UNITED STATES
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 

 
FORM 10-K
 
ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
 
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
 
Commission File No. 000-23016
 

 
MEDIFAST, INC.
 

 
DELAWARE
13-3714405
Incorporation State
Tax Identification number
 
11445 CRONHILL DRIVE, OWINGS MILLS, MD
 21117
Principal Office Address
 
 
Phone (410) 581-8042
 
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: NONE
 
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
 
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.001 PER SHARE
 

 
New York Stock Exchange
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x   No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨  No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer   ¨
 
Accelerated filer  x
 
Non-accelerated filer  ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨  No x
 
The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2009, based upon the closing price of $11.46 per share on the New York Stock Exchange on that date, was $151,000,000.
 
As of March 26, 2010, the Registrant had 15,398,941 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

 

 
 
Explanatory Note
 
In this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2009, we are restating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, and 2008 due to an error in the SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” calculation.  In general, under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the future tax consequences attributable to the effects of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and for income tax purposes. Due to the Company’s growth in past years, major infrastructure investments were made to include building purchases for manufacturing, corporate offices and distribution, high speed manufacturing equipment and blenders, a state of the art printing center operation, and IT systems including infrastructure and hardware. For financial statement purposes, these assets are depreciated over the assets useful life. However, for tax purposes, the depreciation can be accelerated which results in lower taxable income and potential tax refunds which were realized for the years in which accelerated tax depreciation was elected for the Company. The lower taxable income and tax refunds impacted the Company’s cash position positively and allowed for the further investment in the vertically integrated Company infrastructure build. The resulting timing difference should have resulted in a deferred tax liability and additional income tax provision expense in the year’s restated.

The restatements had no effect on 2009 revenues, operating income, pre-tax income, net income or cash-flows. The restatements have no impact on the Company's tax returns in any year.

 The Company is restating for errors identified in its deferred tax accounts pertaining to (i) differences between the income tax basis and the financial reporting basis of long-lived assets that were not reconciled to the deferred tax balances (ii) to properly apply a net operating loss to our deferred tax and provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. The effects of these restatements are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

The correction of the errors noted in (i) above reduced 2008, 2007, and 2006 net income by $601,000 (.04 per diluted share), $411,000 ($.03 per diluted share), and $583,000 (.04 per diluted share), respectively. The corrections noted in number (ii) above increased beginning of 2006 accumulated deficit by $1,358,000.
 
For additional detail on the restatement please see Footnote 17, “Restatement of Financial Statements” and “Management’s Discussion on Restatement and Restatement Impact” in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 
2

 

Table of Contents
   
Page
 
PART I
 
Item 1.
Business
4
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
14
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
17
Item 2.
Properties
17
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
17
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
17
     
 
PART II
 
     
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
18
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
19
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
Item 7A
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
28
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
28
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
28
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
29
     
 
PART III
 
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
30
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
43
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
51
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
52
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
53
     
 
PART IV
 
     
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
54

 
3

 

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

SUMMARY

Medifast, Inc. (the "Company” or “Medifast”) is a Delaware corporation, incorporated in 1993. The Company’s operations are primarily conducted through five of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Jason"), Take Shape for Life, Inc. (“TSFL”), Jason Enterprises, Inc., Jason Properties, LLC and Seven Crondall, LLC. The Company is engaged in the production, distribution, and sale of weight management and disease management products and other consumable health and diet products. Medifast, Inc.’s product lines include weight and disease management, meal replacement, and vitamins primarily manufactured in its modern, FDA approved facility in Owings Mills, Maryland.

MARKETS
 
Over the past 30 years, obesity in the United States has dramatically increased. The obesity epidemic shows no signs of slowing down, with the condition worsening as American waistlines continue expanding. Throughout the world, approximately 1.7 billion people are overweight. The United States leads the way, having the highest percentage of overweight adults worldwide with nearly 70% of all Americans falling within the overweight or obese categories.
 
Obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, whereas overweight is defined as a BMI ranging between 25 and 30 kg/m2. According to a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2006, only four (4) states in the U.S.A. had a prevalence of obesity less than twenty percent (20%). Twenty–two states showed a prevalence equal to or greater than twenty-five percent (25%), and two of those states had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than thirty percent (30%).
 
Supported by a recent study published in April 2006 in the Journal of American Medical Association entitled, “Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight in the United States”, almost 7 out of 10 adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, with 60 million (or about thirty percent) American adults suffering from obesity. This raises concern among Americans because of the health implications associated with obesity, including conditions such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension and stroke, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, gallbladder disease, depression and certain forms of cancer.
 
Obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, whereas overweight is defined as a BMI ranging between 25 and 30 kg/m2. According to a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2006, only four (4) states in the U.S.A. had a prevalence of obesity less than twenty percent (20%). Twenty–two states showed a prevalence equal to or greater than twenty-five percent (25%), and two of those states had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than thirty percent (30%).

Obesity is not an age-specific condition; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show children and adolescents are also affected. According to the CDC, the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has tripled since 1976. Overweight and obese children are at an increased risk of developing health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

According to the study, “Projection of diabetes burden through 2050: impact of change demography and disease prevalence in the U.S.”, published 2001 in Diabetes Care, type 2 diabetes is expected to increase by 165% between 2000 and 2050. A 2007 study published by the CDC shows children are now also being affected by type 2 diabetes. Obese children suffering from type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of suffering significant morbidities as adults in the form of amputations, kidney problems, and blindness.

The primary factors contributing to obesity are well-known and preventable: unhealthy food choices and physical inactivity. It is estimated that poor nutrition and physical inactivity account for more than 300,000 premature deaths per year in the U.S. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, only 25% of adults and even fewer teenagers consume the suggested 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits a day. More than half of American adults fail to engage in the suggested amount of physical activity; more than one third of young Americans fail to regularly engage in any vigorous physical activity at all.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services states Americans spend $117 billion in costs associated with overweight and obesity, with direct medical and healthcare costs totaling $93 billion. The U.S. weight loss market is estimated to be a $55 billion per year industry. This includes consumer spending on diet foods, drinks and low-calorie sweeteners; health clubs and workout videos; medically supervised and commercial weight loss programs; children’s weight loss camps; diet books; appetite suppressants and more.

 
4

 
 
Distribution Channels

Medifast Direct – In the direct to consumer channel, customers order Medifast product directly through the Company’s website, www.choosemedifast.com, or our in-house call center. The product is shipped directly to the customer’s home. This business is driven by an aggressive multi-media customer acquisition strategy that includes print, radio, web advertising, direct mail and television as well as public relations and social media initiatives. The Medifast Direct division focuses on targeted marketing initiatives and provides customer support through its in-house call center and nutrition support team of registered dieticians to better serve its customers. In addition, Medifast also continues to promote its use of leading web technology featuring customized meal planning and web community components. MyMedifast is a robust online community which provides a library of support articles, support forums, meal planning tools and social media functions,

Take Shape for Life™ - Take Shape for Life is the direct selling division of Medifast. Take Shape For Life is a physician led network of independent health coaches who are trained to provide coaching and support to clients on Medifast programs. Health coaches are conduits to give clients the encouragement and mentoring to successfully reach a healthy weight. Take Shape For Life programs provide a road map to empower the individual to take control of their health through better habits. Take Shape for Life offers the exclusive BeSlim® philosophy, which encourages long-term weight maintenance. Take Shape for Life also moves beyond the scope of weight loss to show customers how to achieve optimal health through the balance of body, mind, and finances. Take Shape for Life uses the high quality, medically validated products of Medifast and The Habits of Health system to create a lifelong health optimization program. In addition to the encouragement and support of a health coach, clients of Take Shape for Life are offered a bio-network of support including program support calls and access to registered dieticians via toll free telephone, email and web chats.

Program entrants are encouraged to consult with their primary care physician and a Take Shape for Life Health Coach to determine the Medifast program that is right for them. Health Coaches are required to obtain qualification based upon testing of their knowledge on Medifast products and programs. Health Coaches may also become certified by The Health Institute, a training program developed by Medifast professionals.

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

Medifast Weight Control Centers – The Medifast Weight Control Center is the brick and mortar clinic channel of Medifast located in Texas, Florida and Maryland. In 2009, the Company opened seven new Medifast Weight Control Centers and had a total of twenty – seven locations in operation at year-end. The centers offer a high-touch model including comprehensive Medifast programs for weight loss and maintenance, customized patient counseling, and Inbody TM composition analysis. Medifast Weight Control Centers conduct local advertising including radio, print, television and web initiatives. The centers also benefit from the nationally advertised brand which encourages walk-ins and referrals from other Medifast business channels.

In 2008, the Company began offering the clinic model as a franchise opportunity. The Company currently has franchisee centers located in Alabama, Arizona, California and Minnesota. At December 31, 2009, eighteen franchise locations were in operation.

Medifast Physicians –Medifast physicians have implemented the Medifast program within their practice or clinic since 1980. These physicians carry an inventory of Medifast products and resell them to patients. They also provide appropriate medical monitoring, testing, and support for patients on the program. Management estimates that more than 20,000 physicians nationwide have recommended Medifast as a treatment for their overweight patients since 1980, and over an estimated 1 million patients have used its’ products to lose and maintain their weight. Many Medifast physicians prefer not to carry inventory and resell products in their offices and take advantage of the Medifast Direct or the Take Shape for Life program to support their patient base.

The Company offers an additional in-house support program to assist customers that are consulting their primary care physician. Customers have access to registered dieticians that provide program support and advice via a toll free telephone help line, by e-mail and online chats

5

 
THE MEDIFAST® BRAND
 
Medifast enriches lives by providing innovative choices for lasting health through products and programs. Medifast has been recommended by 20,000 physicians since 1980. Medifast is clinically proven product offering programs for weight management, weight maintenance and long term health through multiple channels of distribution. Medifast products are high quality, portion controlled meal replacement foods.

The Medifast program is suitable for individuals with type 2 diabetes and offers products with a nutritionally complete and low glycemic formulation Portion controlled, meal replacement weight management programs are continuing to gain popularity, as consumers search for a safe and effective solution that provides balanced nutrition, quick weight loss and valuable behavior modification education.

Medifast Distribution channels also offer a line of Essential 1® brand supplements addressing specific health issues such as heart and digestive health.
 
Clinical Research Overview

Medifast uses both clinical research studies and retrospective data analysis from its Medifast clinics as the basis of its claim, “clinically proven.” The following abstracts include both peer-reviewed research (consisting of prospective controlled clinical trials and retrospective studies) and in-house clinical data (studies 7 & 8).

Study 1
Reference
Davis LM, Coleman CD, Kiel J, Rampolla J, Hutchisen T, Ford L, Anderson WS, Hanlon-Mitola A. “Efficacy of a meal replacement diet plan compared to a food-based diet plan after a period of weight loss and weight maintenance: A randomized controlled trial.” Nutritional Journal. 2010. In Press.

Purpose
To examine the effect of Medifast’s meal replacement program (MD) on body weight, body composition, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among obese individuals following a period of weight loss and weight maintenance compared to an isocaloric, food-based diet (FB).

Results
Weight loss at 16 weeks was significantly better in the Medifast group (MD) versus the food-based group (FB) (12.3% vs. 6.9%), and overall greater weight loss was achieved on MD versus FB. Significantly more of the MD participants lost ≥5% of their initial weight at week 16 (93% vs. 55%) and week 40 (62% vs. 30%). Significant improvements in body composition were also observed in MD participants compared to FB at week 16 and week 40. At week 40, both groups experienced improvements in biochemical outcomes and other clinical indicators.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that the meal replacement diet plan evaluated was an effective strategy for producing robust initial weight loss and for achieving improvements in a number of health-related parameters during weight maintenance, including inflammation and oxidative stress, two key factors more recently shown to underlie our most common chronic diseases.

Weight loss and other anthropometric results of this study were presented at Experimental Biology, 2009.Biochemical outcomes were presented at the American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo, 2009.

Study 2
Reference
Cheskin LJ, et al. “Efficacy of meal replacements versus a standard food-based diet for weight loss in type 2 diabetes: A controlled clinical trial.” The Diabetes Educator. 34(1):118-127; Jan/Feb 2008.

Purpose
To compare the efficacy of a portion-controlled meal-replacement diet (PCD) to a standard diet (SD) (based on recommendations by the American Diabetes Association) in achieving and maintaining weight loss among 119 obese men and women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Results
The PCD group lost 2 times more body weight at 34 weeks (-7.3 ± 6.2kg vs. -3.7 ± 3.2kg) versus the SD group. Using intention-to-treat analyses, weight loss at 34 weeks and weight maintenance at 86 weeks was significantly better on PCD versus SD. Approximately 40% of the PCD participants lost >5% of their initial weight compared with 12% of those on the SD. Significant improvements in biochemical and metabolic measures were observed at 34 weeks in both groups. The retention rate and self-reported ease of adherence in the PCD group were significantly higher throughout the study.

 
6

 

Conclusions
Participants using meal replacements lost twice the amount of weight and were more likely to complete the program than SD participants. Approximately 25% of the PCD participants reduced their blood glucose-lowering medications after the initial weight loss phase, while no participants in the SD group achieved this.

This study was published in the January/February 2008 issue of The Diabetes Educator. The peer-reviewed journal is the official journal of the American Association of Diabetes Educators. The study was also presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 65th Annual Scientific Session, 2005.

Study 3
Reference
Haddock CK, Poston WSC, Foreyt JP, DiBartolomeo JJ. “Effectiveness of Medifast supplements combined with obesity pharmacotherapy: A clinical program evaluation.” Eating and Weight Disorders. 13:95-101; 2008.

Purpose
To evaluate the long-term impact of Medifast meal-replacement supplements (MMRS) combined with appetite-suppressant medication (ASM) among participants who received 52 weeks of treatment as part of a medically supervised weight-control program.

Results
Participants who completed 52 weeks of treatment experienced substantial weight losses at 12 (-9.4 ± 5.7kg), 24 (-12.0 ± 8.1kg), and 52 weeks (12.4 ± 9.2kg), and all measures were significantly different from baseline weight (p<0.001 for all contrasts) for both true completers (n=324) and for ITT analysis (n=1,351). Fifty percent of patients remained in the program at 24 weeks and nearly 25% were still participating at one year.

Conclusions
The combination of Medifast meal-replacement supplements plus appetite suppressant medication yielded results that were better than those typically reported for obesity pharmacotherapy in both short- and long-term studies, and also better than those reported for partial meal-replacement programs.

This study was published in the June 2008 issue of Eating and Weight Disorders. Results of this study were presented at the American Society of Bariatric Physicians’ annual meeting in May 2007.

Study 4
Reference
Davis LM, Coleman CD, Andersen WS, Cheskin LJ. “The effect of metabolism-boosting beverages on 24-hr energy expenditure.” The Open Nutrition Journal. 2:37-41; 2008.

Purpose
To test the effect of thermogenic meal-replacement beverages (TMRB) containing 90 mg of EGCG and 100 mg of caffeine on resting energy expenditure (REE). Thirty adults (19 women, 11 men) were stratified into 3 groups: lean (n=10, BMI 21.5 ± 2.1); overweight/obese (OW) (n=10, BMI 29.8 ± 2.7); or weight maintainers (WM) (n=10, BMI 28.8 ± 4.0). Following an overnight fast, baseline measurements, including REE via indirect calorimetry, were performed. REE was repeated at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after consuming a TMRB. Appetite was assessed via visual analogue scale at baseline, 30 minutes, and 120 minutes after consuming the TMRB.

Results
Mean 24-hour REE was increased 5.9 ± 2.5% overall (p=0.000), 5.7 ± 3.1% among lean subjects (p=0.0002), 5.3 ± 1.4% among OW subjects (p=0.000), and 6.8 ± 2.7% among WM subjects (p=0.0007). Appetite was significantly reduced 30 minutes after consuming the TMRB (p=0.0002).

Conclusions
The findings strongly suggest TMRBs are a promising weight-control tool. Benefits of TMRB in weight control include increases in resting energy metabolism and decreases in appetite. These decreases in energy intake and increases in energy expenditure may translate into more sustainable weight loss and weight maintenance in both the short- and long-term.

This study was presented as a poster session at Experimental Biology, 2008.

Study 5
Reference
Cheskin LJ, et al. “A RCT comparing balanced energy deficit diets with or without meal replacements for weight loss and maintenance among children dieting alone or with a parent.” Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health.

Purpose
To compare the safety and efficacy of supplemental Medifast portion-controlled meal replacements (MRs) to a USDA Food Guide Pyramid-based diet. Both weight-loss diets were 20% energy-restricted (~500 kcal deficit). Eighty children (8-15 y.o.), BMI>95th%ile, were screened and randomized to either a MR diet (3 MRs/d during active weight loss and 2 MRs/d during maintenance) or to the food-based diet. Subjects were further randomized to dieting alone or with a parent.

 
7

 

Results
By ITT analysis, dieting alone vs. with a parent or food vs. MR made no difference in weight outcome. However, following initial weight loss (6 mos) and 1 yr maintenance (18 mos), significant benefits were seen in the MR group in BMI%ile (0 mos=98.8 ± 1.0, 6 mos=96.6 ± 3.2, 18 mos=96.4 ± 3.4); body fat ( 5.9% @ 6 mos, 5.3% @ 18 mos); total cholesterol ( 6.7% @ 6 mos, 5.6% @ 18 mos); LDL ( 19.8% @ 6 mos, 7.9% @ 18 mos); and triglycerides ( 23.6% @ 6 mos, 22.3% @ 18 mos). No significant between-group differences, differences in growth rates, or adverse events were observed.

Conclusions
Among overweight 8-15 y.o. children, dieting with or without a parent, meal replacements were as safe and effective as a food-based diet for weight loss and maintenance.

This study was presented as a poster session at Experimental Biology, 2007.

Study 6
Reference
Matalon V. “An evaluation of weight loss following a carbohydrate and fat restricted diet with appetite suppressant and dietary supplementation.” The Bariatrician. 10-13; 2000.

Purpose
To assess the safety and effectiveness of a weight-loss regimen consisting of a carbohydrate- and fat restricted diet supplemented with an appetite suppressant, a dietary supplement, and a liquid protein drink (Medifast) in an open label trial. Baseline and 6-mos evaluations of body weight (lbs), body fat (%), BMI (kg/m2), lean body mass, water weight, and blood pressure were performed.

Results
Of 47 patients enrolled, 24 (51%) completed six months using the dietary regimen prescribed. Data was analyzed for all patients who were treated with the diet, as well as for the subset of patients who completed the entire study period. At 6 mos, statistically significant differences were found for body weight (p<0.001), percent body fat (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), lean body mass (p<0.001), water weight (p=0.01), and body systolic (p=0.003) and diastolic (p<0.001) blood pressure.

Conclusions
The dietary regimen showed that a carbohydrate- and fat restricted program supplemented with a natural appetite suppressant can lead to progressive weight loss of comparable value to prescribed pharmacologic agents at the time of study. Patients in the study experienced statistically significant decreases in overall body weight, percent body fat, BMI, lean body mass, total body water, and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Study 7
Reference
Crowell MD, Cheskin LJ. “Multicenter evaluation of health benefits and weight loss on the Medifast weight management program.” The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Purpose
To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of a medically supervised, protein-supplemented modified program (Medifast) for weight reduction and to evaluate the impact of weight reduction on coexisting health problems.

Results
On average, males lost 67 lbs and females lost 47 lbs during the fasting phase. The study found significant reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and normalized blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Conclusions
Medically supervised, protein-sparing meal-replacement programs offer a safe and effective means of weight reduction and are accompanied by significant improvements in coexisting health problems.

A statistical review of patient charts, unpublished data on file. 1993.
Study 8
Reference
Davis LM, Cheskin LJ. “Dietary intervention using Medifast meal replacements in pre-bariatric surgery patients.” Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center; 2006.

 
8

 

Purpose
N=14 severely obese patients—13 females (11 African Americans, 2 Caucasians) and 1 male (Caucasian)—with a mean BMI of 64.14 kg/m2 (range 40.2kg/m2 to 91.7kg/m2) entered a 6-month weight-control program at the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center. All patients were Medicaid (Priority Partners) recipients. The program provided a comprehensive approach to weight control focused on diet, behavior, and physical activity. Portion-controlled meal replacements (MRs) supplied by Medifast were utilized as part of the dietary-behavior intervention. All subjects met with a licensed dietitian and were prescribed a 1,000-1,200 kcal/day diet plan incorporating up to 6 MRs/day. Only 1 subject chose not to incorporate meal replacements as part of a low-calorie diet plan. The average intake of meal replacements was 2.5-3 per day through the duration of the study.

Results
After 6 months on the program, patients lost an average of 26.73 lbs (-2.86kg/m2) and 6.96% body weight, and reported a high level of satisfaction with their diet plan. Program completers at 1 month were N=13, at 3 months N=12, and 6 months N=10.

Conclusions
A comprehensive weight management program utilizing Medifast Meal Replacements yielded significant weight loss among pre-bariatric surgical patients.

A statistical review of patient charts, unpublished data on file. 2006.
Study 9
Reference
Tchernof A, Starling R, Turner A, et al. “Impaired capacity to lose visceral adipose tissue during weight reduction in obese postmenopausal women with the Trp64Arg B3-adrenoceptor gene variant.” Diabetes. 49:1709-1713; 2000.

Purpose
To examine the effect of the Trp64Arg gene variant on total and visceral adipose tissue loss, and cardiovascular risk factors in response to weight reduction among 24 obese women (age 57 ± 4 yrs) in a 13 ± 3 mos weight reduction program of 1,200 kcal with or without the inclusion of Medifast.

Results
Whether women were carriers or noncarriers of the Trp64Arg allele, significant weight loss (-16.4 ± 5.0kg vs. -14.1 ± 6.2kg, NS) and reductions in body fat (-10.0 ± 5.2 vs. -11.5 ± 3.9kg, NS) were observed in response to a calorie-restricted program with or without Medifast. Loss of visceral adipose tissue was 43% lower in carriers of the Trp64Arg allele compared with noncarriers (-46 ± 27 vs. -81 ± 51cm2, p=0.05).

Conclusions
This study concluded that older women carrying the Trp64Arg B3-adrenoceptor gene variant have an impaired capacity to lose visceral adipose tissue in response to a calorie-restricted diet.

Scientific Advisory Board

In September 2008, Medifast announced the formation of its Scientific Advisory Board.

The role of the Board is to continually review the effectiveness, safety, and nutritional benefits of Medifast’s products and programs. The team of specialists will also assist in the development of new Meals and supplements, as well as weight-loss approaches for specific medical needs (i.e., patients with heart disease) or lifestyles (vegetarians, etc.).

The work of this cross-disciplinary group builds on Medifast’s heritage of medically sound approaches to weight loss, and the incorporation of leading-edge clinical research into the company’s products and programs.

Medifast Scientific Advisory Board - 2009-2010
Lawrence Cheskin, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Director of the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center in Baltimore, MD

Miriam Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Cardiologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland Medical School

Varsha Vaidya, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and General Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Director of the Obesity Psychiatry program at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

Alison Duncan, Ph.D., RD
Associate Professor, Department of Human Health and Natural Sciences at University of Guelph, Functional Foods Expert

 
9

 

Debra L. Miller, Ph.D.
Director of Nutrition at the Hershey Company

David Allison, Ph.D.
Professor and Head of the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Kerry Stewart, Ed.D., FAHA, FAACVPR, FACSM, FSGC
Professor of Medicine and Director of the Clinical and Research Exercise Physiology Program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

COMPETITION

There are many different kinds of diet products and programs within the weight loss industry. These include a wide variety of commercial weight loss programs, pharmaceutical products, weight loss books, self-help diets, dietary supplements, appetite suppressants and meal replacement shakes and bars. Some of Medifast’s top competitors are Jenny Craig, Nutrisystems, EDiets, Herbalife, and Weight Watchers.

The Company has proven it can compete in this competitive market because its products have been clinically tested and proven in clinical studies conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University and other major institutions, the Medifast products have been safely and effectively used by customers and recommended by physicians for over 30 years. Medifast has been on the cutting edge of product development with soy based nutritional and weight management products since 1980. These products are formulated with high-quality, low-calorie, low-fat ingredients that provide alternatives to fad diets or medicinal weight loss remedies.

The Company’s diverse multi-channel distribution strategy makes the Medifast brand available through multiple support channels, which target different customer needs. Medifast practitioners offer Medifast to patients through wholesale or an innovative home delivery model and some practitioners choose to prescribe appetite suppression diet drugs to patients in conjunction with a Medifast based diet. Medifast Direct via the website and call center serves customers with free online support and community tools and access to nutritionists and customer service representatives. The Take Shape for Life division offers the personal support of a health coach that is often a person who has achieved success on the Medifast program and has turned their success into a business opportunity generating incremental revenue for the company through relationship marketing. Medifast Weight Control Centers offer a supervised and structured model for customers who prefer more accountability and personalized counseling on the program. The Medifast program alone is a mild ketogenic diet that naturally suppresses appetite and eliminates hunger without other therapies for most people.

PRODUCTS

The Company offers a variety of weight and disease management products under the Medifast® brand and for select private label customers. The Medifast line includes Medifast® 55 Shakes, Medifast® 70 Shakes, Medifast® Plus for Appetite Suppression Shakes, Medifast® Plus for Women’s Health Shakes, Medifast® Plus for Diabetics Shakes, Medifast® Plus for Joint Health Shakes, Medifast® Plus for Coronary Health Shakes, Medifast Momentum Drinks, Momentum Flavor Infusers, Antioxidant Shakes, Antioxidant Flavor Infusers, Super Omega 3, Medifast® Maintenance Bars, Medifast Crispy Bars, Medifast® Creamy Soups, Medifast® Chicken Noodle Soup, Medifast® Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, Medifast® Beef Vegetable Stew, Medifast® Home-style Chili, Medifast® Oatmeal, Medifast® Pudding, Medifast® Scrambled Eggs, Medifast® Hot Cocoa, Medifast® Cappuccino, Medifast® Chai Latte, Medifast® Iced Teas, Medifast® Fruit Drinks, Medifast® Soy Crisps, and Medifast® Crackers.
 
Medifast nutritional products are formulated with high-quality, low-calorie, and low-fat ingredients. Many Medifast products are soy based and contain 24 vitamins and minerals, as well as other nutrients essential for good health. The Company uses Solae® brand soy protein, which is a high-quality complete protein derived from soybeans. Medifast also compliments its offerings with several whey-based products. Regardless of the protein source used to make Medifast products (soy or whey), it is of the highest quality with a PDCAAS score of 1.0. Most Medifast Products are Orthodox Union Kosher which denotes a quality standard that is above most products in its class. Many of the Medifast Products are also designated “Hallall” by the American Islamic Council of America.
 
Medifast brand awareness continues to expand through the Company’s marketing campaigns, product development, line extensions, and the Company’s emphasis on quality customer service, technical support and publications developed by the Company’s marketing staff. Medifast products have been proven to be effective for weight and disease management in clinical studies conducted by researchers from the U.S. government and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.. The Company has continued to develop its sales and marketing operations with qualified management and innovative programs. The Company’s facility in Owings Mills, MD manufactures all powders and subcontracts the production of its Ready-To-Drink products, meal replacement bars, crackers, soy crisps and omega 3 capsules.

 
10

 

NEW PRODUCTS

In 2009, the Company expanded the Medifast product line by introducing a new category of products with our Pretzel Sticks and Cheese Puffs. These unique products offer a new twist on familiar products and offer more on-the-go, portable options to the product line. They also fulfill the ‘crunchy’ mouth feel that some of our customers request while they are on the Medifast program. While these products look remarkably similar to pretzels and cheese puffs found at grocery stores, they are uniquely formulated to provide11g of protein, 4g of fiber, with only 3g or less of fat, 15g or less of carbohydrates and 110 Calories. These new items are fully interchangeable with our program and can be enjoyed as a full meal (not a snack.) These new products are available in Chili Nacho Cheese, White Cheddar Cheese, Honey Mustard Pretzel and Cinnamon Pretzel Sticks.
 
Medifast also launched another product aimed at optimizing health- Essential1: Digestive Health. This product can be used as a companion product for those on the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan, Transition, Maintenance, and beyond. The Essential 1 Digestive Health is a dietary supplement pack that contains a custom probiotic capsule and a natural enzyme blend tablet in one convenient, daily pack. This product was developed to help improve digestive tract health which has been linked to improving your bodies’ ability to lose weight effectively. This product also contains ingredients which aid in the absorption of certain nutrients and can help boost your immune system.
 
MARKETING

In 2009, the Company continued to build and leverage its core Medifast brand through multiple marketing strategies to its target audiences. Customer acquisition strategies include national advertising in print magazines, television commercials, web advertising, direct mailings, radio commercials, and DJ testimonials. In addition, the Company executed strategic public relations efforts to secure local and national editorial placements to raise brand awareness. These mediums were used to target new customers by stressing Medifast's quick, easy and safe approach to weight management. The Company invested in two celebrity contracts with preliminary marketing and media campaigns launching in late 2007 and extending into 2009, and added a third celebrity in 2009 running through 2010. Direct mail campaigns, e-mail newsletters and outbound calling programs were utilized to reactivate, encourage and support existing customers. Medifast continued to enhance the Medifast website including adding features in the My Medifast community which offers meal planning, community message boards, blogs and a robust library of information. The Company also continued to feature customer blogs on the website for potential customers to interact with loyal Medifast customers. Late in 2007, the Company launched an auto ship loyalty program where customers receive discounts and rewards with automatic shipments of Medifast Meals on a monthly basis. Both the MyMedifast community enhancements and Auto-ship programs contribute to the retention of Medifast customer through improved compliance with the program.

SALES

The Company’s Sales division handles two primary areas:

Physician Sales - The sales team is responsible for prospecting medical accounts, clinics, hospitals, and HMOs. During 2009, the sales team attended a number of medical professional trade shows, which expanded Medifast's penetration of the medical weight loss business segment.

Medifast Weight Control Centers/Franchises - The brick and mortar clinics have Counselors that sell Medifast products and full service programs which include weekly one-on-one counseling sessions, medical monitoring and physician oversight. Franchise sales seek qualified partners to develop defined market territories.

MANUFACTURING

Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Company’s wholly owned manufacturing subsidiary, produces over 65% of the Medifast products in a state-of-the-art food and pharmaceutical-grade facility in Owings Mills, Maryland. Management purchased the plant in July 2002 for $3.4 million.  The Company has also invested in increasing production capacity with the purchase of two additional manufacturing lines and a larger capacity blender. The lines have significantly improved the Company's production capability, while also improving its overall efficiencies.

The manufacturing facility has the capacity for significant increases to its production output with minimal capital expenditures. Adding additional shifts will enable the Company to produce enough products to generate over $300 million in sales.

Manufacturing processes, product labeling, quality control and equipment are subject to regulations and inspections mandated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the Maryland State Department of Health and Hygiene, and the Baltimore County Department of Health. The plant strictly adheres to all GMP practices and has maintained its status as an "OU" (Orthodox Union) kosher-approved facility since 1982.

11


GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION HISTORY

The formulation, processing, packaging, labeling and advertising of the Company's products are subject to regulation by several federal agencies, but principally by the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA"). The Company must comply with the standards, labeling and packaging requirements imposed by the FDA for the marketing and sale of foods and nutritional supplements. Applicable regulations prevent the Company from representing in its literature and labeling that its products produce or create medicinal effects or possess drug-related characteristics. The FDA could, in certain circumstances, require the reformulation of certain products to meet new standards, require the recall or discontinuation of certain products not capable of reformulation, or require additional record keeping, expanded documentation of the properties of certain products, expanded or different labeling, and scientific substantiation. If the FDA believes the products are unapproved drugs or food additives, the FDA may initiate similar enforcement proceedings. Any or all such requirements could adversely affect the Company's operations and its financial condition.

To the extent that sales of foods and nutritional supplements may constitute improper trade practices or endanger the safety of consumers, the operations of the Company may also be subject to the regulations and enforcement powers of the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Company's activities are also regulated by various agencies of the states and localities in which the Company's products are sold. The Company's products are manufactured and packaged in accordance with customers’ specifications and sold under their private labels both domestically and in foreign countries through independent distribution channels.

PRODUCT LIABILITY AND INSURANCE

The Company, like other producers and distributors of ingested products, faces an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that, among other things, the use of its products results in injury.  The Company maintains insurance against product liability claims with respect to the products it manufactures.  With respect to the retail and direct marketing distribution of products produced by others, the Company's principal form of insurance consists of arrangements with each of its suppliers of those products to name the Company as beneficiary on each of such vendor's product liability insurance policies.  The Company does not buy products from suppliers who do not maintain such coverage.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2009, the Company employed 365 full-time employees, of whom 210 were engaged in manufacturing, warehouse management, and shipping, and 155 in marketing, administrative, call center and corporate support functions.  None of the employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement with the Company.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS INFRASTRUCTURE
 
Our website, which is based on internally developed software and other third party software, is hosted in Baltimore, Maryland at DataPoint (www.datapoint.com) co-location facility. This facility provides redundant network connections, uninterruptible power supplies, physical and fire security and diesel generated power back up for the equipment on which our website rely upon. Our servers and our network are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
 
We use a variety of security techniques to protect our confidential customer data. When our customers place an order or access their account information, we use a secure server (SSL) to transfer information. Our secure server software encrypts all information entered before it is sent to our server. We have a secondary firewall layer of security between our customer facing websites and the databases which house their information. All customer data is protected against unauthorized access. We use PayPal, VeriSign, Chase Paymentech and HackerSafe software to secure our credit card transactions.

OTHER MATTERS

An Independent Committee of the Board of Directors of Medifast was constituted to review the public allegations of a third party "Convicted Felon" on his website pertaining to alleged illegal activities of Take Shape for Life, a Direct Selling Subsidiary of Medifast Inc.  Other public Direct Selling Companies have been attacked by this individual and his network of associates using the same blueprint of allegations. These public allegations were made in mid- February and were immediately followed by significant short selling and short selling option puts that negatively impacted the Market Capitalization of Medifast. The company has demanded that this third party take down its website information containing false information or be subject to appropriate legal action which it did on February 15, 2010 for four days. The company has filed a formal complaint with the Securities and Exchange commission and the Maryland Securities Commissioner. After an additional attack in January of 2010, the company filed a Complaint with the United States District Court in San Diego, California.

 
12

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

All periodic and current reports, registration statements, code of conduct, code of ethics and other material that the Company is required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act Reports”).  These materials are available free of charge through the Company’s investor relations page at www.ChooseMedifast.com.  Such documents are available as soon as reasonably practicable after electronic filing of the material with the SEC. The Company’s Internet web site and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  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

CERTIFICATIONS

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have filed their certifications as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding the quality of the Company’s public disclosure for each of the periods ended during the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.  Further the Company’s Chief Executive Officer has certified to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) that he is not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards, as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE listing standards.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

Name
  
Age
  
Position
Bradley T. MacDonald
  
62
  
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
Michael S. McDevitt
  
32
 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Leo V. Williams
  
62
  
Executive Vice President
Margaret Sheetz
  
32
  
Chief Operating Officer and President
Brendan N. Connors
 
  32
 
Vice President of Finance

Bradley T. MacDonald
Mr. MacDonald became Chairman of the Board of Medifast, Inc. on January 28, 1998. Mr. MacDonald was previously employed by the Company as its Chief Executive Officer from September 1996 to March 2007.  In 2006, Mr. MacDonald was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” in consumer products for the State of Maryland. Prior to joining the Company, he was appointed as Program Director of the U.S. Olympic Coin Program of the Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games. From 1991 through 1994, Colonel MacDonald returned to active duty to be 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 Pennsylvania Optical Co., Chairman and CEO of MacDonald and Associates, which had major financial interests in retail drug, consumer candy, and pilot sunglass companies. Mr. MacDonald was 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. He was appointed and served on the Defense Advisory Board for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR.) for three years.     Mr. MacDonald serves on the Board of Directors of Stevenson University in Maryland, and the Catholic Family Foundation Board of the Archdiocese of Baltimore,. He is also the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation.

Michael S. McDevitt
Mr. McDevitt the Chief Executive Officer of Medifast, Inc.  Prior to joining the company in June, 2002, he was a Senior Analyst for the Blackstone Group, a private equity group in New York City.
Medifast has continued to excel under Mr. McDevitt’s leadership, demonstrated by the company’s recent report of its 41st consecutive quarter of profitability for the fourth quarter, 2009.  Medifast continues to see strong year over year growth, most recently experiencing 57% top line growth and over 114% profitability growth, versus the same time period last year.  Since Mr. McDevitt has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, the Company has increased its market capitalization to over $300 million and enjoyed having Medifast named number 16 on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Small Companies, a jump from 85 one year ago.  Additionally, Medifast was number 28 on the 2008 Fortune Small Business list of fastest-growing small public companies, up from number 47 in 2007. Mr. McDevitt volunteers as a big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland, fully supporting the organization’s mission of helping boys and girls grow up to be confident, caring young adults.  He is a member of the board of directors for the American Heart Association’s Baltimore region.  Additionally, Mr. McDevitt supports the efforts of the American Diabetes Association and the Toys For Tots Foundation. He is on the board of directors of the Augustinian Press and works with several organizations of fellow CEOs.   Mr. McDevitt holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from James Madison University.

 
13

 

Leo V. Williams
Mr. Williams became Executive Vice President of Medifast, Inc. in January of 2004.  Prior to joining Medifast, he was a Future Vehicles Marketing Plans Director for Ford Division sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.  A retired Marine Corps Reserve Major General, he was ordered to active duty from October 2002 to September 2003 to serve as Deputy Director of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command.  Mr. Williams served as the Vice-Chairman of the Board, Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation.  Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Direct Selling Association, U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, Maryland Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees, Board of Trustees for the University of the District of Columbia, and on the Navy Mutual Aid Association Board.

Margaret Sheetz, MBA
Ms. Sheetz is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Medifast. Inc.  Prior to joining the company in 2000, she was a legal assistant with the firm of Carrington, Coleman, Sloman and Blumenthal in Dallas, Texas. As Medifast continues to see strong year over year growth, Ms. Sheetz has provided the leadership to drive increased operational capabilities, building a strong infrastructure of distribution, manufacturing, information systems and human resource operations necessary to support rapid business growth. Since 2000, she has been instrumental in building the supply chain systems that have supported the rapid growth of Medifast. Her operational, leadership and organizational skills have contributed to the improved productivity and professalism of the Medifast support staff. She is actively involved in the efforts of the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association and the Toys For Tots Foundation.  Ms. Sheetz is also very active with several organizations of Maryland executives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villanova University and received an Executive MBA from Loyola University.

Brendan N. Connors, CPA
Mr. Connors joined Medifast as the Vice President of Finance in April of 2005.  Prior to joining Medifast, Mr. Connors worked as a Senior Accountant at Wolf & Company P.C., a certified public accounting and consulting firm in Boston, MA.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following risk factors should be considered when reading this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  If any of the events described below occurs, the Company’s financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.

Much of our growth and future profitability depends on the effectiveness of our advertising spent in the Direct to consumer channel.

Our marketing expenditures may not result in increased revenue or generate sufficient awareness of the program or the brand to the consumer.  We may not be able to manage our advertising spend in a cost effective manner thereby increasing the cost to acquire a new customer to an elevated level that will decrease profits.

We may be subject to health related claims from our customers

A customer that suffers health problems may allege that the Medifast program contributed to the ailment.  The Company is not currently the subject of any such claims; however, we would defend ourselves vigorously against such accusations. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, defending against such claims would be costly and could adversely affect our results of operations.

A competitor or new entrant into the market may develop a product and program similar to ours

Many of our competitors are significantly larger than us and have more financial resources to develop new products and programs.  Our business could be affected if one of our competitors or a new entrant to the market develops similar products and programs through similar marketing channels.  This could result in lower sales as well as pricing competition which could adversely affect the Company’s results from operations.

New fad diets or pharmaceutical solutions could put us at a competitive disadvantage

The weight loss industry is subject to fad diets.  The Atkins craze hit the U.S. several years ago and had an impact on many weight loss companies.  Another fad diet could sweep the nation or consumer preferences could change. Our failure to adapt or respond quickly enough to these changes could have an adverse affect on our results of operations.  In addition, pharmaceutical companies are constantly trying to develop safe, effective, drugs that lead to weight loss.  If successful, many dieters could perceive this to be easier than the Medifast program and this would put us at a competitive disadvantage.

 
14

 

Our ability to compete could be negatively affected in the event we fail to protect our brand names, trademarks or other intellectual property
 Because our business relies heavily on direct to consumer models, brand awareness is an important factor in our sales strategy.  Failure to protect our brand or maintain an image of good standing with the public could result in a negative effect on our operations. Additionally, failure to protect our intellectual property could result in the arrival of a similar competitor which could reduce our competitive edge or decrease our market share.

The business may grow too quickly for the current infrastructure to handle

If our advertising is extremely successful and our Take Shape for Life relationship marketing division sees a large uptick in recruitment we may be unable to handle the growth from an operational perspective.  Increasing demands on our infrastructure could cause long hold times in the call center as well as delays on our website.  In addition, there could be delays in order processing, packaging and shipping.  We could run out of a majority of our inventory if growth exceeded our production capacity.  If these difficulties are encountered in a period of hyper-growth then our operating results could suffer.

Any deficiencies or shortcomings in our information technology could prevent an efficient execution of routine business procedures

We rely heavily on our IT infrastructure to support major business components. Any disruption to the integrity of this support structure including but not limited to; software, telecommunications, Electronic Resource Platform, or the Information Technology architecture as a whole could severely limit our ability to provide customers and vendors with adequate service and operating responses. In addition, our financial reporting is directly correlated with our company-wide software Microsoft Navision 4.0.  Any compromise in the veracity of this system could severely alter the accuracy of our tracking, volumes, and general reporting including financial statements.

A disruption in the supply of raw materials or the inability of third party manufacturing for certain products could affect operating results

We rely heavily on our vendors to provide quality raw materials for us to utilize in our on-site manufacturing processes. Any disruption in the availability of these materials could potentially interrupt our ability to provide certain products to customers in a timely manner.  Also certain products are currently manufactured through a third party. The availability of these products is prone to fluctuations dependent on the manufacturer’s ability to secure and produce a quality product that satisfies our satisfaction standards.

Our stock price may experience volatility due to fluctuations in our operating results

Our stock price is subject to fluctuations in response to our operating results, a competitor’s operating results, or our ability to meet stock analysts forecasts and our yearly revenue and EPS guidance.  In addition, general trends in the weight-loss industry as a whole can have an affect on our stock price.  These factors may have an adverse affect on the market price of our stock and cause it to fluctuate significantly.

Since we cannot  exert the same level of influence or control over our independent health coaches as we could were they our own employees, our health coaches could fail to comply with our policies and procedures, which could result in claims against us that could harm our financial condition and operating results.
 
Our health coaches are independent contractors and, accordingly, we are not in a position to directly provide the same direction, motivation and oversight as we would if health coaches were our own employees. As a result, there can be no assurance that our health coaches will participate in our marketing strategies or plans, accept our introduction of new products, or comply with our health coach policies and procedures.
 
 We can provide no assurances that the number of independent health coaches will increase or remain constant or that their productivity will increase. We experienced a 76% increase in active independent health coaches during 2009. The number of active independent health coaches may not increase and could decline in the future.   Independent health coaches may terminate their services at any time, and, like most direct selling companies, we experience turnover among new independent health coaches from year to year. We cannot accurately predict any fluctuation in the number and productivity of independent health coaches because we primarily rely upon existing independent health coaches to sponsor and train new independent health coaches and to motivate new and existing independent health coaches. Our operating results could be adversely affected if we and our existing independent health coaches do not generate sufficient interest in our business to successfully retain existing independent health coaches and attract new independent health coaches.

Extensive federal, state and local laws regulate our business, products and direct selling program.   While we have implemented health coach policies and procedures designed to govern their conduct and to protect the trademarks and brand of the Company it can be difficult to enforce these policies and procedures because of the large number of health coaches and their independent status. Violations by our independent health coaches of applicable law or of our policies and procedures in dealing with customers could reflect negatively on our products and operations and harm our business reputation. In addition, it is possible that a court could hold us civilly or criminally accountable based on vicarious liability because of the actions of our independent health coaches.

 
15

 

We may be subject to claims that our employees are unqualified to provide weight loss counseling

Our Medifast Weight Control center division provides medical assessments and counseling to our customers.  We may be subject to claims that our employees lack the proper training and qualifications to provide proper advice regarding weight loss.  We could be subject to claims if an employee in one of our clinics gives inappropriate weight loss advice that results in health problems.  Such claims could result in damage to our reputation and could have an affect on our operating results.

Adverse publicity associated with our products, ingredients, or sales channels, or those of similar companies, could harm our financial condition, operating results, and stock price.

Adverse publicity, whether or not accurate, relating to the Company, our products or our operations, our sales channels and independent health coaches could adversely impact the Company’s financial condition, operating results, and stock price.  In addition, it could lead to lawsuits or other legal challenges and could negatively impact our reputation, the market demand for our products, or our general business.

Negative publicity in the weight loss industry could adversely affect our business

If the press were to come out with negative media about low-calorie diets, meal replacements, or soy protein this could harm our business.  Even if not directed at Medifast, this perception could be instilled in our target market and cause harm to our operating results.

The loss of key personnel could adversely affect our ability to operate and result in a negative financial condition

Certain members of our Company oversee integral components of our Company.  Although we do not anticipate the departure of any key employees including but not limited to the executive management team, we cannot guarantee their tenure indefinitely in the future.

Our results of operations may decline as a result of a downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence
 
Our results of operations are highly dependent on product sales and program fees. A downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence and spending in any of our major markets could result in people curtailing their discretionary spending, which, in turn, could lead to a decrease in product sales in our Medifast Direct and Take Shape for Life divisions and a decrease in product and program fees at our Medifast Weight Control Centers and Internet product subscriptions. Any such reduction would adversely affect our results of operations.

Our Business is subject to regulatory and legislative restrictions
 
A number of laws and regulations govern our production, operation, and advertising.  The FTC and certain states regulate advertising, disclosures to consumers, privacy, consumer pricing or billing arrangements, and other consumer matters. Our direct selling distribution channel is subject to risk of interpretation of certain laws pertaining to the prevention of “pyramid” or “chain sale” schemes.  Although we believe we are in full compliance, should the governing body alter or enforce the law in an unanticipated way, there may be a negative result on the company’s operations. The Company’s financial reporting is subject to various laws and regulations as well, specifically, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the SEC. These requirements demand the Company disclose certain information and maintain specific controls to ensure fair and legal accounting practices as outlined therein. The Company has taken substantial measures to ensure compliance through routine internal and external audits. Failure to correct any flaws in internal controls may constitute a public notification of weakness and could have an adverse effect on our stock price. Additionally, the Company is required to maintain a position of good standing in regards to taxation on both a Federal and State level. Failure to comply with federal and state regulations could result in additional taxes, fines, or interest due that could financially strain the company. Future laws and regulations could be unforeseen and potentially have a material negative impact on the Company. Failure to comply with any regulations of current or future authoritative entities could have a detrimental effect on the Company’s financial standing or operating results
 
We are subject to risks associated with our reliance upon information technology systems.     
 
Our success is dependent on the accuracy, reliability, and proper use of information processing systems and management information technology. Our information technology systems are designed and selected in order to facilitate order entry and customer billing, maintain health coach  and Preferred Customer records, accurately track purchases and incentive payments, manage accounting, finance, and manufacturing operations, generate reports, and provide customer service and technical support. Although off-site data back-up is maintained, it is possible that an interruption in these systems could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
 
As a manufacturer, we may be subject to product liability claims.     
 
As a manufacturer and a distributor of products for human consumption and topical application, we could become exposed to product liability claims and litigation. Additionally, the manufacture and sale of these products involves the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. To date, we have not been a party to any product liability litigation We are aware of no instance in which any of our products are or have been defective in any way that could give rise to material losses or expenditures related to product liability claims. Although we maintain product liability insurance, which we believe to be adequate for our needs, there can be no assurance that we will not be subject to such claims in the future or that our insurance coverage will be adequate.

 
16

 
 
 Our manufacturing activity is subject to certain risks.     
 
We manufacture approximately 65% of the products sold to our customers. As a result, we are dependent upon the uninterrupted and efficient operation of our manufacturing facility in Owings Mills, Maryland. Those operations are subject to power failures, the breakdown, failure, or substandard performance of equipment, the improper installation or operation of equipment, natural or other disasters, and the need to comply with the requirements or directives of government agencies, including the FDA. There can be no assurance that the occurrence of these or any other operational problems at our facility would not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. We are subject to a variety of environmental laws relating to the storage, discharge, handling, emission, generation, manufacture, use and disposal of chemicals, solid and hazardous waste, and other toxic and hazardous materials. Our manufacturing operations presently do not result in the generation of material amounts of hazardous or toxic substances. Nevertheless, complying with new or more stringent laws or regulations, or more vigorous enforcement of current or future policies of regulatory agencies, could require substantial expenditures by us that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Environmental laws and regulations require us to maintain and comply with a number of permits, authorizations, and approvals and to maintain and update training programs and safety data regarding materials used in our processes. Violations of those requirements could result in financial penalties and other enforcement actions and could require us to halt one or more portions of our operations until a violation is cured. The combined costs of curing incidents of non-compliance, resolving enforcement actions that might be initiated by government authorities, or of satisfying new legal requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

The Company owns a 49,000 square-foot facility in Owings Mills, Maryland, which contains its Corporate Headquarters and manufacturing plant.  In 2003, the Company purchased a state-of-the-art 119,000 square-foot distribution facility in Ridgely, Maryland.  The facility gives the Company the ability to distribute over $300 million of Medifast product sales per year.   In 2004, the Company purchased a 3,000 square foot conference and training facility in Ocean City, Maryland.  The facility will be used to conduct corporate training meetings, Board of Director Meetings and employee morale and wellness programs.  The Company has twenty-seven leases for its corporately owned Medifast Weight Control clinics throughout Florida,Texas and Maryland.  In addition, the Company leases a building in Owings Mills, MD for corporate offices.  The leases range in terms from one to six years.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Medifast, Inc. filed a civil complaint on February 17, 2010 in the U.S. District Court (SD, Cal) against Barry Minkow, his Fraud Discovery Institute, Inc., its subsidiary iBusiness Reporting, its editor William Lobdell, Tracy Coenen, her Sequence, Inc., “Zee Yourself”, and Robert L. Fitzpatrick for defamation, violations of California Corporation Code Sections 25400 et seq, and 17200 et seq alleging a scheme of market manipulation of  Medifast, Inc. stock by damaging the business reputation of Medifast, Inc. (MED-NYSE) and its meal replacement weight loss products and organization for Defendants monetary gain. Bradley T. MacDonald, Executive Chairman, Medifast, Inc. who is also a large shareholder joined the lawsuit individually. The suit seeks at least $270 Million in compensatory damages, punitive damages, and ancillary relief. Medifast, Inc. also continues to pursue its pending complaints filed in March, 2009 with the SEC, Maryland Securities Commissioner, and the U.S. Attorney against most of these same named Defendants.
The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee for Go Fig, Inc et al Debtors filed in early 2010 an adversary civil proceeding in the US Bankruptcy Court (ED, Missouri) against Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Medifast, Inc. (MED-NYSE) and other unrelated entities seeking to recover as to each alleged preferential payments. Jason sold product received by the Debtors and has previously filed a pending claim in the same bankruptcy. Medifast, Inc. disputes the Trustee’s allegations and intends to vigorously defend through its local counsel. Medifast, Inc believes any likely result would not materially affect its operations.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable

 
17

 

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

(a) The Company's Common Stock has been quoted under the symbol MED since December 20, 2002.  The old symbol, MDFT, had been traded since February 5, 2001.  The common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.  The following is a list of the low and high closing prices by fiscal quarters for 2009 and 2008:

   
2009
 
   
Low
   
High
 
Quarter Ended March 31, 2009
    4.09       7.77  
Quarter Ended June 30, 2009
    4.15       11.46  
Quarter Ended September 30, 2009
    9.89       22.31  
Quarter Ended December 31, 2009
    19.42       35.35  

   
2008
 
   
Low
   
High
 
Quarter Ended March 31, 2008
    3.68       4.99  
Quarter Ended June 30, 2008
    4.35       6.68  
Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
    4.80       8.85  
Quarter Ended December 31, 2008
    3.52       6.79  

(b) The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.

(c) There were approximately 176 record holders of the Company's Common Stock as of March 26, 2010.   This number does not include beneficial owners of our securities held in the name of nominees.  The Company had no preferred holders of the Company’s stock as of December 31, 2009.

(d) No dividends on common stock were declared by the Company during 2009 or 2008.  The Company does not plan to declare a dividend   in 2010.

On June 3, 2004, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of our common stock.  Depending upon market conditions, shares may be repurchased from time to time at prevailing market prices through open market or privately negotiated transactions.

We are not obligated to purchase any shares.  Subject to applicable securities laws repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts, as our management deems appropriate.  The share repurchase program may be discontinued or terminated at any time and we have not established a date for completion of the share repurchase program.  The repurchases will be funded from our available cash.   As of December 31, 2009, we had purchased 135,000 shares as treasury stock through the repurchase program noted above.  On March 26, 2009 the Company repurchased 25,000 shares of common stock at an average price of $4.09 as detailed in the table below.

The following is a summary of our stock purchases during the year ended December 31, 2009, as required by Regulation S-K, Item 703.
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased
 
Average Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares
that May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or Programs
 
January 1 - December 31, 2009
    25,000     $ 4.09       25,000       365,000  
 
 
18

 

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 
The selected condensed consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included as Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of the company included in Part II Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The historical results provided below are not necessarily indicative of future results.

         
Restated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
                             
Revenue
    165,618       105,445       83,779       74,086       40,129  
Operating Income
    19,366       8,199       5,715       7,381       3,549  
Income from Continuing Operations
    19,293       7,850       5,543       7,463       3,405  
                                         
EPS - Basic
    0.89       0.37       0.26       0.36       0.14  
EPS - Diluted
    0.81       0.34       0.25       0.34       0.14  
                                         
Total Assets
    63,162       50,317       43,087       36,375       30,259  
Current Portion of long-term debt and revolving credit facilities
    796       3,421       1,863       1,804       1,194  
Total long-term Debt
    5,444       4,313       4,570       3,509       3,977  
                                         
Weighted average shares outstanding
                                       
Basic
    13,772       13,126       12,961       12,669       12,259  
Diluted
    14,736       14,329       13,644       13,483       12,781  

 
19

 

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document contains forward-looking statements which may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Medifast, Inc. actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by these statements. Medifast, Inc. cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only to management's expectations on this date.

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements.

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

Revenue Recognition.  Revenue is recognized net of discounts, rebates, promotional adjustments, price adjustments, returns and other potential adjustments upon shipment and passing of risk to the customer and when estimates of are reasonably determinable, collection is reasonably assured and the Company has no further performance obligations.

Impairment of Fixed Assets and Intangible Assets.    We continually assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on legal factors, market conditions and our operating performance. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and the carrying values of fixed and intangible assets may be impaired. Any resulting impairment loss would be limited to the value of net fixed and intangible assets.
 
Income Taxes. In the preparation of consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates income taxes based on diverse legislative and regulatory structures that exist in jurisdictions where the Company conducts business. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities represent tax benefits or obligations that arise from temporary differences due to differing treatment of certain items for accounting and income tax purposes. The Company evaluates deferred tax assets each period to ensure that estimated future taxable income will be sufficient in character amount and timing to result in their recovery. A valuation allowance is established when management determines that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized to reduce the assets to their realizable value. Considerable judgments are required in establishing deferred tax valuation allowances and in assessing probable exposures related to tax matters. The Company’s tax returns are subject to audit and local taxing authorities that could challenge the company’s tax positions. The Company believes it records and/or discloses such potential tax liabilities as appropriate and has reasonably estimated its income tax liabilities and recoverable tax assets.
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts.  In determining the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, we consider a number of factors including the aging of the receivable portfolio, customer payment trends, and financial condition of the customer, industry conditions and overall credibility of the customer.  Actual amounts could differ significantly from our estimates.

 
20

 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 2009 COMPARISON WITH 2008

OPERATING

Sales
    Revenue increased to $165.6 million in 2009 as compared to $105.4 million in 2008, an increase of $60.2 million or 57%. The Take Shape for Life sales channel accounted for 61% of total revenue, direct response marketing 28%, Medifast Weight Control Centers, brick-and-mortar clinics and physician clinics 11%.  Take Shape for Life sales, which are fueled by person-to-person direct selling and successful health coaches building their networks and supporting increased sales of $50.5 million or 101% year-over-year.   The Company’s Medifast Weight Control Center clinic division, increased sales $7.8 million or 93% compared to 2008.  Same store sales increased by 20% for Centers open greater than one year.   The direct marketing sales channel, which is fueled primarily by consumer advertising, increased revenues $3 million or 7% year-over year on $400,000 less advertising spend.

Take Shape for Life revenue increased 101% to $100.4 million compared with $49.8 million in 2008.   Growth in revenues for the segment was driven by increased customer product sales as a result of an increase in active health coaches.   The number of active health coaches during 2009 increased to approximately 6,000 compared with 3,400 during the period a year ago, an increase of 76%. We continue to see the benefits of a physician-lead network of coaches that are able to support their clients in their weight-loss efforts.   In today’s environment where trust and personal recommendations are becoming a more important component in consumer purchasing decisions, the Take Shape for Life model of health coaches helping others to lose weight as a result of one-on-one communication and support continues its rapid growth. . Take Shape for Life customers who have utilized the Medifast products and programs and successfully have addressed their body weight and health issues are increasingly choosing to become active health coaches.   Becoming a health coach is a business opportunity that has a low start up cost, does not require the holding of inventory as all orders are shipped from the company to the end consumer.   In the current economic environment, many people are looking for supplemental income to assist in paying the car payment or mortgage, and becoming a health coach allows for supplemental income in the form of commission compensation on product sales. In addition the health coach supports customer needs by providing education on the program and assisting customers in selecting the right products and programs using clinically proven Medifast products and protocols. Take Shape for Life has assisted thousands of overweight and obese customers regain their health and wellbeing while creating a national bionetwork of activist health coaches who are combating the epidemic of Obesity in America.

The Medifast Weight Control Centers, which represent approximately 10% of the Company’s overall revenues, are currently operating in twenty seven corporate locations in Florida, Maryland, and Texas, and eighteen franchise locations.  In 2009, the Company experienced revenue growth of 93% versus the same time period last year.  Throughout 2010, the Company anticipates opening an additional 13-15 corporately owned Medifast Weight Control Centers.

The Direct Marketing Sales division sales increased 7% to $47 million as compared with $44 million in 2008, and increase of $3 million.  Due to a more effective advertising message, more targeted advertising through extensive analytical analysis, and improved call center closing rates the company experienced a 2.7 to 1 return on advertising spend during 2009 as compared to 2.5 to 1 in 2008.  This resulted in $400,000 less advertising spend driving an additional $3 million in sales as compared to prior year.  This improvement in advertising effectiveness was a key profitability driver in 2009.

Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of revenue increased $15 million to $40.3 million in 2009 from $25.3 million in 2008.  As a percentage of sales, gross margin decreased slightly to 75.7% from 76% in 2008.  The slight decrease in gross margin is due to manufacturing efficiencies realized from machinery in terms of labor and scrap reduction and decreased manufacturing overhead, the company’s inventory value was reduced at year end.  Due to this annual inventory re-valuation, the company’s gross margins decreased slightly.  Going forward, the company will experience gross margin improvement due to a decrease in the cost of each unit sold and anticipates an improvement in gross margin in 2010.

Operating Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $34.0 million or 47% to $105.9 million in 2009 compared to $71.9 million in 2008.  As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expense decreased to 64% in 2009 from 68.2% in 2008.   Take Shape for Life commission expense, which is completely variable based upon revenue, increased by $22.4 million as the Company showed sales growth of 101% as compared to 2008. Salaries and benefits increased by approximately $4.7 million in 2009. The increase includes the hiring of additional expertise in critical areas such as Take Shape for Life and the Medifast Weight Control Centers to support the strong growth in 2009 and beyond.  In addition, the opening of seven new corporately owned clinics also required the hiring of additional center managers and support staff.  Areas that also experienced additional staffing due to the 57% sales growth in 2009 include manufacturing, distribution, call center, and IT. Advertising expense in 2009 was approximately $17.4 million compared to approximately $17.8 million for the same period last year, a decrease of $400,000. Communication expense increased by $300,000.  Office expenses increased by $1.3 million and stock compensation expense increased by $1.3 million as additional restricted shares were issued to key executives and Board members in the third and fourth quarters of 2008.  Operating expenses increased by $1.9 million which primarily resulted from additional printing expense for our direct to consumer postcard mailings, printed materials included in each product shipment, as well as maintenance, repairs, and supplies for our manufacturing and distribution facilities.  Other operating expenses increased by $2.6 million which included items such as depreciation, amortization, credit card processing fees, charitable contributions, and property taxes.

 
21

 

Other Income/Expense
Other income/expense decreased from a $349,000 in 2008 to $73,000 at December 31, 2009.  The main driver of the decrease was a reduction in interest expense of $0.2 million.

Income taxes
In 2009, the Company recorded $7.3 million in income tax expense, which represents an annual effective rate of 38.0%.   For 2008, we recorded income tax expense of $3 million which reflected an estimated annual effective tax rate of 38.4%.  The Company anticipates a tax rate of approximately 39-40% in 2010.  The Company restated  income tax expense and deferred tax accounts for the year-ended December 31, 2008  due to an error in the Company’s SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” calculation. See Footnote 17 “Restatement of Financial Statements” for a detailed description of the restatement and management discussion on the restatement below.

Management Discussion on Restatement and Restatement Impact

We are restating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, and 2008 due to an error in the SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” calculation.   In general, under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the future tax consequences attributable to the effects of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and for income tax purposes.   Due  to the Company’s growth in past years, major infrastructure investments were made to include building purchases for manufacturing, corporate offices  and distribution, high speed manufacturing equipment and blenders, a state of the art printing center operation, and IT systems including infrastructure and hardware.  For financial statement purposes, these assets are depreciated over the assets useful life. However, for tax purposes, the depreciation can be accelerated which results in lower taxable income and potential tax refunds which were realized for the years in which accelerated tax depreciation was elected for the Company. The lower taxable income and tax refunds impacted the Company’s cash position positively and allowed for the further investment in the vertically integrated Company infrastructure build. The resulting timing difference should have resulted in a deferred tax liability and additional income tax provision expense in the year’s restated.

The restatements had no effect on 2009 revenues, operating income, pre-tax income, net income or cash-flows.  The restatements have no impact on the Company's tax returns in any year.

 During the audit of the Company’s financial statement for the year-ended December 31, 2009, Management of Medifast, Inc. was first advised by Friedman, LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, that an error existed in its deferred tax account balances due to timing differences resulting between depreciation expense for tax purposes versus financial statement purposes. Those tax returns prepared by the tax division of the audit firm responsible for the financial statement opinion in a given year, Bagell Josephs, Levine & Company, LLC, resulted in reduced taxes for Medifast, Inc. for the pertinent years.

Management performed a detailed reconciliation of deferred tax accounts and the related provision for income taxes for all tax years beginning in 2001 in order to quantify the potential balance adjustments. The Company’s Management upon being advised by its Independent Auditor of the SFAS No. 109 calculation issue, as part of its Sarbanes Oxley policy regarding internal controls regarding financial reporting, immediately reported this issue to the Audit Committee which promptly initiated and conducted its review. That review on March 16, 2010 concluded i) that Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Company, LLP (“BJL”) had merged with Friedman, LLP effective January 1, 2010. ii) that neither Management nor the Audit Committee had  been   previously  notified  of  this  audit concern by its auditors BJL either during those audits nor while preparing the quarterly reports and tax returns with BJL Tax Accountant Services for the pertinent years iii.) that the Company from the time of its restructuring in 1999 did not have a normalized tax rate due to the carry forward of a substantial net operating loss iiii.) that Company management is responsible for the internal controls over the preparation and review process for the calculation of the income tax provision which was inadequate, and led to errors in the computation of deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities, and related income tax provision.

On March 29, 2010 management and the Audit Committee reviewed management’s findings and the Audit Committee concluded that restating the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, and 2008 is required. The Company is restating for errors identified in its deferred tax accounts pertaining to (i) differences between the income tax basis and the financial reporting basis of long-lived assets that were not reconciled to the deferred tax balances (ii) to properly apply a net operating loss to our deferred tax and provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005.   The effects of these restatements are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

The correction of the errors noted in (i) above reduced 2008, 2007, and 2006 net income by $601,000 (.04 per diluted share), $411,000 ($.03 per diluted share), and $583,000 (.04 per diluted share), respectively.  The corrections noted in number (ii) above increased beginning of 2006 accumulated deficit by $1,358,000.

See Footnote 17 “Restatement of Financial Statements” for a detailed description of the restatement.

 
22

 

The cumulative affect of the restatements for years December 31, 2006, 2007, and 2008 do not have a material impact on the financial condition of the Company in the opinion of Management and the Audit Committee as illustrated by key balance sheet ratios on the December 31, 2009 balance sheet as presented below:

Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
As Previously
Reported
   
As Restated
 
             
Total Current Assets
    34,967,000       34,730,000  
Total Assets
    64,140,000       62,755,000  
Total Current Liabilities
    5,764,000       6,183,000  
Total Liabilities
    11,208,000       13,180,000  
Total Stockholder's Equity
    52,932,000       49,575,000  
Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
    64,140,000       62,755,000  
 
Key Balance Sheet Financial Ratios
           
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009
           
             
Current Ratio
 
6.1 to 1
   
5.6 to 1
 
Quick Ratio
 
4.1 to 1
   
3.8 to 1
 
Debt to Equity Ratio
 
.12 to 1
   
.12 to 1
 
Return on Equity
 
22.6%
 
 
24%
 
Return on Assets
 
18.7%
   
19%
 
 
Net income
 Net income was $12.0 million in 2009 as compared to $4.8 million in 2008, an increase of 147%.    The improved profitability in 2009 is due to sales growth in the Take Shape for Life division Medifast Weight Control Centers, and direct Marketing sales channel as well as improved advertising effectiveness in the Medifast Direct Marketing sales channel, gross margin improvement as well as leveraging the fixed costs associated with our vertically-integrated support structure.

SEGMENT RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
Net Sales by Segment as of December 31,
 
                                     
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Segments
 
Sales
   
% of Total
   
Sales
   
% of Total
   
Sales
   
% of Total
 
                                     
Medifast
    150,037,000       91 %     97,116,000       92 %     78,861,000       94 %
All Other
    15,581,000       9 %     8,329,000       8 %     4,918,000       6 %
Eliminations
            0 %             0 %             0 %
Total Sales
    165,618,000       100 %     105,445,000       100 %     83,779,000       100 %

2009 vs. 2008
Medifast Segment:  The Medifast reporting segment consists of the sales of Medifast Direct, Take Shape for Life, and Doctors.  As this represents the majority of our business this is referenced to the “Consolidated Results of Operations” management discussion for 2009 vs. 2008 above.

All Other Segment:  The All Other reporting segment consists of the sales of Medifast Weight Control Corporate Centers, and Medifast Weight Control Franchise Centers.  Sales increased by $7.3 million, or 87% year-over year due to the opening of seven new centers throughout 2009,  a 20% increase in the same store sales for Centers open for greater than one year, and the launch of the franchise opportunity in 2009.  The Company is continuing to focus on improved advertising effectiveness, improved closing rates on walk-in sales, as well as the hiring of more experienced clinic personnel.  At the end of 2009, there were twenty seven corporately owned centers opened as compared to twenty centers at the end of 2008.  The company has eighteen franchise centers in operation.  In 2010, the Company plans on opening an additional 13-15 corporately owned Medifast Weight Control Centers.

 
23

 

2008 vs. 2007

Medifast Segment:  The Medifast reporting segment consists of the sales of Medifast Direct, Take Shape for Life, and Doctors.  As this represents the majority of our business this is referenced to the “Consolidated Results of Operations” management discussion for 2008 vs. 2007 above.

All Other Segment:  The All Other reporting segment consists of the sales of Medifast Weight Control Corporate Centers, and Medifast Weight Control Franchise Centers Sales increased by $3,411,000 year-over year due to the opening of ten new centers throughout 2008, including eight centers in Houston, TX and two centers in Dallas, TX.   The Dallas, TX market continues to mature with the average clinic generating approximately $50,000 per month in sales.   The Company is continuing to focus on improved advertising effectiveness, improved closing rates on walk-in sales, as well as the hiring of more experienced clinic.  At the end of 2008, there were twenty corporately owned centers opened as compared to ten centers at the end of 2007.  In addition, the Company began franchising the Medifast Weight Control Center model in 2008.  At the end of 2008, there were five franchise centers in operation.

   
Net Profit by Segment as of December 31,
 
               
(Restated)
   
(Restated)
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Segments
 
Profit
   
% of Total
   
Profit
   
% of Total
   
Profit
   
% of Total
 
                                     
Medifast
    13,275,000       111 %     7,503,000       155 %     5,526,000       161 %
All Other
    (1,311,000 )     -11 %     (2,669,000 )     -55 %     (2,100,000 )     -61 %
Eliminations
            0 %             0 %             0 %
Net Profit
    11,964,000       100 %     4,834,000       100 %     3,426,000       100 %

2009 vs. 2008

Medifast Segment:  The Medifast reporting segment consists of the profits of Medifast Direct, Take Shape for Life, and Doctors.  As this represents the majority of our business this is referenced to the “Consolidated Results of Operations” management discussion for 2009 vs. 2008 above.  See footnote 16, “Business Segments” for a detailed breakout of expenses.

All Other Segment:   The All Other reporting segment consists of the profit or loss of Medifast Weight Control Centers, Medifast Weight Control Franchise Centers, and corporate expenses related to the parent company operations.  Year-over-year, the loss in the All Other segment decreased by $1.4 million.  The Medifast Weight Control Centers and Franchise Centers showed an increase in net profitability year-over-year of $2.5 million.   The increase in profitability was due to opening of ten new corporately owned centers in 2008, seven new centers in 2009, and opening additional franchisee centers throughout 2009. The increase in the total number of corporate clinics to twenty seven, eighteen operating franchise centers, and improvements in same store sales year-over-year led to additional sales and profitability.  Medifast Corporate expenses increased by $1.1 year-over-year.  Corporate expenses include items such as auditors’ fees, attorney’s fees, stock compensation expense and corporate governance related to NYSE, Sarbanes Oxley, and SEC regulations.  See footnote 16, “Business Segments” for a detailed breakout of expenses.

2008 vs. 2007

Medifast Segment:  The Medifast reporting segment consists of the profits of Medifast Direct, Take Shape for Life, and Doctors.  As this represents the majority of our business this is referenced to the “Consolidated Results of Operations” management discussion for 2008 vs. 2007 above.  See footnote 16, “Business Segments” for a detailed breakout of expenses.

All Other Segment:  The All Other reporting segment consists of the losses of Hi-Energy, Medifast Weight Control Centers, and corporate expenses related to the parent company operations.  Year-over-year, the loss in the All Other segment increased by $569,000.   The Hi-Energy and Medifast Weight Control Centers showed an increase in net profitability year-over-year of $339,000.  The increase in profitability was due to improved profitability in established centers.  During the year, ten new centers were opened and should have a positive impact on 2009 earnings.   Medifast Corporate expenses increased by $908,000 year-over-year.  Corporate expenses include items such as auditors’ fees, attorney’s fees, Board of Director expenses, investor relations, corporate consulting, and corporate outings.  In 2008, the Company had additional legal expenses associated with the Sotomayor legal action that resulted in a $200,000 one time charge to earnings in the fourth quarter of 2008.  In addition, the Company had an increase in realized losses on equity securities in its investment account in the fourth quarter of 2008 due to the weakness in the stock market.  See footnote 16, “Business Segments” for a detailed breakout of expenses.

 
24

 

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

As of December 31, 2009, our principal commitments consisted of obligations for variable and fixed rate loans detailed in Note 12 of the financial statements, operating leases for corporately owned Medifast Weight Control Centers detailed in Note 9 of the financial statements, and copier equipment contracts for our printing operation that support our marketing efforts.
 
The Company has the following contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009
 
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
Thereafter
 
Contractual Obligations
                                   
                                     
Total Debt
    796,000       796,000       796,000       566,000       257,000       3,029,000  
Operating Leases
    1,112,000       1,085,000       1,002,000       553,000       249,000       294,000  
Copier Equipment Service Contracts
    1,062,000       1,031,000       964,000       758,000       412,000       -  
                                                 
Total contractual obligations
    2,970,000       2,912,000       2,762,000       1,877,000       918,000       3,323,000  

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company had stockholders’ equity of $49.6 million and working capital of $28.6 million on December 31, 2009 compared with $35.2 million and $12.6 million at December 31, 2008, respectively.  The $14.4 million net increase in stockholder’s equity reflects $12.0 million in 2009 profits as well as equity transactions as outlined in the “Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).” The Company’s cash and cash equivalents position increased from $1.8 million at December 31, 2008 to $12.7 million at December 31, 2009.  The $10.9 million increase was mainly due to the increased profits of $12.0 million as well as a $2.6 million decrease in inventory, and a reduction in capital spending.  These were offset by a $3.2 million decrease in our line of credit.

The Company currently has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
In the year ended December 31, 2009 the Company generated cash flow of $20,313,000 from operations, primarily attributable to higher operating income.  Net changes in operating assets and liabilities increased cash flow by $860,000.    The total use of cash from operations was $1.7 million. Uses of cash include an increase in prepaid expenses of $1,155,000, increase in accounts receivable of $228,000, a decrease in accounts payable of $162,000, a decrease in income taxes payable, and a increase in deferred compensation and other assets of $110,000.  This was offset by sources of cash during 2009 from a decrease in inventory by $2.6 million.  Inventory decreased due to increased inventory turns and a reduction of our days on hand.
 
In the year ended December 31, 2009, net cash used in investing activities was $7,932,000, which primarily consisted of the purchase of property and equipment.  The increase in property and equipment relates to the building of a large amount of infrastructure in 2009 to support growth.  This included the opening of seven new Medifast Weight Control Center locations, development of a point-of-sale system for the Medifast Weight Control Centers, continued development of a new web shopping platform for the direct response segment, new software system for our Take Shape for Life division, ERP enhancements, IT infrastructure to support new systems, phone system upgrades, and leasehold improvements to manufacturing and distribution facilities to support future growth.

 
25

 

In the year ended December 31, 2009, financing activities used $1,514,000 in cash flow.  Sources of cash included an increase in long term debt $1.7 million, a decrease in notes receivable - $170,000, and issuance of common stock, options and warrants - $214,000.  This was offset by a use of cash in the repayment of the line of credit - $3.2 million, the purchase of treasury stock - $102,000, and a fair value adjustment for stock compensation tax benefit - $303,000.
 
In pursuing its business strategy, the Company may require additional cash for operating and investing activities. The Company expects future cash requirements, if any, to be funded from operating cash flow and cash flow from financing activities.

There are no current plans or discussions in process relating to any material acquisition that is probable in the foreseeable future.

2008 COMPARISON WITH 2007

OPERATING

Revenue:
Revenue increased to $105.4 million in 2008 as compared to $83.8 million in 2007, an increase of $21.6 million or 26%. The Take Shape for Life sales channel accounted for 47% of total revenue, direct response marketing 42%, Medifast Weight Control Centers, brick-and-mortar clinics and Physicians 11%.  Take Shape for Life sales, which are fueled by person-to-person recruiting and support increased by 79% year-over-year.   The Company’s Medifast Weight Control Center clinic division , increased sales by 68% as compared to 2007 due to the opening of new clinics in 2008.  The direct marketing sales channel, which is fueled primarily by consumer advertising, decreased revenues by approximately 6% year-over year on less advertising spend.  The Company’s doctor’s sales decreased by 24% compared to 2007 due to certain doctors transitioning to the professional division of Take Shape for Life.

The Take Shape for Life division grew 79% year-over-year.  This growth can largely be attributed to the tools and training that led to an increase in the ability of the division to both promote growth in recruiting of health coaches and acquisition of clients, as well as better supporting this growth as it occurs. This continued investment proved to be a large part of the current growth trends in Take Shape for Life sales, as well as the number of active health coaches and clients.  The growth in this segment correlates directly to the increase in health coaches, which began to accelerate following our National Convention in July 2008.  The number of active health coaches grew 84% to 3,400 at the end of the fourth quarter of 2008 as compared to 1,850 for the same time period in 2007.   The Company completed our 2008 National Convention in Orlando, FL on July 26th, 2008 where approximately 750 health coaches participated, an increase of nearly 88% from prior year.  The individuals that attended the event attended workshops and heard lectures by accredited individuals in the areas of recruiting, product and nutrition knowledge, and business skills.

The Medifast Weight Control Centers, which represent approximately 8% of the Company’s overall revenues, are currently operating in twenty locations in Dallas, Houston, and Orlando.  In 2008, the Company experienced revenue growth of 68% versus the same time period last year. The average monthly revenue per clinic also witnessed growth of 6%, averaging $38,000 per clinic in 2008 as compared to $36,000 in 2007.   In the expanding Dallas, TX market, the average monthly revenue per clinic is approximately $50,000. In the estimated $40 billion weight loss and health living industry, the brick and mortar clinic model has always made up a significant portion of overall sales.  The recent growth in the Medifast Weight Control Centers has proven that the model is in high demand from a select portion of the weight loss consumers.  Throughout the year, the Company invested in the infrastructure of its clinic model. The major aspects of the investment in this division included an expanded support team, the creation of a point of sale system, a robust customer data tracking system, and finalizing the franchise opportunity documentation.   During 2008, the Company opened eight additional corporately owned clinics in the Houston, TX market and two additional centers in the Dallas, TX market.

On February 18, 2008, the Company announced that it has sold its first franchise of Medifast Weight Control Centers.  The Company sold the rights to open four clinics in the Greater Baltimore Metropolitan Area.  The franchisee also has the rights to open four additional Medifast Weight Control Centers in the Baltimore area over the next two years, bringing the total to eight locations.   On June 3, 2008 the Company announced that it sold the rights to open four Medifast Weight Control Centers in Southern California and three Medifast Weight Control Centers in Central California to two different local business operators.  On October 8, 2008, the Company announced the opening of its first franchise clinic in the Baltimore, MD area. In December 2008, three Medifast Weight Control Center franchise locations opened in Southern California and one location opened in Central California.  At December 31, 2008, five franchise locations were in operation.

Costs and Expenses
Cost of revenue increased $3.9 million to $25.3 million in 2008 from $21.5 million in 2007.  As a percentage of sales, gross margin increased to 75.9% in 2008 from 74.4% in 2007.  The margin improved due to efficiencies gained from new machinery purchases in prior year, new shipping rules that resulted in additional shipping revenue from customers netting against shipping expense, as well as a price increase on July 1, 2008.  Operating expenses increased by $950,000 which primarily resulted from additional printing expense for our direct to consumer postcard mailings and Take Shape for Life printed material, as well as maintenance, repairs, and supplies for our manufacturing and distribution facilities.
 
26

 
Operating Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $15.3 million as compared to 2007.   Take Shape for Life commission expense, which is completely variable based upon revenue, increased by approximately $10.1 million as the Company showed sales growth of 79% as compared to 2007. Salaries and benefits increased by approximately $2 million in 2008. The increase includes the hiring of additional expertise in critical areas such as Take Shape for Life and the Medifast Weight Control Centers to support the strong growth in 2008 and beyond.  Also, additional personnel were hired in the call center during the first and second quarters of 2008 as the Company brought the outsourced Take Shape for Life call center in-house early in the second quarter of 2008.   Going forward, savings will be realized on communication expense as a result of bringing the call center in-house.  The opening of eight new corporately owned clinics in the Houston, TX market and two in the Dallas, TX market also required the hiring of additional center managers and support staff.     Advertising expense in 2008 was approximately $17.8 million compared to approximately $18.4 million for the same period last year, a decrease of $600,000.  Communication expense decreased by $200,000 as a result of the Take Shape for Life call center moving in-house during the second quarter of 2008.    Other expenses increased by $2.4 million which included items such as depreciation, amortization, credit card processing fees, charitable contributions, and property taxes.  Office expenses increased by $300,000 and stock compensation expense increased by $225,000 as additional restricted shares were issued to key executives and Board members in the third and fourth quarters of 2008.

Other Income/Expense
Other expense increased from a $172,000 in 2007 to $349,000 at December 31, 2008.  The $177,000 increase in other expense resulted primarily from realized losses of $216,000 on the Company’s equity investment portfolio managed by Merrill Lynch due to the weakness of the stock market in 2008.  Other income/expense consists of interest expense on debt, gains or losses on the sale of equity investments, dividends and interest on equity and bond investments, and interest payments received on the CCS note receivable.  In 2007, the Company also realized other income when it exercised a stock warrant from a former business partner, and realized a loss on disposal of assets relating to the closing of three Medifast Weight Control Centers.

Income taxes
 In 2008, we recorded $3 million in income tax expense which represents an effective rate of 38.4%.   In 2007, we recorded $2.1 million in income tax expense, which represents an annual effective rate of 38.22%.   The Company restated  income tax expense and deferred tax accounts for the years-ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 due to an error in the Company’s SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” calculation. In general, under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the future tax consequences attributable to the effects of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and for income tax purposes.   Due  to the Company’s growth in past years, major infrastructure investments were made to include building purchases for manufacturing, corporate offices  and distribution, high speed manufacturing equipment and blenders, a state of the art printing center operation, and IT systems including infrastructure and hardware.  For financial statement purposes, these assets are depreciated over the assets useful life. However, for tax purposes, the depreciation can be accelerated which results in lower taxable income and potential tax refunds which were realized for the years in which accelerated tax depreciation was elected for the Company. The resulting timing difference should have resulted in a deferred tax liability and additional income tax provision expense in the year’s restated.  See Footnote 17 “Restatement of Financial Statements” for a detailed description of the restatement.

Net income
 Net income was $4.8 million in 2008 as compared to $3.4 million in 2007, an increase of 41%.   The improved profitability during 2008 is due to sales growth in the Take Shape for Life division and Medifast Weight Control Centers, and gross margin improvement.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company had stockholders’ equity of $35.2 million and working capital of $12,.6 million on December 31, 2008 compared with $30.1 million and $8 million at December 31, 2007, respectively.  The $5.1 million net increase in stockholder’s equity reflects $4.8 million in 2008 profits as well as equity transactions as outlined in the “Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).” The Company’s cash and cash equivalents position decreased from $2.2 million at December 31, 2007 to $1.8 million at December 31, 2008.  The decrease is due to large inventory purchases in the fourth quarter of 2008 to include ten new meal replacement bars as well as an increase in inventory levels in preparation for the “diet” season beginning in January 2009.  In addition, the Company’s capital expenditures increased by approximately $2.3 million in 2008 as compared to 2007.  In 2008, capital expenditures included the opening of ten new Medifast Weight Control Centers, development of a point-of-sale system for the Clinics, development of a new web shopping platform for the direct response segment, new software system for our Take Shape for Life division, ERP enhancements, and phone system upgrades.

In September 2007, Medifast, Inc.’s wholly owned subsidiary Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc. increased its Secured Line of Credit from $5 million to $7.5 million and moved the line of credit from Mercantile Safe-Deposit and Trust to Merrill Lynch. The line of credit is at LIBOR plus 1.3 percent.  The increased line may be used to finance fixed assets, advertising, and inventory of Medifast, Inc. The Company currently has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
In the year ended December 31, 2008 the Company generated cash flow of $5,496,000 from operations, primarily attributable to higher operating income.  This was offset by net changes in operating assets and liabilities that decreased cash flow by $4,889,000.    The total use of cash from operations was $6,757,000. The largest use of cash was for the purchase of inventory.  During 2008, inventory increased by $4.7 million.  Inventory increased due to our increased sales, introduction of ten new meal replacement bars late in the fourth quarter of 2008 as well as the typical fourth quarter inventory build-up in order to prepare for “diet season” in the first quarter of 2009.  Additional uses of cash included an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of 438,000, increase in other assets of $251,000, and a reduction in income taxes payable of $700,000.  This was offset by sources of cash from a decrease in accounts receivable - $43,000,  decrease in deferred compensation - $282,000, and an increase in accounts payable - $850,000.

 
27

 
 
In the year ended December 31, 2008, net cash used in investing activities was $7,313,000, which primarily consisted of the purchase of property and equipment.  The increase in property and equipment relates to the building of a large amount of infrastructure in 2008 to support growth.  This included the opening of ten new Medifast Weight Control Center locations, development of a point-of-sale system for the Medifast Weight Control Centers, development of a new web shopping platform for the direct response segment, new software system for our Take Shape for Life division, ERP enhancements, IT infrastructure to support new systems, phone system upgrades, and leasehold improvements to manufacturing and distribution facilities to support future growth.
 
In the year ended December 31, 2008, financing activities generated $1,463,000 in cash flow.  Sources of cash included funds drawn from the line of credit - $1.6 million, a decrease in notes receivable - $132,000, and issuances of warrants and options exercised with cash - $32,000.  This was offset by a use of cash in the repayment of long term debt - $264,000.
 
In pursuing its business strategy, the Company may require additional cash for operating and investing activities. The Company expects future cash requirements, if any, to be funded from operating cash flow and cash flow from financing activities.

There are no current plans or discussions in process relating to any material acquisition that is probable in the foreseeable future

SEASONALITY

The Company's weight management products and programs have historically been subject to seasonality.  Traditionally the holiday season in November/December of each year is considered poor for diet control products and services.  January and February generally show increases in sales, as these months are considered the commencement of the “diet season.”  The Company did not experience the same degree of seasonality in 2009.  This is largely due to the increase in the consumer’s awareness of the overall health and nutritional benefits accompanied with the use of the Company’s product line, as well as the growth of our Take Shape for Life division.  Our annual convention takes place in July of each year and the division has experienced significant growth in the second half of the year after the convention.  As consumers continue to increase their association of nutritional weight loss programs with overall health, seasonality will continue to decrease.

INFLATION

To date, inflation has not had a material effect on the Company's business.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates and a decline in the stock market. The Company does not enter into derivatives, foreign exchange transactions or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company has limited exposure to market risks related to changes in interest rates. The principal risks of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices to which the Company and its subsidiaries are exposed relate to interest rates on debt.  Since nearly all of our debt is variable rate based, any changes in market interest rates will cause an equal change in our net interest expense.  At December 31, 2009, there was $6.2 million of variable interest loans outstanding which is subject to interest rate risk.  Interest rates on our variable rate loans ranged from 1.54% to 2.74% for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Each 100 basis point increase in the bank’s LIBOR rates relative to these borrowings would impact interest expense by $62,000 over a 12-month period.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

The information required by this item is set forth on pages 54 to 76 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 9.
CHANGES AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.

There were no disagreements with the Company’s independent auditors, regarding accounting and financial disclosures for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009.

 
28

 

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15-d-15(f)) described below, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2009.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of company assets are made in accordance with management authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2009, due to the existence of a material weakness, as described below.

In the course of making our assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, we identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. The preparation and review process for the calculation of the tax provision was inadequate, which led to errors in the computation of deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities, and related income tax provision.

As a consequence of that determination, we have implemented a procedure designed to detect or prevent this error from occurring in the future. In February 2010, the Company hired a CPA in-house with extensive experience in financial reporting and SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  In addition, on a quarterly basis the company will have an outside tax advisor review management’s tax provision calculations. We have discussed this action with our audit committee and believe that such enhanced procedure will prospectively mitigate this material weakness.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, was audited by Friedman, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing below.
 
Changes in our Internal Control
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the last fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, except as described below. We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and have described the changes to our internal controls over financial reporting designed to remediate this material weakness.
 
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
 
      Our management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Medifast, Inc. have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with associated policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 
29

 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Medifast, Inc.
Owings Mills, Maryland

We have audited Medifast Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Medifast, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual financial statements will not be prevented or detected.  The following material weakness has been identified and included in management’s assessment:
 
Accounting for Income taxes
 
This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2009 consolidated financial statements and the adjustments described in Note 17 that applied to restate the 2008 and 2007 financial statements.
 
In our opinion, because of the effect of the aforementioned material weakness on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, Medifast, Inc. and subsidiaries, has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Medifast, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2009 and our report dated March 29, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/Friedman LLP
Marlton, New Jersey
March 29, 2010
 
30

 
PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Medifast, Inc. has recruited a Board of Directors who reflect the values and ethics of our company and who can contribute to building long term shareholder value. Medifast Directors are persons of integrity, business accomplishment, and diverse   backgrounds able and willing to collaboratively work together and provide their business experience and insight to guide and oversight the strategic direction of the company. In addition, they provide valuable input into the operational plans of the company to insure that it successfully executes its business plan and maintains the core values which protects its customers, employees and shareholders. in The selection of the company’s directors is driven by the needs of the business and the specific oversight skills needed to support the business objectives of Medifast.

The individual talents of the Directors chosen allow them to closely study the aspect of Company operations and business model aligned with their area of expertise to identify areas of potential risk to the Company. Then on Committees they collectively draw on their extensive executive and business experience to determine if any risk is material to the Company. Then, as a Board, they determine what should be done to deal with the risk so it is not material to the Company.

 Directors have been selected from many community organizations and networks in which the company and or its executives participate. Medifast is privileged to have qualified directors who were selected because of their business acumen, experience and their academic accomplishments. In addition, some of our Directors have a record of public service in the US Military, Government Service or with a Non Profit Organization. Medifast has developed a Board that reflects the diverse demographics of our customers and employees and our nation. Medifast is  fortunate to have such distinguished Directors who have made significant contributions to our community and nation to include a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, an Augustinian Friar who oversights a major university, college, and two high schools and a seasoned  technology and marketing executive who was one of the participants in the turnaround of the Xerox Corporation.

 Medifast has selected 9 Independent Directors, 1 Outside Director and 3 Management Directors who are qualified to guide the company in this era of financial reform and massive technology changes. Most of them have guided the company through 41 quarters of consecutive profitability and we expect will continue to oversight our operations and financial results with the same diligence exercised over the past 10 years.

The Board of Directors currently consists of 14 persons. They include 3 women, 11 males, 2 African Americans, 11 Caucasians, who reside in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Florida. The directors, their ages, basis for their selection, and the year in which they first became director are provided in the table below:
31


   
Director
     
Name and Experience
 
Since
Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum, Jr., age 69, was sworn in as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs on July 23, 2001. In this capacity he was responsible for all matters regarding the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve including manpower, equipment, policy and budgeting. On Jan. 20, 2009, Barnum was designated Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs). Mr. Barnum was the fourth Marine to be awarded the nation’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor for valor in Vietnam. He retired from the Marine Corps as a Colonel in August 1989 after 27 and one-half years of service.   Barnum served multiple tours as an artilleryman with both the 3rd and 2nd Marine Divisions to include two tours in Vietnam; 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing; guard officer at Marine Barracks, Pearl Harbor, and operations officer, Hawaiian Armed Forces Police; weapons instructor at the Officer Basic School; four years at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, as commanding officer, Headquarters Company and the 2nd Recruit Training Battalion of the Training Regiment; Chief of Current Operations, US Central Command where he planned and executed the first U.S./Jordanian joint exercise staff as the commander of U.S. Forces and twice planned and executed Operation Bright Star spread over four southwest Asian countries involving 26,000 personnel. Headquarters Marine Corps tours included: aide to the assistant commandant as a captain and deputy director Public Affairs, Director Special Projects Directorate and Military Secretary to the Commandant as a colonel. Upon retirement in 1989, Barnum served as the principal director, Drug Enforcement Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense. Barnum’s personal medals and decorations include: the Medal of Honor; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit; the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” and gold star in lieu of a second award; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; Navy Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V”; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Army Presidential Unit Citation; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Navy Unit Citation; two awards of the Meritorious Unit Citation; the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (silver) and the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award. Barnum has attended The Basic School, U.S. Army Field Artillery School, Amphibious Warfare School, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Naval War College. He is the past president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Connecticut Man of the Year ’67, presented Honorary Legum Doctorem St Anselm College; Rotary Paul Harris Fellow; Abe Pollin Leadership Award ’03, Marine Corps League “Iron Mike” Award and Order of the Carabao Distinguished Service Award.
 
Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum was first selected to be a Director in 2009 because of his extensive distinguished government service at the Department of the Navy Executive level and his distinguished military career which includes the Medal of Honor Award for bravery in Vietnam. Mr. Barnum will bring expertise to the Board in the area of Public Policy initiatives as it relates to his knowledge of the Executive and Legislative Branch of the US Government and his oversight of our Governmental Relations and Policy initiatives on Obesity related to Medifast products, protocols and clinical studies.
 
2009
     
Barry B. Bondroff, CPA, age 61, 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, as a Trustee for Stevenson University in Maryland and a member of the Audit Committee of the Associated.
 
2008
 
 
32

 

 Barry B Bondroff was first selected as a Director in 2008 because of his broad business experience as a CPA, corporate governance experience over more than 36 years. His current selection as a Director utilizes that experience as a financial expert and his elected position of Vice Chairman of the Board. His service on the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee and his availability as a local director in Baltimore provide for local oversight and practical consulting in the area of financial management, risk assessment and Sarbanes Oxley regulations. He has been appointed the Chairman of a special committee that investigated and found a convicted felon’s allegations against Medifast “false, misleading and without merit.” He also provides an extensive rolodex that assists Medifast’s management team to find the best talent in the market to assist in our growth and development.
   
     
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. of Pennsylvania and Delaware. Mr. Connolly serves on the Boards of numerous profit and non-profit organizations.  He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and AB from Villanova University.
 
 Charles P. Connolly was first selected as a Director in 2006 for his extensive executive experience and financial acumen derived from an executive banking resume. His current selection as Director leverages that background of reviewing the financials and performance of hundreds of companies in the public and private sector. He possesses a unique financial and risk assessment perspective into the operations and financial management of the company. He spends an extraordinary amount of time with our executive team providing guidance and consultation on key metrics and performance objectives that have served Medifast well in the past few years. As the Chairman of the Audit Committee he has served diligently to insure that the company maintains its high standards of accountability.
 
2006
     
Jason L. Groves Esq., age 39, is the Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs for Verizon Maryland, since 2003.   Mr. Groves is also 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.
 
Jason L. Groves, Esq. was first selected as a Director in 2009 based on his military, business and legal background. In addition he has extensive experience with governmental relations and knowledge of the healthcare and communications technology fields. He was a Federal and State prosecutor thus providing keen insight on the regulatory and legal issues the company faces in today’s business climate.  His service on the Audit Committee has provided timely oversight for all projects he has undertaken.
 
2009
 
 
33

 

George J. Lavin, Jr., Esq., age 81, was the senior founding partner of 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 was called upon to try matters throughout the county on behalf of his clients. Mr. Lavin's practice and specialty emphasized 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.  Mr. Lavin is presently the General Counsel to the Augustinian order of Villanova, PA.
 
George J. Lavin, Esq. was first selected as a Director in 2005 for his prestigious demonstrated legal experience on behalf of major international businesses, management experience in his law firm and his extensive service with the FBI. His current selection as Director values his experiential oversight on legal matters as well as his service on the Audit Committee and mentoring talents.
 
2005
     
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.  He was the principal architect of the turnaround of Medifast and formulated the “Direct to Consumer” business models that are the primary drivers of Revenue to this day. He also was the co-founder of Take Shape for Life and acquired the Clinic operations in 2002. During his time as CEO, he managed the company to 29 consecutive quarters of profits and improved shareholders equity from negative $4 million to over $27 million in less than seven years. He also increased the Company’s market cap from less than $1 million to over $100 million and listed the company on the NYSE. At the time the Board planned leadership succession occurred, the Board assigned Mr. MacDonald executive responsibilities in the following areas: legal affairs, treasury, banking relationships, M&A, strategic plan oversight, public policy oversight, and community relations in addition to Board responsibilities as Executive Chairman and as the formal Co-founder of Take Shape for Life.  In 2006, Mr. MacDonald received the prestigious and audited Ernst and Young award of “Entrepreneur of the Year” for the state of Maryland in the consumer products category.  Also, he helped lead the Company to national recognition in Forbes Magazine ranking Medifast 28th of the top 200 small companies in America. Mr. MacDonald was previously employed by the Company as its Chief Executive Officer from September 1996 to August 1997. From 1991 through 1994, Colonel MacDonald returned to active duty to be 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 Pennsylvania Optical Co., Chairman and CEO of MacDonald and Associates, which had major financial interests in retail drug, consumer candy, and pilot sunglass companies.  Mr. MacDonald was national president of the Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association and retired from the United States Marine Corps Reserve as a Colonel in 1997, after 27 years of service.  He was appointed and served on the Defense Advisory Board for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR.) for three years.     Currently, Mr. MacDonald serves on the Board of Directors of Stevenson University in Maryland, and the Catholic Family Foundation of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He is also the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation.  Mr. MacDonald is the father of Margaret Sheetz 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.
 
Bradley T. MacDonald was first selected as a Director in 1996, because of his executive and entrepreneurial experience in the businesses noted above. In addition he has held leadership positions of increasing responsibility in the United States Marine Corps attaining the rank of Colonel and attending service schools to include the Naval War College.  His current selection as Director is based on his successful turnaround of Medifast as CEO and successfully guiding the company under a new profitable business model. Having extensive experience on Wall Street, as  CEO of Medifast when he restructured the company in 1999 which has since  recorded  over 41 consecutive quarters of profitability, he is  able  to provide strategic guidance to the company. Upon reaching 60 years old with the advice and consent of the Board he was elected Executive Chairman of the Board to utilize his breadth of knowledge and experience regarding Medifast, Inc.
 
1996


 
34

 

Michael C. MacDonald, age 57, is a retired Senior Corporate Officer.  His last position was Senior Vice President of World Wide Operational Effectiveness for Xerox Corporation.  He was named to this position in September 2008 and led a corporate initiative to review the company’s core functions including Sales, Marketing, Human Resources and other key areas to ensure maximum effectiveness of resources.  Before this position, he was the World Wide President of Marketing Operations, responsible for corporate marketing, Xerox.com, advertising, brand creation, public relations and corporate communications.  Prior to his corporate assignments, he was President of Xerox North America, a 6.5 B Division responsible for all services, solutions and products sold and maintained in the United States and Canada.  This included a direct sales force of 4,000, a technical service staff of 25,000 and support staff of 6,000, a total of 35,000 employees.  Mr. MacDonald also held Vice Presidential positions leading the Northeast Region Sales and Technical Service organization, the North American Marketing organization, the North American Agent/Dealer organization and the North American Supplies organization.  A career described as sustained success and over achievement in revenue, profit and customer satisfaction.  His leadership profile is one of creativity, vision, high expectations and results with commensurate high levels of customer loyalty, employee development and satisfaction.  Mr. MacDonald also serves on the Board of Directors of Medifast, Inc., Paetec, Inc. and the Jimmy V Foundation.  In addition, he is also a board member of the North American Marketing Advisory Board and has been recognized on four occasions as one of the Top Twenty Marketing Executives of the Year by Business to Business Magazine.  Previous to 2009, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
 
Michael C. MacDonald was first selected as a Director in 1998 based on his broad based executive experience for Xerox. His current selection as Director is based on his tenured service with Xerox, and being a director of Paetec Inc. and Medifast Inc. through the restructuring of all the companies. He has a national reputation as an expert in Sales and Marketing in the high technology field. He has been instrumental in building the high technology platform that Medifast operates today through a period of continuous growth in the business. Because of his expertise and business acumen, the Board has elected him to the Executive Committee in recognition of his expertise in corporate governance.
 
 
1998
Sr. Catherine 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 - 2010.  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.
 
Sister Catherine T. Maguire, RSM was first selected as a Director in 2009 for her extensive executive experience with not for profit human services organizations and her strong background in organizational ethics and human resources and personnel management. She has multiple advanced degrees and will assist in developing the “Women Executives” of Medifast. As a result of her extensive management and human resources background she was elected to the Nominations committee where she will assist in screening and evaluating potential Director Candidates and insure the corporate values related to diversity are implemented in the company and on the Board.
 
2009
     
John P. McDaniel, age 66, is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 36 years of experience as a chief executive officer, most recently at MedStar Health in Columbia, Maryland, one of the largest and most comprehensive healthcare delivery systems in the mid-Atlantic region with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion, encompassing 25,000 employees 5,000 physicians and nine 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. He is presently a Partner in The Hickory Ridge Group, an advisory, development and investment organization that focuses on emerging healthcare and technology entities.  He is also a member of the board of the Greater Baltimore Committee, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, Wittenberg University, First Mariner Bank Corp and the Washington Real Estate Trust (WRE).
 
2009
 
 
35

 

John P. McDaniel was first selected a Director in 2009 for his extensive executive and entreprenurial experience. His extensive management and Board knowledge concerning the health care industry and health care policy will provide seasoned oversight on behalf of shareholders. Because of his experience and leadership experience as the Chairman of the Racing Commission of Maryland, Director of First Mariner Bank and former Chairman and CEO of Medstar Health Systems he is serving on the Executive and Compensation Committees to bring his business acumen and organizational knowledge to oversight the Company
   
     
Michael S. McDevitt, age 32, is the Chief Executive Officer of Medifast, Inc.  Prior to joining the company in June, 2002, he was a Senior Analyst for the Blackstone Group, a private equity group in New York City.
Medifast has continued to excel under Mr. McDevitt’s leadership, demonstrated by the company’s recent report of its 41st consecutive quarter of profitability for the fourth quarter, 2009.  Medifast continues to see strong year over year growth, most recently experiencing 57% top line growth and over 114% profitability growth, versus the same time period last year. During his tenure as CEO/CFO of Medifast the company was named number 16 on Forbes’ 2009  list of America’s Best Small Companies, a jump from 85 one year ago.  Additionally, Medifast was ranked number 28 on the 2008 Fortune Small Business list of fastest-growing small public companies, up from number 47 in 2007. Mr. McDevitt volunteers as a big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland, fully supporting the organization’s mission of helping boys and girls grow up to be confident, caring young adults.  He is a member of the board of directors for the American Heart Association’s Baltimore region.  Additionally, Mr. McDevitt supports the efforts of the American Diabetes Association and the Toys For Tots Foundation. He is on the board of directors of the Augustinian Press and works with several organizations of fellow CEOs.   Mr. McDevitt holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from James Madison University.
 
Michael S McDevitt was first selected as a Management Director in 2007 after he had assumed the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Medifast, Inc. His prior and current executive experience has contributed to the dynamic growth of Medifast. He brings a strong successful financial and operational management perspective to the Executive Committee of the Board.
 
2007
Jeannette M. Mills, age 43, 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 & State University (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, serving on 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.
 
 Jeannette M. Mills was first selected as a Director in 2008 not only for her technical background but primarily for her high level of executive experience. Her service as Chairperson of the Compensation Committee has effectively utilized her talents to review and assess the operations and metrics used to evaluate key executives in the company. She has been instrumental in providing guidance and direction to ensure that all executives maintain the transparent high performance culture, and entreprenurial philosophy of executive compensation balanced with appropriate risk assessment analysis.
 
2008
     
Jerry D. Reece, age 69, is chief executive officer of Reece & Nichols:  Real Estate, Mortgage, Title Insurance.  The real estate arm of the company is the largest real estate brokerage in Greater Kansas City. With over 40 years experience in real estate, Jerry Reece formed J.D. Reece Realtors in early 1987.  He sold the company in 2001 to Homeservices of America, Inc. a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.   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 a past member of the Board of Directors of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, The Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and the Combat Action Ribbon.
 
2009
 
 
36

 

Jerry D. Reece was first selected as a Director in 2009 for his executive, entrepreneurial and broad real estate expertise. He is a leader in his community in Kansas City and has served on many for profit and non profit Boards, He is a decorated Vietnam veteran who has both civil and military executive experience to provide oversight and be a resource for executive and real estate matters requiring Board and corporate governance oversight..
   
     
Donald F. Reilly, OSA, age 62, 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 Prior Provincial of the Augustinian Order at Villanova, PA from 2002 - 2010.  He oversaw 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.
 
Very Rev. Donald F. Reilly, OSA was first selected as a Director in 1998 for his strong background in Personnel and Executive management with the Augustinian Community which serves the Catholic Church at Villanova University, Merrimack College, High Schools, Parishes and missions in Japan, South Africa and Peru.  His current selection as Director utilizes his extensive knowledge of the Company serving as a Director and participating in the restructuring of the company in 1999. He was also instrumental in developing the current business model in consultation with the Business School at Villanova University. As Chairman of the Nominations committee and being a Ph.D and nationally known academic he has been an invaluable asset providing guidance to the company and creating shareholder value. He also is the primary person on the Nomination Committee to identify and evaluate potential Director Candidates for character  necessary to perform  high performance, risk assessment and be  transparent which  are desirable characteristics for  all potential directors. This will ensure continuity in respect to the company’s corporate governance practices and philosophy.
 
 
1998
Margaret Sheetz, age 32, is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Medifast. Inc.  Prior to joining the company in 2000, she was a legal assistant with the firm of Carrington, Coleman, Sloman and Blumenthal in Dallas, Texas. As Medifast continues to see strong year over year growth, Ms. Sheetz has provided the operational and technical leadership that has resulted in Medifast providing the proper infrastructure to support the growth of the company to include making dramatic productivity improvement in the company’s operational capabilities, building a strong infrastructure of distribution, manufacturing, information systems and human resource operations necessary to support rapid business growth. She supports the efforts of the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association and the Toys For Tots Foundation.  Ms. Sheetz is also very active with several organizations of Maryland executives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villanova University and received an Executive MBA from Loyola University.
 
 Margaret M. Sheetz was first selected as a Management Director in 2008 after she had assumed the positions of President and Chief Operating Officer of Medifast, Inc. She is the senior experienced operations executive who has built the operational structure of the company. In addition to her strong operational expertise she has strength in IT integration with operations and human resources managememt. She has an Executive MBA which has assisted her in the training development of her subordinates. She is the focused executive since 2000 who has been instrumental in building the manufacturing and distribution infrastructure with her team of professionals. Her leadership and oversight skills are recognized and she is recognized in the company as a detail oriented executive who builds high performance teams. The Board considers her the source person to get information pertinent to the oversight of Medifast’s operations.
 
2008
 
 
37

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Board Involvement in Risk Oversight

The Company takes a comprehensive approach to risk management. We believe risk can arise in every decision and action taken by the Company, whether strategic or operational. The Company, therefore, seeks to include risk management principles in all of its management processes and in the responsibilities of its employees at every level. Our comprehensive approach is reflected in the reporting processes by which our management provides timely and comprehensive information to the Board to support the Board’s role in oversight, approval and decision-making.

            The Board of Directors closely monitors the information it receives from management and provides oversight and guidance to our management team concerning the assessment and management of risk. The Board approves the Company’s high level goals, strategies and policies to set the tone and direction for appropriate risk taking within the business. The Board and its committees then emphasize this tone and direction in its oversight of management’s implementation of the Company’s goals, strategies and policies.

Our senior executives provide the Board and its committees with regular updates about the Company’s strategies and objectives and the risks inherent within them at Board and committee meetings and in regular reports. Board and committee meetings also provide a venue for directors to discuss issues with management. The Board and committees call special meetings when necessary to address specific issues. In addition, our directors have access to Company management at all levels to discuss any matters of interest, including those related to risk. Those members of management most knowledgeable of the issues attend Board meetings to provide additional insight into items being discussed, including risk exposures.

The Board has delegated oversight for matters involving certain specific areas of risk exposure to its three committees. Each committee reports to the Board of Directors at regularly scheduled Board meetings, and more frequently if appropriate, with respect to the matters and risks for which the committee provides oversight.

The Audit Committee oversees the integrity of our financial statements, reporting process and internal controls, the internal audit function, the independent auditors’ qualifications, independence and performance, and the Company’s corporate finance matters including its capital structure. The Audit Committee also provides oversight with respect to the Company’s risk management process, including, as required by the NYSE, discussing with management the Company’s significant financial risk exposures, steps management has taken to monitor, control and report such exposures and our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management.

Our Compensation Committee is responsible primarily for the design and oversight of the Company’s executive compensation policies, plans and practices. A key objective of the Compensation Committee is to ensure that the Company’s overall executive compensation program appropriately links pay to performance and aligns the interests of the Company’s executives with its stockholders. In furtherance of this objective, the Compensation Committee evaluates the potential compensation payable under the Company’s executive compensation plans based on alternative performance scenarios. The Compensation Committee also monitors the design and administration of the Company’s overall incentive compensation programs to ensure that they include appropriate safeguards to avoid encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk taking by Company employees. Elements of our executive compensation program that mitigate excessive risk taking, such as our combination of short and long-term incentives are described below under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees risks related to our corporate governance, including Board and director performance, director succession, director education and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and other governance documents. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also oversees the Company’s quality and regulatory affairs operations and the Company’s programs regarding ethics and compliance, and social and environmental responsibility.

Pursuant to Medifast Inc.’s bylaws and governance guidelines, the rules of the NYSE, and the Chairman of the Board, the Nominations Committee along with the consent of the Board of Directors determines the best committee structure for Medifast. The Board elects the Officers of the company.  Since 2007 Medifast, Inc. has had a separate Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Chairman position is elected every three years and the Chief Executive Officer CFO, President and Chief Operating Officer are elected annually by the Board. Bradley T. MacDonald, Executive Chairman of the Board has executive responsibilities and is responsible for the Legal Affairs and Treasury functions of the company, the banking relationships, community relations, M&A oversight and Strategic Planning. The Board of Directors is confident that the current leadership structure of the company based on past performance is in the Company’s best interest of creating shareholder value and building the Medifast business for the future.  The Chief Executive Officer, CFO, President, Chief Operating Officer and the Chairman of the Board have an excellent working relationship and understand the roles and responsibilities of each executive position.. Michael S. McDevitt, the CEO/CFO has the primary operational and financial responsibility for Medifast. Margaret Sheetz reporting to the CEO, has the primary responsibility for the internal operations of Medifast Inc.. The current leadership structure also provides significant benefits that come from Mr. MacDonald’s long tenure as Chairman of the Board and his prior experience as Chief Executive Officer of Medifast, Inc. and Co-Founder of Take Shape for Life.

 
38

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The Board of Directors of the Company has established a policy and certain procedures that must be followed prior to any transaction, arrangement or relationship or series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness, with a related party. Under this policy, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee monitors and reviews issues involving potential conflicts of interest involving officers and directors of the Company, including reviewing all related party transactions.

Director Independence

The Board consists of 14 members of which 11 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:  Harvey C. Barnum, Barry B. Bondroff, Charles P. Connolly, Jason L. Groves, George J. Lavin, Jr. Esq., 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, 2009 (“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 2009 annual shareholder meeting.

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.

Committees of the Board

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

 
39

 

Audit Committee

 Our audit committee consists of , Charles P. Connolly Chairperson , Barry B. Bondroff,  George J. Lavin, Jr. Esq., and Jason L. Groves, Esq.  each of whom are 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
 
 
Ÿ
Serve as a communication report to link under company Whistlerblower Policy
 
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.”  In fiscal 2009, the audit committee met five times.

 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Very Rev. Donald F. Reilly, Chairperson , Sister Catherine T. Maguire, and Barry B. Bondroff, , all of whom are independent as discussed above under “— Director Independence.” The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies and recommends to the Board of Directors qualified candidates for election as Directors, recommends Director Committee assignments, and recommends actions necessary for the proper governance of Medifast, Inc., and for the evaluation of the performance of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. With input from the Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommends certain executive officers for annual election. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews issues and developments related to corporate governance practices and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on changes in structure, rule or practice necessary for compliance and for good corporate governance. The Nominations committee has been tasked to assist the Chairman in selecting the most qualified and appropriate directors to serve on the company’s separate Board committees.

Medifast, Inc.’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter provides that the skills and characteristics required generally of Directors include diversity, age, business background and experience, accomplishments, experiences in Medifast, Inc.’s business and a willingness to make the requisite commitment of time and effort. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has not set minimum standards for Director candidates. Rather, it seeks highly qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, business and life experiences that will enable them to constructively review and guide management of Medifast, Inc. Medifast, Inc. has successfully obtained diverse highly qualified candidates for Directors without utilizing a paid outside consultant. The Corporate Governance Committee considers and evaluates potential Director candidates and makes its recommendations to the full Board of Directors. Any shareholder may submit a recommendation for nomination to the Board of Directors by sending a written statement of the qualifications of the recommended individual to the Corporate Secretary, Medifast, Inc., 11445 Cronhill Dr., Owings Mills, MD  21117. The Nominating andCorporate Governance Committee will utilize the same process for evaluating all nominees, regardless of whether the nominee recommendation is submitted by a shareholder or some other source.

 
40

 

If a shareholder wishes to nominate a candidate for election to the Board of Directors, in order for the nomination to be properly made the shareholder must give written notice to the Corporate Secretary of Medifast, Inc.Notice must be received at Medifast, Inc.’s principal executive offices at least 90 days before the date that is one year after the prior year’s regular meeting. The notice must set forth: (i) the name and address of the shareholder who intends to make the nomination and of the nominee or nominees, (ii) a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of shares of Medifast, Inc. entitled to vote at the meeting and that the shareholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice, (iii) a description of all arrangements or understanding between the shareholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the shareholder, (iv) such other information regarding each nominee proposed by the shareholder as would have been required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC and the Company Bylaws  had each nominee been nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the Board of Directors, and (v) the consent of each nominee to serve as a Director of Medifast, Inc. if so elected.

 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 in print to any shareholder who requests it as set forth under “Additional Information — Annual Report, Financial and Additional Information.” In fiscal 2009, the nominating and corporate governance committee met four times.

Compensation Committee

The compensation committee currently consists of Jeannette M. Mills, Chairperson , John P. McDaniel and Jerry D. Reece, 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.
 
 
Ÿ
Review the executive compensation philosophy of the Company; and assess any risks which may be reasonably deemed material to the Company; and recommend to the Board any changes deemed necessary to the Company executive compensation plan; or any sales channel  compensation plan.
 
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.”  In fiscal 2009, the compensation committee met four times.

Executive Committee

Messrs. Bradley T. MacDonald, Chairperson ,  Michael C. MacDonald, Michael S. McDevitt,  John P. McDaniel and Jerry D. Reece 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 2009.

 
41

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The non-employee Directors of Medifast, Inc. receive an annual stock grant for their services as director. In 2009, each director received 4,000 shares of restricted stock, with the exception of John P. McDaniel and Catherine T. Maguire who received a pro-rata amount of 3,500 shares for their service. In 2009, Directors did not receive a meeting fee for attending either committee or Board of Director meetings.

2009 Director Compensation Table

 The table below summarizes the compensation paid by the Company to non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

Name
 
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
   
Stock Awards
($)(1)
   
Total ($)
 
                   
Barry B. Bondroff
  $ -     $ 39,195     $ 39,195  
Charles P. Connolly
    16,000       44,565       60,565  
George Lavin, Jr., Esq.
    -       44,565       44,565  
Michael C. MacDonald
    -       49,935       49,935  
Catherine T. Maguire
            28,280       28,280  
John P. McDaniel
            28,280       28,280  
Jeannette M. Mills
            39,195       39,195  
Rev. Donald F. Reilly, OSA
    -       49,935       49,935  
 
Employee Directors do not receive any additional compensation for their services as director.

Additional fees are paid to the Audit Committee Chairman.  In 2009, the Chairman received an additional $16,000 in cash compensation.

(1)
Amounts are calculated based on the aggregate grant date fair value of these rewards compute in accordance with ASC Topic 718 “Stock Compensation” which excludes the effect of estimated forfeitures.  The assumptions and methodologies used to calculate these amounts are discussed in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders filed on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Under generally accepted accounting principles, compensation expense with respect to stock awards and option awards granted to our employees is recognized over the vesting periods of the applicable rewards.

 
42

 

The table below summarizes the equity based awards held by the Company’s non-employee directors as of December 31, 2009.

   
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 (#)
   
($)(1)
 
 Barry B. Bondroff
    -       -       -       -       5,000       152,900  
 Charles P. Connolly
    -       -       -       -       8,000       244,640  
 George Lavin, Jr., Esq.
    -       -       -       -       8,000       244,640  
 Michael C. MacDonald
    -       -       -       -       11,000       336,380  
 Catherine T. Maguire
    -       -       -       -       2,500       76,450  
John P. McDaniel
    -       -       -       -       2,500       76,450  
Jeannette M. Mills
    -       -       -       -       5,000       152,900  
 Rev. Donald F. Reilly, OSA
    -       -       -       -       11,000       336,380  

(1)
The market value of shares of stock that have not vested is based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2009, or $30.58 per share.

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.

The Medifast Board of Directors on May 7, 2009 approved restricted common stock grants to key executives and Board members with a 5 year vesting period, beginning on the grant date.  Key executives were granted 460,000 shares of restricted common stock to retain their services over the next five years and recognize continued sales and profit growth in accordance with targets set by the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors received a total of 71,000 shares with a two year vesting period, beginning on the grant date for their active participation in the strategic planning process and guidance as it relates to Medifast’s strong performance and growth.

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 2009, 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 2009.

 
43

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Purpose and Philosophy

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for developing and recommending to the Board of Directors Medifast, Inc.’s executive compensation program for the five named executive officers: (referred to in this CD&A as the “executive officers”). Each of these executive officers is included in the Summary Compensation Table and the related tables beginning on page 17.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for creation and periodic review of the overall executive compensation philosophy of Medifast, Inc. , related  analysis and assessment  of  any material risk to the Company related thereto,  and it outlines the components of executive compensation for the executive officers. Medifast, Inc. believes that strong, effective leadership is the cornerstone of its continued growth and success. To be successful, Medifast, Inc. must be able to attract, retain, and motivate highly qualified executive officers with the competencies needed to excel in a rapidly changing marketplace and to understand issues relating to a diverse group of companies in several different industries.

Executive compensation at Medifast, Inc. is focused on executive performance keyed to results. Medifast, Inc. provides fair and equitable compensation to its executive officers by combining conservative base pay, annual cash incentive, stock-based long-term incentive, and competitive health, dental and other benefits. The Executive Cash Bonus Plan is designed to reward executives for Medifast, Inc.’s current year financial success and recognize the responsibilities of the executive officers for meeting Medifast, Inc.’s financial performance goals. Stock-based incentives focus on long-term performance by aligning the executive officers’ long-term financial interests with Medifast, Inc.’s shareholders’ interest. Health, dental, vacation, and other benefits are designed to be competitive with companies with whom Medifast, Inc. competes for executive talent.

Total direct compensation which includes base pay, annual cash incentive and stock-based long-term incentive is measured against similarly sized organizations (based on revenue) in the general industry. Medifast, Inc. targets total direct compensation for each executive officer near median for similarly sized organizations in the general industry. The mix of pay (base pay, annual cash incentive and long-term incentive) is designed to reflect a strong bias towards pay for performance by placing a majority of target compensation at risk. The only element of total direct compensation that is not performance based is base pay. Both annual cash incentive and long-term incentive are performance based.
 
Elements of Executive Compensation

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 with similar sales and growth rates. It is not our policy to pay our executive officers at the highest base salary level. Instead, we establish executive base salaries below the midpoint level relative to an appropriate set of peers and Companies with similar sales. 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, profitability, and cash flow. In consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee evaluates, adjusts and approves the amount and allocation of the bonus pool to each named executive officer. 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.

The financial targets for annual cash incentive are premised upon the executive officers delivering on their financial performance projections to Medifast, Inc. as reflected in part, in the annual budget approved by the Board of Directors. In 2009 targeted annual incentive compensation was tied to the annual budget approved by the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee set the target for pre-tax profit as a percentage of sales at 10%, the target for corporate revenue at $135 million, and net increase in cash and cash equivalents at $6 million. The target performance level is set to promote solid performance. The financial targets for annual cash incentive are divided into three components as follows:

 
44

 
 
1.
Pre-Tax profit as a percentage of sales. Each executive officer receives 33.33% of the total target payout if Medifast, Inc. achieves the targeted pre-tax profit as a % of sales. Each officer receives a portion of the total target payout if Medifast, Inc. achieves the targeted performance level, and additional increments for performance above the target. For pre-tax earnings as a percentage of sales the target was 10%.  Medifast, Inc. was well above the threshold performance level for pre-tax earnings as a percentage of sales in 2009 at 11.7% compared to the target of 10%.
 
2.
Corporate Revenue. Each officer receives 33.33% of the total target payout if Medifast, Inc. achieves the targeted sales amount for the full year.  Each officer receives a portion of the total target payout if Medifast, Inc. achieves the targeted performance level, and additional increments for performance above the target. For corporate sales the target was $135 million.   Medifast, Inc. was well above the targeted performance level for sales in 2009 finishing at $165.6 million, or $30.6 million above the target set by the Board.
 
3.
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents. Each officer receives 33.33% of the total target payout if Medifast, Inc. achieves the targeted net cash increase for the full year.  Each officer receives a portion of the total target payout if Medifast, Inc. achieves the targeted performance level, and additional increments for performance above the target The net increase in cash and cash equivalents target was $6 million. Medifast, Inc. exceeded the maximum performance level for the net increase in cash and cash equivalents in 2009 by generating a $10.9 million net increase in cash and cash equivalents.
 
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 as the grants vest over 5-6 years, (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 restricted stock awards award the continuity of service of the executive officers since the restricted stock awards vest over a period of 5-6 years and unvested, restricted stock is forfeited upon voluntary termination. In addition, the value of shares awarded increase or decrease with the value provided to shareholders.

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.

Report of the Compensation Committee

We have reviewed and discussed with management certain Compensation Discussion and Analysis provisions to be included in this Form 10-K. 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 on the Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2009. Based upon  the Compensation Committee  risk assessment , the Board does not believe the Executive Compensation Plan or any distribution channel compensation Plan   presents a material risk to the Company as structured ..

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeannette M. Mills, Chairman
John P. McDaniel
Jerry D. Reece

 
45

 

 2009 Summary Compensation Table

 The following table sets forth the annual and long-term compensation for the last three fiscal years 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
 
($)< /font>
   
($)(1)
   
($)(1)
   
($)(2)
   
($)
   
($)(3)
   
($)
 
Bradley T. MacDonald
 
2009
  $ 225,000     $ 331,000       -     $ 235,000           $ 3,600     $ 794,600  
Chairman of the Board
 
2008
    225,000       107,000       -       -       100,000       6,700       438,700  
   
2007
    225,000       -       -       -       100,000       6,600       331,600  
                                                             
Michael S. McDevitt
 
2009
    185,000       639,000       -       410,000               5,800       1,239,800  
Chief Executive and CFO
 
2008
    135,000       450,000       -       75,000               2,700       662,700  
   
2007
    135,000       289,000       -       75,000               2,500       501,500  
                                                             
Leo V. Williams
 
2009
    135,000       -       -       85,000               4,600       224,600  
Executive Vice President
 
2008
    132,500       -       -       25,000               2,900       160,400  
   
2007
    132,500       -       -       25,000               1,900       159,400  
                                                             
Margaret Sheetz
 
2009
    155,000       531,000       -       350,000               4,900       1,040,900  
Chief Operating Officer,
 
2008
    100,000       372,000       -       50,000               3,000       525,000  
President
 
2007
    100,000       237,000       -       50,000               2,900       389,900  
                                                             
Brendan N. Connors
 
2009
    125,000       167,000       -       117,000               3,900       412,900  
VP of Finance
 
2008
    99,000       101,000       -       20,000               3,000       223,000  
   
2007
    99,000       47,000       -       20,000               2,900       168,900  

(1)
Amounts shown represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock awards in the year indicated. For a discussion of the assumptions made in the valuation reflected in these columns, see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. The actual value that may be realized from an award is contingent upon the satisfaction of the conditions to vesting in that award on the date the award is vested. Thus, there is no assurance that the value, if any, eventually realized will correspond to the amount shown.
(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.

2009 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The Medifast Board of Directors on May 7, 2009 approved restricted common stock grants to key executives and Board members with a 5 year vesting period, beginning on the grant date.  Key executives were granted 460,000 shares of restricted common stock to retain their services over the next five years and recognize continued sales and profit growth in accordance with targets set by the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors received a total of 71,000 shares with a two year vesting period, beginning on the grant date for their active participation in the strategic planning process and guidance as it relates to Medifast’s strong performance and growth.

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.

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.

 
46

 

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.

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
    -       -       -         204,000       6,238,320       -       -  
Michael S. McDevitt
                                                         
Chief Executive Officer, CFO
    -       -       -         303,667       9,286,137       -       -  
Leo V. Williams
                                                         
Executive Vice President
    10,000       -       3.83  
10/28/2010
    -       -       -       -  
Margaret  Sheetz
                                                         
Chief Operating Officer, President
    -       -       -         252,000       7,706,160       -       -  
Brendan N. Connors
                                                         
VP of Finance
    -       -                 91,000       2,782,780       -       -  

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, 2009, or $30.58 per share.

 
47

 

2009 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table

The following table sets forth information regarding option exercises and stock vesting for the Named Executive Officers during 2009 and the resulting value realized.
 
   
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       285,000  
                      14,000       102,340  
                      20,000       131,000  
                      9,000       53,280  
                                 
Michael S. McDevitt
    84,895       1,369,356       15,000       88,800  
Chief Executive Officer, CFO
                    33,333       243,664  
                      30,000       427,500  
                      24,000       157,200  
                      9,000       53,280  
                                 
Leo V. Williams
                               
Executive Vice President
    -       -       -       -  
                                 
Margaret Sheetz
                    15,000       88,800  
Chief Operating Officer, President
    -       -       25,000       182,750  
                      25,000       356,250  
                      20,000       131,000  
                      8,000       47,360  
                                 
Brendan N. Connors
    19,805       319,455       3,000       17,760  
VP of Finance
                    5,000       36,550  
                      10,000       142,500  
                      8,000       52,400  
                      4,000       23,680  

(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.

 
48

 
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information at Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
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
 
10,000
(1)  $  
3.83
 
1,442,500
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 
-
     
-
 
-

(1)
Consists of 10,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options

2009 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, 2009.

   
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
    -       -       247,000       -       1,040,000  
Chairman of the Board
                                       
Michael S. McDevitt
    -       -       -       -       -  
Chief Executive Officer, CFO
                                       
Leo V. Williams
    -       -       -       -       -  
Executive Vice President
                                       
Margaret Sheetz
    -       -       -       -       -  
Chief Operating Officer, President
                                       
Brendan N. Connors
    -       -       -       -       -  
VP of Finance
                                       

(1)
All amounts are reported in compensation on the “2009 Summary Compensation Table”

 
49

 
 
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 2009, there were no contributions made by the Company to Bradley T. MacDonald’s deferred compensation plan.

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.

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 Sheetz.  Ms. Sheetz entered into a six year employment agreement effective February 8, 2006.  Ms. 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. 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.

 
50

 

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

As of December 31, 2009, 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 than 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, 2009 they would have received the following amounts:

   
Severance ($) (1)
 
Bradley T. MacDonald
  $ 337,500  
Michael S. McDevitt
  $ 277,500  
Margaret Sheetz
  $ 232,500  
Brendan N. Connors
  $ 187,500  

(1) Based on 2009 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, 2009:

   
Severance
($)(1)
   
Accelerated
Vesting of
Stock Awards
($)(2)
   
Total
 
Bradley T. MacDonald
  $ 337,500     $ 6,238,320     $ 6,575,820  
Michael S. McDevitt
    277,500       9,286,137       9,563,637  
Margaret Sheetz
    232,500       7,606,160       7,838,660  
Brendan N. Connors
    187,500       2,782,780       2,970,280  

(1) 
Based on 2009 salary.
(2)
Accelerated vesting of stock awards were based on NYSE close price of the Common Shares on December 31, 2009 of $30.58 per share.

Compensation Polices and Risk

Medifast, Inc. does not believe that its compensation policies and practices create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Medifast, Inc.

 
51

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
 
The following table shows as of December 31, 2009, 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 
 
             
FMR, LLC
           
82 Devonshire Street
    1,185,000       7.7 %
Boston, MA  02109
               
                 
Wellington Management Company, LLP
    835,832       5.42
75 State Street
               
Boston, MA  02109
               
 
 
52

 
 
The following table shows as of March 26, 2010 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
   
Percent of
Outstanding
Common Stock (%)
 
                   
Bradley T. MacDonald (3)
    797,050       -       5.18 %
Michael S. McDevitt
    420,012       -       2.73 %
Margaret Sheetz
    293,692       -       1.91 %
Brendan N. Connors, CPA
    108,484       -        
Donald F. Reilly
    81,483       -        
Michael C. MacDonald
    69,197       -        
Charles P. Connolly
    37,575       -        
John P. McDaniel
    24,500       -        
Catherine T. Maguire
    8,500       -        
Leo V. Williams
    16,000       -        
George J. Lavin, Jr., Esq.
    24,200       -        
Barry B. Bondroff, CPA
    17,000       -        
Jeannette M. Mills
    12,500       -        
                         
All directors, nominees for directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons)
    1,910,193       -       12.40 %

*
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 30, 2010, 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 26, 2010, or within 60 days thereafter under our stock option plans.

(3)
The shares set forth as beneficially owned by Mr. Bradley T. MacDonald include 133,402 shares owned by his wife Shirley MacDonald, and 85,167 shares owned by the MacDonald Family Trust.  His daughter, Margaret Sheetz, beneficially owns 293,692 shares which added to Bradley T. MacDonald’s 797,050 beneficially owned shares results in 1,090,742 shares owned by the MacDonald family.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

As of December 31, 2009, there were no related party transactions.

 
53

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Fees to Independent Registered Public Accountants for Fiscal 2009 and 2008

 The following services were provided by Friedman, LLP and Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Co during fiscal 2009 and 2008:

   
2009 (3)
   
2008
 
             
Audit Fees(1)
  $ 184,000     $ 154,000  
Tax fees(2)
    43,000       29,000  
All other fees
    -       -  
                 
Total
  $ 227,000     $ 183,000  
 
(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
(3)
On January 1, 2010 Bagell, Josephs, Levine, and Co. merged with Friedman, LLP.  Friedman, LLP performed the audit for the year-ended December 31, 2009.

 
54

 
 
PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINACIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a)       1.     Financial Statements

See Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 54 of this Annual Report

2.     Financial Statement Schedules

None, as all information required in these schedules is included in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

3.     Exhibits

Reference is made to the Exhibit Index on page 54 of this Annual Report for a list of exhibits required by Item 601 of Registration S-K to be filed as part of this Annual Report.

 
55

 
 
MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms
57-58
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets
59
   
Consolidated Statements of Income
60
   
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
61
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
62
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
63
 
 
56

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Medifast, Inc.
Owing Mills, Maryland

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Medifast, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audit.   The consolidated financial statements of Medifast, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and for the each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2008 were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations.  Those auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements in their report dated March 6, 2009.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and schedule. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Medifast, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed above, the consolidated financial statements of Medifast, Inc and subsidiaries were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations.  As discussed in Note 17, these financial statements have been restated.  We audited the adjustments described in Note 17 that were applied to restate the December 31, 2008 and 2007 consolidated financial statements .  In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied.  However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2008 and 2007 consolidated financial statements of the Company other than with respect to such adjustments and accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2008 and 2007 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Medifast, Inc. and subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 29 , 2010 expressed an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Friedman LLP
Marlton, New Jersey
March 29, 2010

 
57

 

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Medifast, Inc.
Owing Mills, Maryland 21117
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Medifast, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and accumulated other comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008.  Medifast, Inc.’s management is responsible for these financial statements.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Medifast, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
/s/Bagell, Josephs, Levine & Company, L.L.C.
 
Marlton, NJ 08053
 
March 6, 2009
 
The report is a copy of the previously issued report.
 
The predecessor auditor has not reissued the report.

 
58

 
 
MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008
 
         
(Restated)
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 12,708,000     $ 1,841,000  
Accounts receivable-net of allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts of $100,000
    676,000       448,000  
Inventory
    11,232,000       13,856,000  
Investment securities
    3,594,000       1,099,000  
Deferred compensation
    1,040,000       792,000  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    5,334,000       3,165,000  
Note receivable - current
    46,000       180,000  
Current portion of deferred tax asset
    100,000       100,000  
Total current assets
    34,730,000       21,481,000  
                 
Property, plant and equipment - net
    23,237,000       21,709,000  
Trademarks and intangibles - net
    4,104,000       5,547,000  
Deferred tax asset, net of current portion
    193,000       150,000  
Note receivable, net of current assets
    112,000       1,080,000  
Other assets
    379,000       350,000  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 62,755,000     $ 50,317,000  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    4,966,000       5,130,000  
Income taxes payable
    22,000       102,000  
Line of credit
    -       3,164,000  
Deferred compensation payable
    399,000       261,000  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    796,000       257,000  
Total current liabilities
    6,183,000       8,914,000  
                 
Other liabilities
               
Long-term debt, net of current portion
    5,444,000       4,313,000  
Deferred tax liability- non current
    1,553,000       1,869,000  
Total liabilities
    13,180,000       15,096,000  
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock, $.001 par value (1,500,000 authorized, no shares issued and outstanding)
    -       -  
Common stock; par value $.001 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 15,438,941 issued and 15,031,103 outstanding and 14,585,960 issued and 14,313,768 shares outstanding
    16,000       15,000  
Additional paid-in capital
    28,456,000       25,250,000  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    159,000       (389,000 )
Retained earnings
    24,264,000       12,301,000  
Less: cost of 367,838 and 272,192 shares of common stock in treasury
    (3,320,000 )     (1,956,000 )
Total stockholders' equity
    49,575,000       35,221,000  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 62,755,000     $ 50,317,000  

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

 
59

 

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended December 31,
(000's)
         
(Restated)
   
(Restated)
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Revenue
  $ 165,618     $ 105,445     $ 83,779  
Cost of sales
    (40,293 )     (25,332 )     (21,464 )
Gross profit
    125,325       80,113       62,315  
                         
Selling, general, and administration
    (105,959 )     (71,914 )     (56,600 )
                         
Income from operations
    19,366       8,199       5,715  
                         
Other income (expense):
                       
Interest expense
    (145 )     (366 )     (387 )
Interest income
    155       149       105  
Other income (expense)
    (83 )     (132 )     110  
      (73 )     (349 )     (172 )
                         
Income before provision for income taxes
    19,293       7,850       5,543  
Provision for income taxes
    (7,330 )     (3,016 )     (2,117 )
                         
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 11,963     $ 4,834     $ 3,426  
                         
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.89     $ 0.37     $ 0.26  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.81     $ 0.34     $ 0.25  
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding -
                       
Basic
    13,515,318       13,126,534       12,960,930  
Diluted
    14,736,639       14,329,525       13,644,149  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
 
60

 
MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 (As restated), and 2007 (As restated)

         
Par Value
   
Additional
         
Accumulated
             
   
Number
   
$0.001
   
Paid-In
   
Retained
   
other comp
   
Treasury
       
   
of Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
income/(loss)
   
Stock
   
Total
 
                                             
Balance at December 31, 2006, as previously reported
    13,631,898     $ 14,000     $ 23,273,000     $ 5,981,000     $ 334,000     $ (1,686,000 )   $ 27,916,000  
Adjustments
                            (1,941,000 )                     (1,941,000 )
                                                         
Balance, December 31, 2006, as restated
    13,631,898     $ 14,000     $ 23,273,000     $ 4,040,000     $ 334,000     $ (1,686,000 )   $ 25,975,000  
                                                         
Warrants converted to common stock
    40,000       100       192,000                               192,100  
Common stock issued to Directors
    9,700       100       31,000                               31,100  
Options excercised to common stock
    27,500       100       24,000                               24,100  
FASB 123R vesting
                    101,000                               101,000  
Vesting of unearned compensation
                    641,000                               641,000  
Repurchase of treasury stock
                                            (309,000 )     (309,000 )
Treasury shares issued to employees
            (300 )     (24,000 )                     24,000       (300 )
Net Loss- unrealized loss on investments
                                    (13,000 )             (13,000 )
Net income
                            3,427,000                       3,427,000  
Balance, December 31, 2007
    13,709,098     $ 14,000     $ 24,238,000     $ 7,467,000     $ 321,000     $ (1,971,000 )   $ 30,069,000  
                                                         
Common stock issued to Directors
    37,000       100       152,000                               152,100  
Options excercised to common stock
    61,112       100       72,000                       (43,000 )     72,100  
Shares issued to Executives and Directors with 2 to 5 year vesting
    736,750       700       -                               700  
Vesting of unearned compensation to executives and directors
                    851,000                               851,000  
Cancellation of options and reissuance of restricted shares
    42,000       100       (75,000 )                             (74,900 )
Treasury shares issued in legal settlement
                    12,000                       58,000       12,000  
Net Loss- unrealized loss on investments
                                    (710,000 )             (710,000 )
Net income
                            4,834,000                       4,834,000  
                                                         
Balance, December 31, 2008
    14,585,960     $ 15,000     $ 25,250,000     $ 12,301,000     $ (389,000 )   $ (1,956,000 )   $ 35,221,000  
                                                         
Common stock issued to Directors
    49,000       100       207,000                               207,100  
Options excercised to common stock
    133,334       100       331,000                       (331,000 )     100  
Warrants converted to common stock
    44,647       100       214,000                               214,100  
Shares issued to Executives and Directors with 2 to 5 year vesting
    586,000       700       -                               700  
Fair value adjustment for stock compensation tax benefit
                    303,000                               303,000  
Vesting of unearned compensation to executives and directors
                    2,151,000                               2,151,000  
Receipt of treasury stock as payment of note receivable
                                            (931,000 )     (931,000 )
Purchase of treasury stock on open market
                                            (102,000 )     (102,000 )
Net Gain- unrealized gain on investments
                                    548,000               548,000  
Net income
                            11,963,000                       11,963,000  
                                                         
Balance, December 31, 2009
    15,398,941     $ 16,000     $ 28,456,000     $ 24,264,000     $ 159,000     $ (3,320,000 )   $ 49,575,000  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
61

 
MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended December 31,

         
(Restated)
   
(Restated)
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Audited)
   
(Audited)
   
(Audited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income
  $ 11,963,000     $ 4,834,000     $ 3,426,000  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 5,267,000     $ 4,574,000       3,471,000  
Realized loss on investment securities
    81,000       216,000       103,000  
Common stock issued for services
    207,000       152,000       31,000  
Treasury stock issued in legal settlement
    -       70,000       -  
Stock options vested during period
    -       -       100,000  
Stock options cancelled during period
    -       (77,000 )     -  
Excess tax benefits from share-base payments arrangements
    303,000       -       39,000  
Vesting of unearned compensation
    2,151,000       852,000       641,000  
Net change in other comprehensive (loss) income
    550,000       (711,000 )     (13,000 )
Deferred tax asset
    (43,000 )     110,000       (54,000 )
Deferred tax liability
    (316,000 )     365,000       (766,000 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
(Increase) Decrease in accounts receivable
    (228,000 )     43,000       (43,000 )
(Increase) Decrease in inventory
    2,624,000       (4,675,000 )     (926,000 )
(Increase) Decrease in prepaid expenses & other current assets
    (452,000 )     693,000       (128,000 )
(Increase) Decrease in deferred compensation
    (110,000 )     282,000       (140,000 )
(Increase)  in prepaid taxes
    (1,413,000 )     (1,131,000 )     -  
(Increase) in other assets
    (29,000 )     (251,000 )     (52,000 )
Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (162,000 )     850,000       1,367,000  
Increase (Decrease) in income taxes payable
    (80,000 )     (700,000 )     898,000  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    20,313,000       5,496,000       7,954,000  
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
                       
(Purchase) Sale of investment securities, net
    (2,579,000 )     129,000       (4,000 )
(Purchase) of property and equipment
    (5,118,000 )     (7,429,000 )     (5,151,000 )
(Purchase) of intangible assets
    (235,000 )     (13,000 )     (2,814,000 )
Net cash (used in) investing activities
    (7,932,000 )     (7,313,000 )     (7,969,000 )
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
                       
Issuance of common stock, options and warrants
    214,000       30,000       216,000  
Proceeds (Repayment) of long-term debt, net
    1,670,000       (264,000 )     (586,000 )
Increase (Decrease) in line of credit
    (3,163,000 )     1,565,000       1,706,000  
Decrease in note receivable
    170,000       132,000       137,000  
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    (303,000 )     -       (39,000 )
(Purchase) of treasury stock
    (102,000 )     -       (309,000 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    (1,514,000 )     1,463,000       1,125,000  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    10,867,000       (354,000 )     1,110,000  
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of the period
    1,841,000       2,195,000       1,085,000  
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
  $ 12,708,000     $ 1,841,000     $ 2,195,000  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
                       
Interest paid
  $ 145,000     $ 367,000     $ 387,000  
Income taxes
  $ 9,167,000     $ 3,661,000     $ 1,790,000  
Supplemental disclosure of non cash activity:
                       
 Common shares issued for options or warrants
  $ -     $ 30,000     $ -  
Treasury stock issued in legal settlement
  $ -     $ 70,000     $ -  
Line of credit converted to long-term debt
  $ -     $ -     $ 2,156,000  
Treasury stock received in payment of note receivable
  $   931,500     $   -     $   -  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
 
62

 
Medifast, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007

1.  BACKGROUND

Nature of the Business

Medifast, Inc. (the "Company” or “Medifast” is a Delaware corporation, incorporated in 1980. The Company’s operations are primarily conducted through six of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Jason"), Take Shape for Life, Inc. (“TSFL”), Jason Enterprises, Inc., Jason Properties, LLC, and Seven Crondall, LLC.  The Company is engaged in the production, distribution, and sale of weight management and disease management products and other consumable health and diet products.  Medifast, Inc.’s product lines include weight and disease management, and meal replacement products manufactured in a modern, FDA approved facility in Owings Mills, Maryland.

The Company is engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of Medifastâ branded and private label weight and disease management products.  These products are sold through various channels of distribution, to include web, call center, independent health advisors, medical professionals, weight loss clinics, direct consumer marketing supported via the phone and the web.  The processing, formulation, packaging, labeling and advertising of the Company’s products are subject to regulation by one or more federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are as follows:
 
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Take Shape For Life, Inc., Seven Crondall Associates, LLC, Jason Properties, LLC, and Jason Enterprises, Inc. All inter-company accounts have been eliminated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For the purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flow, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had $3.8 million in miscellaneous short-term investments through Merrill Lynch that are considered cash equivalents due to terms of maturity, and $8.9 million in operating checking accounts.

At December 31, 2008, the Company had $923,000 in miscellaneous short-term investments through Merrill Lynch that are considered cash equivalents due to terms of maturity, and $918,000 in operating checking accounts.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are recorded net of reserves for sales returns and allowances, and net of provisions for doubtful accounts.  Allowances for sales returns and discounts are based on an analysis of historical trends, and allowances for doubtful accounts are based primarily on an analysis of aging accounts receivable balances and on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks and analysis, as well as the customer’s payment history.

Inventory

Inventories consist principally of packaged meal replacements held in the Company’s warehouse. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, utilizing the first-in, first-out method. The cost of finished goods includes the cost of raw materials, packaging supplies, direct and indirect labor and other indirect manufacturing costs.  On a quarterly basis, management reviews inventory for unsalable or obsolete inventory.
 
63

 
Advertising

Advertising costs such as preparation, layout, design and production of advertising are deferred.  They are expensed when the advertisement is first used, except for the costs of executory contracts, which are amortized as performance under the contract is received.  Advertising costs deferred at December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, were $544,000, $557,000, and $1,014,000, respectively.  Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 amounted to $17,400,000, $17,800,000, and $18,400,000, respectively.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company computes depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets acquired as follows:

Building and building improvements
39 years
Equipment and fixtures
3 - 15 years
Vehicles
5 years

The carrying amount of all long-lived assets is evaluated periodically to determine whether adjustment to the useful life or to the unamortized balance is warranted. Such evaluation is based principally on the expected utilization of the long-lived assets and the projected undiscounted cash flows of the operations in which the long-lived assets are used.
 
In accordance with authoritative guidance on property, plant and equipment ASC 360, long – lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial statement and the tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

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

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended December 31:
 
64

 
         
(Restated)
   
(Restated)
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Numerator:
                 
Net income attributable to Medifast, Inc.  
  $ 11,963,000     $ 4,834,000     $ 3,426,000  
                         
Denominator:
                       
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
    13,515,318       13,126,534       12,960,930  
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents
    1,221,321       1,202,991       683,219  
                         
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
    14,736,639       14,329,525       13,644,149  
                         
EPS attributable to Medifast, Inc.
                       
Basic
  $ 0.89     $ 0.37     $ 0.26  
Diluted
  $ 0.81     $ 0.34     $ 0.25  

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized net of discounts, rebates, promotional adjustments, price adjustments, returns and other potential adjustments upon shipment and passing of risk to the customer and when estimates of are reasonably determinable, collection is reasonably assured and the Company has no further performance obligations.

Estimates

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

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash, certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of the financial instruments.

The Company believes that its indebtedness approximates fair value based on current yields for debt instruments with similar terms.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist of cash, certificates of deposit, investment securities and trade receivables.  Cash, money markets and investments exceed the federal insurance coverage by $11,588,000 and $944,000 respectively.  The Company securities at December 31, 2009 and 2008, include amounts deposited with multiple financial institutions. The Company markets its products primarily to medical professionals, clinics, and Internet medical sales and has no substantial concentrations of credit risk in its trade receivables.

As of December 31, 2009 the Company had one customer that individually represented 10% of accounts receivable. In 2008, the Company had two customers that individually represented over 10% of accounts receivable and in the aggregate, approximately 43% of the accounts receivable.

Deferred Compensation Plans

We maintain a non-qualified deferred compensation plan 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 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
 
65

 
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 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.

Stock-Based Compensation

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation which establishes the accounting for employee stock-based awards. Under the provisions of ASC 718, stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite employee service period (generally the vesting period of the grant).. The Company recognized stock-based compensation for awards issued under the Company’s stock option plans in other income/expenses included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Additionally, no modifications were made to outstanding stock options prior to the adoption of ASC 718, and no cumulative adjustments were recorded in the Company’s financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2008, the FASB ratified an accounting pronouncement which clarifies how to account for certain transactions involving equity method investments. The initial measurement, decreases in value and changes in the level of ownership of the equity method investment are addressed. The pronouncement was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2009 and was applied prospectively. The adoption of the pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued the Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. The pronouncement is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of the pronouncement did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Investments

In accordance with ASC 320, “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities”, securities are classified into three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading.  The Company’s investments consist of debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities.  Accordingly, they are carried at fair value in accordance with ASC 320.  Further, according to ASC 320 the unrealized holding gains and losses for available-for-sales securities are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, unless the loss is classified as other than a temporary decline in market value.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In June 2001, the FASB issued ASC 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other”. This statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets and supersedes APB Opinion No. 17, “Intangible Assets”. It addresses how intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets (but not those acquired in a business combination) should be accounted for in financial statements upon their acquisition. This Statement also addresses how goodwill and other intangible assets should be accounted for after they have been initially recognized in the financial statements.

In addition, the Company has acquired other intangible assets, which include: customer lists, non-compete agreements, trademarks, patents, and copyrights.  The non-compete agreements were fully amortized as of December 31, 2007.  The customer lists are being amortized over a period ranging between 3 and 6 years based on management’s best estimate of the expected benefits to be consumed or otherwise used up.  The costs of patents and copyrights are amortized over 5 and 6 years based on their estimated useful life, while trademarks representing brands with an infinite life, and are carried at cost and tested annually for impairment as outlined below.  Goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles are tested annually for impairment in the fourth quarter, and are tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value.  The Company assesses the recoverability of its goodwill and other indefinite lived assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset, over their remaining lives, in comparison to their respective carrying amounts.  Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. 
 
66

 
Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, including unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities.  The Company presents comprehensive income in its consolidated statements of stockholders equity.

3. CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITES

The following summarizes cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities:

   
Cost
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Accrued interest
   
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Cash and cash equivalents
                             
Demand deposits
  $ 3,826,000     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 3,826,000  
Money market accounts
    8,882,000                       -       8,882,000  
December 31, 2009
  $ 12,708,000     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 12,708,000  
Investment Securities
                                       
Investment Securities
  $ 3,504,000     $ 78,000     $ (10,000 )   $ 22,000     $ 3,594,000  
December 31, 2009
  $ 3,504,000     $ 78,000     $ (10,000 )   $ 22,000     $ 3,594,000  
Cash and cash equivalents
                                       
Demand deposits
  $ 918,000                     $ -     $ 918,000  
Money market accounts
    923,000                       -       923,000  
December 31, 2008
  $ 1,841,000     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,841,000  
Investment Securities
                                       
Investment Securities
  $ 1,088,000                     $ 11,000     $ 1,099,000  
December 31, 2008
  $        1,088,000     $ -     $ -     $ 11,000     $ 1,099,000  

The Company had a realized loss of $81,000, realized loss of $216,000 and realized gain of $103,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

4. INVENTORY

Inventory consist of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008

   
2009
   
2008
 
Raw Materials
  $ 3,900,000     $ 2,810,000  
Packaging
    2,628,000       2,234,000  
Finished Goods
       4,704,000       8,812,000  
                 
Total
  $          11,232,000       $          13,856,000  
 
67

 
5.  PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Prepaid expense and other current assets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, consist of the following:

   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Marketing and advertising
  $ 1,832,000     $ 1,531,000  
Supplies
    745,000       413,000  
Insurance
    546,000       90,000  
Taxes
    2,211,000       1,131,000  
                 
    $         5,334,000     $         3,165,000  

6.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, consist of the following:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Land
  $ 650,000     $ 650,000  
Building and building improvements
    9,034,000       8,603,000  
Equipment and fixtures
    26,478,000       21,810,000  
Vehicle
    59,000       43,000  
    $ 36,221,000     $ 31,106,000  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    12,984,000       9,397,000  
Property, plant and equipment - net
  $         23,237,000     $         21,709,000  

Substantially all of the Company's property, plant and equipment are pledged as collateral for various loans (see Note 12).

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $3,634,000, $2,751,000, and $2,139,000 , respectively.  In 2007, the Company disposed of assets with an accumulated depreciation of $95,000 relating to the closing of three corporately owned Medifast Weight Control Centers.
 
68

 
7.  TRADEMARKS AND INTANGIBLES

   
As of December 31, 2009
   
As of December 31, 2008
 
   
Gross Carrying
   
Accumulated
   
Gross Carrying
   
Accumulated
 
   
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Amount
   
Amortization
 
                         
Customer lists
  $ 8,567,000     $ 6,086,000     $ 8,332,000     $ 4,649,000  
Non-compete agreements
    840,000       840,000       840,000       840,000  
Trademarks, patents, and copyrights
                               
finite life
    1,622,000       926,000       1,622,000       685,000  
infinite life
    927,000       -       927,000       -  
                                 
Total
  $ 11,956,000     $ 7,852,000     $ 11,721,000     $ 6,174,000  

Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Customer lists
  $ 1,392,000     $ 1,584,000     $ 1,096,000  
Non-compete agreements
    -       -       -  
Trademarks, patents, and copyrights
    241,000       239,000       236,000  
                         
Total trademarks and intangibles
  $         1,633,000     $         1,823,000     $         1,332,000  

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

The estimated future amortization expense of trademarks and intangible assets is as follows:

2010
                1,182,000  
2011
    1,181,000  
2012
    746,000  
2013
    63,000  
2014
    5,000  

8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Trade payables
    $ 2,011,000     $ 3,658,000  
Sales commissions payable
    2,645,000       1,303,000  
Accrued payroll and related taxes
    312,000       169,000  
Total
  $           4,966,000     $          5,130,000  
 
69

 
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company leases office space for Corporate offices as well as twenty-seven corporately owned Medifast Weight Control Centers under lease terms ranging from three to five years with leases commencing in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Monthly payments under the Medifast Weight Control Centers leases range in price from $1,800 to $4,200. The Company is required to pay property taxes, utilities, insurance and other costs relating to the leased facilities.
 
The Company leases large commercial printers for our printing operation that supports our sales channels. The leases extend through December 2014. The annual lease payments are $1,062,000, $1,031,000, $964,000, and $758,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 respectively.

The following is a schedule by years of future minimum rental and lease payments required under operating lease that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2009

For the Years Ending
 
December 31,
 
       
2010
    2,174,000  
2011
    2,116,000  
2012
    1,966,000  
2013
    1,311,000  
2014
    661,000  
Thereafter
    294,000  
         
Total minimum payments required
  $             8,522,000  

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was$1,256,000, $956,000, and $464,000 respectively.

There is no pending or threatened legal action that would have material adverse on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results or operations or cash flows in future years.
 
70

 
10. INCOME TAXES
 
Significant components of the income tax benefit for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

A reconciliation between the provisions for income taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the consolidated income tax benefit in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Provision at the U.S. federal statutory rate
    34.0 %     34.0 %     34.0 %
State taxes, net of federal benefit
    4.8 %     3.2 %     5.4 %
Permanent differences
    -0.8 %     1.2 %     -1.2 %
Income tax expense
    38.0 %     38.4 %     38.2 %

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Current:
                 
Federal
  $    6,276,000     $    3,059,000     $    1,213,000  
State
    695,000       432,000       84,000  
Total Current
  $ 6,971,000     $ 3,491,000     $ 1,297,000  
Deferred:
                       
Federal
  $ 283,000     $ (390,000 )   $ 672,000  
State
    76,000       (85,000 )     148,000  
Total deferred
    359,000       (475,000 )     820,000  
Income tax expense
  $ 7,330,000     $ 3,016,000     $ 2,117,000  
 
71

 
Medifast, Inc.’s deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their bases for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31 are as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Deferred tax assets
                 
                   
Deferred compensation
  $ 250,000     $ 208,000       317,000  
Inventory overhead and write downs
    43,000       42,000       43,000  
                         
Total deferred tax assets
  $ 293,000     $ 250,000       360,000  
                         
Deferred Tax Liabilities
                       
Depreciation and Amortization
  $ (1,553,000 )   $ (1,869,000 )     (1,506,000 )
                         
Total deferred tax liabilities
  $    (1,553,000 )   $    (1,869,000 )   $     (1,506,000 )

11. Equity Instruments
 
On October 9, 1993 and as amended in May 1995, the Company adopted a stock option plan ("Plan") authorizing the grant of incentive and non-incentive options for an aggregate of 500,000 shares of the Company's common stock to officers, employees, directors and consultants. Incentive options are to be granted at fair market value. Options are to be exercisable as determined by the stock option committee.

In November 1997, June 2002 and July 2004, the Company amended the Plan by increasing the number of shares of the Company's common stock subject to the Plan by an aggregate of 200,000 shares, 300,000 shares and 250,000 shares respectively.

The following summarizes the stock option activity for the years ended December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
                                     
Outstanding at beginning of year
    143,334     $ 3.00       291,300     $ 4.19       321,579     $ 3.88  
Options exercised
    (133,334 )     2.94       (28,334 )     0.50       (27,500 )     0.89  
Options forfeited or expired
    -       0.00       (119,632 )     6.39       (2,779 )     1.60  
                                                 
Outstanding at end of year
    10,000     $ 3.83       143,334     $ 3.00       291,300     $ 4.19  
Options exercisable at year end
    10,000     $ 3.83       143,334     $ 3.00       211,300     $ 3.35  

No stock options were granted in 2007 and 2008 or 2009.
 
72

 
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2009:

   
Options Outstanding
         
Options
Exercisable
       
         
Weighted
                   
         
Average
                   
         
Contractual
   
Weighted
         
Weighted
 
Range of
       
Life
   
Average
         
Average
 
Exercise
 
Number
   
Remaining
   
Exercise
   
Number
   
Exercise
 
Prices
 
Outstanding
   
(in Years)
   
Price
   
Exercisable
   
Price
 
                               
$
3.83
    10,000       0.83     $ 3.83       10,000     $ 3.83  
                                         
       10,000                $ 3.83       10,000     $ 3.83  
 
The Company has issued restricted stock to employees generally with terms ranging from three to six years. The fair value is equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Expense for restricted stock is amortized ratably over the vesting period. The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity:
 
   
Shares
   
Weighed-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2009
    1,019,835     $ 4.42  
Granted
    586,000       6.33  
Vested
    (401,457 )     5.36  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
                      1,204,378       5.57  

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock grants was $6.33, and $4.72 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, respectively. No restricted shares were granted in 2007. The total fair value of restricted stock grants vested during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $2,151,000, $852,000 and $641,000, respectively.
 
73

 
12. LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINE OF CREDIT
Long-term debt as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, consist of the following:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
                 
$475,000 seven-year loan secured by the building and land at a  variable rate at LIBOR plus 250 bps, which was 2.74% on  December 31, 2009. Due 2011
    301,000       332,000  
$5,000,000 revolving line of credit at the LIBOR rate plus 1.3%, which was 2.50% at December 31, 2009
    -       -  
$7,500,000 revolving line of credit at the LIBOR rate plus 1.3%, which was 2.50% at December 31, 2009
    -       3,163,000  
$3,000,000 ten-year term loan, with Merrill Lynch at LIBOR plus 1.3%, this was 1.54% at December 31, 2009. Due 2017
    2,675,000       2,825,000  
$1,500,000 ten-year term loan, with Merrill Lynch at LIBOR plus 1.3%, this was 1.54% at December 31, 2009. Due 2017
    1,338,000       1,413,000  
$2,600,000 3-year term loan, with Bank of America at Libor plus 200 bps, which was 2.25% on December 31, 2009.  Due 2012.
    1,926,000       -  
      6,240,000       7,733,000  
Less current portion
    796,000       3,421,000  
      5,444,000       4,312,000  

Future principal payments on long-term debt for the next 5 years are as follows:
 
2010
    796,000  
2011
    796,000  
2012
    796,000  
2013
    566,000  
2014
    257,000  
Thereafter
    3,029,000  
    $                6,240,000  
 
The Company has established a $5.0 million revolving line of credit at LIBOR plus 1.75% with Bank of America. The outstanding balance on our line of credit was $0 and $3,164,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Effective September 27, 2007, the 10-year term loan with an original balance of $3,539,000; the 3-year loan with an original balance of $366,000; and the line of credit balance with Mercantile Safe Deposit and Trust Company was refinanced by Merrill Lynch into two ten year term loans for $1,500,000 and $3,000,000. These loans are at LIBOR plus 1.3%, which was 1.54% on December 31, 2009. The term loans and line of credit held at Bank of America contain customary covenants including covenants that, in certain circumstances, restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other payments, including investments, sell its assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of its assets. The loan agreements also require the Company to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy certain financial condition tests. At December 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all of the required financial ratios and also met all of the financial condition tests and expects to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. All loans contain customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the term loans or line of credit, the lenders there under may cease making loans and declare amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable. The loans are secured by two buildings, together with an assignment of rents and security interest upon all fixtures now or hereafter located in the two buildings.
 
74

 
13. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
The Board of Directors of Medifast, Inc. implemented a management succession plan which occurred over the last 36 months. In doing so, they had 3 key executive officers sign 6-year employment contracts to ensure that there will be minimal turnover in selected key management positions. The Executives associated with this succession plan include Michael S. McDevitt, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Margaret MacDonald, Chief Operating Officer and President, and Brendan Connors, CPA, VP of Finance. Bradley T. MacDonald, the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors has signed and executed a new 5 year employment agreement as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and will provide on-going executive mentoring, financial and M&A advice, and new business development for the Company.
 
On February 8, 2006, three executive officers of the Company signed 6-year employment contracts. The officers received shares of common stock in varying amounts totaling 380,000 shares at $6.25 per share that will be vested over 6 years. In addition, Bradley T. MacDonald, Chairman and CEO signed a new 5-year employment agreement and was granted 100,000 stock options at $6.25 that will vest over 5 years beginning on February 8, 2007. The Board of Directors 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.

14. WARRANTS
 
During 2009, 80,000 warrants were exercised. The warrants were originally issued to an investment banker for advisory and consulting services provided to the Company.
 
The Company has the following warrants outstanding for the purchase of its common stock:
 
Exercise
     
December 31,
 
Price
 
Expiration Date
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                       
$
4.80
 
January, 2009
    -       80,000       80,000  
$
16.78
 
July, 2008
    -       -       82,500  
          -       80,000       162,500  
   
Weighted average exercise price
    -       4.80       10.88  
 
75

 
15. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, provides a consistent framework for measuring fair value under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and expands fair value financial statement disclosure requirements. SFAS 157’s valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. SFAS 157 classifies these inputs into the following hierarchy:
 
Level 1 Inputs– Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
 
Level 2 Inputs– Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
 
Level 3 Inputs– Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.
 
The following table represents the fair value hierarchy for those financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009.
 
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2009
 
Assets
 
Level I
   
Level II
   
Level III
   
Total
 
Investment securities
  $    3,594,000       -       -     $ 3,594,000  
Cash equivalents
    12,708,000       -       -       12,708,000  
Total Assets
  $ 16,302,000     $ -     $ -     $ 16,302,000  
Liabilities
    6,240,000       -       -       6,240,000  
Total Liabilities
  $ 6,240,000     $    -     $    -     $    6,240,000  

16. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker about how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company has two reportable operating segments: Medifast and All Other. The Medifast reporting segment consists of the following distribution channels: Medifast Direct, Take Shape for Life, and Doctors. The All Other reporting segments consist of Medifast Weight Control Centers and the Company’s parent company operations
 
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company. The presentation and allocation of assets, liabilities and results of operations may not reflect the actual economic costs of the segments as stand-alone businesses. If a different basis of allocation were utilized, the relative contributions of the segments might differ, but management believes that the relative trends in segments would likely not be impacted.
 
76

 
The following tables’ present segment information for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007:

   
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
   
Medifast
   
All Other
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
                         
Revenues, net
  $ 150,037,000     $ 15,581,000           $ 165,618,000  
Cost of Sales
    37,046,000       3,247,000             40,293,000  
Other Selling, General and Adminstrative Expenses
    88,191,000       12,584,000             100,775,000  
Depreciation and Amortization
    4,266,000       1,001,000             5,267,000  
Interest (net)
    17,000       (27,000 )           (10,000 )
Provision for income taxes
    7,330,000       -             7,330,000  
Net income (loss)
  $ 13,187,000     $ (1,224,000 )     -     $ 11,963,000  
                                 
Segment Assets
  $    32,829,000     $    29,926,000                $    62,755,000  

   
(Restated)
 
   
Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
   
Medifast
   
All Other
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
                         
Revenues, net
  $ 97,116,000     $ 8,329,000           $ 105,445,000  
Cost of Sales
    23,611,000       1,721,000             25,332,000  
Other Selling, General and Adminstrative Expenses
    59,334,000       8,138,000             67,472,000  
Depreciation and Amortization
    3,613,000       961,000             4,574,000  
Interest (net)
    39,000       178,000             217,000  
Provision for income taxes
    3,016,000       -             3,016,000  
Net income (loss)
  $ 7,503,000     $ (2,669,000 )     -     $ 4,834,000  
                                 
Segment Assets
  $    34,034,000     $    16,283,000                $    50,317,000  

   
(Restated)
 
   
Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
   
Medifast
   
All Other
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
                         
Revenues, net
  $ 78,861,000     $ 4,918,000           $ 83,779,000  
Cost of Sales
    20,364,000       1,100,000             21,464,000  
Other Selling, General and Adminstrative Expenses
    48,250,000       4,769,000             53,019,000  
Depreciation and Amortization
    2,527,000       944,000             3,471,000  
Interest (net)
    77,000       205,000             282,000  
Provision for income taxes
    2,117,000       -             2,117,000  
Net income (loss)
  $ 5,526,000     $ (2,100,000 )     -     $ 3,426,000  
                                 
Segment Assets
  $    25,386,000     $    17,701,000                $    43,087,000  
 
77

 
17. RESTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We are restating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, and 2008 due to an error in the SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” calculation. In general, under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the future tax consequences attributable to the effects of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and for income tax purposes. Due to the Company’s growth in past years, major infrastructure investments were made to include building purchases for manufacturing, corporate offices and distribution, high speed manufacturing equipment and blenders, a state of the art printing center operation, and IT systems including infrastructure and hardware. For financial statement purposes, these assets are depreciated over the assets useful life. However, for tax purposes, the depreciation can be accelerated which results in lower taxable income and potential tax refunds which were realized for the years in which accelerated tax depreciation was elected for the Company. The lower taxable income and tax refunds impacted the Company’s cash position positively and allowed for the further investment in the vertically integrated Company infrastructure build. The resulting timing difference should have resulted in a deferred tax liability and additional income tax provision expense in the year’s restated.

The restatements had no effect on 2009 revenues, operating income, pre-tax income, net income or cash-flows. The restatements have no impact on the Company's tax returns in any year.

During the audit of the Company’s financial statement for the year-ended December 31, 2009, Management of Medifast, Inc. was first advised by Friedman, LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, that an error existed in its deferred tax account balances due to timing differences resulting between depreciation expense for tax purposes versus financial statement purposes.
 
Management performed a detailed reconciliation of deferred tax accounts and the related provision for income taxes for all tax years beginning in 2001 in order to quantify the potential balance adjustments. The Company’s Management upon being advised by its Independent Auditor of the SFAS No. 109 calculation issue, as part of its Sarbanes Oxley policy regarding internal controls regarding financial reporting, immediately reported this issue to the Audit Committee which promptly initiated and conducted its review.
 
On March 29, 2010 management and the Audit Committee reviewed management’s findings and the Audit Committee concluded that restating the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, and 2008 is required. The Company is restating for errors identified in its deferred tax accounts pertaining to (i) differences between the income tax basis and the financial reporting basis of long-lived assets that were not reconciled to the deferred tax balances (ii) to properly apply a net operating loss to our deferred tax and provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. The effects of these restatements are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

The correction of the errors noted in (i) above reduced 2008, 2007, and 2006 net income by $601,000 (.04 per diluted share), $411,000 ($.03 per diluted share), and $583,000 (.04 per diluted share), respectively. The corrections noted in number (ii) above increased beginning of 2006 accumulated deficit by $1,358,000.

The following is a summary of the effects of these changes on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005, as well as the effect of these changes on the Company’s consolidated statements of income and cash flows:
 
78

 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 
                   
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
                   
Deferred Tax Asset-non current
    1,131,000       (981,000 )     150,000  
Total Assets
    51,037,000       (981,000 )     50,056,000  
Deferred Tax Liability
    -       1,869,000       1,869,000  
Income Taxes Payable
    -       101,000       101,000  
Total Liabilities
    12,864,000       1,971,000       14,835,000  
Retained Earnings (deficit)
    15,253,000       (2,952,000 )     12,301,000  
Total Stockholder's Equity
    38,173,000       (2,952,000 )     35,221,000  
Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
    51,037,000       (981,000 )     50,056,000  
                         
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
                         
Deferred Tax Asset-non current
    897,000       (637,000 )     260,000  
Total Assets
    43,724,000       (637,000 )     43,087,000  
Deferred Tax Liability
    -       1,506,000       1,506,000  
Income Taxes Payable
    592,000       211,000       803,000  
Total Liabilities
    11,304,000       1,716,000       13,020,000  
Retained Earnings (deficit)
    9,818,000       (2,352,000 )     7,466,000  
Total Stockholder's Equity
    32,420,000       (2,353,000 )     30,067,000  
Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
    43,724,000       (637,000 )     43,087,000  
                         
For the Year Ended December 31, 2006
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
                         
Deferred Tax Asset-non current
    517,000       (302,000 )     215,000  
Total Assets
    36,677,000       (302,000 )     36,375,000  
Deferred Tax Liability
    -       2,270,000       2,270,000  
Income Taxes Payable
    535,000       (631,000 )     (96,000 )
Total Liabilities
    8,761,000       1,639,000       10,400,000  
Retained Earnings (deficit)
    5,981,000       (1,941,000 )     4,040,000  
Total Stockholder's Equity
    27,916,000       (1,941,000 )     25,975,000  
Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
    36,677,000       (302,000 )     36,375,000  
 
79

 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
                 
                   
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
                   
Provision for income taxes
    2,415,000       601,000       3,016,000  
Net income
    5,435,000       (601,000 )     4,834,000  
Basic Earnings Per Share
    0.41       (0.04 )     0.37  
Dilute Earnings Per Share
    0.38       (0.03 )     0.34  
                         
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
                         
Provision for income taxes
    1,706,000       411,000       2,117,000  
Net income
    3,837,000       (411,000 )     3,426,000  
Basic Earnings Per Share
    0.30       (0.04 )     0.26  
Dilute Earnings Per Share
    0.28       (0.03 )     0.25  
                         
For the Year Ended December 31, 2006
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
                         
Provision for income taxes
    2,307,000       583,000       2,890,000  
Net income
    5,156,000       (583,000 )     4,573,000  
Basic Earnings Per Share
    0.41       (0.05 )     0.36  
Dilute Earnings Per Share
    0.38       (0.04 )     0.34  
 
80

 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
                 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
                   
Net income
    5,435,000       (601,000 )     4,834,000  
Deferred Tax Asset
    (234,000 )     (981,000 )     747,000  
Deferred Tax Liability
    -       1,869,000       1,869,000  
Income Taxes Payable
    (592,000 )     101,000       (491,000 )
                         
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
                         
Net income
    3,837,000       (411,000 )     3,426,000  
Deferred Tax Asset
    (390,000 )     (637,000 )     247,000  
Deferred Tax Liability
    -       1,506,000       1,506,000  
Income Taxes Payable
    57,000       211,000       268,000  
                         
For the Year Ended December 31, 2006
 
As Previously
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
As Restated
 
                         
Net income
    5,156,000       (583,000 )     4,573,000  
Deferred Tax Asset
    (597,000 )     (302,000 )     (295,000 )
Deferred Tax Liability
    -       2,270,000       2,270,000  
Income Taxes Payable
    (364,000 )     (631,000 )     (995,000 )
 
81

 
18. QUARTERLY RESULTS (Unaudited)
 
   
First Quarter
   
Second Quarter
   
Third Quarter
   
Fourth Quarter
 
2009
                       
Revenue
  $ 33,693,000     $ 40,699,000     $ 45,006,000     $ 46,220,000  
Gross Profit
    25,639,000       30,948,000       34,235,000       34,503,000  
Operating Income
    4,028,000       4,774,000       5,563,000       5,000,000  
Net Income
    2,498,000       2,985,000       3,434,000       3,045,000  
Earnings per common share - diluted
    0.17       0.20       0.23       0.21  
                                 
2008 (Restated)
                               
Revenue
  $ 25,169,000     $ 27,537,000     $ 27,281,000     $ 25,458,000  
Gross Profit
    19,069,000       20,860,000       20,759,000       19,425,000  
Operating Income
    2,062,000       2,409,000       2,396,000       1,332,000  
Net Income
    1,252,000       1,431,000       1,448,000       703,000  
Earnings per common share - diluted
    0.09       0.10       0.10       0.05  
                                 
2007 (Restated)
                               
Revenue
  $ 20,089,000     $ 22,041,000     $ 21,846,000     $ 19,803,000  
Gross Profit
    15,031,000       16,678,000       16,323,000       14,283,000  
Operating Income
    1,914,000       1,445,000       1,557,000       799,000  
Net Income
    1,176,000       877,000       865,000       508,000  
Earnings per common share - diluted
    0.09       0.06       0.06       0.04  

(1) -Earnings per common share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented; accordingly, in the sum of the quarterly earnings per common share may not equal the total computed for the year.
 
82

 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 
No.
   
 
3.1
 
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company and amendments thereto
       
 
3.2
 
By-Laws of the Company- Amended
       
 
10.1
 
1993 Stock Option Plan of the Company as amended*
       
 
10.3
 
Lease relating to the Company's Owings Mills, Maryland facility**
       
 
10.4
 
Employment agreement with Bradley T. MacDonald***
       
 
10.5
 
Employment agreement with Bradley T. MacDonald signed February 8, 2006
       
 
10.6
 
Employment agreement with Michael S. McDevitt signed February 8, 2006
       
 
10.7
 
Employment agreement with Margaret MacDonald signed February 8, 2006
       
 
10.8
 
Employment agreement with Brendan N. Connors signed February 8, 2006
       
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002
 

   *
Filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 of the Company, File No. 33-71284-NY.

  **
Filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of the Company, File No. 33-81524.

***
Filed as an exhibit to 10KSB, dated April 15, 1999 of the Company, file No. 000-23016.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K
 
March 1, 2007, to announce Michael S. McDevitt promoted to CEO, Margaret MacDonald promoted to President and COO, and Bradley T. MacDonald named Executive Chairman of the Board.

March 7, 2007, to announce full-year 2007 revenue and diluted earnings per share guidance

June12, 2007, to announce the election of a new Board member

September 24, 2007, to announce the results of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on September 7, 2007

October 4, 2007, to announce updated full-year 2007 revenue and diluted earnings per share guidance

December 26, 2007, to announce receipt of notice from New York Stock Exchange concerning listing criteria

March 12, 2008, to announce financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2007

May 9, 2008, to announce the election of a new Board member

June 25, 2008, to announce the election of a new Board member

December 17, 2008, to announce updated 2008 revenue guidance

February 19, 2009, Company response to false claims

March 5, 2009, to announce the election of two new Board members

March 12, 2009, to announce 2008 revenue and earnings and provided 2009 sales trending YTD

March 30, 2009, to announce the authorization of a stock repurchase

May 13, 2009, to announce removal from New York Stock Exchange “watch list”

June 26, 2009, to announce independence review of certifying accountants

July 6, 2009, to announce creation of direct financial obligation
 
83

 
July 22, 2009, to announce departure of Board member

October 13, 2009, to announce election of new Board member

January 22, 2010, to announce reaffirmation with The Direct Selling Association

January 25, 2010, to announce financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009

January 26, 2010, to announce changes in Certifying Accountant

March 4, 2010, to announce to announce financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009
 
84

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

MEDIFAST, INC.
(Registrant)

BRADLEY T. MACDONALD
Bradley T. MacDonald
Executive Chairman of the Board
Dated: March 30, 2010

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated have signed this Report below.

Name
 
Title
 
Date
 
           
/s/ BARRY B. BONDROFF, CPA
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  Barry B. Bondroff, CPA
         
           
/s/ CHARLES P. CONNOLLY
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  Charles P. Connolly
         
           
/s/ JASON L. GROVES
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  Jason L. Groves
         
           
/s/ GEORGE J. LAVIN, ESQ.
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  George J. Lavin, Esq.
         
           
/s/ BRADLEY T. MACDONALD
 
Chairman of the Board,
 
March 30, 2010
 
  Bradley T. MacDonald
 
Director
     
           
/s/ MICHAEL C. MACDONALD
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  Michael C. MacDonald
         
           
/s/ SR. CATHY T. MAGUIRE RSM
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  Sr. Cathy T. Maguire, RSM
         
           
/s/ JOHN P. MCDANIEL
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  John P. McDaniel
         
           
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCDEVITT
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  Michael S. McDevitt
         
           
/s/ JERRY D. REECE
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  Jerry D. Reece
         
           
/s/ JEANNETTE M. MILLS
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  Jeannette M. Mills
         
           
/s/ REV. DONALD F. REILLY, OSA
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  Rev. Donald F. Reilly, OSA
         
           
/s/ MARGARET SHEETZ
 
Director
 
March 30, 2010
 
  Margaret Sheetz
  
 
  
   
 
85