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Q1 Results: Mannatech Down 8%; Oriflame Down 6%

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Flower Mound, Texas-based Mannatech, Incorporated (NASDAQ: MTEX) recently announced net sales of $38 million for the first quarter of 2019.

The net sales represented a decrease of $3.4 million, or 8.2 percent, as compared to $41.4 million in the first quarter of 2018. Income from operations increased to $1.1 million for the first quarter 2019, from a loss of $0.9 million in the same period in 2018.

The approximate number of new and continuing independent associate and preferred customer positions held by individuals in Mannatech’s network and associated with purchases of the company’s packs or products as of March 31, 2019 and 2018 were approximately 203,000 and 210,000, respectively.

To read the complete Mannatech Q1 2019 report, click here.

Oriflame

Stockholm, Sweden-based Oriflame also recently reported financial results for the first quarter of 2019. Local currency sales decreased by 6 percent and Euro sales decreased by 7 percent to €309.2m (€330.8m), of which 2 percentage points are related to a one-off IFRS effect. The number of registered actives decreased by 5 percent and amounted to 2.9 million.

“Despite a weaker sales development and changed geographical mix, we are pleased to report a stable profitability for the quarter and continued healthy cash flow generation,” said CEO Magnus Brännström. “While we are encouraged by the positive development in Latin America, Africa, Europe and most of the CIS markets, we continued to see a sales decline in Asia and Turkey impacted by challenging market conditions as well as governmental and legislative initiatives in China and Vietnam. Oriflame has a balanced geographical footprint, and we will continue to take responsible steps adapted to each respective market to drive sales and healthy margins.”

To read the complete Oriflame Q1 2019 report, click here.

Nature’s Sunshine Reports 4.5% Q1 Net Sales Growth

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Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. (NASDAQ: NATR) reported its net sales for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 were $91.3 million.

“We are pleased to report a strong start to fiscal 2019 with continued net sales growth and significantly improved earnings,” said CEO Terrence Moorehead. “Growth continues to be driven by sustained positive sales trends in NSP China, Synergy Asia Pacific and NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, as well as positive growth in Synergy North America during the first quarter. We are seeing an enhanced profit profile, reflecting the benefits of our cost control initiatives that contributed to a more than an 81 percent increase in adjusted EBITDA during the first quarter.”

Net sales of $91.3 million increased 4.5 percent compared to $87.3 million in the first quarter of 2018. Net sales were also negatively impacted by $2.3 million of unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

On a local currency basis, net sales increased 7.1 percent compared to 2018. The increase was primarily related to growth in Synergy Asia Pacific, NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe and NSP China offset by a $3.2 million decline in net sales in NSP Americas and a $0.9 million decline in Synergy Europe.

To read the full Nature’s Sunshine Q1 2019 report, click here.

LifeVantage Launches in Ireland

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LifeVantage recently launched its third European market in the past eight months with the addition of Ireland last week.

“The opening of Ireland is something that has been highly anticipated among many of our leaders in the UK in particular, and we expect it to be a productive asset in our larger European strategy,” said LifeVantage CEO Darren Jensen. “We’re excited to take this next step and grow our biohacking community in a part of the world that is key to our success.”

With select LifeVantage products having been offered in Ireland for approximately a year as part of the company’s Global Customer Acquisition Program, the country has already distinguished itself as a viable market.

“Ireland already has a solid base of customers who love our products and has proven itself a successful customer market in a relatively short period of time, so opening it up for distributor enrollments is the next natural progression,” said LifeVantage Chief Sales Officer Justin Rose. “We’re excited about Ireland’s prospects as our newest market.”

LifeVantage has operated in the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, since 2016 and has a European presence in Germany, Netherlands, Austria and Spain, in addition to Ireland.

The company anticipates further expansion in Europe to support growth in the region, including in Belgium, which is currently scheduled for launch next month. With the addition of Ireland, LifeVantage now serves 14 markets in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

9 Direct Selling Companies Honored with Stevie Awards

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Nine direct selling companies were recently selected as 2019 Stevie® award winners by the American Business Awards for outstanding performances in the workplace.

4Life Research, ARIIX, Jeunesse Global, Kannaway, LifeVantage, Medifast/OPTAVIA, MONAT Global, USANA Health Sciences and Vivint Smart Home were among the companies chosen. The winners will be presented with their awards at the 17th Annual American Business Awards banquet to be held on Tuesday, June 11, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

The American Business Awards are the premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the United States are eligible to submit nominations. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations.

The Stevie® award-winning nominations for direct selling companies were:

COMPANY / ORGANIZATION AWARDS

Company of the Year – Consumer Products – Non-Durables – Large 
GOLD STEVIE®:

  • USANA Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT

SILVER STEVIE®:

  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL

Company of the Year – Health Products & Services – Medium 
GOLD STEVIE®:

  • Kannaway, San Diego, CA

Company of the Year – Health Products & Services – Large 
GOLD STEVIE®:

  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL

Company of the Year – Retail – Large 
GOLD STEVIE®:

  • MONAT Global, Miami, FL

Most Innovative Company of the Year – Up to 2,500 Employees 
GOLD STEVIE®:

  • ARIIX, Bountiful, UT

Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year – At Organizations With Up to 2,500 Employees 
SILVER STEVIE®:

  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL: Jeunesse Kids – Giving Children a Brighter Future

Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year – At Organizations With More Than 2,500 Employees

SILVER STEVIE®:

  • Vivint Smart Home, Provo, UT: Vivint Gives Back

Fastest Growing Company of the Year – Up to 2,500 Employees 
SILVER STEVIE®:

  • Medifast, Baltimore, MD: Medifast OPTAVIA

BRONZE STEVIE®:

  • ARIIX, Bountiful, UT

ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS

Founding Team of the Year – Consumer Products Industries 
GOLD STEVIE®:

  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL: Jeunesse® Executive Leadership: Growing the Family Business

Entrepreneur of the Year – Retail 
GOLD STEVIE®:

  • MONAT Global, Miami, FL: Ray Urdaneta, CEO and Co-Founder

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

Information Technology Team of the Year 
BRONZE STEVIE®:

  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL: Jeunesse® IT Team Provides Award-Winning Solutions

Information Technology Executive of the Year 
SILVER STEVIE®:

  • ARIIX, Bountiful, UT: Wenhan Zhang, Chief Information Officer and Founder

MANAGEMENT AWARDS

Achievement in Management – Consumer Products – Non-Durables 
GOLD STEVIE®:

  • USANA Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT: Kevin Guest, USANA CEO

SILVER STEVIE®:

  • ARIIX, Bountiful, UT: ARIIX 2018 Management Team Achievements

Management Team of the Year – Consumer Products Industries 
GOLD STEVIE®:

  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL: Jeunesse® Executive Leadership Growing the Family Business

Maverick of the Year – Consumer Products 
GOLD STEVIE®:

  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL: CVO Scott Lewis: Contrarian Strategist

Woman of the Year – Consumer Products 
SILVER STEVIE®:

  • ARIIX, Bountiful, UT: Deanna Latson, Chief Product Officer, Co-Founder
  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL: Jeunesse® Founder Wendy Lewis: Entrepreneur with a Heart for Giving Back

Lifetime Achievement Award – Consumer Products Industries 
GOLD STEVIE®:

  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL: Jeunesse® CEO Randy Ray: Successful Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

BRONZE STEVIE®:

  • ARIIX, Bountiful, UT: ARIIX President Mark Wilson Lifetime Achievement

MARKETING AWARDS

Marketing Team of the Year 
BRONZE STEVIE®:

  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL: The Jeunesse® MarCom Team Delivers Success

Marketing Executive of the Year 
BRONZE STEVIE®:

  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL: CMO Mark Patterson

MOBILE WEB & APP AWARDS

Productivity 
BRONZE STEVIE®:

  • Jeunesse Global, Orlando, FL: Jmobile – A Fresh User Experience

PRODUCT MANAGEMENT & NEW PRODUCT AWARDS

Consumer Products 
SILVER STEVIE®:

  • LifeVantage, Sandy, UT: TrueScience Hair Care System Product Launch
  • USANA Health Sciences, UT: USANA Celavive Sheet Mask

BRONZE STEVIE®:

  • 4Life Research, Sandy, UT: PRE/o Biotics: University Validation of Delivery & Results
  • ARIIX, Bountiful, UT: Giving Greens New Product of the Year
  • Kannaway, San Diego, CA: Kannaway Cannabis Beauty Defined

VIDEO AWARDS

Sales: Product Sales 
BRONZE STEVIE®:

  • ARIIX, Bountiful, UT: ARIIX Seal of Approval Video

Avon Products, Inc. Launches “Avon On” App for Representatives

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Avon Products, Inc. recently announced the launch of “Avon On,” a mobile app to support millions of micro-entrepreneurs to manage their businesses on the go.

This first wave roll-out includes Mexico, Russia and Philippines, with a further 25 markets from across Europe, Latin America, and Africa launching the app beginning July 2019.

According to the company, the app will help Representatives increase their productivity and manage their business easier and faster, while harnessing the power of their own networks through enhanced social sharing capabilities. Key features include latest product and promotion notifications, order placing, easy access to support features including FAQs and Avon contact centers, a shareable link to the instant messaging brochure and a social media hub.

The social media hub will support Representatives to reach and engage their audience with brand and product content, alongside tailored messaging that suits their own business and customer needs. It includes content from the new content studio, providing multi-platform outputs delivered directly to the app on a weekly basis for Representatives to share with their online communities.

“Avon has built the world’s largest network of female entrepreneurs and we are relentless in our focus on making Her successful,” said Nick Burton, vice president of Digital Development. “Providing our beauty entrepreneurs with a one-stop shop to boost their business from their mobile is key to unleashing the power of digital for our Representatives and increasing the flexibility of the Avon opportunity.”

Joshua Plant Named Isagenix Chief Science Officer, Chairman of Advisory Board

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Isagenix International recently announced that it has added Joshua Plant, Ph.D., to its executive leadership team as its chief science officer.

In his new role, Plant will oversee the research and development, product design and development, product commercialization, and quality assurance of all Isagenix products.

Plant has also been named chairman of the Isagenix Scientific Advisory Board, a group of top medical and health professionals who lend their experience and expertise to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of Isagenix products. Board members include Isagenix Founder John W. Anderson.

“Joshua is incredibly bright and has great expertise in preventative health and nutritional sciences, which has earned him respect in both the health and wellness and direct selling industries,” said Isagenix Chief Executive Officer Travis Ogden. “His experience will be instrumental in creating exceptional, innovative products that resonate with customers and help Isagenix transform lives around the world.”

Plant’s experience prior to joining Isagenix includes a position as a research fellow at the University of Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in biology, making him a first-generation college student. In addition, he received the prestigious National Institutes of Health International Research Fellowship, given to only 10 students each year. Plant also has a doctorate in biomedical sciences from Harvard University, where he graduated first in his class and completed a seven-year program in three and a half years.

“Isagenix has a terrific reputation and has done stellar work in the health and wellness space,” he said. “I’m thrilled to be part of a company that has made it possible for hundreds of thousands of people to embrace and enjoy a healthy lifestyle, and I look forward to playing a part in its continued success and growth.”

Erin Brockovich Joins LifeVantage Board

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LifeVantage recently announced the appointment of Erin Brockovich to its Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled with the addition of Erin to our Board,” said LifeVantage Board of Directors Chair Garry Mauro. “She brings an uncommon blend of legal prowess and experience, health and wellness advocacy, and global voice and influence. Her passion, tenacity, outside-the-box thinking and ability to move health-related issues forward will be a major boon to the company.”

Brockovich has over 35 years of diverse public health, legal and business successes, both domestically and globally, and is one of the most requested speakers on the international lecture circuit. As president of Brockovich Research & Consulting, she is currently doing consulting work for three national law firms, involved in numerous environmental projects worldwide, and writing her fourth book scheduled for release next spring.

Brockovich became a strong advocate of dietary supplements in particular following an automobile accident that resulted in a serious back injury.

“I am proud to join the LifeVantage family in this capacity at this important time in the company’s history,” Brockovich said. “This is a company I have admired at arm’s length for some time. It’s a company with strong momentum—not just in the U.S. —but globally. In today’s world, actively managing our health has never been so vital. By the same token, it’s never been so easy and accessible. LifeVantage is helping people from every walk of life better manage and optimize their health, and I’m excited to be the newest member of the LifeVantage biohacker community.”

In addition to health and wellness, Brockovich is equally passionate about improving water supply standards worldwide. Her iconic legal battle with the energy industry over ground water contamination was portrayed in the 2000 Academy Award-winning biographical film that bears her name. She has requests for her help with water supply issues in every state in the U.S., Australia, and other international hot spots. She is currently working on cases in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Illinois, and Missouri.

PM-International Opens Headquarters in Americas

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Luxembourg-based PM-International celebrated the latest milestone of its expansion strategy: the opening of its new Headquarters Americas in Sarasota, Florida.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony held on May 4 was part of the company’s Kick-Off USA event. Attendees included PM-International CEO and Founder Rolf Sorg; Sammy El Ghoul, chief sales officer; Rob Hukezalie, general manager, PM-International Logistics Center America LLC; and Tina O’Brien, CEO, PM-International USA.

The new Headquarters Americas will be responsible for the administration and supply chain management for North, South and Central America. PM-International invested in a 13,000-square-foot facility that will house the company’s offices, meeting facilities and a new, vertically integrated packaging operation.

“PM-International is now well-positioned to increase its footprint, not only in the United States and Canada, but all of the Americas,” said Sorg. “We have more than 25 years of experience in providing high-quality products to consumers. Our purpose is to offer a lucrative opportunity to anyone seriously committed to growing an independent business.”

The family-run company stated it is also working to open subsidiaries in Brazil and Canada.

Last month, PM-International was ranked No. 24 during the Direct Selling News Global 100 Celebration honoring the top direct selling companies in the world. PM-International achieved $834 million in 2018, a 30 percent increase year-over-year.

Mary Kay Inc. Presents Findings from Two Research Studies

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Mary Kay Inc. continues its ongoing support of the beauty and scientific communities by participating in two global dermatological conferences this spring.

Mary Kay attended the prestigious Reunión Anual de Dermatólogos Latinoamericanos (RADLA) May 4–7 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where it presented findings related to the effects of pollution on skin health. The company will also sponsor the 77th Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology(SID) in Chicago, May 8–11, where it will reveal its latest research on how five fruit extracts known to contain vitamin C work to help skin appearance.

During the 37th annual RADLA conference, leading skin care experts from around the world convened to explore various topics, including the impact of external environmental aggressors on skin health. Mary Kay presented research focused on skin concerns stemming from diesel exhaust particles (DEP) in the environment. Continued exposure to DEP increases free radicals in skin cells, which can ultimately impact premature signs of skin aging, like dark spots and dullness. Mary Kay also presented findings on an antioxidant complex that can help delay the premature signs of aging related to the damaging effects of DEP. This breakthrough technology, found in the Mary Kay® TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™skin care line, provides a powerful free-radical regimen with an exclusive, patent-pending, three-dimensional approach to skin aging.

“Mary Kay scientists spent years researching the latest ingredient innovations to develop our newest skin care collection that defends against free radicals and helps delay the onset of premature skin aging from unavoidable environmental and lifestyle stressors such as car exhaust and air pollution,” said Dr. Lucy Gildea, chief scientific officer at Mary Kay Inc.

While attending SID this week, Mary Kay Associate Principal Scientist Tiffany Carle will present new data collected while analyzing the effects of a serum containing five botanical fruit extracts known to be rich in vitamin C on skin appearance. As part of this study, Mary Kay researchers treated artificial skin tissue with this serum and utilized a genomic approach to understand how the serum affected the skin. This genomic evaluation revealed involvement of four main classes of genes important for skin firmness. Furthermore, the study showcased that the serum treatment increased production of dermal matrix proteins collagen and laminin that support skin firmness. This study confirms how the serum works to help improve the appearance of skin laxity and texture.

Mary Kay’s Research and Development team is comprised of distinguished scientists who hold doctorates and other advanced degrees across multiple disciplines: skin biology, cell biology, chemistry, biochemistry and more. This team of scientists is dedicated to conducting ongoing breakthrough research and sharing impactful findings related to skin health with the scientific and beauty communities at large.

“Our Research & Development team is committed to developing the technology in our products so we can help improve skin health and provide women across the globe with the skin confidence they deserve,” said Dr. Gildea. “Participating in events like RADLA and SID allows us to learn and share relevant research so we can continue to deliver meaningful benefits and amazing products to consumers.”

Medifast/OPTAVIA Brings Healthy Habits to Underserved Communities

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Medifast recently announced its commitment to bring healthy habits to kids and families in underserved communities.

Through its partnerships with local and national nonprofits, the company’s philanthropic initiative Healthy Habits For All will work to provide the education and access necessary to make healthy habits a reality for everyone.

“Health and wellness programs are often out of reach for many,” said Medifast Chief Executive Officer Dan Chard. “At Medifast, we are committed to empowering people to make positive changes that result in healthier lifestyles. That’s why we’re advancing our mission to bring lifelong transformation, one healthy habit at a time to even more people, aligning who we are with how we give.”

As part of Healthy Habits For All, Medifast will host an employee week of service. The inaugural event is being held May 6-10, with more than 100 Medifast employees and local independent OPTAVIA Coaches. The volunteer activities will support the company’s nonprofit partners: Living Classrooms’ Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students (BUGS) program to deliver healthy habit education and No Kid Hungry®, a campaign by Share Our Strength dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America by making sure kids have access to the nutritious food they need. Volunteers will dedicate time to various activities such as cooking healthy meals and renovating the waterfront pier at Living Classrooms’ East Harbor Campus to create a space for students to exercise the healthy habits they are learning in the classroom, such as healthy motion.

Natura &Co Reports R$2.9 Billion in Net Revenues for Q1

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Natura &Co posted another strong performance in the first quarter of 2019, with growth in all three brands driving consolidated sales up 8.5 percent, reaching R$2.9 billion in net revenues.

Net income was up 72.8 percent to R$41.9 million. EBITDA rose by 5.6 percent to R$336.9 million, while adjusted EBITDA (excluding non-recurring effects) increased 3.7 percent to R$330.8 million, with strong efficiency gains at The Body Shop.

“Natura &Co posted another solid set of consolidated results in the first quarter of 2019, confirming the continuing momentum of the multi-brand, multi-channel, purpose-driven beauty Group we have constituted,” said Roberto Marques, Natura &Co’s executive chairman of the Board. “All three of our brands and businesses posted sales growth in Brazilian Reals in spite of challenging conditions in some key markets, notably Brazil, demonstrating the group’s resilience and the benefits of its geographic footprint.”

The Body Shop’s net revenue was up 10.2 percent in Brazilian Reals in Q1. Aesop delivered another quarter of solid double-digit growth both in sales and EBITDA. Revenue increased 34.2 percent in Reals and 16.3 percent at constant currency, supported by strong growth in all channels and geographies.

The group also continued to make a positive social and environmental impact. Natura was included in the Corporate Knight’s Global 100 list of the most sustainable corporations in the world for the tenth consecutive year. The Body Shop won Marie Claire’s Prix d’Excellence Beauty award for its Bio Bridges programme, boosted by the Christmas campaign, which helped protect a further 11 million square meters of natural habitats in Armenia and the UK. And Aesop reduced plastic consumption by 17 percent per unit by redesigning some of its bottles, which should contribute to saving 124 tons of virgin plastic over a year. These achievements confirm Natura &Co’s commitment to a better way of doing business, combining positive economic, social and environmental impact.

USANA Appoints Brent Neidig Chief Officer and Managing Director of China

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USANA recently announced that Brent Neidig has been appointed chief officer and managing director of China.

As executive vice president of China since February 2017, Neidig oversaw USANA’s Chinese subsidiary, BabyCare, and the notable expansion of USANA’s presence in China. His new role will see him continue his efforts to grow and manage USANA’s Chinese market.

“Brent is a true leader and has been instrumental in the tremendous growth our Chinese market has seen over the years,” said Kevin Guest, CEO of USANA. “His dedication to his job and family means so much to me, and I appreciate everything he does for this company. I look forward to seeing the new heights that Brent can take USANA in China.”

Neidig led the organization’s ethics and education team before transitioning into his roles of vice president of China strategic development and, most recently, executive vice president of China.

“I am honored and humbled by the faith that Kevin Guest and the board has placed in me to fulfill this important position,” said Neidig. “I have spent more than 10 years at USANA and have enjoyed every second of it. I’m excited to continue my work with the incredible people in China and at USANA.”