Mannatech, a global pioneer in the development of high-quality health, weight and fitness and skin care solutions based on nutritional science, today reported a net loss of $2.8 million or $0.11 cents per diluted share for the first quarter ending March 31, 2010, compared to a net loss of $4.8 million or $0.18 cents per diluted share for the first quarter of 2009. The company reported an operating loss of $2.9 million compared to an operating loss of $5.7 million in the first quarter of 2009. First quarter EBITDA(1) was $165,000 compared to a negative $4.0 million EBITDA for the first quarter of 2009. First quarter net sales for 2010 were $60.7 million, a decrease of 14.2%, compared to $70.7 million in the first quarter of 2009. North American sales declined 23.0% to $32.2 million compared to $41.8 million in the first quarter of 2009. International sales of $28.5 million decreased 1.4% compared to $28.9 million in the first quarter of 2009. International sales showed significant gains in South Africa, Taiwan and Singapore compared to sales in the first quarter of 2009.
Dr. Robert Sinnott, Co-CEO & chief science officer, commented, "Regaining sales momentum particularly in our North America market, is our immediate and primary goal. To help achieve this objective we are taking a different approach than in previous years, by more efficiently targeting our incentive program dollars, including marketing and sales efforts on the core strength of our business. These resources will go to support our markets and Associates who show potential and demonstrate a strong desire and effort in driving on-going sales and recruiting."
Stephen Fenstermacher, Co-CEO & chief financial officer, added, "Over the past year, we have focused on positioning our cost of sales, commission costs and operating expenses at efficient levels. The results of this quarter again indicate the positive impact of our efforts. Now our challenge is to improve operating profit by building our finished products sales base. To do so, our incentive plan and other marketing programs are designed to support a balanced approach for Associates to grow their businesses. By growing their businesses, Associates expand their potential to provide Mannatech's products to people worldwide. To support them, we will open a meeting facility in South Africa in May, and we intend to launch operations in Mexico in the first quarter of 2011. International expansion is a significant priority for Mannatech in 2010 and beyond."
New independent Associates and Members totaled 20,913 in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 36,462 in the first quarter of 2009. Total independent Associate and Member count based on a 12-month trailing period was approximately 485,000 as of March 31, 2010 as compared to 527,000 as of March 31, 2009.
