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form10k.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________to ________
 
Commission File No. 000-24657
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
Texas
  
75-2508900
(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
  
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
600 S. Royal Lane, Suite 200, Coppell, Texas
  
75019
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (972) 471-7400
 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 
Title of each class
    
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
 
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
    
 
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
 
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o   No x
 
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes o   No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this Chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o   No x

At June 30, 2012, the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $11,876,206 based on the closing sale price of $6.99, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
 
The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of March 22, 2013 was 2,647,735 shares.
 
Documents Incorporated by Reference

Mannatech, Incorporated incorporates information required by Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14) of this report by reference to its definitive proxy statement for its 2013 annual shareholders’ meeting to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A no later than 120 days after the end of its fiscal year.
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
1
 
Part I
  
Item 1
2
Item 1A
21
Item 1B
32
Item 2
32
Item 3
32
Item 4
33
 
Part II
  
Item 5
34
Item 6
34
Item 7
35
Item 7A
51
Item 8
52
Item 9
52
Item 9A
52
Item 9B
54
 
Part III
  
Item 10
54
Item 11
54
Item 12
54
Item 13
54
Item 14
54
 
Part IV
  
Item 15
54
 
55


Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain disclosures and analysis in this Form 10-K, including information incorporated by reference, may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance, or other statements other than statements of historical fact are considered forward-looking statements and reflect only current views about future events and financial performance. Some of these forward-looking statements include statements regarding:

 
·
management’s plans and objectives for future operations;
 
·
existing cash flows being adequate to fund future operational needs;
 
·
future plans related to budgets, future capital requirements, market share growth, and anticipated capital projects and obligations;
 
·
the realization of net deferred tax assets;
 
·
the ability to curtail operating expenditures;
 
·
global statutory tax rates remaining unchanged;
 
·
the impact of future market changes due to exposure to foreign currency translations;
 
·
the possibility of certain policies, procedures, and internal processes minimizing exposure to market risk;
 
·
the impact of new accounting pronouncements on financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows;
 
·
the outcome of new or existing litigation matters;
 
·
the outcome of new or existing regulatory inquiries or investigations; and
 
·
other assumptions described in this report underlying such forward-looking statements.

Although we believe that the expectations included in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these forward-looking statements are subject to certain events, risks, assumptions, and uncertainties, including those discussed below and in the “Risk Factors” section in Item 1A of this Form 10-K, and elsewhere in this Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results and developments could materially differ from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. For example, any of the following factors could cause actual results to vary materially from our projections:

 
·
overall growth or lack of growth in the nutritional supplements industry;
 
·
plans for expected future product development;
 
·
changes in manufacturing costs;
 
·
shifts in the mix of packs and products;
 
·
the future impact of any changes to global associate career and compensation plans or incentives;
 
·
the ability to attract and retain independent associates and members;
 
·
new regulatory changes that may affect operations or products;
 
·
the competitive nature of our business with respect to products and pricing;
 
·
publicity related to our products or network marketing; and
 
·
the political, social, and economic climate.

Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of phrases or terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “approximates,” “predicts,” “projects,” “potential,” and “continues” or other similar words or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. Similarly, descriptions of Mannatech’s objectives, strategies, plans, goals, or targets contained herein are also considered forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned when considering these forward-looking statements to keep in mind these risks, assumptions, and uncertainties and any other cautionary statements in this report, as all of the forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this report.

Unless stated otherwise, all financial information throughout this report and in the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes include Mannatech, Incorporated and all of its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and may be referred to herein as “Mannatech,” “the Company,” “its,” “we,” “our,” or “their.”

Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease and any statements about our products contained in this report have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, also referred to herein as the “FDA”.


PART I
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 products, and weight-management products that target optimal health and wellness. We currently sell our products in three regions: (i) North America (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, Sweden, and the United Kingdom); (iii) Asia/Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan). In November 2012, the Company commenced the shipment of its products to the Ukraine and in December 2012, the Company commenced the shipment of its products to Hong Kong. The Company is currently pursuing the prospect of launching formal operations in the Hong Kong and the Ukraine markets in 2013. We conduct our business as a single operating segment and primarily sell our products and packs through a network of independent associates and members. As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately 229,000 active independent associates and members who had purchased our products and packs within the last 12 months.

We sell our products through network marketing, 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 independent 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.

Our common stock is currently traded 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

We make available free of charge on our Internet website (https://www.mannatech.com) 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 600 S. Royal Lane, Suite 200, Coppell, Texas 75019, 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. We conduct our business as a single operating segment – primarily through sales of nutritional supplements, topical and skin care products, and weight management products through network marketing distribution channels in twenty-two countries. For more information with respect to the financial results and conditions of our business segment, including financial information about geographic areas, see Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements.

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. In its most basic form, a body’s internal communication occurs at the cellular level, and is referred to as cell-to-cell communication. Scientists also discovered that there are more than 200 monosaccharides, also called sugar molecules, which 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. 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) that helps provide support for the immune system.
 
 
·
In 2001, we broadened our proprietary ingredients by developing the Ambroglycin® blend, a balanced food-mineral matrix which helps 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 line of products that supports 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 that supports 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 that assists 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 in Korea, which is a synbiotic 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 also introduced GI-ProBalance™  Slimstick in North America and 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 a very 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. This product was introduced in all our markets during 2012 except in South Africa where it is expected to be introduced in Spring 2013.
 
Mannatech offers products based on Real Food Technology solutions, an approach that offers standardized amounts of nutrients sourced from real foods and plants.We focus on producing products that are from all-natural sources, with no synthetic or chemically derived additives. There are three major categories of our products:

 
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.

 
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 that are formulated with more than 30 botanical ingredients, contain our Jeunesse 7™ proprietary blend – a unique combination of montmorillonite and glyconutrients, and are designed to give the skin a more natural youthful appearance by moisturizing, hydrating and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
 
 
The following table summarizes our products by category:

Product Category
Representative Products
 Health
Ambrotose® complex, Ambrotose AO®, Advanced Ambrotose®, PhytoMatrix®, Glyco-Bears®, MannaBears™, Catalyst™, PLUS™, Manna-C™, CardioBALANCE®, ImmunoSTART®, BounceBack®, MannaCLEANSE™, PhytAloe®, GI-Pro®, GI-Zyme®, Omega-3 with Vitamin D3, PhytoBurst™ Nutritional Chews, NutriVerus™, Optimal Support Packets, and GI Pro Balance™ Slimstick.
 Weight and Fitness
OsoLean™, Accelerator3™, FiberSlim®, GlycoSlim®, AmbroStart®, SPORT™, and EM·PACT®.
 Skin Care
Emprizone®, FIRM with Ambrotose®, LIFT™ Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, LIFT™ Multiphase Serum, LIFT™ Day Moisturizer, LIFT™ Night Repair Crème, and LIFT™ Body Lotion.

A significant portion of our revenue is derived from our core Ambrotose® complex products which include the Ambrotose® products and Advanced Ambrotose® products. Revenue from the core Ambrotose® products were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except percentages):

   
2012
    
2011
  
   
Sales by
product
    
% of total
net sales
    
Sales by
product
    
% of total
net sales
  
Advanced Ambrotose®
   $ 66,280       38.2 %   $ 66,893       33.3 %
Ambrotose®
     12,143       7.0 %     15,513       7.7 %
Total
   $ 78,423       45.2 %   $ 82,406       41.0 %
 
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.

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 enhance 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. 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 2011 approximately 92 million global direct sellers collectively generated annual retail sales of $153.7 billion.

Operating Strengths

 
1.
High-Quality, Innovative, Proprietary Products. We base our product concept on the scientific belief that certain glyconutrients, also known as monosaccharides or sugar molecules, 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 that are from all-natural sources with no synthetic or chemically derived additives. We formulate our products with predominately naturally-occurring, plant-derived, carbohydrate-based, safe ingredients that are designed to use nutrients working through normal physiology to help achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness, rather than developing common synthetic, carbohydrate-based products.

We believe that our patented proprietary blend, Ambrotose® complex, included in many of our products distinguishes us as a leader in the global nutritional supplements industry and that no other combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or herbals can provide the benefits found in Ambrotose® complex. 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.

Dr. Robert Sinnott, our CEO and Chief Science Officer, leads our team of experienced researchers and scientists. This team 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, institutes, 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 costs related to new product development, enhancement of existing products, clinical studies and trials, FDA compliance studies, general supplies, internal salaries, third-party contractors, and consulting fees were approximately $1.9 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 
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 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; and
 
 
·
the South African Department of Health and Medicines Control Council.
 
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 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, we seek qualified independent organizations to conduct further product testing.  To date, numerous products have been tested, and:

 
·
nine products are certified according to the NSF/ANSI 173 Dietary Supplement Standard—the only American National Standard for dietary supplements. This certification ensures that this product contains only the ingredients indicated on the label and is free of impurities, and that Good Manufacturing Practices were used in the manufacturing facility;
 
 
 
·
ten products are certified Kosher by OU Kosher, the trademark with the highest certification standards worldwide; and
 
 
·
twenty-six products have been tested and confirmed to be gluten-free by Covance Laboratories.
 
 
4.
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 a panel of independent associates, called the “North American Associate Advisory Council” (the “Advisory Council”), which help identify and effectively relay the needs of our independent business-building associates to us. The members of the Advisory Council are elected by their peers and serve a three-year term. The Advisory Council meets 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.

 
5.
Support Philosophy for Our Independent Associates and Members. We are fully committed to providing the highest level of support services to our independent associates and members and believe that we meet expectations and build customer loyalty through the following:

 
·
providing efficient order processing centers to support operations;
 
 
·
offering highly-personalized and responsive customer service;
 
 
·
offering a satisfaction guarantee product return policy;
 
 
·
providing comprehensive corporate websites (www.mannatech.com, www.allaboutmannatech.com, www.mannatechscience.org and www.mannathink.com), that provide instant access to Internet ordering, marketing, technical and educational information, and unique and innovative marketing tools;
 
 
·
offering free personalized websites for our independent associates;
 
 
·
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;
 
 
·
offering, in the United States and Canada, an effective compilation of online marketing and training tools, including MannaPages webnotes and our Navig8 Global Business System;
 
 
·
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;
 
 
·
inviting customer input on innovative product ideas, which is gathered and tabulated on www.mannathink.com; and
 
 
·
sponsoring several 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.

 
6.
Flexible Operating Strategy. We believe efficiency, focus, and flexibility are paramount to our operations. For over 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 foreign operations, except Europe, 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.
 
 
 
7.
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. 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, along with a powerful global independent network distribution model. 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 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.
 
Intellectual Property

Trademarks. We pursue registrations for various trademarks associated with our key products and branding initiatives. As of December 31, 2012, we had 37 registered trademarks in the United States and two trademark applications pending with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. As of December 31, 2012, we had 528 registered trademarks in 31 countries and 46 trademark applications pending in 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, 2012, we had 53 patents for technology related to our Ambrotose® formulation, six of which are in the United States and the remainder of which are in 31 foreign jurisdictions.  Overall, as of December 31, 2012, 85 patents have been issued to Mannatech worldwide for the technology relating to our Ambrotose®, Ambrotose AO®, GI-ProBalance™, and PhytoMatrix® product formulations, as well as in the field of biomarker assays.  Currently, we have 54 patent applications pending in various jurisdictions relating to the technology supporting 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. Members purchase our products for personal use at a discounted retail value, but do not participate in our global associate career and compensation plan. Independent associates purchase our products at a discounted wholesale value and 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 new 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 229,000 active independent associates and members purchasing our products and packs during each of the 12 months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Currently, we offer a 10% discount to independent associates and members who enroll in our automatic monthly order program to promote operating efficiencies, through which our independent associates can receive a standing order every four weeks and our members can receive a standing order once a month. Automatic monthly orders, on average, account for approximately 64% of our total orders placed during a calendar month.

Independent Associate Development. Network marketing consists of enrolling individuals who build a network of independent associates, members, 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:

 
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offering educational meetings and corporate-sponsored events that emphasize business-building and compliance related information;
 
 
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sponsoring various informative and science-based conference calls, web casts, and seminars;
 
 
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providing automated services through the Internet and telephone that offer a full spectrum of information and business-building tools;
 
 
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maintaining an efficient decentralized ordering and distribution system;
 
 
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providing highly personalized and responsive order processing and customer service support accessible by multiple communication channels including telephone, Internet, or e-mail;
 
 
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offering 24-hour, seven days a week access to information and ordering through the Internet;
 
 
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offering Success TrackerTM, a customized business-building genealogy system, which contains graphs, maps, alerts, reports, and web video conferencing for our independent associates;
 
 
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offering, in the United States and Canada, a compilation of online marketing and training tools, including MannaPages webnotes and our Navig8 Global Business System; and
 
 
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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 eight independent associate achievement levels; from lowest to highest, these include regional, national, executive, presidential, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. 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. 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 and is currently among the most financially rewarding plans offered. Together, our commissions and incentives range approximately from 41% 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 sales and the attainment of certain associate achievement levels. 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 an independent associate for both the breadth and depth of their global seamless downline structure.

Our global associate career and compensation plan identifies and pays 19 types of commissions to our qualified independent associates, which are based on the following:

 
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generating product sales from an independent associate’s global downline to earn certain achievement levels;
 
 
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enrolling new independent associates or members who place a product order;
 
 
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obtaining certain achievement levels and enrolling other independent associates who place monthly automatic orders in a downline;
 
 
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obtaining and developing certain achievement levels within their downline organizations to qualify for additional bonuses;
 
 
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building a team of six qualified independent associates in their global downlines who order products regularly; and
 
 
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various other incentive programs.

Management of Independent Associates. We actively monitor our independent associates’ 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 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 legal/compliance department, in cooperation with other departments and associates, periodically evaluates the conduct of our independent associates and the need for new or revised policies and procedures. Our monitoring efforts include reviewing associates’ websites, promotional materials, and meetings. Our legal/compliance program assists in maintaining high ethical standards among our independent associates, which helps our independent associates in their sales efforts.

To help manage our associates, our legal/compliance department periodically monitors independent associates’ websites for content. In addition, associates may use our anonymous compliance reporting system to report non-compliant websites to the compliance department, which then further investigates such websites. In an effort to decrease the number of independent websites owned by our independent associates and to preserve and protect our trademarks, we offer standardized personal web pages to our associates that help them with their sales efforts and provides consistent, standardized information, and education. We also offer our independent associates and members a free standardized website through our Navig8 Global Business System service.

Our legal/compliance program also provides our independent associates with a standardized and anonymous complaint process. When a complaint is filed against an independent associate, our legal/compliance department conducts a mandatory investigation of the allegations, if warranted. Depending on the nature of the violation, we may suspend or terminate the non-compliant associate’s agreement or we may impose various sanctions, including written warnings, 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 de minimus and isolated.

 
Product Return Policy. We stand behind our packs and 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. All refunds must be 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 independent associates and members to exchange products as long as the products are unopened and in good condition. Our return policies for our retail customers and our independent associates and members are as follows:
 
 
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Retail Customer Product Return Policy. This policy allows a retail customer to return any of our products to the original independent associate who sold the product and receive a full cash refund by the independent 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 the remaining countries. The independent associate may then return or exchange the product based on the independent associate product return policy.
 
 
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Independent Associate and Member Product Return Policy. This policy allows the independent associate or member to return an order within one year of the purchase date upon terminating his/her account. If an independent associate or member 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 independent associate or member 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 the remaining countries for the first 90 days following the product’s purchase; however, any commissions earned by an independent associate will be deducted from the refund. If we discover abuse of the refund policy, we may terminate the independent associates’ or member’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:

 
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minimize the time required to process orders and distribute products;
 
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provide customized ordering information;
 
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quickly respond to information requests, including providing detailed and accurate information to independent associates about qualification and downline activity;
 
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provide detailed reports about paid commissions and incentives;
 
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support order processing and customer service departments; and
 
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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 helps to optimize their earnings.

We also maintain a written service continuity disaster recovery plan, which was developed using the guidelines published by the National Institute of Standards of Technology to minimize the risk of loss due to any interruption in business. Our disaster recovery plan encompasses all critical aspects of our business and identifies contacts and resources. Additionally, we perform daily backup procedures and proactively monitor various software, hardware, and network infrastructure systems. We also perform routine maintenance procedures and periodically upgrade our software and hardware to help ensure that our systems work efficiently and effectively and to minimize the risk of business interruption. Although we maintain an extensive disaster recovery 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. Please see “Risk Factors – If our information technology system fails, our operations could suffer.”

We continue to enhance our information technology, websites, and e-commerce platforms to remain competitive and efficient.
 

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:

 
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direct selling and network marketing systems;
 
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transfer pricing and similar regulations affecting the amount of foreign taxes and customs duties paid;
 
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taxation of independent associates and requirements to collect taxes and maintain appropriate records;
 
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how a company manufactures, packages, labels, distributes, imports, sells, and stores products;
 
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product ingredients;
 
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product claims;
 
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advertising; and
 
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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:

 
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the FDA;
 
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the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”);
 
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the Consumer Product Safety Commission;
 
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the Department of Agriculture;
 
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the Environmental Protection Agency;
 
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the United States Postal Service;
 
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state attorney general offices; and
 
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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 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 Act that defined current Good Manufacturing Practices in the manufacture and holding of dietary supplements. 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 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, referred to as DSHEA, revised the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic 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 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 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:

 
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the identification of dietary or nutritional supplements and their nutrition and ingredient labeling;
 
 
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requirements related to the wording used for claims about nutrients, health claims, and statements of nutritional support;
 
 
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labeling requirements for dietary or nutritional supplements for which “high potency,” “antioxidant,” and “trans-fatty acids” claims are made;
 
 
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notification procedures for statements on dietary and nutritional supplements; and
 
 
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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 to promote and assure compliance by our employees and independent associates related to the requirements of DSHEA, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic 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) North America (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, Sweden, and the United Kingdom); (iii) Asia/Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan).  In November 2012, the Company commenced the shipment of its products to the Ukraine and in December 2012, the Company commenced the shipment of its products to Hong Kong. Some of the country-specific regulations include the following:

 
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the National Provincial Laws, Natural Health Product Regulations of Canada, and the Federal Competition Act in Canada;
 
 
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the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Trade Practices Act in Australia;
 
 
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federal and state regulations in Australia;
 
 
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national regulations including the Local Trading Standards Offices in the United Kingdom;
 
 
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regulations from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in Japan;
 
 
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regulations from the Commerce Commission and the Fair Trade Act of 1993 in New Zealand;
 
 
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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;
 
 
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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;
 
 
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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;
 
 
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the German Unfair Competition Act, German Regulation on food supplements, and German Law on food and feed;
 
 
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regulations governing business practices in South Africa;
 
 
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the Consumer Protection Act, the Sale of Food Act, and various regulations that are governed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Singapore;
 
 
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the Austrian Trade Law (1994), the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Law (2006), and the Food Code in Austria;
 
 
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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;
 
 
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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;
 
 
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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;
 
 
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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;
 
 
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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;
 
 
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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;
 
 
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the Finnish Food Act, the Finnish Food Packaging and Consumer Protection Acts, Act on Unfair Business Practice Act, Decrees and other regulations in Finland;
 

 
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the Consumer Protection Act of 2007, the Distance Selling Regulations Act of 2001 in Ireland; and
 
 
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various European Union (“EU”) regulations and pronouncements address both our selling activities and the sale of food supplements in EU member nations, however, at the current time the local statutes and regulations stated above are ascendant to the EU pronouncements if in conflict.  The primary EU regulations pertaining to Food Supplements include: the EU Food Supplement Directive (2002/46/EC) and Nutrition and Health Claims Regulations (2006/1924/EC).
 
 
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customs regulations in the Ukraine and Hong Kong governing the importation of our products for personal use.
 
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.

As a network marketing company, we are also subject to regulatory oversight, including routine inquiries and enforcement actions, from various United States 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/compliance 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 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. An agreement to establish a joint scheme for the regulation of therapeutic products was signed by both the New Zealand and Australian governments in December 2003. The agency was initially expected to begin operating in July 2005, but on July 16, 2007, the New Zealand government announced that it would not proceed with legislation for the establishment of the joint agency because it did not have sufficient support of the New Zealand parliament. However, both the Australian and New Zealand governments remain committed to the vision of the joint agency and are expected to revisit it again in the future. The proposed harmonization of laws and regulatory bodies is anticipated to provide a more consistent approach to dietary supplement laws between the two countries.

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 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 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 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 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 Consumerombudsman 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 South Africa, there are no specific regulations for the network marketing industry. In general, 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 products are classified as complementary medicines for which there are no specific regulations. The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 1972, and the Medicines and Related Substances Act 1965 currently apply.

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 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 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 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 principals 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.
 
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 overly 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:

 
·
GNC Holdings, Inc.;
 
 
·
Herbalife 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 International, Inc.;
 
 
·
Mary Kay, Inc.;
 
 
·
Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.;
 
 
·
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.;
 
 
·
Reliv’ International, Inc.;
 
 
·
Shaklee Worldwide;
 
 
·
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 unique patented, proprietary blend of high-quality products;
 
 
·
our 19-year track record in the business of selling nutritional products;
 
 
·
our model which does not require our independent associates to carry inventory or accounts receivable;
 
 
·
our unique and financially rewarding global associate career and compensation plan;
 
 
·
our innovative marketing and educational tools; and
 
 
·
our easy and convenient delivery system.

Employees

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we employed 310 and 387 people, respectively, as set forth below:

   
2012
    
2011
  
North America
     182       248  
Asia/Pacific
     92       104  
EMEA
     36       35  
Total
     310       387  

These numbers do not include our independent associates, who are independent contractors and are not considered employees.
 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other risks described in this report, the following risk factors should be considered in evaluating our business and future prospects:

1.
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 members who purchase our packs and products. 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 members, 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.
 
2.
The loss of key high-level independent associate leaders could negatively impact our associate growth and our revenue.

As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately 229,000 active independent associates and members who purchased our products within the last 12 months, of which 147 occupied the highest associate level 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.

3.
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.

Because of the size of our associate force and the complexity of our compensation plans, it is difficult to predict how independent associates will view such changes and whether such changes will achieve their desired results.

4. 
An increase in the amount of commissions and incentives paid to independent associates and members reduces our profitability.

The payment of commissions and incentives, including bonuses and prizes, is our most significant expense. Together, our commissions and incentives range approximately from 41% 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.

 
5.
The loss of key management personnel could adversely affect our business.

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 members of our senior management team, 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 managers 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.
 
6.
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; and
 
 
·
new regulations or interpretations of regulations affecting our business.

7.
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, create promotional materials or otherwise provide information that does not accurately describe our marketing program.  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.

8.
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 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 related taxes in those jurisdictions, plus any related assessments and penalties, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.


9.
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 members, 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. 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 member.

10.
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. For example, in July 2007, the Texas Attorney General filed suit against us, MannaRelief Ministries, Samuel L.Caster, the Fisher Institute, and H. Reginald McDaniel alleging violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. We subsequently reached an agreement with the Texas Attorney General’s office settling the enforcement action. Without admitting any wrongdoing, we agreed to refund up to $4 million to certain members and paid $2 million to cover fees and expenses of Texas regulators. We also made certain corporate governance changes required by the Texas Attorney General’s office and have taken a number of actions to address concerns raised by the Texas Attorney General. If we are unable to comply fully with the provisions of the settlement, Texas regulators could pursue further remedies that may impact our business.

In addition, in the past and because of the industry in which we operate, we have experienced inquiries regarding specific independent associates.

11.
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;
 
 
·
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.

 
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.

12.
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. 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 near future to set new limits on acceptable levels of nutrients. The FDA has implemented Good Manufacturing Practices for the U.S. nutritional supplement industry. Our operations could be harmed if new 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.

13.
If we are unable to protect the proprietary rights of our products, our business could suffer.

Our success and competitive position largely depends 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®, our proprietary, patent-pending antioxidant 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 Ambrotose®, Ambrotose AO®, Phytomatrix®, GI-ProBalance™ and FiberSlim® in the United States and certain foreign countries. As of December 31, 2012, we had received 53 patents for the technology relating to Ambrotose® complex, six of which were issued in the United States and the remainder of which were issued in 31 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.
 
 
14.
Our inability to develop and introduce new products that gain independent associate, member, 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 members. 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.

15.
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 members, 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 member 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 members in a timely manner, some of our products could be rendered obsolete, which could negatively impact our revenues, financial condition, and operating results.

16.
If our outside suppliers and manufacturers fail to supply products in sufficient quantities and in a timely fashion, our business could suffer.

Outside manufacturers make 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. Due to the unique nature of Arabinogalactan, an important component 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.

17.
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, crop conditions, climate change, transportation interruptions and natural disasters or other catastrophic events.

 
18. 
If we are exposed to product liability claims, we may be liable for damages and expenses, which could affect our overall financial condition.

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.

In recent years 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 the vast majority 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.

19.
Concentration Risk

A significant portion of our revenue is derived from our core Ambrotose® complex products, which include the Ambrotose® products and Advanced Ambrotose® products. A decline in sales value of such legacy products could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows, and financial position. Revenue from the core Ambrotose® products were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011  (in thousands, except percentages):

   
2012
    
2011
  
   
Sales by
product
    
% of total
net sales
    
Sales by
product
    
% of total
net sales
  
Advanced Ambrotose®
   $ 66,280       38.2 %   $ 66,893       33.3 %
Ambrotose®
     12,143       7.0 %     15,513       7.7 %
Total
   $ 78,423       45.2 %   $ 82,406       41.0 %

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.

20.
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.

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.

21.
The global nutrition industry is intensely competitive and the strengthening of any of our competitors could harm our business.

The global nutrition industry is intensely fragmented and competitive. We compete for independent associates with other network marketing companies outside the global nutrition industry. 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 members to buy products from competitors rather than from us. Such competition could adversely affect our business and current market share.
 
 
22.
A downturn in the economy has affected consumer purchases of discretionary items such as the health and wellness products that we offer, which could continue to 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 has adversely impacted consumer purchases of discretionary items such as health and wellness products. During the last few years, the United States and global economies slowed 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. Given the significance and widespread nature of these nearly unprecedented circumstances, the U.S. and global economies could remain 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 continue to harm our business by adversely affecting our revenues, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. We cannot predict the duration of these economic conditions or the impact they will have on our consumers or business. For additional information regarding current economic conditions and their impact on our results of operations, refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

23.
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, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan and ship our products to the Ukraine and Hong Kong through existing distribution channels. 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;
 
 
·
government regulations and laws;
 
 
·
trademark availability and registration issues;
 
 
·
changes in exchange rates;
 
 
·
changes in taxation;
 
 
·
wars and other hostilities; and
 
 
·
changes in the perception of network marketing.

Any negative changes related to these factors could adversely affect our business, profitability, and growth prospects. 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.

24.
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 within the industries in which we operate.
 
For instance, on July 5, 2007, the Texas Attorney General filed suit against us, MannaRelief Ministries, Samuel L.Caster, the Fisher Institute, and H. Reginald McDaniel alleging violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.  We subsequently reached an agreement with the Texas Attorney General’s office settling an enforcement action against us, our former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Samuel L. Caster, and others. Without admitting any wrongdoing, we agreed to refund up to $4 million to certain members and pay $2 million to cover fees and expenses of Texas regulators. The settlement did not include any fine or penalty against the Company. We have also taken a number of actions to address concerns raised by the Texas Attorney General’s action. Although the matter has been resolved, the lawsuit created a substantial amount of adverse publicity that may have had and may continue to have a negative impact on our business.

25.
If our information technology system fails, our operations could suffer.

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 disaster recovery 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.

26.
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 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.

A change in applicable tax laws or regulations or their interpretation could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could be significant to our financial results.  In the event any audit or assessments are concluded adversely to us,  these matters could have a material impact on our financial condition.

27.
Currency exchange rate fluctuations could reduce our overall profits.

In 2012 and 2011, we recognized 59.2% and 58.2%, respectively, of net sales in markets outside of the United States. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, certain financial information is required to be translated 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. 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.
 
 
28.
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 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.
 
29.
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, 2012, our directors, executive officers, and a major shareholder, collectively with their families and affiliates, beneficially owned approximately 35.8% 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.

30.
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. 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.
 
 
31.
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.

To continue to have our common stock eligible for continued listing on Nasdaq, we would need to satisfy criteria under at least one of the three standards set forth by the Nasdaq Stock Market. Under Equity Standard Listing Rules 5450(a) and 5450(b)(1), these criteria require that:
 
 
·
we have shareholders’ equity of at least $10 million;
 
 
·
our common stock has at least $1.00 minimum bid for 30 consecutive business days;
 
 
·
our public float must consist of at least 750,000 shares with a market value of at least $5 million (public float is defined under Nasdaq’s rules as the shares held by persons other than officers, directors and beneficial owners of greater than 10% of our total outstanding shares);
 
 
·
there be at least 400 shareholders;
 
 
·
there be at least two market makers for our common stock; and
 
 
·
we comply with certain corporate governance requirements.
 
As of the date of issuance of this report, we were in compliance with these continued listing requirements. However, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in continuing to meet all requisite continued listing criteria.
 
32.
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. Our Board of Directors suspended dividends in August 2009. We may not resume payment of dividends in the future.

33.
We rely upon our existing cash balances and cash flow from operations to fund our business. 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.  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, 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.

34.
Our Equity Line with Dutchess may not be available to us if we elect to make a draw down.

On September 16, 2010, we entered into an Investment Agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with Dutchess Opportunity Fund II, LP, a Delaware limited partnership ( “Dutchess”). Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, Dutchess committed to purchase, subject to certain restrictions and conditions, up to $10,000,000 of our common stock, over a period of 36 months from the first trading day following the effectiveness of the registration statement registering the resale of shares purchased by Dutchess pursuant to the Investment Agreement (the “Equity Line”). Dutchess will not be obligated to purchase shares under the Equity Line unless certain conditions are met, which include: effectiveness of the registration statement; the continued listing of our stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market; our compliance with our obligations under the Investment Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement entered into with Dutchess; the absence of injunctions or other governmental actions prohibiting the issuance of common stock to Dutchess; the absence of violations of shareholder approval requirements with respect to such issuance of our common stock to Dutchess; the accuracy of representations and warranties made to Dutchess; and approval of the Equity Line transaction by our board of directors. If we are unable to access funds through the Equity Line, we may be unable to access capital on favorable terms or at all.

 
35.
Any draw downs under our Equity Line with Dutchess may result in dilution to our shareholders.

If we sell shares to Dutchess under the Equity Line, it will have a dilutive effect on the holdings of our current shareholders, and may result in downward pressure on the price of our common stock. If we draw down amounts under the Equity Line, we will issue shares to Dutchess at a discount of up to 4% from the average price of our common stock. If we draw down amounts under the Equity Line when our share price is decreasing, we will need to issue more shares to raise the same amount than if our stock price was higher. Issuances in the face of a declining share price will have an even greater dilutive effect than if our share price were stable or increasing and may further decrease our share price.

36.
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.

 
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.
 Properties
 
We lease property at several locations for our headquarters and distribution facilities, including:

Location
  
Size
  
Expiration
date
Coppell, Texas (corporate headquarters)
   110,000 
sq. feet
  
March 2018
Coppell, Texas (distribution center)
   75,000 
sq. feet
  
March 2018
St. Leonards, Australia (Australian headquarters)
   850 
sq. meters(1)
  
August 2013
Didcot, Oxfordshire (U.K. headquarters)
   3,240 
sq. feet
  
August 2017
Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Japanese headquarters)
   296 
Tsubos(2)
  
March 2013
Ganganm-gu, Seoul, Korea (Republic of Korea headquarters)
   717 
Pyong (3)
  
June 2013
Taipei, Taiwan (Taiwan headquarters)
   254 
Pings (4)
  
April 2013
Zug, Switzerland (Switzerland headquarters)
   680 
sq. meters(5)
  
November 2013
Markham, Ontario (Canada headquarters)
   3,097 
sq. feet
  
September 2014
Richmond, BC (Canada training center)
   1,963 
sq. feet
  
September 2017
Bedfordview, South Africa (Office)
   383 
sq. meters(6)
  
March 2015
Cape Province, South Africa (Office)
   36 
sq. meters(7)
  
Monthly
Guadalajara, Mexico (customer service center)
   1550 
sq. meters(8)
  
February 2016
Mexico City, Mexico (customer service center)
   179 
sq. meters(9)
  
November 2015
Monterrey, Mexico (customer service center)
   280 
sq. meters(10)
  
January 2014
 
(1) Approximately 9,150 square feet.
(2) Approximately 10,533 square feet.
(3) Approximately 25,514 square feet.
(4) Approximately 9,037 square feet.
(5) Approximately 7,320 square feet.
(6) Approximately 4,123 square feet.
(7) Approximately 388 square feet.
(8) Approximately 16,685 square feet.
(9) Approximately 1,927 square feet.
(10) Approximately 3,014 square feet.

To maximize our operating strategy and minimize costs, we contract with third-party distribution and fulfillment facilities in our three regions: (i) North America: (ii) EMEA and (iii) Asia/Pacific. By entering into these third-party distribution facility agreements, our offices maintain flexible operating capacity, minimize shipping costs, and are able to process an order within 24-hours after order placement and receipt of payment.

Our main distribution facility is located in Coppell, Texas and consists of 75,000 square feet of leased space that houses an automated distribution system capable of processing up to 18,000 orders per day. In July 2012, the Company entered into a Sublease Agreement with Integrated Distribution and Logistics Direct, LLC (doing business as SPExpress) whereby the Company began subleasing a majority of the Coppell distribution facility to SPExpress. Pursuant to a services agreement and the sublease, SPExpress provides the Company warehousing and distribution services for its United States distribution.

In July 2012, the Company entered into a Logistics Service Agreement with CEVA Logistics Netherlands B.V. whereby the Company began outsourcing the warehousing, transportation and distribution of the Company’s products in the EMEA region. In connection with this arrangement, we closed our distribution center in the United Kingdom.

Item 3.

See “Litigation” in Note 13 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
Item 4.

Not Applicable.


PART II

Item 5.

Market for Our Common Stock. On February 12, 1999, we completed our initial public offering. Our common stock is currently trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “MTEX.” Effective January 13, 2012, we amended our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio of 1-for-10. The primary purpose of the reverse stock split was to increase the per-share market price of our common stock in order to maintain our listing on Nasdaq. As of March 22, 2013, we had an aggregate of 2,647,735 shares of our common stock outstanding and the closing price on such date was $6.10. Below are the high and low closing prices of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq for each quarter of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, as adjusted for the 1-for-10 reverse stock split:

2012:
  
Low
    
High
  
First Quarter
   $ 3.55     $ 4.90  
Second Quarter
   $ 3.35     $ 7.00  
Third Quarter
   $ 5.12     $ 7.68  
Fourth Quarter
   $ 4.80     $ 7.74  
2011:
                
First Quarter
   $ 16.20     $ 20.60  
Second Quarter
   $ 9.30     $ 17.50  
Third Quarter
   $ 5.30     $ 9.70  
Fourth Quarter
   $ 4.00     $ 7.90  

Holders. As of March 22, 2013, there were 1,298 shareholders of record.

Dividends. In the third quarter of 2009, our Board of Directors suspended the quarterly cash dividend payment to shareholders due to the Company’s financial performance, protracted worldwide economic recession, and the internal funding needs of new initiatives designed to accelerate sales and associate recruitment. See “Risk Factors—We are not required to pay dividends, and our Board of Directors may decide not to declare dividends in the future” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K for further discussion related to future payment of dividends.

Sales of Unregistered Securities.

None.
 
Uses of Proceeds from Registered Securities.

None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

None.

Item 6.

Not applicable for a Smaller Reporting Company
 

Item 7.

The following discussion is intended to assist in the understanding of our consolidated financial position and our results of operations for each of the two years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. This discussion should be read in conjunction with “Item 15. – Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes,” beginning on page F-1 of this report and with other financial information included elsewhere in this report. Unless stated otherwise, all financial information presented below, throughout this report, and in the consolidated financial statements and related notes includes Mannatech and all of our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Since November 1993, we have continued to develop innovative, high quality, proprietary nutritional supplements, topical and skin care products, and weight-management products that are sold through a global network marketing system. We operate in three regions: (i) North America (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, Sweden, and the United Kingdom); (iii) Asia/Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan). In November 2012, the Company commenced the shipment of its products to the Ukraine and in December 2012, the Company commenced the shipment of its products to Hong Kong.  Our Switzerland office was created to manage certain day-to-day business needs of non-North American markets.

We conduct our business as a single operating segment and primarily sell our products through a network of approximately 229,000 active independent associates and members who had purchased our products and/or packs during the last 12 months, who we refer to as current independent associates and members. New recruits and pack sales are leading indicators for the long-term success of our business. New recruits include new independent associates and members purchasing our packs and products for the first time. We operate as a seller of nutritional supplements, topical and skin care products, and weight-management products through our network marketing distribution channels operating in twenty-one countries. We review and analyze net sales by geographical location and by packs and products on a consolidated basis. Each of our subsidiaries sells similar products and exhibits similar economic characteristics, such as selling prices and gross margins.

Because we sell our products through network marketing distribution channels, the opportunities and challenges that affect us most are: recruitment of new and retention of independent associates and members; entry into new markets and growth of existing markets; niche market development; new product introduction; and investment in our infrastructure.

Current Economic Conditions and Recent Developments

We identified restoring sales volume, profitability and generating positive cash flow as goals for 2012.  In an effort to achieve these goals, the Company: (i) launched a new product during the second quarter of 2012; (ii) introduced a new sales system to our independent associates intended to allow world-wide recruitment of both consumers and business builders; and (iii) aggressively reduced operational expenses to maximize the effects of incremental revenue growth on profitability and cash flow.

We introduced NutriVerus powder for sale on a global basis starting with the United States in the second quarter of 2012 and expanding globally during the third and fourth quarters.  Also during the second quarter, we introduced our 4Free Discount Program in the United States and Canada.  We believe the introduction of NutriVerus powder and the discount program were instrumental to the 26% increase in the number of new independent associates and members during 2012 as compared to 2011.  Although we had an increase in the number of new independent associates and members, we continued to experience a decline in overall sales during 2012 due to the reduction in the number of existing independent associates, which resulted in a decline in the number of orders processed during 2012. During 2011, sales declined primarily due to the reduction in the number of new independent associates and the loss of existing independent associates, which resulted in a decline in the number of orders processed during 2011.

During 2012, we outsourced our Company-operated warehouses in the Netherlands and the United States to third-party logistics companies.  We believe this will decrease shipping time to our independent associates and members, decrease operational expenses and allow us to concentrate on our core competencies.

 
We continued our aggressive reduction of operational expenses that started in the second quarter of 2011.  As compared to 2011 expense levels, we were able to reduce our selling & administrative expenses by over $10 million and reduce our other operating expenses by over $8 million.  Our operating results have continued to improve on a quarterly basis during 2012, and we expect this trend to continue into 2013.

In 2013, we believe our continued aggressive pursuit of profitability will be realized on a full year basis, as we realized in the third and fourth quarters of 2012.  In order to achieve full year profitability, we are planning to launch formal operations in two new countries, Hong Kong and the Ukraine; revise our global compensation strategy for our independent associates; and continue to increase our operational efficiencies.  We believe these strategies will allow the Company to operate profitably and provide an opportunity to reverse a declining sales trend in order to achive incremental growth in cash flow.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, 2012 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011

The tables below summarize our consolidated operating results in dollars and as a percentage of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except percentages).


   
2012
    
2011
    
Change
  
   
Total
Dollars
    
% of
net sales
    
Total
dollars
    
% of
net sales
    
Dollar
    
Percentage
  
Net sales
   $ 173,447       100.0 %   $ 200,689       100.0 %   $ (27,242 )     (13.6 )%
Cost of sales
     34,641       20.0 %     38,515       19.1 %     (3,874 )     (10.1 )%
Gross profit
     138,806       80.0 %     162,174       80.9 %     (23.368 )     (14.4 )%
Operating expenses:
                                                
Commissions and incentives
     73,823       42.6 %     87,426       43.6 %     (13,603 )     (15.6 )%
Selling and administrative expenses
     37,176       21.4 %     47,821       23.8 %     (10,645 )     (22.3 )%
Depreciation and amortization
     4,755       2.7 %     10,697       5.3 %     (5,942 )     (55.5 )%
Other operating costs
     24,032       13.9 %     33,119       16.6 %     (9,087 )     (27.4 )%
Total operating expenses
     139,786       80.6 %     179,063       89.3 %     (39,277 )     (21.9 )%
Loss from operations
     (980 )     (0.6 )%     (16,889 )     (8.4 )%     15,909       94.2 %
Interest income
     50       — %     117       0.1 %     (67 )     (57.3 )%
Other income (expense), net
     630       0.4 %     (1,106 )     (0.6 )%     1,736       157.0 %
Loss before income taxes
     (300 )     (0.2 )%     (17,878 )     (8.9 )%     17,578       98.3 %
Provision for income taxes
     (1,088 )     (0.6 )%     (2,781 )     (1.4 )%     1,693       60.9 %
Net loss
   $ (1,388 )     (0.8 )%   $ (20,659 )     (10.3 )%   $ 19,271       93.3 %

 
Consolidated net sales by region for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Net Sales in Dollars and as a Percentage of Consolidated Net Sales

   
2012
    
2011
  
North America
   $ 86.5       49.9 %   $ 101.9       50.8 %
Asia/Pacific
     70.6       40.7 %     81.4       40.6 %
EMEA
     16.3       9.4 %     17.4       8.6 %
Total
   $ 173.4       100.0 %   $ 200.7       100.0 %

Net Sales

For the year ended December 31, 2012, our operations outside of North America accounted for approximately 50.1% of our consolidated net sales, whereas in the same period in 2011, our operations outside of North America accounted for approximately 49.2% of our consolidated net sales.

Consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 decreased by $27.3 million, or 13.6%, to $173.4 million, as compared to $200.7 million for the same period in 2011. North America sales decreased by $15.4 million, or 15.1%, to $86.5 million as compared to $101.9 million for the same period in 2011. Asia/Pacific sales decreased by $10.8 million, or 13.3%, to $70.6 million as compared to $81.4 million for the same period in 2011. EMEA sales decreased by $1.1 million, or 6.3%, to $16.3 million as compared to $17.4 million for the same period in 2011.

Fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates had an overall unfavorable impact on our net sales of approximately $2.1 million for year ended December 31, 2012. The net sales impact is calculated as the difference between (1) the current period’s net sales in USD and (2) the current period’s net sales in local currencies converted to USD by applying average exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Our total sales and sales mix could be influenced by any of the following:

 
●
changes in our sales prices;
 
●
changes in consumer demand;
 
●
changes in the number of independent associates and members;
 
●
changes in competitors’ products;
 
●
changes in economic conditions;
 
●
changes in regulations;
 
●
announcements of new scientific studies and breakthroughs;
 
●
introduction of new products;
 
●
discontinuation of existing products;
 
●
adverse publicity;
 
●
changes in our commissions and incentives programs;
 
●
direct competition; and
 
●
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Our sales mix for the years ended December 31, was as follows (in millions, except percentages):

     
Change
  
   
2012
    
2011
    
Dollar
    
Percentage
  
Consolidated product sales
   $ 155.8     $ 171.5     $ (15.7 )     (9.2 )%
Consolidated pack sales
     11.4       21.3       (9.9 )     (46.5 )%
Consolidated other, including freight
     6.2       7.9       (1.7 )     (21.5 )%
Total consolidated net sales
   $ 173.4     $ 200.7     $ (27.3 )     (13.6 )%

 
Pack sales correlate to new independent associates who purchase starter packs and to continuing independent associates who purchase upgrade or renewal packs. However, there is no direct correlation between product sales and the number of new and continuing independent associates and members because independent associates and members utilize products at different volumes.

Product Sales

Substantially all of our product sales are made to independent associates at published wholesale prices. We also sell our products to independent members at discounted published retail prices.

Product sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 decreased by $15.7 million, or 9.2% to $155.8 million as compared to $171.5 million for the same period in 2011. The decrease in product sales was primarily due to the reduction in the number of existing associates, which resulted in a decline in the number of orders processed during 2012. The average order value for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $172, as compared to $157 for the same period in 2011. The 9.6% increase in average order value resulted in approximately $13.9 million in additional revenue, which partially offset the overall decline in product sales. The number of orders placed during the year ended December 31, 2012 decreased by 16.7% as compared to the same period in 2011.

Pack Sales

Packs may be purchased by our independent associates who wish to build a Mannatech business.  These packs are offered to our independent associates at a discount from published retail prices. There are several pack options available to our independent associates. In certain markets, pack sales are completed during the final stages of the registration process and can provide new independent associates with valuable training and promotional materials, as well as products for resale to retail customers, demonstration purposes, and personal consumption. Business-building independent associates can also purchase an upgrade pack, which provides the associate with additional promotional materials, additional products, and eligibility for additional commissions and incentives. Many of our business-building independent associates also choose to purchase renewal packs to satisfy annual renewal requirements to continue to earn various commissions.

The dollar amount of pack sales associated with new and continuing independent associates was as follows, for the years ended December 31 (in millions, except percentages):

         
Change
  
   
2012
    
2011
    
Dollar
    
Percentage
  
New
   $ 7.7     $ 14.9     $ (7.2 )     (48.3 ) %
Continuing
     3.7       6.4       (2.7 )     (42.2 ) %
Total
   $ 11.4     $ 21.3     $ (9.9 )     (46.5 ) %

Total pack sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 decreased by $9.9 million, or 46.5%, to $11.4 million, as compared to $21.3 million for the same period in 2011. Average pack value for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $157, as compared to $242 for the same period in 2011. The total number of packs sold decreased by 17.6% and the average pack value decreased by $85 or 35.1% for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the same period in 2011. The decrease in the average pack value is due to a change in the sales mix of the type of packs purchased. Approximately $6.2 million of the reduction in pack sales resulted from the decrease in average pack value, with the remaining decrease attributable to the decline in the number of packs sold during the period.

The approximate number of active new and continuing independent associates and members who purchased our packs or products during the twelve months ended December 31 was as follows:

   
2012
    
2011
  
New
     97,000       42 %     77,000       34 %
Continuing
     132,000       58 %     152,000       66 %
Total
     229,000       100 %     229,000       100 %

Overall, the combined number of active new and continuing associates did not change from the year ended December 31, 2011 to 2012. However, we experienced a 26% increase in active new associates and members over the past twelve months offset by a 13% decline in the number of active continuing independent associates and members over the past twelve months.

 
During 2011 and 2012, we took the following actions to help increase the number of independent associates and members:

 
●
registered our most popular products with the appropriate regulatory agencies in all countries of operations;
 
 
●
explored new international markets;
 
 
●
launched an aggressive marketing and educational campaign;
 
 
●
continued to strengthen compliance initiatives;
 
 
●
concentrated on publishing results of research studies and clinical trials related to our products;
 
 
●
initiated additional incentives;
 
 
●
explored new advertising and educational tools to broaden name recognition; and
 
 
●
implemented changes to our global associate career and compensation plan.

Other Sales

Other sales consisted of: (i) freight revenue charged to our independent associates and members; (ii) sales of promotional materials; (iii) monthly fees collected for Success Tracker™ and Navig8™ customized electronic business-building and educational materials, databases and applications; (iv) training and event registration fees; and (v) a reserve for estimated sales refunds and returns. Promotional materials, training, database applications and business management tools support our independent associates, which in turn helps stimulate product sales.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, other sales decreased by $1.7 million, or 21.5%, to $6.2 million, as compared to $7.9 million for the same period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in freight fees for product and pack shipments. Total revenue from freight and shipping fees were approximately $6.2 million and $7.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Gross Profit

For the year ended December 31, 2012, gross profit decreased by $23.4 million, or 14.4%, to $138.8 million, as compared to $162.2 million for the same period in 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2012, gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly to 80.0% as compared to 80.9% for the year ended December 31, 2011. The reduction in gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2012 was primarily due to the decline in sales and an increase in product costs from suppliers.

To improve the matching of costs associated with revenue from freight and shipping fees, freight costs associated with shipping products to our customers were reclassified to costs of sales from selling and administrative expenses. Total freight costs included in cost of sales were approximately $7.2 million and $7.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Additionally, to more closely conform to the financial presentations of our competitors, royalty costs were reclassified to costs of sales from selling and administrative expenses. Total royalty costs included in cost of sales were approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Commission and Incentives

In order to more closely conform to the financial presentations to our competitors, commission and incentive expenses were reclassified to operating expenses from costs of sales. Total commission and incentive expenses reclassified to operating expenses were approximately $73.8 million and $87.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Commission costs decreased for the year ended December 31, 2012, by 15.4%, or $12.9 million, to $70.7 million, as compared to $83.6 million for the same period in 2011. The decrease in commissions was due to the decrease in commissionable net sales. For the year ended December 31, 2012, commissions as a percentage of net sales decreased to 40.8% as compared to 41.7% for the same period of 2011 primarily resulting from the decline in pack sales that earn a higher rate of commission.

 
Incentive costs increased for the year ended December 31, 2012 by 18.4%, or $0.7 million, to $3.1 million, as compared to $3.8 million for the same period in 2011. The costs of incentives, as a percentage of net sales, remained relatively flat at 1.8% for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to 1.9% for the same period in 2011.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses include a combination of both fixed and variable expenses. These expenses consist of compensation and benefits for employees, temporary and contract labor and marketing-related expenses, such as monthly magazine development costs and costs related to hosting our corporate-sponsored events.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2012, overall selling and administrative expenses decreased by $10.6 million, or 22.3%, to $37.2 million, as compared to $47.8 million for the same period in 2011. Selling and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales decreased to 21.4%, as compared to 23.8% for the same period of 2011. The decrease in selling and administrative expenses consisted of an $8.5 million decrease in payroll and payroll-related costs, a $1.3 million decrease in contract labor costs, a $0.6 million decrease in marketing costs, a $0.1 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense and a $0.1 million decrease in distribution expenses associated with third-party distribution facility services agreements.

Other Operating Costs

Other operating costs include travel, accounting/legal/consulting fees, credit card processing fees, banking fees, off-site storage fees, utilities, and other miscellaneous operating expenses. Changes in other operating costs are associated with the changes in our net sales.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, other operating costs decreased by $9.1 million, or 27.4%, to $24.0 million, as compared to $33.1 million for the same period in 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2012, other operating costs, as a percentage of net sales, were 13.9%, as compared to 16.6 % for the same period in 2011. The decrease in other operating costs was primarily due to a $2.0 million settlement expense with one of our raw materials suppliers incurred in 2011 that was not replicated in 2012, coupled with reductions in office and repair expenses of $2.0 million, a reduction for transactional sales tax expense accruals of $0.9 million relating to the expiration of certain statutes of limitations, credit card fees of $0.8 million, legal and consulting fees of $0.7 million, travel and entertainment expenses of $0.6 million and other expense reductions amounting to $0.6 million. For more information regarding the settlement expense, see Note 13 “Litigation”, to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Additionally, the Company reduced the accrued present value of the estimated future royalty payments related to the post-employment royalty benefit payable to Dr. McAnalley.  The decline in the royalty liability was associated with a decline in estimated annual global product sales in excess of $105.4 million that reduced estimated future royalty payments. The Company recorded a reduction to the long-term accrued royalty liability in the fourth quarter of 2012 favorably impacting other operating expenses by $0.8 million. For more information regarding the long-term accrued royalty liability, see Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements “Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Other Long-Term Liabilities”.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

For the year ended December 31, 2012, depreciation and amortization expense was $4.8 million, as compared to $10.7 million for the same period in 2011.  As a percentage of net sales, depreciation and amortization expense decreased to 2.7% from 5.3% for the same period in 2011, primarily due to the completion of depreciation in March 2012 for our enterprise resource system placed in service in April 2007.


Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes include current and deferred income taxes for both our domestic and foreign operations. Our statutory income tax rates by jurisdiction are as follows, for the years ended December 31:

Country
  
2012
    
2011
  
Australia
     30.0 %     30.0 %
Canada
     26.0 %     28.0 %
Denmark
     25.0 %     25.0 %
Japan
     42.0 %     42.0 %
Mexico
     30.0 %     30.0 %
Norway
     28.0 %     28.0 %
Republic of Korea
     22.0 %     22.0 %
Singapore
     17.0 %     17.0 %
South Africa
     28.0 %     28.0 %
Sweden
     26.3 %     26.3 %
Switzerland
     16.2 %     16.2 %
Taiwan
     17.0 %     17.0 %
United Kingdom
     24.0 %     26.0 %
United States
     37.5 %     37.5 %

Income from our international operations is subject to taxation in the countries in which we operate. Although we may receive foreign income tax credits that would reduce the total amount of income taxes owed in the United States, we may not be able to utilize our foreign income tax credits in the United States.

We use the recognition and measurement provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“Topic 740”) to account for income taxes. The provisions of Topic 740 require a company to record a valuation allowance when the “more likely than not” criterion for realizing a deferred tax asset cannot be met. A company is to use judgment in reviewing both positive and negative evidence of realizing a deferred tax asset. Furthermore, the weight given to the potential effect of such evidence is commensurate with the extent the evidence can be objectively verified. As a result, we reviewed the operating results, as well as all of the positive and negative evidence related to realization of such deferred tax assets to evaluate the need for a valuation allowance in each tax jurisdiction.

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we maintained our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets in the following table (in millions), as we believe the “more likely than not” criterion for recognition and realization purposes, as defined in Topic 740, cannot be met.

Country
  
2012
    
2011
  
Mexico
   $ 2.3     $ 1.9  
Norway
     0.2       0.2  
Sweden
     0.1       0.1  
Switzerland
     1.0       0.8  
Taiwan
     1.2       1.1  
United States
     3.7       5.4  
Total
   $ 8.5     $ 9.5  

The dollar amount of the provisions for income taxes is directly related to our results of operations and changes in taxable income among countries. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, our effective tax rate was (363.08) % and (15.6)%, respectively.  For 2012 and 2011, we had a provision for income tax despite the pre-tax losses primarily because of increases in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, increases in uncertain income tax positions, and differences from foreign operations.


SEASONALITY

We believe the impact of seasonality on our consolidated results of operations is minimal. We have experienced and believe we will continue to experience variations on our quarterly results of operations in response to, among other things:

 
·
the timing of the introduction of new products and incentives;
 
 
·
our ability to attract and retain associates and members;
 
 
·
the timing of our incentives and contests;
 
 
·
the general overall economic outlook;
 
 
·
government regulations;
 
 
·
the outcome of certain lawsuits;
 
 
·
the perception and acceptance of network marketing; and
 
 
·
the consumer perception of our products and overall operations.

As a result of these and other factors, our quarterly results may vary significantly in the future. Period-to-period comparisons should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance since we can give no assurances that revenue trends in new markets, as well as in existing markets, will follow our historical patterns. The market price of our common stock may also be adversely affected by the above factors.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash and Cash Equivalents

As of December 31, 2012, our cash and cash equivalents decreased by 20.4%, or $3.7 million, to $14.4 million from $18.1 million as of December 31, 2011.  The majority of the decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to $2.8 million associated with the settlement of litigation in the first quarter of 2012.

Our principal operating use of cash is to pay for operating expenses, including commissions and incentives, capital assets, inventory purchases, and international expansion, and to pay quarterly cash dividends. In August 2009, the quarterly cash dividend was suspended and remained suspended as of December 31, 2012. We fund our business objectives, operations, and expansion of our operations through net cash flows from operations rather than incurring long-term debt.

Working Capital

Working capital represents total current assets less total current liabilities. At December 31, 2012, our working capital decreased by $0.8 million, or 6.7%, to $11.1 million from $11.9 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease in working capital primarily related to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents.

Net Cash Flows

Our net consolidated cash flows consisted of the following, for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

   
2012
  
2011
Used in:
                
Operating activities
  
$
(1.2
)
  
$
(2.9
)
Investing activities
  
$
(0.6
)
  
$
(0.6
)
Financing activities
  
$
(1.1
)
  
$
(1.2
)

Our operating, investing, and financing activities are described in more detail below.
 
Operating Activities

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, our net operating activities used cash of $1.2 million and $2.9 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, net earnings adjusted for noncash activities generated cash of $6.0 million, and used cash $6.1 million, respectively, and our working capital accounts used cash of $7.2 million, and provided cash of $3.3 million, respectively.

We will continue to aggressively identify opportunities and reduce operational expenses. We expect that our net operating cash flows in 2013 will be sufficient to fund our current operations. There can be no assurance, however, that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels. Certain events, such as the uncertainty of the worldwide economic environment, could impact our available cash or our ability to generate cash flows from operations.

Investing Activities

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, our net investing activities used cash of $0.6 million for each year, respectively.

We had a net use of cash of $0.3 million and $0.7 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively, for the purchase and sale of capital assets.  We had an increase in restricted cash of $0.3 million and a decline of restricted cash of $0.1 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Financing Activities

In 2012 and 2011, we used cash of $1.1 million and $1.2 million respectively, mainly attributable to the repayment of capital lease obligations.  No dividends were declared to shareholders for 2012 and 2011.

 
General Liquidity and Cash Flows

Short Term Liquidity

We believe our existing liquidity and anticipated return to positive cash flows from operations are adequate to fund our normal expected future business operations and possible international expansion costs for the next 12 months.  As our primary source of liquidity is our cash flow from operations, this will be dependent on our ability to reverse the declining revenue trend and/or continue to reduce operational expenses.  However, if our existing capital resources or cash flows become insufficient to meet current business plans, projections, and existing capital requirements, we may be required to raise additional funds, which may not be available on favorable terms, if at all.

We entered into an Investment Agreement with Dutchess Opportunity Fund, II, LP, a Delaware limited partnership on September 16, 2010. Dutchess committed to purchase, subject to certain restrictions and conditions, up to $10 million of our common stock, over a period of 36 months from the first trading following the effectiveness of the registration statement, which was October 28, 2010. We may draw funds from the Equity Line by selling shares of common stock to Dutchess from time to time. We will not receive any proceeds from the resale of these shares of common stock offered by Dutchess. We will however, receive proceeds from the sale of shares to Dutchess pursuant to the Equity Line. The proceeds will be used for general working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes. For more information on the Equity Line, see Note 14 “Shareholders’ Equity”, to our consolidated financial statements.  As of December 31, 2012, no shares of common stock have been issued pursuant to the Investment Agreement.

We are engaged in ongoing audits in various tax jurisdictions and other disputes in the normal course of business. It is impossible at this time to predict whether we will incur any liability, or to estimate the ranges of damages, if any, in connection with these matters. Adverse outcomes on these uncertainties may lead to substantial liability or enforcement actions that could adversely affect our cash position. For more information, see Note 8 “Income Taxes” and Note 13 “Litigation”, to our consolidated financial statements.

Long Term Liquidity

We believe our anticipated return to positive cash flows from operations should be adequate to fund our normal expected future business operations and possible international expansion costs for the long term.  As our primary source of liquidity is from our cash flow from operations, this will be dependent on our ability to reverse the declining revenue trend and/or continue to reduce operational expenses.

However, if our existing capital resources or cash flows become insufficient to meet anticipated business plans and existing capital requirements, we may be required to raise additional funds, which may not be available on favorable terms, if at all.

Our future access to the capital markets may be adversely impacted if we fail to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules for the continued listing of our stock.  We continuously monitor our compliance with the Nasdaq continued listing rules and as of the date of the issuance of this report, we are in compliance with the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.


CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 The following summarizes our future commitments and obligations associated with various agreements and contracts as of December 31, 2012, for the years ending December 31 (in thousands):

   
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
Thereafter
    
Total
  
Capital lease obligations
   $ 900     $ 548     $ 349     $ 137     $ 12     $ —     $ 1,946  
Purchase obligations(1) (2)
     3,949       2,201       1,200       324       —       —       7,674  
Operating leases
     2,253       1,141       1,035       839       781       176       6,225  
Post-employment royalty
     32       66       33       —       —       —       131  
Employment agreements
     1,285       —       —       —       —       —       1,285  
Royalty agreement
     84       84       66       —       —       —       234  
Tax liability (3)
     2,875       131       33       —       —       —       3,039  
Other long-term obligations
     762       306       130       41       35       641       1,915  
Total commitments and obligations
   $ 12,140     $ 4,477     $ 2,846     $ 1,341     $ 828     $ 817     $ 22,449  
 
(1)
For purposes of the table, a purchase obligation is defined as “an agreement to purchase goods or services that is non-cancelable, enforceable and legally binding on the Company that specifies all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction.”
(2)
Excludes approximately $7.3 million of finished product purchase orders that may be cancelled or delivery dates changed as of December 31, 2012.
(3)
Represents the tax liability associated with uncertain tax positions, see Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements, "Income Taxes".

We have maintained purchase commitments with certain raw material suppliers to purchase minimum quantities and to ensure exclusivity of our raw materials and the proprietary nature of our products. Currently, we have two supply agreements that require minimum purchase commitments. We also maintain other supply agreements and manufacturing agreements to protect our products, regulate product costs, and help ensure quality control standards. These agreements do not require us to purchase any set minimums. We have no present commitments or agreements with respect to acquisitions or purchases of any manufacturing facilities; however, management from time to time explores the possibility of the benefits of purchasing a raw material manufacturing facility to help control costs of our raw materials and help ensure quality control standards.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not have any special-purpose entity arrangements, nor do we have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

MARKET RISKS

Please see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk” under Item 7A of this Form 10-K for additional information about our Market Risks.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The application of GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported values of assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We use estimates throughout our financial statements, which are influenced by management’s judgment and uncertainties. Our estimates are based on historical trends, industry standards, and various other assumptions that we believe are applicable and reasonable under the circumstances at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared. Our Audit Committee reviews our critical accounting policies and estimates. We continually evaluate and review our policies related to the portrayal of our consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations that require the application of significant judgment by our management. We also analyze the need for certain estimates, including the need for such items as allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, long-lived fixed assets and capitalization of internal-use software development costs, reserve for uncertain income tax positions and tax valuation allowances, revenue recognition, sales returns, and deferred revenues, accounting for stock-based compensation, and contingencies and litigation. Historically, actual results have not materially deviated from our estimates. However, we caution readers that actual results could differ from our estimates and assumptions applied in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. If circumstances change relating to the various assumptions or conditions used in our estimates, we could experience an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We have identified the following applicable critical accounting policies and estimates as of December 31, 2012:

 
Inventory Reserves

Inventory consists of raw materials, finished goods, and promotional materials that are stated at the lower of cost (using standard costs that approximate average costs) or market. We record the amounts charged by the vendors as the costs of inventory. Typically, the net realizable value of our inventory is higher than the aggregate cost. Determination of net realizable value can be complex and, therefore, requires a high degree of judgment. In order for management to make the appropriate determination of net realizable value, the following items are considered: inventory turnover statistics, current selling prices, seasonality factors, consumer demand, regulatory changes, competitive pricing, and performance of similar products. If we determine the carrying value of inventory is in excess of estimated net realizable value, we write down the value of inventory to the estimated net realizable value.

We also review inventory for obsolescence in a similar manner and any inventory identified as obsolete is reserved or written off. Our determination of obsolescence is based on assumptions about the demand for our products, product expiration dates, estimated future sales, and general future plans. We monitor actual sales compared to original projections, and if actual sales are less favorable than those originally projected by us, we record an additional inventory reserve or write-down. Historically, our estimates have been close to our actual reported amounts. However, if our estimates regarding inventory obsolescence are inaccurate or consumer demand for our products changes in an unforeseen manner, we may be exposed to additional material losses or gains in excess of our established estimated inventory reserves. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our inventory reserves were $1.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

Long Lived Fixed Assets and Capitalization of Software Development Costs

In addition to capitalizing long-lived fixed asset costs, we also capitalize costs associated with internally developed software projects (collectively “fixed assets”) and amortize such costs over the estimated useful lives of such fixed assets. Fixed assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation computed using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the remaining lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. If a fixed asset is sold or otherwise retired or disposed of, the cost of the fixed asset and the related accumulated depreciation or amortization is written off and any resulting gain or loss is recorded in other operating costs in our consolidated statement of operations.

We review our fixed assets for impairment whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable, such as plans to dispose of an asset before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Our impairment review includes a comparison of future projected cash flows generated by the asset, or group of assets, with its associated net carrying value. If the net carrying value of the asset or group of assets exceeds expected cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges), an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. The fair value is determined by calculating the discounted expected future cash flows using an estimated risk-free rate of interest. Any identified impairment losses are recorded in the period in which the impairment occurs. The carrying value of the fixed asset is adjusted to the new carrying value and any subsequent increases in fair value of the fixed asset are not recorded. In addition, if we determine the estimated remaining useful life of the asset should be reduced from our original estimate, the periodic depreciation expense is adjusted prospectively, based on the new remaining useful life of the fixed asset.

The impairment calculation requires us to apply judgment and estimates concerning future cash flows, strategic plans, useful lives, and discount rates. If actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions, we may be exposed to an additional impairment charge, which could be material to our results of operations. In addition, if accounting standards change, or if fixed assets become obsolete, we may be required to write off any unamortized costs of fixed assets; or if estimated useful lives change, we would be required to accelerate depreciation or amortization periods and recognize additional depreciation expense in our consolidated statement of operations.


Historically, our estimates and assumptions related to the carrying value and the estimated useful lives of our fixed assets have not materially deviated from actual results. As of December 31, 2012, the estimated useful lives and net carrying values of fixed assets are as follows:

 
Estimated useful life
    
Net carrying value at
December 31, 2012
  
Office furniture and equipment
 5 to 7 
years
     $
1.1 million
  
Computer hardware and software
 3 to 5 
years
      
1.5 million
  
Automobiles
 3 to 5 
years
      
0.1 million
  
Leasehold improvements
 2 to 10 
years(1)
      
2.1 million
  
Total net carrying value at December 31, 2012
       $
4.8 million
  
 
(1)
We amortize leasehold improvements over the shorter of the useful estimated life of the leased asset or the lease term.
 
The net carrying costs of fixed assets and construction in progress are exposed to impairment losses if our assumptions and estimates of their carrying values change, there is a change in estimated future cash flow, or there is a change in the estimated useful life of the fixed asset. Based on management’s analysis, no impairment existed during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Uncertain Income Tax Positions and Tax Valuation Allowances

As of December 31, 2012, we recorded $2.8 million in current liabilities and $0.2 million in other long-term liabilities related to uncertain income tax positions. The decrease in other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2012 is based on the outcome of the hearing with the Appeals Division of the IRS concerning the 2005 thru 2009 tax years, allowing for a reduction in our tax positions of approximately $1.1 million for tax years after 2009. As required by Topic 740, we use judgments and make estimates and assumptions related to evaluating the probability of uncertain income tax positions. We base our estimates and assumptions on the potential liability related to an assessment of whether the income tax position will “more likely than not” be sustained in an income tax audit. We are also subject to periodic audits from multiple domestic and foreign tax authorities related to income tax, sales and use tax, personal property tax, and other forms of taxation. These audits examine our tax positions, timing of income and deductions, and allocation procedures across multiple jurisdictions. As part of our evaluation of these tax issues, we establish reserves in our consolidated financial statements based on our estimate of current probable tax exposures. Depending on the nature of the tax issue, we could be subject to audit over several years. Therefore, our estimated reserve balances and liability related to uncertain income tax positions may exist for multiple years before the applicable statute of limitations expires or before the taxing authority resolves an issue.  Additionally, we may be requested to extend the statute of limitations for tax years under audit.  The majority of current liability related to uncertain income tax positions is associated with an ongoing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit.  It is reasonably possible the tax jurisdiction may request that the statute of limitations be extended, which may cause the classification between current and long-term to change. We believe that our tax liabilities related to uncertain tax positions are based upon reasonable judgment and estimates; however, if actual results materially differ, our effective income tax rate and cash flows could be affected in the period of discovery or resolution.

We also review the estimates and assumptions used in evaluating the probability of realizing the future benefits of our deferred tax assets and record a valuation allowance when we believe that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. If we are unable to realize the expected future benefits of our deferred tax assets, we are required to provide a valuation allowance. We use our history and experience, overall profitability, future management plans, and current economic information to evaluate the amount of valuation allowance to record. As of December 31, 2012, we maintained a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets arising from our operations of $8.5 million because they did not meet the “more likely than not” criteria as defined by the recognition and measurement provisions of Topic 740.  In addition, as of December 31, 2012, we had deferred tax assets, after valuation allowance, totaling $3.3 million, which may not be realized if our assumptions and estimates change, which would affect our effective income tax rate and cash flows in the period of discovery or resolution.

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue

We derive revenue from sales of individual products, sales of starter and renewal packs, and shipping fees. Substantially all product and pack sales are made to independent associates at published wholesale prices and to members at discounted published retail prices. We record revenue net of any sales taxes and records a reserve for expected sales returns based on its historical experience.

 
We recognize revenue from shipped packs and products upon receipt by the customer. We recognize corporate-sponsored event revenue when the event is held. We defer certain components of our revenue. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, deferred revenue was $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and consisted primarily of revenue received from: (i) sales of packs and products shipped but not received by the customers by period end; and (ii) prepaid registration fees from customers planning to attend a future corporate-sponsored event.

We estimate a sales return reserve for expected sales refunds based on historical experience over a rolling six-month period. If actual results differ from our estimated sales return reserve due to various factors, the amount of revenue recorded each period could be materially affected. Historically, sales returns have not materially changed through the years, as the majority of our customers who return their merchandise do so within the first 90 days after the original sale. Sales returns have averaged 1.5% or less of our gross sales. For the year ended December 31, 2012 our sales return reserve was composed of the following (in thousands):

Sales reserve as of January 1, 2012
   $ 528  
Provision related to sales made in 2012
     1,487  
Provision related to sales made prior to 2012
     (319 )
Actual returns or credits in 2012 related to 2012
     (1,316 )
Actual returns or credits in 2012 related to prior periods
     (224 )
Sales reserve as of December 31, 2012
   $ 156  

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

We grant stock options to our employees, board members, and consultants. At the date of grant, we determine the fair value of a stock option award and recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period, or the vesting period of such stock option award, which is two to four years. The fair value of the stock option award is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (the “calculated fair value”). The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires us to apply judgment and use highly subjective assumptions, including expected stock option life, expected volatility, expected average risk-free interest rates, and expected forfeiture rates. For the year ended December 31, 2012, our assumptions and estimates used for the calculated fair value of stock options granted in 2012 were as follows:

   
January
2012
grant
    
May
2012
grant
  
Estimated fair value per share of options granted:
   $ 2.64     $ 3.21  
Assumptions:
                
Annualized dividend yield
     0.00 %     0.00 %
Risk-free rate of return
     .75 %     .62 %
Common stock price volatility
     78.4 %     81.6 %
Expected average life of stock options (in years)
     4.5       4.5  

Historically, our estimates and underlying assumptions have not materially deviated from our actual reported results and rates. However, we base assumptions we use on our best estimates, which involves inherent uncertainties based on market conditions that are outside of our control. If actual results are not consistent with the assumptions we use, the stock-based compensation expense reported in our consolidated financial statements may not be representative of the actual economic cost of stock-based compensation. For example, if actual employee forfeitures significantly differ from our estimated forfeitures, we may be required to adjust our consolidated financial statements in future periods. As of December 31, 2012, using our current assumptions and estimates, we anticipate recognizing $0.1 million in gross compensation expense through 2014 related to unvested stock options outstanding.

If we grant additional stock options in the future, we would be required to recognize additional compensation expense over the vesting period of such stock options in our consolidated statement of operations. Gross compensation expense would equal the calculated fair value of such stock options, which is dependent on the assumptions used to calculate such fair value, but ranges from 34% to 69% of the exercise price multiplied by the number of stock options awarded. As of December 31, 2012, we had 148,434 shares available for grant in the future.


Contingencies and Litigation

Each quarter, we evaluate the need to establish a reserve for any legal claims or assessments. We base our evaluation on our best estimates of the potential liability in such matters. The legal reserve includes an estimated amount for any damages and the probability of losing any threatened legal claims or assessments. The legal reserve is developed in consultation with our general and outside counsel and is based upon a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. Although we believe that our legal reserves and accruals are based on reasonable judgments and estimates, actual results could differ, which may expose us to material gains or losses in future periods. If actual results differ, if circumstances change, or if we experience an unanticipated adverse outcome of any legal action, including any claim or assessment, we would be required to recognize the estimated amount that could reduce net income, earnings per share, and cash flows.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 2 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
Item 7A.

We do not engage in trading market risk sensitive instruments and do not purchase investments as hedges or for purposes “other than trading” that are likely to expose us to certain types of market risk, including interest rate, commodity price, or equity price risk. Although we have investments, we believe there has been no material change in our exposure to interest rate risk. We have not issued any debt instruments, entered into any forward or futures contracts, purchased any options, or entered into any swap agreements.

We are exposed, however, to other market risks, including changes in currency exchange rates as measured against the United States dollar. Because the change in value of the United States dollar measured against foreign currency may affect our consolidated financial results, changes in foreign currency exchange rates could positively or negatively affect our results as expressed in the United States dollars. For example, when the United States dollar strengthens against foreign currencies in which our products are sold or weakens against foreign currencies in which we may incur costs, our consolidated net sales or related costs and expenses could be adversely affected.

We believe inflation has not had a material impact on our consolidated operations or profitability. We expanded into Canada in 1996, into Australia in 1998, into the United Kingdom in 1999, into Japan in 2000, into New Zealand in 2002, into the Republic of Korea in 2004, into Taiwan and Denmark in 2005, into Germany in 2006, into South Africa and Singapore in 2008, into Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden in 2009, into Mexico, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Namibia and the Republic of Ireland in 2011and into Hong Kong and the Ukraine in 2012. We translate our revenues and expenses in foreign markets using an average rate.

We maintain policies, procedures, and internal processes in an effort to help monitor any significant market risks and we do not use any financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks. We assess the anticipated foreign currency working capital requirements of our foreign operations and maintain a portion of our cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies sufficient to satisfy most of these anticipated requirements.

We caution that we cannot predict with any certainty our future exposure to such currency exchange rate fluctuations or the impact, if any, such fluctuations may have on our future business, product pricing, operating expenses, and on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, to combat such market risk, we closely monitor our exposure to currency fluctuations. The regions and countries in which we currently have exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk include (i) North America (Canada and Mexico); (ii) EMEA (Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom); (iii) Asia/Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan). The current (spot) rate, average currency exchange rates, and the low and high of such currency exchange rates as compared to the United States dollar, for each of these countries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 were as follows:

   
Year ended December 31, 2012
    
As of December 31, 2012
  
Country (foreign currency name)
  
Low
    
High
    
Average
    
Spot
  
Australia (Dollar)
     0.9577       1.0856       1.0359       1.0374  
Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Estonia, Finland, and the Republic of Ireland (Euro)
     1.2042       1.3486       1.2861       1.3218  
Canada (Dollar)
     0.9572       1.0380       1.0001       1.0034  
Czech Republic (Koruna)
     0.04464       0.05813       0.05122       0.05274  
Denmark (Krone)
     0.1619       0.1975       0.1728       0.1773  
Japan (Yen)
     0.01154       0.01315       0.01254       0.01165  
Mexico (Peso)
     0.06847       0.07956       0.07613       0.07688  
New Zealand (Dollar)
     0.7452       0.8476       0.8104       0.8201  
Norway (Krone)
     0.16200       0.18100       0.17204       0.17910  
Republic of Korea (Won)
     0.00082       0.00094       0.00089       0.00094  
Singapore (Dollar)
     0.7689       0.8228       0.8006       0.8173  
South Africa (Rand)
     0.11090       0.13510       0.12227       0.11800  
Sweden (Krona)
     0.1213       0.1544       0.1478       0.1538  
Switzerland (Franc)
     1.0027       1.1196       1.0671       1.0949  
Taiwan (Dollar)
     0.03204       0.03455       0.03391       0.03446  
United Kingdom (British Pound)
     1.5232       1.6308       1.5851       1.6168  
 
Item 8.

Our Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data required by this Item 8 are set forth in Item 15 of this report.

Item 9.
 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.

Item 9A.
 Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d – 15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, there were no changes in our internal control over our financial reporting that we believe materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a – 13(f) or Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes: maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our consolidated financial statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of company assets are made in accordance with management authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our consolidated financial statements would be prevented or detected.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.
 

Item 9B.
 Other Information
 
None.

PART III

Documents Incorporated by Reference
 
The information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2012.

PART IV

Item 15.
 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
   
(a) Documents filed as a part of the report:

1. Consolidated Financial Statements

The following financial statements and the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms are filed as a part of this report on the pages indicated:

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, December 31, 2012 and 2011
F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7

2. Financial Statement Schedule

The financial statement schedule required by this item is included as an Exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule.

3. Exhibit List

See Index to Exhibits following our Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED
   
Dated: March 27, 2013
By: 
/s/ Robert A. Sinnott
   
Robert A. Sinnott
   
Chief Executive Officer
 
   
Dated: March 27, 2013
By: 
/s/ S. Mark Nicholls
   
S. Mark Nicholls
   
Chief Financial Officer

 
POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned directors and officers of Mannatech, Incorporated hereby constitute and appoint Larry A. Jobe and S. Mark Nicholls, and each of them, with the power to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, our true and lawful attorneys-in fact and agents with full power to execute in our name and behalf in the capacities indicated below any and all amendments to this report and to file the same, with all exhibits and other documents relating thereto and hereby ratify and confirm all that such attorneys-in-fact, or either of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated:

Signature
  
Title
  
Date
         
/s/ Robert A. Sinnott
  
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Science Officer
(principal executive officer)
  
March 27, 2013
Robert A. Sinnott
         
/s/ S. Mark Nicholls
  
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial and accounting officer)
  
March 27, 2013
S. Mark Nicholls
         
 /s/ J. Stanley Fredrick
  
Chairman of the Board
  
March 27, 2013
J. Stanley Fredrick
         
/s/ Alan D. Kennedy
  
Director
  
March 27, 2013
Alan D. Kennedy
         
/s/ Gerald E. Gilbert
  
Director
  
March 27, 2013
Gerald E. Gilbert
         
/s/ Marlin Ray Robbins
  
Director
  
March 27, 2013
Marlin Ray Robbins
         
/s/ Larry A. Jobe
  
Director
  
March 27, 2013
Larry A. Jobe
         
/s/ Robert A. Toth
  
Director
  
March 27, 2013
Robert A. Toth

 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, December 31, 2012 and 2011
F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Mannatech, Incorporated
Coppell, Texas

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mannatech, Incorporated and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2012.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mannatech, Incorporated and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 27, 2013


MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share information)

   
December 31,
  
   
2012
    
2011
  
ASSETS
            
Cash and cash equivalents
   $ 14,377     $ 18,057  
Restricted cash
     1,515       1,263  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $20 and $22 in 2012 and 2011, respectively
     324       304  
Income tax receivable
     884       888  
Inventories, net
     15,154       17,786  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
     2,487       2,497  
Deferred tax assets
     561       936  
Total current assets
     35,302       41,731  
Property and equipment, net
     4,825       9,566  
Construction in progress
     8       —  
Long-term restricted cash
     3,736       3,386  
Other assets
     3,187       2,815  
Long-term deferred tax assets
     502       772  
Total assets
   $ 47,560     $ 58,270  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                
Current portion of capital leases
   $ 780     $ 852  
Accounts payable
     4,154       4,825  
Accrued expenses
     6,348       10,514  
Commissions and incentives payable
     7,373       8,567  
Taxes payable
     3,901       3,364  
Current deferred tax liability
     179       185  
Deferred revenue
     1,486       1,569  
Total current liabilities
     24,221       29,876  
Capital leases, excluding current portion
     938       1,358  
Long-term deferred tax liabilities
     2       1  
Other long-term liabilities
     2,178       5,382  
Total liabilities
     27,339       36,617  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
                
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
                
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
     —       —  
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 99,000,000 shares authorized, 2,768,972 shares issued and 2,647,735 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2,769,756 shares issued and 2,648,518 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011
     —       —  
Additional paid-in capital
     42,614       42,408  
Accumulated deficit
     (6,920 )     (5,532 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
     (677 )     (427 )
Less treasury stock, at cost, 121,237 shares in 2012 and 2011
     (14,796 )     (14,796 )
Total shareholders’ equity
     20,221       21,653  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
   $ 47,560     $ 58,270  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share information)

   
For the years ended December 31,
  
   
2012
    
2011
  
Net sales
   $ 173,447     $ 200,689  
Cost of sales
     34,641       38,515  
Gross profit
     138,806       162,174  
                 
Operating expenses:
                
Commissions and incentives
     73,823       87,426  
Selling and administrative expenses
     37,176       47,821  
Depreciation and amortization
     4,755       10,697  
Other operating costs
     24,032       33,119  
Total operating expenses
     139,786       179,063  
                 
Loss from operations
     (980 )     (16,889 )
Interest income
     50       117  
Other income (expense), net
     630       (1,106 )
Loss before income taxes
     (300 )     (17,878 )
                 
Provision for income taxes
     (1,088 )     (2,781 )
Net loss
   $ (1,388 )   $ (20,659 )
                 
Loss per common share:
                
Basic
   $ (0.52 )   $ (7.80 )
Diluted
   $ (0.52 )   $ (7.80 )
                 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
                
Basic
     2,648       2,649  
Diluted
     2,648       2,649  
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(in thousands)
 
    For the years ended December 31,  
    2012     2011  
Net loss
   $ (1,388 )   $ (20,659 )
Foreign currency translations (loss) gain
     (565 )     893  
Pension obligations, net of tax (provision) of ($197) and benefit of $9 in 2012 and 2011, respectively
     315       (12 )
Comprehensive loss
   $ (1,638 )   $ (19,778 )
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’EQUITY
(in thousands)
 
   
Common
stock
Par value
    
Additional
paid in
capital
    
Retained
earnings
(Accumulated
deficit)
    
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
    
Treasury
stock
    
Total
shareholders’
equity
  
Balance at January 1, 2011
   $ —     $ 42,052     $ 15,127     $ (1,308 )   $ (14,791 )   $ 41,080  
Charge related to stock-based compensation
     —       356       —       —       —       356  
Repurchase of common stock
     —       —       —       —       (5 )     (5 )
Foreign currency translation
     —       —       —       893       —       893  
Pension obligations, net of tax of $9
     —       —       —       (12 )     —       (12 )
Net loss
     —       —       (20,659 )     —       —       (20,659 )
Balance at December 31, 2011
   $ —     $ 42,408     $ (5,532 )   $ (427 )   $ (14,796 )   $ 21,653  
Charge related to stock-based compensation
     —       209       —       —       —       209  
Repurchase of fractional shares from reverse stock split
     —       (3 )     —       —       —       (3 )
Foreign currency translation
     —       —       —       (565 )     —       (565 )
Pension obligations, net of tax of $197
     —       —       —       315       —       315  
Net loss
     —       —       (1,388 )     —       —       (1,388 )
Balance at December 31, 2012
   $ —     $ 42,614     $ (6,920 )   $ (677 )   $ (14,796 )   $ 20,221  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

   
For the years ended December 31,
  
   
2012
    
2011
  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
            
Net loss
   $ (1,388 )   $ (20,659 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
                
Depreciation and amortization
     4,755       10,697  
Provision for inventory losses
     1,766       3,660  
Provision for doubtful accounts
     8       61  
Loss on disposal of assets
     102       136  
Accounting charge related to stock-based compensation expense
     209       356  
Deferred income taxes
     583       (380 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                
Accounts receivable
     (40 )     59  
Income tax receivable
     4       29  
Inventories
     1,065       2,539  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
     610       1,883  
Other assets
     (144 )     240  
Accounts payable
     (646 )     (730 )
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
     (7,314 )     565  
Taxes payable
     508       (347 )
Commissions and incentives payable
     (1,186 )     (622 )
Deferred revenue
     (84 )     (361 )
Net cash used in operating activities
     (1,192 )     (2,874 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                
Acquisition of property and equipment
     (379 )     (777 )
Proceeds from sales of assets
     111       74  
Change in restricted cash
     (336 )     80  
Net cash used in investing activities
     (604 )     (623 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                
Repurchase of common stock
     —       (5 )
Repurchase of fractional shares from reverse stock split
     (3 )     —  
Repayment of capital lease obligations
     (1,074 )     (1,160 )
Net cash used in financing activities
     (1,077 )     (1,165 )
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
     (807 )     1,135  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
     (3,680 )     (3,527 )
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
     18,057       21,584  
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of  the year
   $ 14,377     $ 18,057  
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                
Income taxes paid, net
   $ 876     $ 480  
Interest paid on capital leases
   $ 171     $ 167  
Summary of non-cash investing and financing activities:
                
Assets acquired through capital lease
   $ 57     $ 787  
Note receivable, net relating to sale of property and equipment
   $ 237     $ —  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Mannatech, Incorporated (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), located in Coppell, Texas, was incorporated in the state of Texas on November 4, 1993 and is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “MTEX”. The Company develops, markets, and sells high-quality, proprietary nutritional supplements, topical and skin care products, and weight-management products. We currently sell our products into three regions: (i) North America (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, Sweden, and the United Kingdom); (iii) Asia/Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan). In November 2012, the Company commenced the shipment of its products to the Ukraine and in December 2012, the Company commenced the shipment of its products to Hong Kong.

Independent associates (“associates”) purchase the Company’s products at published wholesale prices to either sell to retail customers or for personal use. Members purchase the Company’s products at a discount from published retail prices primarily for personal use. The Company cannot distinguish products sold for personal use from other sales because it is not involved with the products after delivery, other than usual and customary product warranties and returns. Only independent associates are eligible to earn commissions and incentives.

On January 9, 2012, the Board of Directors passed a resolution to effect a 1-for-10 reverse stock split, which became effective on January 13, 2012.  Accordingly, common share and per share information have been retroactively restated in these financial statements to reflect the reverse-stock split.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements and footnotes include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates that affect the reported value of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other factors. The Company continually evaluates the information used to make these estimates as the business and economic environment changes. Historically, actual results have not varied materially from the Company’s estimates and the Company does not currently anticipate a significant change in its assumptions related to these estimates. However, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The use of estimates is pervasive throughout the consolidated financial statements, but the accounting policies and estimates considered the most significant are described in this note to the consolidated financial statements, Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Foreign Currency Translation

The United States dollar is the functional currency for the majority of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. As a result, nonmonetary assets and liabilities are translated at their approximate historical rates, monetary assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the end of the year, and revenues and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates for the year. Transaction gains (losses) totaled approximately $0.7 million and ($1.5) million, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and are included in other income (expense), net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 
The local currency is the functional currency of our subsidiaries in Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Norway, Sweden, and Mexico. These subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities are translated into the United States dollars at exchange rates existing at the balance sheet dates, revenues and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates, and shareholders’ equity and intercompany balances are translated at historical exchange rates. The foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company includes in its cash and cash equivalents credit card receivables due from its credit card processor, as the cash proceeds from credit card receivables are received within 24 to 72 hours. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, credit card receivables were $1.7 million for each year and cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts in foreign countries totaled $10.8 million and $10.5 million, respectively. The Company invests cash in liquid instruments, such as money market funds and interest bearing deposits.  The Company also holds cash in high quality financial institutions and does not believe it has an excessive exposure to credit concentration risk.

Restricted Cash

The Company is required to restrict cash for: (i) direct selling insurance premiums and credit card sales in the Republic of Korea; (ii) reserve on credit card sales in the United States and Canada; and (iii) Australia building lease collateral. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, our total restricted cash was $5.3 million and $4.6 million, respectively. The increase in restricted cash was primarily related to the increased credit card requirements and foreign currency fluctuations in Korea.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Receivables are created upon shipment of an order if the credit card payment is rejected or does not match the order total. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, receivables consisted primarily of amounts due from members and associates. The Company periodically evaluates its receivables for collectability based on historical experience, recent account activities, and the length of time receivables are past due and writes-off receivables when they become uncollectible. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company held an allowance for doubtful accounts of less than $0.1 million.

Inventories

Inventories consist of raw materials, finished goods, and promotional materials that are stated at the lower of cost or market (using standard costs that approximate average costs). The Company periodically reviews inventories for obsolescence and any inventories identified as obsolete are reserved or written off.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each asset. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvements. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The cost of property and equipment sold or otherwise retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in other operating costs in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. The estimated useful lives of fixed assets are as follows:

   
Estimated useful life
Office furniture and equipment
    5 to 7 
years
Computer hardware and software
    3 to 5 
years
Automobiles
    3 to 5 
years
Leasehold improvements(1)
    2 to 10 
years
(1) The Company amortizes leasehold improvements over the shorter of the useful estimated life of the leased asset or the lease term.

Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. The impairment review includes a comparison of future projected cash flows generated by the asset or group of assets with its associated net carrying value. If the net carrying value of the asset or group of assets exceeds expected cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges), an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.  We determined that no impairment indicators existed during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 
Other Assets

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, other assets were $3.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, primarily consisting of deposits for building leases in various locations of $1.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Additionally, included in the December 31, 2012 and 2011 balances was $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively,  representing a deposit with Mutual Aid Cooperative and Consumer in the Republic of Korea, an organization established by the Republic of Korea’s Fair Trade Commission to protect consumers who participate in network marketing activities. Also included in the December 31, 2012 and 2011 balances was $0.2 million of indefinite lived intangible assets relating to the Manapol® powder trademark.

Additionally, in July 2012, the Company entered into a Services Agreement with Integrated Distribution and Logistics Direct, LLC (doing business as SPExpress) whereby Mannatech began outsourcing its United States warehousing and distribution functions to SPExpress. In connection with such outsourcing arrangement, the Company sold certain assets related to distribution and warehousing and recorded a secured non-interest bearing promissory note of $0.3 million. Of that amount, $0.2 million net of imputed interest was recorded as a long-term note receivable included in other assets and $0.1 million representing the current portion was recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

In August 2003, the Company entered into a Long-Term Post-Employment Royalty Agreement with Dr. Bill McAnalley, the Company’s former Chief Science Officer, pursuant to which the Company is required to pay Dr. McAnalley, or his heirs, royalties for ten years beginning September 2005 through August 2015. Quarterly payments related to this Long-Term Post-Employment Royalty Agreement are based on certain applicable annual global product sales by the Company in excess of $105.4 million. At the time the Company entered into this Long-Term Post-Employment Royalty Agreement, it was considered a post-employment benefit and the Company was required to measure and accrue the present value of the estimated future royalty payments related to the post-employment royalty benefit and recognize it over the life of Dr. McAnalley’s employment agreement, which was two years. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s liability related to this royalty agreement was $0.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of which $0.1 million was currently due and included in accrued expenses. The decline in the royalty liability was associated with a decline in estimated annual global product sales by the Company in excess of $105.4 million that reduced estimated future royalty payments. The Company recorded a reduction to the long-term accrued royalty liability in the fourth quarter of 2012 favorably impacting other operating expenses by $0.8 million.

Certain operating leases for the Company’s regional office facilities contain a restoration clause that requires the Company to restore the premises to its original condition. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, accrued restoration costs related to these leases amounted to $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company also recorded a long-term liability for an estimated defined benefit obligation related to a non-U.S. defined benefit plan for its Japan operations of $0.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The decline in the estimated defined benefit obligation related to the recognition of a prior service benefit resulting from the amendment to its non-U.S. defined benefit plan dated July 1, 2012.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue is derived from sales of individual products, sales of its starter and renewal packs, and shipping fees. Substantially all of the Company’s product and pack sales are made to independent associates at published wholesale prices and to members at discounted published retail prices. The Company records revenue net of any sales taxes and records a reserve for expected sales returns based on its historical experience.

The Company recognizes revenue from shipped packs and products upon receipt by the customer. Corporate-sponsored event revenue is recognized when the event is held. The Company defers certain components of its revenue. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company’s deferred revenue was $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and consisted primarily of revenue received from: (i) sales of packs and products shipped but not received by the customers by period end; and (ii) prepaid registration fees from customers planning to attend a future corporate-sponsored event.

 
We estimate a sales return reserve for expected sales refunds based on our historical experience over a rolling six- month period. If actual results differ from our estimated sales return reserve due to various factors, the amount of revenue recorded each period could be materially affected. Historically, our sales returns have not materially changed through the years, as the majority of our customers who return their merchandise do so within the first 90 days after the original sale. Sales returns have averaged 1.5% or less of our gross sales. For the year ended December 31, 2012 our sales return reserve was composed of the following (in thousands):

Sales reserve as of January 1, 2012
   $ 528  
Provision related to sales made in 2012
     1,487  
Provision related to sales made prior to 2012
     (319 )
Actual returns or credits in 2012 related to 2012
     (1,316 )
Actual returns or credits in 2012 related to prior periods
     (224 )
Sales reserve as of December 31, 2012
   $ 156  

Shipping and Handling Costs

The Company records freight and shipping fees collected from its customers as revenue. The Company records inbound freight as a component of inventory and cost of sales. To improve the matching of costs associated with the revenue from freight and shipping fees collected, freight charges associated with shipping products to our customers were reclassified to costs of sales from selling and administrative expenses. Total revenue from freight and shipping fees were approximately $6.2 million and $7.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Total freight costs included in cost of sales were approximately $7.2 million and $7.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
Expenses associated with our distribution center and third party distribution facility agreements continue to be reported in selling and administrative expenses. Total distribution expenses included in selling and administrative expenses were approximately $2.6 million and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Commission and Incentive Expenses

Independent associates earn commissions and incentives based on their direct and indirect commissionable net sales over 13 business periods. Each business period equals 28 days. The Company accrues commissions and incentives when earned by independent associates and pays commissions on product sales three weeks following the business period end and pays commissions on its pack sales five weeks following the business period end.

In order to more closely conform to the financial presentations of our competitors, commission and incentive expenses were reclassified to operating expenses from costs of sales. Total commission and incentive expenses reclassified to operating expenses were approximately $73.8 million and $87.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Advertising Expenses

The Company expenses advertising and promotions in selling and administrative expenses when incurred. Advertising and promotional expenses were approximately $4.2 million and $4.7 million, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Educational and promotional items, called sales aids, are sold to independent associates to assist in their sales efforts and are included in inventories and charged to cost of sales when sold.

Research and Development Expenses

The Company expenses research and development expenses as incurred. Research and development expenses related to new product development, enhancement of existing products, clinical studies and trials, Food and Drug Administration compliance studies, general supplies, internal salaries, third-party contractors, and consulting fees were approximately $1.9 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Salaries and contract labor are included in selling and administrative expenses and all other research and development costs are included in other operating costs.

 
Stock-Based Compensation

The Company currently has one active stock-based compensation plan, which was approved by its shareholders at its 2008 Annual Shareholder’s meeting held on June 18, 2008. The Company grants stock options to its employees, consultants, and board members with an exercise price equal to the closing price of its common stock on the date of grant with a term no greater than 10 years. The majority of stock options vest over two or three years. Incentive stock options granted to shareholders who own 10% or more of the Company’s outstanding stock are granted at an exercise price that may not be less than 110% of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and have a term no greater than five years. At the date of grant, the Company determines the fair value of the stock option award and recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period, or the vesting period of the award. The fair value of the stock option award is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company records stock-based compensation expense in selling and administrative expenses

Software Development Costs

The Company capitalizes qualifying internal payroll and external contracting and consulting costs related to the development of internal use software that are incurred during the application development stage, which includes design of the software configuration and interfaces, coding, installation, and testing. Costs incurred during the preliminary project along with post-implementation stages of internal use software are expensed as incurred. The Company amortizes such costs over the estimated useful life of the software, which is three to five years once the software is placed in service.

Other Operating Costs

Other operating costs include travel, accounting/legal/consulting fees, credit card processing fees, banking fees, off-site storage fees, utilities, and other miscellaneous operating expenses.

Income Taxes

The Company determines the provision for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company evaluates the probability of realizing the future benefits of its deferred tax assets and provides a valuation allowance for the portion of any deferred tax assets where the likelihood of realizing an income tax benefit in the future does not meet the more likely than not criterion for recognition.  The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained.  Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being recognized.  Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.  The Company recognizes both interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of the income tax provision.

Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources and includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The Company’s comprehensive income (loss) consists of the Company’s net income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustments from its Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Norway, and Sweden operations, and changes in the pension obligation for its Japanese employees.

Concentration Risk

A significant portion of the Company’s revenue is derived from core Ambrotose® complex products, which include the Ambrotose® products and Advanced Ambrotose® products. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, revenue from the core Ambrotose® products accounted for 45.2% and 41.0% of the Company’s consolidated net sales, respectively.

 
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, investments, receivables, and restricted cash. The Company utilizes financial institutions that the Company considers to be of high credit quality and periodically evaluates the credit rating of such institutions and the allocation of their investments to minimize exposure to credit concentration risk.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits, money market investments, receivables, payables, and accrued expenses, approximate their carrying values due to their relatively short maturities. See Note 3 (“Fair Value”) for more information.

NOTE 2: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. Under this standard, entities testing long-lived intangible assets for impairment now have an option of performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. If an entity determines, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is more-likely-than-not less than the carrying amount, the existing quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise, no further impairment testing is required. This ASU is effective beginning January 1, 2013, with early adoption permitted under certain conditions. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Under this standard, entities will be required to disclose additional information with respect to changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) balances by component and significant items reclassified out of AOCI. Expanded disclosures for presentation of changes in AOCI involve disaggregating the total change of each component of other comprehensive income (for example, unrealized gains or losses on available for sale marketable securities) as well as presenting separately for each such component the portion of the change in AOCI related to (1) amounts reclassified into income and (2) current-period other comprehensive income. Additionally, for amounts reclassified into income, disclosure in one location would be required, based upon each specific AOCI component, of the amounts impacting individual income statement line items. Disclosure of the income statement line item impacts will be required only for components of AOCI reclassified into income in their entirety. Therefore, disclosure of the income statement line items affected by AOCI components such as net periodic benefit costs would not be included. The disclosures required with respect to income statement line item impacts would be made in either the notes to the consolidated financial statements or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements. This ASU is effective beginning January 1, 2013. Because this standard only impacts presentation and disclosure requirements, its adoption will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

Other recently issued accounting pronouncements did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future financial statements.

NOTE 3: FAIR VALUE

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial assets and to determine fair value disclosures.

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Topic of the FASB ASC establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires the use of observable market data, when available, and prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value in the following categories:

·      Level 1—Quoted unadjusted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

·      Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which all observable inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

·      Level 3—Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable, including assumptions developed by the Company.

 
The primary objective of the Company’s investment activities is to preserve principal while maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. The investment instruments held by the Company are money market funds and interest bearing deposits for which quoted market prices are readily available. The Company considers these highly liquid investments to be cash equivalents. These investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets. The tables below present the recorded amount of financial assets measured at fair value (in thousands) on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company did not have any material financial liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 
2012  
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
    
Total
  
Assets
                        
Money Market Funds – Fidelity, US
   $ 1,141     $ —     $ —     $ 1,141  
Interest bearing deposits – various banks, Korea
     2,686       —       —       2,686  
Total assets
   $ 3,827     $ —     $ —     $ 3,827  
Amounts included in:
                                
Cash and cash equivalents
   $ 1,141     $ —     $ —     $ 1,141  
Long-term restricted cash
     2,686       —       —       2,686  
Total
   $ 3,827     $ —     $ —     $ 3,827  
 
2011
    
Level 1
      
Level 2
      
Level 3
      
Total
  
Assets
                                
Money Market Funds – Fidelity, US
   $ $4,038     $ $—     $ $—     $ $4,038  
Interest bearing deposits – various banks, Korea
     2,476       —       —       2,476  
Total assets
   $ 6,514     $ —     $ —     $ 6,514  
Amounts included in:
                                
Cash and cash equivalents
   $ $4,124     $ $—     $ $—     $ $4,124  
Long-term restricted cash
     2,390       —       —       2,390  
Total
   $ 6,514     $ —     $ —     $ 6,514  

NOTE 4: INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of raw materials, finished goods, and promotional materials. The Company provides an allowance for any slow-moving or obsolete inventories. Inventories as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
2012
    
2011
  
Raw materials
   $ 6,071     $ 6,850  
Finished goods
     10,702       13,247  
Inventory reserves for obsolescence
     (1,619 )     (2,311 )
Total
   $ 15,154     $ 17,786  


NOTE 5: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
2012
    
2011
  
Office furniture and equipment
   $ 9,315     $ 11,560  
Computer hardware
     10,096       13,029  
Computer software
     46,541       46,738  
Automobiles
     133       165  
Leasehold improvements
     12,380       12,317  
      78,465       83,809  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
     (73,640 )     (74,243 )
Property and equipment, net
     4,825       9,566  
Construction in process
     8       —  
Total
   $ 4,833     $ 9,566  

NOTE 6: CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the net book value of leased assets was $1.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively for leased equipment, purchased licenses, and corporate insurance. The future minimum lease payments (in thousands) are as follows:

2013
   $ 900  
2014
     548  
2015
     349  
2016
     137  
2017
     12  
Total future minimum lease payments
     1,946  
Less: Amounts representing interest (effective interest rate 9.52%)
     (228 )
Present value of minimum lease payments
     1,718  
Current portion of capital lease obligations
     (780 )
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations
   $ 938  

NOTE 7: ACCRUED EXPENSES

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
2012
    
2011
  
Accrued inventory purchases
   $ 25     $ 364  
Accrued compensation
     1,655       1,987  
Accrued royalties
     252       391  
Accrued sales and other taxes
     722       330  
Other accrued operating expenses
     840       1,494  
Customer deposits and sales returns
     168       537  
Accrued travel expenses related to corporate events
     604       585  
Accrued shipping and handling costs
     945       561  
Fixed asset purchases
     —       40  
Rent expense
     144       253  
Accrued legal and accounting fees
     993       3,972  
    $ 6,348     $ 10,514  

 
NOTE 8: INCOME TAXES

The components of the Company’s income (loss) before income taxes are attributable to the following jurisdictions for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
     
2012
      
2011
  
United States
  
$
(778
)
  
$
(11,551
)
Foreign
    
478
      
(6,327
)
   
$
     (300
)
  
$
(17,878
)

The components of the Company’s income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands):
 
Current provision (benefit):
    
2012
      
2011
  
Federal
  
$
(743
)
  
$
2,002
  
State
    
7
      
127
  
Foreign
    
1,437
      
1,197
  
     
701
      
3,326
  
Deferred provision (benefit):
                
Federal
    
—
      
(347
)
State
    
—
      
18
  
Foreign
    
387
      
(216
)
     
387
      
(545
)
   
$
1,088
    
$
    2,781
  

A reconciliation of the Company’s effective income tax rate and the United States federal statutory income tax rate is summarized as follows, for the years ended December 31:
 
   
2012
    
2011
  
Federal statutory income taxes
     35.0 %     35.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
     2.6       1.1  
Difference in foreign and United States tax on foreign operations
     (194.0 )     (6.7 )
Effect of changes in valuation allowance for net operating loss carryforwards
     (106.2 )     (32.1 )
Effect of change in uncertain tax positions (net)
     315.2       (10.5 )
Federal Sub-Part F Income from foreign operations
     (170.2 )     (2.9 )
Research and experimentation income tax credits
     0.0       0.0  
Other
     (245.5 )     0.5  
      (363.1 )%     (15.6 )%

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s effective tax rate was (363.1)% and (15.6)%, respectively. For 2012, the Company had a provision for income tax despite the pre-tax losses primarily because of increases in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, increases in uncertain income tax positions, and differences from foreign operations. For 2011, the Company’s effective income tax rate was lower than what would be expected if the federal statutory income tax rate were applied to income before taxes primarily because of increases in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, increases in uncertain income tax positions, and favorable differences from foreign operations.

 
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

   
2012
    
2011
  
Deferred tax assets:
            
Current:
            
Deferred revenue
   $ 7     $ 23  
Inventory capitalization
     429       837  
Inventory reserves
     457       451  
Accrued expenses
     935       2,643  
Other
     66       147  
Total current deferred tax assets
     1,894       4,101  
Noncurrent:
                
Depreciation and amortization
     1,508       1,539  
Net operating loss(1)
     6,255       5,731  
Deferred royalty
     119       482  
Non-cash accounting charges related to stock options and warrants
     491       684  
Accrued expenses
     409       79  
Other
     1,117       1,176  
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets
     9,899       9,691  
Total deferred tax assets
     11,793       13,792  
Valuation allowance
     (8,519 )     (9,503 )
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
   $ 3,274     $ 4,289  
Deferred tax liabilities:
                
Current:
                
Prepaid expenses
   $ 576     $ 528  
Other
     0       18  
Total current deferred tax liabilities
     576       546  
Noncurrent:
                
Internally-developed software
     37       740  
Depreciation and amortization
     2       —  
Sub-Part F Income Deferred
     1,830       1,320  
Other
     (53 )     161  
Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
     1,816       2,221  
Total deferred tax liabilities
   $ 2,392     $ 2,767  
 
(1)
The Company’s net operating loss will expire as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Jurisdiction
  
Gross
NOL
    
Tax
Effected
NOL
  
Expiration Years
  
Denmark
   $ 3     $ 1  
Indefinite
  
Mexico
     7,587       2,276   2020-2021  
Norway
     743       208  
Indefinite
  
Singapore
     59       10  
Indefinite
  
Sweden
     502       132  
Indefinite
  
Switzerland
     12,448       1,144   2016-2018  
Taiwan
     7,012       1,192   2016-2021  
United States (federal)
     1,837       643   2030-2031  
United States (states)
     25,960       649   2015-2031  


At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s valuation allowance was $8.5 million and $9.5 million, respectively. The provisions of Topic 740 require a company to record a valuation allowance when the “more likely than not” criterion for realizing a deferred tax asset cannot be met. A company is to use judgment in reviewing both positive and negative evidence of realizing a deferred tax asset. Furthermore, the weight given to the potential effect of such evidence is commensurate with the extent the evidence can be objectively verified.

The valuation allowances presented below (in millions) at December 31, 2012 and 2011, represented a reserve against the Company’s net deferred tax asset the Company believed the “more likely than not” criterion for recognition purposes could not be met.

Country
  
2012
    
2011
  
Mexico
   $ 2,276     $ 1,889  
Norway
     208       198  
Sweden
     132       122  
Switzerland
     1,043       784  
Taiwan
     1,192       1,074  
United States
     3,668       5,436  
Total
   $ 8,519     $ 9,503  
 
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not record a provision for any United States or foreign withholding taxes on its undistributed earnings related to its foreign subsidiaries because it is the intention of the Company to reinvest its undistributed earnings indefinitely in its foreign operations. Generally, such earnings become subject to United States income tax upon the remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances. At December 31, 2012, it is not practicable to estimate the amount of deferred tax liability on such undistributed earnings.

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are classified in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets of December 31 as follows (in thousands):

   
2012
  
2011
  
Current deferred tax assets
  
$
561
    
$
936
  
Noncurrent deferred tax assets
    
502
      
772
  
Current deferred tax liabilities
    
(179
)
    
(185
)
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
    
(2
)
    
(1
)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
  
$
882
    
$
1,522
  

On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48, which was codified into Topic 740, which prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements, uncertain tax positions that it has taken or expects to take on a tax return. Topic 740 requires that a company recognize in its financial statements the impact of tax positions that meet a “more likely than not” threshold, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As of December 31, 2012, the Company recorded $2.8 million in current liabilities and $0.2 million in other long-term liabilities related to uncertain income tax positions and income tax reserves associated with various audits. At December 31, 2012, the Company had gross tax-affected unrecognized tax benefits of $3.0 million that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. The Company recognizes penalties and interest charges related to unrecognized tax benefits in current tax expense. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
 
   
2012
    
2011
  
Balance as of January 1
   $ 3,984     $ 2,114  
Additions for tax positions related to the current year
     81       570  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
     58       1,300  
Reductions of tax positions of prior years
     (1,084 )     —  
Balance as of December 31
   $ 3,039     $ 3 ,984  
 
 
The Company’s 2005-2009 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS for U.S. federal tax purposes. On May 26, 2011 the IRS issued a Revenue Agent’s report (“RAR”) detailing proposed adjustments for the tax years under examination.  The net tax deficiency associated with the RAR is $8.5 million plus penalties of $1.5 million.  On July 8, 2011, the Company filed a protest letter challenging the proposed adjustments contained in the RAR with the Appeals Division of the IRS.  On July 26, 2012, the Company participated in a hearing with the Appeals Division of the IRS, and the Company believes the net tax deficiency should approximate amounts previously recorded as uncertain income tax positions for the tax years 2005-2009. Therefore, the Company has made a reduction in its tax positions for tax years after 2009 of approximately $1.1 million.  The Company was able to recognize deferred tax assets due to this reduction of prior year tax positions. There are other ongoing audits in various international jurisdictions that are not material to our financial statements.

The Company files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2012, the tax years that remained subject to examination by a major tax jurisdiction for the Company’s most significant subsidiaries were as follows:

Jurisdiction
  
Open Years
  
Australia
   2008-2012  
Canada
   2006-2012  
Denmark
   2009-2012  
Japan
   2007-2012  
Mexico
   2010-2012  
Norway
   2010-2012  
Republic of Korea
   2007-2012  
Singapore
   2009-2012  
South Africa
   2009-2012  
Sweden
   2010-2012  
Switzerland
   2009-2012  
Taiwan
   2007-2012  
United Kingdom
   2006-2012  
United States
   2006-2012  

NOTE 9: TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES AND AFFILIATES

During 2012, we paid employment compensation of approximately $154,000 in salary, bonus, auto allowance, and other compensation to Landen Fredrick, son of J. Stanley Fredrick, the Company’s Chairman of the Board and a major shareholder. In addition, Landen Fredrick participated in the employee health care benefit plans available to all employees of the Company. Landen Fredrick has served as Vice President, North American Sales and Operations since January of 2011. Prior to that, Mr. Fredrick served as Vice President, North American Sales since February of 2010 and as Senior Director of Tools and Training since his hire in May of 2006.
 
Mr. Caster, the Company’s founder, major stockholder, and former Chairman of the Board, founded MannaRelief in 1999 and served as its Chairman from 1999 through August 2007. MannaRelief employs William A. Mullens, Mr. Caster’s brother-in-law, as its Executive Director.  Mr. Caster’s wife, Linda Caster, serves as MannaRelief’s Chairman of the Board. MannaRelief is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides charitable services for children.  MannaRelief is not owned or operated by the Company.

Historically, the Company has made cash donations to MannaRelief, sold products to MannaRelief at cost plus shipping and handling charges, and shipped products purchased by MannaRelief to its chosen recipients. In addition, certain Company employees and consultants periodically volunteer to work or host various fund raising projects and events for MannaRelief at no cost to MannaRelief.

 The Company has made cash donations and sold products to MannaRelief as follows:
 
   
2012
    
2011
  
Sold Products
   $  0.3 million     $  0.4 million  
Contributed Cash Donations
   $  0.5 million     $  0.7 million  
Products Donated in Lieu of Cash
   $  0.1 million       —  
 
 
On December 1, 2011, the Company entered into a new Consulting Agreement with Wonder Enterprises, LLC (f/k/a Salinda Enterprises, LLC; hereinafter “Wonder”) for an initial term of six months with a renewal period of six months upon thirty days written notice by the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Consulting Agreement, the Company has paid Wonder $600,000 for consulting services performed by Mr. Caster plus reimbursable expenses through December 31, 2012.

On March 6, 2013, , the Company entered into a new consulting agreement with Wonder, effective January 1, 2013, for an initial term of six months or until May 31, 2013 for the consulting services of Mr. Caster who is an employee of Wonder. Pursuant to the terms of the Consulting Agreement, the Company will pay Wonder $300,000 plus reimbursable expenses for consulting services performed by Mr. Caster. The Consulting Agreement may be renewed by the Company for an additional six month period upon 30 days’ written notice to Wonder before the expiration of the current term.

Mr. Ray Robbins is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and a major shareholder. Mr. Robbins holds positions in the Company’s associate global downline network marketing system. In addition, several of Mr. Robbins’ family members are independent associates. The Company pays commissions and incentives to its independent associates and during 2012 and 2011, the Company paid aggregate commissions and incentives to Mr. Robbins and his family of approximately $3.0 million and $3.2 million, respectively. The aggregate amount of commission and incentives paid to Mr. Robbins was approximately $2.6 million and $2.8 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The aggregate amount of commission and incentives paid to family members was approximately $0.4 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The majority of $0.4 million paid to family members in each of 2012 and 2011, respectively, was paid to his son, Kevin Robbins in the amount of approximately $0.2 million in each year, as well as his daughter, Marla Finley, and daughter-in-law, Demra Robbins, who both share an account that totaled approximately $0.2 million in each year. All commissions and incentives were paid to Mr. Robbins and his family members in accordance with the Company’s global associate career and compensation plan.
 
NOTE 10: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Employee Retirement Plan

Effective May 9, 1997, the Company adopted a Defined Contribution 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) for its United States and Canada employees. The 401(k) Plan covers all regular full-time and part-time employees who have completed three months of service and attained the age of twenty-one. United States employees can contribute up to 100 percent of their annual compensation but are limited to the maximum annual dollar amount allowable under the Internal Revenue Code. The 401(k) plan permits matching and discretionary employer contributions. The Company’s matching contributions for its United States and Canada employees vest ratably over a five-year period. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company contributed approximately $0.1 million for each year to the 401(k) Plan for matching contributions.

The Company also sponsors a non-U.S. defined benefit plan covering its employees in its Japan subsidiary (the “Benefit Plan”). Pension benefits under the Benefit Plan are based on years of service and annual salary. On July 1, 2012, the Company amended the Benefit Plan to convert the years of service and annual salary components of the Benefit Plan to a point system for position grade and years of service. The Company deferred a prior service cost gain of $0.7 million and was reflected in the projected benefit obligation (“BPO”) for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The Company utilizes actuarial methods. Inherent in the application of these actuarial methods are key assumptions, including, but not limited to, discount rates and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. Changes in the related Benefit Plan costs may occur in the future due to changes in the underlying assumptions, changes in the number and composition of plan participants, and changes in the level of benefits provided. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 to evaluate and record any post-retirement benefits related to the Benefit Plan.

 
Projected Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets

The Benefit Plan’s projected benefit obligation and valuation of plan assets were as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
Projected benefit obligation:
   2012     2011  
Balance, beginning of year
  
$
1,270
    
$
1,008
  
Service cost
    
169
      
186
  
Interest cost
    
15
      
18
  
Liability (gains) and losses
    
94
      
11
 
Benefits paid to participants
    
(71
)
    
(39
)
Special termination benefit
    
7
      
21
  
Prior service cost
    
(678
)
    
—
  
Pension adjustment
    
—
      
6
  
Foreign currency
    
(92
)
    
59
  
Balance, end of year
  
$
714
    
$
1,270
  
                 
Plan assets:
                
Fair value, beginning of year
  
$
—
    
$
—
  
Company contributions
    
71
      
39
  
Benefits paid to participants
    
(71
)
    
(39
)
Fair value, end of year
  
$
—
    
$
—
  
 
Funded status of the Benefit Plan as of December 31 (in thousands):
  
2012
    
2011
  
Benefit obligation
   $ (714 )   $ (1,270 )
Fair value of plan assets
     —       —  
Excess of benefit obligation over fair value of plan assets
   $ (714 )   $ (1,270 )
 
Amounts recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of, as of December 31 (in thousands):
  
2012
    
2011
  
Accrued benefit liability
   $ (714 )   $ (1,270 )
Transition obligation and unrealized gain
     (682 )     (190  
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
   $ (1,396 )   $ (1,460 )
 
    Years Ended December 31,  
Other changes recognized in comprehensive income/loss (in thousands):
   2012     2011  
Net periodic cost
  
$
158
    
$
221
  
Current year actuarial (gain) loss
    
94
      
11
  
Amortization of transition obligation
    
(5
)
    
(5
)
Amortization of actuarial gain
    
—
      
15
  
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
    
89
      
21
  
Total recognized in comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
247
    
$
242
  

 
   
As of December 31,
  
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive gain/loss (in thousands):
  
2012
    
2011
  
Transition obligation
   $ 168     $ 202  
Prior service cost
     602       —  
Net actuarial gain
     (88 )     (12 )
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
   $ 682     $ 190  
 
2013 estimated amounts of amortized transition obligation (in thousands):
  
2013
  
Transition obligation
  
$
(5
)
 
   
As of December 31,
  
Aggregate Benefit Plan information and accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets (in thousands):
  
2012
    
2011
  
Projected benefit obligation
  
$
714
    
$
1,270
  
Accumulated benefit obligation
    
714
      
887
  
Fair value of plan assets
    
—
      
—
  
 
The weighted-average assumptions to determine the benefit obligation and net cost are as follows:

   
2012
    
2011
  
Discount rate
     1.00 %     1.75 %
Rate of increase in compensation levels
     —       3.0 %

Components of Expense

Pension expense for the Benefit Plan is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and is comprised of the following for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
    2012     2011  
Service cost
   $ 169     $ 186  
Interest cost
     15       18  
Amortization of transition obligation
     5       5  
Gain
     (9 )     (15 )
Special termination
     7       21  
Prior service cost
     (29 )     —  
Benefit adjustment
     —       6  
Total pension expense
   $ 158     $ 221  

Estimated Benefits and Contributions

The Company expects to contribute approximately $61,000 to the Benefit Plan in 2013. As of December 31, 2012, benefits expected to be paid by the Benefit Plan for the next ten years is approximately as follows (in thousands):

2013
   $ 61  
2014
     81  
2015
     130  
2016
     41  
2017
     35  
Next five years
     124  
Total expected benefits to be paid
   $ 472  
 
 
NOTE 11: STOCK OPTION PLAN

Summary of Stock Plan

The Company currently has one active stock-based compensation plan, which was approved by shareholders. The Company grants stock options to employees, consultants, and board members at the fair value of its common stock on the date of grant, with a term no greater than ten years. The majority of stock options vest over two or three years. Shareholders who own 10% or more of the Company’s outstanding stock are granted incentive stock options at an exercise price that may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and have a term no greater than five years.

In February 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Mannatech, Incorporated 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”), which reserves up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance of stock options and restricted stock to our employees, board members, and consultants, plus any shares reserved under the Company’s then-existing, unexpired stock plans for which options had not yet been issued, and any shares underlying outstanding options under the then-existing stock option plans that terminate without having been exercised in full. The 2008 Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the 2008 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. The 2008 Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the 2008 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting and was amended at the 2012 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting held May 30, 2012 to increase the number of shares of common stock subject to the plan by 100,000. As of December 31, 2012, the 2008 Plan had 148,434 stock options available for grant before the plan expires on February 20, 2018.

A summary of changes in stock options outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2012, is as follows:

   
2012
  
   
Number of
Options
(in thousands)
    
Weighted
average
exercise
price
    
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
(in years)
    
Aggregate
intrinsic
value (in
thousands)
  
Outstanding at beginning of year
     139     $ 23.24              
Granted
     20     $ 5.00              
Exercised
     —     $ —              
Forfeited or expired
     (36 )   $ 24.94              
Outstanding at end of year
     123     $ 19.76       7.4       —  
Options exercisable at year end
     90     $ 22.55       6.9       —  

The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of options. No options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Valuation and Expense Information Under FASB ASC Topic 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation

Under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718, the Company is required to measure and recognize compensation expense related to any outstanding and unvested stock options previously granted, and thereafter recognize, in its consolidated financial statements, compensation expense related to any new stock options granted after implementation using a calculated fair-value based option-pricing model.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of all of its stock options and its assumptions are based on historical information. The following assumptions were used to calculate the compensation expense and the calculated fair value of stock options granted each year:
 
   
2012
    
2011
  
Dividend yield:
   — (1)   — (1)
Risk-free interest rate:
   0.62 — 0.75 %   0.78 — 1.82 %
Expected market price volatility:
   78.4 — 81.6 %   71.1 — 72.8 %
Average expected life of stock options:
  
4.5 years
    
4.5 years
  
(1)
The Company declared no dividends in 2012 or 2011.
 
 
The computation of the expected volatility assumption used in the Black-Scholes calculations for new grants is based on historical volatilities of the Company’s stock. The expected life assumptions are based on the Company’s historical employee exercise and forfeiture behavior.

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $3.06 and $6.39 per share, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

The Company recorded the following amounts related to the expense of the fair values of options during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

   
2012
    
2011
  
Selling, general and administrative expenses and income (loss) from operations before income taxes
   $ 209     $ 356  
Benefit for income taxes
     44       80  
Effect on net loss
   $ 165     $ 276  

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options currently outstanding, to be recognized in future years, ending December 31,
as follows (in thousands):

   
Total gross unrecognized
compensation expense
    
Total tax benefit associated
with unrecognized
compensation expense
    
Total net
unrecognized
compensation expense
  
2012
   $ 81     $ 15     $ 66  
2013
     16       3       13  
    $ 97     $ 18     $ 79  

NOTE 12: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases

The Company leases certain office space, automobiles, computer hardware, and warehouse equipment under various non-cancelable operating leases. Some of these leases have renewal options. All of the Company’s leases expire at various times through August 2023. The Company also leases equipment under various month-to-month cancelable operating leases. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, total rent expense was approximately $3.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively.

Approximate future minimum rental commitments for non-cancelable operating leases (in thousands) are as follows:

Years ending December 31,
      
2013
   $ 2,253  
2014
     1,141  
2015
     1,035  
2016
     839  
2017
     781  
Thereafter
     176  
    $ 6,225  


Purchase Commitments

The Company maintains supply agreements with its suppliers and manufacturers. Some of the supply agreements contain exclusivity clauses and/or minimum annual purchase requirements. Purchase agreements with suppliers that contain minimum purchase clauses are as follows:
 
 
·
In March 2006, the Company entered into a ten-year supply agreement to purchase plant-derived mineral nutrition products from IHT Health Products, Inc. (f.k.a. InB:Biotechnologies, Inc.). As of December 31, 2012, the Company is required to purchase an aggregate of $6.7 million through 2016.
 
 
·
In June of 2008, the Company entered into a three-year supply agreement with Improve U.S.A. to purchase an aloe vera powder. In August 2011, the Company entered into an amendment to its supply agreement to extend the term of the agreement for a period of three years commencing June 1, 2011 and expiring on May 14, 2014. As of December 31, 2012, the Company is required to purchase $1.0 million by the end of the agreement in 2014.

Royalty and Consulting Agreements

The Company utilizes royalty agreements with individuals and entities to provide compensation for items relating to developed products, websites and email provided to our associates. The Company paid royalties for such royalty agreements of $0.3 million and $0.2 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Royalty costs were reclassified to costs of sales from selling and administrative expenses.

Employment Agreements

The Company has non-cancellable employment agreements with certain executives. If the employment relationships with these executives were terminated, as of December 31, 2012, the Company would continue to be indebted to the executives for $1.3 million, payable through 2013.

NOTE 13: LITIGATION

Business Arbitration and Litigation

Marinova Pty. Limited v. Mannatech, Incorporated & Mannatech (International) Limited, Case No. 50-122-T-00635-09, International Centre for Dispute Resolution, a division of the American Arbitration Association

On December 10, 2009, Marinova Pty. Limited (“Marinova”) filed a Notice of Arbitration and Statement of Claim with the International Centre for Dispute Resolution, which is a division of the American Arbitration Association, against the Company and its subsidiary, Mannatech (International) Limited. Marinova’s claims stem from the parties’ April 27, 2007 purchase agreement. Through the purchase agreement, Marinova agreed to sell and the Company agreed to buy set quantities of glyconutrient powder that the Company uses to manufacture some of its products. Marinova claimed that the Company breached the purchase agreement by not buying the specified quantities of Marinova’s product and by prematurely terminating the agreement.  Marinova further claimed, based on the Company’s alleged breach of contract, that Marinova suffered lost profits damages in the amount of $6,500,000, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs.  The Company subsequently filed an answer and counterclaim, seeking damages in the amount of $618,750, representing the price paid for alleged non-conforming product.

On March 16, 2012, Mannatech and Marinova entered into a binding settlement agreement that fully disposes of the claims and controversies between them.  Pursuant to that settlement agreement, Mannatech forgave the $618,750 payment owing and made a one-time payment of $2,600,000 to Marinova, which has been recorded in the December 31, 2011 financial statements.  The settlement also includes a full release of both parties and a covenant not to sue.

Product Liability Litigation

Susan Chon vs. Mannatech, Inc. dba Mannatech Dietary Supplements; Eun-Sook Cho; Gina Park; Good News Acupunture/Couples Acupuncture, Case No. BC460029, Los Angeles County Superior Court

On April 21, 2011, Susan Chon, an individual, filed suit against the Company in Los Angeles County Superior Court.  The plaintiff is one of the Company’s former associates and has alleged sustaining injuries and enduring complications from breast cancer as the result of taking Ambrotose®, one of the Company’s products.  The plaintiff also alleges that co-defendants En-Sook Cho, Gina Park and Good News Acupuncture represented to her that the Ambrotose® product cured serious medical problems.  Unspecified damages are sought against all defendants.

 
On March 1, 2012, the parties engaged in a private mediation session, and a settlement was reached resolving all outstanding issues between the parties in the amount of $200,000, $79,000 of which is covered by the Company’s insurer.  On March 19, 2012, the parties executed and filed a motion to dismiss the litigation with the court.  The Company now considers this matter closed.

Administrative Proceedings

Our 2005-2009 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS for U.S. federal tax purposes. On May 26, 2011 the IRS issued a Revenue Agent’s report (“RAR”) detailing proposed adjustments for the tax years under examination.  The net tax deficiency associated with the RAR is $8.5 million plus penalties of $1.5 million.  On July 8, 2011, we filed a protest letter challenging the proposed adjustments contained in the RAR and are pursuing resolution of these items with the Appeals Division of the IRS.  On July 26, 2012, the Company participated in a hearing with the Appeals Division of the IRS, and the Company believes the net tax deficiency should approximate amounts previously recorded as uncertain income tax positions for the tax years 2005-2009. Therefore, the Company has made a reduction in its tax positions for tax years after 2009 of approximately $1.1 million. The Company was able to recognize deferred tax assets due to this reduction of prior year tax positions. There are other ongoing audits in various international jurisdictions that are not material to our financial statements.

Litigation in General

The Company has incurred several claims in the normal course of business. The Company believes such claims can be resolved without any material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

The Company maintains certain liability insurance; however, certain costs of defending lawsuits are not covered by or only partially covered by its insurance policies, including claims that are below insurance deductibles. Additionally, insurance carriers could refuse to cover certain claims in whole or in part. The Company accrues costs to defend itself from litigation as they are incurred or as they become determinable.

The outcome of litigation is uncertain, and despite management’s views of the merits of any litigation, or the reasonableness of the Company’s estimates and reserves, the Company’s financial statements could nonetheless be materially affected by an adverse judgment. The Company believes it has adequately reserved for the contingencies arising from current legal matters where an outcome was deemed to be probable, and the loss amount could be reasonably estimated. While it is not possible to predict what liability or damages the Company might incur in connection with any litigation, based on the advice of counsel and management review of the existing facts and circumstances related to certain legal proceedings, and related legal fees, the Company has accrued $0.2 million as of December 31, 2012 for these matters, which is included in accrued expenses in its Consolidated Balance Sheet.

NOTE 14: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Equity Line

On September 16, 2010, the Company entered into an Investment Agreement (as amended, the “Investment Agreement”) with Dutchess Opportunity Fund, II, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Dutchess”), whereby the Company may sell up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock to Dutchess over a period of 36 months from the first trading day following the effectiveness of the registration statement registering the resale of shares pursuant to the Investment Agreement (the “Equity Line”).

The Company may draw on the Equity Line from time to time, as and when it determines appropriate in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Investment Agreement. The Company is not permitted to draw on the Equity Line unless there is an effective registration statement to cover the resale of the shares. The Company filed a registration statement with the SEC, and on October 28, 2010, the SEC declared effective the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-169774), which registered up to 5,000,000 shares of common stock that may be resold by Dutchess pursuant to the Investment Agreement.  The number of shares registered on Form S-3 are subject to adjustment for the reverse stock split pursuant to Rule 416 of the Securities Act.
 
 
Investors should read the Investment Agreement together with the other information concerning the Company that the Company publicly files in reports and statements with the SEC.
 
As of March 27, 2013, no shares of common stock have been issued pursuant to the Investment Agreement.
 
Preferred Stock

On May 19, 1998, the Company amended its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock from 100.0 million to 99.0 million and the Company authorized 1.0 million shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. No shares of preferred stock have ever been issued or outstanding.

Treasury Stock

On June 30, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase, in the open market, the lesser of (i) 131,756 shares of its common stock and (ii) $1.3 million of its shares, (the “June 2004 Plan”). On August 28, 2006, a second program permitting the Company to purchase, in the open market, up to $20 million of its outstanding shares was approved by our Board of Directors (the “August 2006 Plan”).

On July 14, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to reactivate the June 2004 Plan. During July 2011, the Company repurchased 528 shares of its common stock in the open market under the June 2004 Plan. The total cost and average price per share were approximately $5,000 and $9.43, respectively. As of March 22, 2013, the maximum number of shares available for repurchase under the June 2004 Plan was 19,084, and the total number of shares purchased in the open market under the June 2004 Plan was 112,672. No shares have ever been purchased under  the August 2006 Plan.  The Company does not have any stock repurchase plans or programs other than the June 2004 Plan and the August 2006 Plan.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, which is displayed in the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (loss), represents net income (loss) plus the results of certain shareholders’ equity changes not reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Such items include foreign currency translation and certain pension and postretirement benefit obligations.

The after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Foreign
Currency
Translation
    
Pension
Postretirement
Benefit
Obligation
    
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss), Net
  
Balance as of December 31, 2011
   $ (539 )     112       (427 )
Current-period change
     (565 )     315       (250 )
Balance as of December 31, 2012
   $ (1,104 )   $ 427     $ (677 )

NOTE 15: EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
 
The Company calculates basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The diluted EPS also reflects the potential dilution that could occur if common stock were issued for awards under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company reported net losses for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and approximately 0.1 million of the Company’s stock options were excluded from the diluted EPS calculation for each year, respectively, as the effect would have been antidilutive. In determining potential dilution effect of outstanding stock options during 2012 and 2011, the Company used average common stock close price of $5.32 and $10.89, per share, respectively.

 
NOTE 16: SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company conducts its business as a single operating segment, consolidating all of its business units into a single reportable entity, as a seller of proprietary nutritional supplements, topical and skin care products, and weight-management products through its network marketing distribution channels operating in seventeen countries. Each of the Company’s business units sells similar packs and products and possesses similar economic characteristics, such as selling prices and gross margins. In each country, the Company markets its products and pays commissions and incentives in similar market environments. The Company’s management reviews its financial information by country and focuses its internal reporting and analysis of revenues by packs and product sales. The Company sells its products through its independent associates and distributes its products through similar distribution channels in each country. No single independent associate has ever accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.

The Company operates facilities in ten countries and sells product in twenty-four countries around the world. These facilities are located in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Taiwan, South Africa and Mexico. Each facility services different geographic areas. We currently sell our products in three regions: (i) North America (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, Sweden, and the United Kingdom); (iii) Asia/Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan). In November 2012, the Company commenced the shipment of its products to the Ukraine and in December 2012, the Company commenced the shipment of its products to Hong Kong. The Switzerland office was created to manage certain day-to-day business needs of non-North American markets.

Consolidated net sales shipped to customers in these regions, along with pack and product information for the years ended December 31, are as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Region
  
2012
    
2011
  
North America
   $ 86.5       49.9 %   $ 101.9       50.8 %
Asia/Pacific
     70.6       40.7 %     81.4       40.6 %
EMEA
     16.3       9.4 %     17.4       8.6 %
Total
   $ 173.4       100.0 %   $ 200.7       100.0 %
 
   
2012
    
2011
  
Consolidated product sales
   $ 155.8     $ 171.5  
Consolidated pack sales
     11.4       21.3  
Consolidated other, including freight
     6.2       7.9  
Total
   $ 173.4     $ 200.7  
 
Long-lived assets by region, which include property and equipment and construction in progress for the Company and its subsidiaries, as of December 31, reside in the following countries, as follows (in millions):

Region
  
2012
    
2011
  
North America
   $ 3.8     $ 8.2  
Asia/Pacific
     0.7       1.1  
EMEA
     0.3       0.3  
Total
   $ 4.8     $ 9.6  
 
Inventory balances by region, which consist of raw materials, and finished goods, including promotional materials, and offset by obsolete inventories, for the Company and its subsidiaries, reside in the following countries as of December 31, as follows (in millions):

Region
  
2012
    
2011
  
North America
   $ 9.5     $ 12.2  
Asia/Pacific
     4.2       3.8  
EMEA
     1.5       1.8  
Total
   $ 15.2     $ 17.8  


NOTE 17: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On February 14, 2013, B. Keith Clark, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer departed from the Company. Mr. Clark’s employment termination date was March 18, 2013 and under the terms of his employment agreement, as amended, he will receive a bi-weekly payment of $12,884.62 through May 17, 2014. Additionally, Mr. Clark will have continued use of an automobile jointly leased and paid monthly by the Company for $992.64 through the lease expiration date of May 17, 2014.

On March 4, 2013, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Roy Truett to serve as its President of International and Chief Operating Officer. The employment agreement provides for Mr. Truett’s employment for a term of one year and will renew for successive one-year terms if not previously terminated or if neither party gives the other at least thirty days’ prior written notice of its intent not to renew.  Furthermore, the employment agreement provides for an annual base salary of $340,000 and for (i) up to $30,000 for moving expenses; (ii) up to $30,000 for closing costs related to the purchase of a residence; (iii) commuting costs and temporary housing costs for a period of up to six months; (iv) a signing bonus of $50,000; (v) eligibility to earn up to $52,000 pursuant to the 2013 executive bonus plan; (vi) a monthly car allowance of $1,000; (vii) twenty days of paid vacation annually; and (viii) all employee benefits offered to Mannatech’s employees. In conjunction with the employment agreement, the Company granted stock options to purchase 10,000 shares of its common stock with an exercise price of $5.69 per share. The grant date of the options is March 4, 2013 with a fair value of $3.53 per share that vest equally over three years.

On March 6, 2013, the Company entered into a new consulting agreement with Wonder Enterprises, LLC (hereinafter “Wonder”), effective January 1, 2013, for an initial term of six months or until May 31, 2013 for the consulting services of Mr. Caster who is an employee of Wonder and the Company’s founder and a major stockholder. Pursuant to the terms of the Consulting Agreement, the Company will pay Wonder $300,000 plus reimbursable expenses for consulting services performed by Mr. Caster. The Consulting Agreement may be renewed by the Company for an additional six month period upon 30 days’ written notice to Wonder before the expiration of the current term.

 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

       
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
  
Exhibit Description
  
Form
  
File No.
  
Exhibit (s)
  
Filing Date
3.1
  
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Mannatech, dated May 19, 1998.
  
S-1
  
333-63133
  
3.1
  
October 28, 1998
3.2
  
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Mannatech, dated January 13, 2012.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
3.1
  
January 17, 2012
3.3
  
Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Mannatech, dated August 8, 2001 (Corrected).
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
3.2
  
March 16, 2007
3.4
  
First Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Mannatech, effective November 30, 2007.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
3.1
  
December 6, 2007
4.1
  
Specimen Certificate representing Mannatech’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
  
S-1
  
333-63133
  
4.1
  
October 28, 1998
10.1
  
Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan, dated August 7, 2004.
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
March 15, 2004
10.2
  
2008 Stock Incentive Plan.
  
DEF 14A
  
000-24657
  
Appendix B
  
April 29, 2008
10.3
  
First Amendment to the Mannatech 2008 Stock Incentive Plan.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
99.1
  
June 11, 2010
10.4
  
Mannatech, Incorporated 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
June 1, 2012
10.5
  
Investment Agreement by and between Mannatech and Dutchess Opportunity Fund, II, LP dated September 16, 2010.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
September 21, 2010
10.6
  
Amendment to Investment Agreement, dated as of October 4, 2010, by and between Mannatech and Dutchess Opportunity Fund, II, LP.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
October 5, 2010
10.7
  
Amended and Restated 1998 Incentive Stock Option Plan, dated August 7, 2004.
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
March 15, 2004
10.8
  
Registration Rights Agreement by and between Mannatech and Dutchess Opportunity Fund, II, LP dated September 16, 2010.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.2
  
September 21, 2010
10.9
  
Amended and Restated 2000 Option Plan, dated August 7, 2004.
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
March 15, 2004
10.10
  
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Mannatech and each member of the Board of Directors of Mannatech Korea Ltd., dated March 3, 2004.
  
10-Q
  
000-24657
  
10.2
  
August 9, 2004
10.11
  
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Mannatech and each of the following directors: J. Stanley Fredrick, Patricia Wier, Alan D. Kennedy, Gerald E. Gilbert, Marlin Ray Robbins, Larry A. Jobe, and Robert A. Toth.
  
10-Q
  
000-24657
  
10.4
  
November 4, 2010
10.12
  
Commercial Lease Agreement between Mannatech and MEPC Quorum Properties II Inc., dated November 7, 1996, as amended by the First Amendment thereto dated May 29, 1997 and the Second Amendment thereto dated November 13, 1997.
  
S-1
  
333-63133
  
10.13
  
September 10, 1998
10.13
  
Second Amendment to the Commercial Lease Agreement between Mannatech and Texas Dugan Limited Partnership, dated September 22, 2005.
  
10-Q
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
November 9, 2005
10.14
  
Commercial Lease Agreement between Mannatech and MEPC Quorum Properties II Inc., dated May 29, 1997 as amended by the First Amendment thereto dated November 6, 1997.
  
S-1
  
333-63133
  
10.14
  
September 10, 1998
10.15
  
Third Amendment to the Commercial Lease Agreement between Mannatech and Texas Dugan Limited Partnership, dated September 22, 2005.
  
10-Q
  
000-24657
  
10.2
  
November 9, 2005
10.16
  
Trademark License and Supply Agreement between Mannatech and Carrington Laboratories, Inc., dated January 25, 2007. (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
January 31, 2007
10.17
  
Supply Agreement between Mannatech and Natural Aloe de Costa Rica, S.A. dated April 1, 2012 (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
May 3, 2011
10.18
  
Supply Agreement between Mannatech (International) Limited and Marinova Pty. Limited, effective August 9, 2007 and dated May 7, 2007. (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
10-Q
  
000-24657
  
10.3
  
May 10, 2007
 
 
       
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
  
Exhibit Description
  
Form
  
File No.
  
Exhibit (s)
  
Filing Date
10.19
  
Amendment to Purchase Agreement between Mannatech and Marinova PTY, Limited, dated May 6, 2008. (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
10-Q
  
000-24657
  
10.4
  
August 11, 2008
10.20
  
Purchase Agreement between Mannatech and Larex, Inc., dated January 1, 2006. (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
10.18
  
March 16, 2006
10.21
  
Purchase Agreement between Mannatech and Wellness Enterprises, LLC, dated February 1, 2006. (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
10.19
  
March 16, 2006
10.22
  
Supply Agreement between Mannatech and Coradji PTY. Limited, dated March 29, 2004. (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
10-Q/A
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
March 29, 2005
10.23
  
Supply License Agreement between Mannatech and InB:Biotechnologies, Inc., dated March 22, 2006. (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment requestsubmitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
10-Q
  
000-24657
  
10.2
  
May 10, 2006
10.24
  
Initial Commercial Supply and Manufacturing Agreement between Mannatech and Fine Chemetics, Inc., dated March 29, 2006. (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
10-Q
  
000-24657
  
10.3
  
May 10, 2006
10.25
  
Supply Agreement between Mannatech, Incorporated, and Improve U.S.A., Inc., effective June 1, 2008, and executed May 2, 2008. (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
May 8, 2008
10.26
  
Amendment to Supply Agreement between Mannatech and Improve U.S.A., dated June 1, 2011. (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
August 22, 2011
10.27
  
Services Agreement by and between Integrated Distribution and Logistics Direct, LLC and Mannatech dated July 2, 2012 (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
July 9, 2012
10.28
  
Sublease by and between Integrated Distribution and Logistics Direct, LLC and Mannatech, dated July 2, 2012. (Portions of this exhibit were omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request submitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
                
10.29
  
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Terry L. Persinger and Mannatech, dated June 16, 2008.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
June 20, 2008
10.30
  
Employment Agreement between Robert A. Sinnott, Ph.D. and Mannatech, dated October 5, 2007.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.3
  
October 11, 2007
10.31
  
Employment Agreement between Mannatech and Mr. Samuel L. Caster, dated January 23, 2006.
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
10.32
  
March 16, 2006
10.32
  
Employment Agreement between Stephen D. Fenstermacher and Mannatech, dated October 5, 2007.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.2
  
October 11, 2007
10.33
  
First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Stephen D. Fenstermacher and Mannatech, dated December 18, 2008.
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
10.24
  
March 12, 2009
10.34
  
Mutual Severance and Release Agreement by and between Stephen D. Fenstermacher and Mannatech, dated March 12, 2012
  
10-Q
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
May 10, 2012
10.35
  
Employment Agreement between Terence L. O’Day and Mannatech, dated October 5, 2007.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
October 11, 2007
 
 
       
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
  
Exhibit Description
  
Form
  
File No.
  
Exhibit (s)
  
Filing Date
10.36
  
Employment Agreement between B. Keith Clark and Mannatech, dated October 5, 2007.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.4
  
October 11, 2007
10.37
  
Employment Agreement between Wayne L. Badovinus and Mannatech, dated June 4, 2008.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
June 9, 2008
10.38
  
Employment Agreement between Terri F. Maxwell and Mannatech, dated August 28, 2008.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
September 2, 2008
10.39
  
Lock-up Agreement between Mannatech and J. Stanley Fredrick, dated November 6, 2003.
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
10.36
  
March 15, 2004
10.40
  
Termination of Lock-up Agreement between Mannatech and J. Stanley Fredrick, dated March 6, 2009.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
March 10, 2009
10.41
  
Follow-Up Agreement to Letter of Intent Agreement between Mannatech and Jett, dated September 10, 2001.
  
10-Q
  
000-24657
  
10.4
  
November 14, 2001
10.42
  
Letter of Understanding between Mannatech and Dr. John Axford, dated April 19, 2006.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
99.1
  
April 21, 2006
10.43
  
Extension of the Letter of Spokesperson Arrangement between Mannatech and Dr. John Axford, dated February 18, 2007.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
99.1
  
February 21, 2007
10.44
  
Employment Agreement between Alfredo Bala and Mannatech, effective October 1, 2007, dated September 18, 2007.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
September 24, 2007
10.45
  
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Alfredo Bala and Mannatech, dated October 11, 2007.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
October 17, 2007
10.46
  
Clinical Research Agreement dated January 3, 2007 by and between St. George’s Hospital Medical School (trading as St George’s, University of London), and Mannatech, Inc.
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
10.39
  
March 17,2008
10.47
  
Employment Agreement, effective March 2, 2009, by and between Mannatech and Randy S. Bancino.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
March 6, 2009
10.48
  
First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2009, by and between Mannatech and Randy S. Bancino.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.4
  
December 18, 2009
10.49
  
Consulting Agreement, dated March 17, 2009, between Mannatech and Salinda Enterprises, LLC and Samuel L. Caster.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
March 19, 2009
10.50
  
Consulting Agreement, dated December 1, 2011, by and between Mannatech and Wonder Enterprises, LLC (f/k/a Salinda Enterprises, LLC) and Samuel L. Caster.
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
10.46
  
March 29, 2012
 
Consulting Agreement, effective January 1, 2013, by and between Mannatech and Wonder Enterprises, LLC and Samuel L. Caster, dated March 6, 2013.
  
*
  
*
  
*
  
*
10.52
  
Separation and Release Agreement, dated July 17, 2009 between Mannatech and Terri F. Maxwell.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
July 21, 2009
10.53
  
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2009, by and between Mannatech and Stephen D. Fenstermacher.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
December 18, 2009
10.54
  
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2009, by and between Mannatech and Robert A. Sinnott, Ph.D.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.2
  
December 18, 2009
10.55
  
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2009, by and between Mannatech and B. Keith Clark.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.3
  
December 18, 2009
10.56
  
Employment Agreement, dated March 4, 2013, by and between Mannatech and Roy Truett.
  
8-K
  
000-24657
  
10.1
  
March 6, 2013
14.1
  
Code of Ethics.
  
10-K
  
000-24657
  
14.1
  
March 16, 2007
 
List of Subsidiaries.
  
*
  
*
  
*
  
*
 
Consent of BDO USA, LLP.
  
*
  
*
  
*
  
*
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule.
  
*
  
*
  
*
  
*
24*
  
Power of Attorney, which is included on the signature page of this annual report on Form 10-K.
  
*
  
*
  
*
  
*
 
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Executive Officer of Mannatech.
  
*
  
*
  
*
  
*
 
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Financial Officer of Mannatech.
  
*
  
*
  
*
  
*
 
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Executive Officer of Mannatech.
  
*
  
*
  
*
  
*
 
 
       
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
  
Exhibit Description
  
Form
  
File No.
  
Exhibit (s)
  
Filing Date
 
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Financial Officer of Mannatech.
  
*
  
*
  
*
  
*
 
Financial Statement Schedule Regarding Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
  
*
  
*
  
*
  
*
101.INS**
  
XBRL Instance Document
  
**
  
**
  
**
  
**
101.SCH**
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
  
**
  
**
  
**
  
**
101.CAL**
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
  
**
  
**
  
**
  
**
101.LAB**
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
  
**
  
**
  
**
  
**
101.PRE**
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
  
**
  
**
  
**
  
**
101.DEF**
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
  
**
  
**
  
**
  
**
 
*  Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith. In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in these exhibits shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to liability under that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
 
 
ex10_51.htm
Exhibit 10.51
 
CONSULTING AGREEMENT
 
THIS CONSULTING AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made effective as of January 1, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Mannatech, Incorporated, a Texas corporation (the “Company”) and WonderEnterprises, LLC (“Wonder” and collectively with the Company, the “Parties”) for the consulting services of Samuel L. Caster, an employee of Wonder (“Consultant”).
 
RECITALS
 
WHEREAS, Consultant is a co-founder of the Company and as such has provided a valuable direction and purpose to the Company since its inception;
 
WHEREAS, Consultant’s knowledge and insights continue to be important to the future development and growth of the Company;
 
WHEREAS, Consultant was formerly Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and the Company now desires to retain Consultant to perform certain consulting services, except as otherwise provided herein, for the Company;
 
WHEREAS, Consultant is now an employee of Wonder;
 
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to enter into this Agreement to set forth the obligations and responsibilities of each in connection with their contractual relationship.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
 
AGREEMENT
 
1.           NATURE OF WORK
 
Consultant will provide consulting services as requested by the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), but primarily in the areas of sales, new product development, international business development and any other consulting services mutually agreed between the Parties that is determined by the Parties to be beneficial to the Company (the “Services”). Consultant shall provide the Services on a non-exclusive basis, except in the case of consulting services relating to new product development (“Special Services”), and in such case, the Consultant shall provide the Special Services to the Company on an exclusive basis. Consultant shall report to the CEO of the Company and shall provide monthly reports to the CEO outlining the services rendered in the preceding month.
 
2.           DURATION
 
The term of this Agreement shall be from the Effective Date, and, unless otherwise terminated, shall continue until May 31, 2013, upon which the Term shall expire, unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 11 hereof (the “Term”). The Company may renew the Term for additional periods of six (6) months by giving written notice to Wonder on or before thirty (30) days prior to the end of any current Term.
 
 
 
 
 
3.             COMPENSATION
 
(a)           Monthly Payment for Services. For the Services rendered under this Agreement, the Company will pay to Wonder Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) for the Term of this Agreement. Wonder shall provide monthly invoices for the Services rendered by Consultant during the month preceding the invoice. Payment shall be made to Wonder within ten (10) business days following the Company’s receipt of each such invoice. All invoices shall be directed to the attention of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company or his designee.
 
(b)           Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred by Wonder or Consultant in connection with the Services rendered under this Agreement pursuant to the Company’s then-current policy for reimbursement of business expenses. Reimbursement of travel and other extraordinary expenses will be subject to prior approval by the CEO of the Company. Each monthly invoice must be accompanied by a certification by Wonder and Consultant representing that each is not in violation of this Agreement, the SLC Reports or the Final Orders, each as defined below.
 
4.             PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES
 
(a)           Good Faith Performance. Consultant agrees that he will at all times faithfully, industriously, and to the best of his ability, experience and talent, and in good faith, perform all of the duties that may be required pursuant to the express terms hereof, and the Company will provide all necessary information and other support appropriate to the performance of the Services.
 
(b)           Location. Consultant agrees that he will primarily perform the Services from Dallas/Fort Worth. Travel outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth area shall require prior approval by the CEO of the Company.
 
5.             RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
 
(a)           Confidentiality. During the Term of this Agreement and at all times thereafter, the Consultant and Wonder will each keep confidential, not use for their own benefit, and not divulge, furnish or make accessible to anyone any Confidential Information. As used herein, “Confidential Information” means all information concerning or related to the Services and the Company’s business, operations, financial condition and prospects of the Company and its Affiliates, regardless of the form in which such information appears and whether or not such information has been reduced to a tangible form, and will specifically include: (a) all information regarding the shareholders, directors, officers, employees, customers, suppliers, associates, sales representatives and licensees of the Company and its Affiliates, in each case whether past, present or prospective; (b) all software, inventions, discoveries, trade secrets, processes, techniques, methods, formulae, ideas and know-how of the Company and its Affiliates; (c) all financial statements, audit reports, budgets and business plans or forecasts of the Company and its Affiliates, and (d) all Consultant and Wonder Intellectual Property created by or for Consultant or Wonder hereunder; provided, that Confidential Information will not include information which is or becomes generally known to the public through no act or omission of Consultant or Wonder; “Affiliate” means any Person which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company; “Control” means, with respect to any Person, the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and “Person” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability, company, trust, estate, association or other legal entity.
 
(b)           Non-competition. During the Term (the “Restricted Period”), neither Consultant nor Wonder shall directly or indirectly, for his or its own account or for the account of others, act as an officer, director, stockholder, owner, partner, employee, promoter, consultant, manager or participant in the promotion, financing or management of a Competing Entity. A “Competing Entity” is any business (i) in the multi-level marketing industry or (ii) that manufactures, sells or otherwise trades in any product which the Company manufactures, sells or otherwise trades in (including any product actively being developed by the Company during the Term). Nothing in this Section shall prohibit Consultant or Wonder from acquiring or holding any issue of stock or securities of any person that has any securities listed on a national securities exchange so long as (i) Consultant or Wonder is not deemed to be an “affiliate” of such person as such term is used in Rule 145 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and (ii) Consultant, members of his immediate family, Wonder or persons under their control do not own or hold more than five percent (5%) of any voting securities of any such person.
 
 
2
 
 
(c)           Non-solicitation. During the Restricted Period and for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of termination of this Agreement, neither Consultant nor Wonder shall, whether for his or its own account or for the account of any other person (i) solicit or induce, or in any manner attempt to solicit or induce, any employees or agents of the Company to leave their employment with the Company or terminate their agency relationship, as the case may be, or accept employment with anyone else or hire any such employees, or (ii) solicit, divert or attempt to solicit or divert, as a supplier or customer, any person, concern or entity which furnishes products or services to, or receives products or services from, the Company, nor will Consultant or Wonder attempt to induce any such supplier or customer to cease being (or any prospective supplier or customer not to become) a supplier or customer of the Company.
 
(d)           Employment Prohibitions. During the Restricted Period, neither Consultant nor Wonder shall directly or indirectly employ or retain the services of any individual who has previously been an employee, associate or consultant of the Company without the prior written consent of the Company’s CEO.
 
6.             OWNERSHIP AND USE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
 
(a)           Any Intellectual Property relating to the Services that is conceived, developed, or reduced to practice, or caused to be conceived, developed, or reduced to practice, in whole or in part by Consultant or Wonder in performance of the Services, during the Term (the “Consultant Intellectual Property”) will be the exclusive property of the Company.
 
(b)           As used herein, “Intellectual Property” means any and all Inventions, Works, trade secrets, trademarks, mask works, and copyrights. “Invention(s)” means any and all discoveries, improvements, ideas, concepts, creative works, and designs, whether or not in writing or reduced to practice, and whether or not they are patentable, including, but not limited to, processes, methods, formulas, and techniques and know-how; and “Works” means those works fixed in any tangible medium of expression from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device, whether or not they are copyrightable.
 
7.             NON-DISPARAGEMENT
 
(a)           Neither Wonder, Consultant nor any of their employees, partners or affiliates will make any statements (or cause or encourage others to make any statements), written or verbal, that defame or disparage the personal or business reputation, practices or conduct of the Company or its shareholders, officers, directors, or employees.
 
(b)           Neither the Company nor the Company's officers or directors will make any statements (or cause or encourage others to make any statements), written or verbal, that defame or disparage the personal or business reputation, practices or conduct of Wonder or Consultant.
 
8.             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF WONDER AND CONSULTANT
 
Wonder and Consultant each hereby represents and warrants to, and covenants with, the Company as follows:
 
(a)           Wonder and Consultant each have the full legal right and power and all authority required to enter into and to perform according to the terms of this Agreement. This Agreement is duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Wonder and Consultant and constitutes legal, valid, and binding obligations of Wonder and Consultant enforceable against Wonder and Consultant in accordance with its terms.
 
 
3
 
 
(b)           The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by each of Wonder and Consultant do not and will not (i) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation (with or without notice, lapse of time or both) of, any agreement or other instrument or other understanding to which Wonder or Consultant is a party or by which any property or asset of Wonder or Consultant is bound or affected, (ii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, injunction, decree or other restriction of any court or governmental authority to which Wonder or Consultant is subject (including federal and state securities laws and regulations), or by which any property or asset of Wonder or Consultant is bound or affected, or (iii) result in a violation of or the failure to have followed the recommendations of the Special Litigation Committee of the Company’s reports dated August 26, 2006 and February 19, 2008 (the “SLC Reports”).
 
9.             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY
 
The Company hereby represents and warrants to, and covenants with, Wonder and the Consultant as follows:
 
(a)           The Company has the full legal right and power and all authority required to enter into and to perform according to the terms of this Agreement. This Agreement is duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company, and constitutes legal, valid, and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.
 
(b)           The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company does not and will not (i) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation (with or without notice, lapse of time or both) of, any agreement or other instrument or other understanding to which the Company is a party or by which any property or asset of the Company is bound or affected, or (ii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, injunction, decree or other restriction of any court or governmental authority to which the Company is subject (including federal and state securities laws and regulations), or by which any property or asset of the Company is bound or affected.
 
10.           INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIP
 
(a)           Nature of Work. At all times during the Term, Wonder and Consultant shall have the status of independent contractors. In no event shall Wonder or Consultant be deemed to be an employee of the Company, and neither Wonder nor Consultant shall at any time be entitled to any Company employment rights or benefits except as specifically set forth herein or be deemed to be an agent of the Company or have any power to bind or commit the Company or otherwise act on the Company’s behalf unless expressly authorized to do so in writing by an officer of the Company. Wonder and Consultant shall have the independent authority to determine the means and manner of engaging in the Services within the reasonable guidelines established by the Company.
 
(b)           Status of Relationship. In the capacity as an independent contractor, neither Wonder nor Consultant (i) shall serve as an officer, director or employee of the Company, (ii) shall have authority to make any managerial decisions on behalf of the Company, and (iii) shall represent, directly or indirectly, that either has authority to make any managerial decisions on behalf of the Company.
 
11.           TERMINATION
 
(a)           Death or Disability. If Consultant dies or becomes disabled (as defined below) during the Term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall be deemed to terminate on the date of his death or deemed disability; provided, however, the Company shall continue to pay to Wonder the compensation set forth in Section 3(a) hereof for the remainder of the stated Term unless the Company has prior to the date of Consultant’s death or disability acquired insurance in an amount sufficient to provide such compensation. For purposes of this Agreement, Consultant shall be deemed to be disabled in the event he is unable to provide Services to the Company for a period of One Hundred Eighty (180) consecutive days due to injury, illness or other incapacity (physical or mental), to perform the essential functions of the position contemplated herein, with reasonable accommodation to Consultant with respect to such injury, illness or other incapacity.
 
 
4
 
 
(b)           Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time if it has “Cause,” which shall mean:
 
(i)          the Company’s determination that either Wonder or the Consultant has neglected, failed, or refused to render the services or perform any other of the duties or obligations in or under this Agreement (including, without limitation, because of any alcohol or drug abuse);
 
(ii)         Wonder’s or the Consultant’s violation of any provision of or obligation under this Agreement;
 
(iii)        Wonder or the Consultant’s indictment for, or entry of a plea of no contest with respect to, any crime that adversely affects or (in the Board’s reasonable judgment) may adversely affect the Company or the utility of Wonder’s or the Consultant’s services to the Company;
 
(iv)        any act or omission of Wonder or the Consultant that harms or embarrasses or (in the Board’s reasonable judgment) may harm or embarrass, the Company or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, customers, dealers or suppliers; or
 
(v)         Wonder’s or the Consultant’s material violation of any Company policy or procedure which results in damage to the Company, such determination to be in the sole determination of the Company’s Board of Directors; or
 
(vi)        Wonder’s or the Consultant’s violation of (i) that certain Final Judgment and Agreed Permanent Injunction Against Mannatech, Inc. entered into by the Company on February 26, 6009 in Cause No. D-1-GV-07-001386 or (ii) that certain Final Judgment and Agreed Permanent Injunction Against Samuel L. Caster entered into by the Consultant on February 25, 6009 in Cause No. D-1- GV-07-001386 (collectively, the “Final Orders”);
 
(vii)       Wonder’s or the Consultant’s failing to follow the recommendations of the SLC Reports.
 
The Company may not terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 11(b) unless it has given written notice to Wonder or the Consultant stating with specificity the Cause upon which the Company relies. In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph, the Company shall have no further obligations with respect to compensation to be paid to Wonder or the Consultant.
 
(c)           Without Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement without cause upon providing thirty (30) days written notice to Wonder or the Consultant. Upon such termination pursuant to this paragraph, the Company shall continue to pay the compensation to Wonder set forth in Section 3(a) hereof for the then-remaining months of the Term as specified in Section 2 hereof.
 
12.           MISCELLANEOUS
 
(a)           Notices. All notices required or permitted by the terms of this Agreement shall be sufficient if given in writing and delivered personally, by facsimile, or by certified mail or courier service, requiring written acknowledgement of receipt, to the following addresses for the persons or entities listed:
 
 
For the Company:
Mannatech, Incorporated
600 South Royal Lane
Suite 200
Coppell, TX 75019
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
                                           
 
5
 
 
 
With a copy to:
J. Kenneth Menges, Jr., P.C.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
1700 Pacific Avenue
Suite 4100
Dallas, TX 75201
 
 
For Wonder:
WonderEnterprises, LLC
2034 W Beltline Road
Cedar Hill, TX 75104

 
For Consultant:
Samuel L. Caster
Samuel L. Caster
2034 W Beltline Road
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
                           
(b)           Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by and shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Texas.
 
(c)           Agreement to Perform Necessary Acts. Each of Wonder and Consultant agrees to perform any further acts and execute and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
 
(d)           Injunctive Relief. Wonder, Consultant and Company recognize and acknowledge that damages in the event of a breach of certain provisions of this Agreement by either Party would be inadequate, and the Parties agree that in addition to all other remedies available, each shall have the right to injunctive relief via arbitration if there is a breach by either Party of any one or more of the provisions contained herein.
 
(e)           Arbitration. Arbitration, including the right to invoke injunctive relief and any emergency relief or measures provided for, shall be the exclusive remedy for any and all disputes, claims or controversies, whether statutory, contractual or otherwise, between the Parties concerning the Agreement or the termination thereof In the event either party provides a Notice of Arbitration of Dispute to the other party, the Parties agree to submit such dispute or controversy, whether statutory or otherwise, to an arbitrator selected from a panel of arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association located in Dallas, Texas. The effective rules at the time of the commencement of the Commercial Arbitration of the American Arbitration Association shall control the arbitration. In any arbitration proceeding conducted subject to these provisions, the arbitrator is specifically empowered to decide any question pertaining to limitations, and may do so by documents or by a hearing, in his or her sole discretion. In this regard, the arbitrator may authorize the submission of pre-hearing motions similar to a motion to dismiss or for summary adjudication for the purposes of consideration in this matter. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding upon the Parties. The Parties further agree to abide by and perform any award rendered by the arbitrator. Each party in such proceeding shall pay its own attorney’s fees. In rendering the award, the arbitrator shall state the reasons therefor, including any computations of actual damages or offsets, if applicable.
 
(f)            Waiver. A waiver by either party of any term or condition of this Agreement in any instance shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of such term or condition for the future, or any breach of such term or condition.
 
(g)           Entirety. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties relating to their employment or consulting relationship and supersedes any prior, contemporaneous, or subsequent statements, representations, warranties, understandings, or inducements of any kind, whether oral or written, including without limitation that certain Employment Agreement dated as of January 23, 2006, between Company and Consultant, which Employment Agreement was terminated by mutual agreement on February 25, 2009 with no further consideration paid or payable thereunder.
 
 
6
 
 
(h)           Assignment. This Agreement is personal to Wonder and Consultant and may not be assigned in any way by Wonder or Consultant without the prior written consent of the Company. The Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement.
 
(i)            Voluntary Agreement. Each party to this Agreement has read and fully understands the terms and provisions hereof, has had an opportunity to review this Agreement with legal counsel, has executed this Agreement based upon such party’s own judgment and advice of counsel (if any), and knowingly, voluntarily and without duress agrees to all of the terms set forth in this Agreement. The parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party because of authorship of any provision of this Agreement. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, neither the parties nor their affiliates, advisors and/or their attorneys have made any representation or warranty, express or implied, at law or in equity with respect to the subject matter contained herein. Without limiting the generality of the previous sentence, the Company, its affiliates, advisors and/or attorneys have made no representation or warranty to Consultant concerning the state or federal tax consequences to Wonder or Consultant regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
 
7
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is effective between the parties as of the Effective Date.
 
 
THE COMPANY:
  
     
 
Mannatech, Incorporated
  
           
  By:  /s/ Robert A. Sinnott  
      Name:
Robert A. Sinnott
  
      Title:
CEO
  
      Date:
March 6, 2013
  
           
 
WONDER:
  
           
 
WonderEnterprises, LLC
  
           
  By: /s/Samuel L. Caster  
      Name:
Samuel L. Caster
  
      Title:
President
  
      Date:
March 6, 2013
  
           
  THE CONSULTANT:  
           
 
Samuel L. Caster
  
           
  By:  /s/ Samuel L. Caster   
      Date:
March 6, 2013
  
 
 
8
ex21.htm
Exhibit 21

List of Subsidiaries

The Company has twenty-six wholly-owned subsidiaries located throughout the world, as follows:

1. Mannatech Australia Pty Limited
2. Mannatech Japan, G.K.
3. Mannatech Korea, Ltd.
4. Mannatech Limited (a New Zealand Company)
5. Mannatech Limited (a UK Company)
6. Mannatech Taiwan Corporation
7. Mannatech Payment Services Incorporated
8. Mannatech Products Company Inc.
9. Internet Health Group, Inc.
10. Mannatech (International) Limited
11. Mannatech, Incorporated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
12. Mannatech Singapore Pte. Ltd.
13. Mannatech Canada Corporation
14. Mannatech South Africa (Pty) Ltd
15. Mannatech Bermuda Holdings Limited
16. Mannatech Denmark ApS
17. Mannatech (Gibraltar) Holdings Limited
18. Mannatech Swiss Holdings GmbH
19. Mannatech Swiss International GmbH
20. Mannatech Malaysia Trading Co. Sdn. Bhd.
21. Mannatech Norge A/S
22. Mannatech Sverige AB
23. MTEX Mexico SRL CV
24. MTEX Mexico Services SRL CV
25. Mannatech Cyprus Limited
26. Mannatech Ukraine LLC
 
 
ex23_1.htm
Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Mannatech, Incorporated
 
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Forms S-8 (File Nos. 333-72767, 333-77227, 333-94519, 333-47752, 333-113975, 333-153199 and 333-169774) of Mannatech, Incorporated and Subsidiaries (the Company) of our reports dated March 27, 2013, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, which appear in this Form 10-K.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 27, 2013
 

ex23_2.htm
Exhibit 23.2

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Mannatech, Incorporated
Coppell, Texas

The audits referred to in our report dated March 27, 2013 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Mannatech, Incorporated and Subsidiaries (the “Company”), which is contained in Item 15(a)(1) of this Form 10-K also included the audit of the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. The financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our audits.

In our opinion such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 27, 2013
 
 
ex31_1.htm
Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.13a-14
PROMULGATED UNDER
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Robert A. Sinnott, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Mannatech, Incorporated;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 27, 2013
/s/ Robert A. Sinnott
 
Robert A. Sinnott
 
Chief Executive Officer and
 
Chief Science Officer
 
 
ex31_2.htm
Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.13a-14
PROMULGATED UNDER
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, S. Mark Nicholls, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Mannatech, Incorporated;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 27, 2013
/s/ S. Mark Nicholls
 
S. Mark Nicholls
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
ex32_1.htm
Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Mannatech, Incorporated (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robert A. Sinnott, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Science Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 27, 2013
/s/ Robert A. Sinnott
 
Robert A. Sinnott
 
Chief Executive Officer and
 
Chief Science Officer

A SIGNED ORIGINAL OF THIS WRITTEN STATEMENT REQUIRED BY SECTION 906 HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND FURNISHED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ITS STAFF UPON REQUEST.
 
 
ex32_2.htm
Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Mannatech, Incorporated (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, S. Mark Nicholls, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 27, 2013
/s/ S. Mark Nicholls
 
S. Mark Nicholls
 
Chief Financial Officer

A SIGNED ORIGINAL OF THIS WRITTEN STATEMENT REQUIRED BY SECTION 906 HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND FURNISHED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ITS STAFF UPON REQUEST.
 
 
ex99_1.htm
Exhibit 99.1

MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in thousands)

         
Additions
        
   
Balance at
Beginning of
Year
    
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
    
Charged to
other
Accounts
    
Deductions
    
Balance at
End of Year
  
Year Ended December 31, 2011
                              
Deducted from asset accounts:
                              
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   $ 21       61       —       (60 )   $ 22  
Allowance for obsolete inventories
   $ 1,561       3,660       —       (2,910 )   $ 2,311  
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
   $ 4,059       5,474       —       (30 )   $ 9,503  
Included in accrued expenses:
                                        
Reserve for sales returns
   $ 389       1,581       —       (1,442 )   $ 528  
Year Ended December 31, 2012
                                        
Deducted from asset accounts:
                                        
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   $ 22       8       —       (10 )   $ 20  
Allowance for obsolete inventories
   $ 2,311       1,766       —       (2,458 )   $ 1,619  
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
   $ 9,503       795       —       (1,779 )   $ 8,519  
Included in accrued expenses:
                                        
Reserve for sales returns
   $ 528       1,168       —       (1,540 )   $ 156