NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP

Previous wording

In 2023 and 2022, approximately 79% and 78% of our revenue was generated in Hong Kong, respectively. Substantially all of our Hong Kong revenues are derived from the sale of products that are delivered to members in China. This geographic concentration in our business means that events or conditions that could negatively impact this geographic region or our operations in this region, including the current economic challenges facing China and Hong Kong, are having and could in the future have a greater adverse impact upon our overall business and financial results than would be the case with a company having greater geographic diversification.

Current wording

In 2024 and 2023, approximately 82% and 79% of our revenue was generated in Hong Kong, respectively, and substantially all of our Hong Kong revenues are derived from the sale of products that are delivered to members in China. This geographic concentration in our business means that events or conditions that could negatively impact this geographic region or our operations in this region, including the current economic challenges facing China and Hong Kong, are having and could in the future have a greater adverse impact upon our overall business and financial results than would be the case with a company having greater geographic diversification.

Previous wording

Our headquarters and a significant number of our employees are based in Hong Kong, and our Hong Kong subsidiary generates a substantial portion of our overall business. Hong Kong has in recent years experienced significant political unrest and social strife, including a series of large-scale protests. These developments, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, led us in 2020 to cease conducting member meetings and events in Hong Kong. Inasmuch as member meetings and events located in Hong Kong have in the past served as an important component of our product marketing and distribution efforts, we believe that these developments have negatively affected our operations and financial performance. Although we were able to sponsor a large in-person member event in Hong Kong in the fourth quarter of 2023, it is too early to predict whether these developments will continue to adversely affect our overall business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

In addition to the fact that our Hong Kong subsidiary generates a substantial portion of our overall business, a significant number of our employees are based in Hong Kong. The political and economic landscape in Hong Kong has in recent years undergone significant change, largely due to the increasing influence of the Chinese government. This development, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, led us to cease conducting member meetings and events in Hong Kong for a period of time. We have since been able to substantially resume normal operations in Hong Kong, but Hong Kong's economy is now increasingly integrated with that of China. We relocated our corporate headquarters from Hong Kong to California in February 2025. It is unclear how changed circumstances in Hong Kong will in the future affect our business, but it is possible that the upheaval in Hong Kong's political and economic affairs or related consequences could adversely affect our future business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Adverse publicity concerning any actual or claimed failure by us or our members to comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding product claims and advertising, good manufacturing practices, the regulation of our network marketing program, the licensing and distribution of our products for sale in our target markets or other aspects of our business, whether or not resulting in enforcement actions or the imposition of penalties, could have an adverse effect on our goodwill and could negatively affect our ability to attract, motivate and retain members, which would negatively impact our ability to generate revenue. There have been several instances where adverse publicity in China has harmed our business. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our business in China is subject to compliance with a myriad of applicable laws and regulations…”.

Current wording

Adverse publicity concerning any actual or claimed failure by us or our members to comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding product claims and advertising, good manufacturing practices, the regulation of our network marketing program, the licensing and distribution of our products for sale in our target markets or other aspects of our business, whether or not resulting in enforcement actions or the imposition of penalties, could have an adverse effect on our goodwill and could negatively affect our ability to attract, motivate and retain members, which would negatively impact our ability to generate revenue. There have been several instances where adverse publicity in China has harmed our business.

Previous wording

We operate globally, and as a result, our business and revenues are impacted by global economic and geopolitical conditions. The instability in global financial markets, inflation, shortages and delays related to global supply chain challenges, uncertainties related to the imposition and lifting of governmental restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the current economic challenges in China, changes in government policies, geopolitical turmoil and other disruptions to global and regional economies and markets continue to add uncertainty to global economic conditions. The continuing effect of any or all of these events could adversely impact demand for our products, harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

We operate globally, and as a result, our business and revenues are impacted by global economic and geopolitical conditions. The instability in global financial markets, tariff and trade wars, inflation, shortages and delays related to global supply chain challenges, the current economic challenges in China, changes in government policies, geopolitical turmoil and other disruptions to global and regional economies and markets continue to add uncertainty to global economic conditions. The continuing effect of any or all of these events could adversely impact demand for our products, harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or natural disasters, terrorist attacks or acts of war or hostility may seriously harm our business.

Current wording

Epidemics, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or acts of war or hostility may seriously harm our business.

Previous wording

This and other epidemics, such as the avian influenza, or natural disasters have in the past and could in the future adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Terrorist attacks, the national and international responses to terrorist attacks, and acts of war or hostility could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition in ways that we currently cannot predict. For example, the imposition of sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 required that we alter some of our operations in our Russia and Kazakhstan market, including ceasing to sell certain of our products in that market. While our Russia and Kazakhstan market comprises a relatively small part of our business, terrorist attacks or acts of war or hostility that directly implicate our business in Hong Kong and China, such as challenges to Chinese sovereignty claims in the South China Sea or Chinese objection to the Taiwan independence movement and the resultant tension in the Taiwan Strait, could have a much more material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Epidemics, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or acts of war or hostility may cause damage or disruption to us, our employees, our facilities and our members and customers, which could negatively impact our revenues, results of operations and financial condition. For example, COVID-19 was first identified in China and subsequently spread quickly around the world, causing the governments of countries in which we operate to impose restrictive measures to control the virus. The disruptions wrought by COVID-19 materially negatively impacted our operations and financial results from 2020 through 2022. Although the public health restrictions put in place at the time have largely been lifted, if the COVID-19 virus and its variants cause a resurgence of infection, or if other public health emergencies arise in the future, it could lead to additional restrictive measures that would have a material and adverse effect on our business. In addition, terrorist attacks, the national and international responses to terrorist attacks, and acts of war or hostility could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition in ways that we currently cannot predict. For example, the imposition of sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 required that we alter some of our operations in our Russia and Kazakhstan market, including ceasing to sell certain of our products in that market. While our Russia and Kazakhstan market comprises a relatively small part of our business, terrorist attacks or acts of war or hostility that directly implicate our business in Hong Kong and China, such as challenges to Chinese sovereignty claims in the South China Sea or Chinese objection to the Taiwan independence movement and the resultant tension in the Taiwan Strait, could have a much more material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our recent loss of a significant number of members is adversely affecting our business, and if we cannot stabilize or increase the number of members our business could be further negatively impacted.

Current wording

Our continuing loss of a significant number of members is adversely affecting our business, and if we cannot stabilize or increase the number of members our business could be further negatively impacted.

Previous wording

We distribute our products through independent members, and we depend upon them directly for all of our sales in most of our markets. Accordingly, our success depends in significant part upon our ability to attract, retain and motivate a large base of members, as well as a relatively small number of key members. Our members may terminate their services with us at any time and, like most direct selling organizations, we have a high rate of attrition. We had 16% fewer active members at December 31, 2023 as compared to the end of 2022, and 16% fewer active members at the end of 2022 as compared to the end of 2021. These losses in the number of active members were a significant factor contributing to the decrease in our recent year-over-year sales. If we cannot stabilize or increase the number of our members, or if we lose one or more key member leaders, sales of our products could be further materially and adversely affected. The replacement of members could be difficult because, in our efforts to attract and retain members, we compete with other direct selling organizations, including but not limited to those in the personal care, cosmetic product and nutritional supplement industries.

Current wording

We distribute our products through independent members, and we depend upon them directly for all of our sales in most of our markets. Accordingly, our success depends in significant part upon our ability to attract, retain and motivate a large base of members, as well as a relatively small number of key members. Our members may terminate their services with us at any time and, like most direct selling organizations, we have a high rate of attrition. We had 5% fewer active members at December 31, 2024 as compared to the end of 2023, and 16% fewer active members at the end of each of 2023 and 2022 as compared to the end of the previous year. These losses in the number of active members were a significant factor contributing to the decrease in our recent year-over-year sales. If we cannot stabilize or increase the number of our members, or if we lose one or more key member leaders, sales of our products could be further materially and adversely affected. The replacement of members could be difficult because, in our efforts to attract and retain members, we compete with other direct selling organizations, including but not limited to those in the personal care, cosmetic product and nutritional supplement industries.

Previous wording

Given the size and diversity of our member force, we experience problems with members from time to time, especially with respect to our members in foreign markets. For example, if our members engage in illegal activities in China, those actions could be attributed to us. Chinese laws regarding how and when members may assemble and the activities that they may conduct, or the conditions under which the activities may be conducted, are subject to significant regulatory discretion resulting in interpretations and enforcement that sometimes vary from province to province, among different levels of government, and from time to time. Members can be accused of violating one or more of the laws regulating these activities, notwithstanding training that we attempt to provide. Enforcement measures regarding these violations, which can include arrests, raise the uncertainty and perceived risk associated with conducting this business, especially among those who are aware of the enforcement actions but not the specific activities leading to the enforcement action. We believe that this has led some existing members in China (who are signed up as members in Hong Kong) to leave the business or curtail their selling activities and has led some potential members to choose not to participate. Among other things, we are managing this risk with more training and public relations efforts that are designed, among other things, to distinguish our company from businesses that make no attempt to comply with the law. This environment creates uncertainty about the future of doing this type of business in China generally and under our current business model, specifically.

Current wording

Given the size and diversity of our member force, we experience problems with members from time to time, especially with respect to our members in foreign markets. For example, if our members engage in illegal activities in China, those actions could be attributed to us. Chinese laws regarding how and when members may assemble and the activities that they may conduct, or the conditions under which the activities may be conducted, are subject to significant regulatory discretion resulting in interpretations and enforcement that sometimes vary from province to province, among different levels of government, and from time to time. Members can be accused of violating one or more of the laws regulating these activities, notwithstanding training that we attempt to provide. Enforcement measures regarding these violations, which can include arrests, raise the uncertainty and perceived risk associated with conducting this business, especially among those who are aware of the enforcement actions but not the specific activities leading to the enforcement action. We believe that this led some members in China (who are signed up as members in Hong Kong) to leave the business or curtail their selling activities and has led some potential members to choose not to participate. Among other things, we are managing this risk with more training and public relations efforts that are designed, among other things, to distinguish our company from businesses that make no attempt to comply with the law. This environment creates uncertainty about the future of doing this type of business in China generally and under our current business model, specifically.

Previous wording

We incur significant expense in the payment of compensation to our members, which represented approximately 42% of net sales during each of 2023 and 2022. We compensate our members by paying commissions, bonuses, and certain awards and prizes. Factors impacting the overall commission payout include the growth and depth of the member network, the member retention rate, the type and scope of promotions and incentives, local promotional programs and business development agreements. Long-term promotions and incentives (lasting up to one year) can, in particular, result in uncertain ultimate cost. Any increase in compensation payments to members as a percentage of net sales will reduce our profitability.

Current wording

We incur significant expense in the payment of compensation to our members, which represented approximately 41% and 42% of net sales during each of 2024 and 2023, respectively. We compensate our members by paying commissions, bonuses, and certain awards and prizes. Factors impacting the overall commission payout include the growth and depth of the member network, the member retention rate, the type and scope of promotions and incentives, local promotional programs and business development agreements. Long-term promotions and incentives (lasting up to one year) can, in particular, result in uncertain ultimate cost. Any increase in compensation payments to members as a percentage of net sales will reduce our profitability.

Previous wording

Various other factors could harm our business in Hong Kong and China, such as worsening economic conditions in Hong Kong or China, adverse developments relating to the industry in which we conduct our business, adverse local publicity, negative changes to our business and/or social media coverage, geopolitical or trade tensions between the United States and China or other events that may be out of our control. For example, in January 2019 the Chinese government announced a 100-day campaign focusing on companies involved in the sale of food, equipment, daily necessities, small home electrical appliances and services that are claimed to promote health. The Chinese government ministries in charge of this campaign indicated that they were targeting illegal practices in the industry, particularly the manufacture and sale of counterfeit and substandard products, and false advertising and misleading claims as to the health benefits of products and services. It is understood that the campaign was specifically focused on the business practices of direct selling companies. In January 2019 we, like some of our peers, voluntarily decided to temporarily suspend our member activities, such as product roadshows, product trainings and larger company-sponsored events, in China. We did this because we learned that the 100-day campaign was announced in broad outlines by the central government, and the interpretation and enforcement of the campaign was delegated to the provincial and local governments. We consider it a top priority for our business to develop an understanding of and cooperate with all levels and jurisdictions of the government agencies and did not want to run the risk of being inadvertently entangled in the government enforcement actions as the provincial and local government formulate and implement their interpretive guidance and rule-making. Although we have been able to relax some restrictions on member activities in certain markets, it may again in the future be necessary or advisable to suspend member activities or take similar actions, and the resulting periods of reduced activity may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

Various other factors could harm our business in Hong Kong and China, such as worsening economic conditions in Hong Kong or China, adverse developments relating to the industry in which we conduct our business, adverse local publicity, negative changes to our business and/or social media coverage, geopolitical or trade tensions between the United States and China or other events that may be out of our control. For example, in 2019 the Chinese government announced a 100-day campaign focusing on companies involved in the sale of food, equipment, daily necessities, small home electrical appliances and services that are claimed to promote health. The Chinese government ministries in charge of this campaign indicated that they were targeting illegal practices in the industry, particularly the manufacture and sale of counterfeit and substandard products, and false advertising and misleading claims as to the health benefits of products and services. It is understood that the campaign was specifically focused on the business practices of direct selling companies. As a result, we and some of our peers voluntarily decided to temporarily suspend our member activities, such as product roadshows, product trainings and larger company-sponsored events, in China. We did this because we learned that the campaign was announced in broad outlines by the central government, and the interpretation and enforcement of the campaign was delegated to the provincial and local governments. We consider it a top priority for our business to develop an understanding of and cooperate with all levels and jurisdictions of the government agencies and did not want to run the risk of being inadvertently entangled in the government enforcement actions as the provincial and local government formulated and implemented their interpretive guidance and rule-making. It may again in the future be necessary or advisable to suspend member activities or take similar actions, and the resulting periods of reduced activity may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Previous wording

Changes in government trade and economic policies, including the imposition or threatened imposition of tariffs and other restrictive trade policies, and ongoing political and economic disputes between the United States and other jurisdictions, particularly China, may have a negative effect on global economic conditions and our business, financial results and financial condition.

Current wording

Changes in government trade and economic policies, including the imposition and threatened imposition of tariffs and other restrictive trade policies, and ongoing political and economic disputes between the United States and other jurisdictions, particularly China, may have a negative effect on global economic conditions and our business, financial results and financial condition.

Previous wording

The United States has in recent years enacted tariffs on certain items. Further, there are ongoing discussions and activities regarding changes to other U.S. trade policies and treaties. In response, a number of our markets, particularly China, have implemented tariffs on U.S. imports or otherwise imposed non-tariff barriers such as slow-walking custom clearance of American-made products in response to these U.S. actions. These developments, together with the threat of new tariffs and other restrictive trade policies, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and they may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, adversely affect trade and economic relations between China and the United States.

Current wording

The United States has in recent years enacted tariffs on certain items. Further, with President Trump's re-election in 2024, significant increases in tariffs on foreign imports into the United States have been proposed or, the case of imports from China imposed. In response, a number of our markets, particularly China, have implemented tariffs on U.S. imports or otherwise imposed non-tariff barriers such as slow-walking custom clearance of American-made products. U.S. trade policies can change quickly, and the extent and duration of tariffs and other trade barriers are difficult to predict. These developments, together with the threat of new tariffs and other restrictive trade policies and the uncertainties they create, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and they may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, adversely affect trade and economic relations between China and the United States.

Previous wording

Tensions between the United States and China have increased over the past few years as a result of disputes in areas including trade policy, intellectual property, cybersecurity and data privacy. Tensions have become particularly acute following the China legislature’s passage of a national security law in June 2020 that changed the way Hong Kong has been governed since the territory was handed over by the United Kingdom to China in 1997. This law criminalizes secessionist activities, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security in Hong Kong. The U.S. State Department has announced that the United States no longer considers Hong Kong to have significant autonomy from China, and the U.S. administration is taking action to end many of the U.S. government’s special trade and economic relations with Hong Kong. Further, on July 14, 2020 the United States enacted the Hong Kong Autonomy Act (and the U.S. President issued a related executive order), authorizing the U.S. administration to impose sanctions against individuals and entities determined to materially contribute to the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, as well as to punish financial institutions that facilitate certain significant transactions. The United States has since imposed sanctions on a number of individuals, and China has responded in kind. These and other recent actions may represent an escalation in political and economic tensions involving the United States, China and Hong Kong, which could harm our business. A continued deterioration in these political or economic relations or other future unforeseen problems could disrupt our China and Hong Kong business (including our Hong Kong office and employees), adversely affect the distribution of our products, reduce our net sales, increase the cost of conducting our operations, or result in retaliatory actions against U.S. interests, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Tensions between the United States and China have increased in recent years as a result of disputes in areas including trade policy, intellectual property, cybersecurity and data privacy. Tensions became particularly acute following the China legislature’s passage of a national security law in 2020 that changed the way Hong Kong has been governed since the territory was handed over by the United Kingdom to China in 1997. This law criminalizes secessionist activities, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security in Hong Kong. The U.S. State Department has indicated that the United States no longer considers Hong Kong to have significant autonomy from China, and the United States has enacted sanctions against certain persons related to China's governance of Hong Kong. China has responded in kind. These and other recent actions reflect an escalation in political and economic tensions involving the United States, China and Hong Kong, which could harm our business. A continued deterioration in these political or economic relations or other future unforeseen problems could disrupt our China and Hong Kong business (including our Hong Kong office and employees), adversely affect the distribution of our products, reduce our net sales, increase the cost of conducting our operations, or result in retaliatory actions against U.S. interests, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

We collect certain personal information, including payment data, from members and consumers, as well as our employees. We also develop and maintain sensitive and proprietary business information. We are therefore subject to numerous laws, regulations and other obligations that address privacy, data protection and information security in the various markets in which we conduct business. We are particularly focused on the evolving state of laws and regulations in China and Hong Kong applicable to privacy, data protection and information security. Of particular note is China's Cyber Security Law, which requires companies to take certain measures to ensure that the security of their networks and data stored on their networks. Specifically, the Cyber Security Law provides that companies adopt a multi-level protection scheme under which network operators are required to perform obligations of security protection to ensure that the network is free from interference, disruption or unauthorized access, and prevent network data from being disclosed, stolen or tampered. In addition, on June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China promulgated the Data Security Law, which took effect in September 2021. The Data Security Law imposes data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals carrying out data activities, and introduces a data classification and hierarchical protection system based on the importance of data in economic and social development, as well as the degree of harm it will cause to national security, public interests, or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations when such data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked, or illegally acquired or used. The Data Security Law also provides for a national security review procedure for data activities that may affect national security and imposes export restrictions on certain data and information. Finally, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the China also promulgated the Personal Information Protection Law ("PIPL"), which took effect on November 1, 2021. The PIPL expands data protection compliance obligations to cover the processing of personal information of persons by organizations and individuals in China, and the processing of personal information of persons in China, outside of China if such processing is for purposes of providing products and services to, or analyzing and evaluating the behavior of, persons in China. The PIPL also provides that critical information infrastructure operators and personal information processing entities that process personal information meeting a volume threshold are also required to store in China personal information generated or collected in China, and to pass a security assessment for any export of such personal information.

Current wording

We collect certain personal information, including payment data, from members and consumers, as well as our employees. We also develop and maintain sensitive and proprietary business information. We are therefore subject to numerous laws, regulations and other obligations that address privacy, data protection and information security in the various markets in which we conduct business. We are particularly focused on the evolving state of laws and regulations in China and Hong Kong applicable to privacy, data protection and information security. Of particular note is China's Cyber Security Law, which requires companies to take certain measures to ensure that the security of their networks and data stored on their networks. Specifically, the Cyber Security Law provides that companies adopt a multi-level protection scheme under which network operators are required to perform obligations of security protection to ensure that the network is free from interference, disruption or unauthorized access, and prevent network data from being disclosed, stolen or tampered with. In addition, on June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China promulgated the Data Security Law, which took effect in September 2021. The Data Security Law imposes data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals carrying out data activities, and introduces a data classification and hierarchical protection system based on the importance of data in economic and social development, as well as the degree of harm it will cause to national security, public interests, or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations when such data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked, or illegally acquired or used. The Data Security Law also provides for a national security review procedure for data activities that may affect national security and imposes export restrictions on certain data and information. Finally, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the China also promulgated the Personal Information Protection Law (“PIPL”), which took effect on November 1, 2021. The PIPL expands data protection compliance obligations to cover the processing of personal information of persons by organizations and individuals in China, and the processing of personal information of persons in China, outside of China if such processing is for purposes of providing products and services to, or analyzing and evaluating the behavior of, persons in China. The PIPL also provides that critical information infrastructure operators and personal information processing entities that process personal information meeting a volume threshold are also required to store in China personal information generated or collected in China, and to pass a security assessment for any export of such personal information.

Previous wording

Our most significant foreign exchange exposure, the Hong Kong dollar, is for now pegged to the U.S. dollar. We also purchase a significant majority of inventories in U.S. dollars. Our foreign currency exchange rate exposure to the South Korean won, Taiwan dollar, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan, Russian ruble, Kazakhstani tenge, Singaporean dollar, Malaysian ringgit, Thai baht, Indian rupee, Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, Peruvian sol and European euro collectively represented approximately 18% and 19% of our revenue in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our foreign currency exchange rate exposure may increase in the near future as we develop opportunities in Southeast Asia, India, Canada, Central America, South America and Europe. Additionally, our foreign currency exchange rate exposure would significantly increase if the Hong Kong dollar were no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. Finally, we also experience indirect exchange rate exposure due to the concentration of our sales to members residing in China and the impact of fluctuations in the value of the Chinese yuan on our members’ purchasing power.

Current wording

Our most significant foreign exchange exposure, the Hong Kong dollar, is for now pegged to the U.S. dollar. We also purchase a significant majority of inventories in U.S. dollars. Our foreign currency exchange rate exposure to the South Korean won, Taiwan dollar, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan, Russian ruble, Kazakhstani tenge, Singaporean dollar, Malaysian ringgit, Indian rupee, Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, Peruvian sol, European euro and Colombian peso collectively represented approximately 16% and 18% of our revenue in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our foreign currency exchange rate exposure may increase in the near future as we develop opportunities in Southeast Asia, India, Canada, Central America, South America and Europe. Additionally, our foreign currency exchange rate exposure would significantly increase if the Hong Kong dollar were no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. Finally, we also experience indirect exchange rate exposure due to the concentration of our sales to members residing in China and the impact of fluctuations in the value of the Chinese yuan on our members’ purchasing power.

Previous wording

In the course of doing business we may be subject to various taxes, such as sales and use, value-added, and franchise. We are also subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. We earn a substantial portion of our income in foreign jurisdictions. Economic and political conditions make tax rules in any jurisdiction, including the United States, subject to significant change. There have been recent changes in U.S. tax law that impact how U.S. multinational corporations are taxed on foreign earnings. There have also been proposals to reform foreign tax laws that could significantly affect the Company’s tax position. Although we cannot predict whether or in what form these proposals will pass, several of the proposals considered, if enacted into law, could have an adverse impact on our income tax expense and cash flows.

Current wording

In the course of doing business we may be subject to various taxes, such as sales and use, value-added, and franchise taxes. We are also subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. We earn a substantial portion of our income in foreign jurisdictions. Economic and political conditions make tax rules in any jurisdiction, including the United States, subject to significant change. There have been recent changes in U.S. tax law that impact how U.S. multinational corporations are taxed on foreign earnings. There have also been proposals to reform foreign tax laws that could significantly affect the Company’s tax position. Although we cannot predict whether or in what form these proposals will pass, several of the proposals considered, if enacted into law, could have an adverse impact on our income tax expense and cash flows.

Previous wording

There has been an increasing movement in the United States and other markets to increase the regulation of dietary supplements, which could impose additional restrictions or requirements in the future. In the United States, for example, some legislators and industry critics continue to push for increased regulatory authority by the FDA over nutritional supplements. Our business could be harmed if more restrictive legislation is successfully introduced and adopted in the future. In particular, the adoption of legislation requiring FDA approval of supplements or ingredients could delay or inhibit our ability to introduce new supplements. We face similar pressures in our other markets, particularly in China where certain government ministries announced in January 2019 a comprehensive 100-day campaign focusing on companies involved in the sale of certain products, including nutritional supplements and health products. This campaign, which may not have formally concluded, and may still be the subject of a “look-back review” being conducted by various Chinese governmental agencies, could result in new legislation or regulation. In the United States, the FTC's Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (the “Guides”) require disclosure of material connections between an endorser and the company they are endorsing and require the disclosure of typical results when these are different from those reported by the endorser. The requirements and restrictions of the Guides may diminish the impact of our marketing efforts and negatively impact our sales results. If we or our members fail to comply with these Guides, the FTC could bring an enforcement action against us and we could be fined and/or forced to alter our operations. Our operations also could be harmed if new laws or regulations are enacted that restrict our ability to market or distribute nutritional supplements or impose additional burdens or requirements on nutritional supplement companies or require us to reformulate our products.

Current wording

There has been an increasing movement in the United States and other markets to increase the regulation of dietary supplements, which could impose additional restrictions or requirements in the future. In the United States, for example, some legislators and industry critics continue to push for increased regulatory authority by the FDA over nutritional supplements. Our business could be harmed if more restrictive legislation is successfully introduced and adopted in the future. In particular, the adoption of legislation requiring FDA approval of supplements or ingredients could delay or inhibit our ability to introduce new supplements. We face similar pressures in our other markets, particularly in China where certain government ministries announced in 2019 a comprehensive 100-day campaign focusing on companies involved in the sale of certain products, including nutritional supplements and health products. This campaign or other actions could result in new legislation or regulation in China. In the United States, the FTC's Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (the “Guides”) require disclosure of material connections between an endorser and the company they are endorsing and require the disclosure of typical results when these are different from those reported by the endorser. The requirements and restrictions of the Guides may diminish the impact of our marketing efforts and negatively impact our sales results. If we or our members fail to comply with these Guides, the FTC could bring an enforcement action against us and we could be fined and/or forced to alter our operations. Our operations also could be harmed if new laws or regulations are enacted that restrict our ability to market or distribute nutritional supplements or impose additional burdens or requirements on nutritional supplement companies or require us to reformulate our products.