FORM 8-K NSE 2006 4Q Earnings Release

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


   February 7, 2007
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
  
        
   NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  
        
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
001-12421
(Commission File Number)
87-0565309
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
        
   75 West Center Street
Provo, UT 84601

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(801) 345-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4 (c))
Item 2.02   Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On February 7, 2007, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2006, and certain other information. A copy of the Company’s press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and incorporated by reference.

The information furnished pursuant to this Item 2.02 and the exhibit hereto shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

In the press release furnished herewith in Exhibit 99.1, the Company provides net income and earnings per share measures for the year 2006 that exclude certain non-recurring restructuring and impairment charges recorded in the first quarter of 2006 related to the implementation of a business transformation initiative during the first quarter of 2006. These measures adjust GAAP net income and earnings per share to remove the impact of these charges that are unusual in nature and unlikely to impact results of operations going forward. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures assist management and investors in evaluating, and comparing from period to period, results from ongoing operations in a more meaningful and consistent manner while also highlighting more meaningful trends in the results of operations. A reconciliation of the net income and earnings per share measures, excluding the non-recurring charges, to net income and earnings per share, on a GAAP basis, is provided in the press release furnished herewith.

Item 9.01   Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c)     Exhibit.

  99.1   Nu Skin Enterprises’ press release dated February 7, 2007, regarding financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2006.

SIGNATURE

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

    NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Registrant)

/s/  Ritch N. Wood
Ritch N. Wood
Chief Financial Officer
 

Date: February 7, 2007



EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.   Exhibit Description

99.1   Nu Skin Enterprises’ press release dated February 7, 2007, regarding financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2006.

Exhibit 99.1 NSE 4Q 2006 Earnings Release
NSE Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:
Scott Pond (investors)
(801) 345-2657, spond@nuskin.com
Kara Schneck (media)
(801) 345-2116, kschneck@nuskin.com

NU SKIN ENTERPRISES REPORTS FOURTH-QUARTER
AND YEAR-END RESULTS

PROVO, Utah — Feb. 7, 2007 — Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS) today reported fourth-quarter results ahead of company guidance. Revenue for the fourth quarter was $289.2 million, a 1 percent decrease from the prior-year period. Fourth-quarter earnings per share were $0.23 with net income of $15.9 million compared to earnings per share of $0.22 and net income of $15.8 million in 2005. Growth in South Korea, Europe and the United States contributed positively to the quarterly results. Revenue for the quarter was positively impacted 2 percent by foreign currency fluctuations.

For the year, the company reported revenue of $1.115 billion, compared to $1.181 billion in 2005. Earnings per share for 2006 were $0.47 with net income of $32.8 million. Excluding restructuring and impairment charges, earnings per share would have been $0.75, while net income would have been $52.7 million. These results are compared to 2005 earnings per share of $1.04 and net income of $74.0 million. A reconciliation of reported GAAP numbers is included in the attached financial tables. Foreign currency fluctuations negatively impacted 2006 revenue by 1 percent.

“We are encouraged by the positive upward trend we experienced during the second half of the year,” said Truman Hunt, president and chief executive officer. “We are focusing resources on our most important revenue growth initiatives and have taken steps to restructure and streamline our business to increase efficiency, setting us up for healthy growth in 2007.



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“Year-over-year comparisons in Japan continue to improve as the launch of our g3 nutrition drink and the rollout of the S2 Scanner are making a positive impact in the market. We are also pleased with the sequential month-over-month growth in China since receiving our direct selling license in August. In the fourth quarter, we commenced training efforts for our sales representatives in preparation for direct selling in Shanghai, which began last month. We continue to see growth in South Korea, Europe and the United States, which are becoming larger and more meaningful contributors to our overall results.”

Regional Results

North Asia. Fourth-quarter revenue in North Asia was $152.7 million, compared to $156.9 million in the same period of 2005. In Japan, a 9 percent local-currency revenue decline during the quarter represented a slight year-over-year trend improvement. South Korea experienced strong gains, generating a 21 percent year-over-year increase. The number of active distributors was down 2 percent in the region and executive distributors decreased 5 percent.

Greater China. Revenue in Greater China was $51.3 million compared to $55.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2005. Mainland China reported a 28 percent local currency revenue decline from the prior year, but posted a sequential improvement for the quarter. Both Taiwan and Hong Kong had a solid quarter with revenue up 4 and 3 percent, respectively, over the prior-year period. The number of active distributors was down 19 percent in the region and executive distributors decreased 9 percent compared to the prior year, reflecting the decline in Mainland China.

North America. Revenue in North America was $41.7 million, compared to $42.5 million for the prior-year period. Results for the fourth quarter of 2005 included approximately $4.0 million of sales to non-U.S. distributors at the company’s global convention. Excluding these convention sales, quarterly revenue in the United States increased 8 percent compared to 2005. The number of active distributors was up 2 percent in the region and executive distributors increased 9 percent compared to the prior year.

South Asia/Pacific. Fourth-quarter revenue in the South Asia/Pacific region was $23.5 million, an 8 percent improvement over the same period in 2005. Growth in the region is attributed to strong results in Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. The number of active distributors declined 10 percent and executive distributors improved 6 percent compared to prior-year results.



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Nu Skin Enterprises
Feb. 7, 2007
Page 3

Other Markets. The company’s other markets continued to perform well with revenue up 42 percent to $19.9 million for the fourth quarter. A revenue gain of 48 percent in Europe contributed to these strong results. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2005, active distributors increased 11 percent and executive distributors were up 17 percent.

Operational Performance

The company’s gross margin was 82.2 percent in the fourth quarter compared to 82.4 percent in the same period of 2005. Selling expenses, as a percent of revenue, were 43.0 percent, up 50 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2005. This increase was due primarily to an April 2006 distributor compensation plan change in Japan. General and administrative expenses were 30.5 percent of revenue, essentially level with last year’s results.

The company’s cash position at the end of the quarter was $121.4 million. During the quarter, the company paid down $11.6 million of debt, paid $6.8 million in dividends, and used $37.9 million to repurchase 2.1 million shares of common stock in open market transactions.

Outlook

“We are on track for a solid 2007 and look to increase shareholder value by improving earnings per share in excess of 20 percent this year,” said Hunt. “Our turnaround plan in Japan is yielding steady improvement. We are also pleased with the impact of our g3 nutrition drink and the S2 Scanner and look to bolster our personal care business with the first-quarter launch of a new anti-aging skin care product developed specifically for Japan.



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“In China, we have seen month-over-month improvement since receiving a direct selling license in August 2006 and are moving forward with the integration of direct selling into our existing business. We continue to work through the process of obtaining additional provincial licenses, but have limited visibility on the timing of the approvals. While formal approvals may take longer than previously indicated, we remain on track to meet our 2007 financial projections,” Hunt continued.

“We expect positive trends to continue in South Korea, Europe, the United States and South Asia/Pacific. Our business in the United States enjoys a healthy level of distributor enthusiasm and activity. South Korea continues its impressive growth following the successful fourth-quarter launch of the reformulated Nu Skin 180° Anti-Aging Skin Therapy System. Europe’s growth is also expected to continue as we see strong distributor trends in Central Europe, in particular. Our success in these markets is changing our global revenue mix, making us less reliant on any single market.

“We begin 2007 with business drivers that include a compelling product portfolio and sales tools designed to help our distributors demonstrate the benefits of our products. New introductions slated for this year include anti-aging skin care products and a weight management line. We will also continue the rollout of our distributor tools that support our commitment to delivering on our 2007 objectives outlined in our presentation to shareholders in November,” concluded Hunt.

“Assuming a yen rate of 118 to the dollar, we project 2007 revenue of $1.13 to $1.15 billion, with earnings per share of $0.88 to $0.94. First quarter 2007 revenue is projected to be $260 to $265 million with earnings per share of $0.14 to $0.16, based upon a modified yen rate of 120 to the dollar,” said Ritch Wood, chief financial officer.

The company’s management will host a webcast with investors on Feb. 7, 2007 at 10 a.m. (EST). Those wishing to access the webcast, as well as the financial information presented in the call, can visit the Investor Relations page on Nu Skin Enterprises’ website, www.nuskinenterprises.com. An archive of the webcast will be available at this same URL through Feb. 23, 2007.



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Feb. 7, 2007
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The Company

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. is a global direct selling company operating in 44 markets throughout Asia, the Americas and Europe. The company markets premium quality personal care products under the Nu Skin® brand, science-based nutritional supplements under the Pharmanex® brand, and technology based products and services under the Big Planet® brand. Nu Skin Enterprises is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NUS.”

Nu Skin Enterprises’ press releases are available online at www.nuskinenterprises.com

Please note: This press release, particularly the “Outlook” section, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that represent the company’s current expectations and beliefs, including, among other things: (i) expectations regarding the positive impact of certain strategic initiatives in our key markets, including Japan and the United States; (ii) our plans regarding the rollout of direct selling throughout China; and (iii) financial projections for the first quarter and year 2007. The forward-looking statements and related assumptions involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (a) risks that could adversely impact the company’s operations or financial results in its markets, including its largest market, Japan, such as negative market conditions, foreign currency exchange fluctuations, material decreases in executive-level and active distributors, or the company’s failure to execute effective initiatives in these markets; (b) regulatory risks associated with the Scanner, which could inhibit the company’s use of the Scanner in a market if it is determined to be a medical device in any market or if regulatory scrutiny dampens enthusiasm or the ability of the company or its distributors to effectively utilize the Scanner; (c) technical and regulatory challenges associated with the rollout of the Nu Skin® ProDerm Skin Analyzer, including difficulties or delays in developing a model that performs with all desired functionality, as well as regulatory uncertainties, particularly in Japan where there is a risk that regulatory authorities may impose limitations on the use of this tool and on claims that may be made in connection with its use; (d) continued regulatory scrutiny and investigations in Mainland China, which have from time to time in the past, and could in the future, negatively impact the company’s business, including the interruption of sales activities in stores and the imposition of fines; (e) risks that the recently adopted direct selling regulations in China are interpreted or enforced by governmental authorities in a manner that negatively impacts the company’s current or planned business model there, including continued delays and uncertainty in the provincial direct selling licensing process, and risk that the implementation of a direct selling model will not result in the anticipated growth of the company’s business in China given the restrictive nature of the direct selling laws; (f) any failure of current or planned initiatives or products, including, among others, the introduction of the second-generation Scanner and the Nu Skin® ProDerm Skin Analyzer, to generate interest among distributors and customers and generate sponsoring and selling activities on a sustained basis; (g) any inability of the company to obtain necessary product registrations for its nutritional and personal care products in a timely manner; (h) adverse publicity related to the company’s business, products or industry; (i) adverse results of tax audits and challenges by foreign tax authorities with respect to the amount of income tax, customs, duties and other amounts owed by the



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company; and (j) continued competitive pressures in the company’s markets. The company’s financial performance and the forward-looking statements contained herein are further qualified by a detailed discussion of associated risks set forth in the documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed on March 17, 2006. The forward-looking statements set forth the company’s beliefs as of the date of this release, and the company assumes no duty to update the forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect any change.

(Financial Tables to Follow)



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NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For the Fourth Quarters Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

2006  2005 
Revenue:      
      North Asia  $                    152,689   $                    156,925  
      Greater China  51,343   55,485  
      North America  41,696   42,521  
      South Asia/Pacific  23,515   21,739  
      Other Markets  19,930   14,061  
Total revenue  289,173   290,731  
         
Cost of sales  51,392   51,048  
         
Gross profit  237,781   239,683  
         
Operating expenses: 
      Selling expenses  124,242   123,350  
      General and administrative expenses  88,285   89,016  
Total operating expenses  212,527   212,366  
         
Operating income  25,254   27,317  
         
Other income (expense), net  214   (711 )
Income before provision for income taxes  25,468   26,606  
Provision for income taxes  9,604   10,836  
         
Net income  $                      15,864   $                      15,770  
         
Net income per share: 
      Basic  $                          0.23   $                          0.22   
      Diluted  $                          0.23   $                          0.22   
         
Weighted average number of shares outstanding: 
      Basic  67,733   70,221  
      Diluted  68,749   71,109  


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NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

2006  2005 
Revenue:      
      North Asia  $                    593,789   $                    649,377  
      Greater China  208,226   236,681  
      North America  157,047   154,153  
      South Asia/Pacific  88,017   86,673  
      Other Markets  68,330   54,046  
Total revenue  1,115,409   1,180,930  
         
Cost of sales  195,203   206,163  
         
Gross profit  920,206   974,767  
         
Operating expenses: 
      Selling expenses  480,136   497,421  
      General and administrative expenses  353,412   354,223  
      Impairment of assets and other  20,840    
      Restructuring and other charges  11,115    
Total operating expenses  865,503   851,644  
         
Operating income  54,703   123,123  
         
Other income (expense), net  (2,027 ) (4,172 )
Income before provision for income taxes  52,676   118,951  
Provision for income taxes  19,859   44,918  
         
Net income  $                      32,817   $                      74,033  
         
Net income per share: 
      Basic  $                          0.47   $                          1.06   
      Diluted  $                          0.47   $                          1.04   
         
Weighted average number of shares outstanding: 
      Basic  69,418   70,047  
      Diluted  70,506   71,356  


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NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income and Earnings Per Share to
Net Income and Earnings Per Share Excluding Non-Recurring Charges

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31, 
2006  2005 
     
GAAP net income as reported   $                    32,817   $                    74,033  
Non-recurring charges 
       Charges related to impairment of assets and other  20,840    
       Charges related to headcount reductions and other restructuring charges  11,115    
       Tax effects on adjustments  (12,047 )  
Total non-recurring charges, net of tax effects  19,908    
     
Net income excluding non-recurring charges  $                    52,725   $                    74,033  
     
Diluted income per share excluding non-recurring charges  $                        0.75   $                        1.04  


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NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
As of December 31, 2006 and 2005

(in thousands)

2006  2005 
ASSETS      
Current assets: 
      Cash and cash equivalents  $                121,353   $                155,409  
      Accounts receivable  19,421   16,683  
      Inventories, net  92,092   99,399  
      Prepaid expenses and other  44,093   36,663  
   276,959   308,154  
     
Property and equipment, net  85,883   84,053  
Goodwill  112,446   112,446  
Other intangible assets, net  91,349   91,137  
Other assets  90,061   83,076  
            Total assets  $                656,698   $                678,866  
     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
Current liabilities: 
      Accounts payable  $                  20,815   $                  20,276  
      Accrued expenses  120,074   112,023  
      Current portion of long-term debt  26,652   26,757  
   167,541   159,056  
     
Long-term debt  136,173   123,483  
Other liabilities  42,155   41,699  
      Total liabilities  345,869   324,238  
     
Stockholders' equity: 
      Class A common stock  91   91  
      Additional paid-in capital  191,171   179,335  
       Treasury stock, at cost  (346,889 ) (284,138 )
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (65,107 ) (67,197 )
      Retained earnings  531,563   526,537  
   310,829   354,628  
            Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $                656,698   $                678,866  


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Feb. 7, 2007
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NU SKIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
Distributor/Preferred Customer Growth by Market

As of December 31, 2006  As of December 31, 2005  % Increase (Decrease) 
Active*  Executive  Active*  Executive  Active*  Executive 
North Asia   333,000   15,354   340,000   16,129   (2.1%)   (4.8%)  
Greater China  155,000   6,492   191,000   7,134   (18.8%)   (9.0%)  
North America  139,000   3,735   136,000   3,443   2.2%    8.5%   
South Asia/Pacific  73,000   2,169   81,000   2,043   (9.9%)   6.2%   
Other Markets  61,000   2,006   55,000   1,722   10.9%    16.5%   
Total  761,000   29,756   803,000   30,471   (5.2%)   (2.3%)  


*   Active distributors include preferred customers and distributors purchasing products directly from the company during the quarter.


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