UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

 

For the quarter period ended March 31, 2013

 

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

 

Medifast, Inc. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 13-3714405
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

11445 Cronhill Drive
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Telephone Number: (410) 581-8042

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 16 (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 x No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerate filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12 b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer ¨

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12 b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes ¨ No x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class   Outstanding at May 10, 2013
Common stock, $.001 par value per share   13,809,130

 

 
 

 

Medifast, Inc. and subsidiaries

 

Index

 

Part 1 – Financial Information:  
   
Item 1 – Financial Statements  
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 (unaudited) and  
December 31, 2012 (audited) 3
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the Three Months Ended  
March 31, 2013 and 2012 4
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the Three  
Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 5
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 6
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Three Months  
Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 7
   
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements 8
   
Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 13
   
Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 19
   
Item 4 – Controls and Procedures 19
   
Part II – Other Information:  
   
Item 1 – Legal Proceedings 20
   
Item 1.A – Risk Factors 20
   
Item 5 – Other Information 20
   
Item 6 – Exhibits 22

 

2
 

 

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
   March 31, 2013   December 31, 2012 
         
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $49,230,000   $39,937,000 
Accounts receivable-net of allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts of $601,000 and $542,000   2,452,000    2,148,000 
Inventory   18,419,000    20,804,000 
Investment securities   19,669,000    20,057,000 
Income taxes, prepaid   -    873,000 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   3,403,000    3,296,000 
Deferred tax assets   1,718,000    1,460,000 
Total current assets   94,891,000    88,575,000 
           
Property, plant and equipment - net   40,131,000    40,109,000 
Trademarks and intangibles - net   296,000    428,000 
Other assets   486,000    1,139,000 
           
TOTAL ASSETS  $135,804,000   $130,251,000 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $30,782,000   $28,221,000 
Income taxes payable   181,000    - 
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases   275,000    528,000 
Total current liabilities   31,238,000    28,749,000 
           
Other liabilities          
Long-term debt, net of current portion   -    3,113,000 
Capital leases, net of current portion   641,000    696,000 
Deferred tax liabilities   6,619,000    6,907,000 
Total liabilities   38,498,000    39,465,000 
           
Stockholders' Equity:          
Preferred stock, $.001 par value (1,500,000 authorized, no shares issued and outstanding)   -    - 
Common stock; par value $.001 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized;  15,525,955 issued; 13,809,130 and 13,767,380 issued and outstanding   16,000    16,000 
Additional paid-in capital   40,737,000    40,191,000 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   594,000    553,000 
Retained earnings   82,467,000    76,534,000 
Less: cost of 1,608,908 shares of common stock in treasury   (26,508,000)   (26,508,000)
Total stockholders' equity   97,306,000    90,786,000 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  $135,804,000   $130,251,000 

 

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

 

3
 

 

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2013   2012 
         
Revenue  $96,043,000   $88,924,000 
Cost of sales   23,634,000    22,169,000 
Gross Profit   72,409,000    66,755,000 
           
Selling, general, and administration   63,831,000    60,618,000 
           
Income from operations   8,578,000    6,137,000 
           
Other income          
Interest and dividend income, net   52,000    73,000 
Other income   80,000    123,000 
    132,000    196,000 
           
Income before income taxes   8,710,000    6,333,000 
Provision for income taxes   2,777,000    2,343,000 
           
Net income  $5,933,000   $3,990,000 
           
Basic earnings per share  $0.43   $0.29 
Diluted earnings per share  $0.43   $0.29 
           
Weighted average shares outstanding -          
Basic   13,809,130    13,676,922 
Diluted   13,913,343    13,827,821 

 

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

 

4
 

 

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2013   2012 
         
Net income  $5,933,000   $3,990,000 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax          
Change in unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities:          
Change in fair value of marketable securities, net of tax   104,000    185,000 
Adjustment for net (gains)/losses realized and included in net income, net of tax   (63,000)   (47,000)
Total change in unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities, net of tax   41,000    138,000 
           
Other comprehensive income   41,000    138,000 
           
Comprehensive income  $5,974,000   $4,128,000 

 

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

 

5
 

 

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

 

                   Accumulated         
   Number of   Par Value           other         
   Shares   $0.001   Additional Paid-       comprehensive         
   Issued   Amount   In Capital   Retained Earnings   income   Treasury Stock   Total 
Balance, December 31, 2012   15,525,955   $16,000   $40,191,000   $76,534,000   $553,000   $(26,508,000)  $90,786,000 
                                    
Share-based compensation to executives and directors             546,000                   546,000 
Net income                  5,933,000              5,933,000 
Net change in unrealized gain on investments                       41,000         41,000 
                                    
Balance, March 31, 2013   15,525,955   $16,000   $40,737,000   $82,467,000   $594,000   $(26,508,000)  $97,306,000 

 

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

 

6
 

 

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2013   2012 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
 Net income  $5,933,000   $3,990,000 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations:          
Depreciation and amortization   2,630,000    2,381,000 
Realized gain on investment securities, net   (23,000)   (13,000)
Share-based compensation   546,000    573,000 
Deferred income taxes   (557,000)   111,000 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets   15,000    40,000 
Changes in assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash:          
Accounts receivable   (304,000)   (700,000)
Inventory   2,385,000    4,622,000 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (107,000)   (585,000)
Other assets   647,000    251,000 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   2,561,000    7,333,000 
Income taxes   1,054,000    2,705,000 
Net cash provided by operating activities   14,780,000    20,708,000 
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:          
Sale of investment securities   2,578,000    2,582,000 
Purchase of investment securities   (2,115,000)   (2,859,000)
Purchase of property and equipment   (2,535,000)   (2,492,000)
Net cash used in investing activities   (2,072,000)   (2,769,000)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:          
Repayment of long-term debt and capital leases   (3,421,000)   (270,000)
Decrease in note receivable   6,000    4,000 
Net cash used in financing activities   (3,415,000)   (266,000)
           
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   9,293,000    17,673,000 
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of the period   39,937,000    14,262,000 
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period  $49,230,000   $31,935,000 
           
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:          
Interest paid  $30,000   $29,000 
Income taxes paid  $2,183,000   $515,000 

 

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

 

7
 

 

Medifast, Inc. and subsidiaries

 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

General

 

1.Basis of Presentation

 

The condensed unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The condensed consolidated financial statements and notes are presented as permitted on Form 10-Q and do not contain information included in the Company’s annual statements and notes. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

 

The results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013 or any other portions thereof. Certain information in footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements has been condensed or omitted for the interim periods presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim consolidated financial statements.

 

These financial statements do not contain all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal, recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations have been included.

 

The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 is derived from the audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report in Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the 2012 form 10-K), which should be read in conjunction with these consolidated financial statements.

 

2.Presentation of Financial Statements

 

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Medifast, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Certain amounts reported for prior periods have been reclassified to be consistent with the current period presentation. No reclassification in the consolidated financial statements had a material impact on the presentation.

 

3.Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

We have considered all new accounting pronouncements and have concluded that there are no new pronouncements that may have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, based on current information.

 

4.Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized net of discounts, rebates, promotional adjustments, price adjustments, and estimated returns and upon transfer of title and risk to the customer which primarily occurs at shipping (F.O.B. terms). Upon shipment, the Company has no further performance obligations and collection is reasonably assured as the majority of sales are paid for prior to shipping. Medifast Weight Control Centers’ program fees are recognized over the estimated service period.

 

5.Inventories

 

Inventories consist principally of packaged meal replacements held in the Company’s warehouses. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, utilizing the first-in, first-out method. The cost of finished goods includes the cost of raw materials, packaging supplies, direct and indirect labor and other indirect manufacturing costs. On a quarterly basis, management reviews inventory for unsalable or obsolete inventory.

 

Inventories consisted of the following at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

   2013   2012 
Raw Materials  $5,828,000   $5,685,000 
Packaging   748,000    653,000 
Non-food Finished Goods   871,000    961,000 
Finished Goods   11,247,000    13,857,000 
Reserve for Obsolete Inventory   (275,000)   (352,000)
   $18,419,000   $20,804,000 

 

8
 

 

6.Intangible Assets

 

The Company has acquired certain intangible assets, which include: customer lists, trademarks, patents and copyrights. The customer lists are being amortized over a 3-year period based on management’s best estimate of the expected useful life. The costs of trademarks, patents and copyrights are amortized over 2 to 7 years based on their estimated useful life.

 

   As of March 31, 2013   As of December 31, 2012    
   Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Weighted-Avg.
Amortization
Period
                    
Customer lists  $235,000   $213,000   $235,000   $206,000   3 years
Trademarks, patents, and copyrights   2,437,000    2,163,000    2,437,000    2,038,000   4 years
Total  $2,672,000   $2,376,000   $2,672,000   $2,244,000    

 

Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

 

   2013   2012 
Customer lists  $7,000   $20,000 
Trademarks, patents, and copyrights   125,000    87,000 
           
Total trademarks and intangibles  $132,000   $107,000 

 

Amortization expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

7.Earnings per Share

 

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) computations are calculated utilizing the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted EPS is calculated utilizing the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the effect of dilutive common stock equivalents.

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31:

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2013   2012 
Numerator:          
Net income  $5,933,000   $3,990,000 
           
Denominator:          
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding   13,809,130    13,676,922 
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents   104,213    150,899 
           
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding   13,913,343    13,827,821 
           
EPS:          
Basic  $0.43   $0.29 
Diluted  $0.43   $0.29 

 

8.Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

9
 

 

9.Financial Instruments

 

Certain financial assets and liabilities are accounted for at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

 

Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies.

 

Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value from the perspective of a market participant.

 

The following table represents cash and the available-for-sale securities adjusted cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value by significant investment category recorded as cash and cash equivalents or investment securities as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

   March 31, 2013 
   Cost   Unrealized
Gains
   Unrealized
Losses
   Accrued
Interest
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Cash & Cash
Equivalents
   Investment
Securities
 
                             
Cash  $47,711,000   $-   $-   $-   $47,711,000   $47,711,000   $- 
                                    
Level 1:                                   
Money Market Accounts   1,519,000    -    -    -    1,519,000    1,519,000    - 
Mutual Funds   1,067,000    19,000    (4,000)   -    1,082,000    -    1,082,000 
Corporate Equity Securities   1,767,000    550,000    (45,000)   -    2,272,000    -    2,272,000 
Government & Agency Securities   6,337,000    160,000    (2,000)   30,000    6,525,000    -    6,525,000 
    10,690,000    729,000    (51,000)   30,000    11,398,000    1,519,000    9,879,000 
                                    
Level 2:                                   
Municipal Bonds   3,634,000    127,000    -    21,000    3,782,000    -    3,782,000 
Corporate Bonds   5,849,000    111,000    (1,000)   49,000    6,008,000    -    6,008,000 
    9,483,000    238,000    (1,000)   70,000    9,790,000    -    9,790,000 
                                    
Total  $67,884,000   $967,000   $(52,000)  $100,000   $68,899,000   $49,230,000   $19,669,000 
                                    
    December 31, 2012 
    Cost    Unrealized
Gains
    Unrealized
Losses
    Accrued
Interest
    Estimated
Fair Value
    Cash & Cash
Equivalents
    Investment
Securities
 
                                    
Cash  $38,977,000   $-   $-   $-   $38,977,000   $38,977,000   $- 
                                    
Level 1:                                   
Money Market Accounts   960,000    -    -    -    960,000    960,000    - 
Mutual Funds   234,000    13,000    (1,000)   -    246,000    -    246,000 
Corporate Equity Securities   1,853,000    489,000    (46,000)   -    2,296,000    -    2,296,000 
Government & Agency Securities   7,004,000    180,000    (3,000)   34,000    7,215,000    -    7,215,000 
    10,051,000    682,000    (50,000)   34,000    10,717,000    960,000    9,757,000 
                                    
Level 2:                                   
Municipal Bonds   4,197,000    124,000    (4,000)   27,000    4,344,000    -    4,344,000 
Corporate Bonds   5,772,000    136,000    (2,000)   50,000    5,956,000    -    5,956,000 
    9,969,000    260,000    (6,000)   77,000    10,300,000    -    10,300,000 
                                    
Total  $58,997,000   $942,000   $(56,000)  $111,000   $59,994,000   $39,937,000   $20,057,000 

 

10
 

 

10.Shared-based Compensation

 

The Company has issued restricted stock to employees and nonemployee directors generally with terms up to five years. The fair value is equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Expense for restricted stock is amortized ratably over the vesting period. The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity:

 

   Shares   Weighed-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
 
Unvested at December 31, 2012   149,667   $8.21 
Granted   141,012    26.03 
Vested   (52,679)   10.36 
Unvested at March 31, 2013   238,000   $18.29 

 

The total restricted stock awards vested and charged against income during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $546,000 and $573,000, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statement of income for these restricted stock awards was approximately $186,000 and $223,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. No tax benefit was recognized in additional paid-in capital upon vesting of restricted stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. There was approximately $4.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards as of March 31, 2013. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.0 years.

 

11.Business Segments

 

Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker about how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company has two reportable operating segments: Medifast, and MWCC and Wholesale. The Medifast reporting segment consists of the following distribution channels: Medifast Direct and Take Shape For Life. The MWCC and Wholesale segment consists of Medifast Corporate and Franchise Weight Control Centers as well as Medifast Wholesale Physicians.

 

Total assets and operating expense not identified with a specific segment are listed as “Other” and include items such as auditors’ fees, attorney’s fees, stock compensation expense and corporate governance related to NYSE, Sarbanes Oxley and SEC regulations. Evaluation of the performance of operating segments is based on their respective income from operations before taxes. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company. The presentation and allocation of assets, liabilities and results of operations may not reflect the actual economic costs of the segments as stand-alone businesses. If a different basis of allocation were utilized, the relative contributions of the segments might differ, but management believes that the relative trends in segments would likely not be impacted.

 

11
 

 

The following tables present segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 
   Medifast   MWCC & Wholesale   Other   Consolidated 
                 
Revenues  $82,394,000   $13,649,000   $-   $96,043,000 
Cost of Sales   20,223,000    3,411,000    -    23,634,000 
Selling, General and Administrative Expense   50,859,000    8,836,000    1,506,000    61,201,000 
Depreciation and Amortization   1,815,000    758,000    57,000    2,630,000 
Interest(net) and other   29,000    1,000    (162,000)   (132,000)
Income before income taxes  $9,468,000   $643,000   $(1,401,000)  $8,710,000 
                     
Segment Assets  $93,088,000   $13,807,000   $28,909,000   $135,804,000 
                     
    Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 
    Medifast    MWCC & Wholesale    Other    Consolidated 
                     
Revenues  $75,552,000   $13,372,000   $-   $88,924,000 
Cost of Sales   18,925,000    3,244,000    -    22,169,000 
Selling, General and Administrative Expense   44,911,000    11,837,000    1,489,000    58,237,000 
Depreciation and Amortization   1,804,000    500,000    77,000    2,381,000 
Interest(net) and other   33,000    4,000    (233,000)   (196,000)
Income before income taxes  $9,879,000   $(2,213,000)  $(1,333,000)  $6,333,000 
                     
Segment Assets  $72,802,000   $14,755,000   $29,705,000   $117,262,000 

 

12.Contingencies

 

On April 1, 2011, a shareholder derivative complaint titled Shane Rothenberger, derivatively on behalf of Medifast, Inc., v. Bradley T. MacDonald et al. (Civil Action 2011-CV 863 [BEL]); and on April 11, 2011, a shareholder derivative complaint titled James A. Thompson, derivatively on behalf of Medifast, Inc., v. Bradley T. MacDonald et al. (Civil Action 2011-CV934 [BEL]) were filed in the U.S. District Court, District of Maryland. The similarly worded complaints allege breach of fiduciary duties, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, and waste of corporate assets. Each complaint requests an unspecified amount of damages, a Court Order directing reformation of corporate governance, restitution to the Company and payment of costs and disbursements. The Company is named as a nominal defendant. On July 19, 2011, the U.S. District Judge ordered consolidation of the two cases, appointment of co-lead counsel, and the filing of a consolidated complaint, among other matters. The consolidated action was dismissed without prejudice by joint stipulation and Order of the Court on April 15, 2013.

 

On March 17, 2011, a putative class action complaint titled Oren Proter et al. v. Medifast, Inc. et al. (Civil Action 2011-CV-720[BEL]), alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act, was filed for an unspecified amount of damages in the U.S. District Court, District of Maryland. The complaint alleges that the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts regarding the Company’s business, operations and prospects. On March 24, 2011, a putative class action complaint titled Fred Greenberg v. Medifast, Inc., et al (Civil Action 2011-CV776 [BEL], alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act, was filed for an unspecified amount of damages in the U.S. District Court, District of Maryland. The complaint alleges that the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts regarding the Company’s business, operations and prospects. On July 19, 2011, the U.S. District Judge ordered the consolidation of the cases and appointment of co-lead counsel among other matters. The Greenberg case was dismissed without prejudice. The Plaintiffs subsequently filed an Amended Complaint. The Company filed a Motion to Dismiss, which was granted by the Court as to all claims on March 28, 2013.

 

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The Company filed a civil complaint on February 17, 2010 in the U.S. District Court (SD, Cal) against Barry Minkow and the Fraud Discovery Institute, Inc. (collectively, “Minkow”), iBusiness Reporting, and its editor William Lobdell, Tracy Coenen and Sequence, Inc. (collectively, “Coenen”), “Zee Yourself”, and Robert L. Fitzpatrick (“FitzPatrick”) for Defamation, Market Manipulation and Unfair Business Practices, alleging a scheme of market manipulation of Medifast stock for Defendants’ monetary gain, by damaging the business reputation of Medifast and its Take Shape For Life division. Bradley T. MacDonald, former Executive Chairman of Medifast and Company shareholder, joined the lawsuit individually.  The lawsuit seeks $270 million in compensatory damages, punitive damages, and ancillary relief.  In March 2011, the District Court granted in part and denied in part certain Anti-SLAPP Motions to Strike (i.e. motions to dismiss) previously filed by all Defendants.  The Company has appealed that portion of the District Court’s ruling which dismissed its defamation claims against Minkow and Coenen in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.  Defendant FitzPatrick’s motion was denied as to the Company’s defamation claim, and FitzPatrick has appealed that portion of the Court’s ruling.  Both appeals have been fully-briefed and oral argument was held on March 5, 2013.  A decision on the appeals remains pending at this time.

 

In early 2010, the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee for Go Fig, Inc. et al., Debtors, filed an adversary civil proceeding in the US Bankruptcy Court (ED, Missouri) against Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, and other unrelated entities seeking to recover, as to each, alleged preferential payments. Jason Pharmaceuticals sold product received by the Debtors and has previously filed a pending claim in the same bankruptcy. Medifast disputed the Trustee’s allegations. This action was by Court order placed on hold while the Trustee litigated similar issues against another party. This matter was recently settled by Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for $6,500. Upon court approval of the settlement, all matters related to this case will be resolved.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are periodically subject to claims or charges filed by former or current employees or employment applicants alleging discrimination or harassment in violation of various federal or state regulations. The Company does not believe that any of the pending employment-related claims are material.

 

Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Some of the information presented in this quarterly report constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about management’s expectations for fiscal year 2013 and beyond, are forward-looking statements and involve various risks and uncertainties.  Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the Company’s expectations.  The Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements which speak only to management’s experience on this data.

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere herein.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements filed on Form 10-K.

 

The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Management develops, and changes periodically, these estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management considers the following accounting estimates to be the most critical in preparing our consolidated financial statements. These critical accounting estimates have been discussed with our Audit Committee.

 

Revenue Recognition:  Revenue is recognized net of discounts, rebates, promotional adjustments, price adjustments, and estimated returns and upon transfer of title and risk to the customer which primarily occurs at shipping (F.O.B. terms). Upon shipment, the Company has no further performance obligations and collection is reasonably assured as the majority of sales are paid for prior to shipping. Medifast Weight Control Centers program fees are recognized over the estimated service period.

 

Impairment of Fixed Assets and Intangible Assets: We continually assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on legal factors, market conditions and our operating performance. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and the carrying values of fixed and intangible assets may be impaired. Any resulting impairment loss would be limited to the value of net fixed and intangible assets.

 

Income Taxes: The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.

 

We evaluated our tax positions and determined that we did not have any material uncertain tax positions. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on uncertain tax positions as part of income tax expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, no material estimated interest or penalties were recognized for the uncertainty of certain tax positions. We file income tax returns in the United States and various states jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2009.

 

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Reserves for Returns: We review the reserves for customer returns at each reporting period and adjust them to reflect data available at that time. To estimate reserves for returns, we consider actual return rates in preceding periods. To the extent the estimate of returns changes, we will adjust the reserve, which will impact the amount of product sales revenue recognized in the period of the adjustment. Our estimates for returns have not differed materially from our actual returns. The provisions for estimated returns as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $403,000 and $300,000, respectively.

 

Operating leases: Medifast leases retail stores, distribution facilities, and office space under operating leases. Many lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and contingent rent provisions. The Company recognizes incentives and minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. We commence recording rent expense on the date of initial possession, which is generally when we enter the space and begin to make improvements to properties for our intended use. For tenant improvement allowances and rent holidays, we record a deferred rent liability on the consolidated balance sheets and amortize the deferred rent over the terms of the leases as reductions to rent expense on the consolidated statements of income.

 

For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy, we record minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases on the consolidated statements of income. Several leases provide for contingent rents, which are determined as a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels. We record a contingent rent liability on the consolidated balance sheets and the corresponding rent expense when we determine achieving specified levels is probable.

 

Background:

 

The Company is engaged in the production, distribution, and sale of weight management products and other consumable health and diet products. The Company’s product lines include meal replacements and supplements. Our products and services are sold to weight loss program participants primarily via the internet, telephone, and brick and mortar clinics. Customers of our Health Coaches in the Take Shape For Life person-to-person direct sales channel are directed to order our products through either the internet or through the Company’s in-house call center. Our meal food items accounted for 96% of our revenues in the first quarter of 2013 and 95% of our revenues in the first quarter of 2012. Program sales in our Medifast Weight Control Center channel accounted for 2% of revenues in the first three months of 2013 and 3% in the first three months of 2012. Shipping revenue and other accounted for 2% in the first three months of 2013 and 2012. Revenue consists primarily of meal replacement food sales. In the first three months of 2013, revenue increased to $96.0 million as compared to $88.9 million in the first three months of 2012, an increase of $7.1 million or 8%. The Take Shape For Life sales channel accounted for 61.9% of total revenue, Medifast Direct 23.9%, and Medifast Weight Control Centers and Medifast Wholesale Physicians 14.2%.

 

We review and analyze a number of key operating and financial metrics to manage our business, including revenue to advertising spend, number of active Health Coaches and average monthly revenue generated per health coach in the Take Shape For Life channel, and average same store sales improvement for the Medifast Weight Control Center channel.

 

Overview of the Company

 

Distribution Channels

 

Medifast Direct – In the direct-to-consumer channel (“Medifast Direct”), customers order Medifast product directly through the Company’s website, www.medifast1.com or our in-house call center. The product is shipped directly to the customer’s home. This business is driven by an aggressive multi-media customer acquisition strategy that includes both national and regional print, radio, web advertising, direct mail, and television as well as public relations, word of mouth referrals, and social media initiatives. The Medifast Direct division focuses on targeted marketing initiatives and provides customer support through its in-house call center and nutrition support team of registered dietitians to better serve its customers. In addition, Medifast continues to use leading web technology featuring customized meal planning and web community components. MyMedifast is a robust online community which provides a library of support articles, support forums, meal-planning tools, and social media functions. See Note 11, “Business Segments” of the financial statements for a detailed breakout of revenues, profit or loss, and total assets of each of the Company’s business segments.

 

Take Shape For Life™ – Take Shape For Life is the personal coaching division of Medifast. The coaching network consists of independent contractor Health Coaches (“Health Coaches”), who are trained to provide coaching and support to clients on Medifast weight-loss programs and is led by its co-founder, a physician with a background in critical care. The role of the Health Coach is to give clients the encouragement and mentoring to assist them to successfully reach a healthy weight. The Take Shape For Life program provides a road map to empower the individual to take control of their health through adopting better long-term habits. Take Shape For Life offers the exclusive proprietary BeSlim® philosophy, which encourages long-term weight maintenance. Take Shape For Life also moves beyond the scope of weight loss to teach clients how to achieve optimal health through the balance of body, mind, and finances. The program uses the high-quality, medically validated products of Medifast that have been proven safe and effective in clinical studies described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, under “Clinical Research Overview.” Health Coaches and their clients follow the Habits of Health book and companion workbook written by the Take Shape For Life co-founder to create a lifelong health optimization program. In addition to the encouragement and support of a Health Coach, clients of Take Shape For Life are offered a bio-network of support including product and program information on our website, weekly medical and general support calls, and access to our registered dietitians.

 

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Program entrants are encouraged to consult with their primary care physician and a Take Shape For Life Health Coach to determine the Medifast program that is right for them. Health Coaches are required to become qualified based upon testing of their knowledge of Medifast products and programs. Our Health Coaches provide coaching and support to their Clients throughout the weight-loss and weight-maintenance process. Most new Health Coaches are introduced to the opportunity by an existing Health Coach. The vast majority of our new Health Coaches started as weight-loss clients of a Health Coach, had success on the Medifast product and program, and became a Health Coach to help others through the weight-loss process. Approximately 20% of active Health Coaches in the Take Shape For Life network are health care providers.

 

Take Shape For Life Health Coaches are independent contractors who are compensated on product sales referred to the Company. Health Coaches can earn compensation in two ways:

 

·Commissions: The primary way a Health Coach is compensated is through earning commissions on product sold. Health Coaches earn commissions by referring product sales through their own replicated website or through the Company’s in-house call center. The clients of Health Coaches are responsible for ordering and paying for products, and their order is shipped directly from the Company to the client’s home or designated address. Our Health Coaches do not handle payments and are not required to purchase or store products in order to receive a commission. In addition, Health Coaches do not receive a commission on their own personal product orders. Health Coaches pay the same price for products as their clients. The Company pays retail commissions to qualified Health Coaches on a weekly basis.

 

·Bonuses: Health Coaches are offered several bonus opportunities, including growth bonuses, generation bonuses, elite leadership bonuses, rolling consistency bonuses, client acquisition bonuses, and new Health Coach assist bonuses. The purposes of these bonuses are to reward Health Coaches for successfully referring product sales to the Take Shape For Life network, and to incentivize Health Coaches to further support and develop other Health Coaches within their network. The Company pays bonuses on a monthly basis to qualified Health Coaches.
oGrowth bonuses are paid to Health Coaches who have at least five ordering clients per month and who have generated over $1,000 in product sales per month. Monthly growth bonuses are incremental bonuses that enable Health Coaches to earn income on product orders placed by clients or Health Coaches within their network.
oGeneration bonuses are paid to Health Coaches who have one or more Health Coaches in their business who have achieved the rank of Executive Director. An Executive Director is a Health Coach who either generates $6,000 a month in frontline product sales to either Clients or personally sponsored Health Coaches or personally sponsors five senior Health Coaches. A senior Health Coach is a Health Coach who generates at least $1,000 a month in group product sales from a combination of at least five personally enrolled, ordering Clients, and/or Health Coaches, Health Coach teams, or a combination of both.
oElite leadership bonuses are paid to Health Coaches who have three or more Health Coaches in their business who have achieved the rank of Executive Director.
oRolling consistency bonuses are paid to Health Coaches who display frontline product sales with order consistency month after month. Health Coaches who generate at least $2,000 or more in frontline product sales for three consecutive months are paid a rolling consistency bonus.
oClient acquisition bonuses are paid to new Health Coaches who develop five Clients and generate $1,000 in frontline product sales within their first 30 calendar days in Take Shape For Life program.
oThe assist bonuses are paid to Health Coaches who assist a newly sponsored Health Coach attain the Client acquisition bonus.

 

Health Coaches do not earn a commission or bonus when they recruit a new Health Coach into the Take Shape For Life network. Fees paid by new Health Coaches for start-up materials are at the Company’s approximate cost and no commissions are paid thereon.

 

Take Shape For Life is a member of the Direct Selling Association (the “DSA”), a national trade association representing over 200 direct selling companies doing business in the United States. To become a member of the DSA, Take Shape For Life, like other active DSA member companies, underwent a comprehensive and rigorous one-year company review by DSA legal staff that included a detailed analysis of its company business-plan materials. This review is designed to ensure that a company’s business practices do not contravene DSA’s Code of Ethics. Compliance with the requirements of the Code of Ethics is paramount to becoming and remaining a member in good standing of DSA. Accordingly, we believe membership in DSA by Take Shape For Life demonstrates its commitment to the highest standards of ethics and a pledge not to engage in any deceptive, unlawful, or unethical business practices. Among those Code of Ethics proscriptions are pyramid schemes or endless chain schemes as defined by federal, state, or local laws. Moreover, Take Shape For Life, like other DSA member companies in good standing, has pledged to provide consumers with accurate and truthful information regarding the price, grade, quality, and performance of the products Take Shape For Life markets. See Note 11, “Business Segments” of the financial statements for a detailed breakout of revenues, profit or loss, and total assets of each of the Company’s business segments.

 

Medifast Weight Control Centers – Medifast Weight Control Centers is the brick and mortar clinic channel of Medifast with affiliate-owned locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Texas, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. In the first quarter of 2013, the Company closed one of its existing centers, leaving a total of 86 locations in operation at quarter-end. Medifast Weight Control Centers offer a high-touch model including comprehensive Medifast programs for weight loss and maintenance, customized client counseling, an InbodyTM composition analysis, and monitoring with a BodyGemTM resting metabolic rate measurement device. Medifast Weight Control Centers conduct local advertising including radio, print, television and web initiatives. The Centers also benefit from the enterprise brand advertising which encourages walk-ins and referrals from its customers and other Medifast business channels.

 

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In 2008, Medifast Franchise Systems, Inc. (“MFSI”), a subsidiary of Medifast, began offering the Center model as a franchise opportunity. MFSI currently has franchised centers located in Alabama, Arizona, California, Louisiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maryland and Pennsylvania. As of March 31, 2013, 36 franchise locations were in operation.

 

MFSI currently offers the Medifast Weight Control Center franchise opportunity in all States except Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin under a registered (where required) franchise disclosure document (FDD). The MFSI Franchise Agreement requires franchisees to develop a minimum of three Medifast Weight Control Centers within a defined geographic area in the time frame set forth in the Development Agreement between Medifast and the franchisees.

 

Our MFSI’s franchise strategy depends on our franchisees’ active involvement in, and management of, Medifast Weight Control Center operations. Candidates are reviewed for appropriate operational experience and financial stability, including specific net worth and liquidity requirements. Upon execution of the Franchise Agreement and Development Agreement, franchisees are required to promptly select sites for the Centers which are subject to MFSI’s approval.

 

A franchisee’s initial fee includes the franchise fee for the first Center to be developed and a non-refundable deposit for the second and third Centers to be developed, and covers the cost of MFSI resources provided for, among other things, the training of franchisees and their staff, and approval of the proposed territory for development. If a franchisee desires to open more than three centers in the designated territory, there is an additional fee charged for each additional Center to be developed. MFSI provides initial investment estimates in the FDD and cautions applicants considering the franchise opportunity that their actual expenses may vary from the estimates given. Required legal disclosures are provided and the applicant may not sign the Agreements until the applicant has had 14 days to consider the FDD.

 

Prior to the opening of each Medifast Weight Control Center franchise established under the Franchise and Development Agreements, MFSI will do the following:

 

i.designate the Center’s Protected Territory.

 

ii.review for approval the sites selected by the Franchisee for the Center.

 

iii.review for approval the lease governing the location where the Center is to be located.

 

iv.provide the franchisee with standard plans and specifications for the build-out of the Center along with a list of equipment and improvements which the franchisee is required to purchase and install.

 

v.provide an initial training program.

 

vi.provide the franchisee on-site assistance and guidance for approximately three to five days during or close to the opening of the Center.

 

vii.provide the franchisee with online access to a password-protected, electronic version of the Medifast Weight Control Centers® Franchise Operations Manuals.

 

MFSI does not provide products at a discounted price, offer direct or indirect financing, or guarantee a franchisee’s notes, leases or other obligations.

 

While MFSI does not currently have a purchase option included in its franchise agreement, it does have the right of first refusal to acquire a Center if the franchisee wishes to sell a Center.

 

See Note 11, “Business Segments” of the financial statements for a detailed breakout of revenues, profit or loss, and total assets of each of the Company’s business segments.

 

Medifast Wholesale Physicians- Medifast physicians have been implementing the Medifast Program within their practices since 1980. These physicians carry an inventory of wholesale Medifast products and resell them to patients. They also provide appropriate medical monitoring, testing, and support for patients on the Medifast Program. Medifast products and programs have been recommended by over 20,000 doctors since 1980. Many Medifast physicians take advantage of the Medifast Direct or the Take Shape For Life program to support their patient base.

 

The Company offers an in-house support program to assist the physicians and their customers/patients. Customers have access to registered dietitians who provide program support and advice via a toll-free telephone help line, by email, and online chats. See Note 11, “Business Segments” of the financial statements for a detailed breakout of revenues, profit or loss, and total assets of each of the Company’s business segments.

 

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Overview of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2013   2012   $ Change   % Change 
                 
Revenue  $96,043,000   $88,924,000   $7,119,000    8%
Cost of sales   23,634,000    22,169,000    1,465,000    7%
Gross Profit   72,409,000    66,755,000    5,654,000    8%
                     
Selling, general, and administrative costs   63,831,000    60,618,000    3,213,000    5%
                     
Income from operations   8,578,000    6,137,000    2,441,000    40%
                     
Other income                    
Interest income, net   52,000    73,000    (21,000)   -29%
Other expense   80,000    123,000    (43,000)   -35%
    132,000    196,000    (64,000)   -33%
                     
Income before provision for income taxes   8,710,000    6,333,000    2,377,000    38%
Provision for income tax expense   2,777,000    2,343,000    434,000    19%
                     
Net income  $5,933,000   $3,990,000   $1,943,000    49%
                     
% of revenue                    
                     
Gross Profit   75.4%   75.1%          
Selling, general, and administrative costs   66.5%   68.2%          
Income from Operations   8.9%   6.9%          

 

Revenue: Revenue increased to $96.0 million in the first quarter of 2013 compared to $88.9 million in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of $7.1 million or 8%. The Take Shape For Life sales channel accounted for 61.9% of total revenue, Medifast Direct 23.9%, and Medifast Weight Control Centers and Medifast Wholesale Physicians 14.2%. Take Shape For Life sales, which are fueled by increased customer product sales as a result of an increase in active Health Coaches, increased by 12% compared to the first quarter of 2012. As compared to the first quarter of 2012, the Medifast Direct sales channel, which is fueled primarily by consumer advertising, increased revenues by approximately 2% year-over-year. The Medifast Weight Control Centers and Medifast Wholesale Physicians increased sales by 2% due to the opening of new corporate locations in 2012 and new franchise locations in 2012 and 2013. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, the Company will now report a revenue to spend ratio based on total revenue and total advertising spend as a measure of overall advertising effectiveness. Medifast’s advertising has evolved to become focused on a combination of direct response and call to action marketing along with brand building and awareness creation messaging. In the first quarter of 2013 the Company’s revenue to spend ratio was 9.6-to-1 versus 9.0-to-1 in the first quarter of 2012.

 

In the first three months of 2013, we continued to see sales growth and improvement in Take Shape For Life, Medifast Direct and Medifast Weight Control Centers and Medifast Wholesale Physicians. Take Shape For Life revenue increased 12% to $59.4 million compared with $53.0 million in 2012. Growth in revenues for the segment was driven by increased customer product sales. The number of active Health Coaches at the end of the first quarter of 2013 increased to 11,300 compared with 10,200 during the period a year ago, an increase of 11%. Active Health Coaches are defined as Health Coaches receiving income from a product sale in the last month of the quarter. The average revenue per health coach per month increased from $1,650 in the first quarter of 2012 to $1,720 in the first quarter 2013. These increases are attributable to the launch of new Health Coach and Client acquisition videos and brochures in Q4 2012.

 

The Medifast Direct Sales division increased 2% to $23.0 million as compared with $22.5 million in 2012, an increase of $0.5 million. Revenues in this channel were driven primarily by targeted customer advertising on-line, across local radio, via email and direct mail campaigns, and by highlighting customer successes in large national publications and on television. The Company is focused on optimizing e-commerce performance and has invested in both tools and talent to drive website performance and conversion.

 

The Medifast Weight Control Centers and Medifast Wholesale Physicians experienced revenue growth of 2% in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to 2012. Revenue increased due to the opening of twelve new corporate centers during the second and third quarters of 2012 and the increased success of franchise centers. The increase was partially offset by the closure of one corporate-owned center in 2013 and two corporate-owned centers in 2012. At March 31, 2013, Medifast Weight Control Centers were operating in eighty-six corporate locations and thirty-six franchise centers were in operation. In the first quarter of 2013, same store sales decreased by 16% for corporate centers open greater than one year. The Company’s focus to improve profitability by creating operational efficiency, optimizing staffing, and managing expenses including advertising spend contributed to the decrease in same store sales. There were 73 centers in the comparative same-store-sales base at March 31, 2013.

 

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Costs of Sales: Cost of sales increased $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2013 to $23.6 million compared to $22.1 million in the first quarter of 2012. As a percentage of sales, gross margin increased to 75.4% from 75.1% in the first quarter of 2012. The increase in gross margin is the result of offering fewer customer discounts, partially offset by increased commodity and shipping costs.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Costs: Selling, general and administrative expenses were $63.8 million compared to $60.6 million in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of $3.2 million. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 66.5% versus 68.2% in the first quarter of 2012. Take Shape For Life commission expense, which is variable based upon product sales, increased by approximately $3.2 million as TSFL sales grew 12% as compared to the first quarter of 2012. Take Shape For Life Health Coaches are independent contractors that are paid commissions on product sales referred to the Company. Health Coaches earn commissions by referring product sales through their own replicated website or through the Company’s in-house call center. The clients of Health Coaches are responsible for order and payment of product and their order is shipped directly to their home or designated address. Health Coaches are not required to purchase product in order to receive a commission. In addition, Health Coaches do not receive a commission on their personal product orders.

 

Salaries and benefits decreased by approximately $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2013 compared to last year. This decrease was driven by savings recognized as a result of the restructuring that took place at the end of the first quarter of 2012 to facilitate a workforce reduction in the Medifast Weight Control Centers and Corporate offices. The savings were partially offset by the hiring of and increased salaries for key executive positions.

 

Sales and marketing expense decreased by $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2013 compared to last year. The decrease is the result of the Company’s continued effort to balance marketing expenses to result in increased sales and a strong bottom line.

 

Office expenses decreased $0.2 million due to decreases in accounting expenses, consulting expense, insurance expenses, and general office expenses. The savings were partially offset by an increase in legal fees year-over-year. Other expenses consisting primarily of depreciation, credit card processing fees, and licenses and fees increased by $1.4 million. The most significant driver of this change was an increase in depreciation and licenses and fees resulting from the Company continuing to invest in improving our infrastructure to support growth and the accrued sales tax liability that the Company began recognizing in the fourth quarter of 2012.

 

Income taxes: In the first quarter of 2013, the Company recorded $2.8 million in income tax expense, an effective rate of 31.9%. In the first quarter of 2012, the Company recorded $2.3 million income tax expense, an effective rate of 37.0%. The decrease in the effective tax rate was the result of state tax restructuring in addition to benefiting from newly enacted research and development credits effective January 1, 2013 applicable retroactively to 2012 activity. The Company anticipates a full year tax rate of approximately 34-35% in 2013.

 

Net income: Net income was $5.9 million in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of $1.9 million. Pre-tax profit as a percent of sales increased to 9.1% in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to 7.1% in the first quarter of 2012. The increase in profitability in the first quarter of 2013 is primarily a result of MWCC and Wholesale segment income (loss) before taxes increasing from a loss of $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2012 to a gain of $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2013, an overall increase of $2.8 million. The segment benefited from savings related to the staffing re-alignment completed in the first quarter of 2012 and a reduction in advertising spend as a percentage of sales for each corporate center. This improvement in profit is partially offset by the increase in other expenses for depreciation, licenses and fees, and accrued sales tax discussed above.

 

SEGMENT RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012

 

   Net Sales by Segment for the three months ended March 31, 
   2013   2012 
Segments  Sales   % of Total   Sales   % of Total 
                 
Medifast  $82,394,000    86%  $75,552,000    85%
MWCC and Wholesale   13,649,000    14%   13,372,000    15%
Total Sales  $96,043,000    100%  $88,924,000    100%

 

Medifast Segment: The Medifast segment consists of the sales from Medifast Direct Marketing and Take Shape For Life. As this represents the majority of our business, this is discussed in the Overview of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 above.

 

The MWCC and Wholesale segment consists of the sales of Medifast Corporate and Franchise Weight Control Centers as well as Medifast Wholesale Physicians. Sales increased by approximately $300,000, or 2% in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to 2012. Revenue increased due to the opening of twelve new corporate centers during the second and third quarters of 2012 and the increased success of franchise centers. The increase was partially offset by the closure of one corporate-owned center in 2013 and two corporate-owned centers in 2012. At March 31, 2013, Medifast Weight Control Centers were operating in eighty-six corporate locations and thirty-six franchise locations.

 

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012

 

   Income Before Income Taxes by Segment for the three months ended March 31, 
   2013   2012 
Segments  Profit   % of Total   Profit   % of Total 
                 
Medifast  $9,468,000    109%  $9,879,000    156%
MWCC and Wholesale   643,000    7%   (2,213,000)   -35%
All Other   (1,401,000)   -16%   (1,333,000)   -21%
Income before income taxes  $8,710,000    100%  $6,333,000    100%

 

Medifast Segment: The Medifast reporting segment consists of the activity of Medifast Direct Marketing and Take Shape For Life. This represents the majority of our business and is discussed in the Overview of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 above. See Note 11, “Business Segments” of the financial statements for a detailed breakout of expenses.

 

MWCC and Wholesale Segment: Profitability of this segment increased $2.86 million in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to the first quarter of 2012. The increase was the result of savings from the staffing re-alignment completed in the first quarter of 2012, increased success of franchise centers, and reduced advertising spend as a percentage of sales for each corporate center.

 

The Company had eighty-six corporate centers and thirty-six franchise centers in operation as of March 31, 2013 as compared to seventy-five and twenty-two, respectively in 2012.

 

All Other Segment: The All other segment consists of corporate expenses related to the parent Company operations. Year-over-year parent company expenses increased by $68,000. Corporate expenses include items such as auditors’ fees, attorney’s fees, stock compensation expense and corporate governance related to NYSE, Sarbanes Oxley, and SEC regulations. See footnote 11, “Business Segments”, for additional detail.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates and a decline in the stock market. The Company does not enter into derivatives, foreign exchange transactions or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company paid off our outstanding debt during the first quarter of 2013, eliminating our current exposure to interest rate risk. However, we have an undrawn revolving line of credit for $5,000,000, should we choose to draw on this line of credit in the future we would be subject to market risk due to changing interest rates.

 

We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates and market pricing impacting our investment portfolio. Our current investment policy is to maintain an investment portfolio consisting mainly of U.S. money market and high-grade corporate securities, directly or through managed funds. Our cash is deposited in and invested through highly rated financial institutions in North America. Our marketable securities are subject to interest rate risk and market pricing risk and will fall in value if market interest rates increase or if market pricing decreases. If market interest rates were to increase and market pricing were to decrease immediately and uniformly by 10% from levels at March 31, 2012, we estimate that the fair value of our investment portfolio would decline by an immaterial amount and therefore we would not expect our operating results or cash flows to be affected to any significant degree by the effect of a change in market conditions on our investments.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of March 31, 2013. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported accurately and on a timely basis. Based on this evaluation performed in accordance with the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, our management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2013.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:

 

No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

On April 1, 2011, a shareholder derivative complaint titled Shane Rothenberger, derivatively on behalf of Medifast, Inc., v. Bradley T. MacDonald et al. (Civil Action 2011-CV 863 [BEL]); and on April 11, 2011, a shareholder derivative complaint titled James A. Thompson, derivatively on behalf of Medifast, Inc., v. Bradley T. MacDonald et al. (Civil Action 2011-CV934 [BEL]) were filed in the U.S. District Court, District of Maryland. The similarly worded complaints allege breach of fiduciary duties, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, and waste of corporate assets. Each complaint requests an unspecified amount of damages, a Court Order directing reformation of corporate governance, restitution to the Company and payment of costs and disbursements. The Company is named as a nominal defendant. On July 19, 2011, the U.S. District Judge ordered consolidation of the two cases, appointment of co-lead counsel, and the filing of a consolidated complaint, among other matters. The consolidated action was dismissed without prejudice by joint stipulation and Order of the Court on April 15, 2013.

 

On March 17, 2011, a putative class action complaint titled Oren Proter et al. v. Medifast, Inc. et al. (Civil Action 2011-CV-720[BEL]), alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act, was filed for an unspecified amount of damages in the U.S. District Court, District of Maryland. The complaint alleges that the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts regarding the Company’s business, operations and prospects. On March 24, 2011, a putative class action complaint titled Fred Greenberg v. Medifast, Inc., et al (Civil Action 2011-CV776 [BEL], alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act, was filed for an unspecified amount of damages in the U.S. District Court, District of Maryland. The complaint alleges that the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts regarding the Company’s business, operations and prospects. On July 19, 2011, the U.S. District Judge ordered the consolidation of the cases and appointment of co-lead counsel among other matters. The Greenberg case was dismissed without prejudice. The Plaintiffs subsequently filed an Amended Complaint. The Company filed a Motion to Dismiss, which was granted by the Court as to all claims on March 28, 2013.

 

The Company filed a civil complaint on February 17, 2010 in the U.S. District Court (SD, Cal) against Barry Minkow and the Fraud Discovery Institute, Inc. (collectively, “Minkow”), iBusiness Reporting, and its editor William Lobdell, Tracy Coenen and Sequence, Inc. (collectively, “Coenen”), “Zee Yourself”, and Robert L. Fitzpatrick (“FitzPatrick”) for Defamation, Market Manipulation and Unfair Business Practices, alleging a scheme of market manipulation of Medifast stock for Defendants’ monetary gain, by damaging the business reputation of Medifast and its Take Shape For Life division. Bradley T. MacDonald, former Executive Chairman of Medifast and Company shareholder, joined the lawsuit individually.  The lawsuit seeks $270 million in compensatory damages, punitive damages, and ancillary relief.  In March 2011, the District Court granted in part and denied in part certain Anti-SLAPP Motions to Strike (i.e. motions to dismiss) previously filed by all Defendants.  The Company has appealed that portion of the District Court’s ruling which dismissed its defamation claims against Minkow and Coenen in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.  Defendant FitzPatrick’s motion was denied as to the Company’s defamation claim, and FitzPatrick has appealed that portion of the Court’s ruling.  Both appeals have been fully-briefed and oral argument was held on March 5, 2013.  A decision on the appeals remains pending at this time.

 

In early 2010, the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee for Go Fig, Inc. et al., Debtors, filed an adversary civil proceeding in the US Bankruptcy Court (ED, Missouri) against Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, and other unrelated entities seeking to recover, as to each, alleged preferential payments. Jason Pharmaceuticals sold product received by the Debtors and has previously filed a pending claim in the same bankruptcy. Medifast disputed the Trustee’s allegations. This action was by Court order placed on hold while the Trustee litigated similar issues against another party. This matter was recently settled by Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for $6,500. Upon court approval of the settlement, all matters related to this case will be resolved.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are periodically subject to claims or charges filed by former or current employees or employment applicants alleging discrimination or harassment in violation of various federal or state regulations. The Company does not believe that any of the pending employment-related claims are material.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Information about risk factors for the three months ended March 31, 2013, does not differ materially from those in set forth in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

On May 29, 2012, Board of Directors of Medifast, Inc. authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The authorization remains open for a period of 24 months ending on May 29, 2014. This authorization is in addition to the previously reported share repurchase authorizations on May 18, 2011 and on July 21, 2011.

 

Stock repurchases under this program may be made by brokers through open market and privately negotiated transactions at times and in such amounts as management shall deem appropriate pursuant to Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. The timing and actual number of shares which may be  repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate authorization provisions, above noted regulatory requirements, and other market conditions.

 

We are not obligated to purchase any shares. Subject to applicable securities laws repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts, as our management deems appropriate. The share repurchase program may be discontinued or terminated at any time and we have not established a date for completion of the share repurchase program. The repurchases will be funded from our available cash.

 

There are 1,125,000 remaining authorized shares that may be repurchased.

 

No stock repurchases were made during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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.

 

Medifast, Inc.

 

BY: /S/ MICHAEL C. MACDONALD   May 10, 2013
  Michael C. MacDonald    
  Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer    
  (principal executive officer )    
       
BY: /S/ TIMOTHY G. ROBINSON   May 10, 2013
  Timothy G. Robinson    
  Chief Financial Officer    
  (principal financial officer)    

 

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Index to Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number   Description of Exhibit
     
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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