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M.Global, Jamberry, Avisae Merge into BeneYOU

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Direct selling companies M.Global, Jamberry and Avisae have joined together to form the newly launched BeneYOU, LLC.

The move is the culmination of a series of strategic moves that have occurred throughout 2018, including M.Global’s June acquisition of assets from Jamberry, which offered beauty and skin care products, and the recent welcoming of Utah-based Avisae, a health and wellness company.

“As a relatively young company, we’ve made several strategic decisions during 2018 that position us for dynamic expansion and provide our Associates and Customers with personalized growth opportunities along with a product mix that offers a total approach to wellness and beauty,” said BeneYOU President and CEO Ryan Anderson. “We love that this new company communicates our commitment to helping people around the world become ‘a better you.’”

The company also announced the appointment of Dave Wentz as board chairman of BeneYOU. Wentz, the former CEO of USANA Health Sciences, has also served as chairman of the Direct Selling Association Board of Directors and chairman of the Direct Selling Education Foundation.

“I’m excited to join the team at BeneYOU,” said Wentz. “Our synergistic product mix—coupled with an individualized approach to wellness and entrepreneurship—presents us with the opportunity to become a powerful force in evolving the direct-sales industry in the new gig economy.”

Avisae founders Brooks Yates and Brent Ririe will also have leadership roles at BeneYOU. Yates will serve as the company’s executive vice president of IT and Finance, while Ririe will engage his skills and experience to drive business activity as a top field leader.

Anderson said the existing brand names for each product line will remain the same. For the immediate future, BeneYOU will also retain the websites for each product line.

LifeVantage-Sponsored Anthony Robles Sets New World Record

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Anthony Robles, the athlete and long-time LifeVantage consumer, broke the world record for pull-ups in a single minute this past weekend.

Robles, the one-legged wrestler who won the 2011 NCAA 125-pound title, cranked out 62 pull-ups Sunday during the NY Jets–Buffalo Bills game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, besting Harvard Professor Adam Sandel’s previous record of 61. The record is pending final Guinness verification.

Robles’ world record attempt was sponsored by Nike, Freemotion Fitness, and Sandy, Utah-based LifeVantage.

“Anthony embodies so much of what LifeVantage and our biohacking community are about,” said LifeVantage CMO Ryan Goodwin. “This is someone who, against all odds, has optimized his body and physical performance at the highest possible levels. His is a truly inspiring story.””

Robles’ NCAA title attracted worldwide attention and helped earn him ESPN’s “Jimmy V Award for Perseverance” and a second Espy Award for “Best Male Athlete with a Disability.” A movie about Robles’ life is currently in the works.

Plexus’ Annual Walk Raises Funds for Children’s Hospital

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Plexus Worldwide™ recently announced its annual walk to benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) raised $10,000 dollars in donations.

The event helped to raise awareness for PCH’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. More than 500 people walked 1.2 miles in the Pima Center Business Park in the Step Up with Phoenix Children’s walk on November 9. Participants included employees from the community and six Scottsdale businesses: Plexus, Ross Brown Partners, Firetrace International, Import Genius, Luxury Auto Collection and Ag Junction Inc.

“Phoenix Children’s Hospital is a beacon of hope for so many families experiencing a traumatic life event, and we wanted to show our support by raising awareness and donations,” said Tarl Robinson, founder and CEO of Plexus. “Plexus is an on-going partner with PCH and we will continue to support this important community staple through fundraising, volunteering and awareness campaigns.”

Plexus donated 100 percent of the proceeds to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Youngevity Q3 2018 Revenue Down 12%

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Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI)  reported financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Revenues decreased 12.0 percent to $39,082,000 as compared to $44,395,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The company derived approximately 88 percent of its revenue from direct selling sales and approximately 12 percent from commercial coffee sales. Direct selling revenues decreased by $3,674,000, or 9.7 percent, to $34,280,000 as compared to $37,954,000 for the same period last year.

“The third quarter’s revenue was negatively impacted by supply chain challenges experienced predominantly in our international markets and a policy change implemented by our finance company within the coffee segment; however, despite these challenges, our year-to-date numbers continue to improve over last year in key financial metrics including revenue, operating income and adjusted EBITDA,” said Steve Wallach, CEO and co-founder.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, revenues increased 1.3 percent to $126,331,000 as compared to $124,655,000 for the same period last year. The company derived approximately 84 percent of its revenue from direct selling sales and approximately 16 percent from commercial coffee sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, direct selling segment revenues decreased by $297,000 or 0.3 percent to $106,437,000 as compared to $106,734,000 for the same period last year.

To view the complete Youngevity Q3 financial report, click here.

Young Living Products Now Available in China

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Young Living Essential Oils recently celebrated its official expansion into China.

To celebrate the availability of its products there, the company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Young Living Guangzhou Experience Centre in Guangzhou, China, on October 19.

“Making our products available in China is a major step toward fulfilling Gary Young’s mission to bring Young Living Essential Oils to every home in the world,” said Mary Young, co-founder and chief executive officer, Young Living Essential Oils. “It’s fitting that we’re beginning Young Living’s journey in China with the people of Guangzhou. Botanicals in our essential oils such as Cardamom, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger, and Sandalwood were an important part of the ancient spice and Silk Road trade here and have been used by the local community for thousands of years.”

The China headquarters (also known as Youlefang, 悠乐芳) will be based in Guangzhou in Southeast China. Customers in China will have access to a dedicated Young Living China support team, a division of Nanjing Joymain Development Co., one of the largest direct selling companies in China.

“We’re excited to open new paths toward health and wellness for the billion people in China,” said Young Living Asia-Pacific Regional President Tai Tolman. “For the first time, Young Living is able to deliver the purest essential oils and essential oil products under our Seed to Seal® commitment to quality to the most populous country in the world.”

Reliv Sales Down 8.25% for Q3 2018

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Reliv International, Inc. (NASDAQ:RELV) recently reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2018.

The company reported net sales of $8.3 million for the quarter compared with $9.1 million in the third quarter of 2017. Net sales in the United States decreased by $583,000, which represented an 8.2 percent decline in net sales when compared to the prior-year quarter.

Net sales in Reliv’s foreign markets decreased by $149,000, or 7.5 percent, compared with the prior-year quarter. Net sales in Asia and Mexico increased by 4.8 percent and 21.9 percent, respectively, offset by decreases in all other regions. Net sales in Reliv’s foreign markets decreased by 3.3 percent during the third quarter of 2018 when the impact of foreign currency fluctuation is removed.

Net sales for the first nine months of 2018 were $26.8 million, which represents a 15.9 percent decrease from the same period in 2017.  Net sales in the United States decreased by 17.3 percent and net sales in Reliv’s foreign markets decreased by 10.9 percent in the first nine months of 2018 compared with the same period last year.

To view the complete Reliv Q3 2018 report, click here.

Avon Announces Support for UN’s LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business

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Avon announced its support for the United Nations Standards of Conduct for Business to tackle discrimination against lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people.

According to the company, expressing support for the UN Standards on LGBTI is a continuation of Avon’s longstanding commitment to social progress and freedom of expression—principles that underpin its business and brand proposition. Avon’s founders were pioneers of women’s financial empowerment long before women’s rights were recognized, and Avon was one of the original signatories to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles. This commitment to the LGBTI Standards is a natural extension of Avon’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Avon has a strong track record of standing up for LGBTI rights and has championed LGBTI role models including Brazilian pop star and drag queen Pabllo Vittar, and singer and transsexual activist Candy Mel. A recent campaign in Brazil, Avon’s biggest market, included a series of testimonials from Avon ambassadors and beauty entrepreneurs from the LGBTQIA+ community, including local artist Rosa Luz, Brazilian model Bia Gremion and Avon Sales Executive Gaby Varconti.

In Mexico, Avon recently collaborated with the beauty influencer and transgender activist for tolerance, Victoria Volkova, to create Aura, a fragrance that seeks to convey the importance of self-confidence and the belief that true beauty comes from within. The fragrance has been one of the most successful launches of the year for Avon Mexico.

“Avon is an open company, and our underlying principles of respect for rights apply to everyone,” said CEO of Avon Jan Zijderveld. “Discrimination is not welcome at Avon in any shape or form. We want to be a fully inclusive company for LGBTI employees, associates and representatives, and also for our customers and suppliers. Challenging stereotypes is at the heart of many of our campaigns, and we will work to promote positive representations of LGBTI people across our business. Creativity and innovation are unleashed when everyone can flourish. That is the environment in which Avon as a business was built and will thrive.”

The UN Standards were produced in collaboration with the Institute for Human Rights and Business and build on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. They reflect the input of hundreds of companies across diverse sectors. Over 200 companies worldwide have expressed support for the Standard.

Fabrice Houdart, United Nations Human Rights Officer and co-author of the Standards said: “It is particularly meaningful to have Avon join the early supporters of these Standards as Avon has always been about inclusion, and this is a natural extension of that practice and philosophy. Avon is demonstrating a leadership role in fostering greater inclusion of LGBTI people in the many places it does business. We hope more businesses will follow globally.”

To read more about the UN Standards, click here.

Natura Q3 2018 Sales Up 37.1%

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Natura & Co. recently reported another strong quarter of growth in 2018, with consolidated sales rising by 37.1 percent in Q3, reaching R$3.24 billion.

On an adjusted basis, consolidated net revenue grew 16.6 percent in the third quarter of 2018, compared to the same period last year, with strong performance across all three businesses. In the first nine months of the year, reported sales were up by 48.1 percent, reaching R$9.1 billion, and adjusted net revenue improved by 13.7 percent.

Reported net income more than doubled in the third quarter, with a rise of 118 percent to R$132.8 million, driven by higher EBITDA and lower financial expenses. This strong result was achieved despite hyperinflationary accounting effects in Argentina and The Body Shop’s transformation costs. Underlying operating income grew on an adjusted basis by 10.2 percent in the third quarter, to R$326.6 million, and by 30.4 percent in 9M18, to R$754.1 million.

“Natura & Co posted another quarter of solid performance, providing new evidence of the growing momentum and strength of our global, multi-brand, multi-channel group,” said Natura & Co’s Executive Chairman of the Board Roberto Marques.  “Natura in Brazil and Latam grew in core categories and online, while The Body Shop’s sales increased boosted by head franchise orders and stable company stores sales. Aesop maintained its stellar growth, both in like-for-like store sales and online.”

To view the full Natura & Co. Q3 2018 report, click here.

Isagenix Among Top Phoenix-Area Corporate Philanthropists

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Photo: Participants cleaned up litter in a community park in Bristol, England; Australia participants cleaned up plastic and microplastic litter along the coastline.

Isagenix International placed No. 8 on the Phoenix Business Journal’s 2018 Largest Phoenix-Area Corporate Philanthropists list.

The list ranked 29 companies based on their 2017 cash contributions to Arizona charities. Isagenix contributed $6.4 million in monetary and product donations to charitable and disaster-relief causes around the world, with $2.35 million in cash going to Arizona groups including Make-A-Wish®, Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine and the Better Business Bureau Foundation.

For example, Isagenix served as the sole corporate sponsor of the Better Business Bureau’s Ethical Athlete Scholarship. The company’s $50,000 investment supported recognition of male and female high school athletes in Arizona each month of the school year for doing the right thing.

“We strive to make a lasting difference in people’s lives, from helping customers nourish their bodies and improve their health to partnering with nonprofits so they can have the greatest impact possible on the communities they serve,” said Isagenix Chief Executive Officer Travis Ogden. “Isagenix is honored to be recognized as one of the Largest Corporate Philanthropists, and we look forward to giving back to others for many years to come.”

As part of its commitment to philanthropy, Isagenix established the Isagenix Legacy Foundation in August 2018. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization seeks to create sustainable impact globally through volunteer efforts and charitable contributions focused on healthy nutrition for underserved children, wellness education for all, and aid for those affected by natural disasters.

Nu Skin Revenue Up 20% in Q3 2018

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Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS) announced third-quarter 2018 revenue of $675.3 million, an increase of 20 percent over the prior-year period.

“We delivered strong year-over-year financial results with reported revenue growth in every region, highlighted by double-digit increases in Mainland China and Southeast Asia,” said Ritch Wood, chief executive officer. “This is our fourth consecutive quarter of revenue growth of 20 percent or more, driven by the continued execution of our growth strategy focused on engaging platforms, enabling products and empowering programs which led to solid customer growth of 9 percent and sales leader growth of 14 percent.”

The company’s revenue results for the three-month period ended September 30 showed increases in all segments:

  • Mainland China revenue was $226,645,000 up 31 percent over $172,556,000 in Q3 2017
  • Americas/Pacific revenue was $93,580,000 up 9 percent over $85,672,000 in Q3 2017
  • South Korea revenue was $89,963,000 up 1 percent over $89,238,000 in Q3 2017
  • Southeast Asia revenue was $86,307,000 up 21 percent over $71,141,000 in Q3 2017
  • Japan revenue was $63,649,000 up 2 percent over $62,513,000 in Q3 2017
  • Hong Kong/Taiwan revenue was $44,949,000 up 9 percent over $41,050,000 in Q3 2017
  • EMEA revenue was $42,819,000 up 7 percent over $40,133,000 in Q3 2017
  • Other revenue was $27,400,000 up 1,864 percent over $1,395,000 in Q3 2017

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, revenue was 1,995,721,000, an increase of 23 percent over $1,612,898,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

To view the full Nu Skin Q3 financial report, click here.

Nature’s Sunshine Q3 Net Sales Down 0.5%

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Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. (NASDAQ: NATR reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018.

Net sales of $88.8 million decreased 0.5 percent compared to $89.3 million in the third quarter of 2017. On a local currency basis, net sales decreased 0.4 percent compared to 2017. The decline was primarily related to $2.8 million decline in net sales in NSP Americas and a $1.2 million decline in Synergy Europe, partially offset by growth in Synergy Asia Pacific, NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe and NSP China.

“We continued to enjoy positive sales trends in China, Synergy Asia and Russia, Central and Eastern Europe,” said Terrence Moorehead, chief executive officer. “However, this growth was offset by declines in NSP America and Synergy Europe and Americas during the third quarter, which contributed to the modest decline in consolidated net sales. We remain pleased with the market development in China and sales momentum in Korea continues to drive Synergy Asia. In NSP Americas, where our model is more mature and grounded in retailing, sales moderation largely reflects ongoing distributor attrition and the less vibrant nutritional supplement retailing environment in the United States. Looking forward, my initial priorities are to evaluate our opportunities to further build the business while driving profitable growth and shareholder value.”

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, net sales increased 5.4 percent to $267.4 million compared to $253.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

To view the complete Nature’s Sunshine Q3 2018 financial report, click here.

Oriflame Euro Sales Down 1%, Local Currency Sales Up 4%

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Oriflame (ORI-SS—Stockholm) announced financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2018.

Euro sales decreased by 1 percent to €292.5 million. Euro sales amounted to €279.4 million in accordance with IFRS. Local currency sales increased by 4 percent. The number of registered actives was stable and amounted to 2.7 million.

For the nine months ended 30 September 2018, Euro sales decreased by 4 percent to €948.6 million. Euro sales amounted to €919.4 million in accordance with IFRS. Local currency sales increased by 3 percent.

“We entered the third quarter facing continued challenging market conditions in some of our key markets as well as difficult comparables with the 50th Anniversary activities prior year,” said CEO Magnus Brännström. “Measures focused on driving activity and recruitment to enhance sales growth in CIS and Latin America have proven successful yet had a negative operating margin impact in the quarter. The performance in Asia and Turkey was slower during the second part of the quarter, partly as a result of the macroeconomic conditions in Turkey and lower activity in China. Sales development into the fourth quarter is slightly above the previous quarter and actions focused on driving activity and recruitment are ongoing. We remain committed to return to long-term profitable growth.”

To view more Oriflame financial information, click here.