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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Investors — Scott Pond (801) 345-2657, spond@nuskin.com
Media — Kara Schneck (801) 345-2116, kschneck@nuskin.com
NU SKIN ENTERPRISES REPORTS SECOND-QUARTER 2009 RESULTS
Strong Performance Leads Company to Raise Annual Guidance
PROVO, Utah — July 29, 2009 — Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS) today announced record second-quarter revenue of $322.6 million, up slightly from $321.7 million reported in the prior year, but up 4 percent on a constant-currency basis. Earnings per share for the quarter were $0.35, a 9 percent improvement over the same quarter of 2008. Earnings per share, excluding restructuring charges in the current quarter, were $0.36, a 13 percent improvement over the prior-year period. Operating income improved 19 percent.
“We’re very pleased with the direction of our business and the progress we are making towards achieving our annual goals,” said Truman Hunt, president and chief executive officer. “We continue to generate healthy results in a difficult economic environment.
“Our growth is a result of continued strength in the skin care category, with sales up 14 percent, driven by strong sales of our Galvanic Spa System. Additionally, our business transformation efforts, most recently in Japan, have helped us track ahead of our operating margin targets.”
Regional Results
North Asia.Second-quarter revenue in North Asia was $146.7 million, compared to $151.0 million for the same period in 2008. North Asia’s results were negatively impacted approximately 1 percent by foreign currency fluctuations, due to a 26 percent weakening of the Korean Won compared to the prior year. Japan recorded a local-currency revenue decline of 6 percent while South Korea local-currency revenue improved 11 percent. The number of executive distributors in the region was down 3 percent while the number of active distributors declined 2 percent.
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Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.
July 29, 2009
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Americas. Revenue in the Americas improved 9 percent to $62.2 million, compared to $57.3 million in the prior-year period. The United States posted a 5 percent revenue increase during the quarter, while Canada and Latin America local-currency revenue grew by 69 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The number of executive distributors in the region improved 9 percent while the number of active distributors decreased 2 percent compared to the prior year.
Greater China.Second-quarter revenue in Greater China was $52.8 million, compared to $55.8 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currency fluctuations negatively impacted revenue by 3 percent. Local-currency revenue in Mainland China improved 6 percent over the same quarter in 2008. Taiwan local currency revenue increased 1 percent, and Hong Kong local-currency revenue was down 18 percent, reflecting significant sales in the prior year at a regional distributor convention held in Hong Kong. The executive distributor count in the region declined 5 percent, while the number of active distributors was down 21 percent compared to the prior-year, primarily a reflection of the on-going transition in the company’s business model in China.
Europe.Revenue from Europe was $32.2 million, a 6 percent improvement over the prior-year period, with solid growth in each region within Europe. Results in the region were negatively impacted approximately 16 percent by foreign currency fluctuations. Executive and active distributor counts in Europe increased 20 percent and 25 percent, respectively, compared to the prior-year period.
South Asia/Pacific.Revenue in South Asia/Pacific was $28.7 million, an improvement of 5 percent compared to the prior year. Sales in the quarter were negatively impacted 11 percent by currency fluctuations. The region’s second-quarter executive count improved 17 percent while the active distributor count increased 5 percent compared to the same period in 2008.
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July 29, 2009
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Operational Performance
The company’s gross margin during the quarter was 81.2 percent, a 40-basis-point decline compared to the prior-year period, due primarily to foreign currency fluctuations and shifting product mix. Selling expenses, as a percent of revenue, were 41.7 percent in the second quarter, an 80-basis-point improvement due to distributor compensation plan modifications aimed at rewarding productivity. General and administrative expenses improved to $91.3 million, or 28.3 percent of revenue, compared to $96.5 million, or 30.0 percent of revenue in the prior-year period. Prior-year results included expenses associated with conventions in Japan and Hong Kong. The company incurred restructuring charges of $1.6 million during the quarter related to the continued restructuring of Japan.
The company’s income tax rate for the quarter was 37.4 percent. The company’s cash position at the end of the quarter was $125.3 million. Dividend payments during the quarter were $7.2 million. The company repurchased $3.9 million of its outstanding shares during the quarter.
Outlook
“Our strong first-half performance keeps us on course to achieve another year of record results,” said Hunt. “We look forward to the next phase of our ageLOC launch in October when we will introduce a highly innovative anti-aging skin care system. ageLOC represents our proprietary approach to attacking the sources of aging, as opposed to just the signs and symptoms. We believe these ageLOC developments represent our most significant product innovation in our 25-year history.
“As we continue to export successful and proven sales programs throughout our markets, we expect to sustain increases in distributor productivity. For example, we introduced a new feature to our distributor compensation model called the ‘Wealth Maximizer’ in the United States and Europe last year with excellent results. In the second quarter, we launched this compensation feature in Japan and Southeast Asia with encouraging early indicators.
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July 29, 2009
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“We are generating improved profitability from our concerted efforts to operate the business more efficiently around the world. We are particularly encouraged by the restructuring work in Japan and anticipate continued improvement going forward,” concluded Hunt.
“Based on the strength of our business, we are increasing our 2009 guidance,” said Ritch Wood, chief financial officer. We are increasing our revenue guidance to $1.26 to $1.27 billion, anticipating a negative impact from foreign currency fluctuations of 3 to 5 percent for the year. We are increasing our earnings guidance to $1.09 to $1.14 or $1.23 to $1.28 excluding an estimated $0.14 restructuring charge. We expect third-quarter revenue of $312 to $317 million which anticipates a negative currency impact of 1 to 3 percent, and earnings per share in the $0.30 to $0.32 range, including a $0.02 planned restructuring charge,” concluded Wood.
Company management will host a webcast with the investment community on July 29, 2009 at 11 a.m. (EDT). Those wishing to access the webcast, as well as the financial information presented during the call, can visit the Investor Relations page on Nu Skin Enterprises’ website,www.nuskinenterprises.com. An archive of the webcast will be available at this same URL through Aug. 14, 2009.
The Company
For 25 years, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. has been demonstrating its tradition of innovation through its product portfolio, independent business opportunity and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Nu Skin’s scientific leadership in both skin care and nutrition has established Nu Skin as a premier anti-aging company, evidenced in its patent-pending ageLOC™ anti-aging platform and flagship products including the Galvanic Spa® System II, Tru Face® Essence Ultra, LifePak® nano and the g3 nutrition beverage. A global direct selling company, Nu Skin operates in 48 markets worldwide and has more than 750,000 independent sales representatives. Nu Skin Enterprises is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NUS.” More information is available athttp://www.nuskinenteprises.com.
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July 29, 2009
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Please note: This press release, particularly the “Outlook” section, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that represent the company’s current expectations and beliefs, including, among other things: (i) management’s positive outlook for the company; (ii) management’s expectations regarding the company’s initiatives, strategies, product development and launches, transformation efforts and other innovation efforts; and (iii) management’s projections regarding revenue, earnings per share, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, operating margin and restructuring charges for the year 2009 and for the third quarter of 2009 set forth in the “Outlook” section. The forward-looking statements and related assumptions involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (a) economic conditions globally, including the current financial crisis and decreased consumer confidence and spending, and related risks; (b) the recent fluctuations of numerous foreign currencies and the associated currency translation impact on our business if these currencies continue to fluctuate; (c) uncertainty regarding the impact on our business of increased regulatory scrutiny of the direct selling industry in Japan and our efforts to increase distributor compliance efforts in this market; (d) an increase in complaints to consumer protection agencies in Japan regarding the activities of some distributors and the associated risks to the company’s business if such increase results in further regulatory scrutiny; (e) regulatory risks associated with the company’s tools and products, which could inhibit the company’s ability to market a tool or product in a market if it is determined to be a medical device in any market, if distributors make unauthorized claims that would cause such products to be classified as drugs, or if the company is unable to obtain necessary product registrations in a timely manner; (f) risks related to the recent swine flu outbreak, which could negatively impact our business to the extent that it inhibits travel, causes people to avoid interaction with other people, or restricts our ability to produce or distribute any of our porcine-sourced gelatin encapsulated products; (g) continued regulatory scrutiny and investigations in Mainland China, which have from time to time in the past, and could in the future, negatively impact the company’s business, including the interruption of sales activities in stores, loss of licenses, and the imposition of fines; (h) any failure of current or planned initiatives or products to generate interest among distributors and customers and generate sponsoring and selling activities on a sustained basis; (i) any unanticipated negative response from distributors regarding distributor compensation plan enhancements planned for implementation in most of our Asian markets in 2009; (j) any failure of the implementation of business transformation initiatives to reduce overhead and drive growth, and any negative impact of such initiatives on the company’s ability to effectively manage its operations; (k) adverse publicity related to the company’s business, products, industry or any legal actions or complaints by distributors or others similar to claims made against some of the company’s competitors; and (l) continued competitive pressures in the company’s markets. The company’s financial performance and the forward-looking statements contained herein are further qualified by a detailed discussion of associated risks set forth in the documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2009 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2009. The forward-looking statements set forth the company’s beliefs as of the date of this release, and the company assumes no duty to update the forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect any change except as required by law.
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July 29, 2009
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NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For the Second Quarters Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
2009 | 2008 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue: | ||||||
North Asia | $ 146,712 | $ 151,025 | ||||
Americas | 62,240 | 57,253 | ||||
Greater China | 52,753 | 55,778 | ||||
Europe | 32,173 | 30,445 | ||||
South Asia/Pacific | 28,687 | 27,212 | ||||
Total revenue | 322,565 | 321,713 | ||||
Cost of sales | 60,637 | 59,319 | ||||
Gross profit | 261,928 | 262,394 | ||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||
Selling expenses | 134,630 | 136,983 | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 91,286 | 96,480 | ||||
Restructuring charges | 1,561 | — | ||||
Total operating expenses | 227,477 | 233,463 | ||||
Operating income | 34,451 | 28,931 | ||||
Other income (expense), net | 882 | 4,110 | ||||
Income before provision for income taxes | 35,333 | 33,041 | ||||
Provision for income taxes | 13,219 | 12,440 | ||||
Net income | $ 22,114 | $ 20,601 | ||||
Net income per share: | ||||||
Basic | $ 0.35 | $ 0.32 | ||||
Diluted | $ 0.35 | $ 0.32 | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | ||||||
Basic | 63,109 | 63,561 | ||||
Diluted | 63,726 | 64,269 |
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NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For the Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
2009 | 2008 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue: | ||||||
North Asia | $ 286,530 | $ 300,459 | ||||
Americas | 120,656 | 107,669 | ||||
Greater China | 100,223 | 105,682 | ||||
Europe | 58,847 | 53,278 | ||||
South Asia/Pacific | 52,507 | 52,714 | ||||
Total revenue | 618,763 | 619,802 | ||||
Cost of sales | 114,443 | 113,516 | ||||
Gross profit | 504,320 | 506,286 | ||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||
Selling expenses | 257,794 | 264,896 | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 180,977 | 185,035 | ||||
Restructuring charges | 10,947 | — | ||||
Total operating expenses | 449,718 | 449,931 | ||||
Operating income | 54,602 | 56,355 | ||||
Other income (expense), net | (354 | ) | (1,719 | ) | ||
Income before provision for income taxes | 54,248 | 54,636 | ||||
Provision for income taxes | 20,293 | 20,546 | ||||
Net income | $ 33,955 | $ 34,090 | ||||
Net income per share: | ||||||
Basic | $ 0.54 | $ 0.54 | ||||
Diluted | $ 0.53 | $ 0.53 | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | ||||||
Basic | 63,221 | 63,509 | ||||
Diluted | 63,585 | 64,242 |
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NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
June 30, 2009 | December 31, 2008 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASSETS | |||||
Current assets: | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 125,302 | $ 114,586 | |||
Accounts receivable | 20,614 | 16,496 | |||
Inventories, net | 111,922 | 114,378 | |||
Prepaid expenses and other | 45,950 | 44,944 | |||
303,788 | 290,404 | ||||
Property and equipment, net | 75,958 | 82,336 | |||
Goodwill | 112,446 | 112,446 | |||
Other intangible assets, net | 83,974 | 87,888 | |||
Other assets | 131,433 | 136,698 | |||
Total assets | $ 707,599 | $ 709,772 | |||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||
Current liabilities: | |||||
Accounts payable | $ 19,218 | $ 20,378 | |||
Accrued expenses | 119,573 | 115,794 | |||
Current portion of long-term debt | 29,024 | 30,196 | |||
167,815 | 166,368 | ||||
Long-term debt | 138,981 | 158,760 | |||
Other liabilities | 66,238 | 68,464 | |||
Total liabilities | 373,034 | 393,592 | |||
Stockholders' equity: | |||||
Class A common stock | 91 | 91 | |||
Additional paid-in capital | 222,403 | 218,928 | |||
Treasury stock, at cost | (421,810 | ) | (417,017 | ) | |
Retained earnings | 603,662 | 584,239 | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (69,781 | ) | (70,061 | ) | |
334,565 | 316,180 | ||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ 707,599 | $ 709,772 |
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NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Distributor/Preferred Customer Growth by Market
As of June 30, 2009 | As of June 30, 2008 | % Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Active* | Executive | Active* | Executive | Active* | Executive | ||||||||
North Asia | 322,000 | 13,803 | 329,000 | 14,292 | (2.1%) | (3.4%) | |||||||
Americas | 171,000 | 5,385 | 174,000 | 4,921 | (1.7%) | 9.4% | |||||||
Greater China | 103,000 | 6,129 | 130,000 | 6,443 | (20.8%) | (4.9%) | |||||||
Europe | 89,000 | 3,173 | 71,000 | 2,648 | 25.4% | 19.8% | |||||||
South Asia/Pacific | 67,000 | 2,525 | 64,000 | 2,168 | 4.7% | 16.5% | |||||||
Total | 752,000 | 31,015 | 768,000 | 30,472 | (2.1%) | 1.8% |
* | Active distributors include preferred customers and distributors purchasing products directly from the company during the quarter. |
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