q12010.htm
 
 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

­­­FORM 10-Q

þ  
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2010

OR

¨  
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE  ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____________ TO   _____________

 
Commission File Number:  001-12421
NSE Logo

 
 
 
 
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
     
87-0565309
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
75 WEST CENTER STREET
PROVO UT  84601
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
 
(801) 345-1000
 
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  þ   No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Date File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  ¨   No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer   þ                                                                                            Accelerated filer   ¨

Non-accelerated filer   ¨                                                                                                Smaller reporting company  ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
   Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  ¨    No  þ
   
   As of April 30, 2010, 63,042,749 shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock, $.001 par value per share, were outstanding.

 
 

 

NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.

2010 FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT – FIRST QUARTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
 
       
Page
Part I.
Financial Information
   
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited):
   
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
1
   
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
2
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
3
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
4
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
11
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
25
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
25
         
         
Part II.
Other Information
   
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
26
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
26
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
26
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
27
         
 
Signature
   
28






Nu Skin, Pharmanex and ageLOC are trademarks of Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. or its subsidiaries.  The italicized product names used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are product names, and also, in certain cases, our trademarks.



-i-
 
 

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(U.S. dollars in thousands) 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
  Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 180,136     $ 158,045  
      Accounts receivable
    22,406       22,513  
      Inventories, net
    114,473       105,661  
      Prepaid expenses and other
    53,163       51,724  
      370,178       337,943  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    80,308       79,356  
Goodwill
    112,446       112,446  
Other intangible assets, net
    80,588       81,968  
Other assets
    127,290       136,736  
Total assets
  $ 770,810     $ 748,449  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 28,979     $ 25,292  
Accrued expenses
    132,058       124,520  
Current portion of long-term debt
    41,487       35,400  
      202,524       185,212  
                 
Long-term debt
    114,653       121,119  
Other liabilities
    55,966       66,431  
           Total liabilities
    373,143       372,762  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
               
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Class A common stock – 500 million shares authorized, $.001
             par value, 90.6 million shares issued
     91        91  
Additional paid-in capital
    240,658       232,219  
Treasury stock, at cost –  27.9 million and 27.8 million shares
    (442,077 )     (433,567 )
        Retained earnings
    668,329       645,078  
        Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (69,334 )     (68,134 )
      397,667       375,687  
                 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 770,810     $ 748,449  







The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
-1-

 

NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­
       
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Revenue
  $ 364,124     $ 296,198  
Cost of sales
    64,833       53,806  
                 
Gross profit
    299,291       242,392  
                 
Operating expenses:
               
    Selling expenses
    154,262       124,499  
    General and administrative expenses
    98,912       88,356  
    Restructuring charges
 
      9,386  
                 
Total operating expenses
    253,174       222,241  
                 
Operating income
    46,117       20,151  
Other income (expense), net
    614       (1,236 )
                 
Income before provision for income taxes
    46,731       18,915  
Provision for income taxes
    15,691       7,074  
                 
Net income
  $ 31,040     $ 11,841  
                 
Net income per share (Note 2):
               
      Basic
  $ 0.50     $ 0.19  
      Diluted
  $ 0.48     $ 0.19  
                 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (000s):
               
      Basic
    62,474       63,334  
      Diluted
    64,767       63,522  



















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
-2-

 
\U    NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(U    U.S. dollars in thousands)

­­­­­­­­­­­­­
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 31,040     $ 11,841  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
               
                 provided by operating activities:
               
       Depreciation and amortization
    7,288       7,409  
       Foreign currency (gains)/losses
    (1,136 )     (640 )
       Stock-based compensation
    2,032       2,107  
       Deferred taxes
    862       900  
                             Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
          Accounts receivable
    (116 )     (4,215 )
          Inventories, net
    (8,375 )     (553 )
          Prepaid expenses and other
    (1,900 )     1,338  
          Other assets
    (2,508 )     (594 )
          Accounts payable
    2,530       (1,001 )
          Accrued expenses
    8,594       2,957  
          Other liabilities
     673        (875 )
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    38,984       18,674  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (6,720 )     (3,185 )
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (6,720 )     (3,185 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Exercise of employee stock options
    5,301       3  
Payment of cash dividends
    (7,789 )     (7,286 )
Income tax benefit of options exercised
    2,401    
 
Repurchases of shares of common stock
    (10,149 )     (2,001 )
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (10,236 )     (9,284 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    63       (3,757 )
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    22,091       2,448  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    158,045       114,586  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 180,136     $ 117,034  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
-3-

 

NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 


1.       THE COMPANY

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) is a leading, global direct selling company that develops and distributes premium-quality, innovative personal care products and nutritional supplements that are sold worldwide under the Nu Skin and Pharmanex brands and a small number of other products and services. The Company reports revenue from five geographic regions:  North Asia, which consists of Japan and South Korea; Americas, which consists of the United States, Canada and Latin America; Greater China, which consists of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan; Europe, which consists of several markets in Europe as well as Israel, Russia and South Africa; and South Asia/Pacific, which consists of Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand (the Company’s subsidiaries operating in these countries are collectively referred to as the “Subsidiaries”).

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its Subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.  In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial information as of March 31, 2010, and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.  The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the fiscal year.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

2.       NET INCOME PER SHARE

Net income per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented.  Additionally, diluted earnings per share data gives effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the periods presented. No stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2009, other stock options totaling 6.9 million were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive.

3.       DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

In February 2010, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share for all shares of Class A common stock.  This quarterly cash dividend totaling $7.8 million was paid on March 17, 2010, to stockholders of record on February 26, 2010.

4.       DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

At March 31, 2010, the Company held mark to market forward contracts totaling 400 million Japanese yen ($4.3 million as of March 31, 2010) to hedge its yen-denominated debt payments due in April 2010, and at March 31, 2009, the Company held mark to market forward contracts totaling 250 million yen ($2.5 million as of March 31, 2009) to hedge its yen-denominated debt payments due in April 2009.  Unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses, calculated from quoted market exchange rates, were immaterial and recorded as part of other income (expense), net.  


 
 
-4-

 
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 


 
5.       REPURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2010, the Company repurchased approximately 0.4 million shares of its Class A common stock under its open market repurchase plan for approximately $10.1 million.  During the three-month period ended March 31, 2009, the Company repurchased approximately 0.2 million shares of its Class A common stock under its open market repurchase plan for approximately $2.0 million.

6.       COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of comprehensive income, net of related tax, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, were as follows (U.S. dollars in thousands):

       
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net income                                                                       
  $ 31,040     $ 11,841  
                 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
               
     Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (1,103 )     110  
     Net unrealized losses on foreign currency cash flow hedges                                                                       
     29    
 ─
 
     Less:  Reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) in current earnings
     (126 )  
 ─
 
                 
Comprehensive income                                                                       
  $ 29,840     $ 11,951  
 

 
7.       SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates in a single operating segment by selling products to a global network of independent distributors that operates in a seamless manner from market to market, except for its operations in Mainland China.  In Mainland China, the Company utilizes an employed sales force, contractual sales promoters and direct sellers to sell its products through fixed retail locations.  Selling expenses are the Company’s largest expense comprised of the commissions paid to its worldwide independent distributors as well as remuneration to its Mainland China sales employees, promoters and direct sellers paid on product sales.  The Company manages its business primarily by managing its global sales force.  The Company does not use profitability reports on a regional or divisional basis for making business decisions.  However, the Company does recognize revenue in five geographic regions: North Asia, Americas, Greater China, Europe and South Asia/Pacific.

Revenue generated in each of these regions is set forth below (U.S. dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 
Revenue:
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
North Asia
  $ 170,861     $ 139,818  
Americas
    62,454       58,416  
Greater China
    57,685       47,470  
Europe
    37,780       26,674  
South Asia/Pacific
    35,344       23,820  
     Total
  $ 364,124     $ 296,198  
 
 
 
 
 
-5-

 
 
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 


 
Revenue generated by each of the Company’s three product lines is set forth below (U.S. dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 
Revenue:
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Nu Skin
  $ 223,266     $ 163,203  
Pharmanex
    138,116       129,936  
Other
    2,742       3,059  
     Total
  $ 364,124     $ 296,198  

Additional information as to the Company’s operations in its most significant geographic areas is set forth below (U.S. dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 
Revenue:
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Japan
  $ 108,693     $ 109,884  
United States
    53,042       49,236  
South Korea
    62,168       29,934  
Europe
    31,365       22,819  
Taiwan
    24,143       19,287  
Mainland China
    20,381       16,452  

 
 
Long-lived assets:
 
March 31,
2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
             
Japan
  $ 8,133     $ 8,079  
United States
    42,995       42,378  
South Korea
    3,689       3,654  
Europe
    2,727       3,005  
Taiwan
    2,153       1,758  
Mainland China
    11,182       11,841  
 
 
8.       DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Codification.  These standards establish financial accounting and reporting standards for the effects of income taxes that result from an enterprise’s activities during the current and preceding years.  The Company takes an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting of income taxes.  The Company pays income taxes in many foreign jurisdictions based on the profits realized in those jurisdictions, which can be significantly impacted by terms of intercompany transactions between the Company and its foreign affiliates.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are created in this process.  As of March 31, 2010, the Company has net deferred tax assets of $49.1 million.   The Company has netted these deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities by jurisdiction. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be ultimately realized.


 
 
-6-

 
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 


 
9.       UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and in various state and foreign jurisdictions.  The Company is currently under examination by the United States Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) for the 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 tax years.  With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examination by tax authorities for years before 2005.  For the tax year 2009, the Company entered into a voluntary program with the IRS called Compliance Assurance Process (“CAP”).The objective of CAP is to contemporaneously work with the IRS to achieve federal tax compliance and resolve all or most of the issues prior to filing of the tax return.  The Company has elected to participate in the CAP program for 2010 and may elect to continue participating in CAP for future tax years; the Company may withdraw from the program at any time. In major foreign jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years before 2003.  Along with the IRS examination, the Company is currently under examination in certain foreign jurisdictions; however, the outcomes of those reviews are not yet determinable.

At December 31, 2009, the Company had $28.3 million in unrecognized tax benefits of which $4.4 million, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.  In comparison, at December 31, 2008, the Company had $30.9 million in unrecognized tax benefits of which $5.8 million, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.  The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits relate to multiple foreign and domestic jurisdictions.  Due to potential increases in unrecognized tax benefits from the multiple jurisdictions in which the Company operates, as well as the expiration of various statutes of limitation, it is reasonably possible that the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits, net of foreign currency adjustments, may change within the next 12 months by a range of approximately $6 million to $9 million. The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $12.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010, due to the lapse in statute of limitations in certain foreign markets.  As a result of this decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and penalties decreased by $1.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010.

10.       COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is subject to governmental regulations pertaining to product formulation, labeling and packaging, product claims and advertising and to the Company’s direct selling system.  The Company is also subject to the jurisdiction of numerous foreign tax and customs authorities.  Any assertions or determination that either the Company or the Company’s distributors is not in compliance with existing statutes, laws, rules or regulations could potentially have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations.  In addition, in any country or jurisdiction, the adoption of new statutes, laws, rules or regulations or changes in the interpretation of existing statutes, laws, rules or regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Company and its operations.  Although management believes that the Company is in compliance, in all material respects, with the statutes, laws, rules and regulations of every jurisdiction in which it operates, no assurance can be given that the Company’s compliance with applicable statutes, laws, rules and regulations will not be challenged by foreign authorities or that such challenges will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations or cash flows.  The Company and its Subsidiaries are defendants in litigation and proceedings involving various matters.  In the opinion of the Company’s management, based upon advice of its counsel handling such litigation and proceedings, adverse outcomes, if any, will not likely result in a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


 
 
-7-

 
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 


 
The Company is subject to regular audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities.  These audits may result in additional tax liabilities.  The Company believes it has appropriately provided for income taxes for all years.  Several factors drive the calculation of its tax reserves.  Some of these factors include: (i) the expiration of various statutes of limitations; (ii) changes in tax law and regulations; (iii) issuance of tax rulings; and (iv) settlements with tax authorities.  Changes in any of these factors may result in adjustments to the Company’s reserves, which would impact its reported financial results.
 
Due to the international nature of the Company’s business, it is subject from time to time to reviews and audits by the foreign taxing authorities of the various jurisdictions in which it conducts business throughout the world.  As previously reported, the Company is currently involved in litigation in Japan with the Ministry of Finance with respect to additional customs assessments made by Yokohama Customs for the period of October 2002 through July 2005. The aggregate amount of those assessments is 2.7 billion Japanese yen ($28.8 million as of March 31, 2010), net of any recovery of consumption taxes. The Company believes that the documentation and legal analysis support its position and has taken action in the court system in Japan to overturn these assessments. The litigation on this matter is ongoing and the Company believes the court will likely decide this matter in the next year. To the extent that the Company is unsuccessful in recovering the amounts assessed and paid, it will be required to take a corresponding charge to its earnings.
 
In July 2005, the Company changed its operating structure in Japan and believed that these changes would eliminate further valuation disputes with Yokohama Customs as the new structure eliminated the issues that were the basis of the litigation and valuation disputes. However, in October 2009, the Company received notice from Yokohama Customs that they were assessing additional duties, penalties and interest for the period of October 2006 through November 2008 following an audit. The total amount of such assessments is 1.5 billion Japanese yen ($17.4 million as of March 31, 2010), net of any recovery of consumption taxes. The basis for such additional assessment is different from, and unrelated to, the issues that are being litigated in the current litigation with the Ministry of Finance. Following the Company’s review of the assessments and after consulting with its legal and customs advisors, the Company strongly believes that the additional assessments are improper and are not supported by any legal or factual basis. The Company filed letters of protest with Yokohama Customs, which were rejected.  In March 2010, the Company appealed the matter to the Ministry of Finance in Japan.  At the request of the Yokohama Customs, the Company has prepared additional information for them to consider. To the extent that the Company is unsuccessful in recovering the amounts assessed and paid, it will be required to take a corresponding charge to its earnings.

In addition, the Company is currently being required to pay a higher rate of duties on all current imports, which it is similarly disputing. Because the Company believes that the higher rate being assessed is improper, the Company is currently planning on only expensing the portion of the duties it believes is supported under applicable customs law, and recording the additional payment ($4.0 million as of March 31, 2010) as a receivable on its books.

In November 2008, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service began an audit of the Company’s 2006 and 2007 tax years.  The Company anticipates this audit will be completed by the end of 2010.


 
 
-8-

 
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 


 
11.       LONG-TERM DEBT

The Company currently has debt pursuant to various credit facilities and other borrowings.  The following table summarizes the Company’s long-term debt arrangements as of March 31, 2010:

Facility or
  Arrangement(1)
 
Original Principal Amount
 
Balance as of
March 31, 2010(2)
 
Interest Rate
 
Repayment terms
                 
2000 Japanese yen- denominated notes
 
 
9.7 billion yen
 
1.4 billion yen ($14.8 million as of March 31, 2010)
 
3.0%
 
 
Notes due October 2010, with annual principal payments that began in October 2004.
                 
2003 - 2009 $205.0 million multi-currency uncommitted shelf facility:
               
                 
U.S. dollar-
denominated:
 
$50.0 million
 
 
$10.0 million
 
 
4.5%
 
 
 
Notes due April 2010, with annual principal payments that began in April 2006.
                 
   
$40.0 million
 
 
$40.0 million
 
 
6.2%
 
 
Notes due July 2016, with annual principal payments that begin in July 2010.
                 
   
$20.0 million
 
 
$20.0 million
 
 
6.2%
 
 
Notes due January 2017, with annual principal payments beginning January 2011.
                 
Japanese yen-
denominated:
 
3.1 billion yen
 
2.2 billion yen ($23.8 million as of March 31, 2010)
 
1.7%
 
Notes due April 2014, with annual principal payments that began in April 2008.
                 
   
2.3 billion yen
 
2.3 billion yen ($24.3 million as of March 31, 2010)
 
2.6%
 
Notes due September 2017, with annual principal payments beginning September 2011.
                 
   
2.2 billion yen
 
2.2 billion yen ($23.2 million as of March 31, 2010)
 
3.3%
 
Notes due January 2017, with annual principal payments beginning January 2011.
                 
2004 $25.0 million revolving credit facility
 
N/A
 
None
 
N/A
 
Credit facility expires May 2011.
                 
2009 $100.0 million uncommitted multi-currency shelf facility
 
N/A
 
None
 
N/A
   
 
 
 
 
-9-

 
 
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 


 

(1)
Each of the credit facilities and arrangements listed in the table are secured by guarantees issued by the Company’s material domestic subsidiaries and by pledges of 65% of the outstanding stock of the Company’s material foreign subsidiaries.

(2)
The current portion of the Company’s long-term debt (i.e. becoming due in the next 12 months) is $41.5 million and includes $14.8 million of the balance on the Company’s 2000 Japanese yen- denominated notes, $8.1 million of the balance of the Company’s Japanese yen-denominated notes and $18.6  million of the balance on the Company’s U.S. dollar-denominated debt under the 2003 multi-currency shelf facility.

 
12.       RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

During the first quarter of 2009, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $9.4 million, related to restructuring of its Japan operations, including an approximately 35% headcount reduction as well as facility relocations and closures.  Approximately $6.8 million of these charges related to severance payments to terminated employees and approximately $2.6 million related to facility relocation or closing costs. Approximately $1.8 million remained accrued at March 31, 2010.  The majority of these charges are related to a voluntary employment reduction program.  The restructuring charges for facility relocation or closing costs related to costs incurred during the first quarter of 2009 for leases terminated in that period.

 
-10-

 


ITEM 2.          MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 1, 2010, and our other filings, including Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC through the date of this report.

Overview

Our revenue for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 increased 23% to $364.1 million compared to the same period in 2009, with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations positively impacting revenue by 8%.  This increase in revenue reflects growth in each of our regions driven primarily by strong sales of our ageLOC Transformation skin care system and ageLOC Edition Galvanic Spa System II.  We are pleased with the initial success of our ageLOC Transformation skin care system, which generated $83.6 million in sales in its first two quarters. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we plan to introduce our first ageLOC nutritional products in Japan, the United States and Europe.
 
Earnings per share for the first quarter of 2010 were $0.48 compared to $0.19 for the same period in 2009.  This increase was largely due to revenue growth coupled with controlled expenses as a result of our transformation efforts over the last several years. First quarter 2009 earnings per share were negatively impacted by $9.4 million (or $0.09 per share) in planned restructuring charges, primarily related to transformation efforts to streamline our operations in Japan.

Revenue

North Asia.  The following table sets forth revenue for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 for the North Asia region and its principal markets (U.S. dollars in millions):

   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
                   
Japan
  $ 108.7     $ 109.9           (1%)  
South Korea
    62.2       29.9       108%  
North Asia total
  $ 170.9     $ 139.8         22%  
 

 
Revenue in the region for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 was positively impacted approximately 11% by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, due to the strengthening of both the Japanese yen and the South Korean won.

Local-currency revenue in Japan declined 4% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009, reflecting continued weakness in our distributor numbers with our active and executive distributor counts decreasing 9% and 6%, respectively. The decrease in distributor numbers was partially offset by increased distributor productivity and a positive response to our ageLOC Future Serum, which we introduced in Japan during the fourth quarter of 2009.

South Korea experienced local-currency revenue growth of 67% compared to the same period in 2009.  This growth was driven by the January 2010 limited-time offering of our ageLOC Transformation skin care system in South Korea, which generated strong sales and robust sponsoring activity.  The ageLOC Transformation skin care system became generally available again in April 2010; however, we do not expect sales to continue at the level experienced during the initial limited-time offering.  The number of active and executive distributors in South Korea increased 21% and 37%, respectively, compared to the prior-year period.


 
-11-

 


Americas.  The following table sets forth revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 for the Americas region and its principal markets (U.S. dollars in millions):

   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
                   
United States
  $ 53.1     $ 49.2         8%  
Canada
    6.0       4.6       30%  
Latin America
    3.4       4.6       (26%)  
Americas total
  $ 62.5     $ 58.4         7%  
 

 
Revenue in the United States for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 increased by 8% compared to the prior-year period, driven primarily by the continued strength of our new products including our ageLOC Transformation skin care system and ageLOC Edition Galvanic Spa System II.  Active distributors in the United States decreased 3% and executive distributors increased 11% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same prior-year period.

On a local-currency basis, revenue in Canada increased 8%, with strong sales of our ageLOC Transformation skin care system and ageLOC Edition Galvanic Spa System II.  Local-currency revenue in Latin America decreased by 23% compared to the prior-year period.  This decrease was due to the decline of our business in Venezuela, as a result of the difficult political and business environment in that market.

Greater China.  The following table sets forth revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 for the Greater China region and its principal markets (U.S. dollars in millions):

   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
                   
Taiwan
  $ 24.1     $ 19.3       25%  
Mainland China
    20.4       16.5       24%  
Hong Kong
    13.2       11.7       13%  
Greater China total
  $ 57.7     $ 47.5       22%  
 
 
Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted revenue by approximately 3% in this region during the first quarter of 2010.
 
 
On a local-currency basis, revenue in Mainland China increased 24% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009.  This growth is due in part to increased sales force activity and excitement following the launch of our ageLOC Edition Galvanic Spa System II in January 2010, as reflected by a 15% increase in preferred customers and 28% increase in sales representatives, compared to the prior-year period.
 
 
Local-currency revenue in Taiwan was up 17%, and local-currency revenue in Hong Kong was up 12% on a year-over-year basis in the three-month period ended March 31, 2010, compared to the same prior-year period, due largely to anticipation regarding the launch of our ageLOC Transformation skin care system at the Greater China Regional Convention to be held in May.  First quarter executive distributors in Taiwan were up 16% and active distributors were up 11% when compared to the prior year period, while executive distributors in Hong Kong were up 11% and the active distributors in Hong Kong were down 2%.
 
Europe.  The following table sets forth revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 for the Europe region (U.S. dollars in millions):

   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
                   
Europe
  $ 37.8     $ 26.7       42%  
 
 
 
 
-12-

 
 
 
 
   We continued to experience strong growth throughout our European markets.  Growth in this region was driven by strong sales force leadership and sustained interest in our ageLOC Transformation skin care system, ageLOC Edition Galvanic Spa System II and LifePak nutrition supplements.  Regional results were positively impacted 11% by foreign currency fluctuations.

South Asia/Pacific.  The following table sets forth revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 for the South Asia/Pacific region and its principal markets (U.S. dollars in millions):

   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
                   
Singapore/Malaysia/Brunei
  $ 13.6     $ 9.4       45%  
Thailand
    12.0       8.0       50%  
Australia/New Zealand
    4.5       2.7       67%  
Indonesia
    3.0       2.0       50%  
Philippines
    2.2       1.7       29%  
South Asia/Pacific total
  $ 35.3     $ 23.8       48%  
 

 
Constant currency growth of 32% in this region was driven primarily by steady sales of our Galvanic Spa System II and our TRA weight loss products, as well as a positive response to a limited-time offering of our ageLOC Transformation skin care system in Thailand. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted revenue in South Asia/Pacific by 16% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same prior-year period.

Gross profit

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 82.2% for the first quarter of 2010 and was 81.8% for the first quarter of 2009.  The year-over-year improvement reflects strong sales of our higher margin ageLOC products, and foreign currency benefits during the first quarter of 2010.

Selling expenses

Selling expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 42.4% for the first quarter of 2010 from 42.0% for the same period in 2009, bringing our selling expenses back in line with historical averages.  This increase was largely due to higher commissions paid out on increased productivity of our sales leaders in connection with new product launches and other promotions.

As part of our compensation plan improvements, we increased our focus on distributor recognition.  Accordingly, the costs of certain incentive trips and other rewards earned by distributors, previously recorded as general and administrative expenses, have been reclassified as selling expenses. In order to provide a meaningful comparison, we have made this reclassification for both the current and prior periods.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses increased to $98.9 million for the first quarter of 2010 from $88.4 million for the same period in 2009.  As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased to 27.2% for the first quarter of 2010 from 29.8% for the same period in 2009.  This improvement was largely due to increased revenue coupled with controlled expenses as a result of our transformation efforts over the last several years.


 
 
-13-

 


Restructuring charges

During the first quarter of 2009, we recorded restructuring charges of $9.4 million primarily related to restructuring in our Japan operations, including an approximately 35% headcount reduction as well as facility relocations and closures.  These charges included $6.8 million related to severance payments to terminated employees and $2.6 million related to facility relocation or closing costs.

Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net for the first quarter of 2010 was $0.6 million of income compared to $1.2 million of expense for the same period in 2009, reflecting foreign currency translation gains, offset by net interest expense.

Provision for income taxes

Provision for income taxes for the first quarter of 2010 was $15.7 million compared to $7.1 million for the same period in 2009.  The effective tax rate was 33.6% of pre-tax income during the first quarter of 2010, compared to a rate of 37.4% in the same prior-year period.  The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2010 was lower than our historical average due to reductions of reserves related to uncertain tax positions as a result of expiring statutes of limitations.  We expect our effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2010 to increase in line with our historical average.

Net income

As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the first quarter of 2010 increased to $31.0 million from $11.8 million for the same period in 2009.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, our principal uses of cash have included operating expenses, particularly selling expenses, and working capital (principally inventory purchases), as well as capital expenditures, stock repurchases, dividends, debt repayment and the development of operations in new markets.  We have generally relied on cash flow from operations to fund operating activities, and we have at times incurred long-term debt in order to fund strategic transactions and stock repurchases.

We typically generate positive cash flow from operations due to favorable gross margins and the variable nature of selling expenses, which constitute a significant percentage of operating expenses.  We generated $39.0 million in cash from operations during the three-month period ended March 31, 2010, compared to $18.7 million during the same period in 2009.

As of March 31, 2010, working capital was $167.7 million, compared to $152.7 million as of December 31, 2009.  Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were $180.1 million and $158.0 million, respectively.  The increase in cash balances was primarily due to the increase in cash generated from operating activities.  This increase in cash positively impacted our working capital.

Capital expenditures in the first three months of 2010 totaled $6.7 million, and we anticipate additional capital expenditures of approximately $28 million to $33 million for 2010.  These capital expenditures are primarily related to:

 
purchases of computer systems and software, including equipment and development costs;

 
the build-out and upgrade of leasehold improvements in our various markets, including retail stores in China; and

•      real estate acquisitions and initial development work related to the building of a new innovation center on our Provo campus.
 
 
 
 
 
-14-

 
 
 
 
 
 
We currently have long-term debt pursuant to various credit facilities and other borrowings.  The following table summarizes these long-term debt arrangements as of March 31, 2010:

Facility or
  Arrangement(1)
 
Original Principal Amount
 
Balance as of
March 31, 2010(2)
 
Interest Rate
 
Repayment terms
                 
2000 Japanese yen- denominated notes
 
 
9.7 billion yen
 
1.4 billion yen ($14.8 million as of March 31, 2010)
 
3.0%
 
 
Notes due October 2010, with annual principal payments that began in October 2004.
                 
2003 – 2009 $205.0 million multi-currency uncommitted shelf facility:
               
                 
U.S. dollar-
denominated:
 
$50.0 million
 
 
$10.0 million
 
 
4.5%
 
 
 
Notes due April 2010, with annual principal payments that began in April 2006.
                 
   
$40.0 million
 
 
$40.0 million
 
 
6.2%
 
 
Notes due July 2016, with annual principal payments that begin in July 2010.
                 
   
$20.0 million
 
 
$20.0 million
 
 
6.2%
 
 
Notes due January 2017, with annual principal payments beginning January 2011.
                 
Japanese yen-
denominated:
 
3.1 billion yen
 
2.2 billion yen ($23.8 million as of March 31, 2010)
 
1.7%
 
Notes due April 2014, with annual principal payments that began in April 2008.
                 
   
2.3 billion yen
 
2.3 billion yen ($24.3 million as of March 31, 2010)
 
2.6%
 
Notes due September 2017, with annual principal payments beginning September 2011.
                 
   
2.2 billion yen
 
2.2 billion yen ($23.2 million as of March 31, 2010)
 
3.3%
 
Notes due January 2017, with annual principal payments beginning January 2011.
                 
2004 $25.0 million revolving credit facility
 
N/A
 
None
 
N/A
 
Credit facility expires May 2011.
                 
2009 $100.0 million uncommitted multi-currency shelf facility
 
N/A
 
None
 
N/A
   

 
 
 
 
 
-15-

 
 
 
 

(1)
Each of the credit facilities and arrangements listed in the table are secured by guarantees issued by the Company’s material domestic subsidiaries and by pledges of 65% of the outstanding stock of the Company’s material foreign subsidiaries.

(2)
The current portion of our long-term debt (i.e. becoming due in the next 12 months) is $41.5 million and includes $14.8 million of the balance on our 2000 Japanese yen-denominated notes, $8.1 million of the balance of our Japanese yen-denominated notes and $18.6 million of the balance on our U.S. dollar-denominated debt under the 2003 multi-currency shelf facility.

 
 
Our board of directors has approved a stock repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase our outstanding shares of Class A common stock on the open market or in private transactions.  The repurchases are used primarily to offset dilution from our equity incentive plans and for strategic initiatives.  During the first quarter of 2010, we repurchased 0.4 million shares of Class A common stock under this program for $10.1 million.  At March 31, 2010, $52.4 million was available for repurchases under the stock repurchase program.

In February 2010, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share for Class A common stock.  This quarterly cash dividend totaling $7.8 million was paid on March 17, 2010 to stockholders of record on February 26, 2010.  Currently, we anticipate that our board of directors will continue to declare quarterly cash dividends and that the cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund our future dividend payments.  However, the continued declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.

We believe we have sufficient liquidity to be able to meet our obligations on both a short- and long-term basis.  We currently believe that existing cash balances, future cash flows from operations and existing lines of credit will be adequate to fund our cash needs on both a short- and long-term basis.  The majority of our historical expenses have been variable in nature and as such, a potential reduction in the level of revenue would reduce our cash flow needs.  In the event that our current cash balances, future cash flow from operations and current lines of credit are not sufficient to meet our obligations or strategic needs, we would consider raising additional funds in the debt or equity markets or restructuring our current debt obligations.  Additionally, we would consider realigning our strategic plans, including a reduction in capital spending, stock repurchases or dividend payments.

Due to the international nature of our business, we are subject from time to time to reviews and audits by the foreign taxing authorities of the various jurisdictions in which we conduct business throughout the world.  As previously reported, we are currently involved in litigation in Japan with the Ministry of Finance with respect to additional customs assessments made by Yokohama Customs for the period of October 2002 through July 2005. The aggregate amount of those assessments is 2.7 billion Japanese yen ($28.8 million as of March 31, 2010), net of any recovery of consumption taxes. We believe that the documentation and legal analysis support our position and have taken action in the court system in Japan to overturn these assessments. The litigation on this matter is ongoing and we believe the court will likely decide this matter in the next year.  To the extent that we are unsuccessful in recovering the amounts assessed and paid, we will be required to take a corresponding charge to our earnings.
 
 
 
 
-16-

 
 

 
In July 2005, we changed our operating structure in Japan and believed that these changes would eliminate further valuation disputes with Yokohama Customs as the new structure eliminated the issues that were the basis of the litigation and valuation disputes. However, in October 2009 we received notice from Yokohama Customs that they were assessing additional duties, penalties and interest for the period of October 2006 through November 2008 following an audit. The total amount of such assessments is 1.5 billion Japanese yen ($17.4 million as of March 31, 2010), net of any recovery of consumption taxes. The basis for such additional assessment is different from, and unrelated to, the issues that are being litigated in the current litigation with the Ministry of Finance. Following our review of the assessments and after consulting with our legal and customs advisors, we strongly believe that the additional assessments are improper and are not supported by any legal or factual basis.  We filed letters of protest with Yokohama Customs, which were rejected.  In March 2010, we appealed the matter to the Ministry of Finance in Japan.  To the extent that we are unsuccessful in recovering the amounts assessed and paid, we will be required to take a corresponding charge to our earnings.

In addition, we are currently being required to pay a higher rate of duties on all current imports, which we are similarly disputing. Because we believe that the higher rate being assessed is improper, we are currently planning on only expensing the portion of the duties we believe is supported under applicable customs law, and recording the additional payment ($4.0 million as of March 31, 2010) as a receivable on our books.

Critical Accounting Policies

The following critical accounting policies and estimates should be read in conjunction with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto.  Management considers our critical accounting policies to be the recognition of revenue, accounting for income taxes, accounting for intangible assets and accounting for stock-based compensation.  In each of these areas, management makes estimates based on historical results, current trends and future projections.

Revenue.  We recognize revenue when products are shipped, which is when title and risk of loss pass to our distributors.  With some exceptions in various countries, we offer a return policy whereby distributors can return unopened and unused product for up to 12 months subject to a 10% restocking fee.  Reported revenue is net of returns, which have historically been less than 5% of annual revenue.  A reserve for product returns is accrued based on historical experience.  We classify selling discounts as a reduction of revenue.  Our selling expenses are computed pursuant to our global compensation plan for our distributors, which is focused on remunerating distributors based primarily upon the selling efforts of the distributors and the volume of products purchased by their downlines, and not their personal purchases.

Income Taxes.  We account for income taxes in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Codification. These standards establish financial accounting and reporting standards for the effects of income taxes that result from an enterprise’s activities during the current and preceding years.  We take an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting of income taxes.  We pay income taxes in many foreign jurisdictions based on the profits realized in those jurisdictions, which can be significantly impacted by terms of intercompany transactions among our affiliates around the world.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are created in this process.  As of March 31, 2010, we had net deferred tax assets of $49.1 million.  These net deferred tax assets assume sufficient future earnings will exist for their realization, as well as the continued application of current tax rates.  In certain foreign jurisdictions valuation allowances have been recorded against the deferred tax assets specifically related to use of net operating losses.  When we determine that there is sufficient taxable income to utilize the net operating losses, the valuation allowances will be released.  In the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to earnings in the period such determination was made.
 
 
 
 
 
-17-

 
 

 
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions.  We are currently under examination by the United States Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) for the 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 tax years.  With a few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examination by tax authorities for years before 2005.  For the tax year 2009, we entered into a voluntary program with the IRS called Compliance Assurance Process (“CAP”).The objective of CAP is to contemporaneously work with the IRS to achieve federal tax compliance and resolve all or most of the issues prior to filing of the tax return.  We have elected to continue participating in CAP for the 2010 tax year and may elect to continue participating in future tax years; we may withdraw from the program at any time.  In major foreign jurisdictions, we are no longer subject to income tax examinations for years before 2003.  Along with the IRS examination, we are currently under examination in certain foreign jurisdictions; however, the outcomes of these reviews are not yet determinable.

At December 31, 2009, we had $28.3 million in unrecognized tax benefits of which $4.4 million, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.  In comparison, at December 31, 2008, we had $30.9 million in unrecognized tax benefits of which $5.8 million, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. During each of the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we recognized approximately $0.1 million and $0.5 million in interest and penalties.  We had approximately $3.3 million and $3.2 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.  Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as a component of income tax expense.

We are subject to regular audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities.  These audits may result in additional tax liabilities.  We account for such contingent liabilities in accordance with relevant accounting standards and believe we have appropriately provided for income taxes for all years.  Several factors drive the calculation of our tax reserves.  Some of these factors include: (i) the expiration of various statutes of limitations; (ii) changes in tax law and regulations; (iii) issuance of tax rulings; and (iv) settlements with tax authorities.  Changes in any of these factors may result in adjustments to our reserves, which would impact our reported financial results.

Intangible Assets.  Acquired intangible assets may represent indefinite-lived assets, determinable-lived intangibles, or goodwill. Of these, only the costs of determinable-lived intangibles are amortized to expense over their estimated life. The value of indefinite-lived intangible assets and residual goodwill is not amortized, but is tested at least annually for impairment. Our impairment testing for goodwill is performed separately from our impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangibles. We test goodwill for impairment, at least annually, by reviewing the book value compared to the fair value at the reportable unit level. We test individual indefinite-lived intangibles at least annually by reviewing the individual book values compared to the fair value.  Considerable management judgment is necessary to measure fair value. We did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill or intangible assets during the periods presented.

Stock-Based Compensation.  All share-based payments to employees are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values using an option-pricing model at the date of grant. We use a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of options. Stock based compensation expense is recognized net of any estimated forfeitures on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.


 
 
-18-

 


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB amended the consolidation accounting guidance. Effective January 1, 2010, we are required to qualitatively assess the determination of our being the primary beneficiary (“consolidator”) of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) on whether we (1) have the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activities of the VIE, and (2) have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. It also requires an ongoing reconsideration of the primary beneficiary and amends events that trigger a reassessment of whether an entity is a VIE. The new model is applicable to all new and existing VIEs. The adoption of this new guidance on January 1, 2010, had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operation.

In June 2009, the FASB amended the accounting guidance for determining whether a transfer of a financial asset qualifies for sale accounting. The amended guidance also provided four broad disclosure objectives designed to provide users of the financial statements with an understanding of:

•       the transferor’s continuing involvement with the transferred assets;

 
• 
the nature of any restrictions on the transferor’s assets that relate to a transferred financial asset, including the carrying amount of those assets;

•       how servicing assets and servicing liabilities are reported by the transferor; and

•       how a transfer of financial assets affects the company’s balance sheet, earnings and cash flows.
 
The prospective adoption of this guidance to new transfers of financial assets beginning January 1, 2010, had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operation.
 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") voted to approve the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("Codification") as the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Codification was effective for us commencing July 1, 2009. The FASB Codification does not change U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, but combines all authoritative standards into a comprehensive online database.

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the fair value measurement provisions as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of Codification, as it relates to non-recurring, nonfinancial assets and liabilities. The adoption of these provisions did not have an impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions relating to the accounting for business combinations as required by the Business Combinations Topic of the Codification. These provisions will impact our financial statements both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods and will be applied prospectively. The impact of adopting these provisions will depend on the nature and terms of future acquisitions.

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions for the accounting and reporting of noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary in consolidated financial statements as required by the Consolidations Topic of the Codification. These provisions recharacterize minority interests as noncontrolling interests and require noncontrolling interests to be classified as a component of shareholders’ equity. These provisions require retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. The adoption of these provisions had no impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-19-

 
 
 

 
Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted enhanced disclosures about how and why we use derivative instruments, how they are accounted for, and how they affect our financial performance as required by the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the Codification. The enhanced disclosures had no impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

        Effective June 30, 2009, we adopted the subsequent event provisions of the Codification. These provisions provide guidance on management’s assessment of subsequent events. The adoption of these provisions did not have an impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Seasonality and Cyclicality

In addition to general economic factors, we are impacted by seasonal factors and trends such as major cultural events and vacation patterns.  For example, most Asian markets celebrate their respective local New Year in the first quarter, which generally has a negative impact on that quarter.  We believe that direct selling in Japan, the United States and Europe is also generally negatively impacted during the third quarter, when many individuals, including our distributors, traditionally take vacations.

We have experienced rapid revenue growth in certain new markets following commencement of operations.  This initial rapid growth has often been followed by a short period of stable or declining revenue, then followed by renewed growth fueled by product introductions, an increase in the number of active distributors and increased distributor productivity.  The contraction following initial rapid growth has been more pronounced in certain new markets, due to other factors such as business or economic conditions or distributor distractions outside the market.

Distributor Information

The following table provides information concerning the number of active and executive distributors as of the dates indicated.  Active distributors are those distributors and preferred customers who were resident in the countries in which we operated and purchased products for resale or personal consumption directly from us during the three months ended as of the date indicated.  Executive distributors are active distributors who have achieved required monthly personal and group sales volumes as well as sales representatives in China who have completed a qualification process.

 
   As of March 31, 2010    As of March 31, 2009
Region:
   Active
 
Executive
 
   Active
 
Executive
               
North Asia                                       
     319,000
 
       14,842
 
     319,000
 
       13,971
Americas                                       
     167,000
 
         5,481
 
     171,000
 
         4,993
Greater China                                       
     108,000
 
         7,155
 
       99,000
 
         5,972
Europe                                       
       99,000
 
         3,551
 
       85,000
 
         2,850
South Asia/Pacific                                       
       72,000
 
         3,040
 
       63,000
 
         2,368
      Total                                       
     765,000
 
       34,069
 
     737,000
 
       30,154


 
 

 
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Currency Risk and Exchange Rate Information

A majority of our revenue and many of our expenses are recognized outside of the United States, except for inventory purchases, which are primarily transacted in U.S. dollars from vendors in the United States.  The local currency of each of our Subsidiaries’ primary markets is considered the functional currency.  All revenue and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates for the periods reported.  Therefore, our reported revenue and earnings will be positively impacted by a weakening of the U.S. dollar and will be negatively impacted by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar.  Given the large portion of our business derived from Japan, any weakening of the yen negatively impacts reported revenue and profits, whereas a strengthening of the yen positively impacts our reported revenue and profits.  Given the uncertainty of exchange rate fluctuations, it is difficult to predict the effect of these fluctuations on our future business, product pricing and results of operation or financial condition. However, based on current exchange rate levels, we currently anticipate that foreign currency fluctuations will have a slightly positive impact on reported revenue in 2010.

We may seek to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates through the use of foreign currency exchange contracts, through intercompany loans of foreign currency and through our Japanese yen-denominated debt.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  We regularly monitor our foreign currency risks and periodically take measures to reduce the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on our operating results.  At March 31, 2010, we held 400 million Japanese yen ($4.3 million as of March 31, 2010) in forward contracts to hedge foreign-currency-denominated debt payments payable in April 2010.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

With the exception of historical facts, the statements contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect our current expectations and beliefs regarding our future results of operations, performance and achievements.  These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based upon assumptions and beliefs that may not materialize.  These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning:

 
• 
our plans and expectations regarding our initiatives, strategies, development and launch of new products, and other innovation efforts;

 
• 
our anticipation regarding the amount and uses of capital expenditures for 2010;

 
• 
our anticipation regarding the declaration and funding of future quarterly cash dividends;

 
• 
our beliefs and plans regarding our liquidity, cash balances and cash flows from operations;

 
• 
our beliefs regarding our Japan customs matters;

 
• 
our expectations and beliefs regarding critical accounting policies and recent accounting pronouncements;

 
• 
our belief that we have appropriately provided for income taxes for all years; and

 
• 
our expectations regarding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and our efforts to reduce our exposure to such fluctuations.

In addition, when used in this report, the words or phrases “will likely result,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will continue,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and similar expressions are intended to help identify forward-looking statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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We wish to caution readers that our operating results are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those discussed or anticipated.  Reference is made to the risks and uncertainties described below and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and amendments thereto (which contains a more detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties related to our business).  We also wish to advise readers not to place any undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this report, which reflect our beliefs and expectations only as of the date of this report.  We assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances or any changes in our beliefs or expectations, except as required by law.  Some of the risks and uncertainties that might cause actual results to differ from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) Global economic conditions continue to be challenging.  Although there are signs of economic recovery, it is not possible for us to predict the extent and timing of any improvement in global economic conditions.  Even with continued growth in many of our markets during this period, the economic downturn could adversely impact our business in the future by causing a decline in demand for our products, particularly if the economic conditions are prolonged or worsen. In addition, such economic conditions may adversely impact access to capital for us and our suppliers, may decrease our distributors' ability to obtain or maintain credit cards, and may otherwise adversely impact our operations and overall financial condition.

(b) Due to the international nature of our business, we are exposed to the fluctuations of numerous currencies. We purchase inventory primarily in the United States in U.S. dollars. In preparing our financial statements, we translate revenue and expenses in our markets outside the United States from their local currencies into U.S. dollars using weighted average exchange rates. Our results could be negatively impacted if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to these currencies.  In addition, our business may be negatively impacted by inflation, currency exchange restrictions, pricing controls and currency devaluation, especially in countries such as Venezuela.

(c) We have experienced revenue declines in Japan over the last several years and continue to face challenges in this market. If we are unable to renew growth in this market our results could be harmed. Factors that could impact our results in the market include:

 
 
continued or increased levels of regulatory and media scrutiny and any regulatory actions taken by regulators, or any adoption of more restrictive regulations, in response to such scrutiny;

 
 
any weakening of the Japanese yen;

 
 
regulatory constraints with respect to the claims we can make regarding the efficacy of products and tools, which could limit our ability to effectively market them;

 
 
risks that the new initiatives we are implementing in Japan, which are patterned after successful initiatives implemented in other markets, will not have the same level of success in Japan, may not generate renewed growth or increased productivity among our distributors, and may cost more or require more time to implement than we have anticipated;

 
 
inappropriate activities by our distributors and any resulting regulatory actions;

 
 
any increased weakness in the economy or consumer confidence; and

 
 
increased competitive pressures from other direct selling companies and their distributors who actively seek to solicit our distributors to join their businesses.


 
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(d) Distributor activities that violate applicable laws or regulations could result in government or third party actions against us.  We continue to experience a high level of general inquiries regarding our company and complaints to consumer protection centers in Japan and have taken steps to try to resolve these issues including providing additional training to our distributors and restructuring our compliance group in Japan.  We have seen improvements in some prefectures, but not in others.  In 2009, we received one written and one oral warning from Consumer Centers in two prefectures raising concerns about our distributor training and number of general inquiries and complaints.  We are implementing additional steps to reinforce our distributor education and training in Japan to help address these concerns.  Japan is currently implementing a national organization of consumer protection centers, which may increase scrutiny of our business and industry.

(e) Our operations in China are subject to significant regulatory scrutiny, and we have experienced challenges in the past, including interruption of sales activities at certain stores and fines being paid in some cases. Even though we have obtained direct selling licenses in a limited number of provinces, government regulators continue to scrutinize our activities and the activities of our employed sales representatives, contractual sales promoters and direct sellers to monitor our compliance with applicable regulations as we integrate direct selling into our business model. Any determination that our operations or activities, or the activities of our employed sales representatives, contractual sales promoters or direct sellers, are not in compliance with applicable regulations, could result in the imposition of substantial fines, extended interruptions of business, termination of necessary licenses and permits, including our direct selling licenses, or restrictions on our ability to open new stores or obtain approvals for service centers or expand into new locations, all of which could harm our business.

(f) The direct selling regulations in China are restrictive and there continues to be some confusion and uncertainty as to the meaning of the regulations and the specific types of restrictions and requirements imposed under them. It is also difficult to predict how regulators will interpret and enforce these regulations. Our business and our growth prospects may be harmed if Chinese regulators interpret the anti-pyramiding regulations or direct selling regulations in such a manner that our current method of conducting business through the use of employed sales representatives, contractual sales promoters and direct sellers violates these regulations. In particular, our business would be harmed by any determination that our current method of compensating our employed sales representatives and contractual sales promoters, including our use of the sales productivity of an individual and the group of individuals whom he or she trains and supervises in establishing salary and compensation, violates the restriction on multi-level compensation under the rules. Our business could also be harmed if regulators inhibit our ability to concurrently operate our business model, which includes retail stores, employed sales representatives, contractual sales promoters and direct sellers.

(g) Our ability to retain key and executive level distributors or to sponsor new executive distributors is critical to our success. Because our products are distributed exclusively through our distributors and we compete with other direct selling companies in attracting distributors, our operating results could be adversely affected if our existing and new business opportunities and incentives, products, business tools and other initiatives do not generate sufficient enthusiasm and economic incentive to retain our existing distributors or to sponsor new distributors on a sustained basis. In addition, in our more mature markets, one of the challenges we face is keeping distributor leaders with established businesses and high income levels motivated and actively engaged in business building activities and in developing new distributor leaders. There can be no assurance that our initiatives will continue to generate excitement among our distributors in the long-term or that planned initiatives will be successful in maintaining distributor activity and productivity or in motivating distributor leaders to remain engaged in business building and developing new distributor leaders.


 
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(h) There have been a series of third party actions and governmental actions involving some of our competitors in the direct selling industry. These actions have generated negative publicity for the industry and likely have resulted in increased regulatory scrutiny of other companies in the industry. In addition, we have received notice from Belgium authorities claiming we have violated the anti-pyramid regulations in that market. Adverse rulings in any of these cases could harm our business if they create adverse publicity or interpret laws in a manner inconsistent with our current business practices.

(i) Over the past two years, we have implemented compensation plan modifications in most of our markets.  Although initial results of these modifications have been generally positive, the size of our distributor force and the complexity of our compensation plans make it difficult to predict whether such changes will achieve their desired long-term results.  There are risks that the compensation plan modifications will not be well received or achieve desired long-term results and that the transition could have a negative impact on revenue. If our distributors fail to adapt to these changes or find them unattractive, our business could be harmed.

(j) The network marketing and nutritional supplement industries are subject to various laws and regulations throughout our markets, many of which involve a high level of subjectivity and are inherently fact-based and subject to interpretation. Negative publicity concerning supplements with controversial ingredients has spurred efforts to change existing regulations or adopt new regulations in order to impose further restrictions and regulatory control over the nutritional supplement industry. If our existing business practices or products, or any new initiatives or products, are challenged or found to contravene any of these laws by any governmental agency or other third party, or if there are any new regulations applicable to our business that limit our ability to market such products or impose additional requirements on us, our revenue and profitability may be harmed.

(k) Production difficulties and quality control problems could harm our business, in particular our reliance on third party suppliers to deliver quality products in a timely manner. Occasionally, we have experienced production difficulties with respect to our products, including the delivery of products that do not meet our quality control standards. These quality problems have resulted in the past, and could result in the future, in stock outages or shortages in our markets with respect to such products, harming our sales and creating inventory write-offs for unusable products. In addition, if we are not able to accurately forecast sales levels on a market by market basis, or are unable to produce a sufficient supply to meet such demand globally, we could have stockouts which could negatively impact enthusiasm of our distributors.

(l) Historically, most of our products have been imported from the United States into the countries in which they are ultimately sold. These countries impose various legal restrictions on imports and typically impose duties on our products. We may be subject to prospective or retrospective increases in duties on our products imported into our markets outside of the United States, which could adversely impact our results. In October 2009, we received an additional assessment from Yokohama Customs in Japan as described above under the heading “Contractual Obligations and Contingencies”.  In addition, we are currently required to pay duty rates in excess of what we believe are supported by applicable customs law, and we record the additional amount as a receivable.  If we are not able to resolve this assessment or if we lose the litigation with respect to our previous assessment, we could be required to take large charges to our earnings.

 
 



 
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ITEM 3.                      QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information required by Item 3 of Part I of Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Currency Risk and Exchange Rate Information” in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” of Part I and also in Note 4 to the Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 4.                      CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)).  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2010.
 
Changes in internal controls over financial reporting.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 (f) under the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this report, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


 
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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

No updates to report.  Please refer to our recent SEC filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2009 fiscal year, for information regarding the status of certain legal proceedings.

ITEM 1A.                      RISK FACTORS

Please refer to our recent SEC filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2009 fiscal year, for a detailed discussion of risks associated with our business.

ITEM 2.                         UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
(d)
Period
 
Total Number of Shares  Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 (in millions)(1)
                 
January 1 – 31, 2010
 
     295,000
 
 $                       25.45
 
                  295,000
 
        $                                             55.0
February 1 – 28, 2010
 
     105,537
 
 $                       24.93
 
                 105,000
 
        $                                             52.4
March 1 – 31, 2010                                      
 
                0
 
 N/A
 
                           0
 
        $                                             52.4
    Total                                      
 
     400,537
  (2)    
 
   
 

 

(1)
In August 1998, our board of directors approved a plan to repurchase $10.0 million of our Class A common stock on the open market or in private transactions.  Our board has from time to time increased the amount authorized under the plan and a total amount of approximately $335.0 million is currently authorized.  As of March 31, 2010, we had repurchased approximately $282.6 million of shares under the plan.  There has been no termination or expiration of the plan since the initial date of approval.

(2)
We have authorized the repurchase of shares acquired by our employees and distributors in certain foreign markets because of regulatory and other issues that make it difficult or costly for these persons to sell such shares in the open market.  These shares were awarded or acquired in connection with our initial public offering in 1996.  Of the shares listed in this column, 537 relate to repurchases from such employees and distributors at an average price per share of $26.13.




 
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ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS

Exhibits
Regulation S-K
Number                                Description
 
10.1
Performance Targets and Formulas for 2010.
 
31.1
Certification by M. Truman Hunt, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2
Certification by Ritch N. Wood, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1
Certification by M. Truman Hunt, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2
Certification by Ritch N. Wood, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

May 6, 2010
 
 
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
       
 
By:
/s/ Ritch N. Wood  
    Ritch N. Wood  
   Its:
Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
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