NHT Global(NHTC)
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Natural Health Trends Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Globenewswire· 2025-07-30 13:00
Core Insights - Natural Health Trends Corp. reported a decrease in revenue and net income for the second quarter of 2025, reflecting challenges from economic uncertainty and trade tensions [4][6][7] Financial Highlights - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $9.8 million, down 6% from $10.5 million in Q2 2024 [7] - Operating loss for Q2 2025 was $333,000 compared to a loss of $238,000 in Q2 2024 [7] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $15,000, or breakeven per diluted share, down from $173,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, in Q2 2024 [7] - Year-to-date revenue for the first six months of 2025 was $20.6 million, a decrease of 4% from $21.4 million in the same period of 2024 [7] - Operating loss for the first six months of 2025 was $678,000 compared to $603,000 in the first half of 2024 [7] Member Metrics - The number of Active Members decreased to 29,260 as of June 30, 2025, down from 30,870 at the end of 2024 and 31,110 a year earlier [7] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - Net cash used in operating activities was $5.2 million in the first half of 2025, compared to $3.0 million in the same period of 2024 [8] - Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $34.2 million at June 30, 2025, down from $43.9 million at December 31, 2024 [8] - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on August 22, 2025 [8] Management Commentary - The President of Natural Health Trends Corp. noted that the company is realigning its supply chain to mitigate tariff-related risks and enhance long-term resilience [4][5]
Natural Health Trends to Report Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on July 30th
Globenewswire· 2025-07-23 13:00
Core Viewpoint - Natural Health Trends Corp. will report its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 on July 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, followed by a conference call at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, will be announced on July 30, 2025 [1]. - A conference call will be hosted by President Chris Sharng and CFO Scott Davidson on the same day at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time [1]. Group 2: Conference Call Details - The conference call will be accessible via dial-in numbers: 1-877-407-0789 for domestic calls and 1-201-689-8562 for international calls [2]. - A webcast of the conference call will be available at the provided link [2]. - A replay of the call will be available from 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on July 30, 2025, until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 13, 2025 [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Natural Health Trends Corp. is an international direct-selling and e-commerce company operating in Asia, the Americas, and Europe [3]. - The company markets premium quality personal care products under the NHT Global brand [3].
NHTC Stock Gains After Q1 Earnings, Operating Loss Narrows
ZACKS· 2025-05-05 17:15
Core Viewpoint - Natural Health Trends Corp. (NHTC) reported a decline in revenue and net income for Q1 2025, but showed signs of healthy demand through increased order volume, while facing challenges from trade uncertainties and a strategic focus on regional manufacturing [2][3][8]. Revenue and Earnings Snapshot - NHTC reported revenues of $10.7 million for Q1 2025, a 1.9% decline from $10.9 million in the same period last year [2] - Net income decreased by 35.1% to $122,000 from $188,000 year-over-year, with earnings per diluted share falling to $0.01 from $0.02 [3] - Operating loss narrowed to $0.3 million from $0.4 million a year earlier, while selling, general, and administrative expenses declined by 3.9% to $3.8 million [3] - Gross margin increased to 73.6% from 73.4%, indicating stable cost management [3] Other Key Business Metrics - NHTC ended the quarter with 30,180 active members, down 4.6% year-over-year [4] - Commissions expense as a percentage of revenues increased to 41.8% from 41% due to higher commission payouts [4] - Cash provided by operating activities was $484,000, down from $549,000 in the prior-year quarter [4] Cash Position and Dividends - As of March 31, 2025, NHTC held $41.9 million in cash and marketable securities, down from $43.9 million at the end of 2024, primarily due to dividend payouts [5] - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on May 23 to shareholders of record as of May 13 [5] Management Commentary - President Chris Sharng described Q1 as an extension of positive momentum from the second half of 2024, highlighting engagement from a product roadshow in China and Hong Kong [6] - The launch of new products, Twin Slim Coffee and Tomato Soup, was well-received [6] - The opening of a new office in Bogotá, Colombia, is seen as strategically significant for the Latin American market [7] Factors Influencing the Results - Revenue decline was attributed to timing differences in incentive campaigns rather than weakening demand, with a sequential uptick in order intake noted [8] - The company is working to regionalize manufacturing closer to Asian markets to improve cost efficiency and reduce logistics volatility [8] Guidance and Strategic Outlook - Management did not provide explicit financial guidance but emphasized the importance of navigating evolving trade barriers [9] - NHTC aims to streamline its supply chain and adjust logistics to mitigate adverse impacts while focusing on product innovation and member support [10] Other Developments - NHTC expanded its geographical footprint with the launch of a new regional office in Bogotá, reinforcing its commitment to long-term international expansion [11]
NHT Global(NHTC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 16:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for the first quarter was $10,700,000, a 2% decrease compared to $11,000,000 in the first quarter of 2024, attributed to the timing of incentive calendars [5][8] - Gross profit margin increased slightly to 73.6% from 73.4% in the first quarter last year [9] - Net income for the first quarter was $122,000 or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to $188,000 or $0.02 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2024 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Active member base decreased slightly to 30,180 at March 31 from 30,870 at December 31, down 5% from 31,620 at March [8] - Commissions expense as a percent of total revenue for the first quarter was 41.8% compared with 41% a year ago, primarily due to higher weekly commissions earned by members [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China and Hong Kong, a Night City Roadshow was completed, marketing wellness products with expert insights, and new products in the Twin Slim weight management line received strong feedback [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is actively working to streamline its supply chain and bring manufacturing closer to primary markets in Asia to weather international trade uncertainties and improve long-term efficiency [7][11] - The opening of a new office in Bogota, Colombia, will serve as a central hub for customer services and showcasing brands and products [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the need to assess the potential impact of tariffs on operations and respond with strategic actions to optimize the supply chain [11] - The focus remains on executing strategic initiatives and providing exceptional support to members [11] Other Important Information - Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $41,900,000 at March 31, down from $43,900,000 at December 31, 2024, due to quarterly dividend payments [11] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share was declared, payable on May 23 to stockholders of record as of May 13 [11] Q&A Session Summary - No specific questions or answers were recorded in the provided content.
NHT Global(NHTC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 15:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $10.7 million, a 2% decrease from $11 million in Q1 2024, attributed to the timing of incentive calendars [4][7] - Active member base decreased to 30,180 as of March 31, down from 30,870 at December 31, and down 5% from 31,620 in March 2024 [7] - Gross profit margin increased slightly to 73.6% from 73.4% in the same quarter last year [7] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $122,000 or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to $188,000 or $0.02 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders taken increased by 9% sequentially over Q4 2024, indicating sustained interest in products [4] - New products introduced in the Twin Slim weight management line received strong customer feedback [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed a Night City Roadshow in China and Hong Kong, promoting wellness products [5] - A new office was opened in Bogota, Colombia, serving as a central hub for customer services and brand showcasing [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is actively working to streamline its supply chain and bring manufacturing closer to primary markets in Asia to improve long-term efficiency [6][10] - Immediate priorities include assessing the potential impact of tariffs on operations and optimizing logistics [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the international trade environment changed significantly after Q1, making it difficult to gauge impacts [6] - The focus remains on executing strategic initiatives and providing exceptional support to members [10] Other Important Information - Commissions expense as a percentage of total revenue increased to 41.8% from 41% a year ago due to higher weekly commissions [8] - Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $41.9 million at March 31, down from $43.9 million at December 31, 2024, due to quarterly dividend payments [10] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share was declared, payable on May 23 to stockholders of record as of May 13 [10] Q&A Session Summary - No specific Q&A session content was provided in the transcript.
NHT Global(NHTC) - 2025 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2025-04-30 13:20
Financial Performance - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $10,737,000, a decrease of 1.95% compared to $10,951,000 in Q1 2024[17] - Gross profit for Q1 2025 was $7,905,000, down from $8,039,000 in Q1 2024, reflecting a gross margin of approximately 73.6%[17] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $122,000, a decline of 35% from $188,000 in Q1 2024[19] - Total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $10.7 million, a decrease of 2% from $10.9 million in the same period of 2024[41] - Product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $10.5 million, compared to $10.6 million in the same period of 2024[41] - The Company’s diluted net income per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $0.01, down from $0.02 in the same period of 2024[30] - Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $7,905,000, compared to $8,039,000 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a decrease of 1.7%[75] - Commissions expense increased to 41.8% of net sales in Q1 2025, up from 41.0% in Q1 2024, due to higher weekly commissions[107] Assets and Liabilities - Total current assets decreased to $48,806,000 as of March 31, 2025, compared to $50,983,000 at the end of 2024[15] - Total liabilities slightly decreased to $22,297,000 from $22,487,000 at the end of 2024[15] - The total stockholders' equity decreased to $30,882,000 as of March 31, 2025, from $32,872,000 at the end of 2024[15] - Total assets as of March 31, 2025, were $53,179,000, a decrease from $55,359,000 as of December 31, 2024[78] - The Company had contract liabilities of $5.4 million as of March 31, 2025, up from $4.9 million at the end of 2024, primarily due to $3.5 million received for unshipped product orders[39] - Deferred revenue as of March 31, 2025, was $6.9 million, consisting of $5.4 million in unshipped product orders and $1.5 million in auto ship advances[105] Cash Flow and Investments - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $21,688,000 from $13,533,000 at the end of 2024, marking a significant improvement[15] - The Company reported a net cash provided by operating activities of $484,000 for Q1 2025, down from $549,000 in Q1 2024[23] - Cash provided by operations for the first three months of 2025 was $484,000, down from $549,000 in the same period of 2024[112] - Cash flows from investing activities totaled $10.0 million in Q1 2025, compared to cash used of $28.5 million in Q1 2024, with $17.4 million spent on marketable securities[113] - As of March 31, 2025, cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $41.9 million, a decrease of $2.0 million from December 31, 2024[111] - The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $34,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $37,000 in the same period of 2024[64] Dividends and Stock Repurchase - The company declared dividends of $0.20 per share, totaling $2,303,000 for the quarter[20] - Cash dividends of $0.20 per common share were declared and paid, totaling $2.3 million for each quarter in 2025 and 2024[68] - The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on May 23, 2025, to stockholders of record on May 13, 2025[84] - The stock repurchase program has $21.9 million remaining from the authorized $70.0 million as of March 31, 2025[115] Market and Operational Insights - The Company operates in multiple markets, including the Americas, Greater China, Southeast Asia, and Europe, with no single market other than Hong Kong exceeding 10% of total net sales[42] - Approximately 94% of the Company's net sales were generated from subsidiaries located outside the Americas, with the Hong Kong subsidiary accounting for 85% of net sales in the latest fiscal quarter[87] - In Q1 2025, the company generated approximately 85% of its revenue from its e-commerce direct selling platform in Hong Kong, primarily from sales to members in China[88] - The Company operates in various markets, including the Americas, Greater China, Southeast Asia, and Europe, with a focus on expanding in promising markets[85] - The ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions have resulted in significant tariffs, including a 125% reciprocal tariff on Chinese imports, which may adversely affect the company's operations and costs[129] Corporate Changes and Future Outlook - The company relocated its corporate headquarters from Hong Kong to California in February 2025 due to changes in the political and economic landscape[90] - The political and economic environment in Hong Kong may adversely affect the company's future business and financial condition[90] - The company is exploring sourcing products from other jurisdictions to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports[91] - The Company expects to recognize revenue from remaining performance obligations within the next twelve months[39] - The Company plans to focus investments in Greater China and other strategic markets, including Southeast Asia, India, South America, and Europe[118] Risk Management - The company maintains that its existing liquidity is adequate to fund normal operations and financial commitments for the foreseeable future[116] - There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that materially affected the company during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025[124] - The company has not identified any material changes to its risk factors since the last annual report[128]
NHT Global(NHTC) - 2025 Q1 - Quarterly Results
2025-04-30 13:10
Financial Performance - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $10.7 million, a decrease of 2% compared to $11.0 million in Q1 2024[7] - Operating loss for Q1 2025 was $345,000, an improvement from a loss of $365,000 in Q1 2024[7] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $122,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to $188,000, or $0.02 per diluted share in Q1 2024[7] - Cash flows from operations were $484,000 in Q1 2025, down from $549,000 in Q1 2024[11] - Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $41.9 million at March 31, 2025, down from $43.9 million at December 31, 2024[11] - The total assets decreased to $53.2 million as of March 31, 2025, from $55.4 million at December 31, 2024[14] Membership and Orders - Active Members decreased by 2% to 30,180 as of March 31, 2025, down from 30,870 at December 31, 2024, and down 5% from 31,620 at March 31, 2024[7] - The company experienced a 9% sequential increase in orders taken compared to Q4 2024, indicating sustained interest in its products[5] Dividends and Manufacturing Strategy - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on May 23, 2025[11] - The company is working to align manufacturing closer to key markets to improve long-term efficiency amid trade uncertainties[6]
Natural Health Trends Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Globenewswire· 2025-04-30 13:00
Core Viewpoint - Natural Health Trends Corp. reported a 2% year-over-year revenue decrease for Q1 2025, attributed to promotional calendar differences, but showed a 9% sequential increase in orders from Q4 2024, indicating strong customer interest in their products [4][8]. Financial Performance - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $10.7 million, down from $11.0 million in Q1 2024, marking a 2% decline [9]. - The operating loss was $345,000, an improvement from a loss of $365,000 in the same quarter of the previous year [9]. - Net income for Q1 2025 was $122,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to $188,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, in Q1 2024 [9]. - Active Members decreased by 2% to 30,180 as of March 31, 2025, compared to 30,870 at December 31, 2024, and down 5% from 31,620 at March 31, 2024 [9]. Cash Flow and Dividends - Cash flows from operations were $484,000 in Q1 2025, down from $549,000 in Q1 2024 [10]. - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on May 23, 2025 [10]. Balance Sheet Overview - Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $41.9 million at March 31, 2025, down from $43.9 million at December 31, 2024 [10]. - Total assets decreased to $53.2 million as of March 31, 2025, from $55.4 million at December 31, 2024 [15][16]. Management Commentary - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing trade war and emphasized efforts to align manufacturing closer to key markets to enhance efficiency [5]. - The company remains committed to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service to improve the well-being of its members [5].
Natural Health Trends to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on April 30th
Globenewswire· 2025-04-23 13:00
Core Viewpoint - Natural Health Trends Corp. will report its financial results for the first quarter of 2025 on April 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, followed by a conference call at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results [1]. Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, will be announced on April 30, 2025 [1]. - A conference call will be hosted by President Chris Sharng and CFO Scott Davidson on the same day at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time [1]. Conference Call Details - Date and Time: April 30, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time / 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time [2]. - Dial-in numbers: 1-877-407-0789 (Domestic) and 1-201-689-8562 (International) [2]. - Webcast link provided for live participation [2]. - Replay of the call will be available from 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on April 30, 2025, until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 14, 2025 [2]. Company Overview - Natural Health Trends Corp. is an international direct-selling and e-commerce company operating in Asia, the Americas, and Europe [3]. - The company markets premium quality personal care products under the NHT Global brand [3].
NHT Global(NHTC) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report
2025-02-21 18:00
Membership Trends - Total active members decreased from 32,410 in 2023 to 30,870 in 2024, representing a decline of approximately 4.8%[30] - The Americas region saw a reduction in active members from 4,040 in 2023 to 3,360 in 2024, a decrease of about 16.8%[30] - Hong Kong's active members slightly decreased from 23,490 in 2023 to 23,150 in 2024, a decline of approximately 1.4%[30] - The company experienced a 5% decrease in active members at the end of 2024 compared to the end of 2023, and a 16% decrease in active members at the end of 2023 and 2022 compared to the previous year, significantly impacting year-over-year sales[100] Revenue and Financial Performance - Total net sales for 2024 were $42,963,000, a decrease of 2.2% from $43,924,000 in 2023[236] - Gross profit for 2024 was $31,785,000, down from $32,749,000 in 2023, reflecting a decline of 2.9%[236] - Operating expenses decreased to $33,084,000 in 2024 from $34,420,000 in 2023, a reduction of 3.9%[236] - The company reported a net income of $572,000 for 2024, slightly up from $568,000 in 2023[236] - Basic and diluted net income per common share remained at $0.05 for both 2024 and 2023[236] - Total assets decreased to $55,359,000 in 2024 from $69,091,000 in 2023, a decline of 20%[234] - Current liabilities increased to $20,799,000 in 2024 from $19,984,000 in 2023, an increase of 4.1%[234] - Stockholders' equity decreased to $32,872,000 in 2024 from $41,600,000 in 2023, a decline of 21.1%[234] - The company experienced a loss from operations of $1,299,000 in 2024, an improvement from a loss of $1,671,000 in 2023[236] - Comprehensive income for 2024 was $340,000, down from $503,000 in 2023, a decrease of 32.3%[239] - Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash decreased to $13,567,000 at the end of 2024 from $56,217,000 at the end of 2023, representing a decline of 75.8%[244] - Operating activities resulted in a net cash outflow of $3,367,000 in 2024, an improvement compared to the outflow of $4,278,000 in 2023[244] - The company declared dividends of $0.80 per share, totaling $9,213,000 for 2024, consistent with the $9,215,000 declared in 2023[244] - The company reported a depreciation and amortization expense of $131,000 in 2024, down from $164,000 in 2023, indicating a reduction of 20.1%[244] - Inventories increased by $1,000,000 in 2024 compared to an increase of $228,000 in 2023, showing a significant rise in inventory levels[244] - The company purchased marketable securities worth $70,431,000 in 2024, compared to no purchases in 2023[244] - The net cash used in investing activities was $30,075,000 in 2024, a substantial increase from $46,000 in 2023[244] - The company experienced a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $42,650,000 in 2024, compared to a decrease of $13,529,000 in 2023[244] - The company holds $3.6 million in cash in bank accounts located in China, subject to foreign currency controls, with no losses reported[252] - The Company recognized a foreign exchange loss of $230,000 in 2024 and $292,000 in 2023[261] Compensation and Member Engagement - The company employs a binary compensation plan with unilevel features, allowing members to earn commissions based on the bonus volume points from product purchases by their down-line network[45] - Members can earn income through commissions on accumulated bonus volume from product purchases and retail profits from reselling products[47] - Compensation paid to members represented approximately 41% of net sales in 2024 and 42% in 2023, indicating a substantial expense that could reduce profitability[105] - The company offers various support programs, including product training meetings and member events, to enhance member engagement and loyalty[49] - The company has a comprehensive training system for members, covering various roles from prospects to sales leaders[25] - Modifications to the compensation plan are made to motivate members, potentially impacting commissions[264] - Performance-based agreements for business or market development may result in additional compensation for specific members[264] Regulatory and Compliance Challenges - The regulatory environment in China imposes restrictions on multi-level compensation and member recruitment activities, impacting the company's operations[55] - The company is subject to extensive governmental regulations regarding product claims and marketing, particularly for dietary supplements[66] - The company has committed to maintaining compliance with FDA regulations, including good manufacturing practices for dietary supplements[63] - The company anticipates reapplying for a direct selling license in China when conditions are favorable[57] - The company is subject to scrutiny from regulatory authorities regarding compliance with local laws, which could impact operations[68] - The company faces significant regulatory and legal barriers in international markets, which could impede growth and profitability in those regions[94][95] - The company is subject to extensive laws and regulations regarding direct selling, which could lead to significant penalties if compliance is not met[124] - The evolving regulatory climate in China and Hong Kong regarding privacy and data protection could materially adversely affect the company's business[127] - The company faces risks from geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, which could disrupt operations and adversely affect financial results[120] - The company has incurred significant expenses to comply with privacy and data protection laws, and any failure to comply could damage its reputation and financial condition[130] - The company may face challenges from third parties regarding the legality of its business operations, which could result in fines or adverse publicity[131] - Non-compliance with regulations could lead to significant penalties, affecting business operations and revenue[146] - New regulations on dietary supplements could impose additional restrictions, potentially harming the company's ability to introduce new products[148] Operational and Market Risks - The company relies on a limited number of independent third-party manufacturers, which poses risks related to product quality and timely delivery, potentially leading to significant revenue loss[93] - The company has suspended member activities in China due to a government campaign targeting illegal practices in the direct selling industry, which may have a material adverse effect on business operations[115] - Economic challenges in China and Hong Kong could have a material adverse impact on the company's overall business and financial results[79] - The company must navigate risks related to product warranties and returns, which vary by country and can affect customer satisfaction and retention[69] - Adverse publicity regarding product claims and compliance could negatively impact the company's ability to attract and retain members, affecting revenue generation[82] - The direct selling industry is highly competitive, with significant competition for member recruitment from larger organizations and local competitors[90] - The company has faced challenges in maintaining member engagement and productivity, particularly if new products fail to gain market acceptance[92] - Cybersecurity risks and data breaches could disrupt operations and harm the company's reputation, leading to financial liabilities[162] International Operations and Currency Risks - The company operates in multiple international markets, including the Americas, Greater China, Southeast Asia, South Korea, Japan, India, and Europe, with a focus on direct-selling and e-commerce[15] - In 2024, 96% of the company's revenue was recorded by subsidiaries located outside of North America, exposing it to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations[134] - The company's foreign currency exchange rate exposure to various currencies collectively represented approximately 16% and 18% of revenue in 2024 and 2023, respectively[135] - Changes in U.S. tax law and proposals to reform foreign tax laws could significantly affect the company's tax position and cash flows[138] - Operations are subject to customs duties regulations, and failure to comply could materially impact financial condition[142] - Transfer pricing regulations require compliance, and non-compliance may lead to significant adverse effects on financial results[143] - Extensive government regulations on product formulation and marketing could delay or limit product sales, impacting revenue[144] - Compliance with international regulations may create delays and added expenses in introducing new products to certain markets[145]