UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
þ Definitive Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
Medifast, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

þ
No fee required.

o
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

(1)
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

(2)
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

(3)
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

(4)
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

(5)
Total fee paid:

o
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

(1)
Amount Previously Paid:

(2)
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

(3)
Filing Party:

(4)
Date Filed:

Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.

 
 

 


 Medifast, Inc.
 
To our Stockholders:
 
You are cordially invited to attend our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Friday, October 9, 2009. This meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, at the Medifast, Inc. Distribution Center located at 601 Sunrise Avenue, Ridgely, MD  21660. During the meeting, we will discuss each item of business described in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, update you on important developments in our business and respond to any questions that you may have about us.
 
Information about the matters to be acted on at the meeting is contained in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.
 
I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that your vote is very important. Please take a moment now to cast your vote in accordance with the instructions set forth on the enclosed proxy card. In addition, if you would like to attend the meeting in person, please see the admission instructions set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders accompanying this letter and on the enclosed proxy card.
 
I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.  
Best regards,
 
Bradley T. MacDonald
Executive Chairman of the Board

 
2

 
 
Medifast Inc.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held Friday, October 9, 2009

To the Shareholders:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2009 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Medifast Inc., a Delaware Corporation, or the Company, will be held on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, at the Medifast, Inc. Distribution Center, 601 Sunrise Avenue, Ridgely, MD  21660 for the following purposes:

 
1a. 
  Elect four Class III directors for a three year term ending in 2012;
 
1b. 
  Elect three directors to a one year term ending in 2010;
2.
Ratify the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accountants for fiscal 2009;
3.
Act upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.

 The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on August 17, 2009, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and any subsequent adjournment(s) or postponement(s) of the meeting.

All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. However, to assure your representation at the meeting, you are urged to mark, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible.  Shareholders attending the meeting may vote in person even if they have returned a proxy card.

By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
Bradley T. MacDonald
Executive Chairman of the Board
 
Owings Mills, MD
August 25, 2009

 
3

 

Table of Contents
 
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
Information Concerning Solicitation and Voting
5
PROPOSAL 1: THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
6
Director Independence
9
Board Meetings
9
Director Compensation
10
Shareholder Communications with the Board of Directors
11
Committees of the Board
11
PROPOSAL 2: THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
12
Audit Committee Report
13
Fees to Independent Registered Public Accountants for Fiscal 2007 and 2008
14
Pre-Approval Policy
14
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
14
Summary Compensation Table
17
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
22
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
23
OTHER MATTERS
24

 
4

 

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Information Concerning Solicitation and Voting

Place, Time and Date of Meeting.  This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the Company’s shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of our Board of Directors for use at the Meeting to be held on Friday, October 9, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, and at any subsequent adjournment(s) or postponement(s) of the Meeting, for the purposes set forth herein and in the accompanying Notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. The Meeting will be held at the Medifast, Inc. Distribution Center, 601 Sunrise Avenue, Ridgely, MD  21660.

 Record Date and Voting Securities.  Only shareholders of record at the close of business on August 17, 2009, or the Record Date, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. The Company has one series of Common Shares outstanding. As of August 17, 2009, 15,250,607 Common Shares were issued and outstanding and held of record by 196 registered holders.
 
 Voting.  Each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each Common Share held on the Record Date on all matters submitted for consideration at the Meeting. A quorum, representing the holders of not less than a majority of the issued and outstanding Common Shares entitled to vote at the Meeting, must be present in person or by proxy at the Meeting for the transaction of business. Common Shares that reflect abstentions are treated as Common Shares that are present and entitled to vote for the purposes of establishing a quorum and for purposes of determining the outcome of any matter submitted to the shareholders for a vote.   Each issued and outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote.  Directors are elected by a plurality vote of shares present at the meeting, meaning that the director nominee with the most affirmative votes for a particular slot is elected for that slot. In an uncontested election of directors, the plurality requirement is not a factor. The holders of common stock are not entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. Abstentions will not count as votes cast and will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. We expect that brokers will be entitled to vote on this proposal, but any broker non-vote will have no effect on the outcome of the proposal.
 
The Company is not aware of any matter, other than as referred to in this proxy statement, to be presented at the meeting.
 
 Revocability of Proxies.  Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before its use by either (a) delivering to the Corporate Secretary of the Company a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or (b) attending the Meeting and voting in person.

 Solicitation Expenses.  This solicitation of proxies is made by the Board of Directors and all related costs will be borne by the Company. Proxies may be solicited by certain of our directors, officers and regular employees, without additional compensation, in person, by telephone, facsimile or electronic mail. Except as described above, we do not presently intend to solicit proxies other than by mail. We will, upon request, reimburse brokerage firms and others for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners of Common Shares.

 This Proxy Statement contains summaries of certain documents, but you are urged to read the documents themselves for the complete information. The summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete text of the document. In the event that any of the terms, conditions or other provisions of any such document is inconsistent with or contrary to the description or terms in this Proxy Statement, such document will control. Each of these documents, as well as those documents referenced in this Proxy Statement as being available in print upon request, are available upon request to the Company by following the procedures described under “Annual Report, Financial and Additional Information.”

 
5

 

PROPOSAL 1:

THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The number of directors in each class is determined by the Board of Directors and consists of as nearly equal a number of directors as possible.  These directors are classified as Class I, Class II and Class III.  The term of Class I Directors will expire in 2010.  The term of Class II Directors will expire in 2011, and Class III Directors are up for re-election for a three-year term ending in 2012.

The table below sets forth the name of each Class of director nominated.  The nominees for Class III directors are to be voted at the Meeting.  The Board of Directors has nominated; Barry B. Bondroff, George J. Lavin, Catherine T. Maguire, and Jeannette M. Mills, for election as Class III directors to serve three-year terms expiring at the 2012 annual general meeting.  The Board has also nominated, to one year terms Jason L. Groves, John P. McDaniel and Jerry D. Reece, and it is intended that they will be nominated as Class I directors in 2010.  Each nominee has consented to be named as a nominee and, to the present knowledge of the Company, is willing to serve as a director, if elected. Should any of the nominees not remain a nominee at the end of the meeting (a situation which is not anticipated), solicited proxies will be voted in favor of those who remain as nominees and may be voted for substitute nominees. Unless contrary instructions are given on the proxy, the shares represented by a properly executed proxy will be voted “FOR” the election of nominated Barry B. Bondroff, Jason L. Groves, George J. Lavin, Catherine T. Maguire, John P. McDaniel, Jeannette M. Mills, and Jerry D. Reece.

The Company did not receive any shareholder nominations for director.

The table below sets forth information about the seven nominees and the directors whose terms of office continue beyond the Meeting.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” MESSRS. Barry B. Bondroff, Jason L. Groves, George J. Lavin, Catherine T. Maguire, John P. McDaniel, Jeannette M. Mills, and Jerry D. Reece.

NOMINEES
 
 Name and Experience
  
 Class
  
Director Since
         
Barry B. Bondroff, CPA, age 60, is an officer and director with Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn, PA, a full-service certified public accounting firm offering a wide range of accounting and consulting services.    Previously, he was a Senior Managing Director with SMART. Bondroff brings over 35 years of experience providing companies of all sizes and industries with practical and cost-effective accounting, assurance, tax, business, technology and financial advisory services. Prior to managing SMART, Bondroff was the Managing Director for Grabush, Newman & Co., P.A., which combined with SMART in May 2003. Bondroff began his career with Grabush Newman in 1970, and in 1976 became Officer and was promoted to Managing Director in 1982. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Baltimore. Additionally, Bondroff serves on the Board of Directors for the publicly traded First Mariner Bank of Maryland, a NASDAQ listed SEC registrant. He is active with First Mariner serving on the Executive Committee, Loan Committee, Audit Committee and as Chairman of the Compensation Committee. In addition to his professional affiliations, Bondroff served on the Executive Committee for Israel Bonds and was a Director of Cycle Across Maryland. He has served the National Jewish Medical and Research Center, the Jewish Center for Business Development and has assisted the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in its fundraising efforts. In addition, Barry was a past President and Treasurer of the Edward A. Meyerberg Northwest Senior Center, and also served as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital.  He currently serves as Treasurer for Special Olympics of Maryland, and as a Trustee for Stevenson University in Maryland.
  
III
 
2008
 
6

 
Jason L. Groves, age 38, is a Manager for Verizon’s Public Policy and External Affairs, Federal Regulatory Division in Washington, D.C. with responsibility  for Federal Communication Commission enforcement matters.  Currently, he is Verizon Maryland External Affairs Assistant Vice President.   Mr. Groves is an Army veteran.  He was a direct commissioned Judge Advocate in the United States Army  Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG).  As a JAG Officer, he practiced law while stationed at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.  He had the distinction of prosecuting criminal cases in the District Court of Maryland as a Special Assistant United States Attorney.  Over the course of three years, he received two Army Achievement Medals, and one Army Commendation Medal.  Mr. Groves is a graduate of the Disney University College Program for managers.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, in Business with a concentration in Hospitality Management from Bethune-Cookman College.  He also obtained his law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law and is a member of the New Jersey and District of Columbia bars as well as several bar associations
 
     
2009
George J. Lavin, Jr., Esq., age 80, is a senior partner at Lavin, O’Neil, Ricci, Ceprone & Disipio. Mr. Lavin is a 1951 graduate of Bucknell University. He attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, receiving an LL.B. in 1956, and then served as a Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Justice, until 1959. Mr. Lavin is one of the dominant product liability defense attorneys in the nation. He has had regional responsibilities in several automotive specialty areas, and has been called upon to try matters throughout the county on behalf of his clients. Mr. Lavin's present practice and specialty emphasizes his commitment to defending the automotive industry. Mr. Lavin is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Faculty Advisory Board of the Academy of Advocacy, the Association of Defense Counsel, The Defense Research Institute, The American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Temple University Law School faculty. He has also been elected a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. On March 1, 1994, Mr.Lavin assumed the title of Counsel to The Firm.
 
  
III
 
2005
Sr. Cathy T. Maguire RSM, age 59, a Sister of Mercy, has served as Associate Executive Director at SILOAM, a Body, Mind, Spirit wellness center for the HIV/AIDS community, from 1997 - 2009.  Prior to this Sr. Maguire worked in AIDS Ministry within the prison system in Washington DC., and served as vocation director for her religious community for 8 years.  She received a BS degree in Education/English in 1972, a MS degree in Library Science in 1974 both from Villanova University, and a MA degree in Theology with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministry & Spirituality in 1995 from St. Michael’s College in Vermont.  She served on the Board of the National Religious Vocation Conference from 1990-1992.
 
 
III
 
2009
Jeannette M. Mills, age 42, currently serving as senior vice president with the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of Constellation Energy. A Baltimore, Md. native, Mills earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) and she currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. In 2006, Mills earned her Masters of Business Administration from Loyola College. Ms. Mills also works in the community includes serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for Voices for Children, Howard County's Court Appointed Special Advocate Program. Additionally, she serves on the Board of the Creative Alliance, a Program that builds communities by bringing together artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds to experience spectacular arts programs and engage in the creative process.
 
 
III
 
2008
John P. McDaniel, age 66, is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 26 years of experience as a chief executive officer, most recently at MedStar Health in Columbia, Maryland. He managed one of the most comprehensive healthcare delivery systems in the mid-Atlantic region with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion, encompassing 25,000 employees, which included 5,000 physicians and eight leading hospitals and other health related businesses. Mr. McDaniel has a degree in Business Administration from Wittenberg University, a MHA in Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (LHD) from Wittenberg University.
     
2009
 
7

 
Jerry D. Reece, age 69, is president and chief executive officer of J. D. Reece Realtors, the largest residential real estate brokerage in Greater Kansas City. With over 30 years experience in real estate, Jerry Reece formed the company in early 1987. In addition to marketing resale homes as well as a broad range of new home subdivisions, the company specializes in the corporate transferee market. After graduating from the University of Oregon in 1963 with a B.S. in Finance, Jerry Reece joined the United States Marine Corps and served in Hawaii and Vietnam as a first lieutenant. Following active duty, he continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserve. His various assignments included the command of a rifle battalion and service as a member of the Secretary of the Navy's Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board at the Pentagon. Retired with the rank of colonel, he is presently a member of the Board of Directors of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and a trustee of the Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association Foundation. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, The Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and the Combat Action Ribbon.
     
2009
 
CONTINUING DIRECTORS

 Name and Experience
  
 Class
  
Director Since
         
Charles P. Connolly, age 60, is currently an independent director focusing on bank relationships, debt refinancing, merger and acquisition strategy and executive compensation design. Mr. Connolly spent 29 years at First Union Corp. that merged with Wachovia Bank in 2001. He retired in 2001 as the President and CEO of First Union Corp.  Mr. Connolly serves on the Boards of numerous non-profit organizations.  He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and AB from Villanova University.
 
  
I
 
2006
Bradley T. MacDonald, age 62, is the Executive Chairman of the Board of Medifast, Inc.   Mr. MacDonald has been Chairman of the Board of Medifast, Inc. since January 1998 and was also Chief Executive officer until March of 2007.  Under his strategic leadership as Executive Chairman of the Board, the Company has had 39 consecutive quarters of profitability and improved shareholders equity from negative $4 million to over $45 million. During his tenure, the Company’s market capitalization has increased from less than $1 million to over $200 million.   Medifast recently attained national recognition from Forbes Magazine being named to the top 200 small cap companies in America with a ranking of #85 on the list. In addition, Fortune Magazine recently named Medifast #26 on its list of the fastest growing public small businesses in America. Mr. MacDonald was selected in an independent audit by Ernst and Young, as the “Entrepreneur of the Year” in Consumer Products for the State of Maryland in 2006 in recognition of the company’s superior operating results and his contribution to the business development within the state. He is the Co-founder of the Take Shape for Life health network  He is the co-author of the book “The Secret is Out, the Medifast Diet, What physicians have always known about weight loss” which is the authoritative book on the use of Medifast products and protocols.  Prior to joining Medifast, he was appointed as Program Director of the U.S. Olympic Coin Program of the Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games.  Colonel MacDonald returned to active duty while serving as Commanding Officer of the 4th Maintenance Battalion to support Operation Desert Storm, and later was appointed the Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Retail, Food, Hospitality and Recreation Businesses for the United States Marine Corps.  Prior thereto, Mr. MacDonald served as Chief Operating Officer of the Bonneau Sunglass Company, President of the Pennsylvania Optical Co., Chairman and CEO of MacDonald and Associates, which had major equity interests in a retail drug chain, consumer candy, and pilot sunglass companies.  Mr. MacDonald served as national president of the Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association and retired from the United States Marine Corps Reserve as a Colonel in 1997, after 28 years of service. Continuing his public service to the nation, he was appointed by the Secretary of Defense and has served on the Defense Advisory Board for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) from 2002 until 2006.  He serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation, is a member of the 2009 class of Leadership Maryland, serves on the Board of Trustees of Stevenson University, serves as Vice President and Trustee of the Catholic Family Foundation of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Member of the Development Council of the Religious Order of St. Augustine at Villanova.  Mr. MacDonald is the father of Margaret MacDonald who performs the role of President and Chief Operating Officer at Medifast, Inc.  Mr. Michael C. MacDonald is the brother of Mr. Bradley T. MacDonald.
 
  
I
 
1996
Michael C. MacDonald, age 56, is senior vice president, operational effectiveness for Xerox Corporation. He leads a corporate initiative to review the company's core functions including marketing, learning, human resources and other key areas to ensure the Company is maximizing the effectiveness of its resources and delivering a solid return on investment. Previously, he was president of global accounts and marketing operations for Xerox Corporation responsible for corporate marketing, xerox.com, advertising, brand, public relations, and corporate communications.  He was named to this position in October 2004 and was appointed a corporate senior vice president in July 2000.  MacDonald is on the board of directors of PAETEC and the Jimmy V Foundation.  Mr. MacDonald completed executive business and management programs at Columbia University in 1992 and the International Senior Management Program at Harvard University in 1998.
 
II
 
1998

 
8

 
 
Margaret MacDonald–Sheetz, age 32, joined Medifast in 2000 as the Director of Sales and Administration.  In 2002, she was promoted to VP of Operations and in 2004 promoted to Senior VP of Operations. In May of 2006, Ms. MacDonald received an Executive MBA from Loyola University. In March 2007, she was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of Medifast Inc.
 
 
II
 
2008
Michael S. McDevitt, age 31, joined Medifast in 2002 as the Controller and was promoted to Vice President of Finance in January 2004. In March 2005, he was promoted to President and in January of 2006 was also named Chief Financial Officer. In March of 2007, Mr. McDevitt was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Prior to joining Medifast, Mr. McDevitt worked as a Financial Analyst for the Blackstone Group, an investment advisory firm based in New York, NY.
 
 
II
 
2007
Donald F. Reilly, OSA, age 61, holds a Doctorate in Ministry (Counseling) from New York Theological and an M.A. from Washington Theological Union as well as a B.A. from Villanova University. Reverend Don Reilly was ordained a priest in 1974. His assignments included Associate Pastor, Pastor at St. Denis, Havertown, Pennsylvania, Staff at Villanova University, Personnel Director of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, Provincial Counselor, Co-Founder of SILOAM Ministries where he ministers and counsels HIV/AIDS patients and caregivers. He is currently on the Board of Directors of Villanova University.  He also serves on the Board of Trustees of Merrimack College, MA, St. Augustine Prep, NJ, and Malvern Prep, PA.  Fr. Reilly was recently re-elected Provincial of the Augustinian Order at Villanova, PA.  He oversees more than 220 Augustinian Friars and their service to the Church, teaching at universities and high schools, ministering to parishes, serving as chaplain in the Armed Forces and hospitals, ministering to AIDS victims, and serving missions in Japan, Peru, and South Africa.
 
I
 
1998
 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES

Director Independence

The Board consists of 13 members of which 10 are non-management directors.   Determination as to the qualifications of an independent directors are determined under section 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, Listed Company Manual and the Company’s Categorical Standards of Independence. The NYSE’s independence guidelines and the Company’s categorical standards include a series of objective tests, such as the director is not an employee of the Company and has not engaged in various types of business dealings involving the Company, which would prevent a director from being independent. The Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that none of the Company’s independent directors had any relationships with the Company.

The Board, in applying the above referenced standards has affirmatively determined the Company’s current independent directors are:  Barry B. Bondroff, Charles P. Connolly, Jason L. Groves, George J. Lavin, Catherine T. Maguire, John P. McDaniel, Jeannette M. Mills, Jerry D. Reece, and Donald F. Reilly.

 Board Meetings

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (“Fiscal 2008”), the Board of Directors held five meetings. All Board members attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of Board meetings and applicable committee meetings held while such individuals were serving on the Board of Directors, or such committees. Under the Company’s Principles of Corporate Governance, which is available on the Company’s website www.choosemedifast.com, by following the link through “Investor Relations” to “Corporate Governance,” each director is expected to dedicate sufficient time, energy and attention to ensure the diligent performance of his or her duties, including attending meetings of the shareholders of the Company, the Board of Directors and committees of which he or she is a member.  Twelve directors attended the 2008 annual general meeting.

 
9

 

2008 Director Compensation

The table below summarizes the compensation paid by the Company to non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

Name
 
Fees
Earned or 
Paid in 
Cash ($)
   
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
   
Option
Awards
($)
   
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation ($)
   
Change in Pension Value 
and Nonqualified
Deferred Compensation
Earnings ($)
   
All other
Compensation ($)
   
Total ($)
 
                                           
Barry B. Bondroff
  $ -     $ 5,370                             $ 5,370  
Joseph D. Calderone, OSA
    -       21,570       -       -       -       -       26,940  
Charles P. Connolly
    16,000       21,570       -       -       -       -       37,570  
George Lavin, Jr., Esq.
    -       21,570       -       -       -       -       21,570  
Michael C. MacDonald
    -       21,570       -       -       -       -       26,940  
Dennis M. McCarthy
    -       21,570       -       -       -       -       21,570  
Jeannette M. Mills
            5,370                                       5,370  
Rev. Donald F. Reilly, OSA
    -       21,570       -       -       -       -       26,940  
Mary T. Travis
    -       21,570       -       -       -       -       26,940  

Employee Directors do not receive any additional compensation for their services as director.

Additional fees are paid to the Audit Committee Chairman. In 2008, the Chairman received an additional $16,000 in cash.

(1)
Amounts are calculated based on provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No 123R, “Share Based Payments.” See note 2 of the consolidated financial statement of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 regarding assumptions underlying valuation of equity awards.

The table below summarizes the equity based awards held by the Company’s non-employee directors as of December 31, 2008:

   
Option Awards
   
Stock Awards
 
Name
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
   
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
   
Option
Exercise
   
Option
Expiration
   
Number
Shares or
Units of
Stock That 
Have Not
Vested
   
Market Value 
of Shares or
Units of
Stock that
have not
Vested
 
   
Exercisable
   
Un-Exercisable
   
Price ($)
   
Date
   
Vested (#)
   
($)
 
Barry B. Bondroff
    -       -       -       -       5,000       27,600  
Joseph D. Calderone, OSA
    -       -       -       -       14,000       77,280  
Charles P. Connolly
    -       -       -       -       9,000       49,680  
George J. Lavin, Jr., Esq.
    -       -       -       -       9,000       49,680  
Michael C. MacDonald
    -       -       -       -       14,000       77,280  
Dennis M. McCarthy
    -       -       -       -       9,000       49,680  
Jeannette M. Mills
    -       -       -       -       5,000       27,600  
Rev. Donald F. Reilly, OSA
    -       -       -       -       15,000       82,800  
Mary T. Travis
    -       -       -       -       15,000       82,800  

 
10

 

The Medifast Board of Directors on July 24, 2008 approved restricted common stock grants to Board members with a 5 year vesting period, beginning on the grant date.  The grant was to tenured Board members that successfully implemented the Senior Management Succession Plan over the last four years through advice, counsel, and mentorship.  A total of 55,000 shares of restricted common stock were granted to tenured Directors.

The Medifast Board of Directors on November 24, 2008 approved restricted common stock grants to key executives and Board members as a 2008 performance bonus for exceeding internal sales and profit forecasts.   Non-management Board members were each granted 5,000 shares of restricted common stock vesting over two years, beginning on January 1, 2009.

Shareholder Communications with the Board of Directors

Shareholders and other parties interested in communicating directly with the Board of Directors, non-management directors as a group or individual directors, including Mr. Donald F. Reilly in his capacity as the presiding director of executive sessions of non-management directors, may do so by writing to Medifast, Inc., c/o Corporate Secretary, 11445 Cronhill Drive, Owings Mills, MD 21117, indicating to whose attention the communication should be directed. Under a process approved by the Board of Directors for handling letters received by the Company and addressed to non-management directors, the Corporate Secretary of the Company reviews all such correspondence and forwards to members of the Audit Committee a summary and/or copies of any such correspondence that, in the opinion of the Corporate Secretary, deal with the functions of the Board of Directors or committees thereof, or that he otherwise determines requires their attention. Directors may at any time review a log of all correspondence received by the Company and addressed to members of the Board of Directors and request copies of any such correspondence.

Committees of the Board

Our Board of Directors has a standing audit committee, nominating and corporate governance committee, compensation committee, and executive committee.

Audit Committee

Our audit committee consists of Barry B. Bondroff, Charles P. Connolly, George J. Lavin, and Mary T. Travis, each of whom is independent as discussed above under “Director Independence.” As required by Rule 303A.07 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, the Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that each audit committee member is financially literate, and that Mr. Connolly is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.
The principal duties of the audit committee are as follows:

 
Ÿ
have the sole authority and responsibility to hire, evaluate and, where appropriate, replace the independent auditors;
 
 
Ÿ
meet and review with management and the independent auditors the interim financial statements and the Company’s disclosures under Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations prior to the filing of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q;
 
 
Ÿ
meet and review with management and the independent auditors the financial statements to be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (or the annual report to shareowners) including (i) their judgment about the quality, not just acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles, including significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the financial statements; (ii) the clarity of the disclosures in the financial statements; and (iii) the Company’s disclosures under Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, including critical accounting policies;
 
 
Ÿ
review and discuss with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditors the Company’s policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management;
 
 
Ÿ
review and discuss with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditors the Company’s internal controls, the results of the internal audit program, and the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, and quarterly assessment of such controls and procedures;
 
 
Ÿ
establish procedures for handling complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters, including procedures for confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees regarding accounting and auditing matters; and
 
 
Ÿ
Review and discuss with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditors the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s legal, regulatory and ethical compliance programs.
 
 Our Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the audit committee which is available on the Company’s website at www.choosemedifast.com by following the links through “Investor Relations” to “Corporate Governance,” or by writing the Company at 11445 Cronhill Dr., Owings Mills, MD 21117 to the attention of the Secretary.   In fiscal 2008, the audit committee met four times.

 
11

 

 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Joseph D. Calderone, Jeannette M. Mills, Donald F. Reilly, and George J. Lavin, all of whom are  independent as discussed above under “— Director Independence.”

The principal duties of the nominating and corporate governance committee are as follows:

 
To recommend to our Board of Directors proposed nominees for election to the Board of Directors both at annual general meetings and to fill vacancies that occur between general meetings; and

 
To make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the Company’s corporate governance matters and practices.

Our Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the nominating and corporate governance committee, which is available on the Company’s website at www.choosemedifast.com by following the links through “Investor Relations” to “Corporate Governance,” or by writing the Company at 11445 Cronhill Dr., Owings Mills, MD 21117 to the attention of the Secretary.  In fiscal 2008, the nominating and corporate governance committee met four times.

Compensation Committee

The compensation committee currently consists of Joseph D. Calderone, Dennis M. McCarthy, Esq. Jeannette M. Mills, and Mary T. Travis, all of whom were independent as discussed above under “— Director Independence.”

The principal duties of the compensation committee are as follows:

 
Ÿ
measure the Chief Executive Officer’s performance against his goals and objectives pursuant to the Company plans;
 
 
Ÿ
determine the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer after considering the evaluation by the Board of Directors of his performance;
 
 
Ÿ
review and approve compensation of elected officers and all senior executives based on their evaluations, taking into account the evaluation by the Chief Executive Officer;
 
 
Ÿ
review and approve any employment agreements, severance arrangements, retirement arrangements, change in control agreements/provisions, and any special or   supplemental benefits for each elected officer and senior executive of the Company;
 
 
Ÿ
approve, modify or amend all non-equity plans designed and intended to provide compensation primarily for elected officers and senior executives of the Company;
 
 
Ÿ
make recommendations to the Board regarding adoption of equity plans; and
 
 
Ÿ
Modify or amend all equity plans.
 
Our Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the compensation committee which is available on the Company’s website at www.choosemedifast.com by following the links through “Investor Relations” to “Corporate Governance,” or by writing the Company at 11445 Cronhill Dr., Owings Mills, MD 21117 to the attention of the Secretary.  In fiscal 2008, the compensation committee met four times.

Executive Committee

Messrs. Bradley T. MacDonald, Michael C. MacDonald, Michael S. McDevitt, Dennis M. McCarthy, Esq., and Jeannette M. Mills are members of the Executive Committee.  The Executive Committee has all the authority of the Board of Directors, except with respect to certain matters that by statute may not be delegated by the Board of Directors.  The Committee meets periodically during the year to develop and review strategic operational and management polices for the Company.  The Committee held two meetings during fiscal 2008.

PROPOSAL 2:

THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

The audit committee has selected Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Co, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009. Services provided to the Company and its subsidiaries by Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Co, LLC in fiscal 2007 and 2008 are described under “— Fees to Independent Registered Public Accountants for Fiscal 2007 and 2008” below. Additional information regarding the audit committee is provided in the Report of the Audit Committee below.

 
12

 
 
 The Company has been advised that representatives of Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Co, LLC will be present at the Meeting where they will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
 
 In the event shareholders do not ratify the appointment of Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Co, LLC, the appointment will be reconsidered by the audit committee and the Board of Directors.

 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF BAGELL, JOSEPHS, LEVINE & CO., LLC AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR FISCAL 2009.
 
Audit Committee Report
 
 The audit committee is responsible for monitoring our financial auditing, accounting and financial reporting processes and our system of internal controls, and selecting the independent public accounting firm on behalf of the Board of Directors. Our management has primary responsibility for our internal controls and reporting process. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Company, LLC, is responsible for performing an independent audit of our consolidated financial statements, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and issuing an opinion thereon. In this context, the audit committee met regularly and held discussions with management and Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Company, LLC. Management represented to the audit committee that the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 2008 were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 The audit committee hereby reports as follows:
 
 
• 
The audit committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations with our management and Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Co, LLC. This discussion included Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Co., LLC’s judgments about the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.

 
 
• 
The audit committee also discussed with Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Company, LLC the matters required to be discussed by the applicable Statements on Auditing Standards, including SAS No. 61 and No. 90, as amended (Communication with Audit Committees).

 
 
• 
Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Company, LLC also provided to the audit committee the written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and the audit committee has discussed with Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Company, LLC the accounting firm’s independence. The audit committee also considered whether non-audit services provided by during the last fiscal year were compatible with maintaining the accounting firm’s independence.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the audit committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. The audit committee also selected, subject to shareholder ratification, Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Company, LLC to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2009.

 AUDIT COMMITTEE OF
 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
 Charles P. Connolly, Chairman
 Barry B. Bondroff, CPA
 George J. Lavin, Jr., Esq.
 Mary T. Travis

 
13

 

Fees to Independent Registered Public Accountants for Fiscal 2008 and 2007
 
 The following services were provided by Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Co during fiscal 2008 and 2007:

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
 Audit Fees(1)
  $ 154,000     $ 199,000  
 Tax fees(2)
    29,000       30,000  
 All other fees
    -       -  
                 
 Total
  $ 183,000     $ 229,000  

  (1)
 
Audit fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the audit of internal controls required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the review of financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and for services that are normally provided by the auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
  (2)
 
Tax fees were billed for tax compliance services

Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy for the pre-approval of services provided by the independent auditors.
 
Under the policy, pre-approval is generally provided for work associated with the following:
 
 
Ÿ
registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933 (for example, comfort letters or consents);
 
 
Ÿ
due diligence work for potential acquisitions or dispositions;
 
 
Ÿ
attest services not required by statute or regulation;
 
 
Ÿ
adoption of new accounting pronouncements or auditing and disclosure requirements and accounting or regulatory consultations;
 
 
Ÿ
internal control reviews and assistance with internal control reporting requirements;
 
 
Ÿ
review of information systems security and controls;
 
 
Ÿ
tax compliance, tax planning and related tax services, excluding any tax service prohibited by regulatory or other oversight authorities; expatriate and other individual tax  services; and
 
 
Ÿ
Assistance and consultation on questions raised by regulatory agencies.
 
For each proposed service, the independent auditors are required to provide detailed back-up documentation at the time of approval to permit the Audit Committee to make a determination whether the provision of such services would impair the independent auditors’ independence.
 
The Audit Committee has approved in advance certain permitted services whose scope is routine across business units, including statutory or other financial audit work for non-U.S. subsidiaries that is not required for the 1934 Act audits.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
 
Overview of Compensation Program
 
Our Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has responsibility for establishing, implementing and continually monitoring adherence with the Company’s compensation philosophy. The Compensation Committee ensures that the total compensation paid to our named executive officers is fair, reasonable and competitive. Generally, the types of compensation and benefits provided to our named executive officers are similar to those provided to other officers and employees of the Company.
 
Throughout this discussion, the individuals who served as our CEO, CFO, and President during Fiscal 2008, as well as the other individuals included in the Summary Compensation Table on page 19, are referred to as the “named executive officers.”

 
14

 
 
Objectives of Compensation Program
 
The main objective of our executive compensation program is to create a competitive total rewards package based on the attainment of short-term performance objectives and long-term strategic goals. Accordingly, our executive compensation program consists of the following three principal elements: base salary, cash bonus and equity grants in the form of stock options and restricted stock, with an emphasis on incentive compensation rather than base salary. Our executives are also eligible to participate in employee benefit and retirement plans offered by the Company, which currently include defined contribution, and 401(k) plans, and health care and other insurance programs. The benefit programs available to executives are the same as those available to all other eligible employees.
 
Decision-Making; Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions
 
The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors is comprised solely of non-affiliate independent Directors who meet the independence requirements of the NYSE. Our Compensation Committee makes all decisions regarding the compensation of our CEO, including establishing the performance goals and objectives for our CEO, evaluating our CEO’s performance in light of the goals and objectives that were set and determining and recommending to our Board the CEO’s compensation based on that evaluation.
 
Our CEO makes recommendations to our Compensation Committee for the compensation of all other named executive officers. Our Compensation Committee and Board may accept or adjust such recommendations as they determine in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and has final approval over all such compensation decisions. To the extent not established by our Board of Directors, our Compensation Committee is also authorized to establish compensation and benefits for our Chairman and for new and existing non-affiliate independent Directors.
 
Our Chairman, CEO, and Vice President of Human Resources provide advice, analysis and recommendations to our Compensation Committee.
 
Elements of Executive Compensation
 
Our Compensation Committee also evaluates the achievement of corporate, individual and organizational objectives for each executive officer during the prior fiscal year. Each element of compensation is chosen in order to attract and retain the necessary executive talent, reward corporate performance and provide incentive for the attainment of long-term strategic goals. The allocation of each element of compensation is determined by our Compensation Committee for each executive based on the following factors:
 
 
 
 
Performance against corporate, individual and organizational objectives for the fiscal year;
 
 
 
 
Importance of particular skill sets and professional abilities to the achievement of long-term strategic goals; and
 
 
 
 
Contribution as a leader, corporate representative and member of the senior management team.
 
These elements support our overall compensation philosophy by creating a balanced focus on shorter-term corporate performance and the achievement of longer-term business goals and stockholder value. While we believe in structuring executive compensation plans that give our executives incentive to deliver certain objective elements of corporate financial performance over specified time periods, we do not believe in a purely mechanical approach. Instead, part of our executive compensation philosophy includes an element of reward for non-quantitative achievements demonstrated by our executives in the actions and decisions they have taken throughout the year. When establishing our executive compensation plans for a given year, it is not possible to foresee all of the challenges and demands that will be made of our executives, both as a management team and in their areas of individual responsibility. We believe that by rewarding the quality of our decision-making and leadership, in addition to the achievement of quantifiable results, we are building a management team capable of creating stockholder value over the longer-term, while remaining disciplined in delivering shorter-term financial results. Accordingly, there is no pre-established policy or target for the allocation between either cash and non-cash or short-term and long-term incentive compensation. Rather, the Compensation Committee reviews information provided by industry surveys and peer company data to determine appropriate level and mix of incentive compensation. Income from such incentive compensation is realized as a result of the performance of the Company and the individual, depending on the type of award, compared to established goals.

Base Salary
 
Our base salary determinations principally reflect the skills and performance levels of individual executives, the needs of the Company, and pay practices of comparable public companies. It is not our policy to pay our executive officers at the highest base salary level. Instead, we establish executive base salaries conservatively at or below a midpoint level relative to an appropriate set of peers. We believe this policy sets a prudent and fiscally responsible tone for the Company’s overall base salary compensation programs.
 
Target Bonus
 
Cash bonuses principally reflect the Company’s financial performance and achievement of corporate objectives established by our Board prior to the fiscal year. The executive bonus plan is designed to reward our executives for the achievement of shorter-term financial goals, predominantly revenue growth and profitability, with cash flow and other operating ratios also considered.  The allocation of the bonus pool among the employees, including senior executives, is at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other senior executives discuss and jointly develop recommended bonus allocations among the staff within the various functional areas of the Company. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer prepares an allocation of bonus payments among the senior executive group. In consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee evaluates, adjusts and approves the amount and allocation of the bonus pool. In determining the cash bonus allocation among senior executives, the Compensation Committee and the Chief Executive Officer consider each executive’s a) contribution to current and long-term corporate goals, and b) value in the labor market.

 
15

 
 
Equity Compensation
 
Stock option and restricted stock awards principally reflect the responsibilities to be assumed by each executive in the upcoming fiscal year, the responsibilities of each executive in prior periods, the size of awards made to each executive in prior years relative to the Company’s overall performance, available stock for issuance under our Option Plan, and potential grants in future years. The Committee believes that stock option and restricted stock grants (1) align the interests of executives with long-term stockholder interests, (2) give executives a significant, long-term interest in the Company’s success, and (3) help retain key executives in a competitive market for executive talent.  The Company does not intend to issue stock options as part of compensation in 2009 and beyond.

Equity Ownership by Executives
 
We do not currently have a formal equity ownership requirement for our executives. However, we encourage our executives to own equity in the Company on a voluntary basis. All of our named executive officers own stock, restricted stock and vested and unvested stock options. We periodically review the vested and unvested equity holdings of our executives and evaluate whether these holdings sufficiently align the interests of our executives with the long-term interests of our stockholders. We may consider adopting equity ownership requirements in the future.

Compensation Committee Report

We have reviewed and discussed with management certain Compensation Discussion and Analysis provisions to be included in this proxy statement. Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, we recommend to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis referred to above be included in this proxy statement.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
Mary T. Travis, Chairman
Joseph D. Calderone
Dennis M. McCarthy, Esq.
Jeannette M. Mills

 
16

 

2008 Summary Compensation Table

 The following table sets forth the annual and long-term compensation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and each of the three other most highly compensated executive officers. These individuals, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are collectively referred to as the Named Executive Officers.

       
Salary
   
Stock
Awards
   
Option
Awards
   
Bonus
   
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Contributions
   
All Other
   
Total
 
Name and Pricipal Position
 
Year
 
($)
   
($)(1)
   
($)(1)
   
($)(2)
   
($)
   
($)(3)
   
($)
 
Bradley T. MacDonald
 
2008
  $ 225,000       107,000       -       -     $ 100,000     $ 6,700     $ 438,700  
Chairman of the Board
                                                           
Michael S. McDevitt
 
2008
    135,000       450,000       -       75,000               2,700       662,700  
Chief Executive and CFO
                                                           
Leo V. Williams
 
2008
    132,500       -       -       25,000               2,900       160,400  
Executive Vice President
                                                           
Margaret MacDonald - Sheetz
 
2008
    100,000       372,000       -       50,000               3,000       525,000  
Chief Operating Officer, President
                                                           
Brendan N. Connors
 
2008
    99,000       101,000       -       20,000               3,000       223,000  
VP of Finance
                                                           
 
(1)
Amounts are calculated based on provisions of SFAS, No 123R, “Share Based Payments.” See note 2 of the consolidated financial statements of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 regarding assumptions underlying valuation of equity awards.
(2)
Bonus amounts determined as more specifically discussed above under “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis”
(3)
The amounts represent the Company’s matching contributions under the 401(K) plan.

2008 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

On January 25, 2008, the Board of Directors modified Bradley T. MacDonald’s compensation package for his role in the succession plan and business development initiatives as outlined in the December 31, 2006 10-K.  The Board cancelled the 100,000 options granted to Mr. MacDonald on February 8, 2006 and replaced them with a restricted stock grant of 42,000 shares.  The restricted shares will vest over a period of 3 years beginning on January 25, 2009.

The Medifast Board of Directors on July 24, 2008 approved restricted common stock grants to the Named Executives with a 5 year vesting period, beginning on the grant date.  Named Executive Officers were granted 425,000 shares of restricted common stock to retain their services over the next five years, reward their efforts in the participation of the successful succession and transition of the company operations to the new senior management team, and incentivize continued sales and profit growth in accordance with targets set by the Board of Directors.

The Medifast Board of Directors on November 24, 2008 approved restricted common stock grants to key executives as a 2008 performance bonus for exceeding internal sales and profit forecasts.  Key executives were granted 150,000 shares of restricted common stock over a five year vesting period, beginning on January 1, 2009.

 
17

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table

   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
 
Name
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
   
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
   
Option
Exercise
 
Option
Expiration
 
Number Shares 
or Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
   
Market Value 
of Shares or
Units of Stock 
that have not
Vested
   
Equity
incentive Plan 
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units or 
Other rights
   
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or Payout 
Value of Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other rights That 
Have Not Vested
 
   
Exercisable
   
Un-Exercisable
   
Price ($)
 
Date
 
Vested (#)(1)
   
($)(2)
     
(#)
   
($)
 
Bradley T. MacDonald
                                             
Chairman of the Board
    -       -       -         107,000       590,640       -       -  
Michael S. McDevitt
                                                         
Chief Executive Officer, CFO
    100,000       -       2.87  
3/31/2010
    307,085       1,695,109       -       -  
Leo V. Williams
                                                         
Executive Vice President
    10,000       -       3.83  
10/28/2010
    -       -       -       -  
Margaret MacDonald - Sheetz
                                                         
Chief Operating Officer, President
    -       -       -         255,000       1,407,600       -       -  
Brendan N. Connors
                                                         
VP of Finance
    23,334       -       2.87  
3/31/2010
    83,000       458,160       -       -  

Each option has a five year life and an exercise price per share equal to 100% of the estimated fair value of our common stock on the date of grant.

(1)
The restricted stock grants vest over five and six years of service as described below under “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards”

(2)
The market value of shares of stock that have not vested is based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2008, or $5.52 per share.

 
18

 

2008 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table

The following table sets forth information regarding option exercises and stock vesting for the Named Executive Officers during 2008.

   
Option Awards
   
Stock Awards
 
   
Number of
Shares Acquired 
on Exercise
   
Value Realized 
on Exercise
   
Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting
   
Value
Realized on
Vesting
 
Name
 
(#)
   
($)(1)
   
(#)
   
($)(2)
 
Bradley T. MacDonald
            -       -       -  
Executive Chairman of the Board
    -       -       20,000       107,400  
                                 
Michael S. McDevitt
    -       -       15,000       81,000  
Chief Executive Officer, CFO
    -       -       33,333       208,331  
                      30,000       161,100  
                                 
Leo V. Williams
    -       -       -       -  
Executive Vice President
    -       -       -       -  
                                 
Margaret MacDonald - Sheetz
    -       -       15,000       81,000  
Chief Operating Officer, President
    -       -       25,000       156,250  
                      25,000       134,250  
                                 
Brendan N. Connors
                    3,000       16,200  
VP of Finance
    -       -       5,000       31,250  
                      10,000       53,700  

(1)
Represents the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the common stock on the date of exercise, multiplied by the number of options exercised.
(2)
Represents the number of restricted shares vested, and the number of shares vested multiplied by the fair market value of the common stock on the vesting date.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information at Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
Plan category
 
Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
   
Weighted
average exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
 
Number of
securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))
   
(a)
   
(b)
 
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 
223,334
(1)  $
3.65
 
1,229,166
               
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 
-
   
         -
 
-

(1)
Consists of 143,334 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and 80,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants.

 
19

 

2008 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table

The following table sets forth all non-qualified deferred compensation of the Named Executive Officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

   
Executive
Contributions in 
Last FY
   
Company
Contributions
in Last FY
   
Aggregate
Earnings in
Last FY
   
Aggregate
Withdrawals/Distributions
   
Aggregate
Balance at
Last FYE
 
   
($)
   
($)(1)
   
($)
   
($)
   
($)
 
Bradley T. MacDonald
        $ 100,000       (381,000 )   $ 0     $ 792,000  
Chairman of the Board
                                     
Michael S. McDevitt
    -       -       -       -       -  
Chief Executive Officer, CFO
                                       
Leo V. Williams
    -       -       -       -       -  
Executive Vice President
                                       
Margaret MacDonald – Sheetz
    -       -       -       -       -  
Chief Operating Officer, President
                                       
Brendan N. Connors
    -       -       -       -       -  
VP of Finance
                                       

(1)
All amounts are reported in compensation on the “2008 Summary Compensation Table”

Deferred Compensation Plans
We maintain a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, effective September 10, 2003, for Senior Executive management.  Currently, Bradley MacDonald is the only participant in the plan.  Under the deferred compensation plan that became effective in 2003, executive officers of the Company, including the Named Executive Officers, may defer a portion of their salary and bonus (performance-based compensation) annually. A participant may elect to receive distributions of the accrued deferred compensation in a lump sum or in installments upon retirement

Each participating officer may request that the deferred amounts be allocated among several available investment options established and offered by the Company. These investment options provide market rates of return and are not subsidized by the Company. The benefit payable under the plan at any time to a participant following termination of employment is equal to the applicable deferred amounts, plus or minus any earnings or losses attributable to the investment of such deferred amounts. The amount of compensation in any given fiscal year that is deferred by each Named Executive Officer is included in the Summary Compensation Table under the column headings “Salary” or “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation”, as appropriate.

The Company has established a trust for the benefit of participants in the deferred compensation plan. Pursuant to the terms of the trust, as soon as possible after any deferred amounts have been withheld from a plan participant, the Company will contribute such deferred amounts to the trust to be held for the benefit of the participant in accordance with the terms of the plan and the trust.

Retirement payouts under the plan upon an executive officer’s retirement from the Company are payable either in a lump-sum payment or in annual installments over a period of up to ten years. Upon death, disability or termination of employment, all amounts shall be paid in a lump-sum payment as soon as administratively feasible.

In 2008, the Company made a $100,000 contribution to Bradley MacDonald’s deferred compensation plan as a performance bonus.

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards
 
We have entered into employment agreements with certain Named Executive Officers, certain terms of which are summarized below.

Bradley T. MacDonald.   Mr. MacDonald entered into a five year employment agreement effective February 8, 2006.  Mr. MacDonald was granted 100,000 options over a five year vesting period beginning on February 8, 2007 in consideration for his five year commitment and to align his interest with the interests of long-term shareholders On January 25, 2008, the Board of Directors modified Bradley T. MacDonald’s compensation package for his role in the succession plan and business development initiatives as outlined in the December 31, 2006 10-K.  The Board cancelled the 100,000 options granted to Mr. MacDonald on February 8, 2006 and replaced them with a restricted stock grant of 42,000 shares.  The restricted shares will vest over a period of 3 years beginning on January 25, 2009. Upon termination of Mr. MacDonald’s employment by the Company without cause, or upon his resignation for good reason, he would be entitled to receive an amount equal to one and a half times the sum of his highest annualized salary payable in equal monthly installments 30 days after his termination of employment for a period of one year.

 
20

 

Michael S. McDevitt.   Mr. McDevitt entered into a six year employment agreement effective February 8, 2006.  Mr. McDevitt was granted 200,000 shares of Medifast, Inc. restricted common stock over a six year vesting period beginning on February 8, 2006 in consideration for his six year commitment and to align his interests with the interests of long-term shareholders. Upon termination of Mr. McDevitt’s employment by the Company without cause, or upon his resignation for good reason, he would be entitled to receive an amount equal to one and a half times the sum of his highest annualized salary payable in equal monthly installments 30 days after his termination of employment for a period of one year.

Margaret MacDonald - Sheetz.  Ms. MacDonald - Sheetz entered into a six year employment agreement effective February 8, 2006.  Ms. MacDonald - Sheetz was granted 150,000 shares of Medifast, Inc. restricted common stock over a six year vesting period beginning on February 8, 2006 in consideration for his six year commitment and to align her interests with the interests of long-term shareholders.  Upon termination of Ms. MacDonald - Sheetz’s employment by the Company without cause, or upon her resignation for good reason, she would be entitled to receive an amount equal to one and a half times the sum of his highest annualized salary payable in equal monthly installments 30 days after her termination of employment for a period of one year.

Brendan N. Connors.   Mr. Connors entered into a six year employment agreement effective February 8, 2006.  Mr. Connors was granted 30,000 shares of Medifast, Inc. restricted common stock over a six year vesting period beginning on February 8, 2006 in consideration for his six year commitment and to align his interests with the interests of long-term shareholders. Upon termination of Mr. Connors’ employment by the Company without cause, or upon his resignation for good reason,  he would be entitled to receive an amount equal to one and a half times the sum of his highest annualized salary payable in equal monthly installments 30 days after his termination of employment for a period of one year.

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

As of December 31, 2008, the Company had entered into employment agreements with each of the Named Executive Officers. As described in more detail above under “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards”  The employment agreements with the Named Executive Officers generally provide for the payment of benefits if the executive’s employment with the Company is terminated either by the Company without Cause or by the executive for Good Reason. The employment agreements with the Named Executive Officers do not provide for any additional payments or benefits upon a termination of employment by the Company for Cause, upon the executive’s resignation other for Good Reason, as applicable, or upon the executive’s death or disability.   Upon termination by the Company without cause, or upon his or her resignation for good reason, all of the Named Executive officers are entitled to receive an amount equal to one and a half times his or her highest annualized base salary payable in equal monthly installments 30 days after his or her termination of employment.  If a named executive had been terminated without cause on December 31, 2008 they would have received the following amounts:

   
Severance ($) (1)
 
Bradley T. MacDonald
  $ 337,500  
Michael S. McDevitt
  $ 202,500  
Margaret MacDonald - Sheetz
  $ 150,000  
Brendan N. Connors
  $ 148,500  

(1)  Based on 2008 salary

If there were a change in control, which is defined as a sale of the majority of the assets of the company or a change of control of the Board of Directors as a result of a third party shareholder acquiring or holding over 10% of the common stock and attempting to nominate a majority of the Board of Directors in favor of his/her shareholder block, the executives would have received the following amounts as of December 31, 2008:

   
Severance
($)(1)
   
Accelerated
Vesting of
Stock Awards
($)(2)
   
Total
 
Bradley T. MacDonald
  $ 337,500     $ 590,640     $ 928,140  
Michael S. McDevitt
    202,500       1,695,109       1,897,609  
Margaret MacDonald - Sheetz
    150,000       1,407,600       1,557,600  
Brendan N. Connors
    148,500       458,160       606,660  

(1) 
Based on 2008 salary.
(2)
Accelerated vesting of stock awards were based on NYSE close price of the Common Shares on December 31, 2008 of $5.52 per share, and for option awards the difference between $5.52 and the exercise or base price of the award.

 
21

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
 
The following table shows as of December 31, 2008, the amount and percentage of our outstanding common stock beneficially owned by each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock.
 
Name and Address of
5% Beneficial Owner
 
Shares
Beneficially
Owned (1)
   
Percent of
Outstanding
Common Stock
 
             
Renaissance Technologies, LLC and James H. Simons
    732,700       5.0 %
800 Third Avenue
               
New York, NY 10022
               
                 
Berg and Berg Enterprises, LLC
    900,480       6.2 %
10050 Bandley Drive
               
Cupertino, CA  94014
               

The following table shows as of March 13, 2009 the amount and percentage of our outstanding common stock beneficially owned (unless otherwise indicated) by each of our (i) directors and nominees for directors, (ii) Named Executive Officers and (iii) our directors, nominees for director and executive officers as a group.

Name of Beneficial Owner
 
Shares Beneficially
Owned (1)(2)
   
Shares
Acquirable
Within 60 days 
(3)
   
Percent of
Outstanding
Common Stock (%)
 
                   
Bradley T. MacDonald (4)
    903,550       -       6.19 %
Michael S. McDevitt
    399,784       -       2.74 %
Margaret MacDonald
    252,900       -       1.73 %
Brendan N. Connors, CPA
    81,509               0.56 %
Donald F. Reilly
    67,183       -       *  
Michael C. MacDonald
    63,697       -       *  
Charles P. Connolly
    29,075       -       *  
Mary T.Travis
    29,033       -       *  
Joseph D. Calderone, OSA
    17,700       -       *  
Dennis M. McCarthy, Esq.
    13,075       -       *  
Leo V. Williams
    11,770       -       *  
George J. Lavin, Jr., Esq.
    10,700       -       *  
Barry B. Bondroff, CPA
    3,500       -       *  
Jeannette M. Mills
    3,500       -       *  
                         
All directors, nominees for directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons)
    1,886,976       -       12.94 %

*
Less than 1%.
 
(1)
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under those rules and for purposes of the table above (a) if a person has decision making power over either the voting or the disposition of any shares, that person is generally deemed to be a beneficial owner of those shares; (b) if two or more persons have decision making power over either the voting or the disposition of any shares, they will be deemed to share beneficial ownership of those shares, in which case the same shares will be included in share ownership totals for each of those persons; and (c) if a person held options to purchase shares that were exercisable on, or became exercisable within 60 days of, March 13, 2009, that person will be deemed to be the beneficial owner of those shares and those shares (but not shares that are subject to options held by any other stockholder) will be deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage of the outstanding shares that are beneficially owned by that person. Information supplied by officers and directors.
 
(2)
Unless otherwise noted, reflects the number of shares that could be purchased by exercise of options available at March 13, 2009, or within 60 days thereafter under our stock option plans.

 
22

 

(3)
The shares set forth as beneficially owned by Mr. Bradley T. MacDonald include 396,402 shares owned by his wife Shirley MacDonald, and 65,667 shares owned by the MacDonald Family Trust.  His daughter, Margaret MacDonald, beneficially owns 252,900 shares which added to Bradley T. MacDonald’s 903,550 beneficially owned shares results in 1,156,450 shares owned by the MacDonald family.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors and executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file with the SEC and the NYSE initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of equity securities of the Company. Directors, officers and greater-than-ten-percent beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms filed by them.  In 2008, to the Company’s knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such filings on file with the Company and written representations from the Company’s directors and executive officers, no Section 16(a) filing requirements were applicable to the Company’s directors, executive officers and greater-than-ten-percent beneficial owners in fiscal 2008.
  
Shareholder Proposals for the 2010 Annual General Meeting
 
 Shareholders interested in submitting a proposal for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2010 annual general meeting of shareholders may do so by following the procedures prescribed in SEC Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act. To be eligible for inclusion, notice of shareholder proposals must be received by the Company’s Corporate Secretary no later than December 1, 2009. Proposals should be sent to Corporate Secretary, Medifast, Inc., 11445 Cronhill Dr., Owings Mills, MD  21117.

Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines
 
Our Board of Directors has adopted a corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to our directors, officers, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, and employees, as well as Corporate Governance Guidelines, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE. Each of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on our website at www.choosemedifast.com by following the links through “Investor Relations” to “Corporate Governance.”

            Any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics with respect to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller will be posted on the Company’s website,  www.choosemedifast.com. or by writing the Company at 11445 Cronhill Dr., Owings Mills, MD 21117 to the attention of the Secretary.

Annual Report, Financial and Additional Information.
 
 The Annual Financial Statements and Review of Operations of the Company for fiscal year 2008 can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. A copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K is available concurrently with this Proxy Statement to each shareholder of record on the Record Date by way of notice and access.
 
 The Company’s filings with the SEC are all accessible by following the links to “Investor Relations” on the Company’s website at www.choosemedifast.com.  The Company will furnish without charge a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and schedules thereto, to any person requesting in writing and stating that he or she is the beneficial owner of Common Shares of the Company.
 
 Requests and inquiries should be addressed to:
 
 Investor Relations
 Medifast, Inc.
 11445 Cronhill Dr.
 Owings Mills, MD  21117

 
23

 

 OTHER MATTERS
 
 The management of the Company knows of no other business to be presented at the Meeting. If, however, other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is intended that the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote thereon in accordance with their best judgment.

 By Order of the Board of Directors

         Dated: August 25, 2009

 
24

 
 
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
TO BE HELD OCTOBER 9, 2009
 
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
The undersigned hereby appoints Bradley T. MacDonald with full power of substitution, as attorneys for and in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to vote all the shares of the common stock of MEDIFAST, INC., owned or entitled to be voted by the undersigned as of the record date, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of said Company scheduled to be held at the Medifast, Inc. Distribution Center, 601 Sunrise Avenue, Ridgely, MD 21660 on Friday, October 9, 2009, at 10:00 A.M., Eastern Standard Time, and at any adjournment, postponement or continuation thereof, as follows:
 
1a. Elect four Class III directors for a three-year term ending in 2012.
 
Class III Directors: Barry B. Bondroff, George J. Lavin, Catherine T. Maguire, and  Jeannette M. Mills

¨ FOR All nominees (except as marked to the contrary below)
¨ WITHHOLD
 
1b. Elect three directors to one-year terms ending in 2010.
 
 Directors: Jason L. Groves, John P. McDaniel, and Jerry D. Reece

¨ FOR All nominees (except as marked to the contrary below)
¨ WITHHOLD
 
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write that nominee's name in the space provided below.
 
2. To approve the re-appointment of Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Company, LLC, an independent member of the RSM McGladrey alliance, as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009.

¨ FOR
¨ AGAINST
¨ ABSTAIN
 
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. (Please date and sign on reverse side).
 
This proxy, if properly executed and returned will be voted in accordance with the directions specified hereof. If no directions are specified, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of the directors named above or their substitutes as designated by the Board of Directors.
 
This proxy will be voted as specified. If a choice is not specified, the shares represented by this proxy will be voted “FOR” each director nominee.
 
This proxy should be dated, signed by the stockholder(s), and returned promptly to us in the enclosed envelope. Persons signing in a fiduciary capacity should so indicate.
 
 
 
SIGNATURE
 
DATE:                     , 2009
 
25