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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the transition period from             to             

Commission File Number 0-28551

Nutrisystem, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   23-3012204

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 
Fort Washington Executive Center  
600 Office Center Drive  
Fort Washington, Pennsylvania   19034

(Address of principal executive offices)

  (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (215) 706-5300

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $.001 par value   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes   ¨     No   x

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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). 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 the 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 checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

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

Indicate by checkmark 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 and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2012, was $319,431,157. Such aggregate market value was computed by reference to the closing price of the common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market on June 29, 2012 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter).

Number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value, as of February 28, 2013: 28,581,109 shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for Nutrisystem, Inc.’s annual meeting of stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Nutrisystem, Inc.

Table of Contents

 

          Page  
   PART I   

Item 1.

   Business      4   

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      14   

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments      21   

Item 2.

   Properties      21   

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings      22   

Item 4.

   Mine Safety Disclosures      23   
   PART II   

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      24   

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data      27   

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      29   

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      37   

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      37   

Item 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      38   

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures      38   

Item 9B.

   Other Information      40   
   PART III   

Item 10.

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      40   

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation      40   

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      40   

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      40   

Item 14.

   Principal Accounting Fees and Services      40   
   PART IV   

Item 15.

   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules      41   

 

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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

From time to time, information provided by us, including but not limited to statements in this Annual Report, or other statements made by or on our behalf, may contain “forward-looking” information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believe,” “estimate,” “will be,” “will,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” or other similar words or expressions often identify forward-looking statements.

Such statements are based on current expectations only, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, many of which are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or achievements may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. Among the factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include:

 

   

competition from other weight management industry participants or the development of more effective or more favorably perceived weight management methods;

 

   

our ability to continue to develop innovative new programs and enhance our existing programs, or the failure of our programs to continue to appeal to the market;

 

   

the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs;

 

   

loss, or disruption in the business of, any of our food suppliers;

 

   

loss, or disruption in the business, of our fulfillment provider;

 

   

disruptions in the shipping of our food products;

 

   

health or advertising related claims by consumers;

 

   

failure to attract or negative publicity with respect to any of our spokespersons;

 

   

our ability to successfully make acquisitions or enter into joint ventures, including our ability to successfully integrate, operate or realize the projected benefits of such businesses;

 

   

general business and economic conditions, particularly the pace, continuation, and possible reversal of the recovery in the worldwide economy;

 

   

the seasonal nature of our business;

 

   

our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights, as well as the impact of our involvement in any claims related to intellectual property rights;

 

   

uncertainties regarding the satisfactory operation of our information technology or systems;

 

   

risks associated with unauthorized penetration of our information security;

 

   

the impact of existing and future laws and regulations;

 

   

the impact of our debt service obligations and restrictive debt covenants;

 

   

our inability to recruit and retain key executive officers; and

 

   

other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview

Nutrisystem, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Nutrisystem,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading provider of a weight management system based on a low-calorie, portion-controlled, prepared meal program. Typically, our customers purchase monthly food packages containing a 28-day supply of breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts, which they supplement with dairy, fruit, salad, vegetables and low-glycemic carbohydrate items. Most of our customers order on an auto-delivery basis (“Auto-Delivery”), in which we send a month’s food supply on an ongoing basis until notified by the customer to stop our shipments. We offer personalized plans where customers can hand pick their entire menu or go with our pre-selected favorites pack. Our Basic Plan contains the pre-selected favorites pack while our Core Plan allows customers the ability to customize their menu and provides access to trained counselors. All foods for the Basic and Core programs are shelf-stable at room temperature and will last for up to two years, making the packages relatively inexpensive to ship and store. Our Select program includes a fully customizable combination of the ready-to-go food as well as our frozen line of menu items and access to trained counselors.

Our program is based on the following cornerstones that represent who we are to our customers:

Results. We believe our program enables our customers to lose weight successfully. The Nutrisystem program is based on 40 years of nutrition research and the science of the low Glycemic Index, and offers over 150 portion-controlled items that include relatively higher amounts of fiber, contain “good” carbohydrates and zero trans fats. The Glycemic Index is a measure of the quality of carbohydrates in foods. Foods on the lower end of the Glycemic Index are generally considered “good” carbohydrates. We also offer transition and maintenance plans, which include support tools and desired meal occasions that customers wish to continue to receive from Nutrisystem. These plans are designed to help our customers keep the weight off.

Convenience. We sell our weight management program primarily through a direct-to-consumer sales and distribution approach using the Internet and telephone. Our customers can order 24 hours a day, seven days a week on our website, www.nutrisystem.com , and the food is shipped directly to the customer’s door.

Simplicity. We provide a comprehensive weight management program, consisting of a pre-packaged food program and counseling. Our customers can either choose our pre-selected favorites food package or customize their monthly food orders for their specific tastes. Our program does not require customers to visit centers, measure foods or count calories. The entrees are individually packaged and food preparation time is minimal.

Value. We do not charge membership fees. Additionally, we advertise various promotional offers and pricing throughout the year.

Anonymity. The direct-to-consumer approach using the Internet and telephone provides the privacy that our customers value. We provide online and telephone counseling and support to our customers using our trained weight loss coaches, diet counselors and other nutrition and dietary staff, and thus, our customers do not need to travel for a face-to-face meeting.

Competitive Strengths

We believe our program offers consumers a sensible approach to losing weight without the use of faddish, unhealthy or unrealistic weight loss methods. We intend to capitalize on the following competitive strengths to grow:

Product Efficacy . We believe most of our customers are very satisfied with our products and believe they have lost weight while using our program. Our customer surveys found that customers lost an average of 1.0 to

 

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2.0 pounds per week and tended to stay on the program for 11 to 12 weeks. We believe these surveys indicate overall satisfaction with our program and a potential willingness to refer our program to others.

We have also sponsored clinical trials at leading academic centers in patients with type 2 diabetes. Statistically significant and clinically meaningful weight loss and improvements in glycemic control were observed, in addition to improvements in secondary endpoints such as waist circumference, total plasma cholesterol and blood pressure.

Strong Brand Recognition . We believe that our brand is well recognized in the weight management industry. Our company and our predecessors have been in the weight management industry for 40 years, and we estimate that our company and our predecessors have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising over that time period.

Low Cost, Highly Scalable Model . Unlike traditional commercial weight loss programs, which primarily sell through franchisee and company-owned centers, we generate revenue in our direct channel through the Internet and telephone (including the redemption of prepaid program cards). Our method of distribution removes the fixed costs and capital investment associated with diet centers. We also minimize fixed costs and capital investments in food procurement and fulfillment: we outsource the production of our food products to a number of vendors and we outsource 100% of our fulfillment operations to a third party provider.

Superior Consumer Value Proposition . Our goal is to offer our customers a complete weight management program that is convenient, private and cost-effective. Our customers place their orders through the Internet or over the telephone and have their food delivered directly to their homes. This affords our customers the convenience and anonymity that other diets, which rely on weight-loss centers, cannot ensure. Additionally, we provide our customers with a month of food, including daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, which removes the confusion of reading nutrition labels, measuring portions or counting calories, carbohydrates or points. We believe our weight management program offers our customers significant value and is priced below those of our competitors. In addition, we do not charge a membership fee, whereas many of our competitors do.

Our Industry

Weight management is a challenge for a significant portion of the U.S., as well as the global population. The 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Study estimated that over 78 million U.S. adults were obese in 2009-2010 and the World Health Organization projects that by 2015, 2.3 billion people will be overweight and 700 million of these will be obese. Obesity is increasingly prevalent in children and studies have shown for the first time significant emergence of diseases such as type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, overweight and obese individuals are increasingly at risk for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, stroke, arthritis, sleep apnea and depression. However, there is evidence that weight loss may reduce the risk of developing these conditions, as well as improve the health and quality of life of people who have these conditions. Our clinical trial results and analyses of real world customer results confirm that people who stay on the Nutrisystem program for at least three months have a very high probability of achieving clinically meaningful weight loss.

In addition to the health risks, there are also cultural implications for those who are overweight or obese. U.S. consumers are inundated with imagery in media, fashion and entertainment that depicts the thin body as the ideal body type. Studies suggest that there is rampant discrimination against the obese. Despite the high percentage of overweight and obese individuals in the U.S., the popularity of dieting appears to indicate consumers’ desire to be thin.

 

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Competition

The weight loss industry is very competitive and consists of pharmaceutical products and weight loss programs, as well as a wide variety of diet foods and meal replacement bars and shakes, appetite suppressants and nutritional supplements. The weight loss market is served by a diverse array of competitors. Potential customers seeking to manage their weight can turn to traditional center-based competitors, online diet-oriented sites, self-directed dieting and self-administered products such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and other medically supervised programs. Our identified peers and competitors include, but are not limited to, eDiets.com, Jenny Craig, Medifast, Inc. and Weight Watchers International, Inc.

We believe that the principal competitive factors in the weight loss market are:

 

   

the availability, convenience, privacy and effectiveness of the weight reduction program;

 

   

brand recognition and trustworthiness;

 

   

media spending;

 

   

new products;

 

   

program pricing; and

 

   

the ability to attract and retain customers through promotion and personal referral.

Based on these factors, we believe that we can compete effectively in the weight management industry. We, however, have no control over how successful competitors will be in addressing these factors. By providing a well-recognized food-based program using the direct channel, we believe that we have a competitive advantage in our market.

Our Products and Services

For 40 years, the Nutrisystem name has been recognized as a leader in the weight loss industry. We provide a comprehensive weight management program, consisting primarily of a pre-packaged food program, online tools and counseling. Trained counselors are available to answer questions and make recommendations to help each customer achieve and maintain his or her weight loss goal. Customers support and encourage each other and share information through hosted Internet chat rooms and bulletin boards. These services are complemented with relevant information on diet, nutrition and physical activity, which is provided on our community website and emailed to our customers bi-weekly. Additionally, online and smart phone weight management tools are available to our customers. These tools include the interactive Mindset Makeover ® guide, a behavior modification program that was co-authored by an international leader in the field of obesity research and is offered to our customers free of charge. This insightful and motivational guide walks customers through the program and can serve as an interactive tool for our counselors to use to facilitate communication and enhance weight loss success for our customers.

Our Nutrisystem ® program consists of over 150 portion-controlled items that serve as the foundation of a low Glycemic Index diet. The Glycemic Index is a measure of the quality of carbohydrates in foods and foods on the lower end of the index are generally considered “good” carbohydrates. Our program is portioned for weight loss and offers a balance of carbohydrate, protein and fat that meets national dietary guidelines. We have also worked to reduce the sodium content of our meal program. Including grocery additions to supplement our meals, our plans contain 1800-2200 milligrams of sodium per day, consistent with national guidelines, and tailored versions of the plans are available that deliver as low as 1500 mg/day. In contrast, the average American consumes 2800-4000 milligrams of sodium per day. We constantly strive to meet or exceed nutritional guidelines as they are updated.

In December 2011, we launched SUCCESS, our most comprehensive program to date. It is designed to help take the weight off and keep it off through frequent, portion-controlled, balanced nutrition and low Glycemic

 

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Index eating. The SUCCESS program offers our largest ever assortment of signature frozen meals including artisanal Chef’s Table ® dinner entrees; chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee advanced protein shakes; the introduction of a personalized “My Daily 3 ® ” physical activity program; and increased personalization and flexibility through transition and maintenance plans that help customers manage their weight on their own.

Our Nutrisystem ® Select ® program incorporates both our ready-to-go and frozen foods to enhance Nutrisystem’s tradition of effective weight loss and weight management. Most of our weight plans offer these frozen foods. The program provides customers with premium frozen foods that complement Nutrisystem’s prepared food weight loss programs and still adheres to Nutrisystem’s nutritional guidelines. When a customer orders Nutrisystem Select, two separate shipments are delivered directly to the customer’s home. The first shipment will contain Nutrisystem’s standard ready-to-go food and the second shipment will contain the frozen foods.

The Nutrisystem ® D ® Program is a weight loss program specifically designed to produce gradual weight loss in overweight patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Results from a 2009 clinical study conducted at the Temple University School of Medicine and published in the journal Postgraduate Medicine show that the Nutrisystem D Program, in combination with weekly counseling sessions, helped overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes lose more weight and experience greater reductions in their A1C levels (a key measure of blood glucose control) as compared to those in the control group. This weight loss was also associated with reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol and waist circumference. A follow up study at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University School of Medicine was completed in July 2011 and initial findings were presented at the Obesity Society’s annual conference in October 2011, confirming and extending the key findings of the first diabetes trial. In addition, the subjects randomized to Nutrisystem D achieved a significant reduction in the requirement for diabetes medications relative to the control group. A third trial in type 2 diabetes employed continuous glucose monitoring to determine the effect of Nutrisystem D versus a self-selected diet on blood glucose levels and variability in the first two weeks of use. The study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, found that Nutrisystem D resulted in lower mean blood glucose and decreased variability in blood glucose. The decreased variability was due to a decrease in the incidence of high blood glucose, with no significant increase in low blood glucose. Multiple trials involving the other Nutrisystem programs are recently completed or ongoing. One of these, conducted at Florida State University, looked at weight loss, changes in body composition and changes in cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women randomized to receive the Nutrisystem D Program alone, low intensity resistance exercise alone, or the combination, for 12 weeks. Key findings were presented at the 2012 annual conference of the American College of Sport Medicine. The Nutrisystem D Program, alone or with exercise, resulted in weight loss, smaller waist circumference, decreased body fat, improved arterial elasticity and improved cardiac perfusion. Several of these trials have received third party funding, with Nutrisystem’s financial contribution limited to the provision of program food.

In May 2012, we introduced a new in-store retail line, Nutrisystem ® Everyday ® , comprised of nutritionally balanced bars, smoothies and bakery and breakfast items targeted to consumers who aspire to eat healthier. During 2013, we will be refining the products and distribution channels for the retail line. Also, we continue to offer our program at Costco through the use of prepaid program cards and gift cards. The Nutrisystem program has also been offered at other large retailers. We are continually exploring other major retailers where we may potentially offer our program in the future.

Typically, our customers purchase monthly food packages of ready-to-go and frozen food containing 28 days of breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts, which they supplement with dairy, fruit, salad, vegetables and low-glycemic carbohydrate items. In certain instances, depending on the promotional offers available, customers can receive more than the typical 28 days of food. Most customers order through our Auto-Delivery feature. By offering a variety of ready-to-go and frozen foods, we help our customers sustain their weight loss efforts. On our website, customers can order food 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The transition and maintenance plans included in the SUCCESS launch, along with the previously developed Flex program, allow customers the means to gradually increase their responsibility for grocery shopping and food preparation while adhering to the

 

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principles of the Nutrisystem approach. These lower cost programs help extend the supportive relationship and allow time to reinforce the dietary changes that produced the initial weight loss. These plans include recipes and portion-control tools in addition to a reduced number of Nutrisystem ® entrees delivered each month.

The features of our weight loss program address many of the most common limitations of traditional weight loss programs, including high initiation and recurring membership fees, the inconvenience of traveling to weight loss centers for scheduled appointments and lack of privacy. In addition, our prepared meals provide our customers with a structured program with limited weighing and measuring of foods and no need to count calories, carbohydrates or points. We believe that the convenience of home delivery, reduced grocery shopping time and rapid food preparation also aid customer compliance with our weight loss program.

Our food items have accounted for 99% of our revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. No other product or service has accounted for more than 1% of our revenue in any of the last three years. In 2012, 100% of our revenues were generated in the United States. Approximately 99% and 98% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were generated in the United States.

Marketing

Marketing is a core competency that drives sales and builds the Nutrisystem brand. We have strong expertise in all facets of both offline and online marketing and utilize an integrated marketing process designed to drive profitable revenue in an efficient, effective way.

Offline Marketing . We believe Nutrisystem is one of the leading and most efficient offline direct response advertisers in the industry. We deploy a hybrid of proven direct response techniques to: 1) build brand equity and awareness; 2) encourage qualified customers to call or visit our website; and 3) deliver profitable sales. We track response to each advertisement through unique toll-free numbers and URLs and we deploy multi-channel campaigns to target potential new customers that include television, print, direct mail and telemarketing efforts. To reactivate lapsed customers and upsell to those already on our program, we utilize a combination of direct mail and telemarketing efforts which complements our other media advertising.

Online Marketing . Our online marketing strategy focuses on driving high-volume, cost-effective, qualified leads to our website with an emphasis on increasing both front-end and back-end conversion through constant testing and optimization. We are continually exploring new online opportunities as the market evolves, but focus the majority of our efforts on search optimization (paid and natural), affiliate management, portal relationships, large ad networks, strategic partnerships, targeted display media and internal/external email campaigns.

Public Relations . The consumer and business media outreach programs accentuate Nutrisystem as a leader and innovator in the weight loss category. Our public relations strategically complement offline and online marketing to increase top-of-mind awareness for Nutrisystem, as well as to foster positive word-of-mouth, in order to enhance purchase consideration of our product. The Nutrisystem brand, our marketing and product innovations, as well as success stories from celebrities and everyday people who have lost weight on our program are regularly featured in top-tier media outlets such as:  The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, USA TODAY, People Magazine , Access Hollywood, E! News, Entertainment Tonight and Forbes.com . We typically compensate our celebrity third-party marketing vendors based on the initial weight loss of the particular spokesperson on our program and maintenance of the weight loss over time.

In addition to traditional public relations, we seek to leverage social media platforms such as Facebook , Twitter , Pinterest, YouTube , blogs and our own active online community to engage potential customers; acquire new customers and leads; listen and learn from our customers, as well as those who do not become a customer; and motivate those on-program to greater success. Overall, we seek to create “true believers” who will provide social proof to others of the effectiveness of our program.

 

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Ecommerce

As a leading ecommerce company and brand, we constantly strive to employ the latest tools and technology in order to drive increased performance of online customer conversion, retention and reactivation. We utilize our ecommerce platform to drive a highly-customizable and personalized user experience, as well as to effectively and efficiently manage day-to-day ecommerce business operations. In addition, we combine internal resources with external agencies in the development of our website information architecture, user interface and user experience. In order to optimize the key online business drivers, we continually perform usability testing and are constantly optimizing our website using a variety of sophisticated third party testing tools. Finally, we measure our online interaction with customers, along with broader website performance, via web analytics platforms and tools.

Sales and Counseling

A majority of our direct business sales occur on our website. The remaining sales are by telephone, and our call center processes all of them. Our weight loss program is also sold through QVC, a television home shopping network and, in 2012, we introduced a new in-store retail line.

As of December 31, 2012, we employed approximately 68 weight loss counselors and 159 sales agents. Staffing levels for counselors and sales agents are largely a function of the volume of revenue and orders. Sales agents are responsible for in-bound sales calls and will initiate out-bound sales calls to our leads and other targeted potential customers. Additionally, certain sales agents assist in retaining customers. Counselors initiate some out-bound sales calls but primarily focus on in-bound calls and email. Counselors also handle online web conversations from new visitors and appointments with existing customers. Sales agents are paid primarily on commission while counselors receive an hourly wage.

We seek to hire counselors with backgrounds in psychology, sociology, nutrition, dietetics or other health-related fields and with suitable temperaments to speak with our customers. Counselors are trained in our program, our Internet chat service, email, motivational techniques and customer service problem solving. Sales agents are well-versed in explaining our program and working with our customers to determine the program that would best fit their needs in helping them reach their weight loss goals.

Customer Service

As of December 31, 2012, we employed approximately 77 customer service representatives. Customer service representatives are trained to handle in-bound calls and emails from customers who have questions or problems with an order after the sale transaction is completed. Typical customer inquiries relate to the arrival date of the customer’s order shipment, reporting of missing or damaged items and credits and exchanges. For email inquiries, we have a software system that scans the customer’s email message for key words and automatically supplies the representative with a form response that is reviewed, edited and sent back to the customer. Customer service representatives are paid an hourly wage.

Fulfillment

An integrated order receipt, billing, picking, shipping and delivery tracking system comprised of proprietary and third party components is utilized for our orders. This system integrates the front end, or website customer interface, with order processing and shipping, and allows customers to access shippers’ order tracking numbers online. Our computer-assisted picking system allows for virtually paperless order picking in all warehouse facilities. In 2012, we expanded our capabilities to support the distribution of products to multiple retailers.

We utilize an integrated network of distribution facilities through an existing arrangement with our outside fulfillment provider. We work closely with our fulfillment provider to drive out waste and continuously improve

 

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processes. Over the past several years, these initiatives resulted in realized cost improvements, enhanced vendor productivity and warehouse efficiencies and helped increase our perfect order index which is a key metric supporting customer satisfaction and quality. In addition, these initiatives resulted in improved inventory management and allowed us to reduce our overall warehouse footprint. We currently utilize five outsourced distribution facilities located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Allentown, Pennsylvania, Edwardsville, Illinois and two in Sparks, Nevada. As of December 31, 2012, all fulfillment was being handled by one outsourced provider.

We have a service agreement with our outside fulfillment provider, which provides for storage, handling of frozen and ready-to-go foods and other services, including pricing and minimum space commitments. The current contract expires on April 30, 2015, but may be terminated sooner upon 180 days written notice. We believe that other outside fulfillment providers could be utilized if needed and we continually evaluate the need for secondary fulfillment services.

We continue to partner with our fulfillment provider to reduce the warehouse order turn-around time for processing and shipping orders. In 2012, approximately 99% of all direct customer initial orders were shipped within three business days of the date the order was received. In addition, we can deliver to approximately 99% of the domestic population within five business days using standard ground transportation.

Direct customers are not charged for their orders until the ordered product is shipped. We do not charge customers for shipping and handling on Auto-Delivery food orders provided customers take receipt of their second order. If a customer cancels before receipt of a second order, the customer will be charged for shipping and the difference in pricing for an Auto-Delivery order versus a non Auto-Delivery order.

Product Development

All of our foods and supplements are currently outsourced from more than 30 manufacturers or vendors. We have entered into supply agreements with some of these food vendors. The majority of these agreements provide for annual pricing, annual purchase obligations, as well as exclusivity in the production of certain products, with terms of five years or less. One agreement also provides for certain rebates to us if certain volume thresholds are exceeded. All of these contracts may be terminated by us upon written notice, generally between 30 and 180 days. We anticipate meeting all annual purchase obligations.

In 2012, approximately 17% and 13%, respectively, of inventory purchases were from two suppliers. We have a supply arrangement with one of these vendors that requires us to make certain minimum purchases. In 2011, these vendors supplied approximately 16% and 15%, respectively, of inventory purchases and in 2010, approximately 17% and 18%, respectively, of inventory purchases. Additionally, we were dependent on one frozen food supplier for less than 20% of our food costs in 2011. We had a supply agreement with this supplier that expired in November 2011, and we have found other frozen food supply options to replace this supplier. The amount provided from this supplier in 2010 was negligible.

Our product development team uses a number of sources – customer feedback, market trends, nutrition science, and breakthroughs in food technology – to create new ideas for our program. New foods are created to enhance the variety of our current offerings or to support the efforts of creating a new program. Typically, concepts are formulated in the test kitchen to meet our stringent demands for nutrition and stability. We then contract with food manufacturers who further develop viable new products based on our specifications. Alternatively, manufacturers may suggest items. Regardless of a given food item’s pathway through development, that food is evaluated for nutrition, compliance with our program, taste (using testing panels), and cost considerations. The number of stock keeping units, or SKUs, we introduce each year varies depending on whether we are introducing a new program or simply updating an existing one.

 

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Our Customers

We offer weight loss programs designed for women, men, seniors as well as people with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight. Based on our customer data, our typical customer is female, approximately 50 years of age and weighs approximately 187 pounds. We believe that, on average, our customers want to lose approximately 43 pounds over a period of time. Based on our customer surveys, we believe our typical customers tend to stay on our program for 11 to 12 weeks, lose 1.0 to 2.0 pounds per week and have tried other popular diet programs. We believe that these surveys indicate a willingness to refer our program to others and that our customers value the following Nutrisystem program attributes:

 

   

effective weight loss;

 

   

direct delivery to their door;

 

   

easy to follow and stay on the program;

 

   

food can be easily prepared in minutes;

 

   

wide variety of food; and

 

   

they do not feel hungry while on the program.

Information Systems

Our ecommerce and community websites, both of which are based primarily on third party software customized to meet our business needs, are each hosted in a top tier, co-location facility. These facilities provide redundant network connections, physical and fire security and diesel generated power back up for the equipment upon which our websites rely and are intended to provide an uninterruptible power supply. 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 secure that transaction by using some of the best available encryption technologies, including secure sockets layer, or SSL. Our customer data is protected against unauthorized access by security measures and we engage a variety of industry leading technology providers including VeriSign, CyberSource and SecureWorks to further ensure the security of our credit card transactions and the safety of our customers’ personal information.

Intellectual Property

We own numerous domestic and international trademarks and other proprietary rights that are important to our business. Depending upon the jurisdiction, trademarks are valid as long as they are used in the regular course of trade and/or their registrations are properly maintained. We believe the protection of our trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names, trade dress, and trade secrets is important to our success. We aggressively protect our intellectual property rights by relying on a combination of watch services and trademark, copyright, patent, trade dress and trade secret laws, and through the domain name dispute resolution system.

Employees

As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately 398 administrative, sales, counseling and customer service personnel, 21 employees dedicated to fulfillment and 47 employees in marketing. None of our employees are represented by a labor union, and we consider relations with our employees to be good.

Seasonality

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

 

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Available Information

All periodic and current reports, registration statements, code of conduct and other material that we are required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form10-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”), are available free of charge through our investor relations page at www.nutrisystem.com . Such documents are available as soon as reasonably practicable after electronic filing of the material with the SEC. Our Internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report.

The public may also read and copy any materials filed by the Company with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site, www.sec.gov , which contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file such information electronically with the SEC.

Executive Officers of the Company

The Company’s current executive officers and their respective ages and positions are as follows:

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Dawn M. Zier

     48       President and Chief Executive Officer

David D. Clark

     48       Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Keira Krausz

     47       Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

Dawn M. Zier has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our Board since November 2012. Before joining us, Ms. Zier served as the President of International at RDA Holding Co., the holding company and parent of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., a global media and direct marketing company (the “Reader’s Digest Association”), since April 2011, as an Executive Vice President of the Reader’s Digest Association since February 2011 and as President, Europe of the Reader’s Digest Association since October 2009. Prior to serving in these roles, Ms. Zier served as the President of Global Consumer Marketing for the Reader’s Digest Association from June 2008 to October 2009 and as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Direct Holdings U.S. Corp., a marketer of audio and video products and at such time a subsidiary of the Reader’s Digest Association, from June 2009 to October 2009. From August 2005 to June 2008, Ms. Zier served as the President of North American Consumer Marketing for the Reader’s Digest Association.

David D. Clark has served as our Chief Financial Officer since November 2007 and in July 2008, the Board promoted Mr. Clark from the position of Senior Vice President, which he had held since November 2007, to Executive Vice President. Prior to joining us, Mr. Clark was Chief Financial Officer of Claymont Steel Holdings, Inc., a manufacturer of steel plate, from November 2006 through October 2007. Prior to that, Mr. Clark was Chief Financial Officer of SunCom Wireless Holdings, a publicly traded provider of digital wireless communications services, from its founding in 1997 through February 2006 and held the additional position of Executive Vice President from 2000 through February 2006 and Senior Vice President from 1997 through 2000. On February 6, 2013, Mr. Clark tendered his resignation effective on or about April 1, 2013.

Keira Krausz has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer since February 11, 2013. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Krausz served as Vice President of Marketing for QSP, a subsidiary of

 

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Time, Inc. from 2005 to 2012. Following the sale of QSP, Inc. in 2012, Ms. Krausz became head of new business development for Animated Storyboards, a global independent provider of television test spots to the advertising industry. Ms. Krausz started her career at Reader’s Digest Association in 1992, and held a number of progressively-responsible positions in product management, marketing, and business management, ultimately ascending to Vice President, Marketing and General Manager, of Reader’s Digest Association’s Books & Music Business.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

You should consider carefully the following risks and uncertainties when reading this Annual Report. If any of the events described below actually occurs, the Company’s business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such risks and uncertainties. Consequently, you should not consider the following to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our future growth and profitability will depend in large part upon the effectiveness and efficiency of our marketing expenditures and our ability to select effective markets and media in which to advertise.

Our marketing expenditures were $111.1 million, $110.9 million and $145.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our future growth and profitability will depend in large part upon the effectiveness and efficiency of our marketing expenditures, including our ability to:

 

   

create greater awareness of our brand and our program;

 

   

identify the most effective and efficient levels of spending in each market, media and specific media vehicle;

 

   

determine the appropriate creative messages and media mix for advertising, marketing and promotional expenditures;

 

   

effectively manage marketing costs (including creative and media) in order to maintain acceptable customer acquisition costs;

 

   

acquire cost-effective national television advertising;

 

   

select the most effective markets, media and specific media vehicles in which to advertise; and

 

   

convert consumer inquiries into actual orders.

Our planned marketing expenditures may not result in increased revenue or generate sufficient levels of brand name and program awareness. We may not be able to manage our marketing expenditures on a cost-effective basis whereby our customer acquisition costs may exceed the contribution profit generated from each additional customer.

Our sales may be adversely impacted by the health and stability of the general economy.

Unfavorable changes in general economic conditions, such as a recession or prolonged economic slowdown, may reduce the demand for our products and otherwise adversely affect our sales. For example, economic forces, including general economic conditions, demographic trends, consumer confidence in the economy, changes in disposable consumer income and/or reductions in discretionary spending, may cause consumers to defer purchases of our program which could adversely affect our revenue, gross margins, and/or our overall financial condition and operating results.

We rely on third parties to provide us with adequate food supply, freight and fulfillment, Internet, networking and call center services, the loss of any of which could cause our revenue, earnings or reputation to suffer.

Food Manufacturers . We rely solely on third party manufacturers to supply all of the food and other products we sell. In 2012, approximately 17% and 13%, respectively, of inventory purchases were from two suppliers. If we are unable to obtain sufficient quantity, quality and variety of food and other products in a timely and low-cost manner from our manufacturers, we will be unable to fulfill our customers’ orders in a timely manner, which may cause us to lose revenue and market share or incur higher costs, as well as damage the value of the Nutrisystem brand.

 

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Freight and Fulfillment . In 2012, more than 90% of our orders were shipped by one third party provider and 100% of our order fulfillment was handled by one third party provider. Should these providers be unable to service our needs for even a short duration, our revenue and business could be harmed. Additionally, the cost and time associated with replacing these providers on short notice would add to our costs. Any replacement fulfillment provider would also require startup time, which could cause us to lose sales and market share.

Internet, Networking and Call Center . Our business also depends on a number of third parties for Internet access, networking and call center services, and we have limited control over these third parties. Should our network connections go down, our ability to fulfill orders would be delayed. Further, if our website or call center become unavailable for a noticeable period of time due to Internet or communication failures, our business could be adversely affected, including harm to our brand and loss of sales.

Therefore, we are dependent on maintaining good relationships with these third parties. The services we require from these parties may be disrupted by a number of factors associated with their businesses, including the following:

 

   

labor disruptions;

 

   

delivery problems;

 

   

financial condition or results of operations;

 

   

internal inefficiencies;

 

   

equipment failure;

 

   

natural or man-made disasters; and

 

   

with respect to our food suppliers, shortages of ingredients or United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) or United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) compliance issues.

We may be subject to claims that our personnel are unqualified to provide proper weight loss advice.

Some of our counselors for our weight management program do not have extensive training or certification in nutrition, diet or health fields and have only undergone the training they receive from us. We may be subject to claims from our customers alleging that our personnel lack the qualifications necessary to provide proper advice regarding weight loss and related topics. We may also be subject to claims that our personnel have provided inappropriate advice or have inappropriately referred or failed to refer customers to health care providers for matters other than weight loss. Such claims could result in lawsuits, damage to our reputation and divert management’s attention from our business, which would adversely affect our business.

We may be subject to health or advertising related claims from our customers.

Our weight loss program does not include medical treatment or medical advice, and we do not engage physicians or nurses to monitor the progress of our customers. Many people who are overweight suffer from other physical conditions, and our target consumers could be considered a high-risk population. A customer who experiences health problems could allege or bring a lawsuit against us on the basis that those problems were caused or worsened by participating in our weight management program. For example, our predecessor businesses suffered substantial losses due to health-related claims and related publicity. Further, customers who allege that they were deceived by any statements that we made in advertising or labeling could bring a lawsuit against us under consumer protection laws. Currently, we are neither subject to any such allegations nor have we been named in any such litigation. If we were subject to any such claims, while we would defend ourselves against such claims, we may ultimately be unsuccessful in our defense. Also, defending ourselves against such claims, regardless of their merit and ultimate outcome, would likely be lengthy and costly, and adversely affect our results of operations. Further, our general liability insurance may not cover claims of these types.

 

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The weight management industry is highly competitive. If any of our competitors or a new entrant into the market with significant resources pursues a weight management program similar to ours, our business could be significantly affected.

Competition is intense in the weight management industry and we must remain competitive in the areas of program efficacy, price, taste, customer service and brand recognition. Our competitors include companies selling pharmaceutical products and weight loss programs, as well as a wide variety of diet foods and meal replacement bars and shakes, appetite suppressants and nutritional supplements. Some of our competitors are significantly larger than we are and have substantially greater resources. Our business could be adversely affected if someone with significant resources decided to imitate our weight management program. For example, if a major supplier of pre-packaged foods decided to enter this market and made a substantial investment of resources in advertising and training diet counselors, our business could be significantly affected. Any increased competition from new entrants into our industry or any increased success by existing competition could result in reductions in our sales or prices, or both, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We are dependent on certain third party agreements for a percentage of revenue.

We have contractual agreements with certain third party retailers. Under the agreements, these third parties control when and how often our products and services are offered and we are not guaranteed any minimum level of sales or transactions. Additionally, some agreements contain exclusive rights in specified locations to promote our products during the contract term and for a specified period thereafter. If any third party elects not to renew their agreement or reduces the promotion of our products, our revenues will suffer. Additionally, in certain instances, we could be prohibited from selling our products through competitors of these third parties for a specified time after the termination of the agreements.

New weight loss products or services may put us at a competitive disadvantage.

On an ongoing basis, many existing and potential providers of weight loss solutions, including many pharmaceutical firms with significantly greater financial and operating resources than we have, are developing new products and services. The creation of a weight loss solution, such as a drug therapy, that is perceived to be safe, effective and “easier” than a portion-controlled meal plan would put us at a disadvantage in the marketplace and our results of operations could be negatively affected.

We may be subject to litigation from our competitors.

Our competitors may pursue litigation against us based on our advertising or other marketing practices regardless of its merit and chances of success, especially if we engage in competitive advertising, which includes advertising that directly or indirectly mentions a competitor or a competitor’s weight loss program in comparison to our program. While we would defend ourselves against any such claims, our defense may ultimately be unsuccessful. Also, defending against such claims, regardless of their merit and ultimate outcome, may be lengthy and costly, strain our resources and divert management’s attention from their core responsibilities, which would have a negative impact on our business.

Our business is subject to online security risks, including security breaches and identity theft.

Unauthorized users who penetrate our information security could misappropriate proprietary or customer information or data or cause interruptions to the product offerings on our website. As a result, it may become necessary to expend significant additional amounts of capital and resources to protect against, or to alleviate, problems caused by unauthorized users. These expenditures, however, may not prove to be a timely remedy against unauthorized users who are able to penetrate our information security. In addition to purposeful security breaches, the inadvertent transmission of computer viruses could adversely affect our computer systems and, in turn, harm our business.

 

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A significant number of states require that customers be notified if a security breach results in the disclosure of their personal financial account or other information. Additional states and governmental entities are considering such “notice” laws. In addition, other public disclosure laws may require that material security breaches be reported. If we experience a security breach and such notice or public disclosure is required in the future, our reputation and our business may be harmed.

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and utilize proprietary and customer information and data. Privacy concerns among prospective and existing customers regarding our use of such information or data collected on our website or through our services and products, such as weight management information, financial data, email addresses and home addresses, could keep them from using our website or purchasing our services or products. We currently face certain legal obligations regarding the manner in which we treat such information and data. Businesses have been criticized by privacy groups and governmental bodies for their use and handling of such information and data. Currently, a significant number of our customers authorize us to bill their credit cards directly for fees charged by us. We rely on third party software products to secure our credit card transactions. Although we have developed systems and processes that are designed to protect consumer information and prevent fraudulent payment transactions and other security breaches, failure to prevent or mitigate such fraud or breaches or changes in industry standards or regulations may adversely affect our business and operating results.

We may experience fluctuations in our operating results which may cause our stock price to be volatile.

We have experienced and expect to continue to experience fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations. Our business is seasonal, with revenues generally stronger in the first quarter and weaker in the fourth quarter. The market price of our common stock is subject to fluctuations in response to our operating results, general trends in the weight loss industry, announcements by our competitors, our ability to meet or exceed securities analysts’ expectations, recommendations by securities analysts, the condition of the financial markets and other factors. These fluctuations, as well as general economic and market conditions, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and cause it to fluctuate significantly.

Future acquisitions and the pursuit of new business opportunities present risks, and we may be unable to achieve the financial and strategic goals of any acquisition or new business.

A component of our growth strategy may be to acquire existing businesses or pursue other business opportunities in the market for weight management and fitness products and services. Even if we succeed in acquiring or building such businesses, we will face a number of risks and uncertainties, including:

 

   

difficulties in integrating newly acquired or newly started businesses into existing operations, which may result in increasing operating costs that would adversely affect our operating income and earnings;

 

   

the risk that our current and planned facilities, information systems, personnel and controls will not be adequate to support our future operations;

 

   

diversion of management time and capital resources from our existing businesses, which could adversely affect their performance and our operating results;

 

   

dependence on key management personnel of acquired or newly started businesses and the risk that we will be unable to integrate or retain such personnel;

 

   

the risk that the new products or services we may introduce or begin offering, whether as a result of internal expansion or business acquisitions, will not gain acceptance among consumers and existing customers;

 

   

the risk that new efforts may have a detrimental effect on our brand;

 

   

the risk that we will face competition from established or larger competitors in the new markets we may enter, which could adversely affect the financial performance of any businesses we might acquire or start; and

 

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the risk that the anticipated benefits of any acquisition or of the commencement of any new business may not be realized, in which event we will not be able to achieve any return on our investment in that new business.

Consummating these transactions could also result in the incurrence of additional debt and related interest expense, as well as unforeseen contingent liabilities, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We may also issue additional equity in connection with these transactions, which would dilute our existing stockholders.

If we do not continue to receive referrals from existing customers, our customer acquisition cost may increase.

We rely on word-of-mouth advertising for a portion of our new customers. If our brand suffers or the number of customers acquired through referrals drops due to other circumstances, our costs associated with acquiring new customers and generating revenue will increase, which will, in turn, have an adverse affect on our profitability.

We use third-party marketing vendors to promote our products. If the spokespersons affiliated with the third-party marketing vendors suffer adverse publicity, our revenue could be adversely affected.

Our marketing strategy depends in part on celebrity spokespersons, as well as customer spokespersons, to promote our weight management program. Any of these spokespersons may become the subject of adverse news reports, negative publicity or otherwise be alienated from a segment of our customer base, whether weight loss related or not. If so, such events may reduce the effectiveness of his or her endorsement and, in turn, adversely affect our revenue and results of operations.

Third parties may infringe on our brand, trademarks and other intellectual property rights, which may have an adverse impact on our business.

We currently rely on a combination of trademark and other intellectual property laws and confidentiality procedures to establish and protect our proprietary rights, including our brand. If we fail to successfully enforce our intellectual property rights, the value of our brand, services and products could be diminished and our business may suffer. Our precautions may not prevent misappropriation of our intellectual property. Any legal action that we may bring to protect our brand and other intellectual property could be unsuccessful and expensive and could divert management’s attention from other business concerns. In addition, legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property, especially in Internet-related businesses, are uncertain and evolving. We cannot assure you that these evolving legal standards will sufficiently protect our intellectual property rights in the future.

We may in the future be subject to intellectual property rights claims.

Third parties may in the future make claims against us alleging infringement of their intellectual property rights. Any intellectual property claims, regardless of merit, could be time-consuming and expensive to litigate or settle and could significantly divert management’s attention from other business concerns. In addition, if we were unable to successfully defend against such claims, we may have to pay damages, stop selling the service or product or stop using the software, technology or content found to be in violation of a third party’s rights, seek a license for the infringing service, product, software, technology or content or develop alternative non-infringing services, products, software, technology or content. If we cannot license on reasonable terms, develop alternatives or stop using the service, product, software, technology or content for any infringing aspects of our business, we may be forced to limit our service and product offerings. Any of these results could reduce our revenues and our ability to compete effectively, increase our costs or harm our business.

 

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Our credit agreement contains financial and other covenants. The failure to comply with such covenants could have an adverse effect on us.

Our credit agreement contains certain financial and other covenants including a minimum consolidated fixed charge ratio, a minimum consolidated tangible net worth and a minimum consolidated liquidity ratio, and includes limitations on, among other things, capital expenditures, additional indebtedness, acquisitions, stock repurchases and restrictions on paying dividends in certain circumstances. Any failure to comply with the restrictions of the credit agreement may result in an event of default under the agreement.

We are dependent on our key executive officers for future success. If we lose the services of any of our key executive officers and we are unable to timely retain a qualified replacement, our business could be harmed.

Our future success depends to a significant degree on the skills, experience and efforts of our key executive officers. The loss of the services of any of these individuals could harm our business. We have not obtained life insurance on any key executive officers. If any key executive officers left us or were seriously injured and became unable to work, our business could be harmed.

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation may deter or delay an acquisition of us or prevent a change in control, even if an acquisition or a change of control would be beneficial to our stockholders.

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation (as amended) may have the effect of deterring unsolicited takeovers or delaying or preventing a third party from acquiring control of us, even if our stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current market prices. In addition, these provisions may limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests.

Our certificate of incorporation (as amended) permits our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval upon such terms as the Board of Directors may determine. The rights of the holders of our common stock will be junior to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding common stock. The issuance of a substantial number of preferred shares could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

Risks Related to Our Industry

Changes in consumer preferences could negatively impact our operating results.

Our program features pre-packaged food selections, which we believe offer convenience and value to our customers. Our continued success depends, to a large degree, upon the continued popularity of our program versus various other weight loss, weight management and fitness regimens, such as low carbohydrate diets, appetite suppressants and diets featured in the published media. Changes in consumer tastes and preferences away from our pre-packaged food and support and counseling services, and any failure to provide innovative responses to these changes, may have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition, operating results, cash flows and prospects.

Our success is also dependent on our food innovation including maintaining a robust array of food items and improving the quality of existing items. If we do not continually expand our food items or provide customers with items that are desirable in taste and quality, our business could be harmed.

The weight loss industry is subject to adverse publicity, which could harm our business.

The weight loss industry receives adverse publicity from time to time, and the occurrence of such publicity could harm us, even if the adverse publicity is not directly related to us. In the early 1990s, our predecessor

 

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businesses were subject to extremely damaging adverse publicity relating to a large number of lawsuits alleging that the Nutrisystem ® weight loss program in use at that time led to gall bladder disease. This publicity was a factor that contributed to the bankruptcy of our predecessor businesses in 1993. More recently, our predecessor businesses were severely impacted by significant litigation and damaging publicity related to their customers’ use of fen-phen as an appetite suppressant, which the FDA ordered withdrawn from the market in September 1997. The significant decline in business resulting from the fen-phen problems caused our predecessor businesses to close all of their company-owned weight loss centers.

Congressional hearings about practices in the weight loss industry have also resulted in adverse publicity and a consequent decline in the revenue of weight loss businesses. Future research reports or publicity that is perceived as unfavorable or that question certain weight loss programs, products or methods could result in a decline in our revenue. Because of our dependence on consumer perceptions, adverse publicity associated with illness or other undesirable effects resulting from the consumption of our products or similar products by competitors, whether or not accurate, could also damage customer confidence in our weight loss program and result in a decline in revenue. Adverse publicity could arise even if the unfavorable effects associated with weight loss products or services resulted from the user’s failure to use such products or services appropriately.

Our industry is subject to governmental regulation that could increase in severity and hurt results of operations.

Our industry is subject to federal, state and other governmental regulation. Certain federal and state agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, regulate and enforce such laws relating to advertising, disclosures to consumers, privacy, consumer pricing and billing arrangements and other consumer protection matters. A determination by a federal or state agency, or a court, that any of our practices do not meet existing or new laws or regulations could result in liability, adverse publicity, and restrictions of our business operations. Some advertising practices in the weight loss industry have led to investigations from time to time by the FTC and other governmental agencies. Many companies in the weight loss industry, including our predecessor businesses, have entered into consent decrees with the FTC relating to weight loss claims and other advertising practices. We continue to be subject to such a consent decree, which, in part, restricts how we advertise the successes our customers have achieved in losing weight through the program and require us to include the phrase “results not typical.” In October 2009, the FTC published its revised Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising which now requires us to use a statement as to what the typical weight loss a customer can expect to achieve on our program when using a customer’s weight loss testimonial in advertising. Federal and state regulation of advertising practices generally, and in the weight loss industry in particular, may increase in scope or severity in the future, which could have a material adverse impact on our business.

Other aspects of our industry are also subject to government regulation. For example, the labeling and distribution of food products are subject to strict USDA and FDA requirements and food manufacturers are subject to rigorous inspection and other requirements of the USDA and FDA, and companies operating in foreign markets must comply with those countries’ requirements for proper labeling, controls on hygiene, food preparation and other matters. If federal, state, local or foreign regulation of our industry increases for any reason, then we may be required to incur significant expenses, as well as modify our operations to comply with new regulatory requirements, which could harm our operating results. Additionally, remedies available in any potential administrative or regulatory actions may include product recalls and requiring us to refund amounts paid by all affected customers or pay other damages, which could be substantial.

Laws and regulations directly applicable to communications, operations or commerce over the Internet such as those governing intellectual property, privacy, libel and taxation, are more prevalent and remain unsettled. If we are required to comply with new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations, or if we are unable to comply with these laws, regulations or interpretations, our business could be adversely affected.

 

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Future laws or regulations, including laws or regulations affecting our marketing and advertising practices, relations with consumers, employees, service providers, or our services and products, may have an adverse impact on us.

The sale of ingested products involves product liability and other risks.

Like other distributors of products that are ingested, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims if the use of our products results in illness or injury. The foods that we resell in the U.S. are subject to laws and regulations, including those administered by the USDA and FDA that establish manufacturing practices and quality standards for food products. Product liability claims could have a material adverse effect on our business as existing insurance coverage may not be adequate. Distributors of weight loss food products, vitamins, nutritional supplements and minerals, including our predecessor businesses, have been named as defendants in product liability lawsuits from time to time. The successful assertion or settlement of an uninsured claim, a significant number of insured claims or a claim exceeding the limits of our insurance coverage would harm us by adding costs to the business and by diverting the attention of senior management from the operation of the business. We may also be subject to claims that our products contain contaminants, are improperly labeled, include inadequate instructions as to use or inadequate warnings covering interactions with other substances. Product liability litigation, even if not meritorious, is very expensive and could also entail adverse publicity for us and reduce our revenue. In addition, the products we distribute, or certain components of those products, may be subject to product recalls or other deficiencies. Any negative publicity associated with these actions would adversely affect our brand and may result in decreased product sales and, as a result, lower revenues and profits.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We currently lease one location in Horsham, Pennsylvania and one in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. These two locations total approximately 171,157 square feet of office space. The lease in Horsham expires in 2018. The lease for our Fort Washington location expires in 2022. In 2012, we entered into a lease for an additional office location in Hoboken, New Jersey. The lease is for approximately 1,665 square feet of office space and expires in 2014. We have additional fulfillment capacity in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Allentown, Pennsylvania, Edwardsville, Illinois and Sparks, Nevada through an outsourced provider. We have no lease obligations to any of our outsourced fulfillment providers; however, we are subject to minimum space commitments which we may reduce over a specified period of time. Management believes the outsourced fulfillment capacity is adequate to meet our needs for the foreseeable future.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Litigation

On August 4, 2011, a lawsuit was filed by a stockholder in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania naming Nutrisystem, Inc., certain of its officers and directors, and one of its former officers as defendants and alleging breaches by defendants of their fiduciary duties of candor, good faith and loyalty, unjust enrichment, and aiding and abetting from 2010 to the present in connection with the award of allegedly excessive and unwarranted 2010 executive compensation. Plaintiff specifically claimed the action to be a failed “say-on-pay” shareholder derivative action stemming from the advisory, non-binding vote of the Company’s stockholders at its May 12, 2011 annual meeting in which the Company’s stockholders did not approve the Company’s 2010 executive compensation. The complaint is listed under docket number 2:11-cv-05036-PD and specifically alleged that (1) defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the issuance of certain false and misleading statements contained in Nutrisystem’s Proxy Statement; (2) defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the Board of Directors’ compensation practices; (3) defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the Company’s failure to respond to the negative “say-on-pay” vote; and (4) as a result of the foregoing defendants were unjustly enriched at the expense of the Company. Accordingly, the complaint asked the court to (1) award judgment against defendants and in favor of the Company for an unspecified amount of damages sustained by the Company as a result of defendants’ violation of state law, (2) grant extraordinary equitable and/or injunctive relief as necessary or permitted by law, equity and the statutory provisions cited in the complaint, including disgorgement, attachment, impoundment, imposition of a constructive trust on or otherwise restricting the disposition/exercise of improvidently awarded executive compensation based upon false financial reporting and/or the proceeds of defendants’ trading activities or their other assets so as to ensure that plaintiff on behalf of the Company has an effective remedy; (3) order the implementation and administration of internal controls and systems at the Company designed to prohibit and prevent excessive and/or unwarranted executive compensation payments to the Company’s chief executive, chief financial, and other senior executive officers; (4) award to plaintiff the costs and disbursements of the action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, and accountants’ and expert fees, costs and expenses; and (5) grant such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper. On October 21, 2011, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint pursuant to Rules 12(b)(6) and 23.1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted and for failure to adequately plead demand futility. On November 21, 2011, plaintiff filed his brief in opposition to defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint and alleged that the directors issued false and misleading statements in the Company’s proxy statement by stating that the Company adhered to a pay-for-performance policy when in fact it did not. In its opposition brief, plaintiff abandoned the count contained in its complaint that defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the Company’s failure to respond to the negative “say-on-pay” vote. On December 5, 2011, defendants filed their reply brief in support of their motion to dismiss the complaint. On March 8, 2012, the court held a preliminary pretrial conference, and on May 16, 2012, the court held a settlement conference. Although the Company believed that the claims were without merit, on September 5, 2012 plaintiff, defendants and the plaintiff in the related state court lawsuit discussed in the following paragraph entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement with respect to all of the claims at issue under the respective lawsuits, and on September 13, 2012, the court issued an order preliminarily approving the settlement. On November 15, 2012, the court held a hearing on the final approval of the settlement, and on December 12, 2012, the court issued a final order and judgment approving the settlement. The Company’s entire exposure for these matters has been expensed as of December 31, 2012.

On September 1, 2011, a lawsuit was filed by another stockholder in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania naming Nutrisystem, Inc., certain of its officers and directors, and one of its former officers as defendants and alleging breaches by defendants of their fiduciary duties of care, candor, good faith and loyalty, unjust enrichment, and aiding and abetting from 2010 to the present in connection with the award of excessive and unwarranted 2010 executive compensation. This action stemmed from the same failed “say-on-pay” advisory, non-binding vote of the Company’s stockholders at its May 12, 2011 annual meeting in which the Company’s stockholders did not approve the Company’s 2010 executive compensation. The complaint

 

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is listed under docket number 2011-24985-0 and specifically alleged that (1) defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the issuance of certain materially false and misleading statements and omissions of fact in Nutrisystem’s Proxy Statement; (2) defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the Company’s allegedly excessive 2010 executive compensation and the failure to rescind such compensation in response to the negative “say-on-pay” vote; and (3) as a result of the foregoing the executive defendants were unjustly enriched at the expense of the Company. Accordingly, the complaint asked the court to (1) determine that the action was a proper derivative action maintainable under the law and that demand was excused; (2) award judgment against defendants and in favor of the Company for an unspecified amount of damages sustained by the Company as a result of defendants’ breaches of fiduciary duties; (3) grant injunctive and other equitable relief as necessary or permitted by law, equity and the statutory provisions cited in the complaint, including disgorgement, attachment, impoundment, imposition of a constructive trust on or otherwise restricting the disposition/exercise of disloyally awarded 2010 executive compensation; (4) direct the Company to take all necessary actions to reform and improve its corporate governance and internal procedures to comply with all applicable laws and to protect the Company and its stockholders from a repeat of the allegedly damaging events described in the Complaint; (5) award to plaintiff the costs and disbursements of the action, including reasonable allowance of fees and costs for plaintiff’s attorneys, experts and accountants; and (6) grant such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper. Plaintiff participated in the settlement conference on May 16, 2012 in connection with the lawsuit described in the preceding paragraph that was filed by another stockholder in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania stemming from the same failed “say-on-pay” advisory, non-binding vote of the Company’s stockholders at its May 12, 2011 annual meeting in which the Company’s stockholders did not approve the Company’s 2010 executive compensation. Although the Company believed that the claims were without merit, on September 5, 2012 plaintiff, defendants and the plaintiff in the related federal court lawsuit discussed in the preceding paragraph entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement with respect to all of the claims at issue under the respective lawsuits, and on September 13, 2012, the federal court issued an order preliminarily approving the settlement. The federal court held a settlement hearing on November 15, 2012 to finally approve the settlement. Additionally, the state court asked the parties to the state action to submit a proposed order dismissing the state action for the state court to sign upon the federal court’s dismissal of the federal action. The parties to the state action submitted the proposed order to settle, discontinue, and end on October 2, 2012. On December 12, 2012, the federal court issued a final order and judgment approving the settlement. On December 20, 2012 the state court judge issued an order to settle, discontinue, and end, and dismissed the state action with prejudice.

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

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

The Company’s common stock has been traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market since June 22, 2005, under the symbol “NTRI.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices for the Company’s common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

     High      Low  

2013 First Quarter (through February 28, 2013)

   $ 9.25       $ 8.06   

2012 First Quarter

   $  15.55       $  10.21   

2012 Second Quarter

     11.89         10.07   

2012 Third Quarter

     11.75         10.06   

2012 Fourth Quarter

     10.84         7.21   

2011 First Quarter

   $ 22.64       $ 13.05   

2011 Second Quarter

     16.11         12.37   

2011 Third Quarter

     15.74         10.46   

2011 Fourth Quarter

     13.80         10.61   

Holders

As of February 28, 2013, the Company had approximately 245 record holders of its common stock.

Dividends

Prior to 2008, we had not declared or paid any dividend since inception. We have paid a quarterly dividend of $0.175 per share beginning with the second quarter of 2008. The declaration and payment of dividends in the future will be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including the Company’s earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Financial Data.”

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The information under the heading “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” to be filed in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders is incorporated by reference.

 

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information relating to our purchases of our common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2012:

 

Period

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

October 1 – October 31, 2012

     —           —           —         $ 150,000,000   

November 1 – November 30, 2012

     —           —           —         $ 150,000,000   

December 1 – December 31, 2012

     —           —           —         $ 150,000,000   

 

(1) On July 28, 2011, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock in open-market transactions on the NASDAQ Stock Market or through privately negotiated transactions, including block transactions. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, alternative investment opportunities and other market conditions. The stock repurchase program has an expiration date of June 30, 2013, but may be limited or terminated at any time by our Board of Directors without prior notice.
(2) For the period from October 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012, employees surrendered 64,870 shares of common stock, at an average purchase price of $8.52 per share, to the Company for payment of the minimum tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of shares of restricted common stock.

 

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STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total return since December 31, 2007, for our common stock, the Russell 2000 Index and the Dow Jones US Specialized Consumer Services Index (a published industry index), each of which assumes an initial value of $100 and reinvestment of dividends. Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol NTRI.

 

LOGO

 

     12/07      12/08      12/09      12/10      12/11      12/12  

Nutrisystem, Inc.

   $  100       $  56       $  125       $ 88       $ 57       $ 39   

Russell 2000

     100         66         84         107         102         119   

Dow Jones US Specialized Consumer Services

     100         67         81         80         86         112   

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected consolidated financial data presented below has been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the periods indicated. The data set forth below is qualified by reference to and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements included as Items 7 and 8, respectively, in this Annual Report.

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2012(a)     2011      2010     2009     2008  

Statement of Operations Data:

          

Revenue

  $ 396,878      $ 401,336       $ 509,515      $ 524,618      $ 686,181   
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

          

Cost of revenue

    213,095        198,405         224,806        241,163        325,172   

Marketing

    111,095        110,922         145,868        146,426        174,862   

General and administrative

    66,332        60,812         73,853        76,418        86,701   

Depreciation and amortization

    10,724        12,068         11,773        11,177        8,093   
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income from continuing operations

    (4,368     19,129         53,215        49,434        91,353   

Other (expense) income

    (78     0         (32     407        (1,145

Equity and impairment loss

    0        0         0        (4,000 )(b)      (9,458 )(b) 

Interest (expense) income, net

    (2,034     (468      5        104        454   

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (3,675     6,400         19,309        13,072        34,018   

Discontinued operations, net

    0        0         (242 )(b)      (4,083 )(c, d)      (933 )(c, d) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

  $ (2,805   $ 12,261       $ 33,637      $ 28,790      $ 46,253   
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic (loss) income per common share:

          

Continuing operations

  $ (0.10   $ 0.44       $ 1.14      $ 1.07      $ 1.50   

Discontinued operations

    0.00        0.00         (0.01     (0.14     (0.03
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic

  $ (0.10   $ 0.44       $ 1.13      $ 0.93      $ 1.47   
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted (loss) income per common share:

          

Continuing operations

  $ (0.10   $ 0.43       $ 1.13      $ 1.06      $ 1.48   

Discontinued operations

    0.00        0.00         (0.01     (0.14     (0.03
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

  $ (0.10   $ 0.43       $ 1.12      $ 0.92      $ 1.45   
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

          

Basic

    27,499        27,033         28,312        29,458        30,684   

Diluted

    27,499        27,325         28,686        29,769        31,172   

 

     December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010      2009      2008  

Balance Sheet Data:

              

Cash, cash equivalents and short term investments

   $ 19,391       $ 57,607       $ 41,219       $ 62,522       $ 38,309   

Working capital

     31,403         76,239         74,020         103,341         78,448   

Total assets

     98,406         150,354         149,953         170,787         159,471   

Borrowings under credit facility

     0         30,000         30,000         0         0   

Non-current liabilities

     3,525         4,734         5,313         1,550         1,298   

Stockholders’ equity

     60,109         74,958         74,976         128,963         115,825   

 

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(a) During 2012, approximately $5.7 million in severance was recorded in general and administrative expense, including approximately $3.3 million of non-cash expense related to the acceleration of previously awarded equity-based awards, for our former President and Chief Executive Officer’s cessation of employment. Additionally, we recorded an impairment charge of $2.1 million related to advances paid to a frozen food supplier as the supplier was in default with its bank lender and negotiating a work out plan and a charge of $2.0 million to vacate a facility. We also recorded a charge of $2.5 million to restructure certain third party marketing vendor contracts and a charge of $1.1 million to write off unamortized debt issuance costs.
(b) In June 2009, we abandoned our interest in Zero Technologies, LLC (“Zero Water”) as management determined that the business was no longer aligned with our strategic direction. An equity and impairment loss of $4,000 was recorded during 2009 to write-off the remaining investment. During 2008, we recorded an equity loss of $2,975 for our share of Zero Water’s loss and the amortization expense for the difference between the cost and the underlying equity in net assets of Zero Water at the investment date. Additionally, we recorded an impairment charge of $6,483 during 2008 to reduce the carrying value of the equity investment to its estimated fair value. The impairment charge primarily resulted from lower-than-expected operating results and projections of future performance coupled with the non-strategic business direction of Zero Water and the overall general economic decline which indicated that the full carrying value of the equity investment was not recoverable.
(c) In the first quarter of 2010, we committed to a plan to sell the business operations conducted by our subsidiary, Nutrisystem Fresh, Inc. (“NuKitchen”), as it was no longer aligned with the business direction of the Company. During the third quarter of 2010, this business was shut down as we were unsuccessful in locating a buyer. Accordingly, the operating results of this discontinued operation have been presented separately from continuing operations for all periods presented. The loss on discontinued operations during 2010 was primarily from operations. During the fourth quarter of 2009, an impairment charge of $4,541 was recorded in connection with the NuKitchen acquisition. This charge consisted of $2,717 of goodwill and $1,824 of identifiable intangible assets. See the discussion contained in Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(d) In the fourth quarter of 2007, we committed to a plan to sell our subsidiary Slim and Tone LLC (“Slim and Tone”). Accordingly, the operating results of this discontinued operation have been presented separately from continuing operations and are included in loss on discontinued operation, net of income tax in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.

 

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Background

We provide weight management products and services and offer nutritionally balanced weight loss programs designed for women, men, and seniors, as well as our Nutrisystem ® D ® program specifically designed to help people with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight and manage their diabetes. Our programs are based on 40 years of nutrition research and on the science of the low Glycemic Index. Our pre-packaged foods are sold directly to weight loss program participants primarily through the Internet and telephone (including the redemption of prepaid program cards), referred to as the direct channel, and through QVC, a television shopping network.

Revenue consists primarily of food sales. For 2012, 2011 and 2010, the direct channel accounted for 96%, 95% and 96%, respectively, of total revenue compared to 3%, 4% and 4%, respectively, for QVC. During both 2012 and 2011, 1% of total revenue came from other channels. We incur significant marketing expenditures to support our brand as we continue to advertise across various media channels. New media channels are tested on a continual basis and we consider our media mix to be diverse. We market our weight management system through television, print, direct mail, Internet, public relations and social media. We review and analyze a number of key operating and financial metrics to manage our business, including the number of new customers, revenue per customer, total revenues, marketing per new customer, operating margins and reactivation revenue.

Our mix of revenue can be divided into three categories. First, new customer revenue is all revenue within a quarter from customers joining within that quarter. New customer revenue is the main driver of revenue growth. Second, on-program revenue is all revenue from customers who joined in previous quarters but who are still within their first nine months on the program. Third, reactivation revenue is all revenue generated from customers who are more than nine months from their initial purchase.

Our eCommerce, direct-to-consumer business model provides flexibility which allows us to manage marketing spend according to customer demand. We believe this flexibility is especially valuable due to the current instability in general economic conditions. Additionally, we initiated a concerted effort to improve lifetime customer economics, length of stay, and overall customer satisfaction and are continuously redesigning our eCommerce platform and website. Our product offerings have expanded to include frozen foods, and we entered into the retail channel and introduced the Nutrisystem ® D ® program during the last several years. Further, we have taken steps to reduce our overall operating costs.

Over the past several years our financial performance has been adversely impacted by a number of factors, including the economic downturn, declines in consumers’ discretionary spending and increased competitive activity. We believe these factors have primarily driven the decline in the number of new customer starts. We have been hampered by continued bargain-focused consumer behavior and economic concerns and reacted with discounted sales promotions, thus reducing average selling prices and gross margins which have been partially offset by increased marketing efficiency.

In December 2011, we launched SUCCESS, our most comprehensive program to date and teamed with new celebrities for new national ad campaigns. The SUCCESS program is designed to help take the weight off and keep it off through frequent, portion-controlled, balanced nutrition and low Glycemic Index eating. It offers our largest ever assortment of signature frozen meals including artisanal Chef’s Table ® dinner entrees; chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee advanced protein shakes; the introduction of a personalized “My Daily 3 ® ” physical activity program; and increased personalization and flexibility through transition and maintenance plans that help consumers manage their weight on their own.

 

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We started 2012 with fewer customers on our program than at the start of 2011 as the three months ended December 31, 2011 had fewer new customer starts than the comparable period of 2010. During the first six months of 2012, the number of new customer starts increased as compared to the comparable period of 2011. This trend did not continue and new customer starts for the full year 2012 decreased as compared to full year 2011. Gross margins declined during 2012 as compared to 2011 primarily due to the promotional inclusion of our Chef’s Table dinner entrees and protein shakes with new customer starts, thus allowing a large number of customers to try these new products. Continued price promotions and the sale of our Nutrisystem ® Advanced ® inventory to a closeout retailer as we transitioned to the SUCCESS program also impacted gross margins.

During 2012, the Company recorded approximately $5.7 million in severance, including approximately $3.3 million of non-cash expense related to the acceleration of previously awarded equity-based awards, for our former President and Chief Executive Officer’s cessation of employment. Additionally, we recorded an impairment charge of $2.1 million related to advances paid to a frozen food supplier, a charge of $2.5 million to restructure certain third party marketing vendor contracts, a charge of $2.0 million to vacate a facility and a charge of $1.1 million to write off unamortized debt issuance costs.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.

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 are discussed with our audit committee quarterly.

Reserves for Returns . We review the reserves for customer returns at each reporting period and adjust them to reflect data available at that time. To estimate reserves for returns, we consider actual return rates in preceding periods and changes in product offerings or marketing methods that might impact returns going forward. To the extent the estimate of returns changes, we will adjust the reserve, which will impact the amount of product sales revenue recognized in the period of the adjustment. The provision for estimated returns for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $10.4 million, $12.9 million and $24.1 million, respectively. The decrease in the provision over the past several years was due to the decrease in revenue and a decrease in the return rate due to system improvements which offset the additional reserve for the new program launch. The reserve for returns incurred but not received and processed was $652,000 and $726,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and has been included in other accrued expenses and current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Excess and Obsolete Inventory. We continually assess the quantities of inventory on hand to identify excess or obsolete inventory and a provision is recorded for any estimated loss. We estimate the reserve for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on our forecasted demand and/or our ability to sell the products, introduction of new products, future production requirements and changes in our customers’ behavior. The reserve for excess and obsolete inventory was $636,000 and $769,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income Taxes . Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and the respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are evaluated for future

 

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realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent we believe a portion will not be realized. We consider many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization of our deferred tax assets, including our recent earnings and expectations of future taxable income and other relevant factors. We estimate the annual effective income tax rate at the beginning of each year and revise the estimate at each reporting period based on a number of factors including operating results, level of tax exempt interest income and sales by state, among other items.

Results of Operations

Revenue and expenses consist of the following components:

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

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

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

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

Interest (Expense) Income, Net. Interest (expense) income, net consists of interest expense on our outstanding indebtedness net of interest income earned on cash balances and short term investments.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense. We are subject to corporate level income taxes and record a provision for income taxes based on an estimated effective income tax rate for the year.

Loss on Discontinued Operation, Net. We ceased the operations of our subsidiary, NuKitchen. Accordingly, the operating results of NuKitchen have been presented separately from continuing operations for all periods presented.

Overview of the Direct Channel

In 2012, 2011 and 2010, the direct channel represented 96%, 95% and 96%, respectively, of our revenue. Revenues through the direct channel were $380.8 million in 2012 compared to $382.8 million in 2011 and $490.8 million in 2010. Revenue is primarily generated through customer starts, reactivation of former customers and the customer ordering behavior, including length of time on our program and the diet program selection. The revenue decrease in 2012 was primarily attributable to declines in new customer starts, decreased on-program revenue and lower average selling prices partially offset by increased reactivation revenue. Critical to increasing

 

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customer starts is our ability to deploy marketing dollars while maintaining marketing effectiveness. Factors influencing our marketing effectiveness include the quality of the advertisements, promotional activity by our competitors, as well as the price and availability of appropriate media.

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     $ Change     % Change  
     (in thousands)  

REVENUE

   $ 396,878      $ 401,336      $ (4,458     (1 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

        

Cost of revenue

     213,095        198,405        14,690        7

Marketing

     111,095        110,922        173        0

General and administrative

     66,332        60,812        5,520        9

Depreciation and amortization

     10,724        12,068        (1,344     (11 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total costs and expenses

     401,246        382,207        19,039        5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating (loss) income

     (4,368     19,129        (23,497     (123 )% 

OTHER EXPENSE

     (78     0        (78     NA   

INTEREST EXPENSE, net

     (2,034     (468     (1,566     (335 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (6,480     18,661        (25,141     (135 )% 

INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSE

     (3,675     6,400        (10,075     (157 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net (loss) income

   $ (2,805   $ 12,261      $ (15,066     (123 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

% of revenue

                        

Gross margin

     46.3     50.6    

Marketing

     28.0     27.6    

General and administrative

     16.7     15.2    

Operating (loss) income

     (1.1 )%      4.8    

Revenue. Revenue decreased to $396.9 million in 2012 from $401.3 million in 2011. The revenue decline occurred primarily due to declines in new customer starts, decreased on-program revenue and lower average selling prices partially offset by increased reactivation revenue. QVC revenue also decreased due to fewer shows and air time. In 2012, direct revenue accounted for 96% of total revenue compared to 3% for QVC and 1% for other channels. In 2011, direct revenue accounted for 95% of total revenue compared to 4% for QVC and 1% for other channels.

Costs and Expenses . Cost of revenue increased to $213.1 million in 2012 from $198.4 million in 2011. Gross margin as a percent of revenue decreased to 46.3% in 2012 from 50.6% in 2011. The decrease in gross margin was primarily attributable to the promotional inclusion of additional higher cost items with customer starts. Continued price promotions and the sale of our Nutrisystem Advanced inventory to a closeout retailer as we transitioned to the SUCCESS program also negatively impacted gross margins.

Marketing expense increased to $111.1 million in 2012 from $110.9 million in 2011. Marketing expense as a percent of revenue increased to 28.0% in 2012 from 27.6% in 2011. Substantially all of the marketing spending in 2012 promoted the direct business. The increase in marketing expense was attributable to increased spending for public relations ($3.2 million) primarily due to the restructuring of certain third-party marketing vendor contracts partially offset by decreased spending in media ($1.9 million) and for the production of television advertising ($2.6 million). In total, media spending was $86.9 million in 2012 and $88.8 million in 2011.

General and administrative expense increased to $66.3 million in 2012 from $60.8 million in 2011 and as a percent of revenue increased to 16.7% in 2012 from 15.2% in 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to

 

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higher compensation, benefits and temporary help ($879,000) and increased recruiting fees ($581,000) due to the cessation of Mr. Redling’s employment. In total, we recorded approximately $5.7 million in severance for Mr. Redling, including approximately $3.3 million of non-cash expense related to the acceleration of previously awarded equity-based awards. The increase in compensation, benefits and temporary help was partially offset by savings achieved from the workforce reduction in 2011. Also, there were increased professional and outside computer services expenses ($998,000) due to increased legal fees and increased facilities expense ($1.5 million) due mainly to charges incurred to vacate a facility. Additionally, we recorded an impairment charge ($2.1 million) related to advances paid to a frozen food supplier as the supplier was in default with its bank lender and was in the process of negotiating a work out plan and exploring other strategic alternatives.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $10.7 million in 2012 from $12.1 million in 2011 due to the normal retirement of assets during 2012.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, was $2.0 million in 2012 compared to $468,000 in 2011. In November 2012, we terminated and replaced our then existing credit facility. In connection with the termination, we wrote off the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs and also terminated the outstanding interest rate swap agreements resulting in a combined charge of $1.2 million. Additionally, interest rates increased during 2012 as compared to 2011.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense. In 2012, we recorded an income tax benefit of $3.7 million, which reflects an effective tax rate of 56.7% as compared to $6.4 million of income tax expense in 2011 with an effective tax rate of 34.3%. The change in the effective income tax rate was due to favorable book to tax differences including the elimination of the limitation on executive compensation deductions, reductions in tax reserves and increased food donations combined with lower pre-tax income levels which resulted in income tax benefits.

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     $ Change     % Change  
     (in thousands)  

REVENUE

   $ 401,336      $ 509,515      $ (108,179     (21 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

        

Cost of revenue

     198,405        224,806        (26,401     (12 )% 

Marketing

     110,922        145,868        (34,946     (24 )% 

General and administrative

     60,812        73,853        (13,041     (18 )% 

Depreciation and amortization

     12,068        11,773        295        3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total costs and expenses

     382,207        456,300        (74,093     (16 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income from continuing operations

     19,129        53,215        (34,086     (64 )% 

OTHER EXPENSE

     0        (32     32        100

INTEREST (EXPENSE) INCOME, net

     (468     5        (473     (9460 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     18,661        53,188        (34,527     (65 )% 

INCOME TAXES

     6,400        19,309        (12,909     (67 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income from continuing operations

     12,261        33,879        (21,618     (64 )% 

LOSS ON DISCONTINUED OPERATION, net

     0        (242     242        100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income

   $ 12,261      $ 33,637      $ (21,376     (64 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

% of revenue

                        

Gross margin

     50.6     55.9    

Marketing

     27.6     28.6    

General and administrative

     15.2     14.5    

Operating income from continuing operations

     4.8     10.4    

Revenue. Revenue decreased to $401.3 million in 2011 from $509.5 million in 2010. The revenue decline occurred across all of our sales channels primarily due to lower average selling prices and fewer customer starts and on-program customers as a result of bargain-focused consumer behavior and discounted promotional offerings. In 2011, direct revenue accounted for 95% of total revenue compared to 4% for QVC and 1% for other channels. In 2010, direct revenue accounted for 96% of total revenue compared to 4% for QVC.

Costs and Expenses. Cost of revenue decreased to $198.4 million in 2011 from $224.8 million in 2010. Gross margin as a percent of revenue decreased to 50.6% in 2011 from 55.9% in 2010. The decrease in gross margin was primarily attributable to our promotional pricing and to an increase in the sales of our frozen food programs, which have a higher cost per sales dollar.

Marketing expense decreased to $110.9 million in 2011 from $145.9 million in 2010. Marketing expense as a percent of revenue decreased to 27.6% in 2011 from 28.6% in 2010. During the beginning of the first quarter of 2011, we experienced significant pressures on response and conversion rates across all sales channels causing a decrease in new customers and directly impacting our marketing efficiency. As a result, we reduced the spending for advertising media but increased our promotional incentives to increase demand and leverage marketing efficiency. Substantially all of the marketing spending in 2011 promoted the direct business. The decrease in marketing expense was attributable to decreased spending in media ($38.8 million) partially offset by increased spending for the production of television advertising ($3.7 million). In total, media spending was $88.8 million in 2011 and $127.6 million in 2010.

General and administrative expense decreased to $60.8 million in 2011 from $73.9 million in 2010 and as a percent of revenue increased to 15.2% in 2011 from 14.5% in 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to

 

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lower compensation, benefits and temporary help ($7.8 million), decreased professional and outside computer services ($2.1 million), lower facilities expense ($1.3 million) and decreased non-cash expense for share-based payment arrangements ($1.9 million). We implemented a series of measures, including reductions in headcount and outside professional services during the first quarter of 2011 that resulted in reductions in our general and administrative expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $12.1 million in 2011 from $11.8 million in 2010.

Interest (Expense) Income, Net. Interest expense, net, was $468,000 in 2011 compared to interest income, net, of $5,000 in the comparable period of 2010 due to increased average borrowings outstanding during 2011 under our credit facility.

Income Taxes. In 2011, we recorded income tax expense of $6.4 million, which reflects an effective tax rate of 34.3% as compared to $19.3 million of income tax expense in 2010 with an effective tax rate of 36.3%. The change in the effective tax rate was due to the impact of limitations on executive compensation deductions and food donations in comparison to pre-tax income, as well as reductions in tax reserves due to the lapse of the statute of limitations during the fourth quarter of 2011 and tax credits and other miscellaneous adjustments occurring throughout the year.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

As of December 31, 2012, our principal commitments consisted of obligations under supply agreements with food vendors, an agreement with our outside fulfillment provider, operating leases and employment contracts. Although we have no material commitments for capital expenditures, we anticipate continuing requirements for capital expenditures.

Following is a summary of our contractual obligations. We have no other commercial commitments.

 

     Payments Due by Period (in millions)  

Contractual obligations

   Total      Less Than
1 Year
     1-3 Years      4-5 Years      More Than
5 Years
 

Fulfillment and food purchase obligations

   $ 46.6       $ 44.8       $ 1.8       $ 0       $ 0   

Operating leases

     27.9         4.0         5.2         5.4         13.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 74.5       $ 48.8       $ 7.0       $ 5.4       $ 13.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

We have entered into supply agreements with various food vendors. The majority of these agreements provide for annual pricing, annual purchase obligations, as well as exclusivity in the production of certain products, with terms of five years or less. One agreement also provides for certain rebates to us if certain volume thresholds are exceeded. Additionally, we have entered into an agreement with our outside fulfillment provider which contains minimum space requirements. We anticipate that we will meet all annual purchase and space obligations.

In addition, we have no off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Financial Data

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

 

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At December 31, 2012, we had working capital of $31.4 million, a decrease of $44.8 million from the $76.2 million working capital balance at December 31, 2011. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2012 were $16.2 million, a decrease of $31.4 million from the balance of $47.6 million at December 31, 2011. In addition, we had $3.2 million invested in short term investments at December 31, 2012 as compared to $10.0 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to the repayment of $30.0 million outstanding under our previous $100.0 million credit facility in November 2012. Our principal sources of liquidity during 2012 were cash flows from operations.

On November 8, 2012, we entered into a new $40.0 million secured revolving credit facility, as amended, with a new lender. The $40.0 million credit facility provides for interest on borrowings at either a base rate or a London Inter-Bank Offered Rate, in each case plus an applicable margin and is also subject to an unused fee payable quarterly. The $40.0 million credit facility contains financial and other covenants, including a minimum consolidated fixed charge ratio, a minimum consolidated tangible net worth and a minimum consolidated liquidity ratio, and includes limitations on, among other things, capital expenditures, additional indebtedness, acquisitions, stock repurchases and restrictions on paying dividends in certain circumstances. The $40.0 million credit facility can be drawn upon through November 8, 2015, at which time all amounts must be repaid. All outstanding amounts under the previous $100.0 million credit facility were paid. In connection with the termination of the previous $100.0 million credit facility, we wrote off the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs and also terminated the outstanding interest rate swap agreements resulting in a combined charge of $1.2 million. As of December 31, 2012, no amounts were outstanding under the $40.0 million credit facility.

In 2012, we generated cash flow of $22.8 million from operating activities, a decrease of $24.5 million from 2011. The decrease in cash flow from operations was primarily attributable to the net loss in 2012 compared to net income in 2011 and changes in operating assets and liabilities.

In 2012, net cash used in investing activities was $2.8 million primarily from capital additions of $9.6 million which offset $6.8 million of net proceeds from sales of short term investments. We are continuing to invest in our ecommerce and web platform to incorporate new product initiatives.

In 2012, net cash used in financing activities was $51.4 million, an increase of $28.4 million from 2011. During 2012, we repaid $30.0 million outstanding under our previous $100.0 million credit facility.

On July 28, 2011, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock in open-market transactions on the NASDAQ Stock Market or through privately negotiated transactions, including block transactions. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, alternative investment opportunities and other market conditions. The stock repurchase program has an expiration date of June 30, 2013 but may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.

Our Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.175 per share, which were paid on March 26, 2012, May 21, 2012, August 16, 2012 and November 29, 2012. Subsequent to December 31, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.175 per share payable on March 25, 2013 to stockholders of record as of March 15, 2013. Although we intend to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends, the declaration and payment of future dividends are discretionary and will be subject to quarterly determination by our Board of Directors following its review of our financial performance.

Seasonality

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

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We believe that we are not subject to any material risks arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices or other market changes that affect market risk instruments. Our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2012 of $16.2 million were maintained in bank and money market accounts. Additionally, we invested $3.2 million in short term investments, which are classified as available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As such, a change in interest rates of 1 percentage point would not have a material impact on our operating results and cash flows.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The information required by this Item is set forth on pages 42 through 66 hereto.

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company’s financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to maintaining records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of the Company’s financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that the receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made in accordance with management and board of director authorization; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

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.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s 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 (“COSO”). Based upon that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. Their report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting appears on page 39.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Nutrisystem, Inc.:

We have audited Nutrisystem, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Nutrisystem, 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 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.

In our opinion, Nutrisystem, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Nutrisystem, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and our report dated March 12, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 12, 2013

 

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

As previously disclosed, the employment of Mike Amburgey, our former Chief Marketing Officer, ceased on March 6, 2013. In connection with the cessation of Mr. Amburgey’s service, the Company and Mr. Amburgey entered into a Separation and Release Agreement effective as of March 6, 2013 (the “Separation Agreement”). The Separation Agreement confirms Mr. Amburgey’s previously disclosed severance rights under his employment agreement and his outstanding equity incentive award agreements and also includes mutual release and non-disparagement provisions.

The description of the Separation Agreement herein does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Separation Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.22 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

As previously disclosed, on February 6, 2013, David Clark, our Chief Financial Officer tendered his resignation which was to be effective on or about March 15, 2013. This date has been extended until on or about April 1, 2013.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information concerning directors and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and our Code of Conduct that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller called for by Item 10 of Form 10-K will be set forth under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Code of Conduct” in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders, to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this annual report on Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.

The required information as to executive officers is set forth in Part I hereof.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by Item 14 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) 1. Financial Statements

See Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 42 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 67 of this Annual Report for a list of exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K to be filed as part of this Annual Report.

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm      43   
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011      44   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     45   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the years ended December  31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     46   

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December  31, 2012 2011 and 2010

     47   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     48   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     49   

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Nutrisystem, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nutrisystem, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 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 Nutrisystem, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Nutrisystem, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, 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 12, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting .

/s/ KPMG LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 12, 2013

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and par value amounts)

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 16,186      $ 47,594   

Short term investments

     3,205        10,013   

Receivables

     8,487        11,198   

Inventories

     23,637        31,514   

Prepaid income taxes

     4,531        3,350   

Deferred income taxes

     2,969        1,584   

Supplier advances

     715        2,637   

Other current assets

     6,445        9,011   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     66,175        116,901   

FIXED ASSETS, net

     28,003        29,771   

OTHER ASSETS

     4,228        3,682   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 98,406      $ 150,354   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 23,192      $ 32,581   

Accrued payroll and related benefits

     1,326        679   

Deferred revenue

     3,343        2,916   

Other accrued expenses and current liabilities

     6,911        4,486   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     34,772        40,662   

BORROWINGS UNDER CREDIT FACILITY

     0        30,000   

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

     3,525        4,734   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     38,297        75,396   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)

    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

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

     0        0   

Common stock, $.001 par value (100,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued – 28,631,464 at December 31, 2012 and 28,180,705 at December 31, 2011)

     29        28   

Additional paid-in capital

     18,466        10,091   

Treasury stock, at cost, 72,561shares at December 31, 2012 and 0 shares at December 31, 2011

     (636     0   

Retained earnings

     42,254        64,931   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (4     (92
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     60,109        74,958   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 98,406      $ 150,354   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

REVENUE

   $ 396,878      $ 401,336      $ 509,515   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

      

Cost of revenue

     213,095        198,405        224,806   

Marketing

     111,095        110,922        145,868   

General and administrative

     66,332        60,812        73,853   

Depreciation and amortization

     10,724        12,068        11,773   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     401,246        382,207        456,300   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income from continuing operations

     (4,368     19,129        53,215   

OTHER EXPENSE

     (78     0        (32

INTEREST (EXPENSE) INCOME, net

     (2,034     (468     5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

     (6,480     18,661        53,188   

INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSE

     (3,675     6,400        19,309   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

     (2,805     12,261        33,879   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISCONTINUED OPERATION (Note 10):

      

Loss on discontinued operation, net of income tax benefit of $566 in 2010

     0        0        (242
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

   $ (2,805   $ 12,261      $ 33,637   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BASIC (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

      

(Loss) income from continuing operations

   $ (0.10   $ 0.44      $ 1.14   

Loss on discontinued operation

     0.00        0.00        (0.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

   $ (0.10   $ 0.44      $ 1.13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DILUTED (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

      

(Loss) income from continuing operations

   $ (0.10   $ 0.43      $ 1.13   

Loss on discontinued operation

     0.00        0.00        (0.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

   $ (0.10   $ 0.43      $ 1.12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:

      

Basic

     27,499        27,033        28,312   

Diluted

     27,499        27,325        28,686   

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE

   $ 0.70      $ 0.70      $ 0.70   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Net (loss) income

   $ (2,805   $ 12,261      $ 33,637   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     78        (4     (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Short term investments:

      

Unrealized gain (loss) on short term investments, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $9 in 2012 and $(8) in 2010

     16        0        (13

Reclassification adjustments, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $(11) in 2012 and $15 in 2011

     (20     26        0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Short term investments, net

     (4     26        (13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps:

      

Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swaps, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $(37) in 2012, $20 in 2011 and $16 in 2010

     (73     14        (28

Reclassification adjustments, net of income tax benefit of $45 in 2012

     87        0        0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps, net

     14        14        (28
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     88        36        (44
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive (loss) income

   $ (2,717   $ 12,297      $ 33,593   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

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

BALANCE, January 1, 2010

     30,944,284      $ 31      $ 6,515      $ 0      $ 122,501      $ (84   $ 128,963   

Net income

     0        0        0        0        33,637        0        33,637   

Share-based compensation expense, net

     371,030        0        7,537        0        0        0        7,537   

Exercise of stock options

     54,927        0        124        0        0        0        124   

Equity compensation awards, net

     0        0        418        0        0        0        418   

Cash dividends

     0        0        0        0        (20,662     0        (20,662

Purchase and retirement of common stock

     (3,270,429     (3     (11,506     0        (63,488     0        (74,997

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     0        0        0        0        0        (44     (44
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, December 31, 2010

     28,099,812        28        3,088        0        71,988        (128     74,976   

Net income

     0        0        0        0        12,261        0        12,261   

Share-based compensation expense, net

     55,892        0        7,793        0        0        0        7,793   

Exercise of stock options

     25,001        0        129        0        0        0        129   

Equity compensation awards, net

     0        0        (919     0        0        0        (919

Cash dividends

     0        0        0        0        (19,318     0        (19,318

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

     0        0        0        0        0        36        36   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, December 31, 2011

     28,180,705        28        10,091        0        64,931        (92     74,958   

Net loss

     0        0        0        0        (2,805     0        (2,805

Share-based compensation expense, net

     443,691        1        8,958        0        0        0        8,959   

Exercise of stock options

     7,068        0        10        0        0        0        10   

Equity compensation awards, net

     0        0        (593     0        0        0        (593

Cash dividends

     0        0        0        0        (19,872     0        (19,872

Purchases of common stock

     0        0        0        (636     0        0        (636

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

     0        0        0        0        0        88        88   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, December 31, 2012

     28,631,464      $ 29      $ 18,466      $ (636   $ 42,254      $ (4   $ 60,109   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net (loss) income

   $ (2,805   $ 12,261      $ 33,637   

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Loss on discontinued operation

     0        0        242   

Depreciation and amortization

     10,724        12,068        11,773   

Charge to vacate a facility

     1,980        0        0   

Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets

     8        (62     120   

Share–based compensation expense

     9,912        9,758        10,951   

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

     (4,125     (384     4,118   

Impairment of supplier advance

     2,100        0        0   

Write-off of debt issuance costs

     1,079        0        0   

Other non-cash charges

     179        41        0   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Receivables

     2,711        (1,942     3,682   

Inventories

     7,877        (2,767     23,265   

Supplier advances

     92        12,333        (15,240

Other assets

     2,374        2,980        (1,086

Accounts payable

     (9,213     6,777        (6,766

Accrued payroll and related benefits

     647        (4,195     3,784   

Deferred revenue

     427        (1,572     778   

Income taxes

     (764     2,144        (2,525

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

     (413     (111     200   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

     22,790        47,329        66,933   

Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operation

     0        0        (316
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     22,790        47,329        66,617   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Purchases of short term investments

     (10,549     (10,067     (540

Proceeds from sales of short term investments

     17,382        20,897        10,000   

Capital additions

     (9,601     (8,041     (19,594

Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets

     0        122        22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities of continuing operations

     (2,768     2,911        (10,112

Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operation

     0        0        112   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (2,768     2,911        (10,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Borrowings under credit facility

     0        30,000        30,000   

Repayments of borrowings under credit facility

     (30,000     (30,000     0   

Debt issuance costs

     (207     (991     0   

Exercise of stock options

     10        129        124   

Taxes related to equity compensation awards, net

     (1,361     (2,842     (3,079

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

     0        0        (74,997

Payment of dividends

     (19,872     (19,318     (20,662
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (51,430     (23,022     (68,614
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     0        0        9   

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (31,408     27,218        (11,988

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year

     47,594        20,376        32,364   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year

   $ 16,186      $ 47,594      $ 20,376   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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NUTRISYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

1. BACKGROUND

Nature of the Business

Nutrisystem, Inc. (the “Company” or “Nutrisystem”), a provider of weight management products and services, offers nutritionally balanced weight loss programs designed for women, men, and seniors, as well as the Nutrisystem ® D ® program, specifically designed to help people with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight and manage their diabetes. The Nutrisystem ® programs are based on 40 years of nutrition research and on the science of the low glycemic index. The Company’s pre-packaged foods are sold directly to weight loss program participants primarily through the Internet and telephone (including the redemption of prepaid program cards), referred to as the direct channel, through QVC, a television shopping network and a new retail line. Approximately 100%, 99% and 98% of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were generated in the United States.

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Presentation of Financial Statements

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

Cash Equivalents and Short Term Investments

Cash equivalents include only securities having a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, demand accounts and money market accounts comprised all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents.

Short term investments consist of investments in corporate debt securities, time deposits with original maturities of greater than three months at the time of purchase and a municipal income fund. The Company classifies these as available-for-sale securities. These investments are reported at fair value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects.

The Company evaluates its investments for other-than-temporary impairment by reviewing factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time which may be sufficient for anticipated recovery of the market value. There were no other-than-temporary impairments in 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Inventories

Inventories consist principally of packaged food held in outside fulfillment locations. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Quantities of inventory on hand are continually assessed to identify excess or obsolete inventory and a provision is recorded for any estimated loss. The reserve is estimated for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on forecasted demand and/or the Company’s ability to sell the products, introduction of new products, future production requirements and changes in customers’ behavior. The reserve for excess and obsolete inventory was $636 and $769 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which are generally two to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the related lease term. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred, while major renewals and improvements are capitalized.

Included in fixed assets is the capitalized cost of internal-use software and website development incurred during the application development stage. Capitalized costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, which is generally two to five years. Costs incurred related to planning or maintenance of internal-use software and website development are charged to expense as incurred. The net book value of capitalized software was $10,511 and $10,285 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that would indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are evaluated for indicators of impairment. When factors indicate that long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, an estimate of the related undiscounted cash flows over the remaining life of the long-lived assets is used to measure recoverability. If any impairment is indicated, measurement of the impairment will be based on the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the asset, generally determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows associated with the use of the asset. As of December 31, 2012, management believes that no reductions to the remaining useful lives or write-downs of long-lived assets are required.

Derivative Instruments

Interest rate swap agreements, a type of financial derivative instrument, were utilized by the Company to reduce interest rate risk on credit facility borrowings. The Company recognized the interest rate swaps in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The Company designated and accounted for its interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of variable-rate debt. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative was reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, net of tax, and reclassified into earnings in the periods during which the hedged transactions affected earnings. To the extent that the change in value of the derivative does not perfectly offset the change in value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion was immediately recognized in earnings.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales is recognized when the earnings process is complete, which is upon transfer of title to the product. Recognition of revenue upon shipment meets the revenue recognition criteria in that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the selling price is fixed and determinable and collection is reasonably assured. The Company also sells prepaid program cards to wholesalers and retailers. Revenue from these cards is recognized after the card is redeemed online at the Company’s website by the customer and the product is shipped to the customer.

Deferred revenue consists primarily of unredeemed prepaid program cards and unshipped frozen foods. When a customer orders the Nutrisystem ® Select ® program, two separate shipments are delivered. The first shipment contains Nutrisystem’s standard shelf-stable food. The second shipment contains the frozen foods and is generally delivered within a week of a customer’s order. Both shipments qualify as separate units of accounting and the fair value is based on estimated selling prices of both units.

 

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Customers may return unopened product within 30 days of purchase in order to receive a refund or credit. Frozen products are non-returnable and non-refundable unless the order is canceled within 14 days of delivery. Estimated returns are accrued at the time the sale is recognized and actual returns are tracked monthly. The Company reviews its history of actual versus estimated returns to ensure reserves are appropriate.

Revenue from product sales includes amounts billed for shipping and handling and is presented net of returns and billed sales tax. Revenue from shipping and handling charges was $2,394, $2,867 and $5,763 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Shipping-related costs are included in cost of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Dependence on Suppliers

In 2012, approximately 17% and 13%, respectively, of inventory purchases were from two suppliers. The Company has a supply arrangement with one of these vendors that requires the Company to make minimum purchases. In 2011, these vendors supplied approximately 16% and 15%, respectively, of inventory purchases and in 2010, approximately 17% and 18%, respectively, of inventory purchases (see Note 7). Additionally, the Company was dependent on one frozen food supplier for less than 20% of its food costs in 2011. The Company had a supply agreement with this supplier that expired in November 2011, and the Company found other frozen food supply options to replace this supplier. The amount provided from this supplier in 2010 was negligible.

The Company outsources 100% of its fulfillment operations to a third party provider and more than 90% of its orders were shipped by one third party provider.

Vendor Rebates

One of the Company’s suppliers provides for rebates based on purchasing levels. The Company accounts for this rebate on an accrual basis as purchases are made at a rebate percentage determined based upon the estimated total purchases from the vendor. The estimated rebate is recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of purchased inventory and is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations when the associated inventory is sold. A receivable is recorded for the estimate of the rebate earned. The rebate period is June 1 through May 31 of each year. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company reduced cost of revenue by $1,496, $1,401 and $1,912, respectively, for these rebates. A receivable of $637 and $686 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, has been recorded in receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Historically, the actual rebate received from the vendor has closely matched the estimated rebate recorded. An adjustment is made to the estimate upon determination of the final rebate.

Marketing Expense

Marketing expense includes media, advertising production, marketing and promotional expenses and payroll-related expenses, including share-based payment arrangements, for personnel engaged in these activities. Media expense was $86,948, $88,828 and $127,597 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Direct-mail advertising costs are capitalized if the primary purpose was to elicit sales to customers who could be shown to have responded specifically to the direct mailing and results in probable future economic benefits. The capitalized costs are amortized to expense over the period during which the future benefits are expected to be received. Typically, this period falls within 40 days of the initial direct mailing. All other advertising costs are charged to expense as incurred or the first time the advertising takes place. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, $1,998 and $4,800, respectively, of costs have been prepaid for future advertisements and promotions.

Lease Related Expenses

Certain of the Company’s lease contracts contain rent holidays, various escalation clauses, or landlord/tenant incentives. The Company records rental costs, including costs related to fixed rent escalation clauses and rent

 

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holidays, on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease allowances utilized for space improvement are recorded as leasehold improvement assets and amortized over the shorter of the economic useful life of the asset or the lease term. Tenant lease incentive allowances received are recorded as deferred rent and amortized as reductions to rent expense over the lease term. Included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is $3,301 of a tenant improvement allowance at December 31, 2012, of which $345 is included in other accrued expenses and current liabilities and $2,956 in non-current liabilities. At December 31, 2011, the tenant improvement allowance was $3,646, of which $345 was included in other accrued expenses and current liabilities and $3,301 in non-current liabilities.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and the respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. In assessing the ability to realize deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable, based on its technical merits. The tax benefit of a qualifying position is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits is classified as noncurrent unless the liability is expected to be settled in cash within 12 months of the reporting date. The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of interest (expense) income, net.

Segment Information

The Company is managed and operated as one business. The entire business is managed by a single management team that reports to the chief executive officer. Revenue consists primarily of food sales.

 

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Earnings Per Share

The Company uses the two-class method to calculate earnings per share (“EPS”) as the unvested restricted stock issued under the Company’s equity incentive plans are participating shares with nonforfeitable rights to dividends. Under the two-class method, earnings per common share are computed by dividing the sum of distributed earnings to common stockholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In applying the two-class method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities based on the number of weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Undistributed losses are not allocated to unvested restricted stock as the restricted stockholders are not obligated to share in the losses. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

(Loss) income from continuing operations

   $ (2,805   $ 12,261      $ 33,879   

Income allocated to unvested restricted stock

     0        (460     (1,620
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations allocated to common shares

     (2,805     11,801        32,259   

Loss on discontinued operation allocated to common shares

     0        0        (231
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income allocated to common shares

   $ (2,805   $ 11,801      $ 32,028   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

      

Basic

     27,499        27,033        28,312   

Effect of dilutive securities

     0        292        374   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     27,499        27,325        28,686   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic (loss) income per common share:

      

(Loss) income from continuing operations

   $ (0.10   $ 0.44      $ 1.14   

Loss on discontinued operation

     0.00        0.00        (0.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

   $ (0.10   $ 0.44      $ 1.13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted (loss) income per common share:

      

(Loss) income from continuing operations

   $ (0.10   $ 0.43      $ 1.13   

Loss on discontinued operation

     0.00        0.00        (0.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

   $ (0.10   $ 0 .43      $ 1.12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In 2012, diluted loss per common share is identical to basic loss per common share as the Company is in a net loss position and the impact of including common stock equivalents is anti-dilutive. In 2012, 2011 and 2010, common stock equivalents representing 1,637,400, 656,871 and 167,158 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from weighted average shares outstanding for diluted income per common share purposes because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Share-Based Payment Awards

The cost of all share-based awards to employees and non-employees, including grants of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, is recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value of the awards at grant date. The fair value of stock option awards is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model on the date of grant. The fair value of restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock unit awards is equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of market-based restricted stock unit awards is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model on the date of grant.

 

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The fair value of share-based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period (derived service period for market-based restricted stock unit awards), net of estimated forfeitures. The Company relies primarily upon historical experience to estimate expected forfeitures and recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis from the date of grant. The Company issues new shares upon exercise of stock options, granting of restricted stock or vesting of restricted stock units.

Cash Flow Information

The Company made payments for income taxes of $1,250, $6,049 and $16,660 in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Interest payments in 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $954, $655 and $283, respectively. During 2012 and 2011, the Company had non-cash capital additions of $561 and $1,198, respectively, of unpaid invoices in accounts payable and accrued expenses. During 2010, the Company had non-cash capital additions of $3,991 through a tenant improvement allowance and $1,664 of unpaid invoices in accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05 for the presentation of comprehensive income thereby amending ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. The amendment requires that all non-owner changes in stockholder’s equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively. The Company has added separate consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income to the accompanying financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02 which requires companies to present information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in a single note or on the face of the financial statements. The updated standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

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

 

3. CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS

At December 31, 2012, cash, cash equivalents and short term investments consisted of the following:

 

     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Estimated
Fair
Value
 

Cash

   $ 9,323       $ 0       $ 0      $ 9,323   

Money market account

     6,863         0         0        6,863   

Corporate debt securities

     1,692         14         (24     1,682   

Time deposits

     1,519         4         0        1,523   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 19,397       $ 18       $ (24   $ 19,391   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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At December 31, 2011, cash, cash equivalents and short term investments consisted of the following:

 

     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Estimated
Fair
Value
 

Cash

   $ 12,465       $ 0       $ 0       $ 12,465   

Money market account

     35,129         0         0         35,129   

Municipal income fund

     10,013         0         0         10,013   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 57,607       $ 0       $ 0       $ 57,607   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

A three-tier fair value hierarchy has been established by the FASB to prioritize the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers are as follows:

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

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

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

The fair values of the Company’s Level 1 instruments are based on quoted prices in active exchange markets for identical assets. The fair values of the Company’s Level 2 instruments were based on quoted prices in less active markets. The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments were determined using pricing models that took into account contract terms and certain observable current market information such as London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) interest rates. The Company had no Level 3 instruments at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value at December 31, 2012:

 

     Total Fair Value      Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 

Money market account

   $ 6,863       $ 6,863   

Corporate debt securities

     1,682         1,682   

Time deposits

     1,523         1,523   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 10,068       $ 10,068   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2011:

 

     Total Fair Value     Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 

Money market account

   $ 35,129      $ 35,129       $ 0   

Municipal income fund

     10,013        10,013         0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 45,142      $ 45,142       $ 0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest rate swap

   $ (22   $ 0       $ (22
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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5. FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets consist of the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Furniture and fixtures

   $ 5,730      $ 5,709   

Computer hardware and software

     50,992        45,246   

Equipment

     2,613        2,977   

Leasehold improvements

     11,171        11,101   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     70,506        65,033   

Accumulated depreciation

     (42,503     (35,262
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 28,003      $ 29,771   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $10,724, $12,068 and $11,773 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

6. CREDIT FACILITY AND INTEREST RATE SWAPS

On November 8, 2012, the Company entered into a new $40,000 secured revolving credit facility, as amended, (the “$40,000 Facility”) with a new lender which replaced the amended and restated credit agreement that provided for a $100,000 unsecured revolving credit facility (the “$100,000 Facility”). The $40,000 Facility can be drawn upon through November 8, 2015, at which time all amounts must be repaid, and there were no borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2012. All outstanding amounts under the $100,000 Facility were repaid and in connection with the termination of the facility, the Company wrote off the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs of $1,079 and also terminated the outstanding interest rate swap agreements resulting in a charge of $132 during 2012. These amounts are included within interest (expense) income, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The $40,000 Facility provides for interest at either a base rate or a LIBOR rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. The base rate will be the highest of (i) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (ii) 0.50% percent above the Federal Funds Rate and (iii) the LIBOR rate for deposits in dollars for a one-month interest period as determined three business days prior to such date, plus 1.50%. The LIBOR rate is equal to the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate for the relevant term. The applicable margin is subject to adjustment based on the Company’s consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and ranges from 0.25-1.25% per year for base rate loans and from 1.75-2.75% per year for LIBOR rate loans. The Company will also pay an unused line fee. The unused line fee is subject to adjustment based on the Company’s consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and ranges from 0.25-0.375% per year. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company incurred $764, $417 and $87 in interest, respectively, and $159, $279 and $294 in an unused line fee, respectively. Interest payments and unused line fees are classified within interest (expense) income, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The $40,000 Facility contains financial and other covenants including a minimum consolidated fixed charge ratio, a minimum consolidated tangible net worth and a minimum consolidated liquidity ratio, and includes limitations on, among other things, capital expenditures, additional indebtedness, acquisitions, stock repurchases and restrictions on paying dividends in certain circumstances. As of December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the $40,000 Facility.

The Company incurred $207 of debt issuance costs associated with the $40,000 Facility. These costs are being amortized over the remaining three year term of the $40,000 Facility.

The Company used interest rate swaps, a type of derivative financial instrument, to manage interest costs and minimize the effects of interest rate fluctuations on cash flows associated with its variable-rate debt. The

 

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Company did not use interest rate derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. While interest rate swaps are subject to fluctuations in value, these fluctuations are generally offset by the value of the underlying exposures being hedged. The Company minimized the risk of credit loss by entering into these agreements with financial institutions that have high credit ratings.

In January and June 2012, respectively, the Company entered into two separate $10,000 notional value forward-starting interest rate swaps. The objective of the hedges was to eliminate the variability of cash flows in interest payments for $20,000 of floating rate debt. The swaps were terminated and expensed during 2012 upon the termination of the $100,000 Facility and repayment of outstanding borrowings thereunder. In addition, the Company had two separate $10,000 notional values floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements that matured on August 3, 2012 and September 28, 2012, respectively.

 

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases

The Company leases its corporate headquarters and certain equipment. These leases generally have initial terms of one to 12 years and have renewal options for additional periods. Certain of the leases also contain escalation clauses based upon increases in costs related to the properties. Lease obligations, with initial or remaining terms of one or more years, consist of the following at December 31, 2012:

 

2013

   $ 3,988   

2014

     2,623   

2015

     2,621   

2016

     2,664   

2017

     2,724   

Thereafter

     13,247   
  

 

 

 
   $ 27,867   
  

 

 

 

Included in the table above are charges of $1,980 accrued during 2012 to vacate a facility, which will be paid in 2013. Total rent expense for 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $4,807, $3,136 and $3,540, respectively.

Litigation

On August 4, 2011, a lawsuit was filed by a stockholder in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania naming Nutrisystem, Inc., certain of its officers and directors, and one of its former officers as defendants and alleging breaches by defendants of their fiduciary duties of candor, good faith and loyalty, unjust enrichment, and aiding and abetting from 2010 to the present in connection with the award of allegedly excessive and unwarranted 2010 executive compensation. Plaintiff specifically claimed the action to be a failed “say-on-pay” shareholder derivative action stemming from the advisory, non-binding vote of the Company’s stockholders at its May 12, 2011 annual meeting in which the Company’s stockholders did not approve the Company’s 2010 executive compensation. The complaint is listed under docket number 2:11-cv-05036-PD and specifically alleged that (1) defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the issuance of certain false and misleading statements contained in Nutrisystem’s Proxy Statement; (2) defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the Board of Directors’ compensation practices; (3) defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the Company’s failure to respond to the negative “say-on-pay” vote; and (4) as a result of the foregoing defendants were unjustly enriched at the expense of the Company. Accordingly, the complaint asked the court to (1) award judgment against defendants and in favor of the Company for an unspecified amount of damages sustained by the Company as a result of defendants’ violation of state law, (2) grant extraordinary equitable and/or injunctive relief as necessary or permitted by law, equity and the statutory provisions cited in the complaint, including disgorgement, attachment, impoundment, imposition of a constructive trust on or otherwise restricting the disposition/exercise of improvidently awarded executive

 

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compensation based upon false financial reporting and/or the proceeds of defendants’ trading activities or their other assets so as to ensure that plaintiff on behalf of the Company has an effective remedy; (3) order the implementation and administration of internal controls and systems at the Company designed to prohibit and prevent excessive and/or unwarranted executive compensation payments to the Company’s chief executive, chief financial, and other senior executive officers; (4) award to plaintiff the costs and disbursements of the action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, and accountants’ and expert fees, costs and expenses; and (5) grant such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper. On October 21, 2011, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint pursuant to Rules 12(b)(6) and 23.1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted and for failure to adequately plead demand futility. On November 21, 2011, plaintiff filed his brief in opposition to defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint and alleged that the directors issued false and misleading statements in the Company’s proxy statement by stating that the Company adhered to a pay-for-performance policy when in fact it did not. In its opposition brief, plaintiff abandoned the count contained in its complaint that defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the Company’s failure to respond to the negative “say-on-pay” vote. On December 5, 2011, defendants filed their reply brief in support of their motion to dismiss the complaint. On March 8, 2012, the court held a preliminary pretrial conference, and on May 16, 2012, the court held a settlement conference. Although the Company believed that the claims were without merit, on September 5, 2012 plaintiff, defendants and the plaintiff in the related state court lawsuit discussed in the following paragraph entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement with respect to all of the claims at issue under the respective lawsuits, and on September 13, 2012, the court issued an order preliminarily approving the settlement. On November 15, 2012, the court held a hearing on the final approval of the settlement, and on December 12, 2012, the court issued a final order and judgment approving the settlement. The Company’s entire exposure for these matters has been expensed as of December 31, 2012.

On September 1, 2011, a lawsuit was filed by another stockholder in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania naming Nutrisystem, Inc., certain of its officers and directors, and one of its former officers as defendants and alleging breaches by defendants of their fiduciary duties of care, candor, good faith and loyalty, unjust enrichment, and aiding and abetting from 2010 to the present in connection with the award of excessive and unwarranted 2010 executive compensation. This action stemmed from the same failed “say-on-pay” advisory, non-binding vote of the Company’s stockholders at its May 12, 2011 annual meeting in which the Company’s stockholders did not approve the Company’s 2010 executive compensation. The complaint is listed under docket number 2011-24985-0 and specifically alleged that (1) defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the issuance of certain materially false and misleading statements and omissions of fact in Nutrisystem’s Proxy Statement; (2) defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the Company’s allegedly excessive 2010 executive compensation and the failure to rescind such compensation in response to the negative “say-on-pay” vote; and (3) as a result of the foregoing the executive defendants were unjustly enriched at the expense of the Company. Accordingly, the complaint asked the court to (1) determine that the action was a proper derivative action maintainable under the law and that demand was excused; (2) award judgment against defendants and in favor of the Company for an unspecified amount of damages sustained by the Company as a result of defendants’ breaches of fiduciary duties; (3) grant injunctive and other equitable relief as necessary or permitted by law, equity and the statutory provisions cited in the complaint, including disgorgement, attachment, impoundment, imposition of a constructive trust on or otherwise restricting the disposition/exercise of disloyally awarded 2010 executive compensation; (4) direct the Company to take all necessary actions to reform and improve its corporate governance and internal procedures to comply with all applicable laws and to protect the Company and its stockholders from a repeat of the allegedly damaging events described in the Complaint; (5) award to plaintiff the costs and disbursements of the action, including reasonable allowance of fees and costs for plaintiff’s attorneys, experts and accountants; and (6) grant such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper. Plaintiff participated in the settlement conference on May 16, 2012 in connection with the lawsuit described in the preceding paragraph that was filed by another stockholder in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania stemming from the same failed “say-on-pay” advisory, non-binding vote of the Company’s stockholders at its May 12, 2011 annual meeting in which the Company’s stockholders did not approve the Company’s 2010 executive compensation. Although the Company believed that

 

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the claims were without merit, on September 5, 2012 plaintiff, defendants and the plaintiff in the related federal court lawsuit discussed in the preceding paragraph entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement with respect to all of the claims at issue under the respective lawsuits, and on September 13, 2012, the federal court issued an order preliminarily approving the settlement. The federal court held a settlement hearing on November 15, 2012 to finally approve the settlement. Additionally, the state court asked the parties to the state action to submit a proposed order dismissing the state action for the state court to sign upon the federal court’s dismissal of the federal action. The parties to the state action submitted the proposed order to settle, discontinue, and end on October 2, 2012. On December 12, 2012, the federal court issued a final order and judgment approving the settlement. On December 20, 2012 the state court judge issued an order to settle, discontinue, and end, and dismissed the state action with prejudice.

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

Contractual Commitments

The Company has entered into supply agreements with various food vendors. The majority of these agreements provide for annual pricing and annual purchase obligations, as well as exclusivity in the production of certain products, with terms of five years or less. One agreement also provides rebates if certain volume thresholds are exceeded. The Company has purchase obligations of $46,645 as of December 31, 2012. The Company anticipates it will meet all annual purchase obligations outstanding at December 31, 2012.

Certain agreements with frozen food suppliers require advance payments to the supplier. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, advances were $690 and $2,907, respectively. A portion of the supplier advances as of December 31, 2011 was classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company had been notified during 2012 that one of these suppliers was in default with its bank lender and was in the process of negotiating a work out plan and exploring other strategic alternatives. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, advances to this frozen food supplier were $690 and $2,313, respectively. During 2012, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2,100 related to this advance due to the work out plan. The impairment was recorded in general and administrative expense in the accompanying statement of operations. Subsequent to December 31, 2012, the Company received payment of these outstanding advances.

 

8. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Stock

In 2012, the Company issued 7,068 shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options and received proceeds of $10. During 2012, employees surrendered to the Company 157,671 shares of common stock valued at $1,590 in satisfaction of minimum tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of equity awards. Subsequent to the approval of the Amended and Restated 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan in September 2012, any of such shares will now be included in treasury stock. Previously, these shares were retired. Included in the 157,671 shares surrendered during 2012 are 72,561 shares of common stock which are held in treasury. Also, in 2012, the Company issued 64,508 shares of common stock as compensation to board members and third-party marketing vendors pursuant to their respective contracts. As of December 31, 2012, 21,626 shares of common stock issued to third-party marketing vendors remain unvested, and additional expense for these shares will be recognized upon vesting. During each of the four quarters of 2012, the Company paid a dividend of $0.175 per share to all stockholders of record. Subsequent to December 31, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.175 per share payable on March 25, 2013 to stockholders of record as of March 15, 2013.

In 2011, the Company issued 25,001 shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options and received proceeds of $129. During 2011, employees surrendered to the Company 147,848 shares of common stock valued

 

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at $1,923 in satisfaction of minimum tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of equity awards. These shares were retired. Also, in 2011, the Company issued 154,836 shares of common stock as compensation to board members and third-party marketing vendors pursuant to their respective contracts. As of December 31, 2011, 70,313 shares of common stock issued to third-party marketing vendors remain unvested and additional expense for these shares was recognized upon vesting. During each of the four quarters of 2011, the Company paid a dividend of $0.175 per share to all stockholders of record.

In 2010, the Company issued 54,927 shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options and received proceeds of $124. During 2010, employees surrendered to the Company 154,585 shares of common stock valued at $3,497 in satisfaction of minimum tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of equity awards. These shares were retired. Also, in 2010, the Company issued 30,700 shares of common stock as compensation to board members and third-party marketing vendors pursuant to their respective contracts. During each of the four quarters of 2010, the Company paid a dividend of $0.175 per share to all stockholders of record.

In 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $150,000 of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock in open-market transactions on the NASDAQ Stock Market or through privately negotiated transactions, including block transactions. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, limitations under the credit facility, alternative investment opportunities and other market conditions. This stock repurchase program has an expiration date of June 30, 2013, but may be limited or terminated at any time by the Board of Directors without prior notice. No shares of common stock were repurchased during 2012 and 2011.

Under previously authorized stock repurchase plans, the Company purchased and retired 3,270,429 shares of common stock for an aggregate cost of $74,997 during 2010. The cost of the purchased shares was reflected in the accompanying statement of stockholders’ equity as a reduction of common stock (equal to par value of purchased shares), additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) (equal to balance in APIC) with the excess recorded as a reduction in retained earnings.

Preferred Stock

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

 

9. INCOME TAXES

The (benefit) provision for income taxes from continuing operations consists of the following:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 886      $ 7,493      $ 14,635   

State

     (436     (555     405   

Foreign

     0        (154     151   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     450        6,784        15,191   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (3,837     (412     4,053   

State

     (288     28        65   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (4,125     (384     4,118   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (3,675   $ 6,400      $ 19,309   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The income tax benefit attributable to the discontinued operation was $(566) for the year ended December 31, 2010.

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Statutory federal income tax rate

     35.0     35.0     35.0

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

     3.8        0.0        0.0   

Executive compensation limitation

     0.0        7.9        3.5   

Executive stock-based compensation

     13.5        0.0        0.0   

Food donations

     8.9        (3.9     (2.2

Fixed assets

     (7.5     0.0        0.0   

Changes in reserves

     4.5        (2.0     0.0   

Tax credits

     (1.4     (1.2     0.0   

Other

     (0.1     (1.5     0.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     56.7     34.3     36.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The change in the effective tax rate from 2011 to 2012 was due to favorable book to tax differences including the elimination of the limitation on executive compensation deductions due to the nonrenewal of an executive’s employment agreement in April 2012, reductions in tax reserves and increased food donations combined with lower pre-tax income levels resulted in income tax benefits for 2012 versus expense for 2011. The change in the effective tax rate from 2010 to 2011 was due to the impact of limitations on executive compensation deductions and food donations in comparison to pre-tax income, as well as reductions in tax reserves due to the lapse of the statute of limitations during the fourth quarter of 2011 and tax credits and other miscellaneous adjustments occurring throughout the year.

The significant items comprising the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Deferred tax asset:

    

Reserves and accruals

   $ 1,395      $ 834   

Goodwill/Intangible assets

     407        494   

Net operating loss carryforward

     788        1,043   

Stock-based compensation

     1,667        868   

Charitable contribution carryforward

     3,706        2,549   

Other

     1,197        1,033   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     9,160        6,821   

Deferred tax liability:

    

Property and equipment

     (3,240     (3,782
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 5,920      $ 3,039   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2012, the net deferred tax asset of $5,920 is comprised of $2,969 included in current assets and $2,951 included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2011, the net deferred tax asset of $3,039 is comprised of $1,584 included in current assets and $1,455 included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $14,526 and $12,832, respectively, for state tax purposes. For state tax purposes, there is a limitation on the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that can be utilized in a given year to offset state taxable income. Net operating losses will begin to expire in 2025.

 

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

The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $1,474 and $1,919, respectively. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate is approximately $958 and $1,247 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of interest (expense) income, net. During 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized interest income of $13 and $133, respectively, and $99 of interest expense in 2010 from interest and penalties. The Company’s federal income tax returns for 2009 through 2012 are open and are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. State tax jurisdictions that remain open to examination range from 2001 through 2012. The Company does not believe that that there will be any material changes to unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the total unrecognized tax benefit is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 1,919      $ 2,478      $ 1,375   

Increase related to current year tax positions

     67        85        1,184   

Reductions related to settlement of tax matters

     (224     0        (42

Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations

     (288     (644     (39
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 1,474      $ 1,919      $ 2,478   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

10. DISCONTINUED OPERATION

On July 1, 2008, the Company acquired certain assets of Power Chow, LLC (d/b/a NuKitchen) (“NuKitchen”), a provider of freshly prepared meals designed to promote weight management and healthy living.

In 2010, the Company committed to a plan to sell the business operations conducted by NuKitchen, as it was no longer aligned with the business direction of the Company. The Company was unsuccessful in locating a buyer for the NuKitchen business and, therefore, it closed the business during 2010. NuKitchen has been treated as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, the operating results of this discontinued operation have been presented separately from continuing operations for all periods presented. NuKitchen had revenues of $1,707 and a pre-tax loss of $808 for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

11. EQUITY INSTRUMENTS

Equity Incentive Plans

The Company has three equity incentive plans: the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan, the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan and the Amended and Restated 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Equity Incentive Plans”). The Amended and Restated 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan is currently the only plan under which new awards may be granted. Under that plan, a variety of equity instruments can be granted to key employees and directors including incentive and nonqualified stock options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units or shares of common stock. The 1999 Equity Incentive Plan, the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan and the Amended and Restated 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan authorize up to 1,000,000, 5,600,000 and 5,400,000 shares of common stock, respectively, for issuance. At December 31, 2012, the Amended and Restated 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan had 2,423,551 shares available for grant.

Under each of the plans, the Board of Directors determines the term of each award, but no award can be exercisable more than 10 years from the date the award is granted. To date, all of the stock options issued under the Equity Incentive Plans expire between 7 and 10 years from the grant date. The Board also determines the

 

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vesting provisions of all awards and the exercise price per share of stock options issued under the plans, which is the fair market value at date of grant. Awards issued to employees generally vest over terms ranging from two to five years.

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for 2010, 2011 and 2012:

 

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

Outstanding, January 1, 2010

     127,760      $ 6.92         

Exercised

     (54,927   $ 2.27         

Forfeited

     (20,000   $ 6.00         
  

 

 

         

Outstanding, December 31, 2010

     52,833      $ 12.10         

Granted

     327,280      $ 14.37         

Exercised

     (25,001   $ 5.17         

Forfeited

     (18,805   $ 19.22         
  

 

 

         

Outstanding, December 31, 2011

     336,307      $ 14.43         

Granted

     344,843      $ 8.73         

Exercised

     (7,068   $ 1.46         
  

 

 

         

Outstanding, December 31, 2012

     674,082      $ 11.65         6.08       $ 196   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2012

     276,235      $ 14.77         5.46       $ 7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expected to vest at December 31, 2012

     665,194      $ 11.64         6.08       $ 196   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

In 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded pre-tax compensation charges of $1,163 and $150, respectively, for stock option awards. In 2010, the Company did not record any compensation charges for stock option awards as all outstanding awards were fully vested. The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted in 2012 and 2011 was $1.96 and $4.50, respectively. There were no option grants in 2010. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $67, $204 and $1,001, respectively.

The fair value of each stock option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions:

 

     2012     2011  

Expected dividend yield

     8.02     4.76

Expected volatility

     49.82     53.15

Risk-free interest rate

     0.72     1.38

Expected life (in years)

     4.75        4.75   

In 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company authorized the issuance of 42,882, 30,275 and 19,124 fully vested shares of common stock, respectively, as compensation to the Board of Directors resulting in compensation expense of $455 in each year. In addition, in 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company issued a total of 21,626, 124,561, and 11,576 shares of common stock, respectively, to non-employees for services. Costs recognized for shares issued to non-employees for services were $573, $841 and $167 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and approximated fair value.

 

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The Company has issued restricted stock to employees generally with vesting terms ranging from two to five years. The fair value is equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Expense for restricted stock is amortized ratably over the vesting period. The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity for 2010, 2011 and 2012:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
     Aggregate
Intrinsic

Value
 

Nonvested, January 1, 2010

     1,317,023      $ 20.12      

Granted

     569,705      $ 18.13      

Vested

     (499,287   $ 19.59      

Forfeited

     (76,623   $ 19.00      
  

 

 

      

Nonvested, December 31, 2010

     1,310,818      $ 19.52      

Granted

     337,256      $ 13.70      

Vested

     (496,864   $ 22.68      

Forfeited

     (288,352   $ 16.53      
  

 

 

      

Nonvested, December 31, 2011

     862,858      $ 16.43      

Granted

     510,056      $ 10.50      

Vested

     (497,023   $ 15.25      

Forfeited

     (45,763   $ 12.49      
  

 

 

      

Nonvested, December 31, 2012

     830,128      $ 13.71       $ 6,782   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Additionally, the Company grants restricted stock units. The restricted stock units granted during 2010 and 2011 were primarily performance-based units. The performance-based units have performance conditions and service-based vesting conditions. Each vesting tranche is treated as an individual award and the compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each tranche. The requisite service period is a combination of the performance period and the subsequent vesting period based on continued service. The level of achievement of such goals may cause the actual amount of units that ultimately vest to range from 0% to 200% of the original units granted, which is reflected as performance factor adjustment in the table below. The Company recognizes expense for performance-based restricted stock units when it is probable that the performance criteria specified will be achieved and then recognizes ratably over the vesting period. The fair value is equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

In 2012, grants of restricted stock units contained market-based conditions. Market-based awards entitle employees to vest in a number of units determined by the Company’s stock price return as compared to a set of comparator companies over a period, and will range from 0% to 200% of the original units granted. The fair value is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized over the derived service periods using the straight-line method regardless of the outcome of the market conditions, so long as the award holder remains an employee through the requisite service period. These awards contained different measurement periods including one that begins in 2013.

 

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The fair value of the market-based restricted stock units utilized the following inputs and assumptions:

 

     1 Year     2 Years     3 Years     3.1 Years  

Closing stock price on grant date

   $ 11.23      $ 11.23      $ 11.23      $ 7.31   

Performance period starting price

   $ 12.78      $ 12.78      $ 12.78        NA   

Term of award (in years)

     1        2        3        3.1   

Volatility

     45.91     50.99     51.66     48.29

Risk-free interest rate

     0.17     0.30     0.47     0.34

Expected dividend yield

     6.05     6.05     6.05     9.15

Fair value

   $ 6.68      $ 10.70      $ 12.34      $ 7.40   

The performance period starting price is measured as the average closing price over the last 20 trading days prior to the performance period start.

The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit activity:

 

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

Nonvested, January 1, 2010

     5,500      $ 14.84      

Granted

     67,496      $ 17.53      

Performance factor adjustment

     (14,999   $ 17.53      

Vested

     (1,833   $ 14.84      
  

 

 

      

Nonvested, December 31, 2010

     56,164      $ 17.35      

Granted

     54,999      $ 14.49      

Performance factor adjustment

     (54,999   $ 14.49      

Forfeited

     (19,848   $ 17.03      
  

 

 

      

Nonvested, December 31, 2011

     36,316      $ 17.53      

Granted

     146,322      $ 8.82      

Performance factor adjustment

     (46,670   $ 6.68      

Forfeited

     (2,778   $ 17.53      
  

 

 

      

Nonvested, December 31, 2012

     133,190      $ 11.76       $ 1,088   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company recorded compensation expense of $7,721, $8,312 and $10,329 in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, in connection with the issuance of the restricted shares and restricted stock units. As of December 31, 2012, 794,095 shares of restricted stock and 128,560 restricted stock units were expected to vest.

The Company recognized an (increase)/decrease in taxes payable of ($593), ($919) and $418 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, from the exercise of certain stock options and restricted stock and payment of certain dividends and recorded these amounts as decreases and increases to APIC in the accompanying consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.

As of December 31, 2012, there was $9,836 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.

 

12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The Company maintains a qualified tax deferred defined contribution retirement plan (the “Plan”). Under the provisions of the Plan, substantially all employees meeting minimum age and service requirements are entitled to

 

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contribute on a before and after-tax basis a certain percentage of their compensation. The Company matched 100% of employees’ first 3% contribution and 50% of the employees’ next 2% contribution. Effective June 1, 2009, the Company elected to suspend its matching contribution. Effective April 1, 2010, the Company reinstated its matching contribution of 100% of employees’ first 3% contribution and 50% of the employees’ next 2% contribution. Employees vest immediately in their contributions and the Company’s contribution. The Company’s contributions in 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $614, $692 and $528, respectively.

 

13. RETURNS RESERVE

Following is an analysis for the returns reserve:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 726      $ 1,009      $ 1,850   

Provision for estimated returns

     10,394        12,881        24,114   

Actual returns

     (10,468     (13,164     (24,955
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 652      $ 726      $ 1,009   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

14. QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

     Quarter  
     First     Second      Third      Fourth     Year  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

2012:

            

Revenue

   $ 128,517      $ 124,560       $ 81,276       $ 62,525      $ 396,878   

Gross margin

   $ 57,988      $ 58,141       $ 37,441       $ 30,213      $ 183,783   

Net (loss) income

   $ (4,481   $ 4,115       $ 2,590       $ (5,029   $ (2,805

Basic (loss) income per common share

   $ (0.16   $ 0.14       $ 0.09       $ (0.18   $ (0.10
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted (loss) income per common share

   $ (0.16   $ 0.14       $ 0.09       $ (0.18   $ (0.10
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

2011:

            

Revenue

   $ 132,672      $ 116,129       $ 85,643       $ 66,892      $ 401,336   

Gross margin

   $ 68,845      $ 58,502       $ 44,386       $ 31,198      $ 202,931   

Net (loss) income

   $ (3,424   $ 10,767       $ 6,068       $ (1,150   $ 12,261   

Basic (loss) income per common share

   $ (0.12   $ 0.39       $ 0.22       $ (0.04   $ 0.44   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted (loss) income per common share

   $ (0.12   $ 0.38       $ 0.21       $ (0.04   $ 0.43   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The sum of the quarterly basic and diluted per share amounts may not equal amounts reported for the year. This is due to the effects of rounding and changes in weighted average shares outstanding for each period.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a charge of $2,476 to restructure certain third party marketing vendor contracts, a charge of $1,980 to vacate a facility and a charge of $1,079 to write off unamortized debt issuance costs.

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

No.

 

Description

      *3.1   Certificate of Incorporation.
        3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2009.
    +10.1   Amended and Restated Nutrisystem, Inc. 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on September 6, 2012.
+**10.2   2000 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company.
+**10.3   2000 Equity Incentive Plan for Outside Directors and Consultants of the Company.
      10.4   Agreement dated December 21, 2004 between Nutrisystem, Inc. and QVC, Inc. incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 10-K filed on March 14, 2006.
      10.5   Agreement dated June 14, 2005 between Truitt Bros., Inc. and Nutrisystem, Inc. incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2005.
    +10.6   Compensation Policy For Non-Employee Directors incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2008.
      10.7   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 5, 2011, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2011.
      10.8   First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 11, 2012, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2012.
      10.9   Credit Agreement dated November 8, 2012, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2012.
      10.10   First Amendment and Modification to Credit Agreement dated December 31, 2012, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on January 18, 2013.
      10.11   Security and Pledge Agreement dated November 8, 2012, among Nutrisystem, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Nutrisystem, Inc., as grantors, and Manufactures and Traders Trust Company in its capacity as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2012.
    +10.12   Letter Agreement dated November 1, 2012, between Nutrisystem, Inc. and Dawn Zier, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2012.
    +10.13   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Dawn Zier, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2012.
    +10.14   Form of Stock Option Agreement for Dawn Zier, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2012.
    +10.15   Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Dawn Zier, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2012.
    +10.16   Letter Agreement dated April 4, 2012, between Nutrisystem, Inc. and Joseph Redling, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on April 5, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

No.

  

Description

    +10.17    Letter Agreement Amendment dated September 27, 2012, between Nutrisystem, Inc. and Joseph Redling, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2012.
    +10.18    Letter Agreement Amendment dated November 1, 2012, between Nutrisystem, Inc. and Joseph Redling, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2012.
    +10.19    Separation and Release Agreement Amendment dated November 12, 2012, between Nutrisystem, Inc. and Joseph Redling, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on November 15, 2012.
    +10.20    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated October 22, 2008, between Nutrisystem, Inc. and David Clark, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2008.
    +10.21    Employment Agreement dated October 3, 2011, between Nutrisystem, Inc. and Michael R. Amburgey, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2011.
    +10.22    Separation and Release Agreement Amendment dated March 6, 2013, between Nutrisystem, Inc. and Michael R. Amburgey.
      10.23    Lease Agreement, dated October 13, 2009, between B.R. Properties Owner, LP and Nutrisystem, Inc., incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2010.
      10.24    Letter Agreement among Clinton Group, Inc., on behalf of itself and its funds, persons and entities, both current and future, and Nutrisystem, Inc. dated April 5, 2012, incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit on the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on April 5, 2012.
    +10.25    Employment Agreement dated February 5, 2013 between Nutrisystem, Inc. and Keira Krausz, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
    +10.26    Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Keira Krausz.
    +10.27    Form of Stock Option Agreement for Keira Krausz.
    +10.28    Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Executives.
    +10.29    Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executives
      21.1    Subsidiaries of Nutrisystem, Inc.
      23.1    Consent of KPMG LLP.
      31.1    Certifying Statement of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
      31.2    Certifying Statement of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
      32.1    Certifying Statement of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
      32.2    Certifying Statement of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

 

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Table of Contents

No.

  

Description

101.INS*    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

* Incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed on December 17, 1999 (file number 0-28551).
** Incorporated by reference to the designated exhibit of the Company’s Form PRE 14A filed on May 12, 2000 (file number 0-28551).
+ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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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.

 

Nutrisystem, Inc.
By:     /S/    DAWN M. ZIER
  Dawn M. Zier, President and
  Chief Executive Officer

Dated: March 12, 2013

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capabilities indicated.

 

BY:  

  /S/    DAWN M. ZIER

  March 12, 2013

Dawn M. Zier

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

 
BY:  

  /S/    DAVID D. CLARK

  March 12, 2013

David D. Clark

Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

 
BY:  

  /S/    ROBERT F. BERNSTOCK

  March 12, 2013

Robert F. Bernstock

Director

 
BY:  

  /S/    PAUL GUYARDO

  March 12, 2013

Paul Guyardo

Director

 
BY:  

  /S/    MICHAEL J. HAGAN

  March 12, 2013

Michael J. Hagan

Director

 
BY:  

  /S/    WARREN V. (PETE) MUSSER

  March 12, 2013

Warren V. (Pete) Musser

Director

 
BY:  

  /S/    BRIAN P. TIERNEY

  March 12, 2013

Brian P. Tierney

Director

 
BY:  

  /S/    ANDREA WEISS

  March 12, 2013

Andrea Weiss

Director

 
BY:  

  /S/    STEPHEN T. ZARRILLI

  March 12, 2013

Stephen T. Zarrilli

Director

 

 

70

Exhibit 10.22

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

This SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE (this “ Release ”) is made and entered into by and between NUTRISYSTEM, INC., a Delaware corporation (together with its successors and assigns, “ NutriSystem ”), and MICHAEL R. AMBURGEY (“ Executive ”), in connection with the cessation of Executive’s employment. NutriSystem and Executive may each be referred to herein individually as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .”

1. Separation from Service . The Parties acknowledge and agree that Executive’s employment with NutriSystem and his service with or on behalf of NutriSystem and all of its affiliates in all capacities ceased on March 6, 2013 (the “ Termination Date ”). The Parties further acknowledge and agree that Executive’s termination of employment is not the result of a disagreement with NutriSystem relating to NutriSystem’s (or any applicable subsidiary’s or affiliate’s) operations, policies or practices.

2. Consideration .

(a) In consideration for Executive’s execution of this Release:

(i) On or before the 30 th day following the Termination Date, NutriSystem will pay $352,313.41 to Executive in a cash lump sum.

(ii) For the 12-month period immediately following the Termination Date, NutriSystem will waive the applicable premium otherwise payable for COBRA continuation coverage for Executive, his spouse and eligible dependents, in each case to the extent such premium exceeds the monthly cost paid by Executive for group healthcare and dental coverage immediately prior to the Termination Date.

(iii) In respect of his Initial Stock Grant (as defined in the Employment Agreement between NutriSystem and Executive dated October 3, 2011 (the “ Employment Agreement ”)), 19,531 unvested shares of NutriSystem Common Stock (“ NTRI Stock ”) shall vest as of the Termination Date.

(b) Executive acknowledges that in the absence of his execution of this Release, the payment, rights and benefits specified above would not otherwise be due to him.

3. Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards .

(a) In connection with Executive’s cessation of employment:

(i) In respect of his Initial Stock Grant, 19,531 shares of NTRI Stock vested on October 17, 2012, 19,531 shares of NTRI Stock shall vest as of the Termination Date as provided in Section 2(a)(iii) , and the remaining balance of 39,063 unvested shares of NTRI Stock shall be forfeited to NutriSystem.

(ii) The stock options granted to Executive pursuant to the Nonqualified Stock Option Grant Agreement dated March 30, 2012 (the “ Option Grant Agreement ”) with respect to 29,705 shares of NTRI Stock shall vest and be fully exercisable as of the Termination Date, and will remain exercisable to the extent provided in the Option Grant Agreement.


(iii) In respect of that certain Stock Award Agreement dated as of March 30, 2012, 2,003 shares of NTRI Stock shall vest as of the Termination Date and the remaining balance of 6,012 unvested shares of NTRI Stock shall be forfeited to NutriSystem.

(iv) In respect of that certain 2012 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Grant dated as of March 30, 2012 (the “ PRSU Award Agreement ”), 14,587 performance-based restricted stock units will remain outstanding and may be earned, and become convertible into not more than 4,862 shares of NTRI Stock, to the extent provided under Sections 3(a), 3(b) and 4 of the PRSU Award Agreement.

(b) Other than as set forth above, Executive acknowledges he has no right or interest in any equity-based incentive award issued to him by NutriSystem.

4. Release .

(a) Executive, on behalf of himself, his heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives (collectively, the “ Executive Parties ”), irrevocably and unconditionally releases, waives, and forever discharges NutriSystem and each of its subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, consultants, and representatives, and all persons and entities acting by, through, under or in concert or in any such capacity with any of them (collectively, the “ NutriSystem Released Parties ”), from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, rights, judgments, obligations, damages, demands, accountings or liabilities of whatever kind or character, whether known or unknown, whether now existing or hereafter arising, at law or in equity (collectively, “ Claims ”) that arise out of or relate to Executive’s employment with NutriSystem, the termination of such employment or any other matter, cause or thing whatsoever, that Executive may have, may have had, or may hereafter have, including any Claims based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Americans With Disabilities Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Equal Pay Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the National Labor Relations Act; the Immigration Reform and Control Act; the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act; any common law, public policy, contract (whether oral or written, express or implied and including the Employment Agreement) or tort law; and any other local, state, federal or foreign law, regulation or ordinance, in each case from the beginning of time and up to and including the date that Executive executes and delivers this Release.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the release granted under Section 4(a) specifically excludes:

(i) unemployment benefits pursuant to the terms of applicable state law;

(ii) Executive’s right to payment of base salary for the payroll period that includes the Termination Date, to the extent not previously paid;

 

-2-


(iii) Executive’s right to reimbursement in accordance with NutriSystem policies for reasonable business expenses incurred on or prior to the Termination Date and not previously reimbursed;

(iv) rights that Executive has as a holder of securities of NutriSystem;

(v) Executive’s right to the treatment of his outstanding equity incentive awards in accordance with Section 3 above;

(vi) any rights of Executive for indemnification and/or advancement of expenses under the Bylaws or Certificate of Incorporation of NutriSystem, each as amended to date; and

(vii) any rights of Executive under directors and officers insurance policies maintained by NutriSystem.

(c) In addition to the foregoing, nothing in this Release shall prevent or prohibit Executive from filing a claim with a government agency, such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, that is responsible for enforcing a law on behalf of the government. However, Executive understands that, because he is waiving and releasing all claims “ for monetary damages and any other form of personal relief ,” Executive may only seek and receive non-personal forms of relief through any such claim.

(d) Executive represents and warrants that he has not assigned any Claim released hereunder and agrees not to file a lawsuit asserting any Claim released hereunder.

(e) Executive agrees to promptly indemnify and hold each of the NutriSystem Released Parties harmless from any liability, costs or obligations with respect to any Claim that is covered by the release set forth in this Section 4 but is nonetheless brought by any Executive Party against any NutriSystem Released Party (including any attorney’s fees or other charges incurred in defense of any such Claim).

(f) Executive understands and agrees that this Release shall not in any way be construed as an admission by NutriSystem of any unlawful or wrongful acts whatsoever against Executive or any other person. NutriSystem specifically disclaims any liability to, or wrongful acts against, Executive or any other person.

5. Revocation Period . Executive expressly acknowledges and recites that (a) he has read and understands the terms of this Release in its entirety; (b) he has entered into this Release knowingly and voluntarily, without any duress or coercion; (c) he has been advised orally and is hereby advised in writing to consult with an attorney with respect to this Release before signing it; (d) he was provided twenty-one (21) calendar days after receipt of the Release to consider its terms before signing it; and (e) he is provided seven (7) calendar days from the date of signing to terminate and revoke this Release, in which case this Release shall be unenforceable, null and void. Executive may revoke this Release during those seven (7) days by providing written notice of revocation to NutriSystem at the address specified in Section 11(c) .

 

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6. Non-Disparagement . NutriSystem will cause its directors, executive officers and authorized spokespersons to refrain from disparaging Executive or otherwise taking actions that could reasonably be expected to harm his professional or personal reputation. Similarly, the Executive Parties will refrain from disparaging or otherwise taking actions that could reasonably be expected to harm the professional or personal reputation of NutriSystem or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their directors, officers or employees. However, nothing in this Section 6 or elsewhere will prevent any person from testifying truthfully in any judicial, administrative or regulatory proceeding.

7. Cooperation . Executive agrees, on reasonable request, to cooperate reasonably with NutriSystem, its affiliates and their counsel in connection with any matter relating to his service to NutriSystem (including legal claims, investigations, regulatory matters and other proceedings). Executive’s reasonable cooperation in connection with such matters shall include being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness on behalf of NutriSystem. Executive will render such cooperation in a timely manner on reasonable notice from NutriSystem, provided that NutriSystem will attempt to schedule and limit the need for Executive’s cooperation so as not to unduly interfere with his personal and other professional obligations. Executive understands that in any legal action, investigation or regulatory proceeding, NutriSystem expects him to provide only accurate and truthful information or testimony. NutriSystem shall reimburse Executive within thirty (30) days for all expenses that he reasonably incurs in connection with this Section 7 (subject to presentation of suitable invoices).

8. Restrictive Covenant Obligations . Executive acknowledges and agrees that (a) the duration of Executive’s non- competition covenant under the Restrictive Covenant Agreement is the 12-month period immediately following the Termination Date; (b) the Restrictive Covenant Obligations remain reasonable and necessary to protect NutriSystem’s legitimate business interests; (c) Executive received adequate consideration to enter into the Restrictive Covenant Obligations; (d) the Restrictive Covenant Obligations continue in full-force and effect; and (e) Executive will continue to comply with the Restrictive Covenant Obligations.

9. Resolution of Disputes .

(a) All disputes, controversies and claims arising in connection with this Release (each, a “ Dispute ”) that are not settled by agreement between the Parties shall be finally settled under the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“ AAA ”) in effect from time to time. A single arbitrator shall be appointed by agreement between the Parties or, failing such agreement, by the AAA. The arbitration proceedings shall be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The arbitrator shall be bound by and strictly enforce the terms of this Release and may not limit, expand, or otherwise modify the terms of this Release. The arbitrator shall not have the power to award damages in connection with any Dispute in excess of actual compensatory damages or to award punitive damages. The award of the arbitrator shall be final and binding and judgment thereon may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) of the prevailing Party, and the arbitrator’s fees, shall be borne and paid by the Party that the arbitrator determines is the non-prevailing Party.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, either Party will have the right to seek temporary injunctive relief or the ordering of specific performance in a court of competent jurisdiction as may be available to such Party under applicable law with respect to any matters arising out of the other Party’s breach or threatened breach of such other Party’s obligations under this Release.

 

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10. Return of Company Property . Executive represents and warrants that (a) he has returned to NutriSystem all property belonging to it or its affiliates, including keys, passcards, credit cards, computers, software, computer files, marketing and sales materials, and any other record, document or piece of equipment in his possession or control, and (b) he has not retained copies of any property of NutriSystem or its affiliates, including any electronic copies.

11. Miscellaneous .

(a) Governing Law . This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof or of any other jurisdiction that would cause the substantive laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to apply.

(b) Entire Agreement . This Release constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the matters expressly addressed in this Release. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Release supersedes any prior communications, agreements or understandings, whether oral or written, between the Parties concerning the specific subject matter hereof, including the Employment Agreement.

(c) Notices . Any notice or other communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when received if delivered personally against receipt; when transmitted if transmitted during regular business hours on a business day by telecopy, electronic or digital transmission method (or on the next succeeding business day if transmitted during other than regular business hours on a business day); the next business day if sent by next business day delivery by a nationally recognized overnight courier service; or upon receipt if sent by certified, registered or express mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. In each case notice shall be sent as follows:

if to NutriSystem, to:

NutriSystem, Inc.

Fort Washington Executive Center

600 Office Center Drive

Fort Washington, PA 19034

Attention: General Counsel

if to Executive: to the most recent address contained in NutriSystem’s personnel files.

Any Party may, by notice given in accordance with this section to the other Party, designate another address or Person for receipt of notices hereunder.

 

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(d) Amendments . This Release may not be amended or modified except in writing signed by both Parties.

(e) Successors and Assigns . This Release shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the Parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators and successors, including (in the case of NutriSystem) successors through merger, consolidation or sale of stock or assets.

(f) Rules of Construction . The Section and other headings contained in this Release are for reference purposes only and shall not control or affect the construction of this Release or the interpretation thereof in any respect. Unless the context otherwise clearly requires, all Section and Article references are to this Release. The words “ include ,” “ includes ” and “ including ” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “ without limitation .” Whenever this Release provides for a date, day or period of time on or prior to which actions or events are to occur or not occur, and if such date, day or last day of such period of time falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then the same shall be deemed to fall on the immediately following business day. Wherever appropriate in the context, terms used herein in the singular also include the plural and vice versa. All references to statutes and related regulations shall include any amendments of same and any successor statutes and regulations. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Release shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Release.

(g) Expenses . Except to the extent expressly set forth in this Release, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Release and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Party incurring such costs and expenses.

(h) Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures . This Release may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Signatures on this Release transmitted by facsimile or by electronic mail in “portable document format” (“.pdf”) shall be deemed to be original signatures.

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As evidenced by their signatures below, Executive and NutriSystem certify that he/it has read the above Release and agrees to its terms.

NutriSystem, Inc.

 

By:  

/s/ Dawn M. Zier

    Date:  

March 6, 2013

Name:   Dawn M. Zier      
Title:   President & CEO      
Executive      

/s/ Michael R. Amburgey

    Date:  

March 8, 2013

Michael R. Amburgey      

 

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Exhibit 10.25

Executive Copy

 

LOGO

February 5, 2013

Ms. Keira Krausz

[Address Redacted]

Dear Keira:

We are pleased to extend to you (“ Executive ”) an offer to join NutriSystem, Inc. (the “ the Company ”) on the terms set forth in this letter agreement (this “ Agreement ”).

 

Commencement Date:    February 11, 2013.
Title/Reporting:    Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, reporting to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Executive will devote her full business time and best efforts to the performance of her duties for the Company; provided, however , that Executive shall be able to manage her personal investments or to engage in or serve such civic, community, charitable, educational, or religious organizations as she may select, so long as such service does not create a conflict of interest with, or interfere with the performance of, Executive’s duties hereunder or conflict with Executive’s covenants under the restrictive covenants agreement (attached hereto as Exhibit A ), which Executive is required to execute as a condition of her employment.
At-Will Employment:    Executive will be an at-will employee, which means that her employment may be terminated by either the Company or by her at any time, for any reason. Upon any cessation of her employment, except as otherwise provided herein, Executive’s entitlement will be limited to the payment of Base Salary accrued but unpaid through the effective date of that cessation.
Annual Base Salary:    $300,000, subject to annual review.
Signing Bonus:    $25,000, payable the first pay date after the Commencement Date, subject to prompt repayment in full if Executive’s employment with the Company ceases before the first anniversary of the Commencement Date, .
Initial Equity Grant:    On the Commencement Date Executive will receive an equity grant (the “ Initial Equity Grant ”) with a grant date fair value of $500,000 , with such grant date fair value allocated as follows: 25% Performance RSUs (the “ Inducement PRSUs ”), 25% Non-Qualified Stock Options and 50% Restricted Shares. The terms of the Performance RSU’s will

 

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   be established by the Compensation Committee (“ Compensation Committee ”) of the Company’s Board of Directors (“ Board ”) and will be substantially similar to the terms of the Performance RSUs applicable to the Company’s other executive officers. Restricted Shares and Options are time-based vesting 25% per year.
Annual Cash Bonus Opportunity:    Target annual bonus will be 70% of the then current Base Salary. Actual range of payout will be 0 to 150% of the target, based on actual performance against objectives established by the Compensation Committee for the Company’s other executive officers. Bonuses are paid within 2  1 / 2 months following the end of the relevant fiscal year. Except as otherwise provided herein, Executive will be required to remain employed through the applicable bonus payment date in order to receive any bonus.
Annual Equity Incentives:    Equity awards will be determined annually by the Compensation Committee in its discretion; provided, however, that for 2013, the awarded annual grant date fair value will be an amount sufficient to achieve the 50 th percentile of executive pay benchmarking for total direct compensation (TDC), excluding the Initial Equity Grant. The components and terms of the 2013 grant will be substantially consistent with the components and terms of 2013 annual grants made to the Company’s other executive officers.
Benefits; Expenses:    Executive will participate in the same vacation policies, benefit programs, and health, life and disability coverages (as in effect from time to time and on terms and conditions consistent with those) provided to the Company’s other senior executives. The Company will reimburse Executive, in accordance with the Company’s policy, for reasonable out of pocket travel and other expenses that she incurs in connection with her employment.
Definitions:   

Cause ” means: (a) Executive is convicted of a felony, or (b) in the reasonable determination of the Board, Executive has done any one of the following: (1) committed an act of fraud, embezzlement, or theft in the course of her employment, (2) caused intentional, wrongful damage to the property of the Company, (3) Executive’s material breach of any agreement with the Company or its affiliates, any duty owed to the Company or its stockholders or any published policy of the Company, which breach (if curable) is not cured within 30 days after receiving written notice from the Board specifying the details of the breach, or (4) engaged in gross misconduct or gross negligence in the course of employment. For avoidance of doubt, a termination due to Executive suffering a “Disability” will not constitute a termination “without Cause.” For this purpose, “ Disability ” means a condition entitling Executive to benefits under any Company sponsored or funded long term disability plan or policy.

 

Good Reason ” means: (a) a material diminution of Executive’s title, authority, duties or responsibilities; (b) a material reduction in

 

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   Executive’s then current Base Salary or annual bonus target opportunity; (c) a material change in the geographic location at which Executive performs services for the Company, which for this purpose shall mean the relocation of the Company’s headquarters by more than 50 miles; and (d) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company; provided that any such event will constitute Good Reason only if Executive notifies the Company in writing of such event within 90 days following the initial occurrence thereof, the Company fails to cure such event within 30 days after receipt from Executive of such written notice thereof, and Executive resigns her employment within 30 days following the expiration of that cure period.
Severance; Post-Termination Restrictive Covenants:   

In the event of a termination by the Company without Cause or a resignation by Executive for Good Reason, Executive will be entitled to:

 

(a) One year continuation of Base Salary at customary payroll intervals.

 

(b) One year continuation of group health benefits at active employee rates.

 

(c) Continued eligibility for a pro-rata portion of the annual cash bonus for the year of termination, based on actual performance in that year.

 

(d) If such termination occurs after the second anniversary of the Commencement Date: (i) any time-vested equity awards under the Initial Equity Grant that remain unvested shall vest, and (ii) if such termination occurs prior to the end of the performance period for the Inducement PRSUs, Executive will remain eligible to earn a pro-rata portion of those PRSUs based on actual performance through the end of that performance period and pro-rated based on the number of days of service completed during that performance period.

 

(e) Relief from Executive’s obligation to repay the signing bonus, if such termination occurs before the first anniversary of the Commencement Date.

 

All severance benefits are conditioned on: (1) Executive’s execution and delivery to the Company of a general release of claims against the Company and its affiliates, substantially in a form approved by the Board (the “ Release ”); (2) such Release becoming irrevocable within 30 days following the Company’s delivery of such Release to Executive’s; and (3) Executive’s continued compliance with her restrictive covenant obligations to the Company. Except for items (c) and (d)(ii) above, these payments and benefits will be paid or provided (or begin to be paid or provided, as applicable) on the first regularly scheduled payroll date that occurs after the Release becomes irrevocable; provided, however, that if the 30-day period described above begins in one taxable year and ends in a second taxable year,

 

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   such payments or benefits shall not commence until the second taxable year. The payments, if any, required by item (c) and (d)(ii) above will be paid within 2  1 / 2 months following the end of the applicable performance period.
Section 409A:   

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent compliance with the requirements of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(2) (or any successor provision) is necessary to avoid the application of an additional tax under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“ Section 409A ”) to any payments due to Executive upon or following her Separation from Service (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(h)(1) or any successor provision)), then notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (or any otherwise applicable plan, policy, agreement or arrangement), any such payments that are otherwise due within six months following Executive’s Separation from Service will be deferred without interest and paid to Executive in a lump sum immediately following the end of such six-month period. This paragraph should not be construed to prevent the application of Treas. Reg. §§ 1.409A-1(b)(4) or - 1(b)(9)(iii) (or any successor provisions) to amounts payable to Executive. For purposes of the application of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(4) (or any successor provision) to amounts payable hereunder, each payment in a series of payments will be deemed a separate payment.

 

While the parties have endeavored to structure Executive’s compensation rights so that payments to her are exempt from or compliant with Section 409A, the Company makes no representation to Executive in this regard and will have no obligation to indemnify Executive for taxes or interest imposed under Section 409A.

Indemnification:    Executive will be entitled to indemnification for acts performed or omissions made in her capacity as an officer of the Company to the extent provided in the Company’s governing documents.
Other:   

(a) Executive will be subject to all corporate policies applicable to executive officers, including the Company’s securities trading policy, anti-hedging policy, clawback policy and stock ownership guidelines.

 

(b) All payments (or transfers of property) to Executive will be subject to tax withholding to the extent required by applicable law.

 

(c) Both during and following her service with the Company, Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with any action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or proceeding) that relates to events occurring during Executive’s employment by the Company. After Executive’s employment ceases, the Company will provide reasonable advance notice of its need for Executive’s cooperation and will attempt to schedule and limit the need for Executive’s cooperation so as to minimize any disruption of Executive’s personal and other professional obligations. The

 

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   Company will reimburse Executive, in accordance with the Company’s policy, for reasonable out-of-pocket travel and other expenses that she incurs as a result of her cooperation.
  

(d) Executive represents and warrants to the Company that there are no orders, judgments, decrees, restrictions, agreements or understandings by which she is bound that would prevent or make unlawful her execution of this Agreement, that would be inconsistent or in conflict with this Agreement or her obligations hereunder, or that would otherwise prevent, limit or impair the performance of her duties to the Company.

 

(e) Notices permitted or required under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or overnight courier addressed, in the case of the Company, c/o its General Counsel at its principal executive office and, in the case of Executive, to her most recent address set forth in the personnel records of the Company.

 

(f) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the parties, their heirs, executors, administrators, agents, successors, permitted assigns, and estates, provided that Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement are personal to her and may not be assigned.

 

(g) This Agreement is governed by Pennsylvania law, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws. Any disputes, actions, claims or causes of action arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the employment relationship between the Company and Executive shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania or the Pennsylvania state courts located in Montgomery County.

 

(h) This Agreement sets forth the parties’ entire agreement regarding Executive’s employment and compensation by the Company and supersedes all prior agreements (including that certain Consulting Agreement dated January 14, 2013, except with respect to provisions thereof that by their nature are intended to survive any termination thereof), discussions and understandings on those topics. This Agreement may not be modified in any way except by a written amendment executed by Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company.

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Execution Copy

 

Your signature below confirms that all information provided to us during the interview and hiring process is true and accurate in all material respects. To indicate your acceptance of our offer and its terms, please sign and date this Agreement in the space provided below and return it to me. Please retain a copy for your records.

 

Sincerely,

/s/ Dawn M. Zier

Dawn M. Zier
President and CEO

 

Agreed and accepted on February 5, 2013:
By:  

/s/ Keira Krausz

  Keira Krausz

 

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Exhibit 10.26

NUTRISYSTEM, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED NUTRISYSTEM, INC.

2008 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

Keira Krausz

This RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [                    ] (the “ Date of Grant ”), is delivered by NutriSystem, Inc. to Keira Krausz (the “ Grantee ”).

RECITALS

A. The Amended and Restated NutriSystem, Inc. 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan permits the grant of stock awards in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan.

B. In satisfaction of the Company’s commitment to issue restricted shares to the Grantee upon commencement of her employment, as contained in the letter agreement between the Company and the Grantee dated February 5, 2013 (the “ Employment Agreement ”), the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has approved this stock award.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties to this Agreement, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

1. Stock Award .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, the Committee hereby grants to the Grantee [            ] shares of Company Stock, subject to the restrictions set forth below and in the Plan (the “ Restricted Stock ”) and acknowledges payment by the Grantee of [$            ] ($0.001 per share) for the Restricted Stock. Shares of Restricted Stock may not be transferred by the Grantee or subjected to any security interest until the shares have become vested pursuant to this Agreement and the Plan. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein will have the meanings defined in the Plan.

(b) The Grantee hereby accepts this award and acknowledges that it satisfies the Company’s commitment to issue restricted shares to her upon commencement of her employment, as described in the Employment Agreement.


2. Vesting and Nonassignability of Restricted Stock .

(a) Except as provided in Paragraphs 2(b) and 2(c), the shares of Restricted Stock shall become vested, and the restrictions described in Paragraph 2(e) shall lapse, according to the following vesting schedule, if the Grantee continues to be employed by, or provide services to, the Employer from the Date of Grant until the applicable vesting date:

(i) 25% of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock shall become vested on the first anniversary of the Date of Grant;

(ii) 25% of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock shall become vested on the second anniversary of the Date of Grant;

(iii) 25% of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock shall become vested on the third anniversary of the Date of Grant; and

(iv) the remaining 25% of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock shall become vested on the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant.

The vesting of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock shall be cumulative, but shall not exceed 100% of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock. If the foregoing schedule would produce fractional shares, the number of shares that vest shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

(b) If, prior to the date 100% of the Restricted Stock becomes vested, the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide services to, the Employer on account of (i) the death of the Grantee, or (ii) termination by the Employer because the Grantee becomes “totally disabled” (defined as a condition entitling Grantee to benefits under any long-term disability plan or policy maintained or funded by the Employer), then the next tranche of shares that would otherwise have vested under Paragraph 2(a) (but for such cessation of employment or service) will become vested as of the date of such cessation; provided that, in its discretion, the Company may condition such accelerated vesting on the execution by the Grantee or her estate (as applicable) of a release of claims in a form prescribed by the Company and on that release becoming irrevocable within 30 days following the cessation of the Grantee’s employment or service.

(c) If, prior to the date 100% of the Restricted Stock becomes vested, the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide services to, the Employer on account of (i) a termination by the Employer without “cause” (as defined in the Employment Agreement), or (ii) the resignation by the Grantee with “good reason” (as defined in the Employment Agreement), the vesting of the Restricted Stock shall accelerate to the extent, and subject to the conditions, described in the severance provisions of the Employment Agreement.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph 2, if the Grantee’s employment or service with the Employer terminates for any reason before the Restricted Stock is fully vested, the shares of Restricted Stock that are not then vested (or do not then become vested) shall be forfeited and must be immediately returned to the Company, and the Company shall pay to the Grantee, as consideration for the return of the non-vested shares, the lesser of $0.001 per share or the Fair Market Value of a share of Company Stock on the date of the forfeiture, for each returned share.

(e) During the period before the shares of Restricted Stock vest (the “ Restriction Period ”), the non-vested shares of Restricted Stock may not be assigned, transferred, pledged or

 

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otherwise disposed of by the Grantee. Any attempt to assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of the shares contrary to the provisions hereof, and the levy of any execution, attachment or similar process upon the shares, shall be null, void and without effect.

3. Issuance of Shares .

(a) The Company will cause the Restricted Stock to be issued in the Grantee’s name either by book-entry registration or issuance of a stock certificate or certificates. While the Restricted Stock remains unvested, the Company will cause an appropriate stop-transfer order to be issued and to remain in effect with respect to the Restricted Stock. As soon as practicable following the vesting of any of the Restricted Stock (and provided that appropriate arrangements have been made with the Company for the satisfaction of any required tax withholding), the Company will cause the stop-transfer order to be removed from an appropriate number of shares.

(b) If any certificate is issued in respect of Restricted Stock, that certificate will include such legends as the Company determines are appropriate and will be held in escrow by the Company or its designee. In addition, the Grantee may be required to execute and deliver to the Company or its designee a stock power with respect to the Restricted Stock. When any certificated Restricted Stock becomes vested, the Company will cause a new certificate to be issued without that portion of the legend referencing the forfeiture conditions described in Paragraph 2 and will cause that new certificate to be delivered to the Grantee (provided that appropriate arrangements have been made with the Company for the satisfaction of any required tax withholding).

(c) During the Restriction Period, the Grantee shall receive any cash dividends or other distributions paid with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock and may vote the shares of Restricted Stock. In the event of a dividend or distribution payable in stock or other property or a reclassification, split up or similar event during the Restriction Period, the shares or other property issued or declared with respect to the non-vested shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject to the same forfeiture conditions and transfer restrictions as those non-vested shares.

(d) The obligation of the Company to deliver shares upon the vesting of the Restricted Stock shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations and such approvals by governmental agencies as may be deemed appropriate to comply with relevant securities laws and regulations.

4. Dissolution or Liquidation; Sale or Merger . In the event of a dissolution, liquidation, sale or merger of the Company or similar event or transaction, the Committee may take such actions with respect to the Restricted Stock as it deems appropriate and consistent with the Plan.

5. Grant Subject to Plan Provisions . This grant is made pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and in all respects shall be interpreted in accordance with the Plan. The grant is subject to interpretations, regulations and determinations concerning the Plan established from time to time by the Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, including, but not limited to, provisions pertaining to (i) rights and obligations with respect to withholding taxes, (ii) the registration, qualification or listing of the shares, (iii) changes in capitalization of the Company, and (iv) other requirements of applicable law. The Committee shall have the authority to interpret and construe the grant pursuant to the terms of the Plan, and its decisions shall be conclusive as to any questions arising hereunder.

 

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6. Withholding . The Grantee shall be required to pay to the Employer, or make other arrangements satisfactory to the Employer to provide for the payment of, any federal, state, local or other taxes that the Employer is required to withhold with respect to the grant or vesting of the Restricted Stock. Subject to Committee approval, the Grantee may elect to satisfy any tax withholding obligation of the Employer with respect to the Restricted Stock by having vested shares withheld up to an amount that does not exceed the minimum applicable withholding tax rate for federal (including FICA), state, local and other tax liabilities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Agreement, until the Grantee has satisfied the Employer’s withholding obligation with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock, the Grantee shall not have any rights to sell or transfer any shares that have become vested pursuant to Paragraph 2.

7. Restrictions on Sale or Transfer of Shares .

(a) The Grantee will not sell, transfer, pledge, donate, assign, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber the shares underlying this grant unless the shares are registered under the 1933 Act, or the Company is given an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the Company that such registration is not required under the 1933 Act.

(b) In consideration for this grant of Restricted Stock, the Grantee agrees to be bound by the Employer’s policies as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Insider Trading, Anti-Hedging and Clawback Policies and Stock Ownership Guidelines, and understands that there may be certain times during the year that the Grantee will be prohibited from selling, transferring, donating, assigning, mortgaging, hypothecating or otherwise encumbering Company securities.

8. No Employment or Other Rights . This grant shall not confer upon the Grantee any right to be retained by or in the employ or service of the Employer and shall not interfere in any way with the right of the Employer to terminate the Grantee’s employment or service at any time. The right of the Employer to terminate at will the Grantee’s employment or service at any time for any reason is specifically reserved.

9. Confidential Information, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation . The Grantee affirms her obligations under the Nondisclosure and Noncompete Agreement for Management Employees.

10. Assignment by Company . The rights and protections of the Company hereunder shall extend to any successors or assigns of the Company and to the Company’s parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company without the Grantee’s consent.

11. Effect on Other Benefits . The value of this award or the shares subject hereto shall not be considered eligible earnings for purposes of any other plan maintained by the Company or the Employer. Neither shall such value be considered part of the Grantee’s compensation for purposes of determining or calculating other benefits that are based on compensation, such as life insurance.

 

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12. Applicable Law . The validity, construction, interpretation and effect of this instrument shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.

13. Entire Agreement . This Agreement, including the terms of the Employment Agreement specifically incorporated by reference in Sections 2(c), represents the entire agreement between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof, and merges and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings of every nature relating to the subject matter hereof.

14. Consent to Electronic Delivery . The Grantee hereby authorizes the Company to deliver electronically any prospectuses or other documentation related to this Agreement, the Plan and any other compensation or benefit plan or arrangement in effect from time to time (including, without limitation, reports, proxy statements or other documents that are required to be delivered to participants in such plans or arrangements pursuant to federal or state laws, rules or regulations). For this purpose, electronic delivery will include, without limitation, delivery by means of e-mail or e-mail notification that such documentation is available on the Company’s intranet site. Upon written request, the Company will provide to the Grantee a paper copy of any document also delivered to the Grantee electronically. The authorization described in this paragraph may be revoked by the Grantee at any time by written notice to the Company.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused its duly authorized officer to execute this Agreement, and the Grantee has placed his or her signature hereon, on this         day of             , 2013.

 

      NUTRISYSTEM, INC.

Attest:

     

 

    By:  

 

Name:

  Kathleen Simone     Name:   David Clark
Title:   SVP, Finance & Controller     Title:   Chief Financial Officer

I hereby accept the grant of Restricted Stock described in this Agreement, and I agree to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. I hereby further agree that all of the decisions and determinations of the Committee shall be final and binding.

 

 

Grantee: Keira Krausz

 

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Exhibit 10.27

NUTRISYSTEM, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED NUTRISYSTEM, INC.

2008 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION GRANT AGREEMENT

Keira Krausz

This NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION GRANT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [                    ] (the “ Date of Grant ”), is delivered by NutriSystem, Inc. (the “ Company ”) to Keira Krausz (the “ Grantee ”).

RECITALS

A. The Amended and Restated NutriSystem, Inc. 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan permits the grant of stock options to purchase shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.

B. In satisfaction of the Company’s commitment to issue stock options to the Grantee upon commencement of her employment, as contained in the letter agreement between the Employer and the Grantee dated February 5, 2013 (the “ Employment Agreement ”), the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has approved this grant.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties to this Agreement, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

1. Grant of Option .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Grantee a nonqualified stock option (the “ Option ”) to purchase [                ] shares of Company Stock at an exercise price of [$        ] per share of Company Stock. The Option shall become vested and exercisable according to Paragraph 2 below.

(b) The Grantee hereby accepts this stock award and acknowledges that it satisfies the Company’s commitment to issue stock options to her upon commencement of her employment, as described in the Employment Agreement.

(c) Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein will have the meanings defined in the Plan.

 


2. Exercisability of Option .

(a) Except as provided below in Paragraphs 2(b) and 2(c), the Option shall become vested and exercisable on the following dates, if the Grantee continues to be employed by, or provide services to, the Employer from the Date of Grant through the applicable vesting date (each, a “ Vesting Date ”):

 

Vesting Date

   Portion of
Option
Becoming

Exercisable
on the
Vesting
Date
 

First Anniversary of Date of Grant

     25

Second Anniversary of Date of Grant

     25

Third Anniversary of Date of Grant

     25

Fourth Anniversary of Date of Grant

     25

The vesting and exercisability of the Option is cumulative, but shall not exceed 100% of the shares of Company Stock subject to the Option. If the foregoing schedule would produce fractional shares of Company Stock, the number of shares of Company Stock for which the Option becomes vested and exercisable shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

(b) If at any time prior to the date the Option becomes fully vested and exercisable, the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide services to, the Employer on account of (i) the death of the Grantee, or (ii) termination by the Employer because the Grantee becomes “totally disabled” (defined as a condition entitling Grantee to benefits under any long-term disability plan or policy maintained or funded by the Employer), the next tranche of the Option that would otherwise have become vested and exercisable under Paragraph 2(a) (but for such cessation of employment or service) will become vested and exercisable as of the date of such cessation of employment or service; provided that, in its discretion, the Company may condition such accelerated vesting on the execution by the Grantee or her estate (as applicable) of a release of claims in a form prescribed by the Company and on that release becoming irrevocable within 30 days following the cessation of the Grantee’s employment or service.

(c) If at any time prior to the date the Option becomes fully vested and exercisable, the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide services to, the Employer on account of (i) a termination by the Employer without “cause” (as defined in the Employment Agreement), or (ii) the resignation by the Grantee with “good reason” (as defined in the Employment Agreement), the vesting of the Option shall accelerate to the extent, and subject to the conditions, described in the severance provisions of the Employment Agreement.

3. Term of Option .

(a) The Option shall have a term of seven years from the Date of Grant and shall terminate at the expiration of that period, unless it is terminated at an earlier date pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or the Plan.

(b) The Option shall also automatically terminate upon the happening of the first of the following events:

(i) The expiration of the 90-day period after the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer, if the termination is for any reason other than death, cause or the Grantee becoming totally disabled.

 

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(ii) The expiration of the one-year period after the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer on account of the Grantee becoming totally disabled.

(iii) The expiration of the one-year period after the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer, if the Grantee dies while employed by, or providing service to, the Employer or within 90 days after the Grantee ceases to be so employed or provide such services on account of a termination described in clause (i) above.

(iv) The date on which the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer for “cause.” In addition, notwithstanding the prior provisions of this Paragraph 3, if the Grantee engages in conduct that constitutes “cause” after the Grantee’s employment or service terminates, the Option shall immediately terminate and the Grantee shall automatically forfeit all shares of Company Stock underlying any exercised portion of the Option for which the Company has not yet delivered the share certificates, upon refund by the Company of the exercise price paid by the Grantee for such shares.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the Option be exercised after the date that is immediately before the seventh anniversary of the Date of Grant. Any portion of the Option that is not exercisable at the time the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer (determined after giving effect to Paragraph 2(b) or 2(c), if applicable) shall immediately terminate.

4. Exercise Procedures .

(a) Subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 2 and 3 above, the Grantee may exercise part or all of the exercisable portion of the Option by giving the Company written notice of intent to exercise in the manner provided in this Agreement, specifying the number of shares of Company Stock as to which the Option is to be exercised and the method of payment. Payment of the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes shall be made in accordance with procedures established by the Committee from time to time based on the type of payment being made but, in any event, prior to issuance of the shares of Company Stock. The Grantee shall pay the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes (i) in cash or certified check, (ii) if permitted by the Committee, by delivering shares of Company Stock owned by the Grantee and having an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price or by attestation (on a form prescribed by the Committee) to ownership of shares of Company Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price, (iii) by payment through a broker in accordance with procedures permitted by Regulation T of the Federal Reserve Board, or (iv) by such other method as the Committee may approve to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Committee may impose from time to time such limitations as it deems appropriate on the use of shares of Company Stock to exercise the Option.

(b) The obligation of the Company to deliver shares of Company Stock upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations and such approvals by governmental agencies as may be deemed appropriate by the Committee, including such actions as Company counsel shall deem necessary or appropriate to comply with relevant securities laws and regulations. The Company may require that the Grantee (or other person exercising the

 

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Option after the Grantee’s death) represent that the Grantee is purchasing the shares of Company Stock for the Grantee’s own account and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of the shares of Company Stock, or such other representations as the Committee deems appropriate.

(c) All obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall be subject to the rights of the Company as set forth in the Plan to withhold amounts required to be withheld for all applicable taxes. Subject to Committee approval, the Grantee may elect to satisfy any tax withholding obligation of the Employer with respect to the Option by having shares of Company Stock withheld up to an amount that does not exceed the minimum applicable withholding tax rate for federal (including FICA), state and local tax liabilities.

5. Dissolution or Liquidation; Sale or Merger . In the event of a dissolution, liquidation, sale or merger of the Company or any similar event or transaction, the Committee may adjust, terminate and/or settle the Option to the extent it deems appropriate and consistent with the Plan’s purposes.

6. Restrictions on Exercise . Except as the Committee may otherwise permit pursuant to the Plan, only the Grantee may exercise the Option during the Grantee’s lifetime and, after the Grantee’s death, the Option shall be exercisable (subject to the limitations specified in the Plan) solely by the person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, to the extent that the Option is exercisable pursuant to this Agreement.

7. Grant Subject to Plan Provisions . This grant is made pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and in all respects shall be interpreted in accordance with the Plan. The grant and exercise of the Option are subject to interpretations, regulations and determinations concerning the Plan established from time to time by the Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, including, but not limited to, provisions pertaining to (a) rights and obligations with respect to withholding taxes, (b) the registration, qualification or listing of the shares of Company Stock, (c) changes in capitalization of the Company and (d) other requirements of applicable law. The Committee shall have the authority to interpret and construe the Option pursuant to the terms of the Plan, and its decisions shall be conclusive as to any questions arising hereunder.

8. Restrictions on Sale or Transfer of Shares.

(a) The Grantee agrees that the Grantee will not sell, transfer, pledge, donate, assign, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber the shares of Company Stock underlying the Option unless the shares of Company Stock are registered under the 1933 Act, or the Company is given an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the Company that such registration is not required under the 1933 Act.

(b) In consideration for this Option grant, the Grantee agrees to be bound by the Employer’s policies as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Insider Trading, Anti-Hedging and Clawback Policies and Stock Ownership Guidelines, and understands that there may be certain times during the year that the Grantee will be prohibited from selling, transferring, donating, assigning, mortgaging, hypothecating or otherwise encumbering Company securities.

 

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9. No Employment or Other Rights . The grant of the Option shall not confer upon the Grantee any right to be retained by or in the employ or service of the Employer and shall not interfere in any way with the right of the Employer to terminate at will the Grantee’s employment or service at any time. The right of the Employer to terminate at will the Grantee’s employment or service at any time for any reason is specifically reserved.

10. No Stockholder Rights . Neither the Grantee, nor any person entitled to exercise the Grantee’s rights in the event of the Grantee’s death, shall have any of the rights and privileges of a stockholder with respect to the shares of Company Stock subject to the Option until such shares are actually issued following exercise of the Option.

11. Confidential Information, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation . The Grantee affirms her obligations under the Nondisclosure and Noncompete Agreement for Management Employees.

12. Assignment and Transfers . Except as the Committee may otherwise permit pursuant to the Plan, the rights and interests of the Grantee under this Agreement may not be sold, assigned, encumbered or otherwise transferred except, in the event of the death of the Grantee, by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. In the event of any attempt by the Grantee to alienate, assign, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of the Option or any right hereunder, except as provided for in this Agreement, or in the event of the levy or any attachment, execution or similar process upon the rights or interests hereby conferred, the Company may terminate the Option by notice to the Grantee, and the Option and all rights hereunder shall thereupon become null and void. The rights and protections of the Company hereunder shall extend to any successors or assigns of the Company and to the Company’s parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company without the Grantee’s consent.

13. Effect on Other Benefits . The value of this Option or the shares of Company Stock received upon exercise of the Option shall not be considered eligible earnings for purposes of any other plans maintained by the Company or the Employer. Neither shall such value be considered part of the Grantee’s compensation for purposes of determining or calculating other benefits that are based on compensation, such as life insurance.

14. Applicable Law . The validity, construction, interpretation and effect of this instrument shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.

15. Notice . Notices permitted or required under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or overnight courier addressed, in the case of the Company, c/o its General Counsel at its principal executive office and, in the case of the Grantee, to her most recent address set forth in the personnel records of the Company.

16. Entire Agreement . This Agreement, including the terms of the Employment Agreement specifically incorporated by reference in Paragraph 2(c), represents the entire agreement between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof, and merges and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings of every nature relating to the subject matter hereof.

 

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17. Consent to Electronic Delivery . The Grantee hereby authorizes the Company to deliver electronically any prospectuses or other documentation related to this Agreement, the Plan and any other compensation or benefit plan or arrangement in effect from time to time (including, without limitation, reports, proxy statements or other documents that are required to be delivered to participants in such plans or arrangements pursuant to federal or state laws, rules or regulations). For this purpose, electronic delivery will include, without limitation, delivery by means of e-mail or e-mail notification that such documentation is available on the Company’s intranet site. Upon written request, the Company will provide to the Grantee a paper copy of any document also delivered to the Grantee electronically. The authorization described in this paragraph may be revoked by the Grantee at any time by written notice to the Company.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused its duly authorized officer to execute this Agreement, and the Grantee has placed his or her signature hereon, on this     day of             , 2013.

 

      NUTRISYSTEM, INC.
Attest:        

 

    By:  

 

Name:   Kathleen Simone     Name:   David Clark
Title:   SVP, Finance & Controller     Title:   Chief Financial Officer

I hereby accept the grant of the Option described in this Agreement, and I agree to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. I hereby further agree that all of the decisions and determinations of the Committee shall be final and binding.

 

 

Grantee: Keira Krausz

 

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Exhibit 10.28

NUTRISYSTEM, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED NUTRISYSTEM, INC.

2008 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

(Name)

This RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [                    ] (the “ Date of Grant ”), is delivered by NutriSystem, Inc. to [                    ] (the “ Grantee ”).

RECITALS

A. The Amended and Restated NutriSystem, Inc. 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan permits the grant of stock awards in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan.

B. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has approved this stock award under the Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties to this Agreement, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

1. Stock Award .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, the Committee hereby grants to the Grantee [                ] shares of Company Stock, subject to the restrictions set forth below and in the Plan (the “ Restricted Stock ”) and acknowledges payment by the Grantee of [$        ] ($0.001 per share) for the Restricted Stock. Shares of Restricted Stock may not be transferred by the Grantee or subjected to any security interest until the shares have become vested pursuant to this Agreement and the Plan.

(b) Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein will have the meanings defined in the Plan.

2. Vesting and Nonassignability of Restricted Stock .

(a) Except as provided in Paragraphs 2(b) and 2(c), the shares of Restricted Stock shall become vested, and the restrictions described in Paragraph 2(f) shall lapse, according to the following vesting schedule, if the Grantee continues to be employed by, or provide services to, the Employer from the Date of Grant until the applicable vesting date:

(i) 25% of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock shall become vested on the first anniversary of the Date of Grant;


(ii) 25% of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock shall become vested on the second anniversary of the Date of Grant;

(iii) 25% of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock shall become vested on the third anniversary of the Date of Grant; and

(iv) the remaining 25% of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock shall become vested on the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant.

The vesting of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock shall be cumulative, but shall not exceed 100% of the shares subject to the Restricted Stock. If the foregoing schedule would produce fractional shares, the number of shares that vest shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

(b) If, prior to the date 100% of the Restricted Stock becomes vested, the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide services to, the Employer on account of (i) the death of the Grantee, (ii) termination by the Employer because the Grantee becomes “totally disabled” (as defined below), (iii) a termination by the Employer without “cause” (as defined below), or (iv) the resignation by the Grantee with “good reason” (as defined below), then the next tranche of shares that would otherwise have vested under Paragraph 2(a) (but for such cessation of employment or service) will become vested as of the date of such cessation; provided that, in its discretion, the Company may condition such accelerated vesting on the execution by the Grantee or the Grantee’s estate (as applicable) of a release of claims in a form prescribed by the Company and on that release becoming irrevocable within 30 days following the cessation of the Grantee’s employment or service.

(c) If a cessation of employment or service described in Paragraph 2(b) occurs within one (1) year following a Change of Control, then in lieu of accelerating the vesting of only the next tranche of shares, 100% of the Restricted Stock will become vested as of the date of such termination of employment or service (subject to the satisfaction of the release requirements described in Paragraph 2(b)).

(d) For purposes of this Agreement:

(i) “cause” will have the meaning defined in any employment agreement, offer letter or similar agreement between the Employer and the Grantee or, in the absence of such an agreement: (a) the Grantee conviction of a felony, or (b) a determination of the Committee that the Grantee has: (1) committed an act of fraud, embezzlement or theft, (2) caused intentional damage to the property of the Employer, (3) materially breached any agreement with the Employer, any duty owed to the Company or its stockholders or any published policy of the Employer, which breach (if curable) is not cured within 30 days after receiving written notice from the Employer identifying the breach, or (4) engaged in gross misconduct or gross negligence in the course of employment or service.

(ii) “good reason” will have the meaning defined in any employment agreement, offer letter or similar agreement between the Employer and the Grantee or, in the absence of such an agreement: (a) a material diminution of the Grantee’s title, authority or duties, (b) a material reduction in the Grantee’s base salary, or (c) a

 

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relocation by more than 50 miles of the Grantee’s principal worksite; provided that, any such event will constitute “good reason” only if the Grantee notifies the Employer in writing of such event within 90 days following the initial occurrence thereof, the Employer fails to cure such event within 30 days after receipt from the Grantee of that written notice, and the Grantee resigns his or her employment within 30 days following the expiration of that cure period.

(iii) “totally disabled” means a condition entitling Grantee to benefits under any long-term disability plan or policy maintained or funded by the Employer.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph 2, if the Grantee’s employment or service with the Employer terminates for any reason before the Restricted Stock is fully vested, the shares of Restricted Stock that are not then vested (or do not then become vested) shall be forfeited and must be immediately returned to the Company, and the Company shall pay to the Grantee, as consideration for the return of the non-vested shares, the lesser of $0.001 per share or the Fair Market Value of a share of Company Stock on the date of the forfeiture, for each returned share.

(f) During the period before the shares of Restricted Stock vest (the “ Restriction Period ”), the non-vested shares of Restricted Stock may not be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of by the Grantee. Any attempt to assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of the shares contrary to the provisions hereof, and the levy of any execution, attachment or similar process upon the shares, shall be null, void and without effect.

3. Issuance of Shares .

(a) The Company will cause the Restricted Stock to be issued in the Grantee’s name either by book-entry registration or issuance of a stock certificate or certificates. While the Restricted Stock remains unvested, the Company will cause an appropriate stop-transfer order to be issued and to remain in effect with respect to the Restricted Stock. As soon as practicable following the vesting of any of the Restricted Stock (and provided that appropriate arrangements have been made with the Company for the satisfaction of any required tax withholding), the Company will cause the stop-transfer order to be removed from an appropriate number of shares.

(b) If any certificate is issued in respect of Restricted Stock, that certificate will include such legends as the Company determines are appropriate and will be held in escrow by the Company or its designee. In addition, the Grantee may be required to execute and deliver to the Company or its designee a stock power with respect to the Restricted Stock. When any certificated Restricted Stock becomes vested, the Company will cause a new certificate to be issued without that portion of the legend referencing the forfeiture conditions described in Paragraph 2 and will cause that new certificate to be delivered to the Grantee (provided that appropriate arrangements have been made with the Company for the satisfaction of any required tax withholding).

(c) During the Restriction Period, the Grantee shall receive any cash dividends or other distributions paid with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock and may vote the shares of Restricted Stock. In the event of a dividend or distribution payable in stock or other property or

 

-3-


a reclassification, split up or similar event during the Restriction Period, the shares or other property issued or declared with respect to the non-vested shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject to the same forfeiture conditions and transfer restrictions as those non-vested shares.

(d) The obligation of the Company to deliver shares upon the vesting of the Restricted Stock shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations and such approvals by governmental agencies as may be deemed appropriate to comply with relevant securities laws and regulations.

4. Dissolution or Liquidation; Sale or Merger . In the event of a dissolution, liquidation, sale or merger of the Company or similar event or transaction, the Committee may take such actions with respect to the Restricted Stock as it deems appropriate and consistent with the Plan.

5. Grant Subject to Plan Provisions . This grant is made pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and in all respects shall be interpreted in accordance with the Plan. The grant is subject to interpretations, regulations and determinations concerning the Plan established from time to time by the Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, including, but not limited to, provisions pertaining to (i) rights and obligations with respect to withholding taxes, (ii) the registration, qualification or listing of the shares, (iii) changes in capitalization of the Company, and (iv) other requirements of applicable law. The Committee shall have the authority to interpret and construe the grant pursuant to the terms of the Plan, and its decisions shall be conclusive as to any questions arising hereunder.

6. Withholding . The Grantee shall be required to pay to the Employer, or make other arrangements satisfactory to the Employer to provide for the payment of, any federal, state, local or other taxes that the Employer is required to withhold with respect to the grant or vesting of the Restricted Stock. Subject to Committee approval, the Grantee may elect to satisfy any tax withholding obligation of the Employer with respect to the Restricted Stock by having vested shares withheld up to an amount that does not exceed the minimum applicable withholding tax rate for federal (including FICA), state, local and other tax liabilities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Agreement, until the Grantee has satisfied the Employer’s withholding obligation with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock, the Grantee shall not have any rights to sell or transfer any shares that have become vested pursuant to Paragraph 2.

7. Restrictions on Sale or Transfer of Shares .

(a) The Grantee will not sell, transfer, pledge, donate, assign, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber the shares underlying this grant unless the shares are registered under the 1933 Act, or the Company is given an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the Company that such registration is not required under the 1933 Act.

(b) In consideration for this grant of Restricted Stock, the Grantee agrees to be bound by the Employer’s policies as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Insider Trading, Anti-Hedging and Clawback Policies and Stock Ownership Guidelines, and understands that there may be certain times during the year that the Grantee will be prohibited from selling, transferring, donating, assigning, mortgaging, hypothecating or otherwise encumbering the Company’s securities.

 

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8. No Employment or Other Rights . This grant shall not confer upon the Grantee any right to be retained by or in the employ or service of the Employer and shall not interfere in any way with the right of the Employer to terminate the Grantee’s employment or service at any time. The right of the Employer to terminate at will the Grantee’s employment or service at any time for any reason is specifically reserved.

9. Confidential Information, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation . The Grantee affirms his or her obligations under the Nondisclosure and Noncompete Agreement for Management Employees.

10. Assignment by Company . The rights and protections of the Company hereunder shall extend to any successors or assigns of the Company and to the Company’s parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company without the Grantee’s consent.

11. Effect on Other Benefits . The value of this award or the shares subject hereto shall not be considered eligible earnings for purposes of any other plan maintained by the Company or the Employer. Neither shall such value be considered part of the Grantee’s compensation for purposes of determining or calculating other benefits that are based on compensation, such as life insurance.

12. Applicable Law . The validity, construction, interpretation and effect of this instrument shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.

13. Notice . Notices permitted or required under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or overnight courier addressed, in the case of the Company, c/o its General Counsel at its principal executive office and, in the case of the Grantee, to his or her most recent address set forth in the personnel records of the Company.

14. Entire Agreement . This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof, and merges and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings of every nature relating to the subject matter hereof.

15. Amendment . This Agreement cannot be changed, modified, extended or terminated except upon written amendment executed by the parties hereto. Any such written amendment must be approved by the Committee to be effective against the Company.

16. Consent to Electronic Delivery . The Grantee hereby authorizes the Company to deliver electronically any prospectuses or other documentation related to this Agreement, the Plan and any other compensation or benefit plan or arrangement in effect from time to time (including, without limitation, reports, proxy statements or other documents that are required to be delivered to participants in such plans or arrangements pursuant to federal or state laws, rules or regulations). For this purpose, electronic delivery will include, without limitation, delivery by means of e-mail or e-mail notification that such documentation is available on the Company’s intranet site. Upon written request, the Company will provide to the Grantee a paper copy of any document also delivered to the Grantee electronically. The authorization described in this paragraph may be revoked by the Grantee at any time by written notice to the Company.

[ Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused its duly authorized officer to execute this Agreement, and the Grantee has placed his or her signature hereon, on this [    ] day of [            ].

 

      NUTRISYSTEM, INC.
Attest:        

 

    By:  

 

Name:       Name:  
Title:       Title:  

I hereby accept the grant of Restricted Stock described in this Agreement, and I agree to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. I hereby further agree that all of the decisions and determinations of the Committee shall be final and binding.

 

 

Grantee: [NAME]

 

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Exhibit 10.29

NUTRISYSTEM, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED NUTRISYSTEM, INC.

2008 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION GRANT AGREEMENT

(Name)

This NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION GRANT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [            ] (the “ Date of Grant ”), is delivered by NutriSystem, Inc. to [                    ] (the “ Grantee ”).

RECITALS

A. The Amended and Restated NutriSystem, Inc. 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan permits the grant of stock options to purchase shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.

B. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has approved this grant under the Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties to this Agreement, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

1. Grant of Option .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Grantee a nonqualified stock option (the “ Option ”) to purchase [                ] shares of Company Stock at an exercise price of $[        ] per share of Company Stock. The Option shall become vested and exercisable according to Paragraph 2 below.

(b) Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein will have the meanings defined in the Plan.

2. Exercisability of Option .

(a) Except as provided below in Paragraphs 2(b) and 2(c), the Option shall become vested and exercisable on the following dates, if the Grantee continues to be employed by, or provide services to, the Employer from the Date of Grant through the applicable vesting date (each, a “ Vesting Date ”):

 

Vesting Date

   Portion of
Option
Becoming
Exercisable
on the
Vesting
Date
 

First Anniversary of Date of Grant

     25

Second Anniversary of Date of Grant

     25

Third Anniversary of Date of Grant

     25

Fourth Anniversary of Date of Grant

     25


The vesting and exercisability of the Option is cumulative, but shall not exceed 100% of the shares of Company Stock subject to the Option. If the foregoing schedule would produce fractional shares of Company Stock, the number of shares of Company Stock for which the Option becomes vested and exercisable shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

(b) If at any time prior to the date the Option becomes fully vested and exercisable, the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide services to, the Employer on account of (i) the death of the Grantee, (ii) termination by the Employer because the Grantee becomes “totally disabled” (as defined below), (iii) a termination by the Employer without “cause” (as defined below), or (iv) the resignation by the Grantee with “good reason” (as defined below), the next tranche of the Option that would otherwise have become vested and exercisable under Paragraph 2(a) (but for such cessation of employment or service) will become vested and exercisable as of the date of such cessation of employment or service; provided that, in its discretion, the Company may condition such accelerated vesting on the execution by the Grantee or the Grantee’s estate (as applicable) of a release of claims in a form prescribed by the Company and on that release becoming irrevocable within 30 days following the cessation of the Grantee’s employment or service.

(c) If a cessation of employment or service described in Paragraph 2(b) occurs within one (1) year following a Change of Control, then in lieu of accelerating the vesting of only the next tranche of the Option, the Option will become fully vested and exercisable as of the date of such termination of employment or service (subject to the satisfaction of the release requirements described in Paragraph 2(b)).

(d) For purposes of this Agreement:

(i) “cause” will have the meaning defined in any employment agreement, offer letter or similar agreement between the Employer and the Grantee or, in the absence of such an agreement: (a) the Grantee conviction of a felony, or (b) a determination of the Committee that the Grantee has: (1) committed an act of fraud, embezzlement or theft, (2) caused intentional damage to the property of the Employer, (3) materially breached any agreement with the Employer, any duty owed to the Company or its stockholders or any published policy of the Employer, which breach (if curable) is not cured within 30 days after receiving written notice from the Employer identifying the breach, or (4) engaged in gross misconduct or gross negligence in the course of employment or service.

(ii) “good reason” will have the meaning defined in any employment agreement, offer letter or similar agreement between the Employer and the Grantee or, in the absence of such an agreement: (a) a material diminution of the Grantee’s title, authority or duties, (b) a material reduction in the Grantee’s base salary, or (c) a relocation by more than 50 miles of the Grantee’s principal worksite; provided that, any such event will constitute “good reason” only if the Grantee notifies the Employer in writing of such event within 90 days following the initial occurrence thereof, the Employer fails to cure such event within 30 days after receipt from the Grantee of that written notice, and the Grantee resigns his or her employment within 30 days following the expiration of that cure period.

(iii) “totally disabled” means a condition entitling Grantee to benefits under any long-term disability plan or policy maintained or funded by the Employer.

 

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3. Term of Option .

(a) The Option shall have a term of seven years from the Date of Grant and shall terminate at the expiration of that period, unless it is terminated at an earlier date pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or the Plan.

(b) The Option shall also automatically terminate upon the happening of the first of the following events:

(i) The expiration of the 90-day period after the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer, if the termination is for any reason other than death, cause or the Grantee becoming totally disabled.

(ii) The expiration of the one-year period after the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer on account of the Grantee becoming totally disabled.

(iii) The expiration of the one-year period after the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer, if the Grantee dies while employed by, or providing service to, the Employer or within 90 days after the Grantee ceases to be so employed or provide such services on account of a termination described in clause (i) above.

(iv) The date on which the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer for “cause.” In addition, notwithstanding the prior provisions of this Paragraph 3, if the Grantee engages in conduct that constitutes “cause” after the Grantee’s employment or service terminates, the Option shall immediately terminate and the Grantee shall automatically forfeit all shares of Company Stock underlying any exercised portion of the Option for which the Company has not yet delivered the share certificates, upon refund by the Company of the exercise price paid by the Grantee for such shares.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the Option be exercised after the date that is immediately before the seventh anniversary of the Date of Grant. Any portion of the Option that is not exercisable at the time the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer (determined after giving effect to Paragraph 2(b) or 2(c), if applicable) shall immediately terminate.

4. Exercise Procedures .

(a) Subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 2 and 3 above, the Grantee may exercise part or all of the exercisable portion of the Option by giving the Company written notice of intent to exercise in the manner provided in this Agreement, specifying the number of shares of Company Stock as to which the Option is to be exercised and the method of payment. Payment

 

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of the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes shall be made in accordance with procedures established by the Committee from time to time based on the type of payment being made but, in any event, prior to issuance of the shares of Company Stock. The Grantee shall pay the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes (i) in cash or certified check, (ii) if permitted by the Committee, by delivering shares of Company Stock owned by the Grantee and having an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price or by attestation (on a form prescribed by the Committee) to ownership of shares of Company Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price, (iii) by payment through a broker in accordance with procedures permitted by Regulation T of the Federal Reserve Board, or (iv) by such other method as the Committee may approve to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Committee may impose from time to time such limitations as it deems appropriate on the use of shares of Company Stock to exercise the Option.

(b) The obligation of the Company to deliver shares of Company Stock upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations and such approvals by governmental agencies as may be deemed appropriate by the Committee, including such actions as Company counsel shall deem necessary or appropriate to comply with relevant securities laws and regulations. The Company may require that the Grantee (or other person exercising the Option after the Grantee’s death) represent that the Grantee is purchasing the shares of Company Stock for the Grantee’s own account and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of the shares of Company Stock, or such other representations as the Committee deems appropriate.

(c) All obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall be subject to the rights of the Company as set forth in the Plan to withhold amounts required to be withheld for all applicable taxes. Subject to Committee approval, the Grantee may elect to satisfy any tax withholding obligation of the Employer with respect to the Option by having shares of Company Stock withheld up to an amount that does not exceed the minimum applicable withholding tax rate for federal (including FICA), state and local tax liabilities.

5. Dissolution or Liquidation; Sale or Merger . In the event of a dissolution, liquidation, sale or merger of the Company or any similar event or transaction, the Committee may adjust, terminate and/or settle the Option to the extent it deems appropriate and consistent with the Plan’s purposes.

6. Restrictions on Exercise . Except as the Committee may otherwise permit pursuant to the Plan, only the Grantee may exercise the Option during the Grantee’s lifetime and, after the Grantee’s death, the Option shall be exercisable (subject to the limitations specified in the Plan) solely by the person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, to the extent that the Option is exercisable pursuant to this Agreement.

7. Grant Subject to Plan Provisions . This grant is made pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and in all respects shall be interpreted in accordance with the Plan. The grant and exercise of the Option are subject to interpretations, regulations and determinations concerning the Plan established from time to time by the Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, including, but not limited to, provisions pertaining to (a) rights and obligations with respect to withholding taxes, (b) the registration, qualification or

 

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listing of the shares of Company Stock, (c) changes in capitalization of the Company and (d) other requirements of applicable law. The Committee shall have the authority to interpret and construe the Option pursuant to the terms of the Plan, and its decisions shall be conclusive as to any questions arising hereunder.

8. Restrictions on Sale or Transfer of Shares.

(a) The Grantee agrees that the Grantee will not sell, transfer, pledge, donate, assign, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber the shares of Company Stock underlying the Option unless the shares of Company Stock are registered under the 1933 Act, or the Company is given an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the Company that such registration is not required under the 1933 Act.

(b) In consideration for this Option grant, the Grantee agrees to be bound by the Employer’s policies as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Insider Trading, Anti-Hedging and Clawback Policies and Stock Ownership Guidelines, and understands that there may be certain times during the year that the Grantee will be prohibited from selling, transferring, donating, assigning, mortgaging, hypothecating or otherwise encumbering the Company securities.

9. No Employment or Other Rights . The grant of the Option shall not confer upon the Grantee any right to be retained by or in the employ or service of the Employer and shall not interfere in any way with the right of the Employer to terminate at will the Grantee’s employment or service at any time. The right of the Employer to terminate at will the Grantee’s employment or service at any time for any reason is specifically reserved.

10. No Stockholder Rights . Neither the Grantee, nor any person entitled to exercise the Grantee’s rights in the event of the Grantee’s death, shall have any of the rights and privileges of a stockholder with respect to the shares of Company Stock subject to the Option, until such shares are actually issued following exercise of the Option.

11. Confidential Information, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation . The Grantee affirms his or her obligations under the Nondisclosure and Noncompete Agreement for Management Employees.

12. Assignment and Transfers . Except as the Committee may otherwise permit pursuant to the Plan, the rights and interests of the Grantee under this Agreement may not be sold, assigned, encumbered or otherwise transferred except, in the event of the death of the Grantee, by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. In the event of any attempt by the Grantee to alienate, assign, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of the Option or any right hereunder, except as provided for in this Agreement, or in the event of the levy or any attachment, execution or similar process upon the rights or interests hereby conferred, the Company may terminate the Option by notice to the Grantee, and the Option and all rights hereunder shall thereupon become null and void. The rights and protections of the Company hereunder shall extend to any successors or assigns of the Company and to the Company’s parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company without the Grantee’s consent.

 

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13. Effect on Other Benefits . The value of this Option or the shares of Company Stock received upon exercise of the Option shall not be considered eligible earnings for purposes of any other plans maintained by the Company or the Employer. Neither shall such value be considered part of the Grantee’s compensation for purposes of determining or calculating other benefits that are based on compensation, such as life insurance.

14. Applicable Law . The validity, construction, interpretation and effect of this instrument shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.

15. Notice . Notices permitted or required under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or overnight courier addressed, in the case of the Company, c/o its General Counsel at its principal executive office and, in the case of the Grantee, to his or her most recent address set forth in the personnel records of the Company.

16. Entire Agreement . This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof, and merges and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings of every nature relating to the subject matter hereof.

17. Amendment . This Agreement cannot be changed, modified, extended or terminated except upon written amendment executed by the parties hereto. Any such written amendment must be approved by the Committee to be effective against the Company.

18. Consent to Electronic Delivery . The Grantee hereby authorizes the Company to deliver electronically any prospectuses or other documentation related to this Agreement, the Plan and any other compensation or benefit plan or arrangement in effect from time to time (including, without limitation, reports, proxy statements or other documents that are required to be delivered to participants in such plans or arrangements pursuant to federal or state laws, rules or regulations). For this purpose, electronic delivery will include, without limitation, delivery by means of e-mail or e-mail notification that such documentation is available on the Company’s intranet site. Upon written request, the Company will provide to the Grantee a paper copy of any document also delivered to the Grantee electronically. The authorization described in this paragraph may be revoked by the Grantee at any time by written notice to the Company.

[ Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused its duly authorized officer to execute this Agreement, and the Grantee has placed his or her signature hereon, on this [    ] day of [                    ].

 

     

NUTRISYSTEM, INC.

Attest:      

 

    By:  

 

Name:       Name:  
Title:       Title:  

I hereby accept the grant of the Option described in this Agreement, and I agree to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. I hereby further agree that all of the decisions and determinations of the Committee shall be final and binding.

 

 

Grantee: [NAME]

 

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Exhibit 21.1

 

Corporate Subsidiaries   State or Province of Incorporation

NutriVentures, LLC

  Pennsylvania

NutriSystem Media, LLC

  Nevada

Nutri/System IPHC, Inc.

  Delaware

Slim and Tone, LLC

  Pennsylvania

NutriSystem Fresh, Inc.

  Delaware

NSI Retail, LLC

  Virginia

Nutrisystem Alliance For Better Living LLC

  Delaware

NSI TECH, Inc.

  Delaware

Nutrisystem Everyday, LLC

  Delaware

Nutrisystem DIY, LLC

  Delaware

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Nutrisystem, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (Nos. 333-117781 and 333-110772) on Form S-3 and registration statements (Nos. 333-184460, 333-181740, 333-150893, 333-44908, 333-134215 and 333-119009) on Form S-8 of Nutrisystem, Inc. of our reports dated March 12, 2013, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Nutrisystem, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, which reports appear in the December 31, 2012 annual report on Form 10-K of Nutrisystem, Inc.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 12, 2013

Exhibit 31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Nutrisystem, Inc.

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Dawn M. Zier, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Nutrisystem, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures, and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 12, 2013

 

/S/ DAWN M. ZIER
Dawn M. Zier
President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Nutrisystem, Inc.

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, David D. Clark, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Nutrisystem, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures, and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 12, 2013

 

/S/ DAVID D. CLARK
David D. Clark
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1

Statement of Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code

Pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned, Dawn M. Zier, the Chief Executive Officer of Nutrisystem, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certifies that based on the undersigned’s knowledge:

 

  1) The Company’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the period ended December 31, 2012 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: March 12, 2013      

/S/ DAWN M. ZIER

      President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 32.2

Statement of Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code

Pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned, David D. Clark, the Chief Financial Officer of Nutrisystem, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certifies that based on the undersigned’s knowledge:

 

  1) The Company’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the period ended December 31, 2012 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: March 12, 2013      

/S/ DAVID D. CLARK

     

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial

Officer