authorized by the board of directors in August 2006.
In February, May and August 2006, our board of directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.10 per share for all shares of Class A common stock. These quarterly cash dividends of $7.0 million each were paid on March 22, 2006, June 21, 2006 and September 20, 2006, to stockholders of record on March 3, 2006, June 2, 2006 and September 1, 2006, respectively. In October 2006, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share for all shares of Class A common stock to be paid in December 2006. Currently, we anticipate that our board of directors will continue to declare quarterly cash dividends and that the cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund our future dividend payments. However, the declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
We believe we have sufficient liquidity to be able to meet our obligations on both a short- and long-term basis. We currently believe that existing cash balances, future cash flows from operations and existing lines of credit will be adequate to fund our cash needs on both a short- and long-term basis. The majority of our historical expenses have been variable in nature and as such, a potential reduction in the level of revenue would reduce our cash flow needs. In the event that our current cash balances, future cash flow from operations and current lines of credit are not sufficient to meet our obligations or strategic needs, we would consider raising additional funds in the debt or equity markets or restructuring our current debt obligations. Additionally, we would consider realigning our strategic plans, including a reduction in capital spending, stock repurchases or dividend payments.
Due to the international nature of our business, we are subject from time to time to reviews and audits by the foreign taxing authorities of the various jurisdictions in which we conduct business throughout the world. In 1999, we implemented a duty valuation methodology with respect to the importation of certain products into Japan. The Valuation Department of the Yokohama customs authorities reviewed and approved this methodology at that time, and it has been reviewed on several occasions by the audit division of the Japan customs authorities since then. In connection with recent audits, the Yokohama customs authorities have assessed us additional duties and penalties on these products imported into Japan from October 2002 to October 2004, based on a different valuation methodology than what was previously approved. We have also disputed the amount of duties we were required to pay on products imported from November of 2004 to June of 2005. The total amount assessed or in dispute is approximately $25 million, net of any recovery of consumption taxes. Effective July 1, 2005, we implemented some modifications to our business structure in Japan and in the United States that we believe will eliminate any further customs valuation disputes with respect to product imports in Japan after that time.
Because the valuation methodology we used with respect to the products in dispute had been reviewed and approved by the customs authorities in Japan, we believe the assessments are improper and we filed letters of protest with Yokohama customs with respect to this entire amount. Yokohama customs has rejected our letters of protest to date, and to follow proper administrative procedures we filed appeals with the Japan Ministry of Finance. On June 26, 2006, we were also advised that the Ministry of Finance has rejected the appeals filed with their office. We currently plan to appeal the decision of the Ministry of Finance through the judicial court system in Japan. We paid the $25 million in customs duties and assessments, the amount of which we recorded in Other Assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. To the extent that we are unsuccessful in recovering the amounts assessed and paid, we will be required to take a corresponding charge to our earnings.
-22-
In Taiwan, we are currently subject to an audit by tax authorities with respect to the deductibility of distributor commission expenses in that market. In order to avoid the running of the statute of limitations with respect to the 1999 and 2000 tax years, the Taiwan tax authorities have disallowed our commission expense deductions for those years and assessed us a total of approximately $19 million. At this stage of the discussions, we are not required to pay the amount of tax under dispute. We are contesting this assessment and are in discussions with the tax authorities in an effort to resolve this matter. Based on our understanding of this matter, we do not believe that it is probable that we will incur a loss relating to this matter and accordingly have not provided any related reserves.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R) using the modified prospective transition method and therefore have not restated results for prior periods. Our results of operations during 2006 were impacted by the recognition of non-cash expense related to the fair value of our stock-based compensation awards. During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006, we recorded $1.9 million and $5.8 million in pre-tax stock-based compensation expense. Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax, for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 was $1.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
Critical Accounting Policies
The following critical accounting policies and estimates should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, and our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto. Management considers the most critical accounting policies to be the recognition of revenue, accounting for income taxes, accounting for intangible assets and accounting for stock-based compensation. In each of these areas, management makes estimates based on historical results, current trends and future projections.
Revenue.We recognize revenue when products are shipped, which is when title and risk of loss pass to our independent distributors. With some exceptions in various countries, we offer a return policy whereby distributors can return unopened and unused product for up to 12 months subject to a 10% restocking fee. Reported revenue is net of returns, which have historically been less than 5% of gross sales. A reserve for product returns is accrued based on historical experience. We classify selling discounts as a reduction of revenue. Our selling expenses are computed pursuant to our global compensation plan for our distributors which is focused on remunerating distributors based upon the selling efforts of the distributors and their downlines, and not their personal purchases.
Income Taxes. We account for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This statement establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for the effects of income taxes that result from an enterprises activities during the current and preceding years. It requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. We pay income taxes in many foreign jurisdictions based on the profits realized in those jurisdictions, which can be significantly impacted by terms of intercompany transactions among our affiliates around the world. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are created in this process. As of September 30, 2006, we had net deferred tax assets of $40.2 million. These net deferred tax assets assume sufficient future earnings will exist for their realization, as well as the continued application of current tax rates. We have considered projected future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in determining that no valuation allowance is required. In the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to earnings in the period such determination was made.
-23-
Our foreign taxes paid are high relative to foreign operating income and our U.S. taxes paid are low relative to U.S. operating income due largely to the flow of funds among our Subsidiaries around the world. As payments for services, management fees, license arrangements and royalties are made from our foreign affiliates to our U.S. corporate headquarters, these payments often incur withholding and other forms of tax that are generally creditable for U.S. tax purposes. Therefore, these payments lead to increased foreign effective tax rates and lower U.S. effective tax rates. Variations (or shifts) occur in our foreign and U.S. effective tax rates from year to year depending on several factors, including the impact of global transfer prices and the timing and level of remittances from foreign affiliates.
We are subject to regular audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. These audits may result in additional tax liabilities. We account for such contingent liabilities in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, and believe we have appropriately provided for income taxes for all years. Several factors drive the calculation of our tax reserves. Some of these factors include: (i) the expiration of various statutes of limitations; (ii) changes in tax law and regulations; (iii) issuance of tax rulings; and (iv) settlements with tax authorities. Changes in any of these factors may result in adjustments to our reserves, which would impact our reported financial results.
Intangible Assets. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142), our goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized. Our intangible assets with finite lives are recorded at cost and amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. We are required to make judgments regarding the useful life of our intangible assets. With the implementation of SFAS 142, we determined certain intangible assets to have indefinite lives based upon our analysis of the requirements of SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS 141) and SFAS 142. Under the provisions of SFAS 142, we are required to test these assets for impairment at least annually. No impairment charges related to intangible assets were recognized during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 or 2005. To the extent an impairment is identified in the future, we will record the amount of the impairment as an operating expense in the period in which it is identified.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R), using the modified prospective transition method, and therefore have not restated prior periods results. Under this method we recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments granted after January 1, 2006 and prior to but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, in accordance with SFAS 123R. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, we recognize stock-based compensation net of any estimated forfeiture rate and only recognize compensation cost for those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. The fair value of our stock-based compensation expense is based on estimates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This option-pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions including the options expected life, risk-free interest rate, expected dividends and price volatility of the underlying stock. The stock price volatility assumption was determined using a combination of historical volatility of the Companys common stock.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation Number 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. The interpretation contains a two step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The provisions are effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2007. We are evaluating the impact this statement will have on our consolidated financial statements.
-24-
Seasonality and Cyclicality
In addition to general economic factors, we are impacted by seasonal factors and trends such as major cultural events and vacation patterns. For example, most Asian markets celebrate their respective local New Year in the first quarter, which generally has a negative impact on that quarter. We believe that direct selling in Japan, the United States and Europe is also generally negatively impacted during the third quarter, when many individuals, including our distributors, traditionally take vacations.
We have experienced rapid revenue growth in certain new markets following commencement of operations. This initial rapid growth has often been followed by a short period of stable or declining revenue, then followed by renewed growth fueled by product introductions, an increase in the number of active distributors and increased distributor productivity. The contraction following initial rapid growth has been more pronounced in certain new markets, due to other factors such as business or economic conditions or distributor distractions outside the market.
Distributor Information
The following table provides information concerning the number of active and executive distributors as of the dates indicated. Active distributors are those distributors and preferred customers who were resident in the countries in which we operated and purchased products for resale or personal consumption directly from us during the three months ended as of the date indicated. Executive distributors are active distributors who have achieved required monthly personal and group sales volumes as well as employed full-time sales representatives in China who have completed a qualification process and receive a salary, labor benefits and bonuses based on their personal sales efforts.
Currency Risk and Exchange Rate Information
A majority of our revenue and many of our expenses are recognized outside of the United States, except for inventory purchases, which are primarily transacted in U.S. dollars from vendors in the United States. The local currency of each of our Subsidiaries primary markets is considered the functional currency. All revenue and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates for the periods reported. Therefore, our reported revenue and earnings will be positively impacted by a weakening of the U.S. dollar and will be negatively impacted by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar. The Chinese government is beginning to allow the yuan to float more freely against the U.S. dollar and other major currencies. A strengthening of the yuan would benefit our reported revenue and profits and a weakening of the yuan would negatively impact reported revenue and profits. Given the large portion of our business derived from Japan, any weakening of the yen would negatively impact reported revenue and profits. Given the uncertainty of exchange rate fluctuations, we cannot estimate the effect of these fluctuations on our future business, product pricing and results of operations or financial condition.
-25-
We seek to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates through the use of foreign currency exchange contracts, through intercompany loans of foreign currency and through our Japanese yen-denominated debt. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We regularly monitor our foreign currency risks and periodically take measures to reduce the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on our operating results.
Our foreign currency derivatives are comprised of over-the-counter forward contracts with major international financial institutions. As of September 30, 2006, we had $13.5 million of these contracts with expiration dates through September 2007. All of these contracts were denominated in Japanese yen. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006, we recorded pre-tax gains of $0.3 million and $3.1 million, which were included in our revenue in Japan, and a gain of $0.3 million as of September 30, 2006, net of tax, in other comprehensive income related to the fair market valuation of our outstanding forward contracts. Based on our foreign exchange contracts at September 30, 2006, the impact of a 10% appreciation or 10% depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen would not represent a material potential loss in fair value, earnings or cash flows against these contracts. This potential loss does not consider the underlying foreign currency transaction or translation exposures to which we are subject.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
With the exception of historical facts, the statements contained in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect our current expectations and beliefs regarding our future results of operations, performance and achievements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based upon assumptions and beliefs that may not materialize. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning:
-26-
In addition, when used in this report, the words or phrases will likely result, expect, anticipate, will continue, intend, plan, believe and similar expressions are intended to help identify forward-looking statements.
We wish to caution readers that our operating results are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those discussed or anticipated. Reference is made to the risks and uncertainties described below and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and amendments thereto (which contains a more detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties related to our business). We also wish to advise readers not to place any undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this report, which reflect our beliefs and expectations only as of the date of this report. We assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances or any changes in our beliefs or expectations, except as required by law. Some of the risks and uncertainties that might cause actual results to differ from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the following:
-27-
-28-
-29-
The information required by Item 3 of Part I of Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled Currency Risk and Exchange Rate Information in Item 2 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Part I and also in Note 6 to the Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of Part I.
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2006.
Changes in internal controls over financial reporting.
As reported in our Form 10-Q for the interim period ended March 31, 2006, management concluded that as of March 31, 2006 we did not maintain effective controls related to the accuracy of our impairment evaluation of long-lived assets, as required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets (SFAS 144). Specifically, managements review of the impairment analysis and computation failed to detect an error in the application of the discount rate used to estimate the fair value of the first generation BioPhotonic (S1) Scanners. This control deficiency resulted in a material adjustment to the impairment charge that we had initially recorded relating to our S1 Scanners in our first quarter financial statements and management determined that this control deficiency constituted a material weakness.
We have enhanced our internal controls surrounding the review of our impairment analyses and computations related to long-lived assets including analyses performed in accordance with SFAS 144, SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and other similar cash flow analyses. More specifically the Company:
We have evaluated the design of these new procedures and controls, placed them in operation for a sufficient period of time, and subjected them to appropriate tests, in order to conclude that they are operating effectively. We have therefore concluded that the above referenced material weakness has been fully remediated as of September 30, 2006.
-30-
As described above, there have been changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 (f) under the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this report, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
No updates to report. Please refer to our recent SEC filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the 2005 fiscal year, for information regarding the status of certain legal proceedings.
Our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A includes a detailed discussion of our risk factors. The information presented below updates some of these risk factors and should be read in conjunction with the risk factors and information disclosed in that Form 10-K/A and in subsequent Form 10-Q filings.
Although we have obtained a direct selling license in China, if we are unable to establish required service centers in China or obtain necessary provincial licensing as quickly as we would like, our ability to expand our direct selling business and grow our business there could be negatively impacted.
The new direct selling regulations and supplemental rules recently adopted in China require us to establish a service center in each area where we conduct direct selling activities and to obtain a provincial license to conduct direct selling in such province and we must also establish service centers where we conduct direct selling activities. The local approval processes for direct selling vary and remain uncertain in some areas. In addition, we must work with local government agencies in connection with the opening of our local service centers. The local governmental officials may exercise broad discretion in approving these service centers. If regulators fail to approve local direct selling licenses or permit us to build service centers at a rate that meets our growth demands, this could limit our ability to obtain direct selling licenses in some provinces in accordance with anticipated timelines and harm our business.
Because we will be implementing a compensation plan and business model for our independent distributors in China that is different from other markets due to regulatory restrictions, this could harm our ability to grow our business in China.
The direct selling regulations impose various limitations and requirements, including a prohibition on multi-level compensation and a requirement that all distributors pass a required examination before becoming a distributor. The regulations also impose other restrictions on direct selling activities that differ from the regulations in our other markets. As a result, we will be implementing a direct selling compensation plan and business model for the direct sales component of our business that will differ from the model we use in other markets. There can be no assurance that these restrictions will not negatively impact our ability to provide an attractive business opportunity to distributors in this market and limit our ability to grow our business in this market. In addition, the regulations do not allow the sale of general foods through a direct selling business model. Because some of our supplements are being marketed as general foods until we obtain health food status for these products, including LifePak, we will only be able to sell these products at our stores and not away from the stores until they receive health food status, which could have a negative impact on our direct selling business.
-31-
Changes to our compensation arrangements with our distributors could be viewed negatively by some distributors and could harm our operating results if such changes impact distributor productivity.
We have implemented a global compensation plan that has some components that differ from market to market. We modify components of our compensation plan from time to time in order to keep our compensation plan competitive and attractive to existing and potential distributors, to address changing market dynamics, to provide incentives to distributors that we believe will help grow our business, and to address other business needs. Because of the size of our distributor force and the complexity of our compensation plans, it is difficult to predict whether such changes will achieve their desired results. For example, in 2005, we made changes to our compensation plan in Japan that had been successful in other markets, but did not have the impact in Japan that we anticipated and negatively impacted our business. China and certain markets in Southeast Asia similarly were negatively impacted by compensation plan changes. We are currently planning to implement a new compensation plan for China for our independent distributors as we implement a direct selling model. We are in the process of making some modifications to our employed sales representative compensation model to simplify it and to make it more consistent with the compensation model we are implementing for the independent distributor sales force. In addition, because of the size and complexity of our sales force and compensation plan, growth in certain markets and changes to our plans have caused compensation rates in these markets to rise higher than historical levels, which could reduce our operating income. Although management's objective is to maximize the benefit of compensation plan expenses, compensation plan changes may be made in the future in these markets with higher compensation rates in order to maintain overall payout as close to historical levels as possible. We cannot be certain that the modifications we are making in China or any other modifications we make to our compensation plans in our other markets will be well received or achieve their desired results. If our distributors fail to adapt to these changes or find them unattractive, our business could be harmed.
The loss of suppliers or shortages in ingredients could harm our business.
For approximately ten years, we have acquired ingredients and products from a supplier that currently manufactures approximately 31% of our Nu Skin personal care products. In addition, we currently rely on two suppliers for a majority of Pharmanex nutritional supplement products, one of which supplies approximately 35% and the other of which supplies approximately 22%. In the event we were to lose any of these suppliers and experience any difficulties in finding or transitioning to alternative suppliers, this could harm our business. In addition, we obtain some of our products from sole suppliers. We also license the right to distribute some of our products from third parties. Although none of these products individually represent a substantial portion of our revenue, in the event we are unable to renew these contracts, we may need to discontinue some products or develop substitute products, which could harm our revenue. In addition, if we experience supply shortages or regulatory impediments with respect to the raw materials and ingredients we use in our products, we may need to seek alternative supplies or suppliers. Some of our nutritional products, including our recently introduced g3 juice, incorporate natural products that are only harvested once a year and may have limited supplies. If demand exceeds forecasts, we may have difficulties in obtaining additional supplies to meet the excess demand until the next growing season. If we are unable to successfully respond to such issues our business could be harmed.
-32-
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
On November 6, 2006, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the employment compensation for Steven J. Lund, who was appointed as a member of the Board as Vice Chairman in September of 2006, and who is also employed by us. Mr. Lund will receive an annual base salary of $500,000, effective retroactively from September 1, 2006. Mr. Lund will also be entitled to participation in our standard executive cash incentive plan at the same level as other similarly-situated executives (currently at a bonus target of 60% of base salary). Mr. Lund will also be eligible to participate in all of the benefit programs made available to similarly-situated executives of the Company participate (including, without limitation, retirement plans, profit sharing, disability benefits, health and life insurance, vacation and paid holidays).
-33-
-34-
-35-
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.
November 9, 2006
By: /s/ Ritch N. Wood Ritch N. WoodIts: Chief Financial Officer (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
-36-
-37-
-38-