Biggest changeFiscal Year 2022 compared to Fiscal Year 2021 Net Sales The following table summarizes the changes in our net sales by geographic region for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, and January 1, 2022: Net Sales by Region (in thousands) Change from prior year Percent change Currency impact on sales Percent change excluding currency impact Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 Asia Pacific Greater China $ 502,486 50.3 % $ 563,469 47.5 % $ (60,983) (10.8) % $ (18,892) (7.5) % Southeast Asia Pacific 190,478 19.1 % 269,803 22.7 % (79,325) (29.4) % (13,994) (24.2) % North Asia 108,952 10.9 % 129,920 11.0 % (20,968) (16.1) % (13,809) (5.5) % Asia Pacific Total 801,916 80.3 % 963,192 81.2 % (161,276) (16.7) % (46,695) (11.9) % Americas and Europe 196,685 19.7 % 223,272 18.8 % (26,587) (11.9) % (3,033) (10.5) % $ 998,601 100.0 % $ 1,186,464 100.0 % $ (187,863) (15.8) % $ (49,728) (11.6) % Asia Pacific: The decline in this region is largely the result of the challenging operating environment as discussed above.
Biggest changeThe decrease in net earnings was primarily the result of decreased sales and higher relative operating expenses. 44 Table of Contents Fiscal Year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2022 Net Sales The following table summarizes the changes in our net sales by geographic region for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022: Net Sales by Region (in thousands) Change from prior year Percent change Currency impact on sales Percent change excluding currency impact Twelve Months Ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Asia Pacific Greater China $ 475,099 51.6 % $ 502,486 50.3 % $ (27,387) (5.5) % $ (22,498) (1.0) % Southeast Asia Pacific 163,890 17.8 % 190,478 19.1 % (26,588) (14.0) % (4,376) (11.7) % North Asia 101,446 11.0 % 108,952 10.9 % (7,506) (6.9) % (1,774) (5.3) % Asia Pacific Total 740,435 80.4 % 801,916 80.3 % (61,481) (7.7) % (28,648) (4.1) % Americas and Europe 180,575 19.6 % 196,685 19.7 % (16,110) (8.2) % 882 (8.6) % $ 921,010 100.0 % $ 998,601 100.0 % $ (77,591) (7.8) % $ (27,766) (5.0) % Asia Pacific: The decrease in constant currency net sales in Greater China was primarily the result of a sales decline in China and Taiwan where local currency net sales decreased 0.6% and 3.9%, respectively.
Overview We develop and manufacture high quality, science-based nutritional and personal care and skincare products that are distributed internationally through direct selling. We use this distribution method because we believe it is more conducive to meeting our vision as a company, which is to improve the overall health and nutrition of individuals and families around the world.
Overview We develop and manufacture high quality, science-based nutritional and personal care and skincare products that are distributed internationally primarily through direct selling. We use this distribution method because we believe it is more conducive to meeting our vision as a company, which is to improve the overall health and nutrition of individuals and families around the world.
Summary We believe that current cash balances, future cash provided by operations, and amounts available under our line of credit will be sufficient to cover our operating and capital needs in the ordinary course of business for the foreseeable future. If we experience an adverse operating environment or unanticipated and unusual capital expenditure requirements, additional financing may be required.
Summary We believe our current cash balances, future cash provided by operations, and amounts available under our line of credit will be sufficient to cover our operating and capital needs in the ordinary course of business for the foreseeable future. If we experience an adverse operating environment or unanticipated and unusual capital expenditure requirements, additional financing may be required.
Deferred revenue is recognized when or as the related performance obligation is satisfied. On the occasion that will-call orders are not picked up by customers, we periodically assess the likelihood that customers will exercise their contractual right to pick up orders and recognize revenue when the likelihood that customers will pick up orders is remote. Inventory Valuation.
Deferred revenue is recognized when or as the related performance obligation is satisfied. On the occasion that will-call orders are not picked up by customers, we periodically assess the likelihood that customers will exercise their contractual right to pick up orders and recognize revenue when the likelihood that customers will pick up orders becomes remote. Inventory Valuation.
Our customer base is primarily comprised of two types of customers: “Associates” and “Preferred Customers” referred to together as “active Customers.” Our Associates also sell our products to retail customers. Associates share in our company vision by acting as independent distributors of our products in addition to purchasing our products for their personal use.
Our customer base is primarily comprised of two types of customers: “Associates” and “Preferred Customers,” referred to together as “active Customers.” Our Associates also sell our products to retail customers. Associates share in our company vision by acting as independent distributors of our products in addition to purchasing our products for their personal use.
Liquidity and Capital Resources We have historically met our working capital and capital expenditure requirements by using both net cash flow from operations and by drawing on our line of credit. Our principal source of liquidity is our operating cash flow.
Liquidity and Capital Resources We have historically met our working capital and capital expenditure requirements by using net cash flow from operations and by drawing on our line of credit. Our principal source of liquidity is our operating cash flow.
This non-GAAP financial information may be determined or calculated differently by other companies, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes. We provide such non-GAAP financial information for informational purposes only. Readers should consider the information in addition but not instead of or superior to, our Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, accompanying this report.
This non-GAAP financial information may be determined or calculated differently by other companies, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes. We provide such non-GAAP financial information for informational purposes only. Readers should consider the information in addition but not instead of or superior to, our Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, accompanying this report.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures We believe that presentation of certain non-GAAP financial information is meaningful and useful in understanding the activities and business metrics of our operations. Management believes these measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our business that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures We believe that presentation of certain non-GAAP financial information is meaningful and useful in understanding the activities and business metrics of our operations. Management believes these measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our business that, when viewed with our U.S. GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business.
Results of Operations Summary of 2022 Financial Results Our discussion and analysis is focused on our 2022 and 2021 financial results, including comparisons of our year-over-year performance between these years. Discussion and analysis of our 2020 fiscal year specifically, as well as the year-over-year comparison of our 2021 financial performance to 2020, are located in Part II, Item 7.
Results of Operations Summary of 2023 Financial Results Our discussion and analysis is focused on our 2023 and 2022 financial results, including comparisons of our year-over-year performance between these years. Discussion and analysis of our 2021 fiscal year specifically, as well as the year-over-year comparison of our 2022 financial performance to 2021, are located in Part II, Item 7.
In analyzing business trends and performance, management uses “constant currency” net sales, “local currency” net sales, and other currency-related financial information terms to discuss our financial results in a way we believe is 43 Table of Contents helpful in understanding the impact of fluctuations in foreign-currency exchange rates and facilitating period-to-period comparisons of results of operations and providing investors an additional perspective on trends and underlying business results.
In analyzing business trends and performance, management uses “constant currency” net sales, “local currency” net sales, and other currency-related financial information terms to discuss our financial results in a way we believe is helpful in understanding the impact of fluctuations in foreign-currency exchange rates and facilitating period-to-period comparisons of results of operations and providing investors an additional perspective on trends and underlying business results.
We receive payment, primarily via credit card, for the sale of products at the time customers place orders and payment is required prior to shipment. Our 47 Table of Contents product sales contracts include terms that could cause variability in the transaction price for items such as discounts, credits, or sales returns.
We receive payment, primarily via credit card, for the sale of products at the time customers place orders and payment is required prior to shipment. Our product sales contracts include terms that could cause variability in the transaction price for items such as discounts, credits, or sales returns.
Increases or decreases in product sales are typically the result of variations in the volume of product sold relating to fluctuations in the number of active Customers purchasing our products. The number of active Associates and Preferred Customers is therefore used by management as a key non-financial indicator to evaluate our operational performance.
Increases or decreases in product sales are typically the result of variations in the volume of product sold relating to fluctuations in the number of active Customers purchasing our products. The number of active Associates and 42 Table of Contents Preferred Customers is therefore used by management as a key non-financial indicator to evaluate our operational performance.
Preferred Customers purchase our products strictly for personal use and are not permitted to resell or to distribute the products. We only count as active Customers those Associates and Preferred Customers who have purchased from us at any time during the most recent three-month period. As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately 490,000 active Customers worldwide.
Preferred Customers purchase our products strictly for personal use and are not permitted to resell or to distribute the products. We only count as active Customers those Associates and Preferred Customers who have purchased from us at any time during the most recent three-month period. As of December 30, 2023, we had approximately 483,000 active Customers worldwide.
Net cash flow provided by operating activities totaled $103.9 million in 2022. Net earnings combined with adjustments of non-cash items contributed positively to our net cash flow provided by operating activities, partially offset by cash used to payout the annual employee bonus, reduce accruals related to inventories, and a reduction in trade payables.
Net earnings combined with adjustments of non-cash items contributed positively to our net cash flow provided by operating activities, partially offset by cash used to payout the annual employee bonus, reduce accruals related to inventories, and a reduction in trade payables.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The following discussion and analysis of USANA’s financial condition and results of operations is presented in 10 sections: • Overview • Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic • Customers • Presentation • Non-GAAP Financial Measures • Results of Operations • Liquidity and Capital Resources • Contractual Obligations and Commercial Contingencies • Inflation 41 Table of Contents • Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates This discussion and analysis from management's perspective should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The following discussion and analysis of USANA’s financial condition and results of operations is presented in nine sections: • Overview • Customers • Presentation • Non-GAAP Financial Measures • Results of Operations • Liquidity and Capital Resources • Contractual Obligations and Commercial Contingencies • Inflation • Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates This discussion and analysis from management's perspective should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.
“ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2022, which is available on our investor relations website at https://ir.usana.com or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
“ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023, which is available on our investor relations website at https://ir.usana.com or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 280 basis points relative to net sales and decreased $16.8 million in absolute terms. The relative increase can be attributed to leverage lost on lower net sales.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 160 basis points relative to net sales and decreased $5.3 million in absolute terms. The relative increase can be attributed to leverage lost on lower net sales.
Additionally, unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates, have impacted cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash by an estimated $13.8 million.
Additionally, unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates, have impacted cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash by an estimated $2.5 million.
Actual results, however, may sometimes differ materially from estimates under different conditions. Critical accounting estimates are defined as both those that are material to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and those that require management’s most subjective judgments. We believe that our most critical accounting policies and estimates are described in this section. Revenue Recognition.
Critical accounting estimates are defined as both those that are material to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and those that require management’s most subjective judgments. We believe that our most critical accounting policies and estimates are described in this section. Revenue Recognition.
The effective tax rate increase is due primarily to a change in the market mix of pre-tax book income. Diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted EPS decreased to $3.59 in 2022 from $5.73 in 2021. This decrease can be attributed to lower net earnings, partially offset by lower diluted share count.
The effective tax rate increase is due primarily to a change in the market mix of pre-tax book income. 45 Table of Contents Diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted EPS decreased to $3.30 in 2023 from $3.59 in 2022. This decrease can be attributed to lower net earnings.
No assurance can be given, however, that additional financing, if required, would be available at all or on favorable terms. We might also require or seek additional financing for the purpose of expanding into new markets, growing our existing markets, or for other reasons. Such financing may include the use of additional debt or the sale of additional equity securities.
No assurance can be given, however, that additional financing, if required, would be available to us at all or on favorable terms. We might also require or seek additional financing for the purpose of expanding into new markets, growing our existing markets, mergers and acquisitions, or for other reasons.
The following table below presents concentrations of cash and cash equivalents by market for the periods indicated: Cash and cash equivalents (in Millions) As of December 31, 2022 As of January 1, 2022 China $ 129.8 $ 139.9 United States 114.1 51.9 All other markets 44.5 48.0 Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 288.4 $ 239.8 Cash Flows Provided by Operations and Significant Uses of Cash As discussed above, our principal source of liquidity comes from cash flows provided by operating activities, which results from a strong operating margin.
The following table below presents concentrations of cash and cash equivalents by market for the periods indicated: Cash and cash equivalents (in Millions) As of December 30, 2023 As of December 31, 2022 United States $ 169.9 $ 114.1 China $ 111.0 $ 129.8 All other markets $ 49.5 $ 44.5 Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 330.4 $ 288.4 Cash Flows Provided by Operations and Significant Uses of Cash As discussed above, our principal source of liquidity comes from cash flows from operations.
Total Active Customers by Region Change from Prior Year Percent Change As of December 31, 2022 As of January 1, 2022 Asia Pacific: Greater China 244,000 49.8 % 255,000 45.5 % (11,000) (4.3 %) Southeast Asia Pacific 87,000 17.8 % 115,000 20.5 % (28,000) (24.3 %) North Asia 53,000 10.8 % 58,000 10.4 % (5,000) (8.6 %) Asia Pacific Total 384,000 78.4 % 428,000 76.4 % (44,000) (10.3 %) Americas and Europe 106,000 21.6 % 132,000 23.6 % (26,000) (19.7 %) 490,000 100.0 % 560,000 100.0 % (70,000) (12.5 %) 42 Table of Contents Presentation Product sales along with the shipping and handling fees billed to our customers are recorded as revenue net of applicable sales discounts when, or as control of, the promised product is transferred to the customer, which is at the time of delivery to the third party carrier for shipment.
Total Active Customers by Region Change from Prior Year Percent Change As of December 30, 2023 As of December 31, 2022 Asia Pacific: Greater China 255,000 52.8 % 244,000 49.8 % 11,000 4.5 % Southeast Asia Pacific 80,000 16.6 % 87,000 17.8 % (7,000) (8.0 %) North Asia 48,000 9.9 % 53,000 10.8 % (5,000) (9.4 %) Asia Pacific Total 383,000 79.3 % 384,000 78.4 % (1,000) (0.3 %) Americas and Europe 100,000 20.7 % 106,000 21.6 % (6,000) (5.7 %) 483,000 100.0 % 490,000 100.0 % (7,000) (1.4 %) Presentation Product sales along with the shipping and handling fees billed to our customers are recorded as revenue net of applicable sales discounts when, or as control of, the promised product is transferred to the customer, which is at the time of delivery to the third party carrier for shipment.
Net realizable value is determined using various assumptions with regard to excess or slow-moving inventories, non-conforming inventories, expiration dates, current and future product demand, production planning, and market conditions. The forecasted future product demand for excess or slow-moving inventories is based on judgment and available information. A change in any valuation assumptions could result in an adjustment to inventory.
Net realizable value is determined using various assumptions with regard to excess or slow-moving inventories, non-conforming inventories, expiration dates, current and future product demand, production planning, and market conditions. The forecasted future product demand for excess or slow-moving inventories is based on judgment 48 Table of Contents and available information.
Like many other global companies, we are facing significant inflationary pressures in the world economy. Inflationary pressures are growing as we renew pricing arrangements, notably for certain direct materials, wages, energy, and transportation costs. These inflationary pressures, including margin pressure from inflation as well as the cost of capital could continue to grow in 2023.
Inflation Like many other global companies, we are facing significant inflationary pressures in the world economy. Inflationary pressures are growing as we renew pricing arrangements, notably for certain direct materials, wages, energy, and transportation costs.
However, the reported carrying value of inventory is not highly sensitive to reasonable changes in individual assumptions.
A change in any valuation assumptions could result in an adjustment to inventory. However, the reported carrying value of inventory is not highly sensitive to reasonable changes in individual assumptions.
That information is incorporated by reference into this report. Net sales in 2022 decreased 15.8%, or $187.9 million, to $998.6 million, compared with 2021.
That information is incorporated by reference into this report. Net sales in 2023 decreased 7.8%, or $77.6 million, to $921.0 million, compared with 2022.
“Other Commitments” generally include consulting- and IT-related services, investments in brand awareness through corporate and athlete sponsorships, facility maintenance, and services related to the events that we hold for our Associates both locally and internationally. Additionally, throughout the year we will enter into various short-term contracts, mostly for services related to events that we hold for our Associates.
“Other Commitments” generally include consulting- and IT-related services, investments in brand awareness through corporate and athlete sponsorships, facility maintenance, services related to the events that we hold for our Associates both locally and internationally, and local lines of credit.
Our primary focus continues to be increasing the number of active Customers. We believe this focus is consistent with our vision of improving the overall health and nutrition of individuals and families around the world. Sales to Associates accounted for approxim ately 53.4% of product sales during 2022 with the remainder of our sales being to Preferred Customers.
We believe this focus is consistent with our vision of improving the overall health and nutrition of individuals and families around the world. Sales to Associates account for approxim ately 52% of Direct-selling segment product sales during 2023, with the remainder of our sales being to Preferred Customers.
Line of Credit Information with respect to our line of credit may be found in Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, which is incorporated by reference.
Additionally, cash used to repurchase and retire shares was $25.4 million for 2022. 46 Table of Contents Line of Credit Information with respect to our line of credit may be found in Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, which is incorporated by reference.
Associate Incentives Associate incentives decreased 30 basis points to 43.5% of net sales in 2022, compared with 43.8% in the prior year. The relative decrease can primarily be attributed to a decrease in promotional incentives, as described above, and decreased spend on miscellaneous associate incentives.
Associate Incentives Associate incentives decreased 70 basis points to 42.8% of net sales in 2023, compared with 43.5% in the prior year. The relative decrease can primarily be attributed to decreased spend on promotional and program incentives, as well as modest price increases that occurred throughout the year.
Consequently, our net sales and earnings are affected by changes in currency exchange rates. In general, our operating results are affected positively by a weakening U.S. dollar and negatively by a strengthening U.S. dollar.
With the exception of China, our raw material purchases from suppliers and product purchases from third-party manufacturers are transacted in U.S. dollars. Consequently, our net sales and earnings are affected by changes in currency exchange rates. In general, our operating results are affected positively by a weakening U.S. dollar and negatively by a strengthening U.S. dollar.
The decreased expense in absolute terms can be primarily attributed to lower costs on variable expenses, as well as lower employee related costs. Income Taxes Income taxes increased to 36.2% of pre-tax earnings in 2022, up from 31.7% of pre-tax earnings in 2021.
The decreased expense in absolute terms can be primarily attributed to a decrease in variable operating expenses as well as the capitalization of expenses associated with our digital commerce initiatives . Income Taxes Income taxes increased to 37.7% of pre-tax earnings in 2023, up from 36.2% of pre-tax earnings in 2022.
These factors and others related to the COVID-19 pandemic will likely continue to negatively affect our business throughout 2023 in a number of ways. Customers Because we sell our products to a customer base of independent Associates and Preferred Customers, we increase our sales by increasing the number of our active Customers, the amount they spend on average, or both.
Customers Because we sell our products to a customer base of independent Associates and Preferred Customers, we increase our sales by increasing the number of our active Customers, the amount they spend on average, or both. Our primary focus continues to be increasing the number of active Customers.
The decrease in constant currency net sales in North Asia was most notable in South Korea, which had a local currency net sales decline of 4.9%.
There were local currency declines in all markets in the Southeast Asia Pacific sub-region, most notable in the Philippines and Australia, which had local currency net sales declines of 25.7% and 8.4%, respectively. The decrease in constant currency net sales in North Asia was most notable in South Korea, which had a local currency net sales decline of 5.6%.
Information with respect to our Unconditional Purchase Obligations may be found in Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, which is incorporated by reference. Inflation We do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our historical operations or profitability.
Additionally, throughout the year we will enter into various short-term contracts, mostly for services related to events that we hold for our Associates. Information with respect to our Unconditional Purchase Obligations may be found in Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, which is incorporated by reference.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Those estimates and assumptions are derived and are continually evaluated based on our historical experiences, current facts and circumstances, and on changes in the business environment.
Our significant accounting policies are described in the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes.
Any financing which involves the sale of equity securities or instruments that are convertible into equity securities could result in immediate and possibly significant dilution to our existing shareholders. 46 Table of Contents Contractual Obligations and Commercial Contingencies The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2022 and the effect such obligations and commitments are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods: Payments Due By Period (in thousands) Contractual Obligations Total Less than 1 year 1 - 3 years 3 - 5 years More than 5 years Operating Leases $ 15,064 $ 7,214 $ 7,233 $ 617 $ — Other Commitments 32,690 23,544 7,583 1,563 — Total Contractual Obligations $ 47,754 $ 30,758 $ 14,816 $ 2,180 $ — “Operating Leases” generally provide that property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses are our responsibility.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Contingencies The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 30, 2023, and the effect such obligations and commitments are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods: Payments Due By Period (in thousands) Contractual Obligations Total Less than 1 year 1 - 3 years 3 - 5 years More than 5 years Operating Leases $ 12,900 $ 7,609 $ 5,170 $ 121 $ — Other Commitments 31,771 21,438 10,282 51 — Total Contractual Obligations $ 44,671 $ 29,047 $ 15,452 $ 172 $ — “Operating Leases” generally provide that property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses are our responsibility.
Sales to customers outside the United States are transacted in the respective local currencies and translated to U.S. dollars at weighted-average currency exchange rates for each monthly accounting period to which they relate. With the exception of China, our raw material purchases from suppliers and product purchases from third-party manufacturers are transacted in U.S. dollars.
Significant depreciation and amortization expense is incurred as a result of investments in physical facilities, computer and information technology infrastructure to support our international operations. 43 Table of Contents Sales to customers outside the United States are transacted in the respective local currencies and translated to U.S. dollars at weighted-average currency exchange rates for each monthly accounting period to which they relate.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Our significant accounting policies are described in Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
These inflationary pressures, including margin pressure from inflation as well as the cost of capital could continue to grow in 2024. 47 Table of Contents Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
Gross Profit Gross profit decreased 100 basis points to 80.6% of net sales, down from 81.6% in 2021. The decrease in gross profit margin can be attributed to unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates, higher scrap and inventory valuation, increased product costs, and loss of leverage on lower sales.
The increase in gross profit margin can be attributed to decreased inventory valuation adjustments, and the impact of modest price increases that occurred throughout the year. These increases were partially offset by higher material costs, unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates, and loss of leverage on lower sales.
Additionally, unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates decreased net sales for the year by an estimated $49.7 million. Net earnings decreased 40.5% to $69.4 million in 2022, when compared with 2021. The decrease in net earnings was primarily the result of decreased sales and higher relative operating expenses.
Consequently, we experienced a decline in active Customers of 1.4% compared to the prior year. Additionally, unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates decreased net sales for the year by an estimated $27.8 million. Net earnings decreased 8.0% to $63.8 million in 2023, when compared with 2022.
Net earnings combined with adjustments of non-cash items contributed positively to our net cash flow provided by operating activities, partially offset by purchase of inventories, the payout of the annual employee bonus, and a reduction in trade payables. Additionally, cash used to repurchase and retires shares was $177.8 million for 2021.
Net cash flow provided by operating activities totaled $70.6 million in 2023. Net earnings combined with adjustments of non-cash items contributed positively to our net cash flow provided by operating activities, partially offset by changes in working capital.
Additionally, cash used to repurchase and retire shares was $25.4 million for 2022. Net cash flow provided by operating activities totaled $121.2 million in 2021.
Other significant uses of cash included an investment of $14.5 million to purchase property and equipment primarily related to our digital commerce initiatives and our India operations. Additionally, cash used to repurchase and retire shares totaled $11.6 million for 2023. Net cash flow provided by operating activities totaled $103.9 million in 2022.
As a result, there were local currency sales declines in all markets in this region. The decrease in constant currency net sales in Greater China was most notable in China, where local currency net sales decreased 7.0%.
Americas and Europe : There were local currency sales declines in all markets in this region.
Cash flow provided by operating activities generated $103.9 million partially offset by cash used in financing activities of $30.1 million, and cash used in investing activities of $12.4 million primarily to acquire property and 45 Table of Contents equipment and assets in business combinations, partially offset by proceeds from the settlement of our net investment hedge.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents increased to $330.4 million at December 30, 2023, from $288.4 million at December 31, 2022. Cash flow provided by operating activities was $70.6 million partially offset by cash used in financing activities of $14.2 million, and cash used in investing activities of $12.0 million.
Wages and benefits represent the largest component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Significant depreciation and amortization expense is incurred as a result of investments in physical facilities, computer and information technology infrastructure to support our international operations.
Wages and benefits represent the largest component of selling, general and administrative expenses.