Biggest changeIf we fail or succeed, or are perceived to fail or succeed, to achieve any goals, targets, or objectives we may set with respect to ESG matters, if we do not meet or comply with new regulations or evolving consumer, investor, industry, or stakeholder expectations and standards, including those related to reporting, or if we are perceived to have not responded appropriately to the growing concern for ESG matters or are unable to satisfy all stakeholders, we may face legal or regulatory actions, the imposition of fines, penalties, or other sanctions, adverse publicity, and decreased demand from consumers who may stop purchasing our products, or the price of our common shares could decline, any of which could materially harm our reputation or have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operating results.
Biggest changeIf we fail or succeed, or are perceived to fail or succeed, to achieve or maintain any goals, targets, or objectives we may set with respect to ESG matters, if we do not meet or comply with new regulations or evolving consumer, investor, industry, or stakeholder expectations and standards, including those related to reporting, if consumers or investors disagree with our actions or failure to act with respect to ESG matters, including whether we set goals, targets or objectives, or if we are perceived to have not responded appropriately to the concern for ESG matters or are unable to satisfy all stakeholders, we may face legal or regulatory actions, the imposition of fines, penalties, or other sanctions, adverse publicity, and decreased demand from consumers who may stop purchasing our products, or the price of our common shares could decline, any of which could materially harm our reputation or have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operating results. 27 Risks Related to Regulatory and Legal Matters Our products are affected by extensive regulations and our failure or our Members’ failure to comply with any regulations could lead to significant penalties or claims, which could materially harm our financial condition and operating results.
This perception is dependent upon opinions concerning a number of factors, including: • the safety, quality, and efficacy of our products, as well as those of similar companies; • our Members; • our network marketing program or the attractiveness or viability of the financial opportunities it may provide; • the direct-selling business generally; • actual or purported failure by us or our Members to comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including those regarding product claims and advertising, good manufacturing practices, the regulation of our network marketing program, the registration of our products for sale in our target markets, or other aspects of our business; 20 • our commitment to ESG matters and our ESG practices; • the security of our information technology infrastructure; and • actual or alleged impropriety, misconduct, or fraudulent activity by any person formerly or currently associated with our Members or us.
This perception is dependent upon opinions concerning a number of factors, including: • the safety, quality, and efficacy of our products, as well as those of similar companies; • our Members; • our network marketing program or the attractiveness or viability of the financial opportunities it may provide; 20 • the direct-selling business generally; • actual or purported failure by us or our Members to comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including those regarding product claims and advertising, good manufacturing practices, the regulation of our network marketing program, the registration of our products for sale in our target markets, or other aspects of our business; • our commitment to ESG matters and our ESG practices; • the security of our information technology infrastructure; and • actual or alleged impropriety, misconduct, or fraudulent activity by any person formerly or currently associated with our Members or us.
Risks Related to Our Common Shares • Holders of our common shares may face difficulties in protecting their interests because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law. • Certain provisions in our convertible senior notes and the related indentures, as well as Cayman Islands law and our articles of association, could delay or prevent an otherwise beneficial takeover or takeover attempt of us. • There is uncertainty as to shareholders’ ability to enforce certain foreign civil liabilities in the Cayman Islands. • U.S.
Risks Related to Our Common Shares • Holders of our common shares may face difficulties in protecting their interests because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law. 19 • Certain provisions in our convertible senior notes and the related indentures, as well as Cayman Islands law and our articles of association, could delay or prevent an otherwise beneficial takeover or takeover attempt of us. • There is uncertainty as to shareholders’ ability to enforce certain foreign civil liabilities in the Cayman Islands. • U.S.
If we are not able to retain our Members and their customers or otherwise compete successfully, our business, financial condition, and operating results would be materially adversely affected. Our contractual obligation to sell our products only through our Member network and to refrain from changing certain aspects of our Marketing Plan may limit our growth.
If we are not able to retain our Members and their customers or otherwise compete successfully, our business, financial condition, and operating results would be materially adversely affected. 21 Our contractual obligation to sell our products only through our Member network and to refrain from changing certain aspects of our Marketing Plan may limit our growth.
Such constructive ownership rules may also attribute share ownership to persons that are entitled to acquire shares pursuant to an option, such as the holders of our 2024 Convertible Notes or 2028 Convertible Notes. As a result of certain changes to the CFC constructive ownership rules introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or U.S.
Such constructive ownership rules may also attribute share ownership to persons that are entitled to acquire shares pursuant to an option, such as the holders of our 2028 Convertible Notes. As a result of certain changes to the CFC constructive ownership rules introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or U.S.
Further, significant product quality issues can have an adverse effect on sales or result in increased product returns and buybacks. If we lose the services of members of our senior management team, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially harmed.
Further, significant product quality issues can have an adverse effect on sales or result in increased product returns and buybacks. 26 If we lose the services of members of our senior management team, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially harmed.
Tax Reform may adversely impact certain U.S. shareholders of the Company. 19 Risks Related to Our Business and Industry Our failure to establish and maintain Member and sales leader relationships could negatively impact sales of our products and materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Tax Reform may adversely impact certain U.S. shareholders of the Company. Risks Related to Our Business and Industry Our failure to establish and maintain Member and sales leader relationships could negatively impact sales of our products and materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
These laws impose continuing, and at times new, responsibilities on our operations, including, among other things, the collection, deletion, disclosure, and maintenance of personal and financial information of our Members and their customers and could present technological challenges and negatively impact our sales.
These laws impose continuing, and at times new, responsibilities on our operations, including, among other things, the collection, deletion, disclosure, and maintenance of personal, health, and financial information of our Members and their customers and could present technological challenges and negatively impact our sales.
If we are not able to hire, develop, and retain personnel, our business, financial, condition, and operating results may be adversely affected. 26 Our share price may be adversely affected by third parties who raise allegations about our Company.
If we are not able to hire, develop, and retain personnel, our business, financial, condition, and operating results may be adversely affected. Our share price may be adversely affected by third parties who raise allegations about our Company.
Risks Related to Regulatory and Legal Matters • Our products are affected by extensive regulations and our failure or our Members’ failure to comply with any regulations could lead to significant penalties or claims, which could materially harm our financial condition and operating results. • Our network marketing program is subject to extensive regulation and scrutiny and any failure to comply, or alteration to our compensation practices in order to comply, with these regulations could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • We are subject to the Consent Order with the FTC, the effects of which, or any failure to comply therewith, could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Our actual or perceived failure to comply with privacy and data protection laws, rules, and regulations could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • We are subject to material product liability risks, which could increase our costs and materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • If we fail to protect our intellectual property, our ability to compete could be negatively affected, which could materially harm our financial condition and operating results. • If we infringe the intellectual property rights of others, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially harmed. • We may be held responsible for additional compensation, certain taxes, or assessments relating to the activities of our Members, which could materially harm our financial condition and operating results.
Risks Related to Regulatory and Legal Matters • Our products are affected by extensive regulations and our failure or our Members’ failure to comply with any regulations could lead to significant penalties or claims, which could materially harm our financial condition and operating results. • Our network marketing program is subject to extensive regulation and scrutiny and any failure to comply, or alteration to our compensation practices in order to comply, with these regulations could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • We are subject to the Consent Order with the FTC, the effects of which, or any failure to comply therewith, could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Our actual or perceived failure to comply with privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and data protection laws, rules, and regulations could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • We are subject to material product liability risks, which could increase our costs and materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • If we fail to protect our intellectual property, our ability to compete could be negatively affected, which could materially harm our financial condition and operating results. • If we infringe the intellectual property rights of others, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially harmed. • We may be held responsible for additional compensation, certain taxes, or assessments relating to the activities of our Members, which could materially harm our financial condition and operating results.
Our senior secured credit facility, or the 2024 Credit Facility, and the indentures governing the senior notes due September 1, 2025, or the 2025 Notes, the senior secured notes due April 15, 2029, or the 2029 Secured Notes, and the senior notes due June 1, 2029, or the 2029 Notes, have restrictive covenants that limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things: • pay dividends, redeem share capital or capital stock, and make other restricted payments and investments; • sell assets or merge, consolidate, or transfer all or substantially all of our subsidiaries’ assets; • incur or guarantee additional debt; • impose dividend or other distribution restrictions on our subsidiaries; and • create liens on our and our subsidiaries’ assets.
Our senior secured credit facility, or the 2024 Credit Facility, and the indentures governing the senior secured notes due April 15, 2029, or the 2029 Secured Notes, and the senior notes due June 1, 2029, or the 2029 Notes, have restrictive covenants that limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things: • pay dividends, redeem share capital or capital stock, and make other restricted payments and investments; • sell assets or merge, consolidate, or transfer all or substantially all of our subsidiaries’ assets; • incur or guarantee additional debt; • impose dividend or other distribution restrictions on our subsidiaries; and • create liens on our and our subsidiaries’ assets.
For example, tariffs and counter tariffs enacted by foreign governments, such as China, Canada or Mexico, that apply to our products or our ingredients may have an adverse impact on the cost and availability of certain ingredients, any of which could adversely affect future sales of our products, particularly if we deem it necessary to increase product prices.
For example, tariffs and counter tariffs enacted by foreign governments, such as China, Canada or Mexico, that apply to our products or our ingredients have had and may continue to have an adverse impact on the cost and availability of certain ingredients, any of which could adversely affect future sales of our products, particularly if we deem it necessary to increase product prices.
See also the risk factor titled “ We depend on the integrity and reliability of our information technology infrastructure, and any related interruptions or inadequacies may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results. ” 30 In addition, the use and handling of certain types of information, including personal and financial information, is regulated by evolving and increasingly demanding laws, rules, and regulations, such as the Vietnam Personal Data Protection Decree, the India Digital Personal Data Protection Act, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, the Brazil Law on General Data Protection, the California Consumer Privacy Act, or the CCPA, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act, the European Union Payment Services Directive 2, which requires stronger customer authentication for online transactions in that region, and the China Personal Information Protection Law.
See also the risk factor titled “ We depend on the integrity and reliability of our information technology infrastructure, and any related interruptions or inadequacies may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results. ” 30 In addition, the use and handling of certain types of information, including personal, health, and financial information, is regulated by evolving and increasingly demanding laws, rules, and regulations, such as the Vietnam Personal Data Protection Decree, the India Digital Personal Data Protection Act, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, the Brazil Law on General Data Protection, the California Consumer Privacy Act, or the CCPA, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act, the European Union Payment Services Directive 2, which requires stronger customer authentication for online transactions in that region, the China Personal Information Protection Law, and state consumer health privacy laws, such as Washington’s My Health My Data Act.
Our operations in some jurisdictions also may be adversely affected by political, economic, legal, regulatory, and social conditions, or instability, including unfavorable foreign currency impacts, as well as by economic and political tensions between governments.
Our operations in some jurisdictions also may be adversely affected by political, economic, legal, regulatory, and social conditions, or instability, including unfavorable foreign currency impacts, as well as by economic and political tensions between governments, such as tariffs.
Finally, even if our insurance covers a claim, given the level of self-insured retentions that we have accepted under our current product liability insurance policies, which is $12.5 million, in certain cases we may be subject to the full amount of liability associated with any claims, which could be substantial.
Finally, even if our insurance covers a claim, given the level of self-insured retentions that we have accepted under our current product liability insurance policies, which is $10 million, in certain cases we may be subject to the full amount of liability associated with any claims, which could be substantial.
Any disruptions to, or failures or inadequacies of, our information technology infrastructure that we may encounter in the future may result in substantial interruptions to our operations, expose us to significant liability, and may damage our reputation and our relationships with, or cause us to lose, our Members, especially if the disruptions, failures, or inadequacies impair our ability to track sales and pay royalty overrides, bonuses, and other incentives, any of which would harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Any disruptions to, or failures or inadequacies of, our information technology infrastructure that we may encounter in the future may result in substantial interruptions to our operations, expose us to significant liability, and may damage our reputation and our relationships with, or cause us to lose, our Members, especially if the disruptions, failures, or inadequacies impair our ability to track sales and pay compensation and other incentives to our Members, any of which would harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
The principal factors, events, and uncertainties that make an investment in our securities risky include the following: Risks Related to Our Business and Industry • Our failure to establish and maintain Member and sales leader relationships could negatively impact sales of our products and materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Because we cannot exert the same level of influence or control over our Members as we could if they were our employees, our Members could fail to comply with applicable law or our rules and procedures, which could result in claims against us that could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Adverse publicity associated with our Company or the direct-selling industry could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Our failure to compete successfully could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Our contractual obligation to sell our products only through our Member network and to refrain from changing certain aspects of our Marketing Plan may limit our growth. • Our failure to appropriately respond to changing consumer trends, preferences, and demand for new products and product enhancements could materially harm our Member relationships, Members’ customer relationships, and product sales or otherwise materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • If we fail to further penetrate existing markets, the growth in sales of our products, along with our operating results, could be negatively impacted. • Since one of our products constitutes a significant portion of our net sales, significant decreases in consumer demand for this product or our failure to produce a suitable replacement could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Our business could be materially and adversely affected by natural disasters, other catastrophic events, acts of war or terrorism, cybersecurity incidents, pandemics, and/or other acts by third parties. • We depend on the integrity and reliability of our information technology infrastructure, and any related interruptions or inadequacies may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Disruption of supply, shortage, or increases in the cost of ingredients, packaging materials, and other raw materials as well as climate change could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • If any of our manufacturing facilities or third-party manufacturers fail to reliably supply products to us at required levels of quality or fail to comply with applicable laws, our financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely impacted. • If we lose the services of members of our senior management team, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially harmed. 18 • Our share price may be adversely affected by third parties who raise allegations about our Company. • ESG matters, including those related to climate change and sustainability, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results and may damage our reputation.
The principal factors, events, and uncertainties that make an investment in our securities risky include the following: Risks Related to Our Business and Industry • Our failure to establish and maintain Member and sales leader relationships could negatively impact sales of our products and materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Because we cannot exert the same level of influence or control over our Members as we could if they were our employees, our Members could fail to comply with applicable law or our rules and procedures, which could result in claims against us that could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Adverse publicity associated with our Company or the direct-selling industry could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Our failure to compete successfully could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Our contractual obligation to sell our products only through our Member network and to refrain from changing certain aspects of our Marketing Plan may limit our growth. • Our failure to appropriately respond to changing consumer trends, preferences, and demand for new products and product enhancements could materially harm our Member relationships, Members’ customer relationships, and product sales or otherwise materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • We are investing resources in personalized nutrition product offerings, and related technology and support, and our inability to develop, scale, or commercialize these offerings successfully could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results. • If we fail to further penetrate existing markets, the growth in sales of our products, along with our operating results, could be negatively impacted. • Since one of our products constitutes a significant portion of our net sales, significant decreases in consumer demand for this product or our failure to produce a suitable replacement could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Acquisitions can expose us to significant risks and additional costs • Our business could be materially and adversely affected by natural disasters, other catastrophic events, acts of war or terrorism, cybersecurity incidents, pandemics, and/or other acts by third parties. • We depend on the integrity and reliability of our information technology infrastructure, and any related interruptions or inadequacies may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results. • Disruption of supply, shortage, or increases in the cost of ingredients, packaging materials, and other raw materials as well as climate change could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. 18 • If any of our manufacturing facilities or third-party manufacturers fail to reliably supply products to us at required levels of quality or fail to comply with applicable laws, our financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely impacted. • If we lose the services of members of our senior management team, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially harmed. • Our share price may be adversely affected by third parties who raise allegations about our Company. • ESG matters, including those related to climate change and sustainability, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results and may damage our reputation.
Our business and operations in China, which generated approximately 6.0% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024, are subject to unique risks and uncertainties related to general economic, political, and legal developments.
Our business and operations in China, which generated approximately 6% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2025, are subject to unique risks and uncertainties related to general economic, political, and legal developments.
Our business, including our ability to provide products and services to and manage our Members, depends on the performance and availability of our information technology infrastructure, including our core transactional systems. The most important aspect of our information technology infrastructure is the system through which we record and track Member sales, Volume Points, royalty overrides, bonuses, and other incentives.
Our business, including our ability to provide products and services to and manage our Members, depends on the performance and availability of our information technology infrastructure, including our core transactional systems. The most important aspect of our information technology infrastructure is the system through which we record and track Member sales, Volume Points, Member compensation, and other incentives.
Approximately 79% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 were generated outside the United States, exposing our business to risks associated with international operations. We have invested significant resources in our international operations and expect to continue to do so in the future.
Approximately 80% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2025 were generated outside the United States, exposing our business to risks associated with international operations. We have invested significant resources in our international operations and expect to continue to do so in the future.
Our actual or perceived failure to comply with privacy and data protection laws, rules, and regulations could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Our actual or perceived failure to comply with privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and data protection laws, rules, and regulations could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
In China, our independent service providers receive compensation for marketing, sales support, and other services instead of the Member allowances and royalty overrides utilized in our network marketing program outside China.
In China, our independent service providers receive compensation for marketing, sales support, and other services instead of the Member allowances and marketing plan payments utilized in our network marketing program outside China.
Any actual security breaches could result in legal and financial exposure, including litigation and other potential liability, and a loss of confidence in our security measures, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results and our reputation as a brand, business partner, and employer.
Any actual security breaches could result in legal and financial exposure, including litigation and other potential liability, reduced Member usage of our systems or digital platforms and a loss of confidence in our security measures, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results and our reputation as a brand, business partner, and employer.
Our Formula 1 Healthy Meal, which is our best-selling product line, approximated 26% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Our Formula 1 Healthy Meal, which is our best-selling product line, approximated 25% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2025.
The adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations, such as those relating to genetically modified foods, may result in significant compliance costs or discontinuation of impacted product sales and may negatively impact the marketing of our products or require us to change or cease aspects of our business, any of which could result in significant loss of sales and harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. 27 For example, we are subject to the rules of the FDA, including for CGMPs.
The adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations, such as those relating to genetically modified foods, may result in significant compliance costs or discontinuation of impacted product sales and may negatively impact the marketing of our products or require us to change or cease aspects of our business, any of which could result in significant loss of sales and harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
In addition, if we do not introduce new products or make enhancements to meet the changing needs of our Members and their customers in a cost-effective, timely, and commercially appropriate manner, or if our competitors release new products or product enhancements before we do, some of our product offerings could be rendered obsolete, which could cause our market share to decline and negatively impact our business, financial condition, and operating results. 22 If we fail to further penetrate existing markets, the growth in sales of our products, along with our operating results, could be negatively impacted.
In addition, if we do not introduce new products or make enhancements to meet the changing needs of our Members and their customers in a cost-effective, timely, and commercially appropriate manner, or if our competitors release new products or product enhancements before we do, some of our product offerings could be rendered obsolete, which could cause our market share to decline and negatively impact our business, financial condition, and operating results.
While we continue to invest in our information technology infrastructure, including leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and improve services for our Members, there can be no assurance that there will not be any significant interruptions to such systems, that the systems will be adequate to meet all of our business needs, or that the systems will keep pace with continuing changes in technology, legal and regulatory standards.
While we continue to invest in our information technology infrastructure, including leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and improve services for our Members, and implementing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, such as Oracle Fusion Cloud applications, there can be no assurance that there will not be any significant interruptions to such systems, that the systems will be adequate to meet all of our business needs, or that the systems will keep pace with continuing changes in technology, legal and regulatory standards.
For example, our agreement with our Members provides that we may increase, but not decrease, the discount percentages available to our Members for the purchase of products or the applicable royalty override percentages and production and other bonus percentages available to our Members at various qualification levels within our Member hierarchy.
For example, our agreement with our Members provides that we may increase, but not decrease, the discount percentages available to our Members for the purchase of products or the applicable Member compensation percentages available to our Members at various qualification levels within our Member hierarchy.
As a result, our growth may be limited. Our failure to appropriately respond to changing consumer trends, preferences, and demand for new products and product enhancements could materially harm our Member relationships, Members’ customer relationships, and product sales or otherwise materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Our failure to appropriately respond to changing consumer trends, preferences, and demand for new products and product enhancements could materially harm our Member relationships, Members’ customer relationships, and product sales or otherwise materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
At the same time, stakeholders and regulators in many markets where we operate have increasingly expressed or pursued opposing views, legislation and investment expectations with respect to sustainability initiatives, including the enactment or proposal of “Anti-ESG” legislation or policies, which may lead to risks that are counter to the above sustainability requirements and initiatives.
At the same time, stakeholders and regulators in many markets where we operate have increasingly expressed or pursued opposing views, legislation and investment expectations with respect to sustainability initiatives, including the enactment or proposal of “Anti-ESG” legislation or policies, which may lead to risks that are counter to the above sustainability expectations, requirements, and initiatives, including the repeal of regulations that we may have committed substantial resources to comply that could have been otherwise deployed.
If consumer demand for this product decreases significantly or we cease offering this product without a suitable replacement, or if the replacement product fails to gain market acceptance, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially harmed.
If consumer demand for this product decreases significantly or we cease offering this product without a suitable replacement, or if the replacement product fails to gain market acceptance, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially harmed. Acquisitions can expose us to significant risks and additional costs.
These cost overruns and delays and disruptions could adversely impact our business, financial condition, and operating results. 24 Disruption of supply, shortage, or increases in the cost of ingredients, packaging materials, and other raw materials as well as climate change could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Disruption of supply, shortage, or increases in the cost of ingredients, packaging materials, and other raw materials as well as climate change could materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
In December 2022, the EU member states agreed to implement the OECD framework in their domestic tax laws with a target effective date for the 15% global minimum tax rate in 2024. The OECD has issued additional guidance in 2023 and 2024, and intends to issue more rules in 2025.
In December 2022, the EU member states agreed to implement the OECD framework in their domestic tax laws with a target effective date for the 15% global minimum tax rate in 2024. The OECD issued additional guidance during 2023 through 2025 and may issue additional guidance or interpretive rules in the future.
In both domestic and foreign markets, the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, advertising, importation, exportation, licensing, sale, and storage of our products are subject to extensive government regulation.
The majority of our products are classified as foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. In both domestic and foreign markets, the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, advertising, importation, exportation, licensing, sale, and storage of our products are subject to extensive government regulation.
In addition, catastrophic events may result in significant cancellations or cessations of Member orders; contribute to a general decrease in local, regional, or global economic activity; directly impact our marketing, manufacturing, financial, or logistics functions; impair our ability to meet Member demands; harm our reputation; and expose us to significant liability, losses, and legal proceedings, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results. 23 We depend on the integrity and reliability of our information technology infrastructure, and any related interruptions or inadequacies may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
In addition, catastrophic events may result in significant cancellations or cessations of Member orders; contribute to a general decrease in local, regional, or global economic activity; directly impact our marketing, manufacturing, financial, or logistics functions; impair our ability to meet Member demands; harm our reputation; and expose us to significant liability, losses, and legal proceedings, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, our suppliers experienced some delays in receiving and delivering certain ingredients and packaging components. 25 While we have business continuity programs for our manufacturing facilities which plan for such events, any event resulting in the temporary, partial, or complete shutdown of one of these manufacturing facilities, could require us to transfer manufacturing to a surviving facility and/or third-party contract manufacturers if suitable, although no such alternatives may be available.
While we have business continuity programs for our manufacturing facilities which plan for such events, any event resulting in the temporary, partial, or complete shutdown of one of these manufacturing facilities, could require us to transfer manufacturing to a surviving facility and/or third-party contract manufacturers if suitable, although no such alternatives may be available.
Our information technology infrastructure, including our digital technology platforms like Herbalife One discussed in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations , as well as that of our Members and the other third parties with which we interact, may be damaged, disrupted, or breached or otherwise fail for a number of reasons, including power outages, computer and telecommunication failures, internal design, manual or usage errors, workplace violence or wrongdoing, or catastrophic events such as natural disasters, severe weather conditions, or acts of war or terrorism.
If our systems experience significant interruptions, fail to perform as intended, prove inadequate for our business needs, or do not keep pace with evolving technology or regulatory requirements, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially adversely affected. 24 Our information technology infrastructure, including our digital technology platforms like Herbalife One discussed in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations , as well as that of our Members and the other third parties with which we interact, may be damaged, disrupted, or breached or otherwise fail for a number of reasons, including power outages, computer and telecommunication failures, internal design, manual or usage errors, workplace violence or wrongdoing, or catastrophic events such as natural disasters, severe weather conditions, or acts of war or terrorism.
We may not modify the eligibility or qualification criteria for these discounts, royalty overrides, and production and other bonuses unless we do so in a manner to make eligibility and/or qualification easier than under the applicable criteria in effect as of the date of the agreement.
We may not modify the eligibility or qualification criteria for certain Member compensation payments and discounts unless we do so in a manner to make eligibility and/or qualification easier than under the applicable criteria in effect as of the date of the agreement.
The success of our response to changing consumer trends and preferences and product introductions, including any new product offerings and enhancements, depends on a number of factors, including our ability to: • accurately anticipate consumer needs; • innovate and develop new products and product enhancements that meet these needs; • successfully commercialize new products and product enhancements; • price our products competitively; • manufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volumes, at our required levels of quality, and in a cost-effective and timely manner; and • differentiate our product offerings from those of our competitors and successfully respond to other competitive pressures, including technological advancements, evolving industry standards, and changing regulatory requirements.
The success of our response to changing consumer trends and preferences and product introductions, including any new product offerings and enhancements, depends on a number of factors, including our ability to: • accurately anticipate consumer needs; • innovate and develop new products and product enhancements that meet these needs; • successfully commercialize new products and product enhancements; • price our products competitively; • manufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volumes, at our required levels of quality, and in a cost-effective and timely manner; and • differentiate our product offerings from those of our competitors and successfully respond to other competitive pressures, including technological advancements, evolving industry standards, and changing regulatory requirements. 22 Our failure to accurately predict changes in consumer demand and technological advancements could negatively impact consumer opinion of our products or our business, which in turn could harm our Member relationships and the Members’ relationships with their customers, and cause a loss of sales.
The imposition of such tariffs may strain international trade relations and increase the risk that foreign governments implement retaliatory tariffs on goods imported from the United States, which could adversely affect our sales to those countries.
Changes in United States administrative policy have led to and may in the future lead to new or increased in tariffs for imported goods. The imposition of such tariffs may strain international trade relations and increase the risk that foreign governments implement retaliatory tariffs on goods imported from the United States, which could adversely affect our sales to those countries.
Further, these initiatives may be subject to cost overruns and delays, may not operate as designed and may cause disruptions in our operations.
Further, these initiatives may be subject to cost overruns and delays, may not operate as designed and may cause disruptions in our operations. These cost overruns and delays and disruptions could adversely impact our business, financial condition, and operating results.
We are also subject to the risk of private party challenges to the legality of our network marketing program, and similar programs of other companies have been successfully challenged in the past.
From time to time, we are a party to various regulatory proceedings related to compliance with regulations applicable to our network marketing program. We are also subject to the risk of private party challenges to the legality of our network marketing program, and similar programs of other companies have been successfully challenged in the past.
ESG matters, including those related to climate change and sustainability, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results and may damage our reputation. Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny relating to their environmental, social, and governance practices. Investors may impose additional standards and expectations on companies in these areas.
ESG matters, including those related to climate change and sustainability, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results and may damage our reputation. Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny relating to their environmental, social, and governance practices from a number of different, and at times contrasting, perspectives.
In addition, employee error or malfeasance or other errors in the storage, use, or transmission of any such information could result in disclosure to third parties. If this should occur, we could incur significant expenses addressing such problems. Since we collect and store Member, customer, and vendor information, including credit card and banking information, these risks are heightened.
In addition, employee error or malfeasance or other errors in the storage, use, or transmission of any such information could result in disclosure to third parties. If this should occur, we could incur significant expenses addressing such problems.
If we experience supply shortages, price increases, or supplier or regulatory impediments with respect to any of the materials we use in our products or packaging, we may need to seek alternative supplies or suppliers and may experience difficulties in finding replacements that are comparable in quality and price.
If we experience supply shortages, price increases, or supplier or regulatory impediments with respect to any of the materials we use in our products or packaging, we may need to seek alternative supplies or suppliers and may experience difficulties in finding replacements that are comparable in quality and price. 25 Further, the risks related to our ability to adequately source the materials required to meet our needs may be exacerbated by the effects of climate change and the legal, regulatory, or market measures that may be implemented to address climate change.
The success of our business is to a large extent contingent on our ability to further penetrate existing markets, which is subject to numerous factors, many of which are out of our control.
If we fail to further penetrate existing markets, the growth in sales of our products, along with our operating results, could be negatively impacted. The success of our business is to a large extent contingent on our ability to further penetrate existing markets, which is subject to numerous factors, many of which are out of our control.
In addition, while we believe the Consent Order has set new standards within the direct-selling industry, our competitors are not required to comply with the Consent Order and may not be subject to similar actions, which could limit our ability to effectively compete for Members, consumers, and ultimately sales. 29 Compliance with the Consent Order requires the cooperation of our Members and, while we have updated our training programs and policies to address the Consent Order and expect our Members to cooperate, we do not have the same level of influence or control over our Members as we would if they were our employees.
In addition, while we believe the Consent Order has set new standards within the direct-selling industry, our competitors are not required to comply with the Consent Order and may not be subject to similar actions, which could limit our ability to effectively compete for Members, consumers, and ultimately sales.
Further, management and our board of directors have been, and may continue to be, required to focus a substantial amount of time on Consent Order compliance activities, which could divert their attention from running and growing our business.
In addition, any failure of these systems to operate as designed could cause us to fail to maintain the records required under, or otherwise violate terms of, the Consent Order. 29 Further, management and our board of directors have been, and may continue to be, required to focus a substantial amount of time on Consent Order compliance activities, which could divert their attention from running and growing our business.
Since this is an open-ended commitment, there can be no assurance that we will be able to take advantage of innovative new distribution channels that are developed in the future or appropriately respond to consumer preferences as they continue to evolve. 21 In addition, this agreement with our Members provides that we will not make any material changes adverse to our Members to certain aspects of our Marketing Plan that may negatively impact our Members without their approval as described in further detail below.
Since this is an open-ended commitment, there can be no assurance that we will be able to take advantage of innovative new distribution channels that are developed in the future or appropriately respond to consumer preferences as they continue to evolve.
The regulatory requirements concerning network marketing programs do not include “bright line” rules and are inherently fact-based and, thus, we are subject to the risk that these regulations or the enforcement or interpretation of these regulations by regulators or courts can change. Regulatory authorities also periodically review legislative and regulatory policies and initiatives and may promulgate new or revised regulations.
For example, in certain foreign countries, compensation to distributors in the direct-selling industry may be limited to a certain percentage of sales. 28 The regulatory requirements concerning network marketing programs do not include “bright line” rules and are inherently fact-based and, thus, we are subject to the risk that these regulations or the enforcement or interpretation of these regulations by regulators or courts can change.
These extensive costs or any amounts in excess of our cost estimates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. In addition, any failure of these systems to operate as designed could cause us to fail to maintain the records required under, or otherwise violate terms of, the Consent Order.
These extensive costs or any amounts in excess of our cost estimates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
These consumer demands, along with regulatory requirements, could require additional transparency, due diligence, and reporting and could have caused us to incur additional costs or to make changes to our operations to comply with such demands. We may also determine that certain changes are required in anticipation of further evolution of consumer preferences and demands.
These consumer demands, along with regulatory requirements, remain inconsistent and exposes us to unpredictable reporting obligations or business requirements, could require additional transparency, due diligence, and reporting and could cause us to incur additional costs or to make changes to our operations to comply with such demands.
For example, in the past, allegations regarding the legality of our network marketing program have been raised, which led to intense public scrutiny and significant share price volatility. 28 From time to time, we are a party to various regulatory proceedings related to compliance with regulations applicable to our network marketing program.
In addition, the ambiguity surrounding these regulations can also affect the public perception of the Company and our business model. For example, in the past, allegations regarding the legality of our network marketing program have been raised, which led to intense public scrutiny and significant share price volatility.
The adoption of new regulations, or changes in the interpretations or enforcement of existing regulations, may result in significant compliance costs or require us to change or cease aspects of our network marketing program. In addition, the ambiguity surrounding these regulations can also affect the public perception of the Company and our business model.
Similarly, in 2018, the FTC released its nonbinding Business Guidance Concerning Multi-Level Marketing which it further updated in 2024. The adoption of new regulations, or changes in the interpretations or enforcement of existing regulations, may result in significant compliance costs or require us to change or cease aspects of our network marketing program.