Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2010

OR

 

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

For the Transition Period From              to             

Commission File Number 0-28551

 

 

Nutrisystem, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   23-3012204
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

300 Welsh Road, Building 1, Suite 100

Horsham, Pennsylvania

  19044
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

(215) 706-5300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-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 April 29, 2010:

 

Common Stock, $.001 par value

   31,377,677 shares

 

 

 


Table of Contents

NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

                 Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
  Item 1     Financial Statements (unaudited)   
      Consolidated Balance Sheets    1
      Consolidated Statements of Operations    2
      Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income    3
      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    4
      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    5
  Item 2     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    14
  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 1A     Risk Factors    21
  Item 2     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    21
  Item 3     Defaults Upon Senior Securities    22
  Item 5     Other Information    22
  Item 6     Exhibits    22
SIGNATURES    23


Table of Contents

NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     March 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 59,123      $ 31,864   

Marketable securities

     30,480        30,324   

Receivables

     14,389        12,932   

Inventories, net

     40,550        52,012   

Prepaid income taxes

     —          2,420   

Deferred income taxes

     2,988        2,756   

Other current assets

     6,252        10,659   

Current assets of discontinued operations

     395        648   
                

Total current assets

     154,177        143,615   

FIXED ASSETS, net

     25,076        20,984   

OTHER ASSETS

     6,080        5,752   

NON-CURRENT ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     447        436   
                
   $ 185,780      $ 170,787   
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 39,043      $ 32,246   

Accrued payroll and related benefits

     2,109        1,088   

Deferred revenue

     3,099        3,710   

Income taxes payable

     1,259        —     

Other accrued expenses and current liabilities

     5,577        2,653   

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

     450        577   
                

Total current liabilities

     51,537        40,274   

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

     5,130        1,550   
                

Total liabilities

     56,667        41,824   
                

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)

    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

Preferred stock, $.001 par value (5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding)

     —          —     

Common stock, $.001 par value (100,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued – 31,386,323 at March 31, 2010 and 30,949,784 at December 31, 2009)

     29        29   

Additional paid-in capital

     7,258        6,515   

Retained earnings

     121,942        122,503   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (116     (84
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     129,113        128,963   
                
   $ 185,780      $ 170,787   
                

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

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009  

REVENUE

   $ 158,830      $ 161,779   
                

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

    

Cost of revenue

     72,139        75,472   

Marketing

     56,605        46,844   

General and administrative

     19,255        21,553   

Depreciation and amortization

     2,991        2,451   
                

Total costs and expenses

     150,990        146,320   
                

Operating income from continuing operations

     7,840        15,459   

OTHER EXPENSE

     (35     (91

EQUITY LOSS

     —          (390

INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), net

     56        (49
                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     7,861        14,929   

INCOME TAXES

     2,962        5,610   
                

Income from continuing operations

     4,899        9,319   

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (NOTE 9):

    

Loss on discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit

     (98     (477
                

Net income

   $ 4,801      $ 8,842   
                

BASIC INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.16      $ 0.31   

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          (0.02
                

Net income

   $ 0.16      $ 0.29   
                

DILUTED INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.16      $ 0.30   

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.01     (0.01
                

Net income

   $ 0.15      $ 0.29   
                

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:

    

Basic

     29,707        29,316   

Diluted

     30,035        29,530   

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

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited, in thousands, except share amounts)

 

     Common
Shares
   Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Retained
Earnings
    Total  

BALANCE, January 1, 2010

   29,627,261    $ 29    $ 6,515      $ (84   $ 122,503      $ 128,963   

Net income

   —        —        —          —          4,801        4,801   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   —        —        —          (13     —          (13

Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax

   —        —        —          (19     —          (19
                    

Total comprehensive income

                 4,769   

Share-based expense

   73,845      —        742        —          —          742   

Exercise of stock options

   44,159      —        101        —          —          101   

Equity compensation awards, net

   —        —        (100     —          —          (100

Cash dividends

   —        —        —          —          (5,362     (5,362
                                            

BALANCE, March 31, 2010

   29,745,265    $ 29    $ 7,258      $ (116   $ 121,942      $ 129,113   
                                            

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

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2010     2009  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 4,801      $ 8,842   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Loss on discontinued operations

     98        477   

Depreciation and amortization

     2,991        2,451   

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     65        —     

Share–based expense

     2,143        2,041   

Deferred income tax benefit

     (611     (685

Equity loss

     —          390   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Receivables

     (1,455     1,458   

Inventories, net

     11,462        15,698   

Other assets

     4,468        223   

Accounts payable

     6,764        9,632   

Accrued payroll and related benefits

     1,021        (819

Deferred revenue

     (611     (744

Income taxes

     3,701        5,793   

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

     2,211        1,212   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

     37,048        45,969   

Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations

     (133     (281
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     36,915        45,688   
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Purchases of marketable securities

     (186     —     

Capital additions

     (2,964     (2,315
                

Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations

     (3,150     (2,315

Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations

     (52     (31
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (3,202     (2,346
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Exercise of stock options

     101        38   

Equity compensation awards, net

     (1,408     (662

Payment of dividends

     (5,362     (5,331

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

     —          (1,939
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (6,669     (7,894
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     19        (58
                

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     27,063        35,390   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

     32,364        38,631   
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

     59,427        74,021   

LESS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, end of period

     304        1,377   
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS, end of period

   $ 59,123      $ 72,644   
                

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

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share amounts) 

1. BACKGROUND

Nature of the Business

Nutrisystem, Inc. (the “Company” or “Nutrisystem”), a provider of weight management products and services, offers nutritionally balanced weight-loss programs based on 35 years of nutrition research and on the science of the low glycemic index. The Company’s pre-packaged foods are sold directly to weight loss program participants primarily through the Internet and telephone (including the redemption of prepaid program cards), referred to as the direct channel and through QVC, a television shopping network.

In the first quarter of 2010, the Company committed to a plan to sell its subsidiary Nutrisystem Fresh, Inc. (“NuKitchen”), a provider of freshly prepared meals designed to promote weight management and healthy living. NuKitchen has been treated as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, the operating results have been presented separately from continuing operations and are included in loss on discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities have also been presented separately in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 9).

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Presentation of Financial Statements

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include 100% of the assets and liabilities of Nutrisystem, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Interim Financial Statements

The Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations for these interim periods. Accordingly, readers of these consolidated financial statements should refer to the Company’s audited financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and the related notes thereto, for the year ended December 31, 2009, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 as certain footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted from this report pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

Cash and cash equivalents include only securities having a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, demand accounts and money market accounts comprised all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents.

Marketable securities consist of investments in a bond fund that holds short term U.S. government securities with original maturities of greater than three months. The Company classifies these as available-for-sale securities. The marketable securities are reported at fair value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects.

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share amounts)

 

At March 31, 2010, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of continuing operations consisted of the following:

 

     Cost    Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair  Value
     (in thousands)

Cash

   $ 34,121    $ —      $ —      $ 34,121

Money market account

     25,002      —        —        25,002

U.S. government bond fund

     30,530      —        50      30,480
                           
   $ 89,653    $ —      $ 50    $ 89,603
                           

At December 31, 2009, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of continuing operations consisted of the following:

 

     Cost    Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair  Value
     (in thousands)

Cash

   $ 31,864    $ —      $ —      $ 31,864

U.S. government bond fund

     30,344      —        20      30,324
                           
   $ 62,208    $ —      $ 20    $ 62,188
                           

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which are generally two to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the related lease term. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred, while major renewals and improvements are capitalized. As of March 31, 2010, the Company recorded $6,154 million in construction in progress for an anticipated office move in the second half of 2010.

Included in fixed assets is the capitalized cost of internal-use software and website development incurred during the application development stage. Capitalized costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, which is generally two to five years. Costs incurred related to planning or maintenance of internal-use software and website development are charged to expense as incurred. The net book value of capitalized software was $12,035 and $12,274 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales is recognized when the earnings process is complete, which is upon transfer of title to the product. This transfer occurs upon shipment. Recognition of revenue upon shipment meets the revenue recognition criteria in that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the selling price is fixed and determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Deferred revenue consists primarily of unredeemed prepaid program cards, unshipped frozen foods and promotional offers. Customers may return unopened product within 30 days of purchase in order to receive a refund or credit. Estimated returns are accrued at the time the sale is recognized and actual returns are tracked monthly. The Company reviews its history of actual versus estimated returns to ensure reserves are appropriate.

The Company sells prepaid program cards to wholesalers and retailers. Revenue from these cards is recognized after the card is redeemed online at the Company’s website by the customer and the product is shipped to the customer.

Revenue from product sales includes amounts billed for shipping and handling and is presented net of returns and billed sales tax. Revenue from shipping and handling charges were $1,817 and $1,510 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Shipping-related costs are included in cost of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share amounts)

 

The Company reviews the reserves for customer returns at each reporting period and adjusts them to reflect data available at that time. To estimate reserves for returns, the Company considers actual return rates in preceding periods and changes in product offerings or marketing methods that might impact returns going forward. To the extent the estimate of returns changes, the Company will adjust the reserve, which will impact the amount of product sales revenue recognized in the period of the adjustment. The provision for estimated returns for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $9,208 and $9,614, respectively. The reserve for returns incurred but not received and processed was $3,559 and $1,850 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, and has been included in other accrued expenses and current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Dependence on Suppliers

Approximately 21% and 16% of inventory purchases for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were from two suppliers. The Company has supply arrangements with these vendors that require the Company to make minimum purchases (see Note 7). For the three months ended March 31, 2009, these vendors supplied approximately 26% and 19% of total purchases, respectively.

The Company currently outsources 100% of its fulfillment operations to a third party provider. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, more than 85% of its fulfillment operations were handled by this third party provider.

Vendor Rebates

One of the Company’s suppliers provides for rebates based on purchasing levels. The Company accounts for this rebate on an accrual basis as purchases are made at a rebate percent determined based upon the estimated total purchases from the vendor. The estimated rebate is recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of purchased inventory and is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations when the associated inventory is sold. A receivable is recorded for the estimate of the rebate earned. The rebate period is June 1 through May 31 of each year. For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, we reduced cost of revenue by $724 and $514, respectively, for these rebates. A receivable of $2,071 and $1,478 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, has been recorded in receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Historically, the actual rebate received from the vendor has closely matched the estimated rebate recorded. An adjustment is made to the estimate upon determination of the final rebate.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

A three-tier fair value hierarchy has been established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) to prioritize the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers are as follows:

Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

Level 2—Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3—Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.

The fair values of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or a Level 1 methodology.

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share amounts)

 

Earnings Per Share

The Company uses the two-class method to calculate earnings per share (“EPS”) as the unvested shares issued under the Company’s equity incentive plans are participating shares with nonforfeitable rights to dividends. Under the two-class method, earnings per common share are computed by dividing the sum of distributed earnings to common shareholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In applying the two-class method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities based on the number of weighted average shares outstanding during the period. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     (in thousands, except
per share amounts)
 
     2010     2009  

Income from continuing operations

   $ 4,899      $ 9,319   

Income allocated to unvested restricted stock

     (178     (367
                

Income from continuing operations allocated to common shares

     4,721        8,952   

Loss on discontinued operations

     (98     (477
                

Net income allocated to common shares

   $ 4,623      $ 8,475   
                

Weighted average shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     29,707        29,316   

Effect of dilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock

     328        214   
                

Diluted

     30,035        29,530   
                

Basic income per common share:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.16      $ 0.31   

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          (0.02
                

Net income

   $ 0.16      $ 0.29   
                

Diluted income per common share:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.16      $ 0.30   

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.01     (0.01
                

Net income

   $ 0.15      $ 0.29   
                

In the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, common stock equivalents from stock options and unvested restricted stock representing 141,717 and 909,522 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from weighted average shares outstanding for diluted income per share purposes because the effect would be anti-dilutive. Additionally, 180,000 performance-based restricted stock units were excluded from weighted average shares outstanding for diluted income per share purposes because the necessary vesting conditions have not yet been met.

Cash Flow Information

The Company made payments for income taxes of $65 and $319 in the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Interest payments in the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 were $76 and $75, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company recorded non-cash capital additions of $4,178 purchased primarily through a tenant lease incentive allowance.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the FASB issued new guidance that expands and clarifies existing disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance requires the gross presentation of activity within the Level 3 fair value measurement roll forward and details of transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements. In addition, companies will be required to disclose quantitative information about the inputs used in determining fair values. These standards were adopted in the first quarter of 2010. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share amounts)

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and operating expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

3. EQUITY INVESTMENT

On October 11, 2007, the Company purchased 1,320,650 Series A Preferred Units from Zero Water, at a purchase price of $10.60 per Series A Unit for an aggregate purchase price of $14,258, which included acquisition costs of $259. This represented approximately a 27% fully diluted equity interest in Zero Water. This investment was accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

In June 2009, the Company abandoned its interest in Zero Water as management determined that the business was no longer aligned with the Company’s current strategic direction and wrote-off the remaining investment. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, an equity loss of $390 was recorded for the Company’s share of Zero Water’s loss and amortization expense for the difference between the cost and the underlying equity in net assets of Zero Water at the investment date.

4. CREDIT FACILITY

On October 2, 2007, the Company executed a credit agreement with a group of lenders that provides for a $200,000 unsecured revolving credit facility with an expansion feature, subject to certain conditions, to increase the facility to $300,000 (the “Credit Facility”). No amounts were borrowed during 2010 or 2009. There were no amounts outstanding as of March 31, 2010.

The Credit Facility provides for interest at either a floating rate, which will be a base rate, or a Eurocurrency rate equal to the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate for the relevant term, plus an applicable margin. The base rate will be the higher of the lender’s base rate or one-half of one percent above the Federal Funds Rate. The Credit Facility is also subject to a 0.15% per annum unused fee payable quarterly. During the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company paid no interest payments and $76 and $75 in an unused line fee, respectively. Interest payments and unused lines fees are classified as interest income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The Credit Facility contains financial and other covenants, including a maximum leverage ratio and minimum interest coverage ratio, and includes limitations on, among other things, liens, certain acquisitions, consolidations and sales of assets. The Company may declare and pay cash dividends up to specified amounts if certain ratios are maintained and no events of default have occurred. As of March 31, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the Credit Facility.

At March 31, 2010, the Company had $407 of unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Credit Facility that are being amortized over the remaining term of the Credit Facility. The amount of unused Credit Facility at March 31, 2010 was $200,000. The Credit Facility can be drawn upon through October 2, 2012, at which time all amounts must be repaid.

5. CAPITAL STOCK

Common Stock

The Company issued 44,159 and 18,002 shares of common stock in the first quarter of 2010 and 2009 respectively, upon the exercise of stock options and received proceeds of $101 and $38. Additionally, 119,317 and 113,134 shares of restricted stock vested in the first quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively. Included in the number of shares vested in the first quarter of 2010 and 2009 were 47,478 and 43,938 shares, respectively, that employees surrendered to the Company for payment of the minimum tax withholding obligations. Also, in the first quarter of 2010, the Company issued 2,006 shares of common stock as compensation to board members and spokespersons. Costs recognized for stock grants

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share amounts)

 

issued to board members and spokespersons were $156 and $114 for the first quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively. During both the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company paid a dividend of $0.175 per share to all shareholders of record.

The Company and its Board of Directors have authorized stock repurchase programs of which an additional $113,831 of outstanding shares of common stock may be purchased through March 31, 2011. The repurchase programs may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased depends on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, alternative investment opportunities and other market conditions. The Company did not purchase and retire any shares during the first quarter of 2010. In the first quarter of 2009, the Company purchased and retired 132,200 shares of common stock for an aggregate cost of $1,939. The cost of the purchased shares was reflected in the accompanying statement of stockholders’ equity as a reduction of common stock (equal to par value of purchased shares), additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) (equal to balance in APIC) with the excess recorded as a reduction in retained earnings.

Preferred Stock

The Company has authorized 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock issuable in series upon resolution of the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise required by law, the Board of Directors can, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock in the future with voting and conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power of the common stock. The issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, averting or preventing a change in control of the Company.

6. SHARE-BASED EXPENSE

The following table summarizes the options granted, exercised and cancelled during the three months ended March 31, 2010:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

Outstanding, January 1, 2010

   127,760      $ 6.92      

Granted

   —          —        

Exercised

   (44,159     2.30      

Forfeited

   —          —        
              

Outstanding, March 31, 2010

   83,601      $ 9.36    3.54    $ 857
                        

Exercisable, March 31, 2010

   83,601      $ 9.36    3.54    $ 857
                        

Expected to vest at March 31, 2010

   83,601      $ 9.36    3.54    $ 857
                        

In 2010 and 2009, the Company did not record any pre-tax compensation charges for stock option awards as all outstanding awards are fully vested. There were no option grants during the three months ended March 31, 2010 or 2009. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $815 and $195, respectively.

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share amounts)

 

The Company has issued restricted stock to employees generally with terms ranging from three 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 for the three months ended March 31, 2010:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Nonvested, January 1, 2010

   1,317,023      $ 20.12

Granted

   500,705        17.93

Vested

   (119,317     18.67

Forfeited

   (57,353     18.84
        

Nonvested, March 31, 2010

   1,641,058      $ 19.60
            

Additionally, the Company grants restricted stock units. The restricted stock units granted during the three months ended March 31, 2010 were primarily performance-based units and will be settled in stock after the achievement of specific performance goals over a specified performance period. The Company recognizes expense for performance-based restricted stock units when it is probable that the performance criteria specified will be achieved. The fair value is equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Expense is amortized ratably over the vesting period. The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2010:

 

     Number of
Restricted
Stock Units
   Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Nonvested, January 1, 2010

   5,500    $ 14.84

Granted

   187,500      17.53

Vested

   —        —  

Forfeited

   —        —  
       

Nonvested, March 31, 2010

   193,000    $ 17.45
           

The Company recorded compensation of $1,987 and $1,927, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, in connection with the issuance of the restricted stock and restricted stock units.

As of March 31, 2010, there was $29,165 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. The total unrecognized compensation expense will be fully expensed through the first quarter of 2014.

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation

Commencing on October 9, 2007, several putative class actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania naming Nutrisystem, Inc. and certain of its officers and directors as defendants and alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The complaints purported to bring claims on behalf of a class of persons who purchased the Company’s common stock between February 14, 2007 and October 3, 2007 or October 4, 2007. The complaints alleged that the defendants issued various materially false and misleading statements relating to the Company’s projected performance that had the effect of artificially inflating the market price of its securities. These actions were consolidated in December 2007 under docket number 07-4215. On January 3, 2008, the Court appointed lead plaintiffs and lead counsel pursuant to the requirements of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and a consolidated amended complaint was filed on March 7, 2008. The consolidated amended complaint raises the same claims but alleges a class period of February 14, 2007 through February 19, 2008. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss on May 6, 2008. On August 31, 2009, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss. On September 29, 2009, plaintiff filed a notice of appeal, and the dismissal is currently on appeal. The appeal has been fully briefed. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to defend the litigation vigorously.

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share amounts)

 

Commencing on October 30, 2007, two shareholder derivative suits were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. These suits, which were nominally brought on behalf of Nutrisystem, Inc., name certain of its officers and a majority of the current Board of Directors as defendants. The federal complaints allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and claims for breach of fiduciary duty, waste, and unjust enrichment against all defendants and insider selling against certain defendants. The complaints are based on many of the same allegations as the putative class action described above but add contentions regarding the Company’s buyback program. The two federal actions were consolidated in December 2007 under docket number 07-4565, and an amended complaint was filed on March 14, 2008 naming a majority of the current Board of Directors as defendants and certain current and former officers. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss on May 13, 2008. On October 26, 2009, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss. As of March 31, 2010, no appeal has been taken.

A shareholder derivative action was also filed in the Common Pleas Court of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in November 2007. Like the federal derivative action, the state court action is nominally brought on behalf of the Company and names a majority of the current Board of Directors as defendants. This action has been stayed. The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the litigation vigorously.

The Company received in November 2007 correspondence from an attorney purporting to represent a Nutrisystem shareholder. This correspondence requested that the Company’s Board of Directors appoint a special litigation committee to investigate unspecified breaches of fiduciary duty. The disinterested and independent board members met to discuss this issue and responded to the attorney’s correspondence. Following receipt of additional correspondence from the same attorney in February 2008, the Board of Directors was considering its response when the shareholder represented by this attorney commenced a derivative lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania in the name of the Company against the entire Board of Directors at that time and certain current and former officers. The Board of Directors responded to the attorney’s correspondence. The parties have reached an agreement to stay this matter pending the disposition of the motion to dismiss the federal securities putative class action complaint. The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the litigation vigorously.

On March 28, 2008, a former Nutrisystem, Inc. sales representative filed a putative collective action complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, docket no. 08-1508, alleging that the Company unlawfully failed to pay overtime in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The complaint purported to bring claims on behalf of a class of current and former sales representatives who were compensated by the Company pursuant to a commission-based compensation plan, rather than on an hourly basis. The plaintiff filed an amended complaint on May 28, 2008, adding a state-law class claim under the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act, alleging that the Company’s compensation plan also violated state law. On June 11, 2008, the Company answered the amended complaint and moved to dismiss the plaintiff’s state-law class claim. On June 11, 2008, the plaintiff filed a motion to proceed as a collective action and sent class members notice under the Fair Labor Standards Act claim. On July 25, 2008, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss with respect to the state law claim. On September 26, 2008, the Court granted plaintiff’s motion to proceed as a collective action and facilitate notice. On October 8, 2008, the Court entered a Stipulation and Order approving proposed notice of a collective action lawsuit. On October 14, 2008, plaintiff’s counsel mailed notice to potential class members. Including plaintiff, fifty-four former sales representatives and fourteen current sales representatives have opted-in to this litigation. On March 9, 2009, the Company filed a motion for summary judgment on plaintiffs’ claims. On June 22, 2009, plaintiffs filed their response in opposition to the Company’s motion for summary judgment and cross-motion for summary judgment. On July 6, 2009, the Company filed its reply in further support of its motion for summary judgment. Thereafter, on July 22, 2009, plaintiffs filed their reply in further support of their cross-motion for summary judgment. The Court heard oral argument on the cross-motions for summary judgment on July 24, 2009. On July 31, 2009, the Court entered an Order granting the Company’s motion for summary judgment and denying plaintiffs’ cross-motion for summary judgment. On September 10, 2009, plaintiffs filed an appeal of the Court’s Order granting the Company’s motion for summary judgment and denying plaintiffs’ cross-motion for summary judgment. On January 4, 2010, plaintiffs filed their brief in support of their appeal. On January 7, 2010, several employee rights organizations filed an amicus curiae brief in this matter. On January 21, 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor filed an amicus curiae brief in this matter. On March 8, 2010, the Company filed its brief in opposition to plaintiffs’ appeal. The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the litigation vigorously.

The Company is also involved in other various claims and routine litigation matters. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the outcome of such matters is not anticipated to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in future years.

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share amounts)

 

Contractual Commitments

The Company has entered into supply agreements with various food vendors. The majority of these agreements provide for annual pricing, annual purchase obligations, as well as exclusivity in the production of certain products, with terms of five years or less. One agreement also provides rebates if certain volume thresholds are exceeded. The Company anticipates it will meet all annual purchase obligations.

8. INCOME TAXES

The Company recorded income taxes at an estimated annual effective income tax rate applied to income before income taxes of 37.7% and 37.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company offsets taxable income for state tax purposes with net operating loss carryforwards. At December 31, 2009, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $10,163 for state tax purposes. For state tax purposes, there is a limitation on the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that can be utilized in a given year to offset state taxable income and management believes that some of the net operating loss carryforwards will be subject to this annual limit in 2010. State net operating losses will begin to expire in 2020. The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $1,403 and $1,375, respectively. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate is approximately $912 and $893 for the same respective periods.

Based on the projected level of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the net deferred tax assets.

9. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In the first quarter of 2010, the Company committed to a plan to sell its subsidiary, NuKitchen, as it was no longer aligned with the business direction of the Company. NuKitchen has been treated as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, the operating results of this discontinued operation have been presented separately from continuing operations for all periods presented. The Company expects to sell NuKitchen within the next 12 months. NuKitchen had revenues of $719 and $911 and pre-tax losses of $157 and $750 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Income tax benefits of $59 and $278 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, reduced the loss on discontinued operation to $98 and $472, respectively.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Except for the historical information contained herein, this Report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue,” or similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those set forth in “Item 1A—Risk Factors” as disclosed in our Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2010 with the SEC. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the results in the forward-looking statements will be achieved.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial information included elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-Q.

Background

We provide weight management products and services and offer nutritionally balanced weight-loss programs based on 35 years of nutrition research and on the science of the low glycemic index. Our pre-packaged foods are sold directly to weight loss program participants primarily through the Internet and telephone (including the redemption of prepaid program cards), referred to as the direct channel, and through QVC, a television shopping network.

Revenue consists primarily of food sales. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the direct channel accounted for 95% of total revenue compared to 5% for QVC. We incur significant marketing expenditures to support our brand. We believe that our brand is continuing to gain awareness as we continue to advertise across various media channels. New media channels are tested on a continual basis and we consider our media mix to be diverse. We market our weight management system through television, print, direct mail, Internet and public relations. We review and analyze a number of key operating and financial metrics to manage our business, including the number of new customers, revenue per customer, total revenues, marketing per new customer, operating margins and reactivation revenue.

During 2009, we began marketing our Nutrisystem D program, a low-glycemic program specifically designed for individuals with type 2 diabetes who need to lose weight. Results from a clinical study conducted at the Temple University School of Medicine and published in the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine showed that a pre-packaged, portion controlled meal plan helped overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes lose up to 16 times more weight and experience greater reductions in their A1C levels as compared to the control group. This weight loss was also associated with reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol and waist circumference. We funded this research study. The Nutrisystem D program is continuing to show strength in results and new customer counts in 2010 and we anticipate that it will be a strategic component of our portfolio of future growth.

We continued to offer our program at Costco through the use of prepaid program cards. Expanding further in the retail area, the Nutrisystem program is now offered at other large retailers. Each retailer offers a unique promotional package and pricing through the use of prepaid cards. Costco has continued to perform in accordance with our expectations, while the other retailers offering our program have not. We expect to discontinue offering our program at underperforming retailers by the second quarter of 2010, but we will continually explore other major retailers where we may potentially offer our program in the future. We incurred approximately $3.0 million in additional expense during the three months ended March 31, 2010 related to the retail launch.

 

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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 included in Item 8 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

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. The accounting estimates we consider critical include reserves for returns, vendor rebates, excess and obsolete inventory and income taxes. These critical accounting estimates are discussed with our audit committee quarterly.

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we did not make any material change to our critical accounting policies.

Results of Operations

Revenue and expenses consist of the following components:

Revenue. Revenue consists primarily of food sales. Food sales include sales of food, supplements, shipping and handling charges billed to customers and sales credits and adjustments, including product returns. No revenue is recorded for food products provided at no charge as part of promotions.

Cost of Revenue. Cost of revenue consists primarily of the cost of the products sold, including compensation related to fulfillment, the costs of outside fulfillment, incoming and outgoing shipping costs, charge card fees and packing material. Cost of products sold includes products provided at no charge as part of promotions and the non-food materials provided with customer orders.

Marketing Expense. Marketing expense includes media, advertising production, marketing and promotional expenses and payroll-related expenses for personnel engaged in these activities. Internet advertising expense is recorded based on either the rate of delivery of a guaranteed number of impressions over the advertising contract term or on a cost per customer acquired, depending upon the terms. Direct-mail advertising costs are capitalized if the primary purpose was to elicit sales to customers who could be shown to have responded specifically to the advertising and results in probable future economic benefits. The capitalized costs are amortized to expense over the period during which the future benefits are expected to be received. All other advertising costs are charged to expense as incurred.

General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense consists of compensation for administrative, information technology, counselors, customer service and sales personnel, share-based payment arrangements, facility expenses, website development costs, professional service fees and other general corporate expenses.

Equity Loss. Equity loss consists of our share of the earnings or losses of our equity interests. In June 2009, we abandoned our interest in Zero Technologies, LLC (“Zero Water”), as management determined that the business was no longer aligned with our current strategic direction. We held approximately a 27% fully diluted interest in Zero Water and had the ability to significantly influence the operations of Zero Water. The investment in Zero Water was accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Interest Income (Expense), Net. Interest income (expense), net consists of the net amount of interest expense and interest income earned on cash balances and marketable securities.

Income Taxes. We are subject to corporate level income taxes and record a provision for income taxes based on an estimated annual effective income tax rate for the year.

 

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Overview of the Direct Channel

In the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the direct channel represented 95% and 93%, respectively, of our revenue. Net sales through the direct channel were $150.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $151.0 million in 2009. The decrease in 2010 is primarily attributable to a decline in reactivation revenue, which was partially offset by an increase in customer starts. Revenue is primarily generated through customer starts, reactivation of former customers and the customer ordering behavior, including length of time on our program and the diet program selection. Critical to increasing customer starts is our ability to deploy marketing dollars while maintaining marketing effectiveness. Factors influencing our marketing effectiveness include the quality of the advertisements, promotional activity by our competitors, as well as the price and availability of appropriate media.

Overview of Distribution through QVC

We distribute our proprietary prepackaged food through QVC, a television home shopping network. In the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, this channel represented 5% and 7% of our revenue, respectively. On the QVC network, we reach a large audience in a 50 minute infomercial format that enables us to fully convey the benefits of the Nutrisystem diet programs. Under the terms of our agreement, QVC viewers purchase Nutrisystem products directly from QVC and are not directed to the Nutrisystem website. Retail prices (including shipping and handling) offered on QVC to consumers are similar to prices offered on the website. We generate a lower gross margin (as a percent of revenue) on sales through QVC relative to the direct channel, but QVC sales require no incremental advertising and marketing expense and, management believes, exposure on QVC raises consumer awareness of the Nutrisystem brand. Net sales through QVC were $7.9 million and $10.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. QVC sales are a function of the number of shows and the sales per minute on each show. The decrease in QVC sales can be primarily attributed to a decline in the number of customers placing a second order through QVC and a decrease in air time and sales per minute.

 

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2010     2009     $ Change     % Change  
     (in thousands)  

REVENUE

   $ 158,830      $ 161,779      $ (2,949   (2 )% 
                          

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

        

Cost of revenue

     72,139        75,472        (3,333   (4 )% 

Marketing

     56,605        46,844        9,761      21

General and administrative

     19,255        21,553        (2,298   (11 )% 

Depreciation and amortization

     2,991        2,451        540      22
                          

Total costs and expenses

     150,990        146,320        4,670      3
                          

Operating income from continuing operations

     7,840        15,459        (7,619   (49 )% 

OTHER EXPENSE

     (35     (91     56      62

EQUITY LOSS

     —          (390     390      100

INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), net

     56        (49     105      214
                          

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     7,861        14,929        (7,068   (47 )% 

INCOME TAXES

     2,962        5,610        (2,648   (47 )% 
                          

Income from continuing operations

     4,899        9,319        (4,420   (47 )% 

LOSS ON DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net

     (98     (477     379      79
                          

Net income

   $ 4,801      $ 8,842      $ (4,041   (46 )% 
                          

% of revenue

        

Gross margin

     54.6     53.3    

Marketing

     35.6     29.0    

General and administrative

     12.1     13.3    

Operating income from continuing operations

     4.9     9.6    

Revenue. Revenue decreased to $158.8 million in the first quarter of 2010 from $161.8 million for the first quarter of 2009. The revenue decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in QVC and reactivation revenue. QVC revenue declined as a result of a decline in the number of customers placing a second order through QVC and a decrease in air time and sales per minute. Reactivation revenue decreased primarily due to the historical decline in the number of customer starts. The direct channel accounted for 95% of the revenue in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 5% for QVC. In the first quarter of 2009, the direct channel accounted for 93% of the total revenue compared to 7% for QVC.

Costs and Expenses. Cost of revenue decreased to $72.1 million in the first quarter of 2010 from $75.5 million in the first quarter of 2009. Gross margin as a percent of revenue increased to 54.6% in the first quarter of 2010 from 53.3% for the first quarter of 2009. The increase in gross margin was primarily attributable to decreased food costs.

Marketing expense increased to $56.6 million in the first quarter of 2010 from $46.8 million in the first quarter of 2009. Marketing expense as a percent of revenue increased to 35.6% in the first quarter of 2010 from 29.0% for the first quarter of 2009. Substantially all marketing spending during the first quarter of 2010 promoted the direct business and the increase in spending is due to increased media rates experienced during the beginning of the first quarter of 2010. The increase in marketing is primarily attributable to increased spending for advertising media ($8.0 million), the production of television advertising ($904,000), public relations and promotional fees ($355,000) and marketing consulting ($848,000). These increases were partially offset by a decrease in marketing compensation and benefits ($306,000). In total, media spending was $50.3 million in the first quarter of 2010 and $42.3 million in the first quarter of 2009.

 

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General and administrative expense decreased to $19.3 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared to $21.6 million in the first quarter of 2009. General and administrative expense as a percent of revenue decreased to 12.1% in the first quarter of 2010 from 13.3% for the first quarter of 2009. The decrease in spending is primarily attributable to lower compensation, benefits and temporary help ($559,000) and decreased outside and computer services ($1.6 million) due to efforts we have taken to streamline work processes.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $540,000 due to the increased capital expenditures on our website and an impending office move.

Other Expense. Other expense primarily represents the impact of changes in the Canadian dollar during 2010 as compared to 2009.

Equity Loss. In June 2009, we abandoned our interest in Zero Water, as management determined that the business was no longer aligned with our current strategic direction. Prior to the abandonment, estimated losses of $390,000 were recorded in the first quarter of 2009 for our share of Zero Water’s loss and the amortization expense for the difference between cost and the underlying equity in net assets of Zero Water.

Interest Income (Expense), Net. Interest income, net, was $56,000 in the first quarter of 2010 compared to interest expense, net, of $49,000 in the first quarter of 2009. The change is due to amounts invested in marketable securities during the first quarter of 2010 as opposed to cash and cash equivalents in 2009.

Income Taxes. In the first quarter of 2010, we recorded income tax expense of $3.0 million, which reflects an estimated annual effective income tax rate of 37.7%. In the first quarter of 2009, we recorded income tax expense of $5.6 million, which reflected an estimated annual effective income tax rate of 37.6%.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

As of March 31, 2010, our principal commitments consisted of obligations under supply agreements with food vendors, an agreement with our outside fulfillment provider, operating leases and employment contracts. Additionally we have entered into obligations to purchase certain capital assets for an anticipated office move during the second half of 2010. We anticipate increased spending for capital additions during 2010 as compared to 2009.

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, there were no items that significantly impacted our commitments and contingencies as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009, as included in our Form 10-K. In addition, we have no off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Financial Data

The capital and credit markets have become more volatile as a result of the recent global economic conditions. This has caused a general tightening in the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity and increased financing costs. Despite these factors, we believe that available capital resources are sufficient to fund our working capital requirements, capital expenditures, income tax obligations, dividends and share repurchases for the foreseeable future.

At March 31, 2010, we had net working capital of $102.6 million, compared to net working capital of $103.3 million at December 31, 2009. Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2010 were $59.1 million, an increase of $27.2 million from the balance of $31.9 million at December 31, 2009. Additionally, we had $30.5 million invested in marketable securities at March 31, 2010 as compared to $30.3 million at December 31, 2009. Our principal source of liquidity during this period was cash flows from operations.

We have a $200.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of lenders, which is committed until October 2, 2012 with an expansion feature, subject to certain conditions, to increase the facility to $300.0 million. We have not borrowed any amounts against this facility during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 and no amounts are outstanding as of March 31, 2010.

 

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In the three months ended March 31, 2010, we generated a cash flow of $37.0 million from operating activities of continuing operations, a decrease of $8.9 million from 2009. The decrease in cash flow from operations is primarily attributable to net changes in operating assets and liabilities and lower net income.

In the three months ended March 31, 2010, net cash used in investing activities was $3.2 million primarily for capital expenditures. We are continuing to invest in our ecommerce platform, web initiatives and capital expenditures for an office move during 2010.

In the three months ended March 31, 2010, net cash used in financing activities was $6.7 million primarily for the payment of dividends.

Our Board of Directors has authorized stock repurchase programs of which an additional $113.8 million of our outstanding shares of common stock may be purchased through March 31, 2011. The repurchase programs may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice. The repurchased shares have been retired.

Subsequent to March 31, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.175 per share payable on May 24, 2010 to shareholders of record as of May 13, 2010. Although the Company intends to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends, the declaration and payment of future dividends are discretionary and will be subject to quarterly determination by the Board of Directors following its review of the Company’s financial performance.

Seasonality

Typically in the weight loss industry, revenue is strongest in the first calendar quarter and lowest in the fourth calendar quarter. We believe our business experiences seasonality, driven by the predisposition of dieters to initiate a diet and the price and availability of certain media.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We believe that we are not subject to any material risks arising from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices or other market changes that affect market risk instruments. We do not have any variable interest debt outstanding at March 31, 2010 and our cash and cash equivalents at that date of $59.1 million were maintained in bank accounts. Additionally, we invested $30.5 million in marketable securities, which are classified as available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As such, a change in interest rates of 1 percentage point would not have a material impact on our operating results and cash flows.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The SEC defines the term “disclosure controls and procedures” to mean a company’s controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures by our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures at the end of the period covered by this report were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

(b) 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, 2010 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

Litigation

Commencing on October 9, 2007, several putative class actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania naming Nutrisystem, Inc. and certain of its officers and directors as defendants and alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The complaints purported to bring claims on behalf of a class of persons who purchased the Company’s common stock between February 14, 2007 and October 3, 2007 or October 4, 2007. The complaints alleged that the defendants issued various materially false and misleading statements relating to the Company’s projected performance that had the effect of artificially inflating the market price of its securities. These actions were consolidated in December 2007 under docket number 07-4215. On January 3, 2008, the Court appointed lead plaintiffs and lead counsel pursuant to the requirements of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and a consolidated amended complaint was filed on March 7, 2008. The consolidated amended complaint raises the same claims but alleges a class period of February 14, 2007 through February 19, 2008. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss on May 6, 2008. On August 31, 2009, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss. On September 29, 2009, plaintiff filed a notice of appeal, and the dismissal is currently on appeal. The appeal has been fully briefed. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to defend the litigation vigorously.

Commencing on October 30, 2007, two shareholder derivative suits were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. These suits, which were nominally brought on behalf of Nutrisystem, Inc., name certain of its officers and a majority of the current Board of Directors as defendants. The federal complaints allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and claims for breach of fiduciary duty, waste, and unjust enrichment against all defendants and insider selling against certain defendants. The complaints are based on many of the same allegations as the putative class action described above but add contentions regarding the Company’s buyback program. The two federal actions were consolidated in December 2007 under docket number 07-4565, and an amended complaint was filed on March 14, 2008 naming a majority of the current Board of Directors as defendants and certain current and former officers. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss on May 13, 2008. On October 26, 2009, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss. As of March 31, 2010, no appeal has been taken.

A shareholder derivative action was also filed in the Common Pleas Court of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in November 2007. Like the federal derivative action, the state court action is nominally brought on behalf of the Company and names a majority of the current Board of Directors as defendants. This action has been stayed. The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the litigation vigorously.

The Company received in November 2007 correspondence from an attorney purporting to represent a Nutrisystem shareholder. This correspondence requested that the Company’s Board of Directors appoint a special litigation committee to investigate unspecified breaches of fiduciary duty. The disinterested and independent board members met to discuss this issue and responded to the attorney’s correspondence. Following receipt of additional correspondence from the same attorney in February 2008, the Board of Directors was considering its response when the shareholder represented by this attorney commenced a derivative lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania in the name of the Company against the entire Board of Directors at that time and certain current and former officers. The Board of Directors responded to the attorney’s correspondence. The parties have reached an agreement to stay this matter pending the disposition of the motion to dismiss the federal securities putative class action complaint. The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the litigation vigorously.

On March 28, 2008, a former Nutrisystem, Inc. sales representative filed a putative collective action complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, docket no. 08-1508, alleging that the Company unlawfully failed to pay overtime in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The complaint

 

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purported to bring claims on behalf of a class of current and former sales representatives who were compensated by the Company pursuant to a commission-based compensation plan, rather than on an hourly basis. The plaintiff filed an amended complaint on May 28, 2008, adding a state-law class claim under the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act, alleging that the Company’s compensation plan also violated state law. On June 11, 2008, the Company answered the amended complaint and moved to dismiss the plaintiff’s state-law class claim. On June 11, 2008, the plaintiff filed a motion to proceed as a collective action and sent class members notice under the Fair Labor Standards Act claim. On July 25, 2008, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss with respect to the state law claim. On September 26, 2008, the Court granted plaintiff’s motion to proceed as a collective action and facilitate notice. On October 8, 2008, the Court entered a Stipulation and Order approving proposed notice of a collective action lawsuit. On October 14, 2008, plaintiff’s counsel mailed notice to potential class members. Including plaintiff, fifty-four former sales representatives and fourteen current sales representatives have opted-in to this litigation. On March 9, 2009, the Company filed a motion for summary judgment on plaintiffs’ claims. On June 22, 2009, plaintiffs filed their response in opposition to the Company’s motion for summary judgment and cross-motion for summary judgment. On July 6, 2009, the Company filed its reply in further support of its motion for summary judgment. Thereafter, on July 22, 2009, plaintiffs filed their reply in further support of their cross-motion for summary judgment. The Court heard oral argument on the cross-motions for summary judgment on July 24, 2009. On July 31, 2009, the Court entered an Order granting the Company’s motion for summary judgment and denying plaintiffs’ cross-motion for summary judgment. On September 10, 2009, plaintiffs filed an appeal of the Court’s Order granting the Company’s motion for summary judgment and denying plaintiffs’ cross-motion for summary judgment. On January 4, 2010, plaintiffs filed their brief in support of their appeal. On January 7, 2010, several employee rights organizations filed an amicus curiae brief in this matter. On January 21, 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor filed an amicus curiae brief in this matter. On March 8, 2010, the Company filed its brief in opposition to plaintiffs’ appeal. The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the litigation vigorously.

The Company is also involved in other various claims and routine litigation matters. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the outcome of such matters is not anticipated to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in future years.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information relating to our purchases of our common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2010:

 

Period

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
(1)(2)
   Average Price
Paid per Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs (1)
   Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs (1)

January 1 – January 31, 2010

   —      —      —      $ 113,831,389

February 1 – February 28, 2010

   —      —      —      $ 113,831,389

March 1 – March 31, 2010

   —      —      —      $ 113,831,389

 

(1)

In August 2006, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of our outstanding shares of common stock in open-market transactions on the Nasdaq National Market. Additionally, in February 2007, a repurchase program of up to $200 million of outstanding shares of common stock was authorized and, in October 2007, an additional $100 million of outstanding shares of common stock was authorized. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, alternative investment opportunities and other market conditions. The stock repurchase programs from

 

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  2007 had an expiration date of March 31, 2009 but were extended by our Board of Directors until March 31, 2011. These programs also may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.
(2) For the period January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010, does not include 47,478 shares surrendered by employees to the Company for payment of the minimum tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of shares of restricted common stock.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

 

Item 5. Other Information

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

10.1 Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Grant

 

31.1 Certifying Statement of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

31.2 Certifying Statement of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32.1 Certifying Statement of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code

 

32.2 Certifying Statement of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code

 

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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.

 

Nutrisystem, Inc.  
BY:   /S/    JOSEPH M. REDLING           May 6, 2010
  Joseph M. Redling  
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer  
  (principal executive officer)  
BY:   /S/    DAVID D. CLARK           May 6, 2010
  David D. Clark  
  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer  
  (principal financial and accounting officer)  

 

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Exhibit Index

 

No.

  

Description

10.1    Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Grant
31.1    Certifying Statement of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certifying Statement of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certifying Statement of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code
32.2    Certifying Statement of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code

 

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