MANNATECH INC

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 145,000 active associates and preferred customer positions held by individuals who purchased our products and/or packs or paid associate fees within the last 12 months, of which 159 occupied the highest associate levels under our global compensation plan. These independent associate leaders are important in maintaining and growing our revenue. As a result, the loss of a high-level independent associate or a group of leading associates in the independent associates’ networks of downlines, whether by their own choice or through disciplinary actions by us for violations of our policies and procedures, could negatively impact our associate growth and our revenue.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 133,000 active associates and preferred customer positions held by individuals who purchased our products and/or packs or paid associate fees within the last 12 months, of which 155 occupied the highest associate levels under our global compensation plan. These independent associate leaders are important in maintaining and growing our revenue. As a result, the loss of a high-level independent associate or a group of leading associates in the independent associates’ networks of downlines, whether by their own choice or through disciplinary actions by us for violations of our policies and procedures, could negatively impact our associate growth and our revenue.

Previous wording

We depend on the continued services of our executive officers and senior management team as they work closely with independent associate leaders and are responsible for our day-to-day operations. Our success depends in part on our ability to retain our executive officers, to compensate our executive officers at attractive levels, and to continue to attract additional qualified individuals to our management team. Although we have entered into employment agreements with certain senior executive officers, and do not believe that any of them are planning to leave or retire in the near term, we cannot assure you that our senior executive officers or members of our senior management team will remain with us. As previously disclosed, on January 8, 2024, we were notified by David A. Johnson, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, of his resignation from his position effective January 22, 2024. Additionally, as previously disclosed, on March 13, 2024, the Company announced the retirement of Alfredo (Al) Bala, the Chief Executive Officer, on April 1, 2024. Landen Fredrick will be promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer, and he will continue to serve as interim Chief Financial Officer. We are conducting a search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer, but there is no assurance that we will be able to identify, attract or hire a replacement in a timely manner. The loss or limitation of the services of any of our executive officers or members of our senior management team, including our regional and country managers, or the inability to attract additional qualified management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or independent associate relations.

Current wording

We depend on the continued services of our executive officers and senior management team as they work closely with independent associate leaders and are responsible for our day-to-day operations. Our success depends in part on our ability to retain our executive officers, to compensate our executive officers at attractive levels, and to continue to attract additional qualified individuals to our management team. Although we have entered into employment agreements with certain senior executive officers, and do not believe that any of them are planning to leave or retire in the near term, we cannot assure you that our senior executive officers or members of our senior management team will remain with us. The loss or limitation of the services of any of our executive officers or members of our senior management team, including our regional and country managers, or the inability to attract additional qualified management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or independent associate relations.

Previous wording

We have filed patent applications for the technology relating to our Ambrotose®, Ambrotose AO®, Ambrotose Life®, PhytoMatrix®, NutriVerus™, and GI-ProBalance®products in the United States and certain foreign countries. As of December 31, 2023, we had 13 patents for the technology relating to our Ambrotose® formulation, all of which were issued, granted, and validated in 11 foreign jurisdictions. In addition, we have entered into confidentiality agreements with our independent associates, suppliers, manufacturers, directors, officers, and consultants to help protect our proprietary rights. Nevertheless, we continue to face the risk that our pending patent applications for our products may not issue or that the patent protection granted is more limited than originally requested. As a precaution, we consult with outside legal counsel and consultants to help ensure that we protect our proprietary rights. However, our business, profitability, and growth prospects could be adversely affected if we fail to receive adequate protection of our proprietary rights.

Current wording

We have filed patent applications for the technology relating to our Ambrotose®, Ambrotose AO®, Ambrotose Life®, PhytoMatrix®, NutriVerus™, and GI-ProBalance®products in the United States and certain foreign countries. As of December 31, 2024, we had 17 patents for the technology relating to our Ambrotose® formulation, all of which were issued, granted, and validated in 15 foreign jurisdictions. In addition, we have entered into confidentiality agreements with our independent associates, suppliers, manufacturers, directors, officers, and consultants to help protect our proprietary rights. Nevertheless, we continue to face the risk that our pending patent applications for our products may not issue or that the patent protection granted is more limited than originally requested. As a precaution, we consult with outside legal counsel and consultants to help ensure that we protect our proprietary rights. However, our business, profitability, and growth prospects could be adversely affected if we fail to receive adequate protection of our proprietary rights.

Previous wording

We depend on outside suppliers for raw materials. Our contract manufacturers acquire all of the raw materials for manufacturing our products from third-party suppliers. In the event we were to lose any significant suppliers and have trouble in finding or transitioning to alternative suppliers, it could result in product shortages or product back orders, which could harm our business. There can be no assurance that suppliers will be able to provide our contract manufacturers the raw materials in the quantities and at the appropriate level of quality that we request or at a price that we are willing to pay. We are also subject to delays caused by any interruption in the production of these materials including weather, disease, crop conditions, climate change, energy costs, currency fluctuations, logistics service capacities, transportation interruptions, and natural disasters or other catastrophic events. For example, in March 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic, which spread throughout our international regions and throughout the United States. Beginning in 2020 and continuing through 2023, the Company experienced challenges in getting certain materials and ingredients to our contract manufacturers and finished products to our distribution centers resulting from reductions in global transportation capacity and other logistical issues within the supply chain. The extent to which COVID-related factors impact our future operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the continued use of updated COVID-19 vaccines, the impact of variants of COVID-19 and post-COVID conditions often referred to as “Long COVID” or “long-haul COVID,” among others. In particular, the spread of new COVID-19 variants or other rapidly spreading communicable diseases globally could adversely impact our operations, including among others, our manufacturing and supply chain, sales and marketing and clinical trial operations and could have an adverse impact on our business and our financial results.

Current wording

We depend on outside suppliers for raw materials. Our contract manufacturers acquire all of the raw materials for manufacturing our products from third-party suppliers. In the event we were to lose any significant suppliers and have trouble in finding or transitioning to alternative suppliers, it could result in product shortages or product back orders, which could harm our business. There can be no assurance that suppliers will be able to provide our contract manufacturers the raw materials in the quantities and at the appropriate level of quality that we request or at a price that we are willing to pay. We are also subject to delays caused by any interruption in the production of these materials including weather, disease, crop conditions, climate change, energy costs, currency fluctuations, logistics service capacities, transportation interruptions, and natural disasters or other catastrophic events.

Previous wording

We maintain supply agreements with our suppliers and manufacturers. Certain of our supply agreements contain exclusivity clauses for the supply of certain raw materials and products, some of which are conditioned upon compliance with minimum purchase requirements. One of our supply agreements, under which the supplier provides us with certain aloe vera-based raw materials, requires us to purchase raw materials in an aggregate amount of $4.2 million through 2024. Failure to satisfy minimum purchase requirements could result in the loss of exclusivity, which could adversely affect our business.

Current wording

We maintain supply agreements with our suppliers and manufacturers. One of our supply agreements, under which the supplier provides us with certain aloe vera-based raw materials, requires us to purchase raw materials in an aggregate amount of $1.1 million through 2025. Failure to purchase minimum amounts could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Previous wording

A significant portion of our revenue is derived from our Ambrotose, Ambrotose Life®, TruHealth™, Manapol®, and Optimal Support Packets products. A decline in sales value of such products could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows, and financial position.

Current wording

A significant portion of our revenue is derived from our Ambrotose Life®, TruHealth™, Ambrotose, and Optimal Support Packets products. A decline in sales value of such products could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows, and financial position.

Previous wording

A downturn in the economy, including as a result of continuing COVID-related factors such as variants and post-COVID conditions, or other communicable and rapidly spreading diseases could affect consumer purchases of discretionary items such as the health and wellness products that we offer, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Current wording

A downturn in the economy, could affect consumer purchases of discretionary items such as the health and wellness products that we offer, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Previous wording

We appeal to a wide demographic consumer profile and offer a broad selection of health and wellness products. A downturn in the economy, including as a result of the continuation of COVID-related factors or other rapidly spreading communicable diseases, could adversely impact consumer purchases of discretionary items such as health and wellness products. The United States and global economies may slow dramatically as a result of a variety of problems, including turmoil in the credit and financial markets, concerns regarding the stability and viability of major financial institutions, the state of the housing markets, and volatility in worldwide stock markets. In the event of such economic downturn, the U.S. and global economies could become significantly challenged in a recessionary state for an indeterminate period of time. These economic conditions could cause many of our existing and potential associates to delay or reduce purchases of our products for some time, which in turn could harm our business by adversely affecting our revenues, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. We cannot predict these economic conditions or the impact they would have on our consumers or business.

Current wording

We appeal to a wide demographic consumer profile and offer a broad selection of health and wellness products. A downturn in the economy could adversely impact consumer purchases of discretionary items such as health and wellness products. The United States and global economies may slow dramatically as a result of a variety of problems, including turmoil in the credit and financial markets, concerns regarding the stability and viability of major financial institutions, the state of the housing markets, volatility in worldwide stock markets, or another pandemic. In the event of such economic downturn, the U.S. and global economies could become significantly challenged in a recessionary state for an indeterminate period of time. These economic conditions could cause many of our existing and potential associates to delay or reduce purchases of our products for some time, which in turn could harm our business by adversely affecting our revenues, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. We cannot predict these economic conditions or the impact they would have on our consumers or business.

Previous wording

The regulatory climate for data privacy and protection continues to grow in scope and complexity both domestically and in the international markets in which we operate. Although there is no single federal law in the United States imposing a cross-sectoral data breach notification obligation, virtually every state has enacted breach notification requirements. Additionally, many U.S. states and countries in which we operate have proposed or enacted laws or regulations on the appropriate use and disclosure of financial and personal data. The EU adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) on April 27, 2016. The GDPR went into effect on May 25, 2018. The GDPR applies to organizations based in the EU and organizations based outside of the EU that offer products or services to individuals in the EU or that otherwise monitor individuals in the EU. While U.S. state laws generally cover specific categories of sensitive personal data (e.g., social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers), the GDPR notification requirements will apply to incidents involving any personal data, meaning any data related to an identified person. In Canada, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”) went into effect on November 1, 2018. PIPEDA applies to foreign organizations with a real and substantial link to Canada that collect, use, or disclose the personal information of Canadians in the course of their commercial activities. Under PIPEDA, an organization must notify individuals of any breach of the security of safeguards involving their personal information if it is reasonable to believe that the breach creates a “real risk of significant harm.” Concurrently, the organization must also report to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. As noted above, many states have enacted data protection requirements. The California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA"), a state statute signed into law on June 28, 2018 and effective on January 1, 2020, provides enhanced data privacy protections to California residents. The CCPA applies to companies with annual gross revenues in excess of $25 million. The South Africa Protection of Personal Information Act (“POPI”) went effective on July 1, 2021. POPI shares similarities with both the EU GDPR and the CCPA. Most recently, China passed the PIPL on August 20, 2021. The PIPL is designed to protect online users’ data privacy, effective on November 1, 2021. Regarded as China’s version of the GDPR, the PIPL lays out a comprehensive set of rules on how business operators should collect, use, process, share, and transfer personal information in China. Our failure or inability to comply with data protection regimes domestically and in foreign countries could result in fines, penalties, injunctions, or material litigation expenditures.

Current wording

Other countries have enacted and will be enacting similar laws. In Canada, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”) went into effect on November 1, 2018. PIPEDA applies to foreign organizations with a real and substantial link to Canada that collect, use, or disclose the personal information of Canadians in the course of their commercial activities. Under PIPEDA, an organization must notify individuals of any breach of the security of safeguards involving their personal information if it is reasonable to believe that the breach creates a “real risk of significant harm.” Concurrently, the organization must also report to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. On December 31, 2024, the South Korean Personal Information Protection Commission announced draft Consolidated Guidelines on Personal Information Processing for the recently amended Personal Information Protection Act. The South Africa Protection of Personal Information Act (“POPI”) went effective on July 1, 2021. POPI shares similarities with both the EU GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”). On August 20, 2021, the Personal Information Protection Law (“PIPL”) became effective in China. PIPL is designed to protect online users’ data privacy. Regarded as China’s version of the GDPR, PIPL lays out a comprehensive set of rules on how business operators should collect, use, process, share, and transfer personal information in China. Our failure or inability to comply with data protection regimes domestically and in foreign countries could result in fines, penalties, injunctions, or material litigation expenditures.

Previous wording

The adequacy of our cash resources to continue to meet our future operational needs depends, in large part, on our ability to increase product sales and/or reduce operating costs and some of these costs are fixed contractual obligations. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts in foreign countries totaled $3.5 million and $11.3 million, respectively.

Current wording

The adequacy of our cash resources to continue to meet our future operational needs depends, in large part, on our ability to increase product sales and/or reduce operating costs and some of these costs are fixed contractual obligations. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts in foreign countries totaled $5.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

Previous wording

We currently sell our products in the international markets of Canada, Mexico, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. We operate in China on a non-direct selling business model instead of our traditional network marketing model. In China, multi-level marketing is prohibited by the Prohibition of Pyramid Selling and direct selling without a license is prohibited by the Regulation on the Administration of Direct Sales. Our international operations could experience changes in legal and regulatory requirements, as well as difficulties in adapting to new foreign cultures and business customs. If we do not adequately address such issues, our international markets may not meet growth expectations. Our international operations and future expansion plans are subject to political, economic, and social uncertainties, including:

Current wording

We currently sell our products in the international markets of Canada, Mexico, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand and China. We operate in China on a non-direct selling business model instead of our traditional network marketing model. In China, multi-level marketing is prohibited by the Prohibition of Pyramid Selling and direct selling without a license is prohibited by the Regulation on the Administration of Direct Sales. Our international operations could experience changes in legal and regulatory requirements, as well as difficulties in adapting to new foreign cultures and business customs. If we do not adequately address such issues, our international markets may not meet growth expectations. Our international operations and future expansion plans are subject to political, economic, and social uncertainties, including:

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized 77.1% of net sales in markets outside of the United States and 67.6% in markets outside of the Americas. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized 78.3% of net sales in markets outside of the United States and 69.7% in markets outside of the Americas. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to translate certain financial information from foreign currencies to the United States dollar using either the spot rate or the weighted-average exchange rate. If the United States dollar changes relative to applicable local currencies, there is a risk our reported sales, operating expenses, and net income could significantly fluctuate. For example, our 2023 net sales decreased 2.1% on a Constant dollar basis (see Item 7, Non-GAAP Financial Measures), and unfavorable foreign exchange caused a$2.3 million decrease in GAAP net sales as compared to 2022. In other words, 2023 sales would have been $2.3 million higher than the reported value, except for the impact of foreign exchange. There can be no assurance that foreign currency fluctuations will not have a material adverse effect on our business, assets, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations or cash flows. We are not able to predict the degree of exchange rate fluctuations, nor can we estimate the effect any future fluctuations may have upon our future operations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging contracts or participated in any hedging or derivative activities.

Current wording

For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized 76.3% of net sales in markets outside of the United States and 66.3% in markets outside of the Americas. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized 77.2% of net sales in markets outside of the United States and 67.6% in markets outside of the Americas. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to translate certain financial information from foreign currencies to the United States dollar using either the spot rate or the weighted-average exchange rate. If the United States dollar changes relative to applicable local currencies, there is a risk our reported sales, operating expenses, and net income could significantly fluctuate. For example, our 2024 net sales decreased 8.6% on a Constant dollar basis (see Item 7, Non-GAAP Financial Measures), and unfavorable foreign exchange caused a$2.7 million decrease in GAAP net sales as compared to 2023. In other words, 2024 sales would have been $2.7 million higher than the reported value, except for the impact of foreign exchange. There can be no assurance that foreign currency fluctuations will not have a material adverse effect on our business, assets, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations or cash flows. We are not able to predict the degree of exchange rate fluctuations, nor can we estimate the effect any future fluctuations may have upon our future operations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging contracts or participated in any hedging or derivative activities.

Previous wording

In March 2022 the FTC issued an Advanced Notice of Public Rulemaking: Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Earnings Claims that proposes to regulate how the Company and its associates advertise and represent the business. Additionally, in November 2022, the FTC issued an Advanced Notice of Public Rulemaking regarding changes to the Business Opportunity Rule, which requires business opportunity sellers to give prospective buyers specific information to help evaluate a business or work-from-home opportunity. As a direct selling company, we are currently exempt from the Business Opportunity Rule. A potential rule on the use of earnings claims by us or our independent associates or an expansion of the business opportunity rule to include direct selling companies could have a negative effect on our business by requiring burdensome administrative disclosure obligations that could prevent individuals from engaging in our business.

Current wording

In January 2025, the FTC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Earnings Claim Rule Regarding Multi-Level Marketing, which proposes to ensure that prospective distributors have an accurate understanding of their potential for earnings under a multi-level marketing company’s compensation plan. Additionally, in January 2025, the FTC issued an Advanced Notice of Public Rulemaking: Earnings Claim Rule Regarding Multi-Level Marketing (Additional Provisions), which seeks comment on whether the proposed rule should include additional provisions such as a net earnings disclosure requirement and a “cooling off” period. Additionally, in January 2025, the FTC issued a Notice of Public Rulemaking regarding changes to the Business Opportunity Rule, which would expand the scope to cover money-making opportunities and proposed a definition of “earnings” and “earnings claims” and includes recordkeeping and substantiation requirements. As a direct selling company, we are currently exempt from the Business Opportunity Rule. A potential rule on the use of earnings claims by us or our independent associates or an expansion of the business opportunity rule to include direct selling companies could have a negative effect on our business by requiring burdensome administrative disclosure obligations that could prevent individuals from engaging in our business.

Previous wording

If federal, state, or local laws and regulations or the interpretation of those laws and regulations require us to treat our independent associates or Trulu affiliates as employees, or if they are deemed by local regulatory authorities in one or more of the jurisdictions in which we operate to be our employees rather than independent contractors, under existing laws and interpretations, we may be deemed to be responsible for a variety of obligations that are imposed upon employers relating to their employees, including social security and related taxes in those jurisdictions, wages, employee benefits, plus any related assessments and penalties, which could harm our financial position and operations.

Current wording

If federal, state, or local laws and regulations or the interpretation of those laws and regulations require us to treat our independent associates as employees, or if they are deemed by local regulatory authorities in one or more of the jurisdictions in which we operate to be our employees rather than independent contractors, under existing laws and interpretations, we may be deemed to be responsible for a variety of obligations that are imposed upon employers relating to their employees, including social security and related taxes in those jurisdictions, wages, employee benefits, plus any related assessments and penalties, which could harm our financial position and operations.

Previous wording

On January 4, 2019, the DSA established a third party self-regulatory program to be administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus. The new entity, the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”), will engage in active monitoring of the entire direct selling marketplace, including websites and social media of direct selling companies and their respective independent distributors in the areas of income representations and product claims. The DSSRC will report potentially non-compliant companies to the appropriate government agencies and will manage consumer/company complaint resolution.

Current wording

On January 4, 2019, the DSA established a third party self-regulatory program administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus. The new entity, the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”), monitors the entire direct selling marketplace, including websites and social media of direct selling companies and their respective independent distributors in the areas of income representations and product claims. The DSSRC reports potentially non-compliant companies to the appropriate government agencies and manages consumer/company complaint resolution.

Previous wording

On October 3, 2022, the Company received notice that the Ambrotose Life® powder product was being detained due to a labeling issue asserting that there are formatting issues on the supplement facts panel. The formatting issues, which have been corrected, centered on stating “O g” or “0%” instead of “< 1g” or less than “< 1%” for sugar and sodium, respectively. We were also asked to remove the statement, “Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, protein, vitamin D, calcium, or iron.” While the labeling issues raised by the FDA have been corrected, we continued to experience FDA holds and future holds and requested changes could cause delays within our supply chain resulting in potential back orders, which could reduce associate and customer confidence and have a negative impact on our sales.

Current wording

Between October 2022 and September 2024, the Company's Ambrotose Life® and and Ambrotose®Complex products and its manufacturer Natural Aloe de Costa Rica (“NACR”) were placed on two separate import alerts requiring the goods to be detained without physical examination (“Import Alert(s)”). The first Import Alert for Ambrotose Life powder asserted that formatting issues on the supplement facts panel. The formatting issues, which were immediately corrected, centered on stating “O g” or “0%” instead of “< 1g” or less than “< 1%” for sugar and sodium, respectively. We were also asked to remove the statement, “Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, protein, vitamin D, calcium, or iron.” The FDA’s second Import Alert asserted there was an improper claim for Ambrotose Complex powder on our website. While we reasoned that we held the requisite substantiation for that claim, the Company opted to remove the claim from its website to expedite release of the product. While both the labeling issues and the claim issue raised by the FDA were promptly addressed, we continued to experience FDA holds due to the Import Alerts. The FDA released the Company’s Ambrotose Life product and NACR from the first Import Alert on February 6, 2024. The FDA released the Company’s Ambrotose Complex product and NACR from the second Import Alert on September 23, 2024. Future holds and requested changes by the FDA could cause delays within our supply chain resulting in potential back orders, which could reduce associate and customer confidence and have a negative impact on our sales.

Previous wording

On January 8, 2019, China’s State Administration of Market Regulation, along with 12 other government ministries and agencies, jointly launched a nationwide “100-day campaign” to crack down on illegal practices involving health products, and in particular, those operating in the direct selling channel. The campaign was initiated amid growing controversies surrounding, Quanjian, a licensed direct selling company suspected of operating a pyramid scheme and engaging in marketing practices that exaggerated the effectiveness of its health products. Other direct selling firms operating in China were cautioned to stop making false or exaggerated health claims through public advertising and their distributors. As part of the 100-day campaign, China also suspended the registration, approval, and issuance of direct selling licenses. The 100-day campaign was completed on April 18, 2019. Subsequent to the campaign, Quanjian was fined approximately $14.0 million and its founder and chairman was sentenced to nine years in prison and assessed a fine of approximately $7.0 million. The suspension of issuing direct selling licenses continues.

Current wording

On January 8, 2019, China’s State Administration of Market Regulation, along with 12 other government ministries and agencies, jointly launched a nationwide “100-day campaign” to crack down on illegal practices involving health products, and in particular, those operating in the direct selling channel. The campaign was initiated amid growing controversies surrounding, Quanjian, a licensed direct selling company suspected of operating a pyramid scheme and engaging in marketing practices that exaggerated the effectiveness of its health products. Other direct selling firms operating in China were cautioned to stop making false or exaggerated health claims through public advertising and their distributors. As part of the 100-day campaign, China also suspended the registration, approval, and issuance of direct selling licenses. The 100-day campaign was completed on April 18, 2019. Subsequent to the campaign, Quanjian was fined approximately $14.0 million and its founder and chairman was sentenced to nine years in prison and assessed a fine of approximately $7.0 million. The suspension of issuing direct selling licenses continues. The Chinese government has not re-opened the application review process for direct selling licenses and has not indicated when or if it plans to do so. The Chinese government's scrutiny of the direct selling industry remains high following the 2019 review.

Previous wording

In addition, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations in recent years that have significantly affected the quoted prices of the securities of many companies. The changes sometimes appear to occur without regard to specific operating performance. The price of our common stock in the open market could fluctuate based on factors that have little or nothing to do with us or that are outside of our control. For example, general economic conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, recession or interest rate or currency rate fluctuations in the United States or abroad, could negatively affect the market price of our common stock in the future.

Current wording

In addition, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations in recent years that have significantly affected the quoted prices of the securities of many companies. The changes sometimes appear to occur without regard to specific operating performance. The price of our common stock in the open market could fluctuate based on factors that have little or nothing to do with us or that are outside of our control. For example, general economic conditions, recession or interest rate or currency rate fluctuations in the United States or abroad, could negatively affect the market price of our common stock in the future.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, our directors and executive officers collectively with their families and affiliates, beneficially owned approximately 45.1% of our total outstanding common stock. As a result, if two or more of these shareholders choose to act together based on their current share ownership, they may be able to control a significant percentage of the total outstanding shares of our common stock, which could affect the outcome of a shareholder vote on the election of directors, the adoption of stock option plans, the adoption or amendment of provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws, or the approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, our directors and executive officers collectively with their families and affiliates, beneficially owned approximately 43.81% of our total outstanding common stock. As a result, if two or more of these shareholders choose to act together based on their current share ownership, they may be able to control a significant percentage of the total outstanding shares of our common stock, which could affect the outcome of a shareholder vote on the election of directors, the adoption of stock option plans, the adoption or amendment of provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws, or the approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions.

Previous wording

Our failure to comply with The Nasdaq Global Select Market continued listing standards may adversely affect the price and liquidity of our shares of common stock as well as our ability to raise capital in the future.

Current wording

Our failure to comply with The Nasdaq Capital Market continued listing standards may adversely affect the price and liquidity of our shares of common stock as well as our ability to raise capital in the future.

Previous wording

Our common stock is currently listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market. Continued listing of a security on Nasdaq is conditioned upon compliance with various continued listing standards. There can be no assurance that we will continue to satisfy the requirements for maintaining listing on Nasdaq. If we are unsuccessful in maintaining compliance with the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, then our common stock could be delisted. If our common stock is delisted and we cannot obtain listing on another major market or exchange, our common stock’s liquidity would suffer, and we would likely experience reduced investor interest. Such factors may result in a decrease in our common stock’s trading price. Delisting may also restrict us from issuing additional securities or securing financing.

Current wording

Continued listing of a security on Nasdaq is conditioned upon compliance with various continued listing standards. There can be no assurance that we will continue to satisfy the requirements for maintaining listing on Nasdaq. If we are unsuccessful in maintaining compliance with the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, then our common stock could be delisted. If our common stock is delisted and we cannot obtain listing on another major market or exchange, our common stock’s liquidity would suffer, and we would likely experience reduced investor interest. Such factors may result in a decrease in our common stock’s trading price. Delisting may also restrict us from issuing additional securities or securing financing.