10-Q 1 form10q.htm MANNATECH, INCORPORATED 10-Q 3-31-2014

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

T QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF1934
For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2014

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
____________________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes T 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 (§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 T No 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 definitions of “accelerated filer”, “large 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 T

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No T

As of April 28, 2014, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s sole class of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, was 2,659,912.
 


MANNATECH, INCORPORATED
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1
Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
2
 
2
 
3
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
 
 
Item 2.
14
 
14
 
15
 
22
 
24
 
28
 
 
 
Item 3.
29
 
 
 
Item 4.
30
 
 
 
Part II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
31
 
 
 
Item 1A.
31
 
 
 
Item 2.
31
 
 
 
Item 3.
31
 
 
 
Item 4.
31
 
 
 
Item 5.
31
 
 
 
Item 6.
31
 
 
 
32
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain disclosures and analyses in this Form 10-Q, 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, the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and the “Risk Factors” section in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q, and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q 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 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

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

 
 
March 31,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
ASSETS
 
(unaudited)
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
20,175
   
$
20,395
 
Restricted cash
   
1,519
     
1,519
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $286 and $142 in 2014 and 2013, respectively
   
189
     
423
 
Income tax receivable
   
10
     
4
 
Inventories, net
   
13,955
     
13,988
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
3,434
     
3,061
 
Deferred commissions
   
4,094
     
2,706
 
Deferred tax assets, net
   
1,138
     
1,578
 
Total current assets
   
44,514
     
43,674
 
Property and equipment, net
   
2,894
     
3,239
 
Long-term restricted cash
   
4,199
     
4,254
 
Other assets
   
3,720
     
3,591
 
Long-term deferred tax assets, net
   
1,574
     
1,303
 
Total assets
 
$
56,901
   
$
56,061
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current portion of capital leases
 
$
1,226
   
$
704
 
Accounts payable
   
5,342
     
4,996
 
Accrued expenses
   
6,182
     
5,796
 
Commissions and incentives payable
   
6,625
     
10,210
 
Taxes payable
   
1,472
     
1,858
 
Current deferred tax liability
   
119
     
114
 
Deferred revenue
   
9,718
     
6,380
 
Total current liabilities
   
30,684
     
30,058
 
Capital leases, excluding current portion
   
330
     
450
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
1,961
     
2,101
 
Total liabilities
   
32,975
     
32,609
 
 
               
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, 2,773,972 shares issued and 2,654,913 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and 2,773,972 shares issued and 2,653,913 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013
   
     
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
42,654
     
42,592
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(3,518
)
   
(3,746
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(680
)
   
(743
)
Less treasury stock, at cost, 119,059 and 120,059 shares in 2014 and 2013, respectively
   
(14,530
)
   
(14,651
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
23,926
     
23,452
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
56,901
   
$
56,061
 

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

 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Net sales
 
$
42,963
   
$
41,666
 
Cost of sales
   
9,398
     
7,697
 
Gross profit
   
33,565
     
33,969
 
 
               
Operating expenses:
               
Commissions and incentives
   
16,968
     
17,541
 
Selling and administrative expenses
   
7,876
     
8,631
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
386
     
637
 
Other operating costs
   
6,956
     
6,505
 
Total operating expenses
   
32,186
     
33,314
 
 
               
Income from operations
   
1,379
     
655
 
Interest income (expense)
   
1
     
(13
)
Other income (expense), net
   
(336
)
   
417
 
Income before income taxes
   
1,044
     
1,059
 
 
               
Provision for income taxes
   
(816
)
   
(415
)
Net income
 
$
228
   
$
644
 
 
               
Income per common share:
               
Basic
 
$
0.09
   
$
0.24
 
Diluted
 
$
0.08
   
$
0.24
 
 
               
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
   
2,654
     
2,648
 
Diluted
   
2,702
     
2,650
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) – (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)

 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Net income
 
$
228
   
$
644
 
Foreign currency translations
   
63
     
(944
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
291
   
$
(300
)

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)

 
 
Common stock Par value
   
Additional paid in capital
   
Accumulated deficit
   
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
Treasury stock
   
Total shareholders’ equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
$
   
$
42,592
   
$
(3,746
)
 
$
(743
)
   
(14,651
)
   
23,452
 
Net income
   
     
     
228
     
     
     
228
 
Charge related to stock-based compensation
   
     
178
     
     
     
     
178
 
Stock option exercises
   
     
(116
)
   
     
     
121
     
5
 
Foreign currency translations
   
     
     
     
63
     
     
63
 
Balance at March 31, 2014
 
$
   
$
42,654
   
$
(3,518
)
 
$
(680
)
 
$
(14,530
)
 
$
23,926
 

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

 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
   
 
Net income
 
$
228
   
$
644
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
386
     
637
 
Provision for inventory losses
   
851
     
143
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
166
     
16
 
Loss on disposal of assets
   
37
     
 
Accounting charge related to stock-based compensation expense
   
178
     
37
 
Deferred income taxes
   
209
     
25
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
   
67
     
125
 
Income tax receivable
   
(6
)
   
(9
)
Inventories
   
(895
)
   
1,312
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
290
     
358
 
Other assets
   
(1,554
)
   
(122
)
Accounts payable
   
346
     
(30
)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
220
     
457
 
Taxes payable
   
(390
)
   
894
 
Commissions and incentives payable
   
(3,574
)
   
(1,944
)
Deferred revenue
   
3,359
     
(230
)
Change in restricted cash
   
(11
)
   
(2
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
(93
)
   
2,311
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Acquisition of property and equipment
   
(123
)
   
(79
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(123
)
   
(79
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Repayment of capital lease obligation
   
(266
)
   
(365
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(266
)
   
(365
)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
262
     
(1,157
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(220
)
   
710
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
   
20,395
     
14,377
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
 
$
20,175
   
$
15,087
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Income taxes paid, net
 
$
(851
)
 
$
(358
)
Interest paid on capital leases
 
$
(22
)
 
$
(37
)

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED 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 (“Nasdaq”) 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) Europe/Middle East/Africa, or “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, Taiwan and Hong Kong). On March 21, 2014, the Company announced temporary suspension of operations in Ukraine due to political turmoil and ongoing instability in the country.

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.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with instructions for Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the Company’s consolidated financial statements and footnotes contained herein do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) to be considered “complete financial statements”. However, in the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and footnotes contain all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial information as of, and for, the periods presented. The Company cautions that its consolidated results of operations for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of its consolidated results of operations to be expected for its fiscal year. The December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet was included in the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 18, 2014 (the “2013 Annual Report”), which includes all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the 2013 Annual Report.

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’s 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.
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 of submission to the credit card processor. For each of the periods ended March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, credit card receivables were $1.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts in foreign countries totaled $16.6 million and $14.7 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our total restricted cash was $5.7 million and $5.8 million, respectively.

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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, receivables consisted primarily of amounts due from members and independent 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company held an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.28 million and $0.14 million, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories consist 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. The Company periodically reviews inventories for obsolescence, and any inventories identified as obsolete are reserved or written off.

Other Assets

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other assets were $3.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively, and primarily consisted of deposits for building leases in various locations of $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Additionally, included in the March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 balances was $1.7 million and $1.8 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 balances was $0.2 million of indefinite lived intangible assets relating to the Manapol® powder trademark.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities were $2.0 million and $2.1 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2013, other long-term liabilities included $0.2 million in financing obligations. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company recorded $0.7 million in other long-term liabilities related to uncertain income tax positions (see Note 8, Income Taxes of the Company’s 10-K, filed March 18, 2014). 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. At each of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accrued restoration costs related to these leases amounted to $0.2 million. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company also recorded a long-term liability for estimated defined benefit obligation related to a non-U.S. defined benefit plan for its Japan operations of $0.6 million (See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, of the Company’s 10-K, filed March 18, 2014).
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Commissions

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 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s deferred revenue was $9.7 million and $6.4 million, respectively. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company started a loyalty program through which customers earn loyalty points from qualified automatic orders, which can be applied to future purchases. The Company defers the dollar equivalent in revenue of these points until the points are applied or forfeited. The deferred revenue associated with the loyalty program at March 31, 2014 was $7.7 million and at December 31, 2013 was $5.5 million. Deferred revenue consisted primarily of: (i) sales of packs and products shipped but not received by the customers by the end of the respective period; (ii) revenue from the loyalty program; and (iii) prepaid registration fees from customers planning to attend a future corporate-sponsored event. In total current assets, the Company defers commissions on (i) the sales of packs and products shipped but not received by the customers by the end of the respective period and (ii) the loyalty program. Deferred commissions were $4.1 million and $2.7 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Loyalty program
 
(in thousands)
 
Loyalty deferred revenue as of June 30, 2013
 
$
 
Loyalty points forfeited
   
(1,136
)
Loyalty points used
   
(723
)
Loyalty points vested
   
5,072
 
Loyalty points unvested
   
2,243
 
Loyalty deferred revenue as of December 31, 2013
 
$
5,456
 

Loyalty deferred revenue as of January 1, 2014
 
$
5,456
 
Loyalty points forfeited
   
(936
)
Loyalty points used
   
(570
)
Loyalty points vested
   
1,027
 
Loyalty points unvested
   
2,728
 
Loyalty deferred revenue as of March 31, 2014
 
$
7,705
 

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 three months ended March 31, 2014 our sales return reserve consisted of the following (in thousands):

Sales reserve as of January 1, 2014
 
$
238
 
Provision related to sales made in current period
   
473
 
Adjustment related to sales made in prior periods
   
(55
)
Actual returns or credits related to current period
   
(206
)
Actual returns or credits related to prior periods
   
(182
)
Sales reserve as of March 31, 2014
 
$
268
 
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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. Total revenue from freight and shipping fees were approximately $1.9 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Total freight costs for shipping products to our customers included in cost of sales were approximately $1.6 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Commissions and Incentives

Associates earn commissions and incentives based on their direct and indirect commissionable net sales over 13 business periods each year. Each business period equals 28 days. The Company accrues commissions and incentives when earned by 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.

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, Sweden, and Ukraine operations, and changes in the pension obligation for its Japanese employees.

NOTE 2: INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of raw materials, finished goods, and promotional materials. The Company provides an allowance for any slow-moving or obsolete inventories. Inventories at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 
 
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
Raw materials
 
$
3,147
   
$
4,396
 
Finished goods
   
12,390
     
11,601
 
Inventory reserves for obsolescence
   
(1,582
)
   
(2,009
)
Total
 
$
13,955
   
$
13,988
 

NOTE 3: INCOME TAXES

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s effective tax rate was 78.1% and 39.2%, respectively, and was determined based on the estimated annual effective income tax rate.

The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were higher than what would have been expected if the federal statutory rate were applied to income before taxes. Items increasing the effective income tax rate included the change in the valuation allowances associated with certain foreign deferred tax assets, and the unfavorable rate differences from foreign jurisdictions.

NOTE 4: EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company calculates basic Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS also reflects the potential dilution that could occur if common stock were issued for awards outstanding under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company reported net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and approximately 0.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock subject to options were excluded from the diluted EPS calculation, as the effect would have been antidilutive. The Company reported net income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and during that period a negligible amount of common stock subject to options was dilutive. In determining the potential dilution effect of outstanding stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company used the quarter’s average common stock close price of $16.76 and $6.07 per share, respectively.
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 5: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

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 market 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, as amended (the “2008 Plan”), which reserves up to 200,000 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 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 March 31, 2014, the 2008 Plan had 20,596 stock options available for grant before the plan expires on February 20, 2018.

The Company records stock-based compensation expense related to granting stock options in selling and administrative expenses. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company granted 66,000 and 75,000 stock options, respectively. The fair value of stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $12.09 per share. The Company recognized compensation expense as follows for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands):

 
 
Three months ending
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Total gross compensation expense
 
$
178
   
$
37
 
Total tax benefit associated with compensation expense
   
60
     
8
 
Total net compensation expense
 
$
118
   
$
29
 

As of March 31, 2014, the Company expects to record compensation expense in the future as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Nine months
   
Year ending December 31,
 
 
 
ending
   
   
   
 
 
 
December 31,
   
   
   
 
 
 
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
 
Total gross unrecognized compensation expense
 
$
265
   
$
343
   
$
165
   
$
21
 
Tax benefit associated with unrecognized compensation expense
   
51
     
65
     
10
     
2
 
Total net unrecognized compensation expense
 
$
214
   
$
278
   
$
155
   
$
19
 
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 6: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, displayed in the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Loss, represents net loss plus the results of certain shareholders’ equity changes not reflected in the consolidated statements of operations, such as foreign currency translation and certain pension and post-retirement benefit obligations. The after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, are as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Foreign Currency Translation
   
Pension Postretirement Benefit Obligation
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
$
(1,110
)
 
$
367
   
$
(743
)
Current-period change 1
   
63
     
     
63
 
Balance as of March 31, 2014
 
$
(1,047
)
 
$
367
   
$
(680
)
1 No amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

NOTE 7: LITIGATION

Employment Litigation

Natalie Clark v. Mannatech, Incorporated, Case No. DC-13-05038, 192nd Judicial District Court, Dallas County, Texas
On May 10, 2013, the Company was served notice of a lawsuit filed by Ms. Natalie Clark, a former executive of the Company, in the 192nd Judicial District Court, Dallas County, Texas (the “Court”) alleging discrimination and harassment based on gender. Ms. Clark alleges that she was stripped of her duties and wrongfully discharged as part of an alleged “purge of females in key positions” within the Company. Ms. Clark is seeking damages in excess of $1,000,000. The Company has retained counsel and filed its answer denying Ms. Clark’s allegations. This case is set for jury trial on June 2, 2014; however that date could be extended. The Court issued a standard mediation order; mediation will be conducted on May 14, 2014.
The parties are engaged in the discovery process. It is not possible at this time to predict whether the Company will incur any liability, or to estimate the ranges of damages, if any, which may be incurred in connection with this matter. However, the Company believes it has a valid defense and will vigorously defend this claim.

Litigation in General

The Company is or may become involved in certain legal proceedings incidental to the normal course of business. We believe pending legal proceedings can be resolved without any material adverse effect on our business, 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 are 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.
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Administrative Proceedings

In January 2014, a payment was made related to the administrative proceeding from the Busan Custom Office in Korea resulting from an audit covering fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

NOTE 8: 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 820 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“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 Company does not have any material financial liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2014. The table below presents the recorded amount of financial assets measured at fair value (in thousands) on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014.

 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets
 
   
   
   
 
Money Market Funds – Fidelity, US
 
$
451
   
$
   
$
   
$
451
 
Interest bearing deposits – various banks, Korea
   
5,591
     
     
     
5,591
 
Total assets
 
$
6,042
   
$
   
$
   
$
6,042
 
Amounts included in:
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2,230
   
$
   
$
   
$
2,230
 
Long-term restricted cash
   
3,812
     
     
     
3,812
 
Total
 
$
6,042
   
$
   
$
   
$
6,042
 

NOTE 9: 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 twenty-three 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-three 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, Taiwan and Hong Kong). On March 21, 2014, the Company announced temporary suspension of operations in Ukraine, due to political turmoil and ongoing instability in the country.
MANNATECH, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 
 
Three months
 
Region
 
2014
   
2013
 
North America
 
$
20.3
     
47.2
%
 
$
20.5
     
49.2
%
Asia/Pacific
   
19.0
     
44.2
%
   
17.8
     
42.7
%
EMEA
   
3.7
     
8.6
%
   
3.4
     
8.1
%
Total
 
$
43.0
     
100.0
%
 
$
41.7
     
100.0
%


 
 
Three months
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Consolidated product sales
 
$
34.5
   
$
37.4
 
Consolidated pack sales
   
6.7
     
2.3
 
Consolidated other, including freight
   
1.8
     
2.0
 
Consolidated total net sales
 
$
43.0
   
$
41.7
 

Long-lived assets for the Company and its subsidiaries reside in the following regions (in millions):

Region
 
March 31,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
North America
 
$
2.2
   
$
2.4
 
Asia/Pacific
   
0.4
     
0.4
 
EMEA
   
0.3
     
0.4
 
Total
 
$
2.9
   
$
3.2
 

Inventory balances, which consist of raw materials, work in progress, finished goods, and promotional materials, as offset by obsolete inventories, reside in the following regions (in millions):

Region
 
March 31,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
North America
 
$
5.8
   
$
6.4
 
Asia/Pacific
   
5.2
     
5.3
 
EMEA
   
3.0
     
2.3
 
Total
 
$
14.0
   
$
14.0
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion is intended to assist in the understanding of our consolidated financial position and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, and should be read in conjunction with Item I “Financial Statements” in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. 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. Refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measure section herein for a description of how Constant dollar (“Constant dollar”) growth rate (a Non-GAAP financial metric) is determined.

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); and (iii) Asia/Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong). Our Switzerland office manages 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 246,000 active independent associates and members who have purchased our products and/or packs within the last 12 months, who we refer to as active 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-three 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

Recruiting increased 7.1% in the first quarter 2014 as compared to the first quarter of 2013. The number of new independent associates and members for the first quarter of 2014 was approximately 25,600, as compared to 23,900 in 2013. These improvements led to an overall increase in net sales of $1.3 million, or 3.1% during the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. Our operations outside of North America accounted for approximately 52.8% of our consolidated net sales, and Asia/Pacific sales increased by $1.2 million, or 6.7%, due to the growth in the number of active independent associates and members. Net sales would have been $2.5 million higher except for the fluctuation of currency exchange rates (see discussion of Constant dollars in Non-GAAP Financial Measures, below), largely attributed to the currencies of three key markets: Japan, South Africa, and Australia.

During the first quarter, independent associates and members applied $0.6 million to loyalty purchases. In addition, we deferred net sales of $2.8 million during the quarter for future loyalty redemptions. At March 31, 2014, our deferred revenue balance on our balance sheet was $9.7 million, of which $7.7 million is attributed to the loyalty program.

On March 21, 2014, the Company announced its suspension of operations in Ukraine, due to political turmoil and ongoing instability in the country, which resulted in a $0.1 million charge to administrative expense and a $0.1 million charge to other operating costs, including the loss on disposal of assets (see Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.)

During the first quarter, the Company took a charge to allowance for obsolete inventory of $0.9 million. This consisted of $0.3 million for finished products due to a reduction in projected demand for Ukraine and the European countries and $0.4 million related to raw materials.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

The table below summarizes our consolidated operating results in dollars and as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except percentages):

 
 
2014
   
2013
   
Change
 
 
 
Total
   
% of
   
Total
   
% of
   
   
 
 
 
dollars
   
net sales
   
dollars
   
net sales
   
Dollar
   
Percentage
 
Net sales
 
$
42,963
     
100.0
%
 
$
41,666
     
100.0
%
 
$
1,297
     
3.1
%
Cost of sales
   
9,398
     
21.9
%
   
7,697
     
18.5
%
   
1,701
     
22.1
%
Gross profit
   
33,565
     
78.1
%
   
33,969
     
81.5
%
   
(404
)
   
(1.2
)%
 
                                               
Operating expenses:
                                               
Commissions and incentives
   
16,968
     
39.5
%
   
17,541
     
42.1
%
   
(573
)
   
(3.3
)%
Selling and administrative expenses
   
7,876
     
18.3
%
   
8,631
     
20.7
%
   
(755
)
   
(8.7
)%
Depreciation and amortization
   
386
     
0.9
%
   
637
     
1.5
%
   
(251
)
   
(39.4
)%
Other operating costs
   
6,956
     
16.2
%
   
6,505
     
15.6
%
   
451
     
6.9
%
Total operating expenses
   
32,186
     
74.9
%
   
33,314
     
79.9
%
   
(1,128
)
   
(3.4
)%
Income from operations
   
1,379
     
3.2
%
   
655
     
1.6
%
   
724
     
110.5
%
Interest income (expense)
   
1
     
0.0
%
   
(13
)
   
(0.1
) %
   
14
     
107.7
%
Other income (expense), net
   
(336
)
   
(0.8
)%
   
417
     
1.0
%
   
(753
)
   
(180.6
)%
Income before income taxes
   
1,044
     
2.4
%
   
1,059
     
2.5
%
   
(15
)
   
(1.4
)%
Provision for income taxes
   
(816
)
   
(1.9
)%
   
(415
)
   
(1.0
)%
   
(401
)
   
(96.6
)%
Net income
 
$
228
     
0.5
%
 
$
644
     
1.5
%
 
$
(416
)
   
(64.6
)%
Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"), we disclose operating results that have been adjusted to exclude the impact of changes due to the translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, including changes in: Net Sales, Deferred Revenue, Gross Profit, and Income from Operations. We refer to these adjusted financial measures as Constant dollar items, which are Non-GAAP financial measures. We believe these measures provide investors an additional perspective on trends. To exclude the impact of changes due to the translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, we calculate current year results and prior year results at a constant exchange rate, which is the prior year’s rate. Currency impact is determined as the difference between actual growth rates and constant currency growth rates.

 
 
March 31,
2014
   
March 31,
2013
   
Reconciliation –
Constant $
 
 
 
GAAP
Measure:
Total $
   
Non-GAAP
Measure:
Constant $
   
GAAP
Measure:
Total $
   
Dollar
   
Percent
 
Net Sales
 
$
43.0
   
$
44.2
   
$
41.7
   
$
2.5
     
6.0
%
Product
   
34.5
     
35.5
     
37.4
     
(1.9
)
   
(5.1
) %
Pack
   
6.7
     
6.8
     
2.3
     
4.5
     
195.7
%
Other
   
1.8
     
1.9
     
2.0
     
(0.1
)
   
(5.0
) %
Deferred Revenue
   
9.7
     
9.9
     
1.3
     
8.6
     
661.5
%
Gross Profit
   
33.6
     
34.4
     
34.0
     
0.4
     
1.2
%
Income from Operations
   
1.4
     
1.3
     
0.7
     
0.6
     
85.7
%

Consolidated net sales by region for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in millions, except percentages):

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

 
 
2014
   
2013
 
North America
 
$
20.3
     
47.2
%
 
$
20.5
     
49.2
%
Asia/Pacific
   
19.0
     
44.2
%
   
17.8
     
42.7
%
EMEA
   
3.7
     
8.6
%
   
3.4
     
8.1
%
Total
 
$
43.0
     
100.0
%
 
$
41.7
     
100.0
%

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased by $1.3 million, or 3.1%, to $43.0 million, as compared to $41.7 million for the same period in 2013.

North American net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased by $0.2 million, or 1.0%, to $20.3 million, as compared to $20.5 million for the same period in 2013. This decrease was primarily due to a 12.1% decline in active independent associates that was partially offset by a 2.0% increase in active members and a 7.1% increase in revenue per active independent associate and member.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, our operations outside of North America accounted for approximately 52.8% of our consolidated net sales, whereas in the same period in 2013, our operations outside of North America accounted for approximately 50.8% of our consolidated net sales.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, Asia/Pacific net sales increased by $1.2 million, or 6.7%, to $19.0 million, as compared to $17.8 million for the same period in 2013 due to growth in the number of active independent associates and members. In Constant dollars, net sales would have increased 11.2% to $19.8 million. The currency impact is primarily due to the Yen and the Australian dollar.
For the three months ended March 31, 2014, EMEA net sales increased by $0.3 million, or 8.8%, to $3.7 million as compared to $3.4 million for the same period in 2013. Increases in active associates and members in Africa were offset by decreases in active associates and members in Europe. In Constant dollars, net sales would have increased 17.6% to $4.0 million; the currency impact was primarily due to the South Africa Rand.

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 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 three months ended March 31, was as follows (in millions, except percentages):

 
 
Three Months
   
Change
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
Dollar
   
Percentage
 
Consolidated product sales
 
$
34.5
   
$
37.4
   
$
(2.9
)
   
(7.8
)%
Consolidated pack sales
   
6.7
     
2.3
     
4.4
     
191.3
%
Consolidated other, including freight
   
1.8
     
2.0
     
(0.2
)
   
(10.0
)%
Total consolidated net sales
 
$
43.0
   
$
41.7
   
$
1.3
     
3.1
%

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 associates and members because associates and members utilize products at different volumes.

Product Sales

Our product sales are made to our independent associates at published wholesale prices. We also sell our products to members at discounted published retail prices. Product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased by $2.9 million, or 7.8%, as compared to the same period in 2013. The decrease in product sales was primarily due to a reduction in the average order value. The average order value for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $137 as compared to $152 for the same period in 2013. The decrease in average order value resulted in approximately $4.4 million in reduced revenue. The number of orders processed during the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased by 18.6%, as compared to the same period in 2013, which resulted in approximately $6.2 million in increased revenue. The remaining portion of the reduction in product sales is attributed to deferred revenue and foreign exchange fluctuations that had an unfavorable impact on net product sales.

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 and sell 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 associates was as follows, for the three months ended March 31 (in millions, except percentages):

 
 
Three Months
   
Change
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
Dollar
   
Percentage
 
New
 
$
2.2
   
$
1.3
   
$
0.9
     
69.2
%
Continuing
   
4.5
     
1.0
     
3.5
     
350.0
%
Total
 
$
6.7
   
$
2.3
   
$
4.4
     
191.3
%

Total pack sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased by $4.4 million, or 191.3%, to $6.7 million, as compared to $2.3 million for the same period in 2013. Average pack value for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased by $139 or 111.8% to $263 from $124, as compared to the same period in 2013 due to improvements in the value of the upgrade pack and a price increase. The total number of packs sold increased by 6,600, or 34.9%, to 25,500 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013.

Recruiting increased 7.1% in the first quarter 2014 as compared to the first quarter of 2013. The number of new independent associates and members for the first quarter of 2014 was approximately 25,600, as compared to 23,900 in 2013. The approximate number of new and continuing independent associates and members who purchased our packs or products during the twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 
 
2014
   
2013
 
New
   
118,000
     
48.0
%
   
99,000
     
42.9
%
Continuing
   
128,000
     
52.0
%
   
132,000
     
57.1
%
Total
   
246,000
     
100.0
%
   
231,000
     
100.0
%

As of March 31, 2014, there was an overall increase in the number of independent associates and members of 15,000, or 6.5%, as compared to the same period in 2013. New and continuing independent associates increased by 12,000 and new and continuing members increased by 3,000.

During 2013 and continuing into 2014, we took the following actions to recruit and retain associates and members:

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 three months ended March 31, 2014, other sales decreased by $0.2 million, or 10.0%, to $1.8 million, as compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in sales returns. Total revenue from freight and shipping fees was approximately $1.9 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
Gross Profit

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, gross profit decreased by $0.4 million, or 1.2%, to $33.6 million, as compared to $34.0 million for the same period in 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 78.1%, as compared to 81.5% for the same period in 2013. The reduction in gross profit was due to a charge to allowance for obsolete inventory of $0.9 million during the three month period ending March 31, 2014. The $0.9 million charge for allowance for obsolete inventory was attributed to $0.4 million for raw materials and $0.5 million for finished goods. The finished goods charge was $0.3 million in EMEA, $0.1 million in North America and $0.1 million in Asia/Pacific. The inventory allowance for obsolescence related to EMEA is primarily due to the suspension of operations in Ukraine and the reduction in projected demand for the European countries. During the same period 2013, the charge for allowance for obsolete inventory was $0.1 million.

Commission and Incentives

Commission expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased by 1.1%, or $0.2 million, to $16.5 million, as compared to $16.7 million for the same period in 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, commissions as a percentage of net sales decreased to 38.3% from 40.2% for the same period in 2013.

Incentive costs for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased by 35.8%, or $0.3 million, to $0.5 million, as compared to $0.8 million for the same period in 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, incentives as a percentage of net sales decreased to 1.2% from 1.9% for the same period in 2013.

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 three months ended March 31, 2014, selling and administrative expenses decreased by $0.8 million, or 8.7%, to $7.9 million, as compared to $8.6 million for the same period in 2013. The decrease in selling and administrative expenses consisted primarily of a $0.6 million decrease in payroll-related costs and a $0.2 million decrease in marketing expenses. Selling and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased to 18.3% from 20.7% for the same period in 2013.

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 three months ended March 31, 2014, other operating costs increased by $0.5 million, or 6.9%, to $7.0 million, as compared to $6.5 million for the same period in 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, other operating costs as a percentage of net sales increased to 16.2% from 15.6% for the same period in 2013. The increase in other operating costs was primarily due to a $0.2 million increase in legal costs, $0.2 million increase in credit card fees, and $0.1 million increase in travel related costs, partially offset by a reduction in rent and other occupancy costs.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased $0.2 million, to $0.4 million, as compared to $0.6 million for the same period in 2013.

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was ($0.3) million, as compared to other income, net of $0.4 million for the same period in 2013. Other income (expense), net, primarily consists of foreign currency gains and losses related to translating our foreign subsidiaries’ assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses to the United States dollar and revaluing monetary accounts in the United States, Switzerland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Norway, Sweden, and Mexico using current and weighted-average currency exchange rates. Net foreign currency transaction gains and losses are the result of the United States dollar fluctuating in value against foreign currencies.
Provision for Income Taxes

(Provision) benefit for income taxes includes current and deferred income taxes for both our domestic and foreign operations. Our statutory income tax rates by jurisdiction are as follows for the three months ended March 31:

Country
 
2014
   
2013
 
Australia
   
30.0
%
   
30.0
%
Canada
   
26.5
%
   
26.5
%
Denmark
   
24.5
%
   
25.0
%
Japan
   
39.4
%
   
39.4
%
Mexico
   
30.0
%
   
30.0
%
Norway
   
27.0
%
   
28.0
%
Republic of Korea
   
22.0
%
   
22.0
%
Singapore
   
17.0
%
   
17.0
%
South Africa
   
28.0
%
   
28.0
%
Sweden
   
22.0
%
   
22.0
%
Switzerland
   
16.2
%
   
16.2
%
Taiwan
   
17.0
%
   
17.0
%
United Kingdom
   
21.0
%
   
23.0
%
United States
   
37.5
%
   
37.5
%
Cyprus
   
12.5
%
   
12.5
%
Hong Kong
   
16.5
%
   
16.5
%
Ukraine
   
18.0
%
   
19.0
%
Gibraltar
   
10.0
%
   
--
 

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 fully utilize our foreign income tax credits in the United States.

We use the recognition and measurement provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, to account for income taxes. The provisions of the Income Tax Topic require a company to record a valuation allowance when the “more likely than not” criterion for realizing net deferred tax assets cannot be met. Furthermore, the weight given to the potential effect of such evidence should be commensurate with the extent to which it 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.

For each of the periods ended March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we maintained the following valuation allowances for deferred tax assets totaling $5.3 million, as we believe the “more likely than not” criterion for recognition and realization purposes, as defined in FASB ASC Topic 740, cannot be met:

Country
 
2014
   
2013
 
Mexico
 
$
2.8
   
$
2.7
 
Norway
   
0.2
     
0.2
 
Sweden
   
0.1
     
0.1
 
Switzerland
   
0.1
     
0.2
 
Taiwan
   
1.2
     
1.2
 
Ukraine
   
0.1
     
0.1
 
United States
   
0.8
     
0.8
 
Total
 
$
5.3
   
$
5.3
 

The dollar amount of the provisions for income taxes is directly related to our profitability and changes in the taxable income among countries. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, our effective tax rate was 78.1%, as compared to 39.2% for the same period in 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s effective income tax rate was determined based on the estimated annual effective income tax rate.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the effective tax rates were higher than what would have been expected if the federal statutory rate were applied to income before taxes. Items increasing the effective income tax rate included the change in the valuation allowances associated with certain foreign deferred tax assets and the unfavorable rate differences from foreign jurisdictions.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash and Cash Equivalents

As of March 31, 2014, our cash and cash equivalents decreased by 1.1%, or $0.2 million, to $20.2 million from $20.4 million as of December 31, 2013. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our restricted cash balances were $5.7 and $5.8 million, respectively. Finally, fluctuations in currency rates produced an increase of $0.3 million in cash and cash equivalents for the three month period ending March 31, 2014 as compared to a decrease of $1.2 million for the same period in 2013.

Our principal use of cash is to pay for operating expenses, including commissions and incentives, capital assets, inventory purchases, and international expansion. The quarterly cash dividend has been suspended since August 2009. Business objectives, operations, and expansion of operations are funded 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 March 31, 2014, our working capital increased by $0.2 million, or 1.6%, to $13.8 million from $13.6 million at December 31, 2013. The most significant changes to working capital were due to deferred commissions, deferred revenue, and cash used to pay commissions. Deferred commissions and deferred revenue increased during 2014 due to the loyalty program (see Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements, Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies).

Net Cash Flows

Our net consolidated cash flows consisted of the following, for the three months ended March 31 (in millions):

Provided by / (used in):
 
2014
   
2013
 
Operating activities
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
2.3
 
Investing activities
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
(0.1
)
Financing activities
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(0.3
)

Operating Activities

Cash used in operating activities was $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to cash provided in operating activities of $2.3 million for the same period in 2013 due to changes in profitability and the cash used in working capital.

Investing Activities

For the three months ended each of March 31, 2014 and 2013, we used cash of $0.1 million to purchase property and equipment.

Financing Activities

For the three months ended each of March 31, 2014 and 2013, we used $0.3 million to repay capital lease obligations.

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 maintain and increase revenue 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 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 3 Income Taxes and Note 7 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 maintain and increase revenue 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.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 The following summarizes our future commitments and obligations associated with various agreements and contracts as of March 31, 2014, for the years ending December 31 (in thousands):

 
 
Remaining
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
2019
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Capital lease obligations and other financing arrangements
 
$
1,098
   
$
412
   
$
130
   
$
15
   
$
2
   
$
   
$
   
$
1,657
 
Purchase obligations(1)(2)
   
4,504
     
1,200
     
300
     
     
     
     
     
6,004
 
Operating leases
   
1,474
     
1,520
     
1,229
     
1,158
     
563
     
     
     
5,944
 
Post-employment royalty
   
50
     
25
     
     
     
     
     
     
75
 
Employment agreements
   
591
     
179
     
     
     
     
     
     
770
 
Royalty agreement
   
63
     
66
     
     
     
     
     
     
129
 
Tax liability (3)
   
37
     
33
     
239
     
439
     
     
     
     
748
 
Other obligations(4)
   
92
     
299
     
135
     
68
     
52
     
79
     
662
     
1,387
 
Total commitments and obligations
 
$
7,909
   
$
3,734
   
$
2,033
   
$
1,680
   
$
617
   
$
79
   
$
662
   
$
16,714
 
__________

(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 $10.2 million of finished product purchase orders that may be cancelled or with delivery dates that have changed as of March 31, 2014.
(3) Represents the tax liability associated with uncertain tax positions, see Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements.
(4) Other obligations are composed of pension obligations related to the Company’s International operations (approximately $1.1 million) and lease restoration obligations (approximately $0.3 million).

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 possible 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.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 March 31, 2014.
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.

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 March 31, 2014, the estimated useful lives and net carrying values of fixed assets were as follows:

 
Estimated useful life
   
Net carrying value at
March 31, 2014
Office furniture and equipment
5 to 7 years
$
0.6 million
Computer hardware and software
3 to 5 years
0.8 million
Automobiles
3 to 5 years
0.1 million
Leasehold improvements
2 to 10 years(1)
1.4 million
Total net carrying value at March 31, 2014
 
$
2.9 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 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 indicators existed for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Uncertain Income Tax Positions and Tax Valuation Allowances

As of March 31, 2014, we recorded $0.7 million in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet related to uncertain income tax positions. As required by FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, 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 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 an issue is resolved by the taxing authority. Additionally, we may be requested to extend the statute of limitations for tax years under 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 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 past history and experience, overall profitability, future management plans, and current economic information to evaluate the amount of valuation allowance to record. As of March 31, 2014, we maintained a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets arising from our operations of $5.3 million because they did not meet the “more likely than not” criteria as defined by the recognition and measurement provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. In addition, as of March 31, 2014, we had deferred tax assets, after valuation allowance, totaling $6.0 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 Commissions

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 record a reserve for expected sales returns based on historical experience.

We recognize revenue from shipped packs and products upon receipt by the customer. Corporate-sponsored event revenue is recognized when the event is held. We defer certain components of our revenue. At each of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our deferred revenue was $9.7 million and $6.4 million, respectively. During the third quarter of 2013, we started a loyalty program through which customers earn loyalty points from qualified automatic orders, which can be applied to future purchases. We defer the dollar equivalent in revenue of these points until the points are applied or forfeited. The deferred revenue associated with the loyalty program was $7.7 million at March 31, 2014 and $5.5 million at December 31, 2013. Deferred revenue consisted primarily of: (i) the sales of packs and products shipped but not received by the customers by the end of the respective period; (ii) the revenue from the loyalty program; and (iii) prepaid registration fees from customers planning to attend a future corporate-sponsored event. In total current assets, we defer commissions on (i) the sales of packs and products shipped but not received by the customers by the end of the respective period and (ii) the loyalty program. Deferred commissions were $4.1 million and $2.7 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
Loyalty program
 
(in thousands)
 
Loyalty deferred revenue as of June 30, 2013
 
$
 
Loyalty points forfeited
   
(1,136
)
Loyalty points used
   
(723
)
Loyalty points vested
   
5,072
 
Loyalty points unvested
   
2,243
 
Loyalty deferred revenue as of December 31, 2013
 
$
5,456
 

Loyalty deferred revenue as of January 1, 2014
 
$
5,456
 
Loyalty points forfeited
   
(936
)
Loyalty points used
   
(570
)
Loyalty points vested
   
1,027
 
Loyalty points unvested
   
2,728
 
Loyalty deferred revenue as of March 31, 2014
 
$
7,705
 

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 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 associates and members are as follows:

· Retail Customer Product Return Policy. This policy allows a retail customer to return any of our products to the original associate who sold the product and receive a full cash refund from the associate for the first 180 days following the product’s purchase if located in the United States and Canada, and for the first 90 days following the product’s purchase in the remaining countries. The associate may then return or exchange the product based on the associate product return policy.

· Associate and Member Product Return Policy. This policy allows the associate or member to return an order within one year of the purchase date upon terminating his/her account. If an 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 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 associate will be deducted from the refund. If we discover abuse of the refund policy, we may terminate the associate’s or member’s account.

Historically, sales returns estimates have not materially deviated from actual sales returns, as the majority of our customers who return merchandise do so within the first 90 days after the original sale. Based upon our return policies and historical experience, we estimate a sales return reserve for expected sales refunds over a rolling six month period. If actual results differ from our estimated sales returns reserves 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 and have averaged 1.5% or less of our gross sales.
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 (“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 three months ended March 31, 2014, our assumptions and estimates used for the calculated fair value of stock options granted in 2014 were as follows:

 
 
February
2014
Grant
 
Estimated fair value per share of options granted:
 
$
10.93
 
Assumptions:
       
Annualized dividend yield
   
0.0
%
Risk-free rate of return
   
1.4
%
Common stock price volatility
   
80.2
%
Expected average life of stock options (in years)
   
4.5
 

The assumptions we use are based on our best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties related to 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 make an adjustment to our consolidated financial statements in future periods. As of March 31, 2014, using our current assumptions and estimates, we anticipate recognizing $0.8 million in gross compensation expense through 2017 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 has historically ranged between 34% to 69% of the exercise price multiplied by the number of stock options awarded. As of March 31, 2014, we had 20,596 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. We consult with our general and outside counsel to determine the legal reserve, which is based upon a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. Although we believe that our legal reserve 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 which could reduce net income, earnings per share, and cash flows.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

None
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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 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 translate our revenues and expenses in foreign markets using an average rate. We believe inflation has not had a material impact on our consolidated operations or profitability.

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, the United Kingdom); (iii) Asia/Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong). 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 three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:

Country (foreign currency name)
 
Low
   
High
   
Average
   
Spot
 
Australia (Dollar)
   
0.86880
     
0.92620
     
0.89623
     
0.92510
 
Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Estonia, Finland, the Republic of Ireland (Euro)
   
1.34900
     
1.39210
     
1.37048
     
1.37540
 
Canada (Dollar)
   
0.88900
     
0.94100
     
0.90769
     
0.90430
 
Czech Republic (Koruna)
   
0.04904
     
0.05091
     
0.04998
     
0.05018
 
Denmark (Krone)
   
0.18080
     
0.18650
     
0.18365
     
0.18420
 
Japan (Yen)
   
0.00950
     
0.00987
     
0.00973
     
0.00973
 
Mexico (Peso)
   
0.07434
     
0.07714
     
0.07561
     
0.07653
 
New Zealand (Dollar)
   
0.80990
     
0.86760
     
0.83600
     
0.86760
 
Norway (Krone)
   
0.15900
     
0.16840
     
0.16417
     
0.16660
 
Republic of Korea (Won)
   
0.00092
     
0.00096
     
0.00094
     
0.00094
 
Singapore (Dollar)
   
0.78150
     
0.79510
     
0.78840
     
0.79510
 
South Africa (Rand)
   
0.08890
     
0.09553
     
0.09225
     
0.09462
 
Sweden (Krona)
   
0.15230
     
0.15750
     
0.15479
     
0.15390
 
Switzerland (Franc)
   
1.09700
     
1.14660
     
1.12051
     
1.12780
 
Taiwan (Dollar)
   
0.03262
     
0.03344
     
0.03300
     
0.03286
 
United Kingdom (British Pound)
   
1.63080
     
1.67530
     
1.65521
     
1.66420
 
Item 4. 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 March 31, 2014, 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.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See “Litigation” in Note 7 of the Notes to our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which could materially affect our business or our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be insignificant also may become materially adverse or may affect our business in the future or our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

See Index to Exhibits following the signature page of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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: May 5, 2014
By:
/s/ Robert A. Sinnott
 
 
Robert A. Sinnott
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Science Officer
(principal executive officer)

Dated: May 5, 2014
By:
/s/ S. Mark Nicholls
 
 
S. Mark Nicholls
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
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
 
Certificate of 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
 
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.
 
*
 
*
 
*
 
*
 
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Financial Officer of Mannatech.
 
*
 
*
 
*
 
*
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.