Item 1. Business
Overview
Mannatech is a global wellness solution provider, which was incorporated and began operations in November 1993. We develop and sell innovative, high quality, proprietary nutritional supplements, topical and skin care and anti-aging products, and weight-management products that target optimal health and wellness. We currently sell our products in three regions: (i) the Americas (the United States, Canada and Mexico); (ii) Europe/the Middle East/Africa (“EMEA”) (Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Namibia, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom); and (iii) Asia/Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China).
We sell our products through network marketing distribution channels via our active associates ("independent associate" or "associates" or "distributors") and to our "preferred customers," which we believe is the most cost-effective way to quickly and effectively introduce our products and communicate information about our business to the global marketplace. Network marketing minimizes upfront costs, as compared to conventional marketing methods, and allows us to be more responsive to the ever-changing overall market conditions, as well as continue to research and develop high quality products and focus on controlled successful international expansion. We believe the network marketing channel also allows us to effectively communicate the potential benefits and unique properties of our proprietary products to our consumers. In addition, network marketing provides our business-building associates with an avenue to supplement their income and develop financial freedom by building their own business centered on our business philosophies and unique products. As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 183,000 active associate and preferred customer positions held by individuals in our network associated with the purchase of our products and packs and/or payment of associate fees within the last 12 months.
The Company also operates a non-direct selling business in mainland China. In 2016, we formed our China subsidiary, Meitai Daily Necessities & Health Products Co., Ltd. (“Meitai”). Unlike Mannatech’s business operations in other markets, Meitai operates under a cross-border e-commerce model, where consumers in China can buy Mannatech products manufactured overseas via Meitai's website. Meitai is currently not a direct selling company in China nor can it operate under a multi-level marketing model in China. Products purchased on Meitai's website are for personal use and not for resale. Meitai offers a rewards program to incentivize existing customers to refer other customers to purchase products from Meitai's website. Customs regulations in China include purchase limits to ensure that purchased products are for personal consumption.
Our common stock is currently trading on The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “MTEX”. Information for each of our two most recent fiscal years, with respect to our net sales, results of operations, and identifiable assets is set forth in the Consolidated Financial Statements of this report.
Available Information
On our website (https://www.mannatech.com), we make available free of charge our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and certain other information filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing or furnishing such material. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including Mannatech, that electronically file with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Additionally, such materials are available in print upon the written request of any shareholder to our principle executive office located at 1410 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 200, Flower Mound, Texas 75028, Attention: Investor Relations, or by contacting our investor relations department at (972) 471-6512 or IR@mannatech.com.
Business Segment, Products and Product Development
Business Segment. The Company's sole reporting segment is one where we sell proprietary nutritional supplements, skin care and anti-aging products, and weight-management and fitness products through network marketing distribution channels operating in twenty-four countries. Mannatech’s subsidiary in China, Meitai, operates under a cross-border e-commerce model, where consumers in China can buy Mannatech products directly from Meitai via the internet.
Products. Scientists have discovered that a healthy body consists of many sophisticated components working in harmony to achieve optimal health and wellness and requires cellular communication to function at an optimal level. Scientists also discovered that there are more than 200 monosaccharides that form naturally. Specific monosaccharides are considered vital components for cellular communication in the human body. Furthermore, scientists discovered that these monosaccharides attach themselves to certain proteins, which then form a molecule called glycoprotein or glycans. Harper’s Biochemistry, a leading and nationally recognized biochemistry reference, has recognized that these molecules are found in human glycoproteins, and are believed to be essential in helping to promote and provide effective cell-to-cell communication in the human body.
The history of our proprietary ingredients and products is as follows:
•In 1994, we developed and began selling our first products containing Manapol® powder, an ingredient formulated to support cell-to-cell communication.
•In 1996, we enhanced our products based on the study of glycoproteins and our scientists developed our own proprietary compound, Ambrotose® complex, which we patented. Our Ambrotose® complex is a blend of polysaccharides (composed of monosaccharides) designed to help provide support for the immune system.
•In 2001, we broadened our proprietary ingredients by developing the Ambroglycin® blend, a balanced food-mineral matrix designed to help deliver nutrients to the body and which is used in our proprietary Catalyst™ and Glycentials® vitamin/mineral supplements.
•In 2004, we introduced our proprietary blend of antioxidant nutrients, MTech AO Blend® ingredient, which is used in our proprietary antioxidant Ambrotose AO® product.
•In 2006, we introduced a unique blend of plant-based minerals, natural vitamins, and standardized phytochemicals for use in our proprietary PhytoMatrix® product. We also introduced a compound used in reformulated Advanced Ambrotose® complex. This compound allows a more potent concentration of the full range of mannose-containing polysaccharides occurring naturally in aloe to be produced in a stable powdered form.
•In 2007, we introduced into the United States market our skin care and anti-aging line of products designed to support skin’s natural texture, beauty, and elasticity. We also launched our PhytoMatrix® caplets, Advanced Ambrotose® capsules and Manna•Bears™ supplement into international markets.
•In 2008, we introduced a proprietary proteolytic enzyme and phytosterol dietary supplement designed to support the body’s natural recovery processes associated with physical activity in our BounceBack® capsules. We also introduced a proprietary version of whey protein peptide technology designed to assist targeted fat loss when combined with exercise and a healthy diet in our OsoLean® powder.
•In 2009, we introduced our Omega-3, which features EPA/DHA essential acids, PhytoBurst™ Nutritional Chews formulated with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients from food-sourced ingredients, and GI-ProBalance™ Slimstick, which is a symbiotic digestive product containing probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes. In addition, we improved our Ambrotose® products to include beta-Carotene.
•In 2010, we launched our Mannatech LIFT™ Skin Care System, which is paraben-free and formulated to give skin a more natural youthful appearance.
•In 2011, we introduced our reformulated version of our Omega-3 supplement, which now includes Vitamin D3 and features EPA/DHA essential acids. We expanded several previously launched products from our domestic line to our international markets.
•In 2012, we launched our NutriVerus™ powder, a single product that features all of our core scientific technologies at an affordable price. This unique, ground-breaking product combines our core glyconutrient technologies with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and stabilized rice bran, all based on Real Food Technology solutions.
•In 2013, we launched Uth® skin cream, a breakthrough in anti-aging that incorporates Mannatech’s glyconutrient technology along with a microsphere delivery system that supports more thorough delivery of the active ingredients to all levels of the skin.
•In 2014, we launched GlycoBOOM™ Advanced Immune Support Supplement (now known as MannaBoom®), packed with nutrients that are designed to support the body’s natural defenses.
•In 2015, Mannatech introduced a new brain supplement, Cognitate®, featuring a proprietary blend of natural ingredients designed to aid memory, recall and cognition.
•In 2016, Mannatech rebranded the Company, including all new packaging and labels, introduced a line of Essential Oils, along with an innovative, natural fat-loss system, TruHealthTM. Included in the system is the TruPLENISHTM Nutritional Shake, TruPURE® Cleanse Slimsticks and TruSHAPETM Fat-Loss Capsules.
•In 2017, Mannatech launched several new products, including: GinMAX®, a fast-acting, long-lasting ginseng supplement that utilizes both fermented red and fermented white ginseng, fortified with glyconutrients; GlycoCafé®, a glyconutritional coffee made with the whole coffee fruit; and Luminovation, a line of mass-market and premium Korean beauty products.
•In 2018, Mannatech launched a unique fitness drink, Empact+®, combining fueling, hydration and recovery in one product. Mannatech also introduced significant enhancements to its signature Ambrotose® product with the launch of Ambrotose Life®, with more than double the Manapol® of its Advanced Ambrotose® formula along with additions of modified citrus pectin, and stabilized rice bran. Ambrotose Life® is available in a bulk canister (unflavored), along with flavored single serving sachets.
•In 2019, Mannatech’s key product launches were: Eye Health, TruPlenish Chocolate and Vanilla sachets, New Catalyst, Women’s Health, reformulated TruShape, Liver Support, Hangover Support and Sleep Support products into various markets.
•In 2020, Mannatech’s key product launches included a product suite to address microbiome health: new GI-Defense intestinal support product, improved GI-ProBalance pre/pro-biotic product and improved GI-Zyme digestive enzyme product, reformulated ImmunoStart and MannaBOOM products, an innovative new Joint Support product in Japan, an innovative new immune support product named MannaGel in Hong Kong and a re-launch of its MannaBears gummies.
Mannatech offers products that include glyconutrients, a unique category of nutrients sourced from plants and designed to provide a variety of health benefits. We focus on producing products that are from natural sources, as well as other scientifically based efficacious sources.
Integrative Health, which offers a variety of nutritional supplements that aid in optimizing overall health and wellness. This category includes a variety of daily nutritional supplements, health solutions for children, and additional nutrients designed to help keep specific body systems at optimal levels.
Targeted Health, which is designed to give bodies an extra edge with products designed to target specific areas and provide additional nutrients that help support body system health.
Weight and Fitness, which offers products designed to curb appetite and burn fat, build lean muscle tissue, and support recovery from overexertion.
Skin Care, which offers several products formulated with more than 30 botanical ingredients that are designed to give the skin a more natural, youthful appearance by moisturizing, hydrating and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Essentials, a sub-category of Targeted Health, offers a variety of dietary supplements that are formulated with a simpler ingredient profile, at a price point that is intended to be a value-add for Preferred Customers and Associates.
Home Living, a category of products designed to make homes a peaceful haven that supplement wellness. Currently, products in this category are only offered in Korea.
The following table summarizes our global product offerings, by category:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product Category
|
Representative Products
|
Integrative Health
|
Ambrotose® Complex, Ambrotose AO®, Advanced Ambrotose®, Ambrotose Life®
Catalyst™, Cognitate®, Manapol® Powder, MannaBears™, MultiKids, Nutriverus™, Optimal Support Packets, PhytoMatrix®, PLUS™, GlycoCafè®, Chaga Cafe, Glycentials®, MannaTea™, PhytoCleanse, and TruCoffee®
|
Targeted Health
|
BounceBack®, CardioBALANCE®, GI ProBalance® Slimstick, GI-Zyme®, GI-Defense™, Blood Sugar ProBalance, ImmunoSTART®, Manna-C ™, MannaBOOM® Slimsticks, MannaCLEANSE™, Omega-3 with Vitamin D3, PhytAloe®, Mannatech Men's PRIME 7™, Mannatech Women's PREMIER 7™, I-Start, MannaAloe™ with AloePrime, Chlorophyll, MANNAGEL™, MegaKids, and Jumping Hi Kids.
|
Weight and Fitness
|
OsoLean®, SPORT™, TruHealth Fat Loss System, including: TruPLENISH™, TruPURE®, TruSHAPE™, Tru-C™, EMPACT+™, EM∙PACT, Mannashake, and TruCoffee™
|
Skin Care
|
Emprizone ®, FIRM with Ambrotose ®, Uth® Facial Cleanser, Uth® Skin Rejuvenation Crème, Uth® Moisturizer, FreshDen®, Organt®, Luminovation™, and MannaDent
|
Essentials
|
Catalyst™ Multivitamin, Eye Support, Sleep Support, Liver Support, Joint Support, and SUPERFOOD
|
Home Living
|
SERENITY Oils and Blends and PURO
|
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from our Ambrotose Life®, TruHealth™, Advanced Ambrotose®, Optimal Support Packets, and GI-Pro products. Revenue from these products were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands, except percentages):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Sales by
product
|
|
% of total
net sales
|
|
Sales by
product
|
|
% of total
net sales
|
Ambrotose Life®
|
$
|
36,066
|
|
|
23.8
|
%
|
|
$
|
34,975
|
|
|
22.2
|
%
|
TruHealth™
|
16,263
|
|
|
10.7
|
%
|
|
16,193
|
|
|
14.2
|
%
|
Advanced Ambrotose®
|
14,662
|
|
|
9.7
|
%
|
|
22,390
|
|
|
10.3
|
%
|
Optimal Support Packets
|
7,996
|
|
|
5.3
|
%
|
|
4,110
|
|
|
2.6
|
%
|
GI-Pro (MicroBiome)
|
7,513
|
|
|
5.0
|
%
|
|
6,559
|
|
|
4.2
|
%
|
Total
|
$
|
82,500
|
|
|
54.5
|
%
|
|
$
|
84,227
|
|
|
53.5
|
%
|
Product Development. Our product committee continues to focus on potential new products and compounds that help target or promote overall health and wellness. When considering new products and compounds, our product committee considers the following criteria:
•marketability and proprietary nature of the product;
•demand for the product;
•competitors’ products;
•regulatory considerations;
•availability of ingredients; and
•data supporting claims of efficacy and safety.
To maintain a flexible operating strategy and the ability to increase production capacity, we contract with third-parties to manufacture all of our products, which allows us to effectively respond to fluctuations in demand with minimal investment and helps control our operating costs. We believe our suppliers and manufacturers are capable of meeting our current and projected inventory requirements over the next several years. However, as a safety measure, we continue to identify and approve alternative suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that our global demands are met in a timely manner and to help minimize any risk of business interruption.
We procure select products from single vendors who control certain product formulations, ingredients, or other intellectual property rights associated with such products. Certain of our supply agreements contain exclusivity clauses for the supply of certain raw materials and products, some of which are conditioned upon compliance with minimum purchase requirements. In the event we become unable to source any products or ingredients from our suppliers, we believe that we would be able to replace those products with alternate suppliers, except Arabinogalactan and Manapol. Due to the unique nature of each ingredient, important components used in the formulation of our Ambrotose® complex, we are unable to identify an alternative supplier at this time for these ingredients.
Industry Overview
Nutrition Industry
We operate in the nutritional supplement industry and distribute and sell our products through our own global network marketing channel. The nutritional supplement industry is fast-paced, highly fragmented, and intensely competitive. It includes companies that manufacture and distribute products that are intended to support the body’s performance and well-being. Nutritional supplements include vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, herbs, botanicals, and compounds derived therefrom. Prior to 1990, all dietary supplements in the United States were tightly regulated by the FDA and only included essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins. In 1990, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act expanded the category to include “herbs or similar nutritional substances”, but the FDA maintained control over pre-market approval. However, in 1994, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (“DSHEA”) was passed in the United States, drastically changing the dietary supplement marketplace. The DSHEA was instrumental in expanding the category of dietary supplements to further include herbal and botanical supplements and ingredients such as ginseng, fish oils, enzymes, and various mixtures of these ingredients. Under DSHEA, vendors of dietary supplements are now able to educate consumers regarding the effects of certain component ingredients.
Nutritional supplements are available through mass-market retailers, drug stores, supermarkets, discount stores, health food stores, mail order companies, and direct sales organizations. Direct selling, of which network marketing is a significant segment, has grown significantly and has been enhanced in the past decade as a distribution channel due to advancements in technology and communications resulting in improved product distribution and faster dissemination of information.
Direct Selling/Network Marketing Channel
Since the 1990s, the direct selling and network marketing sales channel has grown in popularity and general acceptance, including acceptance by prominent investors and capital investment groups who have invested in direct selling companies. This has provided direct selling companies with additional recognition and credibility in the growing global marketplace. In addition, many large corporations have diversified their marketing strategy by entering the direct selling arena. Several consumer-product companies have launched their own direct selling businesses with international operations often accounting for the majority of their revenues. Consumers and investors are beginning to realize that direct selling provides unique opportunities and a competitive advantage in today’s markets. Businesses are able to quickly communicate and develop strong relationships with their customers, bypass expensive ad campaigns, and introduce products and services that would otherwise be difficult to promote through traditional distribution channels such as retail stores. We believe direct selling is a channel of distribution with healthy cash flow, high return on invested capital, and long-term prospects for global expansion. According to the worldwide direct sales data published by the World Federation of Direct Selling Association, in 2019, approximately 119 million global direct sellers collectively generated annual retail sales of $180.5 billion.
Operating Strengths
1.High-Quality, Innovative, Proprietary Products. We base our product concept on the scientific belief that certain glyconutrients, also known as glycans, monosaccharides and polysaccharides, are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. We believe the addition of effective nutritional supplements to a well-balanced diet, coupled with an effective exercise program, will enhance and help maintain optimal health and wellness. We focus on producing products by developing scientifically sound, and innovative wellness solutions, with safe ingredients that are designed to use nutrients working through normal physiology to help achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness.
We believe that our proprietary blends and formulas distinguish us as a leader in the global nutritional supplements industry. We also believe the use of unique compounds found in our products allows us to effectively differentiate and distinguish our products from those of our competitors.
2.Research and Development Efforts. We are steadfast in our commitment to quality-driven research and development. We use systematic processes for the research and development of our unique proprietary product formulas, as well as
the identification of quality suppliers and manufacturers. Our research and quality assurance programs are outlined on our corporate websites www.mannatechscience.org, www.mannatech.com, and www.allaboutmannatech.com.
Mannatech’s team of experienced researchers and scientists continually reviews the latest published research data, attends scientific conferences, and draws upon its vast knowledge and expertise to develop new products and support existing ones. In addition, this team works in collaboration with other research firms, universities, institutions, and scientists. Our products have been the focus of numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies.
To support our research and development efforts, we have strategic alliances with our suppliers, consultants, and manufacturers that allow us to effectively identify and develop high-quality, innovative, proprietary products that increase our competitive advantage in the marketplace.
These efforts include developing and maintaining quality standards, supporting development efforts for new ingredients and compounds, and improving or enhancing existing products or ingredients. In addition, our research and development team identifies other quality-driven suppliers and manufacturers for both our global and regional needs.
Research and development efforts include new product development, enhancement of existing products, clinical studies and trials, FDA compliance, safety monitoring/adverse event reporting and science and substantiation of products.
3.Quality Assurance Program. Mannatech uses only qualified manufacturing contractors to produce, test, and package our finished products. These contractors must be compliant and current with required certifications and they must strictly adhere to our own quality standards for all markets. Certifications and guidelines that our contract manufacturers are required to carry and/or follow include:
•the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (as defined below) for manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and holding of dietary supplements;
•the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices for human food;
•the requirements of the Natural Health Products Directorate of Canada;
•the Korean Food and Drug Administration;
•certification by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia, when necessary;
•the European Union’s Food Supplement Directive and Nutrition and Health Claims Regulations, as well as individual member state legislation;
•the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration;
•the Japan Ministry of Health Labor and Welfare;
•the Singapore Health Sciences Authority;
•the South African Department of Health and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority Board;
•the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Department of Health Drug Office; and
•the China Food and Drug Administration.
We have an established quality assurance program designed to ensure our manufacturers’ compliance with these certifications and guidelines, and to ensure that proper controls are maintained during the manufacturing, evaluation, packaging, storage, and distribution of our products. These controls include a comprehensive supplier audit and surveillance program, third-party certifications, and continuous product monitoring.
A team of professionals, many of whom have extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, leads our in-house quality assurance program and continually monitors the quality of our products, including the production process. In addition, they work with suppliers and manufacturers to develop quality standards for raw material components and products, and perform tests and inspections to ensure that finished products are safe and of high quality prior to release.
We require our dietary supplements to be packaged with seals to help minimize the risk of tampering. We also perform select stability studies under both controlled ambient and accelerated temperature storage conditions to ensure label claims throughout the shelf life of our products. To further ensure product quality, our third-party manufacturers are predominately certified as NSF facilities according to the NSF/ANSI 173 Dietary Supplement Standard, which is the only American national standard for dietary supplements. This certification is designed to ensure that Good Manufacturing Practices are used in the manufacturing facility. All of Mannatech's dietary supplements have been confirmed to be gluten-free.
4.Global Scientific Advisory Board. A charter for an advisory board has been established and the board is filled by a combination of independent scientists and doctors from multiple disciplines, along with one member of Mannatech staff. Certain member(s) of the Global Scientific Advisory Board (“GSAB”) review each new and reformulated product as needed to ensure ingredients and products are up to Mannatech’s high standards and are in line with the latest, viable research. The GSAB may also make ingredient and product suggestions for new products.
5.High-Caliber, Industry-Leading Independent Associates. Our global team of independent associates is comprised of dedicated, hard-working, high-caliber individuals, many of whom have been associated with the network marketing industry for decades and have been loyal to us since our beginning in 1993. To capitalize on their wealth of knowledge and experience, we sponsor panels of independent associates in councils and forums based around the world which help identify and effectively relay the needs of our independent business-building associates to us. These advisory councils meet periodically with our team of senior management to recommend changes, discuss issues, and provide new ideas or concepts, including a full spectrum of innovative ideas for additional quality-driven nutritional supplements aimed at maintaining optimal health and wellness.
6.Support Philosophy for Our Independent Associates and Preferred Customers. We are fully committed to providing the highest level of support services to our independent associates and preferred customers and believe that we meet expectations and build customer loyalty through the following: offering highly-personalized and responsive customer service;
▪offering a satisfaction guarantee product return policy;
▪providing comprehensive corporate websites (www.mannatech.com, https://www.allaboutmannatech.com, https://www.mannatechscience.org, https://www.library.mannatech.com, https://events.mannatech.com, and www.mannafest.com) that provide instant access to Internet ordering, marketing, technical and educational information, and unique and innovative marketing tools;
▪maintaining an extensive web-based downline management system called Success Tracker™ that provides access to web conferencing and downline organization reporting for our independent associates at minimal costs;
▪providing Mannatech+, an app and web-based platform to provide personalized web pages, to share videos, digital flyers, and more;
▪offering, in the United States and Canada, an effective compilation of online marketing and training tools;
▪offering updated training/orientation and compliance programs for our independent associates;
▪providing strategically based distribution fulfillment centers to ensure products are shipped on time and at minimal cost; and
▪sponsoring marketing events, designed to provide information, education, and motivation for our dedicated business-building associates and to help stimulate business development. These events provide an interactive venue for introducing new products and services and allow interaction between our management teams, outside researchers, and independent associates.
7.Flexible Operating Strategy. We believe efficiency, focus, and flexibility are paramount to our operations. For more than a decade, we have contracted with third parties to supply and manufacture our proprietary raw materials and products, which we believe allows us to minimize capital expenditures, capitalize on such parties’ expertise, and build additional resources for strategic alliances in the areas of distribution and logistics, product registration, and export requirements. By contracting with various suppliers and manufacturers and by outsourcing distribution for all of our operations, we believe we can quickly adapt operations to current demands in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner. We monitor the performance of our third party contractors to ensure they maintain a high quality of service. In addition, we identify alternative sources for our raw materials suppliers and finished goods manufacturers to help prevent any risk of interruption in production should any existing contractors become unable to perform satisfactorily.
8.Experience and Depth of Our Management Team and Board of Directors. We believe that our team of executives has extensive experience in every aspect of business operations and is highly focused on our success. At December 31, 2020, our Board of Directors is composed of six directors, including four independent directors. We believe our board members have a wealth of knowledge and experience in most aspects of our business operations and are especially well versed in network marketing, finance, nutritional products, regulatory matters, and corporate governance. Our entire management team is committed to delivering high-quality products and superior service.
Business Strategy
Our long-term goal is to be one of the world’s leading network marketing companies founded on the best science-based proprietary products by incorporating a powerful global independent network distribution model into our charitable giving program. To achieve our goal, we believe we must focus on the following business priorities:
•Strengthening our Financial Results and Adding Value to Our Shareholders and Independent Associates. We focus on improving financial results by striving to increase our revenues in both our domestic and foreign operations and to control our operating costs.
•Attracting New Independent Associates and Retaining Existing Independent Associates. We continually examine our global associate career and compensation plan and periodically offer incentives in order to attract, motivate, and retain independent associates. We believe our global associate career and compensation plan encourages greater associate retention, motivation, and productivity.
•Carefully Planning and Executing New Market Entries. In order to expand efficiently around the globe, we must continue to present maximum opportunity to our current independent associates as well as those who will join us in the future.
•Developing New Products and Enhancing Existing Products. We continue to focus on new areas for future product development. We continue our research efforts and strive to ensure that all of our products are made from high quality, effective ingredients that contain one or more of our proprietary compounds, which we believe supports our goal to be a cutting-edge industry leader. We expect that any future products we develop will further complement and enhance our existing products.
•Provide Outstanding Product Value and Results to Customers. We work to ensure that all associates and their customers have a great experience with each of our products that deliver tangible results, are supported by science, and are backed by a powerful satisfaction guarantee.
Intellectual Property
Trademarks. We pursue registrations for various trademarks associated with our key products and branding initiatives. As of December 31, 2020, we had 40 registered trademarks in the United States and one trademark applications pending with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. As of December 31, 2020, we had 442 registered trademarks in 30 countries and 22 trademark applications pending in seven foreign jurisdictions. Globally, the protection available in foreign jurisdictions may not be as extensive as the protection available to us in the United States. Where available, we rely on common law trademark rights to protect our unregistered trademarks, even though such rights do not provide us with the same level of protection as afforded by a United States federal trademark registration. Common law trademark rights are limited to the geographic area in which the trademark is actually used. A United States federal trademark registration enables us to stop infringing use of the trademark by a third party anywhere in the United States provided the unauthorized third party user does not have superior common law rights in the trademark within a specific geographical area of a particular state or region prior to the date our mark federally registers. In the United States (and in many foreign jurisdictions) a registered trademark is valid for ten years and may be renewed subject to the trademark owner demonstrating continued use of the mark in commerce.
Patents. The Company applies for patent protection in various countries for the technology related to our product formulations. As of December 31, 2020, we had 11 patents for technology related to our Ambrotose® formulation, all of which are in 10 foreign jurisdictions. Overall, as of December 31, 2020, 94 patents have been assigned, issued, granted or validated to Mannatech in major global markets for the technology relating to our Ambrotose®, Ambrotose AO®, Ambrotose Life®, GI‑ProBalance™, PhytoMatrix®, and NutriVerus™ product formulations, as well as in the field of biomarker assays. Currently, we have seven patent applications pending in various jurisdictions relating to the technology supporting many of the above listed products. Patent protection means that the patented invention cannot be commercially made, used, distributed or sold without the patent owner's consent. These patent rights are usually enforced in a court, which, in most jurisdictions, holds the authority to stop patent infringement. The protection is granted for a limited period, generally 20 years. In most jurisdictions, renewal annuities or maintenance fees must be paid regularly during the term of the patent to keep the patent in force.
Associate Distribution System
Overview. Our sales philosophy is to distribute our products through network marketing channels where consumers purchase products for personal consumption or resale. Independent associates and preferred customers purchase our products at a discounted wholesale value. Independent associates are eligible to participate in our global associate career and compensation plan. All of our associates are independent contractors. We provide each new independent associate with our policies and procedures that require the independent associates to comply with regulatory guidelines and act in a consistent and professional manner.
Our revenues are heavily dependent upon the retention and productivity of independent associates who help us achieve long-term growth. We believe the introduction of innovative incentives, such as travel incentives, will continue to motivate our independent associates and help expand our global purchasing base. We remain actively committed to expanding the number of our independent associates through recruitment, support, motivation, and incentives. We had approximately 183,000 active associate and preferred customer positions held by individuals that purchased our products and/or packs or paid associate fees during the 12 months ended December 31, 2020, and we had approximately 169,000 active associate and preferred customer positions held by individuals that purchased our products and/or packs or paid associate fees during the 12 months ended December 31, 2019. We have a loyalty program through which consumers earn loyalty points from qualified automatic orders, which can be applied to future purchases.
Independent Associate Development. Network marketing consists of enrolling individuals who build a network of independent associates, preferred customers, and retail customers who purchase products. We support our independent associates by providing an array of support services that can be tailored to meet individual needs, including:
•offering educational meetings and corporate-sponsored events that emphasize business-building and compliance related information;
•sponsoring various informative and science-based conference calls, web casts, and seminars;
•providing automated services through the Internet and telephone that offer a full spectrum of information and business-building tools;
•maintaining an efficient decentralized ordering and distribution system;
•providing highly personalized and responsive order processing and customer service support accessible by multiple communication channels including telephone, Internet, or e-mail;
•offering 24-hour, seven days a week access to information and ordering through the Internet;
•offering Success Tracker™, a customized business-building genealogy system, which contains graphs, maps, alerts, reports, and web video conferencing for our independent associates;
•offering, in the United States and Canada, a compilation of online marketing and training tools, including personalized web pages; and
•providing a wide assortment of business-building and educational materials to help stimulate product sales and simplify enrollment.
We provide product and network marketing training and education for new independent associates. This includes a unique global training/orientation program that uses audio, video and web components to familiarize new associates with the Company, and includes short, segmented trainings on how to succeed as part of the sales force. We also regularly provide training on using online tools such social media and our own suite of web marketing tools specifically designed for associates to use. We also offer a variety of brochures, monthly newsletters, and other promotional materials to associates to assist in their sales efforts, training, and continuing education. We continually update our training and promotional materials to provide our associates with the most current information and motivational tools.
Our global associate career and compensation plan consists of 19 independent associate achievement levels; from lowest to highest, these include Associate, Silver Associate, Gold Associate, Director, Silver Director, Gold Director, Executive, Silver Executive, Gold Executive, Presidential, Bronze Presidential, Silver Presidential, Gold Presidential, Platinum Presidential, 1-Star Platinum, 2-Star Platinum, 3-Star Platinum, 4-Star Platinum and Crown Platinum Ambassador. These achievement levels are determined by the growth and volume of the independent associates’ direct and indirect commissionable net sales, as well as expanding their networks, which are all assigned a point volume. Promotional materials and training aids are not assigned a point volume. This point volume system, referred to as our global seamless downline structure, allows independent associates to build their network by expanding their existing downlines into all international markets except China. Our global associate career and compensation plan is intended to comply with all applicable governmental regulations that govern the various aspects of payments to independent associates in each country.
Based upon our knowledge of industry-related network marketing compensation plans, we believe our global associate career and compensation plan remains strong in the industry. Together, our commissions and incentives range approximately from 35% to 43% of our consolidated net sales.
Our global associate career and compensation plan pays various types of commissions and incentives based upon a point system that calculates a percentage of the independent associate’s commissionable direct and indirect net product sales and the attainment of certain associate achievement levels. All commissions are earned from the sale of our products. All payments to our independent associates are made after they have earned their commissions. We believe our global associate career and compensation plan fairly compensates our independent associates at every stage of building their business by quickly rewarding our independent associates for both their sales and the sales of those in their downline organization.
Our global associate career and compensation plan identifies and pays six types of commissions to our qualified independent associates, which are based on the following:
•generating product sales to preferred customers from an independent associate’s global downline to earn certain achievement levels;
•generating product sales from newly enrolled independent associates or preferred customers who place a product order;
•obtaining certain achievement levels and enrolling other independent associates who place or sell qualifying orders;
•obtaining and developing certain achievement levels within their downline organizations through product sales to qualify for additional bonuses; and
•various other sales incentive programs.
Management of Independent Associates. We actively monitor our independent associates’ activities related to sales of our products and the promotion of certain business opportunities by requiring our independent associates to abide by our policies and procedures. However, we have limited control over the actions of our independent associates. To aid in our monitoring efforts, we provide each independent associate with a copy of our policies and procedures prior to or upon signing up as an independent associate. We engage a third-party service provider to assist in managing our compliance monitoring process. We also use various media formats to distribute changes to our mandatory policies and procedures, including our corporate website, conference calls, educational meetings, corporate events, seminars, and webcasts.
Our program also provides our independent associates with a standardized and anonymous complaint process. When a complaint is filed against an independent associate, our business ethics department conducts a mandatory investigation of the allegations to determine whether a violation of the policies and procedures has occurred. If a violation is found, the complaint moves through the compliance process where the person against whom the complaint has been filed has an opportunity to respond to the allegations. Depending on the nature of the violation, we may impose various sanctions, including written warnings, mandatory training, probation, withholding commissions, and termination of associate status. We will terminate any associate’s agreement for making claims that our products can treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease, unless such claim is found to be de minimis and isolated.
Product Return Policy. We stand behind our products and believe we offer a reasonable and industry-standard product return policy to all of our customers. We do not resell returned products. Refunds are not processed until proper approval is obtained. Refunds are processed and returned in the same form of payment that was originally used in the sale. Each country in which we operate has specific product return guidelines. However, we allow our associates and preferred customers to exchange products as long as the products are unopened and in good condition. Our return policies for our retail customers and our associates and preferred customers are as follows:
•Retail Customer Product Return Policy. This policy allows a retail customer to return any of our products to the original associate who sold the product and receive a full cash refund from the associate for the first 180 days following the product’s purchase if located in the United States and Canada, and for the first 90 days following the product’s purchase in other countries where we sell our products. The associate may return or exchange the product based on the associate product return policy. In China, where we sell our products under a cross-border e-commerce model, we have a 14-day return policy.
•Associate and Preferred Customer Product Return Policy. This policy allows the associate or preferred customer to return an order within one year of the purchase date upon terminating his/her account. If an associate or preferred customer returns a product unopened and in good condition, he/she may receive a full refund minus a 10% restocking fee. We may also allow the associate or preferred customer to receive a full satisfaction guarantee refund if they have tried the product and are not satisfied for any reason, excluding promotional materials. This satisfaction guarantee refund applies in the United States and Canada, only for the first 180 days following the product’s purchase, and applies in other countries where we sell our products for the first 90 days following the product’s purchase; however, any commissions earned by an associate will be deducted from the refund. If we discover abuse of the refund policy, we may terminate the associate's or preferred customer’s account.
Information Technology Systems
Our information technology and e-commerce systems include a transaction-processing database, financial systems, an associate management system, and comprehensive management tools that are designed to:
•minimize the time required to process orders and distribute products;
•provide customized ordering information;
•quickly respond to information requests, including providing detailed and accurate information to independent associates about qualification and downline activity;
•provide detailed reports about paid commissions and incentives;
•support order processing and customer service departments; and
•help monitor, analyze, and report operating and financial results.
To complement our transaction database, we developed a comprehensive management tool called Success Tracker ™ that is used both internally and by our independent associates to manage and optimize their business organizations. With this tool, independent associates have constant access to graphs, maps, alerts, and reports on the status of their individual organizations, which may help to optimize their earnings.
We also maintain a written business continuity plan, which was developed using the guidelines published by the National Institute of Standards of Technology, to minimize the risk of data loss due to any interruption in business. Our business continuity plan encompasses all critical aspects of our business and identifies contacts and resources. Additionally, we perform daily backup procedures using a combination of onsite and cloud-based services to ensure all data is recoverable. We proactively monitor various software, hardware, and network infrastructure systems to ensure optimal performance and security. We also perform routine maintenance procedures and periodically upgrade our software and hardware to help ensure that our systems are secure and work efficiently and effectively to minimize the risk of business interruption. Although we maintain an extensive business continuity plan, a long-term failure or impairment of any of our information technology systems could adversely affect our ability to conduct day-to-day business. For information regarding technology-related risks, see the information in "Item 1A: Risk Factors -Risks Affecting Our Business and Industry- If our information technology system fails or if the implementation of new information technology systems is not executed efficiently and effectively, our business, financial position and operating results could be adversely affected."
We continue to enhance our information technology, websites, and e-commerce platforms to remain competitive, efficient and secure.
Government Regulations
Domestic Regulations. In the United States, governmental regulations, laws, administrative determinations, court decisions, and similar legal requirements at the federal, state, and local levels regulate companies such as ours and network marketing activities. Such regulations address, among other things:
•direct selling and network marketing systems;
•transfer pricing and similar regulations affecting the amount of foreign taxes and customs duties paid;
•taxation of independent associates and requirements to collect taxes and maintain appropriate records;
•how a company manufactures, packages, labels, distributes, imports, sells, and stores products;
•product ingredients;
•product claims;
•income claims;
•marketing and advertising; and
•the extent to which companies may be responsible for claims made by independent associates.
The following governmental agencies regulate various aspects of our business and our products in the United States:
•the Food and Drug Administration;
•the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”);
•the Consumer Product Safety Commission;
•the Department of Agriculture;
•the Environmental Protection Agency;
•the United States Postal Service;
•state attorney general offices; and
•various agencies of the states and localities in which our products are sold.
The FDA regulates the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, storage, labeling, promotion, distribution, and sale of foods, dietary supplements, over-the-counter drugs, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. In January 2000, the FDA issued a final rule called “Statements Made for Dietary Supplements Concerning the Effect of the Product on the Structure or Function of the Body”. In the rule and its preamble, the FDA distinguished between permitted claims under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the “FFDC Act”) relating to the effect of dietary supplements on the structure or functions of the body, and impermissible direct or implied claims of the effect of dietary supplements on any disease. In June 2007, the FDA issued a rule, as authorized under the FFDC Act, that defined current Good Manufacturing Practices in the manufacture and holding of dietary supplements (the “Good Manufacturing Practices”). Effective January 1, 2006, legislation required specific disclosures in labeling where a food, including a dietary supplement, contains an ingredient derived from any of eight named allergens. Legislation passed at the end of 2006 now requires us to report to the FDA any reports of “serious adverse events” associated with the use of a dietary supplement or an over-the-counter drug that is not covered by new drug approval reporting. The FDA created the Office of Dietary Supplements (“ODSP”) on December 21, 2015. The creation of this new office elevates the FDA’s program from its previous status as a division under the Office of Nutrition and Dietary Supplements. ODSP will continue to monitor the safety of dietary supplements.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, referred to as DSHEA, revised the provisions of the FFDC Act concerning the composition and labeling of dietary supplements and statutorily created a new class entitled “dietary supplements.” Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other dietary substances used to supplement diets. A majority of our products are considered dietary supplements as outlined in the FFDC Act, which requires us to maintain evidence that a dietary supplement is reasonably safe. A manufacturer of dietary supplements may make statements concerning the effect of a supplement or a dietary ingredient on the structure or any function of the body, in accordance with the regulations described above. As a result, we make such statements with respect to our products. In some cases, such statements must be accompanied by a statutory statement that the claim has not been evaluated by the FDA and that the product is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease, and the FDA must be notified of such claim within 30 days of first use.
The FDA oversees product safety, manufacturing, and product information, such as claims on a company's website, product’s label, package inserts, and accompanying literature. The FDA has promulgated regulations governing the labeling and marketing of dietary and nutritional supplement products. The regulations include:
•the identification of dietary or nutritional supplements and their nutrition and ingredient labeling;
•requirements related to the wording used for claims about nutrients, health claims, and statements of nutritional support;
•labeling requirements for dietary or nutritional supplements for which “high potency,” “antioxidant,” and “trans-fatty acids” claims are made;
•notification procedures for statements on dietary and nutritional supplements; and
•pre-market notification procedures for new dietary ingredients in nutritional supplements.
We develop and maintain product substantiation dossiers, which contain the scientific literature pertinent to each product and its ingredients. An independent scientist reviews these dossiers, which provide the scientific basis for product claims. We periodically update our substantiation program for evidence for each of our product claims and notify the FDA of certain types of performance claims made in connection with our products.
In certain markets, including the United States, specific claims made with respect to a product may change the regulatory status of a product. For example, a product sold as a dietary supplement but marketed as a treatment, prevention, or cure for a specific disease or condition would likely be considered by the FDA or other regulatory bodies as unapproved and thus an illegal drug. To maintain the product’s status as a dietary supplement, its labeling and marketing must comply with the provisions in DSHEA and the FDA’s extensive regulations. As a result, we have procedures in place designed to promote and assure compliance by our employees and independent associates related to the requirements of DSHEA, the FFDC Act, and various other regulations.
Dietary supplements are also subject to the Nutrition, Labeling and Education Act and various other acts that regulate health claims, ingredient labeling, and nutrient content claims that characterize the level of nutrients in a product. These acts prohibit the use of any specific health claim for dietary supplements unless the health claim is supported by significant scientific research and is pre-approved by the FDA.
The FTC and other regulators regulate marketing practices and advertising of a company and its products. In the past several years, regulators have instituted various enforcement actions against numerous dietary supplement companies for false and/or misleading marketing practices, as well as misleading advertising of products. These enforcement actions have resulted in consent decrees and significant monetary judgments against the companies and/or individuals involved. Regulators require a company to convey product claims clearly and accurately and further require marketers to maintain adequate substantiation for their claims. More specifically, the FTC requires such substantiation to be competent and reliable scientific evidence and requires a company to have a reasonable basis for the expressed and implied product claim before it disseminates an advertisement. A reasonable basis is determined based on the claims made, how the claims are presented in the context of the entire advertisement, and how the claims are qualified. The FTC’s standard for evaluating substantiation is designed to ensure that consumers are protected from false and/or misleading claims by requiring scientific substantiation of product claims at the time such claims are first made. The failure to have this substantiation violates the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Due to the diverse scope of regulations applicable to our products and the various regulators enforcing these requirements, determining how to conform to all requirements is often open to interpretation and debate. However, our policy is to fully cooperate with any regulatory agency in connection with any inquiries or other investigations. We can make no assurances that regulators will not question our actions in the future, even though we continue to make efforts to comply with all applicable regulations, inquiries, and investigations.
International Regulations. We are also subject to extensive regulations in each country in which we operate. Currently we sell our products in three regions: (i) the Americas (the United States, Canada and Mexico); (ii) EMEA (Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Namibia, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom); and (iii) Asia/Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China). Some of the country-specific regulations include the following:
•the National Provincial Laws, Natural Health Product Regulations of Canada, and the Federal Competition Act in Canada;
•the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Trade Practices Act in Australia;
•federal and state regulations in Australia;
•national regulations including the Local Trading Standards Offices in the United Kingdom;
•regulations from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in Japan;
•regulations from the Commerce Commission and the Fair Trade Act of 1993 in New Zealand;
•the Fair Trade Commission, which oversees the Door to Door Sales Act and the Health and Functional Food Act enforced by the Korea Food and Drug Administration in the Republic of Korea;
•the Fair Trade Law, which is enforced by the Taiwan Fair Trade Commission and the Administration of Food Hygiene, Health Food Products Administration Act enforced by the Taiwan Department of Health;
•the Danish Health Board, the Danish Marketing Practice Act, the Danish Consumer Ombudsman, the Danish Executive Order on Dietary Supplements, the Guidelines for food supplements, and the Danish Act on Foodstuffs in Denmark;
•the German Unfair Competition Act, German Regulation on food supplements, and German Law on food and feed;
•The Vitamins and Dietary Supplement industry in South Africa falls under the legislation covering Complementary and Alternative Medicines, which is currently regulated under the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act No. 101 of 1965);
•the Consumer Protection Act, the Sale of Food Act, and various regulations that are governed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Singapore;
•the Austrian Trade Law (1994), the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Law (2006), and the Food Code in Austria;
•the Food and Consumer Products and the Unfair Trade Practices Act, Door to Door Selling Act and Provisions of the General Dutch Civil Code relating to terms and conditions and misleading advertising in the Netherlands;
•the Consumer Sales Act, Marketing Practices Act, Distance and Doorstep Sales Act, the Product Liability Act, Product Safety Act, the Companies Act and the Food Act in Sweden;
•the Law on Marketing and Contract Conditions, the Law on Repentance Right, the Statutory Order on Self Inspection of Food Provisions, the Law on Food products and Food Safety, and various guidelines from the Norwegian Consumers Agency on telephone selling and internet marketing, in Norway;
•the Health Law and various Official Mexican Standards, the consumer protection law, the Mexican Corporate law, the Foreign Investment Law, the Federal Labor law in Mexico, as well as various municipal and state regulations and codes;
•various Business, Civil, and Labor Codes in the Czech Republic as well as the Consumer Protection Act, and regulations and edicts of various government agencies such as The Ministry of Health, National Institute of Public Health, State Institute of Drug Control and the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority;
•the Consumer Protection Act in Estonia, and in the area of food supplements the Veterinary and Food Board also enforces local legislation including Estonia Food Act and Medicine Act;
•the Finnish Food Act, the Finnish Food Packaging and Consumer Protection Acts, Act on Unfair Business Practice Act, Decrees and other regulations in Finland;
•the Consumer Protection Act of 2007, the Distance Selling Regulations Act of 2001 in Ireland;
•various European Union (“EU”) regulations and pronouncements, subject to local statutes and regulations, address both our selling activities and the sale of food supplements in EU member nations, including, primarily, the EU Food Supplement Directive (2002/46/EC) and Nutrition and Health Claims Regulations (2006/1924/EC);
•the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labeling) Regulations, the Pyramid Schemes Prohibition Ordinance, the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, and the Import and Export Ordinance in Hong Kong;
•the Retail Trade Act of January 15, 1996, regulating both multi-level marketing (article 22) and pyramid sales (article 23), and Spanish Law 1/2007 on Consumer Protection (“Spanish Consumers Act”), regulating consumer protection, including warranties and product liability, in Spain;
•the Regulation of Act 1700 of 2013, Article 2.2.50 on December 27, 2013 governs the Activities of Network Marketing or Multilevel Marketing companies through monitoring compensation plans, contract conditions and enacting preventive suspension, in Colombia; and
•the Regulation on the Prohibition of Pyramid Selling, the Regulation on Administration of Direct Sales, the Law on Protection of Consumer Rights, the Food Safety Law, and the Anti-Unfair Competition Law in China.
Regulations Regarding Network Marketing System and Our Products. Our network marketing system and our global associate career and compensation plan are also subject to a number of governmental regulations including various federal and state statutes administered by the FTC, various state authorities, and foreign government agencies. The legal requirements governing network marketing organizations are directed, in part, to ensure that product sales are ultimately made to consumers. In addition, earnings within a network marketing company must be based on the sale of products rather than compensation for (i) the recruitment of distributors or associates, (ii) investments in the organization, or (iii) other non-retail sales-related criteria. For instance, some countries limit the amount associates may earn from commissions on sales by other distributors or independent associates that are not directly sponsored by that distributor or independent associate. Prior to expanding our operations into any foreign jurisdiction, we must first obtain regulatory approval for our network marketing system in jurisdictions requiring such approval. To help ensure regulatory compliance, we rely on the advice of our outside legal counsel and regulatory consultants in each specific country.
In the United States, the FTC has jurisdiction to regulate direct selling companies under the Federal Trade Commission Act (the “FTC Act”). The FTC’s interpretation of the applicable direct selling laws and regulations has evolved over the last several years as represented in various consent orders between the FTC and certain direct selling companies, informal guidance issued by the FTC to the direct selling channel, and informal communications from the FTC to the channel. The FTC, through these consent orders, guidance and communications, has addressed a variety of consumer protection issues, including misleading earnings representations by a company’s independent distributors, as well as the fairness and legal validity of a company’s business model and distributor compensation plan. The consent orders, guidance and communication from the FTC have also created ambiguity and uncertainty regarding the proper interpretation of the laws, regulations and judicial precedent applicable to direct selling, and more specifically network marketing, in the United States.
Additionally, in the United States, we are also subject to regulatory oversight, including routine inquiries and enforcement actions, from various state attorneys general offices. Each state has specific acts referred to as Little FTC Acts. Each state act is similar to the federal laws. As a result, each state may perform its own inquiries about our organization and business practices, including allegations related to distributors or independent associates. To combat such industry-specific risk, we provide a copy of our published associate policies and procedures to each independent associate, publish these policies on our corporate website, and provide educational seminars and publications. In addition, we maintain a legal and business ethics department to cooperate with all regulatory agencies and investigate allegations of improper conduct by our independent associates.
In Canada, our network marketing system is regulated by both national and provincial laws. Under Canada’s Federal Competition Act, we must make sure that any representations relating to compensation to our independent associates or made to prospective new independent associates constitute fair, reasonable, and timely disclosure and that such representations meet other legal requirements of the Federal Competition Act. All Canadian provinces and territories, other than Ontario, have legislation requiring that we register or become licensed as a direct seller within that province to maintain the standards of the direct selling industry and to protect consumers. Some other Canadian provinces require that both we and our independent associates be licensed as direct sellers.
In Mexico, as in many other markets, there are no specific regulations directly related to the direct selling or network marketing industry. However, all product sales and business offerings must comply with the Consumer Protection Law, which is enforced by the Consumer Protection Agency. Food supplements and medicines are subject to the Health Law and various Official Mexican Standards, which are enforced by the Health Ministry and The Federal Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risk. Mexican Customs Law and its regulations govern the general importation of our products into Mexico. We are subject to the Mexican Corporate Law, which is enforced by the Mexican courts and to the Federal Labor Law enforced by the Labor Courts. In Mexico, we are also subject to the Foreign Investment Law and its regulations administered by the Ministry of Economy. We are required to register before the Mexican System for Business Information at the appropriate Business Chamber under the Organizations Law.
In Australia, our network marketing system is subject to Australia’s federal and local regulations. Our global associate career and compensation plan is designed to comply with Australian law and the requirements of Australia’s Trade Practices Act. The Australian Trade Practices Administration and various other governmental entities regulate our business and trade practices, as well as those of our independent associates. Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Act, together with the Trade Practices Act, regulates any claims or representations relating to our products and our global associate career and compensation plan.
In New Zealand, our network marketing system and our operations are subject to regulations of the Commerce Commission and the Ministry of Health, New Zealand Medical Devices Safety Authority, the Unsolicited Goods Act of 1975, the Privacy Act of 1993, and the Fair Trading Act of 1993. These regulations enforce specific kinds of business or trade practices and regulate the general conduct of network marketing companies. The Commerce Commission also enforces the Consumer Guarantees Act, which establishes specific rights and remedies with respect to transactions involving the provisions of goods and services to consumers. Finally, the New Zealand Commerce Commission and the Ministry of Health both enforce the Door-to-Door Sales Act of 1967 and the NZ Medicines Act, which govern the conduct of our independent associates.
In Japan, our network marketing system, overall business operations, trade practices, global associate career and compensation plan, and our independent associates are governed by Japan’s Door-to-Door Sales Law as enacted in 1976 by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Our global associate career and compensation plan is designed to meet Japan’s governmental requirements. Our product claims are subject to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, which prohibits the making and publication of “drug effectiveness” claims regarding products that have not received approval from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor.
In Singapore, the network marketing industry is governed by the Multi-Level Marketing and Pyramid Selling (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act and the accompanying Pyramid Selling (Excluded Schemes and Arrangements) Order 2000 and Order 2001. General business practices and advertising are regulated under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003, as amended, and its accompanying regulations. The products are classified as food and supplements of a food nature, which are governed by the Sale of Food Act and the Singapore Food Regulations. Cosmetics and products that rise to the level of medicinal and other health-related products are regulated under various regulations such as the Medicines Act, the Poisons Act, the Sale of Drugs Act, the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act and the Misuse of Drug Regulations.
In the Republic of Korea, the primary body of law applicable to our operations is the Door-to-Door Sales Act, which governs the behavior of network marketing companies and affiliated distributors. The Door-to-Door Sales Act is enforced by the Fair Trade Commission. In the Republic of Korea, our products are categorized as health and functional foods and are regulated by the Health and Functional Food Act of 2004, with which the Company complies.
In Taiwan, our network marketing system, overall operations and trade practices are governed by the Fair Trade Law and the Consumer Protection Law. Such laws contain a wide range of provisions covering trade practices. Our products are governed by the Taiwan Department of Health and various legislation in Taiwan including the Health Food Control Act of 1999. This Act was enacted to enhance the management and supervision of matters relating to health, food, protecting the health of people and safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers.
In Hong Kong, our network marketing system, overall operations and trade practices are governed by a number of Ordinances including the Sale of Goods Ordinance, the Control of Exemption Clauses Ordinance, the Pyramid Schemes Prohibition Ordinance and the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. Such Ordinances include a number of consumer protections (including data privacy) and regulate trading practices. Importation and registration of our products permitting their sale in Hong Kong are controlled by the Import and Export Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation, the Import and Export (Registration) Regulations.
In China, multi-level marketing is prohibited by the Regulation on the Prohibition of Pyramid Selling. While selling products via a direct sales channel is permitted, persons or entities conducting direct selling activities must have a direct selling license per the Regulation on the Administration of Direct Sales. In addition, under the Food Safety Law, most of our dietary supplements are not allowed to be sold in physical stores unless registered with the China Food Safety Administration. However, those products are allowed to be sold under a retail cross-border e-commerce model. Lastly, overall operations and trade practices are governed by the Consumer Protection Law and the Anti-Unfair Competition Law.
In the United Kingdom, our network marketing system is subject to national regulations of the United Kingdom. Our global associate career and compensation plan is designed to comply with the United Kingdom’s national requirements, the requirements of the Fair Trading Act of 1973, the Data Protection Act of 1998, the Trading Schemes Regulations of 1997, and other similar regulations. The U.K. Code of Advertising and Sales Promotion regulates our business and trade practices and the activities of our independent associates, while the Trading Standards Office regulates any claims or representations relating to our operations. Our products are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
In Denmark, the notion of door-to-door selling is prohibited. As a result, under Danish law, the trader is not allowed to contact the consumer at his home, place of work, or other non-public place in order to conclude a contract on certain subjects. However, the prohibition has an exemption when the consumer asks the trader for a contact in writing or upon written prior consent. In addition, the Danish Marketing Practices Act, the Guidelines from the Danish Consumer Ombudsman and the rules contained in the Danish Consumer Contracts Act govern our network marketing system. There is no requirement for pre-approval of our products in Denmark; however, our products are subject to a yearly inspection carried out by the Food authorities. Further, all our activities are subject to Self Inspection, the results of which are also controlled once a year by the Food authorities. The rules for marketing and sale of dietary supplements are covered by the Danish Executive Order on Food Supplements, as well as by the Danish Act on Foodstuffs and various EU-regulations. Denmark also subjects the marketing of a company’s food supplements to a notification procedure (with a pre-market approval process for certain substances), before a product may be lawfully marketed in Denmark. Full product compliance with all Danish provisions is reviewed by the Food authorities once a year.
In Germany, there is no specific legal regulation covering network marketing company practices. However, under certain circumstances network marketing systems may have to follow the German Unfair Competition Act. Our independent associates’ conduct is subject to the German statute that governs the conduct of a commercial agent. In addition, direct selling operations are governed by the Industrial Code, which requires direct sellers to hold itinerant trader’s cards. The German Regulation on food supplements and the German Law on food and feed govern vitamin and mineral substances and herbs and other substances, respectively.
In Austria, the Austrian Trade Law of 1994 (Novelle 2002) prohibits the offer of direct sale to an individual consumer of food supplement and cosmetic products. The provision, however, has generally not been enforced in recent years and sales made via the Internet or mail order or made to a non-consumer distributor do not fall under this prohibition. The Austrian Trade Law is predominantly administered through the National Ministry of Economy and Labor. Our business operations within Austria are conducted from beyond the borders of Austria, which is the common practice in our industry. Our distributors qualify as “traders” for purposes of Austrian state and municipal laws. Traders are regulated by the local chambers of commerce and must obtain licenses from the respective chambers of commerce. Regulation of food supplements and cosmetics is generally harmonized throughout the EU and must conform to EU standards. Austrian-specific food regulations include the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Law (2006), supporting ordinances to this law, the Food Supplement Law, and the Austrian Food Codex, which is primarily administered by the National Ministry of Health, Office for Health and Food Security, and the Local Health Authority.
In Sweden, various provisions of the Consumer Sales Act (1990), the Marketing Practices Act (2008), the Distance and Doorstep Sales Act (2005), the Product Liability Act (1992), the Product Safety Act (2004), and the Companies Act (2005) all serve to govern our multi-level marketing and business activities. The Food Act (2006) provides regulations and guidelines for the sale of food and food supplements. We are subject to the authority of the Swedish Consumer Office, the Swedish Companies Registration Office, the Swedish Tax Office, Swedish Customs, Medical Products Agency, and the National Food Administration. As in all EU countries, various EU regulations and guidelines apply.
In the Netherlands, the Food and Consumer Product and the Unfair Trade Practices Act are the most relevant legislations relating to our business practices. The first is enforced by the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and the latter is enforced by the Consumer Authority. Furthermore, various EU regulations apply as well as the Dutch Door to Door Selling Act, and all provisions of the Dutch Civil Code with particular emphasis to those regulations dealing with general terms and conditions, and those regarding misleading advertising.
Norway exercises a border control of products and their composition upon importation. Import products must be registered in an Import Reporting Registry, and the regulations are enforced by the customs authorities. Our products must be compliant with Norwegian regulations in order to be admitted for admission through customs into Norway. In Norway, door-to-door selling is allowed, provided the Guidelines from the Norwegian Consumer Agency are followed. Likewise, telephone-selling is allowed provided the agency’s guidelines are followed. Home-selling in Norway is also allowed. All of our sales in Norway are subject to a 14-day right to cancel by the consumers.
In the Czech Republic, there are no specific regulations or special legislation that limit the network marketing industry. Network marketing is considered to be a specific form of general sale and is generally subject to various provisions of the Business Code (Act. Nr. 513/1992 Coll.), Civil Code (Act. Nr. 40/1964 Coll.), Labor Code (Act. No. 262/2006 Coll.), Trade License Act (Act. Nr. 455/1991 Coll.), Consumer Protection Act (Act. Nr. 634/1992 Coll.) and related legislation. The status of independent contractor/sales distributor is primarily regulated by the Trade License Act (Act. Nr. 455/1991 Coll), which requires sales distributors to maintain a trade license. Additionally, the regulation of food supplements is harmonized throughout the EU and, therefore, the supplements must conform to the EU standards. Enforcement of Czech-specific regulations is undertaken by the Ministry of Health, National Institute of Public Health, State Institute of Drug Control and the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority.
In Estonia, there are no specific regulations governing the network marketing business, but the business is generally regulated under the Consumer Protection Act. Also, independent distributors are required to register as sole proprietors with the Tax and Customs Board before entry into associate agreements. Mannatech must also comply with various EU regulations. The Veterinary and Food Board also enforces local legislation including Estonia Food Act and Medicine Act.
In Finland, the Finnish Food Act, the Finnish Food Packaging and Consumer Protection Acts, Act on Unfair Business Practice Act, Decrees and other regulations, as well as applicable EU regulations, regulate Mannatech products, product information, and the way Mannatech promotes its products. Additionally, certain principles applicable to multi-level marketing under the Money Collection Act (255/2006) apply to Mannatech’s activities. Lastly, persons engaged in the manufacture, commission of manufacture or import of food supplements must submit a written notification to the Finnish Food Safety Authority when marketing and selling in Finland. A notification is also required when the composition of preparation changes in terms of characteristics of substances or the preparation is withdrawn from the market.
In the Republic of Ireland, the primarily relevant legislation is the Consumer Protection Act of 2007, the Distance Selling Regulations Act of 2001, and the codes of practice of the Direct Selling Association of Ireland and the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland. There is no equivalent in Irish law to the UK Trading Schemes Regulations, but the Direct Selling Association of Ireland codes, while not as prescriptive, contain many similar requirements. Lastly, the regulation of food and food supplements are generally harmonized throughout the EU and must conform to EU standards.
In Spain, our network marketing system, overall operations, and trade practices are governed by the Retail Trade Act and the Spanish Consumers Act. Such laws contain a wide range of provisions covering trade practices, including multi-level marketing, pyramid sales, warranties and product liability. While regulation of food supplements and cosmetics is generally harmonized throughout the EU and must conform to EU standards, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products oversees cosmetics and the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition oversees food supplements.
In South Africa, the Consumer Affairs Act 1988, the Competition Act 1998, and the Advertising Standards Authority Code of Advertising Practice (a voluntary code enforced by the media) govern business practices. The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 1972, and the Medicines and Related Substances Act 1965 currently apply.
Other Regulations. Our operations are also subject to a variety of other regulations, including:
•social security taxes;
•value-added taxes;
•goods and services taxes;
•sales taxes;
•consumption taxes;
•income taxes;
•customs duties;
•employee/independent contractor regulations;
•employment, service pay, retirement pay, and profit sharing requirements;
•import/export regulations;
•federal securities laws; and
•antitrust laws.
In many markets, we are limited by the types of rules we can impose on our independent associates, including rules in connection with cooling off periods and termination criteria. If we do not comply with these requirements, we may be required to pay social security, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, or other tax or tax-type assessments on behalf of our independent associates and may incur severance obligations if we terminate one of our independent associates.
In some countries, including the United States, we are also governed by regulations concerning the activities of our independent associates. Regulators may find that we are ultimately responsible for the conduct of our independent associates and may request or require that we take additional steps to ensure that our independent associates comply with these regulations. The types of conduct governed by these types of regulations may include:
•claims made about our products;
•promises or claims of income or other promises or claims by our independent associates; and
•sales of products in markets where the products have not been approved or licensed.
In some markets, including the United States, improper product claims by independent associates could result in our products being scrutinized by regulatory authorities. This review could result in our products being re-classified as drugs or classified into another product category that requires stricter regulations or labeling changes.
We continuously research and monitor the laws governing the conduct of our independent associates, our operations, our global associate career and compensation plan, and our products and sales aids within each of the countries in which we sell our products. We provide education for our independent associates regarding acceptable business conduct in each market through our policies and procedures, seminars, and other training materials and programs. However, we cannot guarantee that our independent associates will always abide by our policies and procedures and/or act in a professional and consistent manner.
Competition
Other Nutritional Supplement Companies. The nutritional supplement industry is steadily gaining momentum and is intensely competitive. Our current direct competitors selling similar nutritional products include:
•AdvoCare International;
•GNC Holdings, Inc.;
•Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.;
•Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.;
•NOW Foods;
•Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.;
•Reliv International, Inc.;
•Solgar Vitamin and Herb Company, Inc.;
•Swanson Health Products;
•Usana Health Sciences, Inc.; and
•Vitamin Shoppe Industries, Inc.
Network Marketing. Nutritional supplements are offered for sale in a variety of ways. Network marketing has a limited number of individuals interested in participating in the industry, and we must compete for those types of individuals. We believe network marketing is the best sales approach to sell our products for the following reasons:
•our products can be introduced into the global marketplace at a much lower up-front cost than through conventional methods;
•our key ingredients and differential components found in our proprietary products can be better explained through network marketing;
•the network marketing approach can quickly and easily adapt to changing market conditions;
•consumers appreciate the convenience of ordering from home, through a sales person, by telephone, or on the Internet; and
•network marketing enables independent associates to earn financial rewards.
We compete with other direct selling and network marketing companies for new independent associates and for retention of continuing independent associates. Some of our competitors have longer operating histories, are better known, or have greater financial resources. These companies include:
•Amway Corporation;
•Forever Living Products, Inc.;
•Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.;
•Mary Kay, Inc.;
•Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.;
•Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.;
•Shaklee Worldwide; and
•Usana Health Sciences, Inc.
The availability of independent associates decreases when other network marketing companies successfully recruit and retain independent associates for their operations. We believe we can successfully compete for independent associates by emphasizing the following:
•our exclusive, proprietary blend of high-quality products;
•our 27 year track record in the business of selling nutritional products;
•our business model which does not require our independent associates to carry inventory or accounts receivable;
•our unique and financially rewarding global associate compensation plan;
•our innovative marketing and educational tools; and
•our easy and convenient delivery system.
Employees
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we employed 226 and 215 people, respectively, as set forth below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Americas
|
127
|
|
|
123
|
|
Asia/Pacific
|
87
|
|
|
81
|
|
EMEA
|
12
|
|
|
11
|
|
Total
|
226
|
|
|
215
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Full-time employees
|
225
|
|
|
214
|
|
Part-time employees
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
|
Total
|
226
|
|
|
215
|
|
These numbers do not include our independent associates, who are independent contractors and are not employees.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other risks described in this report, the risk factors outlined below should be considered in evaluating our business and future prospects. Several of the risks are part of conducting business in the industry and sales channel in which we operate and will likely remain ongoing. The fact that these risks are characteristic of the dietary supplement industry or the direct selling channel does not lessen their significance. The risks outlined below are not the only risks we may encounter. Additional risks not currently known to us or that may currently reasonably seem immaterial also may have an adverse effect on our business.
Risks Affecting Our Business and Industry
If we are unable to attract and retain independent associates, our business may suffer.
Our future success depends largely upon our ability to attract and retain a large active base of independent associates and preferred customers. We rely on our non-employee independent associates to market and sell our products to customers to generate growth and to attract new independent associates who are interested in building a business. Our ability to increase sales depends on our ability to increase the number of customers in each of our markets around the world. Our success will also depend on our ability to retain and motivate our existing independent associates and attract new independent associates. We cannot give any assurances that the number of our independent associates will continue at their current levels or increase in the future. Several factors affect our ability to attract and retain independent associates and preferred customers, including:
•on-going motivation of our independent associates;
•general economic conditions;
•significant changes in the amount of commissions paid;
•public perception and acceptance of the wellness industry;
•public perception and acceptance of network marketing;
•public perception and acceptance of our business and our products, including any negative publicity;
•the limited number of people interested in pursuing network marketing as a business;
•our ability to provide proprietary quality-driven products that the market demands; and
•competition in recruiting and retaining independent associates.
The loss of key high-level independent associate leaders could negatively impact our associate growth and our revenue.
As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 183,000 active associates and preferred customer positions held by individuals who purchased our products and/or packs or paid associate fees within the last 12 months, of which 191 occupied the highest associate levels under our global compensation plan. These independent associate leaders are important in maintaining and growing our revenue. As a result, the loss of a high-level independent associate or a group of leading associates in the independent associates’ networks of downlines, whether by their own choice or through disciplinary actions by us for violations of our policies and procedures, could negatively impact our associate growth and our revenue.
Changes to our associate compensation arrangements could be viewed negatively by some independent associates, could cause failure to achieve desired long-term results and have a negative impact on revenue.
Our associate compensation plan includes components that differ from market to market. We modify components of our compensation plan from time to time in an attempt to remain competitive and attractive to existing and potential independent associates, including such modifications:
•to address changing market dynamics;
•to provide incentives to independent associates that are intended to help grow our business;
•to conform to local regulations; and
•to address other business needs.
However, changes could be viewed negatively by some independent associates, could cause failure to achieve desired long-term results and have a negative impact on revenue.
An increase in the amount of commissions and incentives paid to independent associates adversely affects our earnings.
The payment of commissions and incentives, including bonuses and prizes, is our most significant expense. Together, our commissions and incentives range approximately from 35% to 43% of our consolidated net sales. We closely monitor the amount of commissions and incentives as a percentage of net sales and may periodically adjust our compensation plan to better manage these costs. There can be no assurance that changes to the compensation plan will be successful in achieving target levels of commissions and incentives as a percentage of net sales and preventing these costs from having a significant adverse effect on our earnings. Furthermore, such changes may make it difficult to attract and retain independent associates or cause us to lose some of our existing independent associates.
The loss of key management personnel could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or independent associate relations.
We depend on the continued services of our executive officers and senior management team as they work closely with independent associate leaders and are responsible for our day-to-day operations. Our success depends in part on our ability to retain our executive officers, to compensate our executive officers at attractive levels, and to continue to attract additional qualified individuals to our management team. Although we have entered into employment agreements with certain senior executive officers, and do not believe that any of them are planning to leave or retire in the near term, we cannot assure you that our senior executive officers or members of our senior management team will remain with us. The loss or limitation of the services of any of our executive officers or members of our senior management team, including our regional and country managers, or the inability to attract additional qualified management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or independent associate relations.
If we are unable to protect the proprietary rights of our products, our business could suffer.
Our success and competitive position largely depend on our ability to protect the following proprietary rights:
•our Ambrotose® complex, a glyconutritional dietary supplement ingredient consisting of a blend of monosaccharides, or sugar molecules, used in the majority of our products;
•the MTech AO Blend® formulation, our proprietary antioxidant technology used in the Ambrotose AO® complex; and
•a compound used in our reformulated Advanced Ambrotose® complex that allows for a more potent concentration of the full range of mannose-containing polysaccharides occurring naturally in aloe.
We have filed patent applications for the technology relating to our Ambrotose®, Ambrotose AO®, Ambrotose Life®, PhytoMatrix®, NutriVerus™, and GI-ProBalance® products in the United States and certain foreign countries. As of December 31, 2020, we had 11 patents for the technology relating to our Ambrotose formulation, all of which were issued, granted, and validated in 10 foreign jurisdictions. In addition, we have entered into confidentiality agreements with our independent associates, suppliers, manufacturers, directors, officers, and consultants to help protect our proprietary rights. Nevertheless, we continue to face the risk that our pending patent applications for our products may not issue or that the patent protection granted is more limited than originally requested. As a precaution, we consult with outside legal counsel and consultants to help ensure that we protect our proprietary rights. However, our business, profitability, and growth prospects could be adversely affected if we fail to receive adequate protection of our proprietary rights.
Although several patents pertaining to Ambrotose® technology have expired, Mannatech continues to actively explore additional patent protection of its technology and pursue expanded patent protection strategies. Our Ambrotose® product formulation has proprietary elements and we have contractual arrangements with certain suppliers affording us exclusive access to certain ingredients in those formulations. If we fail to maintain exclusivity with those suppliers, our business could be adversely affected. We have a number of pending patent applications for additional protection of Ambrotose®-related technology. The pending patent applications are at various stages of processing, depending on the timeline of each market’s patent offices.
Most of our patents for the Ambrotose AO®, GI-ProBalance®™, PhytoMatrix®, NutriVerus™, and PhytoBlend® formulations and our patents in the field of biomarker assays do not expire for another five or more years.
Our inability to develop and introduce new products that gain independent associate, preferred customer, and market acceptance could harm our business.
A critical component of our business is our ability to develop new products that create enthusiasm among our independent associates and preferred customers. If we are unable to introduce new products, our independent associate productivity could be harmed. In addition, if any new products fail to gain market acceptance, are restricted by regulatory requirements or have quality problems, this would harm our results of operations. Factors that could affect our ability to continue to introduce new products include, among others, government regulations, the inability to attract and retain qualified research and development staff, the termination of third-party research and collaborative arrangements, proprietary protections of competitors that may limit our ability to offer comparable products, and the difficulties in anticipating changes in consumer tastes and buying preferences.
Our failure to appropriately respond to changing consumer preferences and demand for new products or product enhancements could significantly harm our relationship with independent associates and preferred customers, our product sales, as well as our financial condition and operating results.
Our business is subject to changing consumer trends and preferences, including rapid and frequent changes in demand for products, new product introductions, and enhancements. Our failure to accurately predict these trends could negatively impact consumer opinion of our products, which in turn could harm our independent associate and preferred customer relationships and cause the loss of sales. The success of our new product offerings and enhancements depends upon a number of factors, including our ability to:
•accurately anticipate consumer needs;
•innovate and develop new products or product enhancements that meet these needs;
•successfully commercialize new products or product enhancements in a timely manner;
•price our products competitively;
•manufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volumes and in a timely manner; and
•differentiate our product offerings from those of our competitors.
If we do not introduce new products or make enhancements to meet the changing needs of our independent associates and preferred customers in a timely manner, some of our products could be rendered obsolete, which could negatively impact our revenues, financial condition, and operating results.
If our outside suppliers and manufacturers fail to supply products in sufficient quantities and in a timely fashion, our business could suffer.
Outside manufacturers produce all of our products. Our profit margins and timely product delivery are dependent upon the ability of our outside suppliers and manufacturers to supply us with products in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Our ability to enter new markets and sustain satisfactory levels of sales in each market depends on the ability of our outside suppliers and manufacturers to provide required levels of ingredients and products and to comply with all applicable regulations. As a precaution, we have approved alternate suppliers and manufacturers for our products. However, the failure of our primary suppliers or manufacturers to supply ingredients or produce our products could adversely affect our business operations.
We believe we have dependable suppliers for all of our ingredients and we have identified alternative sources for all of our ingredients, except Arabinogalactan and Manapol. Due to the unique nature of each ingredient, important components used in the formulation of our Ambrotose ® complex, we are unable to identify an alternative supplier at this time. If our suppliers are unable to perform, any delay in replacing or substituting such ingredients could affect our business.
The loss of suppliers or shortages of raw materials could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
We depend on outside suppliers for raw materials. Our contract manufacturers acquire all of the raw materials for manufacturing our products from third-party suppliers. In the event we were to lose any significant suppliers and have trouble in finding or transitioning to alternative suppliers, it could result in product shortages or product back orders, which could harm our business. There can be no assurance that suppliers will be able to provide our contract manufacturers the raw materials in the quantities and at the appropriate level of quality that we request or at a price that we are willing to pay. We are also subject to delays caused by any interruption in the production of these materials including weather, disease, crop conditions, climate change, transportation interruptions and natural disasters or other catastrophic events. For example, in March 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic, which has spread throughout our international regions and throughout the United States. During 2020, the Company experienced shortages of raw materials and ingredients for some of its products. We have experienced challenges in getting these materials and ingredients to our contract manufacturers and finished products to our distribution centers resulting from reductions in global transportation capacity. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our future operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the outbreak, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19 and multiple new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, and the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, or the safety and efficacy of the various vaccines approved to treat COVID-19, among others. In particular, the continued spread of COVID-19 globally could adversely impact our operations, including among others, our manufacturing and supply chain, sales and marketing and clinical trial operations and could have an adverse impact on our business and our financial results.
If we are exposed to product liability claims, we may be liable for damages and expenses, which could affect our overall financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We could face financial liability from product liability claims if the use of our products results in significant loss or injury. We can make no assurances that we will not be exposed to any substantial future product liability claims. Such claims may include claims that our products contain contaminants, that we provide our independent associates and consumers with inadequate instructions regarding product use, or that we provide inadequate warnings concerning side effects or interactions of our products with other substances. We believe that we, our suppliers, and our manufacturers maintain adequate product liability insurance coverage. However, a substantial future product liability claim could exceed the amount of insurance coverage or could be excluded under the terms of an existing insurance policy, which could adversely affect our overall future financial condition.
Several years ago, a discovery of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (“BSE”), which is commonly referred to as “Mad Cow Disease”, has caused concern among the general public. As a result, some countries have banned the importation or sale of products that contain bovine materials sourced from locations where BSE has been identified. We have changed many of our capsules to a vegetable base. However, if a vegetable base is not available or practical for use, certifications are required to ensure the capsule material is BSE-free. The higher costs could affect our financial condition, results of operations, and our cash flows.
Concentration Risk
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from our Ambrotose Life®, TruHealth™, Advanced Ambrotose®, Optimal Support Packets, and GI-Pro products. A decline in sales value of such products could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows, and financial position. Revenue from these products were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands, except percentages):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Sales by
product
|
|
% of total
net sales
|
|
Sales by
product
|
|
% of total
net sales
|
Ambrotose Life®
|
$
|
36,066
|
|
|
23.8
|
%
|
|
$
|
34,975
|
|
|
22.2
|
%
|
TruHealth™
|
16,263
|
|
|
10.7
|
%
|
|
16,193
|
|
|
14.2
|
%
|
Advanced Ambrotose®
|
14,662
|
|
|
9.7
|
%
|
|
22,390
|
|
|
10.3
|
%
|
Optimal Support Packets
|
7,996
|
|
|
5.3
|
%
|
|
4,110
|
|
|
2.6
|
%
|
GI-Pro (MicroBiome)
|
7,513
|
|
|
5.0
|
%
|
|
6,559
|
|
|
4.2
|
%
|
Total
|
$
|
82,500
|
|
|
54.5
|
%
|
|
$
|
84,227
|
|
|
53.5
|
%
|
Our business is not currently exposed to customer concentration risk given that no independent associate has ever accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales.
If we incur substantial liability from litigation, complaints, or enforcement actions or incur liabilities or penalties resulting from misconduct by our independent associates, our financial condition could suffer, and could have a negative impact on our profitability and growth prospects.
Routine enforcement actions and complaints are common in our industry. Although we believe we fully cooperate with regulatory agencies and use various means to address misconduct by our independent associates, including maintaining policies and procedures to govern the conduct of our independent associates and conducting training seminars, it is still difficult to detect and correct all instances of misconduct. Violations of our policies and procedures by our independent associates could lead to litigation, formal or informal complaints, enforcement actions, and inquiries by various federal, state, or foreign regulatory authorities against us and/or our independent associates in each country. Because we have expanded into foreign countries, our policies and procedures for our independent associates differ depending on the different legal requirements of each country in which an independent associate does business. Any future litigation, complaints, and enforcement actions involving us and/or our independent associates could consume considerable amounts of financial and other corporate resources, which could have a negative impact on our business, profitability, and growth prospects.
The global nutrition and skin care industries are intensely competitive and the strengthening of any of our competitors could harm our business.
The global nutrition and skin care industries are intensely fragmented and competitive. We compete for independent associates with other network marketing companies outside the global nutrition and skin care industries. Many of our competitors have greater name recognition and financial resources, which may give them a competitive advantage. Our competitors may also be able to devote greater resources to marketing, promotional, and pricing campaigns that may influence our continuing and potential independent associates and preferred customers to buy products from competitors rather than from us. Such competition could adversely affect our business and current market share.
A downturn in the economy, including as a result of COVID-19, could affect consumer purchases of discretionary items such as the health and wellness products that we offer, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
We appeal to a wide demographic consumer profile and offer a broad selection of health and wellness products. A downturn in the economy, including as a result of COVID-19, could adversely impact consumer purchases of discretionary items such as health and wellness products. The United States and global economies may slow dramatically as a result of a variety of problems, including turmoil in the credit and financial markets, concerns regarding the stability and viability of major financial institutions, the state of the housing markets, and volatility in worldwide stock markets. In the event of such economic downturn, the U.S. and global economies could become significantly challenged in a recessionary state for an indeterminate period of time. These economic conditions could cause many of our existing and potential associates to delay or reduce purchases of our products for some time, which in turn could harm our business by adversely affecting our revenues, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. We cannot predict these economic conditions or the impact they would have on our consumers or business.
Adverse or negative publicity could cause our business to suffer.
Our business depends, in part, on the public’s perception of our integrity and the safety and quality of our products. Any adverse publicity could negatively affect the public’s perception about our industry, our products, or our reputation and could result in a significant decline in our operations and/or the number of our independent associates. Specifically, we are susceptible to adverse or negative publicity regarding:
•the nutritional supplements industry;
•skeptical consumers;
•competitors;
•the safety and quality of our products and/or our ingredients;
•regulatory investigations of our products or our competitors’ products;
•the actions of our independent associates;
•the direct selling/network marketing industry; and
•scandals or regulatory investigations regarding the business practices or products or our competitors, specifically those competitors within the direct selling channel.
If our information technology system fails or if the implementation of new information technology systems is not executed efficiently and effectively, our business, financial position, and operating results could be adversely affected.
Like many companies, our business is heavily dependent upon our information technology infrastructure to effectively manage and operate many of our key business functions, including:
•order processing;
•supply chain management;
•customer service;
•product distribution;
•commission processing;
•cash receipts and payments; and
•financial reporting.
These systems and operations are vulnerable to damage and interruption from fires, earthquakes, telecommunications failures, and other events. They are also subject to break-ins, sabotage, intentional acts of vandalism and similar misconduct. Although we maintain an extensive security system and business continuity program that was developed under the guidelines published by the National Institute of Standards of Technology, a long-term failure or impairment of any of our information technology systems could adversely affect our ability to conduct day-to-day business.
Occasionally information technology systems must be upgraded or replaced and if this system implementation is not executed efficiently and effectively, the implementation may cause interruptions in our primary management information systems, which may make our website or services unavailable thereby preventing us from processing transactions, which would adversely affect our financial position or operating results.
The regulatory climate for data privacy and protection continues to grow in scope and complexity both domestically and in the international markets in which we operate. Although there is no single federal law in the United States imposing a cross-sectoral data breach notification obligation, virtually every state has enacted breach notification requirements. Additionally, many of the international countries in which we operate have proposed or enacted laws or regulations on the appropriate use and disclosure of financial and personal data. The EU adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) on April 27, 2016. The GDPR went into effect on May 25, 2018. The GDPR applies to organizations based in the EU and organizations based outside of the EU that offer products or services to individuals in the EU or that otherwise monitor individuals in the EU. While U.S. state laws generally cover specific categories of sensitive personal data (e.g., social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers), the GDPR notification requirements will apply to incidents involving any personal data, meaning any data related to an identified person. In Canada, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”) went into effect on November 1, 2018. PIPEDA applies to foreign organizations with a real and substantial link to Canada that collect, use, or disclose the personal information of Canadians in the course of their commercial activities. Under PIPEDA, an organization must notify individuals of any breach of the security of safeguards involving their personal information if it is reasonable to believe that the breach creates a “real risk of significant harm.” Concurrently, the organization must also report to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. As noted above, many states have enacted data protection requirements. Most recently, the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA"), a state statute signed into law on June 28, 2018 and effective on January 1, 2020, provides enhanced data privacy protections to California residents. The CCPA applies to companies with annual gross revenues in excess of $25 million. Our failure or inability to comply with data protection regimes domestically and in foreign countries could result in fines, penalties, injunctions, or material litigation expenditures.
With increased frequency in recent years, cyber-attacks against companies have resulted in breaches of data security. Our business requires the storage and transmission of suppliers’ data and our independent associates’ and customers’ personal, credit card, and other confidential information. Our information technology systems are susceptible to a growing and evolving threat of cybersecurity risk. Any substantial compromise of our data security, whether externally or internally, or misuse of associate, customer, or employee data, could cause considerable damage to our reputation, cause the public disclosure of confidential information, and result in lost sales, significant costs, and litigation, which would negatively affect our financial position and results of operations. Although we maintain policies and processes surrounding the protection of sensitive data, which we believe to be adequate, there can be no assurances that we will not be subject to such claims in the future.
We rely upon our existing cash balances and cash flow from operations to fund our business and meet our contractual obligations. In the event that we do not generate adequate cash flow from operations, we will need to raise money through a debt or equity financing, if available, or curtail operations.
The adequacy of our cash resources to continue to meet our future operational needs depends, in large part, on our ability to increase product sales and/or reduce operating costs and some of these costs are fixed contractual obligations. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts in foreign countries totaled $18.6 million and $18.2 million, respectively.
We maintain supply agreements with our suppliers and manufacturers. Certain of our supply agreements contain exclusivity clauses for the supply of certain raw materials and products, some of which are conditioned upon compliance with minimum purchase requirements. One of our supply agreements, under which the supplier provides us with certain aloe vera-based raw materials, requires us to purchase raw materials in an aggregate amount of $7.8 million through 2022. Failure to satisfy minimum purchase requirements could result in the loss of exclusivity, which could adversely affect our business.
If we are unsuccessful in generating positive cash flow from operations, we could exhaust our available cash resources and be required to secure additional funding through a debt or equity financing, transfer cash in a manner that could be taxed, significantly scale back our operations, and/or discontinue many of our activities, which could negatively affect our business and prospects. Additional funding may not be available or may only be available on unfavorable terms.
Risks Related to Our International Operations
If our international markets are not successful, our business could suffer.
We currently sell our products in the international markets of Canada, Mexico, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. We operate in China on a non-direct selling business model instead of our traditional network marketing model. In China, multi-level marketing is prohibited by the Prohibition of Pyramid Selling and direct selling without a license is prohibited by the Regulation on the Administration of Direct Sales. Our international operations could experience changes in legal and regulatory requirements, as well as difficulties in adapting to new foreign cultures and business customs. If we do not adequately address such issues, our international markets may not meet growth expectations. Our international operations and future expansion plans are subject to political, economic, and social uncertainties, including:
•inflation;
•the renegotiation or modification of various agreements;
•increases in custom duties and tariffs;
•changes and limits in export controls;
•complex U.S. and foreign laws, treaties and regulations, including without limitation, tax laws, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and similar anti-bribery and corruption acts and regulations in many of the markets in which we operate;
•trademark availability and registration issues;
•changes in exchange rates;
•changes in taxation;
•wars, civil unrest, acts of terrorism and other hostilities;
•political, economic, and social conditions;
•the effects of COVID-19;
•changes to trade practice laws or regulations governing direct selling and network marketing;
•increased government scrutiny surrounding direct selling and network marketing;
•changes in the perception of network marketing; and
•risk of our independent associates offering business opportunities in China.
The risks outlined above could adversely affect our ability to sell products, obtain international customers, or to operate our international business profitably, which would have a negative impact on our overall business and results of operations. Furthermore, any negative changes in our distribution channels may force us to invest significant time and money related to our distribution and sales to maintain our position in certain international markets.
Currency exchange rate fluctuations could reduce our overall profits.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized 77.7% of net sales in markets outside of the United States and 70.3% in markets outside of the Americas. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized 76.6% of net sales in markets outside of the United States and 69.6% in markets outside of the Americas. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to translate certain financial information from foreign currencies to the United States dollar using either the spot rate or the weighted-average exchange rate. If the United States dollar changes relative to applicable local currencies, there is a risk our reported sales, operating expenses, and net income could significantly fluctuate. For example, while our 2020 net sales declined 2.7% on a Constant dollar basis (see Item 7, Non-GAAP Financial Measures), unfavorable foreign exchange caused a $2.1 million decrease in GAAP net sales as compared to 2019. In other words, 2020 sales would have been $2.1 million higher than the reported value, except for the impact of foreign exchange. There can be no assurance that foreign currency fluctuations will not have a material adverse effect on our business, assets, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations or cash flows. We are not able to predict the degree of exchange rate fluctuations, nor can we estimate the effect any future fluctuations may have upon our future operations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging contracts or participated in any hedging or derivative activities.
The spread of COVID-19 underscores certain risks we face, and the rapid development and fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact to us of COVID-19.
On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020 the United States declared a national emergency with respect to COVID-19. The spread of COVID-19 underscores certain risks we face in our business that are described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Governmental and non-governmental organizations may not effectively combat the spread and severity of COVID-19, which could adversely impact our profitability. The adverse economic effects of COVID-19 may materially decrease demand for our products based on changes in consumer behavior or the restrictions in place by governments trying to curb the outbreak. For example, we rescheduled in-person corporate sponsored events in 2020 and opted to hold virtual events. In many cases, our associates canceled in-person sales meetings and utilized online platforms to meet virtually. We have held virtual company sponsored events in early 2021, and while we hope to hold corporate sponsored in-person events later in 2021, we are prepared to transition those planned in-person events to virtual events. The continued uncertainty regarding the spread and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the multiple new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, could lead to adverse impacts on our sales in fiscal year 2021 and our overall liquidity.
The spread of COVID-19, or actions taken to mitigate this spread, could have material and adverse effects on our ability to operate effectively, including as a result of the complete or partial closure of certain businesses and the inability of our associates to market our products as a result of “shelter-in-place” and similar policies that may be implemented in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, the outbreak of COVID-19 has severely impacted global economic activity, and caused significant volatility and negative pressure in the financial markets. We experienced challenges in getting raw materials and ingredients to our contract manufacturers and finished products to our distribution centers resulting from reductions in global transportation capacity.
The fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact to us of COVID-19. We are continuing to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and related risks. The magnitude and duration of the pandemic and its impact on our business, results of operations, financial position, and cash flows is uncertain as this continues to evolve globally. However, if the spread continues on its current trajectory, such impact could grow and our business, results of operations, financial position, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Risks Related to Regulation
If government regulations regarding network marketing change or are interpreted or enforced in a manner adverse to our business, we may be subject to new enforcement actions and material limitations regarding our overall business model.
Network marketing is always subject to extensive governmental regulations, including foreign, federal, and state regulations. Any change in legislation and regulations could affect our business. Furthermore, significant penalties could be imposed on us for failure to comply with various statutes or regulations. Violations may result from:
•ambiguity in statutes;
•regulations and related court decisions;
•the discretion afforded to regulatory authorities and courts interpreting and enforcing laws;
•new regulations affecting our business; and
•changes to, or interpretations of, existing regulations affecting our business.
On January 4, 2018, The Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) issued “Business Guidance Concerning Multi-Level Marketing” a non-binding guidance in question-and-answer format clarifying the FTC’s enforcement position regarding multi-
level marketing. The guidance focuses on the characteristics of multi-level marketing and delineates the factors that the FTC staff is likely to consider in assessing whether or not a compensation structure is problematic. The FTC has broad enforcement authority and, while it issues guidance on how it interprets the applicable law, that guidance is not ultimately binding on the FTC. As a result, the FTC could decide to investigate or bring an enforcement action regarding practices that we interpret to be in line with applicable law and/or FTC guidance. For example, the FTC has challenged the distributor compensation plans used by other multi-level-marketing companies over the last few years. The FTC obtained consent decrees with those companies requiring those companies to (i) discontinue using all, or certain components of, their compensation plans; and (ii) implement a compensation plan that received prior approval from the FTC. In 2019, the FTC continued to challenge compensation plans and structures within the direct selling channel. In October 2019, following ongoing discussions with the FTC pertaining to an enforcement action, one of our competitors changed its business model from multi-level-marketing to direct-to-consumer as part of a stipulated order for permanent injunction. While consent decrees and orders entered into by our competitors are not binding on the Company, it does provide an insight into the FTC’s priorities regarding its interpretation and enforcement of regulations pertaining to the multi-level-marketing business model. While we prioritize ensuring that our business and compensation model are compliant, we cannot be certain that the FTC or similar regulatory body in another country will not modify or otherwise amend its guidance, laws, or regulations or interpret in a way that would render our current practices inconsistent with the same.
FTC determinations such as these have created ambiguity regarding the proper interpretation of the law and regulations applicable to direct selling companies, and in particular, companies that use a multi-level-marketing business model, in the United States. While a consent order between the FTC and a specific company does not represent judicial precedent and is not legally binding on other companies, FTC officials have indicated that companies within the direct selling channel should look to these consent orders for guidance. Additionally, while communications and guidance from the FTC to the direct selling channel in 2019 and 2018 reinforce the principles contained in these consent orders, these communications have also created ambiguity and uncertainty regarding the proper interpretation of the laws, regulations and judicial precedent applicable to direct selling in the United States. We continue to analyze the consent orders, guidance and other communications issued by the FTC. Although we strive to ensure that our overall business model and compensation plans are regulatory compliant in each of our markets, we cannot assure you that a regulator, if it were to review our business, would agree with our assessment and would not require us to change one or more aspects of our operations. Any action against us in the future by the FTC or another regulator could materially and adversely affect our operations.
We cannot predict what effect additional governmental regulations, judicial decisions, or administrative orders, when and if promulgated, would have on our business. Failure by us, or our associates, to comply with these laws, regulations, or guidance, could have a material adverse effect on our business in a particular market or in general. Finally, the continuation of regulatory challenges, investigations and litigation against other direct selling companies could harm our business and the direct selling channel if the laws and regulations are interpreted in a way that results in additional restrictions on direct selling companies in general.
Independent associates could fail to comply with our associate policies and procedures or make improper product, compensation, marketing or advertising claims that violate laws or regulations, which could result in claims against us that could harm our financial condition and operating results.
We sell our products worldwide to a sales force of independent associates. The independent associates are independent contractors and, accordingly, we are not in a position to provide the same direction, motivation, and oversight as we would if associates were our own employees. As a result, there can be no assurance that our associates will participate in our marketing strategies or plans, accept our introduction of new products, or comply with our associate policies and procedures. All independent associates sign a written contract and agree to adhere to our policies and procedures, which prohibit associates from making false, misleading or other improper claims regarding products or income potential from the distribution of the products. However, independent associates may from time to time, without our knowledge and in violation of our policies, make non-compliant statements, create promotional materials, or otherwise provide information that does not accurately describe our products or marketing program. In addition to policies prohibiting improper product claims, we also have policies that prohibit our independent associates from selling our products or otherwise conducting business in markets outside of the countries in which we operate or in a manner inconsistent with how we operate in a specific country.
There is a possibility that some jurisdictions could seek to hold us responsible for independent associate activities that violate applicable laws or regulations, which could result in government or third-party actions or fines against us, which could harm our financial condition and operating results. For example, Meitai does not operate as a direct selling company in mainland China and does not hold a direct selling license in China. Additionally, direct selling regulations in China prevent persons who are not Chinese nationals from engaging in direct selling in China. While we have policies that prohibit our independent associates from conducting business in markets other than those in which we currently operate and we have provided information on how Meitai operates in China as a non-direct selling business under an e-commerce model, we cannot guarantee that our independent associates will not violate our policies or violate Chinese law or other applicable regulations, and therefore, might result in regulatory action and adverse publicity, which would harm our business in China or our business generally.
We may be held responsible for certain taxes or assessments relating to the activities of our independent associates, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.
Our independent associates are subject to taxation and, in some instances, legislation or governmental agencies impose an obligation on us to collect taxes, such as value added taxes, and to maintain appropriate tax records. In addition, we are subject to the risk in some jurisdictions of being responsible for social security and similar social taxes with respect to our distributors. In the event that local laws and regulations require us to treat our independent distributors as employees, or if our distributors are deemed by local regulatory authorities to be our employees, rather than independent contractors, we may be held responsible for social security and/or related social taxes in those jurisdictions, plus any related assessments and penalties, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.
Challenges by private parties to the form of our network marketing system could harm our business.
We may be subject to challenges by private parties, including our independent associates and preferred customers, to the form of our network marketing system or elements of our business. In the United States, the network marketing industry and regulatory authorities have relied on the implementation of distributor rules and policies designed to promote retail sales to protect consumers, prevent inappropriate activities, and distinguish between legitimate network marketing distribution plans and unlawful pyramid schemes. We have adopted rules and policies based on case law, rulings of the FTC, discussions with regulatory authorities in several states, and domestic and global industry standards. As a member of the U.S. Direct Selling Association (the “DSA”), we are required to adhere to a code of ethics that protects our associates and their customers, and ensures all DSA members remain accountable to regulators, consumers, independent distributors, and the public.
On January 4, 2019, the DSA established a third party self-regulatory program to be administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus. The new entity, the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”), will engage in active monitoring of the entire direct selling marketplace, including websites and social media of direct selling companies and their respective independent distributors in the areas of income representations and product claims. The DSSRC will report potentially non-compliant companies to the appropriate government agencies and will manage consumer/company complaint resolution.
Legal and regulatory requirements concerning network marketing systems, however, involve a high level of subjectivity, are inherently fact-based, and are subject to judicial interpretation. Because of this, we can provide no assurance that we would not be harmed by the application or interpretation of statutes or regulations governing network marketing, particularly in any civil challenge by a current or former independent associate or preferred customer.
If our network marketing activities do not comply with government regulations, our business could suffer.
Many governmental agencies regulate our network marketing activities. A government agency’s determination that our business or our independent associates have significantly violated a law or regulation could adversely affect our business. The laws and regulations for network marketing intend to prevent fraudulent or deceptive schemes. Our business faces constant regulatory scrutiny due to the interpretive and enforcement discretion given to regulators, periodic misconduct by our independent associates, adoption of new laws or regulations, and changes in the interpretation of new or existing laws or regulations.
On December 5, 2018, our Korean subsidiary, Mannatech Korea (“MK”), received a visit from three officials with the Korean Fair Trade Commission (“KFTC”). They advised MK’s management that they would be conducting a routine audit of commissions and bonuses paid to MK’s independent associates. The physical audit was concluded on December 10, 2018. The KFTC issued the Examiner’s Report on November 19, 2019. While MK has refined how incentive rewards are included in overall compensation for its associates in Korea in response to discussions with KFTC officials, no fines or sanctions were proposed in the report and on March 17, 2020, MK received notice that the KFTC commissioners accepted the recommendation in the Examiner's Report. While neither the Company nor MK anticipate any further issues related to this particular matter, we cannot currently predict whether or not MK will be subject to similar or other audits in the future. A negative outcome of any future audits could have an adverse effect on our business.
In addition, in the past, and because of the industry in which we operate, we have experienced inquiries regarding specific independent associates.
If we violate governmental regulations or fail to obtain necessary regulatory approvals, our operations could be adversely affected.
Our operation is subject to extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions, and similar constraints at the federal, state, and local levels in our domestic and foreign markets. These regulations primarily involve the following:
•the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, importation, sale, and storage of our products;
•the health and safety of dietary supplements, cosmetics and foods;
•trade practice laws and network marketing laws (e.g., licensing and registration requirements; regulations pertaining to commission payments);
•our product claims and advertising by our independent associates;
•our network marketing system;
•pricing restrictions regarding transactions with our foreign subsidiaries or other related parties and similar regulations that affect our level of foreign taxable income;
•the assessment of customs duties;
•further taxation of our independent associates, which may obligate us to collect additional taxes and maintain additional records; and
•export and import restrictions.
Any unexpected new regulations or changes in existing regulations could significantly restrict our ability to continue operations, which could adversely affect our business. For example, changes regarding health and safety and food and drug regulations for our nutritional products could require us to reformulate our products to comply with such regulations.
On October 16, 2018, inspectors from the FDA arrived at the Company’s headquarters to conduct an inspection of the facility and an audit of the Company’s policies and processes. The audit included a review of the remedial steps taken by the Company in response to the Warning Letter issued by the FDA on November 14, 2017. The FDA closed its audit on October 24, 2018 and issued its report to the Company. The investigators had no objections to the corrective actions taken by the Company in response to the November 2017 Warning Letter. The Company responded with corrective actions to the 2018 report on November 13, 2018. On March 1, 2019, we received a notice from the FDA requesting a meeting to discuss and clarify the corrective actions taken in response to the audit. We met with the FDA and believe our response met their concerns. To date, we have not received any further inquiries from the FDA.
In some foreign countries, nutritional products are considered foods, while other countries consider them drugs. Future health and safety or food and drug regulations could delay or prevent our introduction of new products or suspend or prohibit the sale of existing products in a given country or marketplace. In addition, if we expand into other foreign markets, our operations or products could also be affected by the general stability of such foreign governments and the regulatory environment relating to network marketing and our products. If our products are subject to high customs duties, our sales and competitive position could suffer as compared to locally produced goods. Furthermore, import restrictions in certain countries and jurisdictions could limit our ability to import products from the United States.
We operate a non-direct selling business in mainland China. In 2016, we formed our China subsidiary, Meitai. Unlike Mannatech’s business operations in other markets, Meitai operates under a cross-border e-commerce model, where consumers in China can buy Mannatech products manufactured overseas via Meitai's website. Meitai is currently not a direct selling company in China nor can it operate under a multi-level marketing model in China. Products purchased on Meitai's website are for personal use and not for resale. Meitai offers a rewards program to incentivize existing customers to refer other customers to purchase products from Meitai’s website. Customs regulations in China include purchase limits to ensure that purchased products are for personal consumption. Regulators in China may change how they interpret and enforce regulations regarding e-commerce sales and how goods are imported through the free trade zone for sale to consumers in China. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Chinese government’s current or future interpretation and application of existing and new regulations will not negatively impact our business in China, result in regulatory investigations, or lead to fines or penalties against us.
On January 8, 2019, China’s State Administration of Market Regulation, along with 12 other government ministries and agencies, jointly launched a nationwide “100-day campaign” to crack down on illegal practices involving health products, and in particular, those operating in the direct selling channel. The campaign was initiated amid growing controversies surrounding, Quanjian, a licensed direct selling company suspected of operating a pyramid scheme and engaging in marketing practices that exaggerated the effectiveness of its health products. Other direct selling firms operating in China were cautioned to stop making false or exaggerated health claims through public advertising and their distributors. As part of the 100-day campaign, China also suspended the registration, approval, and issuance of direct selling licenses. The 100-day campaign was completed on April 18, 2019. Subsequent to the campaign, Quanjian was fined approximately $14.0 million and its founder and chairman was sentenced to nine years in prison and assessed a fine of approximately $7.0 million.
Many direct selling companies operating in China are still experiencing negative effects to their business operations including limited sales meetings, media scrutiny, and unfavorable consumer sentiment towards direct selling companies. Chinese officials of various ministries and agencies stated that they will continue to monitor healthcare product and direct selling companies. The suspension on issuing direct selling licenses remains in effect and it is unclear whether there will be changes to the application processes if and when the suspension is lifted.
Increased regulatory scrutiny of nutritional supplements as well as new regulations that are being adopted in some of our markets with respect to nutritional supplements could result in more restrictive regulations and harm our results if our supplements or advertising activities are found to violate existing or new regulations or if we are not able to effect necessary changes to our products in a timely and efficient manner to respond to new regulations.
There has been an increasing movement in the United States and other markets to increase the regulation of dietary supplements, which could impose additional restrictions or requirements on us and increase the cost of doing business. On February 11, 2019, the FDA issued a statement from FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, regarding the agency's efforts to strengthen the regulation of dietary supplements. The FDA will be prioritizing and focusing resources on misbranded products bearing unproven claims to treat, cure, or mitigate disease. Commissioner Gottlieb established a Dietary Supplement Working Group tasked with reviewing the agency's organizational structure, process, procedures, and practices to identify opportunities to modernize the oversight of dietary supplements. Additionally, on December 21, 2015, the FDA created the Office of Dietary Supplements (“ODSP”). The creation of this new office elevates the FDA’s program from its previous status as a division under the Office of Nutrition and Dietary Supplements. ODSP will continue to monitor the safety of dietary supplements. In markets outside of the United States, prior to commencing operations or marketing new products, we may be required to obtain approvals, registrations, licenses, or certifications from an agency comparable to the FDA for the specific market. Approvals or registration may require reformulation of our products or may be unavailable to us with respect to certain products or ingredients. We must also comply with product labeling regulations, which vary by jurisdiction.
In several of our markets, new regulations have been adopted, or are likely to be adopted, in the near-term that will impose new requirements, make changes in some classifications of supplements under the regulations, or limit the claims we can make. In addition, there has been increased regulatory scrutiny of nutritional supplements and marketing claims under existing and new regulations. In Europe, for example, we are unable to market supplements that contain ingredients that have not been previously marketed in Europe without going through an extensive registration and approval process. Europe is also expected to adopt additional regulations in the future to set new limits on acceptable levels of nutrients. South Africa has also implemented new “complementary medicine” legislation, which requires a significant dossier in order to register current and new products. Mannatech is working toward complying with the new legislation and is in contact with the Direct Selling Association in South Africa. In August 2016, the FDA published its revised draft guidance on Dietary Supplements: New Dietary Ingredient Notifications and Related Issues. If a company sells a dietary supplement containing an ingredient that FDA considers either not a dietary ingredient or a new dietary ingredient (“NDI”) that needs an NDI notification, the agency may threaten or initiate enforcement against the Company. For example, it might send a warning letter that can trigger consumer lawsuits, demand a product recall, or even work with the Department of Justice to bring a criminal action. Our operations could be harmed if new guidance or regulations require us to reformulate products or effect new registrations, if regulatory authorities make determinations that any of our products do not comply with applicable regulatory requirements, if the cost of complying with regulatory requirements increases materially, or if we are not able to effect necessary changes to our products in a timely and efficient manner to respond to new regulations. In addition, our operations could be harmed if governmental laws or regulations are enacted that restrict the ability of companies to market or distribute nutritional supplements or impose additional burdens or requirements on nutritional supplement companies.
Taxation and transfer pricing affect our operations and we could be subjected to additional taxes, duties, interest, and penalties in material amounts, which could harm our business.
As a multinational corporation, in many countries, including the United States, we are subject to transfer pricing and other tax regulations designed to ensure that our intercompany transactions are consummated at prices that reflect the economic reality of the relationship between our entities and have not been manipulated to produce a desired tax result, that appropriate levels of income are reported as earned by the local entities, and that we are taxed appropriately on such transactions. Regulators closely monitor our corporate structure, intercompany transactions, and how we effectuate intercompany fund transfers. If regulators challenge our corporate structure, transfer pricing methodologies or intercompany transfers, our operations may be harmed and our effective tax rate may increase. Scrutiny has increased with the advent of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA"). The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") continues to issue guidance related to the passage of the Act. As new guidance is issued it may have a material impact on our financial statements. In addition, there is a risk that U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions may amend their tax laws in response to the Act, which could have a material impact on our future results.
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous international jurisdictions. Our income tax provision and cash tax liability in the future could be adversely affected by changes in earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws and the discovery of new information in the
course of our tax return preparation process. We are also subject to ongoing tax audits. These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve and can be highly judgmental. Tax authorities may disagree with certain tax reporting positions taken by us and, as a result, assess additional taxes against us. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of these audits in order to determine the appropriateness of our tax provision. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of these or subsequent tax audits could be materially different from the amount previously included in our income tax provision, and, therefore, could have a material impact on our profitability.
Risks Related to Owning Our Common Stock
Our stock price is volatile and may fluctuate significantly.
The price of our common stock is subject to sudden and material increases and decreases. Decreases could adversely affect investments in our common stock. The price of our common stock and the price at which we could sell securities in the future could significantly fluctuate in response to:
•broad market fluctuations and general economic conditions;
•fluctuations in our financial results;
•future securities offerings;
•changes in the market’s perception of our products or our business, including false or negative publicity;
•governmental regulatory actions;
•the outcome of any lawsuits;
•financial and business announcements made by us or our competitors;
•the demand and daily trading volume of our shares;
•the general condition of the industry; and
•the sale of large amounts of stock by insiders.
In addition, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations in recent years that have significantly affected the quoted prices of the securities of many companies. The changes sometimes appear to occur without regard to specific operating performance. The price of our common stock in the open market could fluctuate based on factors that have little or nothing to do with us or that are outside of our control. For example, general economic conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, recession or interest rate or currency rate fluctuations in the United States or abroad, could negatively affect the market price of our common stock in the future.
Certain shareholders, directors, and officers own a significant amount of our stock, which could allow them to influence corporate transactions and other matters.
As of December 31, 2020, our directors and executive officers collectively with their families and affiliates, beneficially owned approximately 39.9% of our total outstanding common stock. As a result, if two or more of these shareholders choose to act together based on their current share ownership, they may be able to control a significant percentage of the total outstanding shares of our common stock, which could affect the outcome of a shareholder vote on the election of directors, the adoption of stock option plans, the adoption or amendment of provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws, or the approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions.
We have implemented anti-takeover provisions that may help discourage a change of control.
Certain provisions in our articles of incorporation, bylaws, and the Texas Business Organizations Code help discourage unsolicited proposals to acquire our Company, even if the proposal may benefit our shareholders. Our articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of preferred stock without shareholder approval. Our Board of Directors has the power to determine the price and terms of any preferred stock. The ability of our Board of Directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock without shareholders’ approval could deter or delay unsolicited changes of control by discouraging open market purchases of our common stock or a non-negotiated tender or exchange offer for our common stock. Discouraging open market purchases may be disadvantageous to our shareholders who may otherwise desire to participate in a transaction in which they would receive a premium for their shares.
In addition, other provisions may also discourage a change of control by means of a tender offer, open market purchase, proxy contest or otherwise. Our charter documents provide for three classes of directors on our Board of Directors with members of each class serving staggered three year terms. Our bylaws provide that directors are elected by a plurality vote and that directors can only be removed for cause upon the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to be cast for the election of such directors. Furthermore, our bylaws establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by shareholders at shareholder meetings. In addition, the Texas Business Organization Code restricts, subject to exceptions, business
combinations with any “affiliated shareholder.” Any or all of these provisions could delay, deter or help prevent a takeover of our Company and could limit the price investors are willing to pay for our common stock.
Our failure to comply with The Nasdaq Global Select Market continued listing standards may adversely affect the price and liquidity of our shares of common stock as well as our ability to raise capital in the future.
Our common stock is currently listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market. Continued listing of a security on Nasdaq is conditioned upon compliance with various continued listing standards. There can be no assurance that we will continue to satisfy the requirements for maintaining listing on Nasdaq. If we are unsuccessful in maintaining compliance with the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, then our common stock could be delisted. If our common stock is delisted and we cannot obtain listing on another major market or exchange, our common stock’s liquidity would suffer, and we would likely experience reduced investor interest. Such factors may result in a decrease in our common stock’s trading price. Delisting may also restrict us from issuing additional securities or securing financing.
As of the date of issuance of this report, we were in compliance with the continued listing requirements. However, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in continuing to meet all requisite continued listing criteria.
We are not required to pay dividends, and our Board of Directors may decide not to declare dividends in the future.
The declaration of dividends on our common stock is solely within the discretion of our Board of Directors, subject to limitations under Texas law stipulating that dividends may not be paid if payment therefore would cause the corporation to be insolvent or if the amount of the dividend would exceed the surplus of the corporation. Our Board of Directors may decide not to declare dividends or we could be prevented from declaring a dividend because of legal or contractual restrictions. The failure to pay dividends could reduce our stock price.
The reduced disclosure requirements applicable to us as a "smaller reporting company" may make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are a "smaller reporting company" as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. As a smaller reporting company we prepare and file SEC forms similar to other SEC reporting companies; however, the information disclosed may differ and be less comprehensive. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result of less comprehensive information we may disclose pursuant to the exemptions available to us as a smaller reporting company, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile than that of an otherwise comparable company that does not avail itself of the same or similar exemptions.
Circumstances and conditions may change. Accordingly, additional risks and uncertainties not currently known, or that we currently deem not material, may also adversely affect our business operations.