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4Life Names Brian Gill New Senior Vice President of Marketing

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4Life Research, a Sandy, Utah-based immune health company, has hired Brian Gill as the company’s new senior vice president of marketing.

Gill has 18 years of experience in marketing and team development, and as a key contributor to executive management. In his new role, he will support the company’s strategic objectives, discover new ways to innovate with top-quality tools, provide relevant and timely communications, and create an exceptional brand experience.

“Like our founders, I believe that people come to 4Life at the right time and for the right reason,” said CEO Danny Lee. “Brian comes to us with a wealth of experience in marketing, but more importantly, the kind of marketing specific to direct sales. He will make a great addition to our executive team.”

Prior to joining 4Life, Gill served as vice president of marketing for a startup direct sales company, where he was instrumental in building the brand from scratch and launching six products in the first year. Prior to that, he led the marketing efforts both nationally and internationally for a fast-growing e-commerce, party plan company, implementing marketing communications and promotional campaigns that engaged customers and garnered significant revenue for the company.

Throughout his career, Gill has honed his craft by marketing everything from nutritional and herbal products to cosmetics and skin care.

“I’m grateful to work in an industry where the products and culture are designed to help people achieve a better quality of life,” said Gill. “I’m proud to work for an organization whose brand promise is Together, Building People through science, success, and service.”

SimplyFun Reports Record-Setting Growth in 2017

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SimplyFun LLC., a Bellevue, Washington-based publisher of award-winning educational board games, has reported that for fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, the company doubled sales and tripled the number of new Independent Consultants joining the salesforce over 2016.

The company attributed the growth to key strategic initiatives, including the execution of a new brand strategy and a refresh of sales materials and websites. An improved experience for consultants included an upgraded back office, plus new tools and training materials. The company’s ongoing commitment to give personalized customer service to both customers and Independent Consultants also fueled this growth.

“2017 was an amazing year for SimplyFun as our growth moved us closer to our goal of sharing the joy of learning through play with 1 million families,” said Patty Pearcy, president and CEO of SimplyFun. “The commitment of our Playologist salesforce and field leaders has created strong forward momentum in delivering on our mission. Together, we Play It Forward every day, and our 2017 results are just one example of what we can do to make a difference for kids and their families.”

Founded in 2004, SimplyFun provides its Playologists (Independent Consultants) the opportunity to make a difference for kids and families with its skills-focused board games while earning income through direct sales opportunities in person and online.

Isagenix Raises Nearly $100,000 for Make-A-Wish at Annual Event

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Photo: Madison (center) goes on stage during Isagenix’s New Year Kick Off to the share the story of her sister, Mia, who has a rare bone marrow disorder.

Isagenix International, a global nutrition and lifestyle company based in Gilbert, Arizona, has raised nearly $100,000 for Make-A-Wish at New Year Kick Off (NYKO), an annual event for the company’s independent distributors.

Isagenix is one of Make-A-Wish’s largest sponsors. In 2017, the company donated nearly $3 million to the nonprofit. Since 2012, Isagenix and its customers have raised nearly $9 million for Make-A-Wish in 12 countries, helping it grant more than 938 wishes worldwide to children with critical illnesses.

At NYKO in Phoenix, Isagenix invited Madison onstage to share about her sister, Mia, a teen with a rare bone marrow disorder called Diamond Blackfan Anemia. Mia’s bone marrow does not make red blood cells, so she must receive monthly blood transfusions. Because there’s no cure for the disorder, Mia is hoping for a bone marrow transplant, but must first find a donor. To support that search, Isagenix hosted Be The Match, a bone marrow registry, at NYKO and at company headquarters in Gilbert. At NYKO, more than 350 independent distributors had a cheek swab to see if they’re a match for Mia or another individual waiting for a transplant. At Isagenix, 44 employees were swabbed.

“Isagenix commends both Make-A-Wish and Be The Match for their tireless and inspiring work,” said Isagenix CEO Travis Ogden. “We are truly honored that our first major charitable effort of 2018 benefited such terrific organizations, and grateful that our employees and independent distributors gave to them so generously.”

Make-A-Wish will appear at another Isagenix event, Canada Celebration, in April. Isagenix will reveal to a child onstage at the Vancouver event that his wish will soon come true. The company’s last onstage wish reveal was at its Global Celebration in August when it announced Triston’s wish to go to Hawaii would be fulfilled.

Isagenix, its distributors and its employees support several charities throughout the year.

AdvoCare Foundation Raises More Than $175,000 During #GenerationFit Event

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Photo: Four-time CrossFit® Games champion Rich Froning leads participants in AdvoCare’s #GenerationFit workout event.

The AdvoCare Foundation, which focuses on ending childhood obesity and encouraging kids to lead healthy lives, recently hosted #GenerationFit, a workout event featuring four-time CrossFit® Games champion, Rich Froning, at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

AdvoCare founding family members and Distributors were among the participants gathered for the special workout intended to help ensure the next generation is the fittest generation.

“We are so proud that nearly 2,000 AdvoCare Distributors, CrossFit fanatics and supporters joined us at The Star to break a sweat for #GenerationFit and raise money for the AdvoCare Foundation,” said Whitney Strauss, executive director of the AdvoCare Foundation. “We are fighting to end the epidemic of childhood obesity, and we’re excited that the $175,000 raised will help children in need live healthier.”

The funds raised will go towards the Foundation’s beneficiary organizations whose work directly impacts the safety and health of children in need, including two in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, REAL School Gardens (Fort Worth) and Y.M.C.A Dallas.

“REAL School Gardens was an early recipient of funding from the newly formed AdvoCare Foundation, and we’re honored to continue our partnership,” said Mary Freeman, Texas regional executive director at REAL School Gardens. “The Foundation’s mission aligns perfectly with ours—to partner with schools to help students excel academically and develop healthy habits.”

Kristin Kelley, director of development at YMCA Dallas, added, “The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas is proud to be in partnership with AdvoCare Foundation in their mission to diminish childhood obesity. Through our programs that focus on healthy living, together we are helping children and their families take steps toward long-term health. We’re thankful for the thoughtful work the Foundation does in our community.”

Nu Skin Revenue Up 25.4% for Q4, 3% for Full-Year 2017

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Nu Skin Enterprises Inc., a Provo, Utah-based seller of cosmetics, personal care and wellness products, has reported fourth-quarter and 2017 financial results.

For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017, the company reported revenue of $666.2 million, an increase of 25.4 percent from $531.3 million in 2016.

“We concluded 2017 on a high note with solid quarterly results driven by customer and sales leader growth,” said CEO Ritch Wood. “Our growth strategy, which remains focused on three key elements—engaging platforms, enabling products and empowering programs—continues to drive our positive results. According to plan, we introduced ageLOC LumiSpa during the fourth quarter, which contributed to strong results in most of our markets. We also experienced continued momentum surrounding our social selling efforts, which we expect will be a catalyst for continued customer growth in 2018 and beyond.”

For the full-year 2017, revenue of $2.28 billion was up 3 percent from $2.208 billion in 2016.

“Our 2018 guidance reflects optimism about our business prospects for the coming year, with expected top- and bottom-line growth,” said Wood. “Our plans are focused on growing our customer base by executing on our 3P—Platforms, Products, Programs—growth strategy. We expect to further leverage the power of social selling and believe this channel will empower our sales leaders to reach a broader audience, helping to enable greater sales growth. On the product front, we are accelerating the introduction of innovative and socially shareable products, led by our recently introduced ageLOC LumiSpa, which is rolling out globally in the first half of 2018. We have also begun implementing sales compensation enhancements to more effectively reward our sales leaders and drive increased productivity.”

To read the full Nu Skin Q4 report, click here.

NHT Revenue Down 26% for Q4, 31% for Full Year 2017

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Natural Health Trends Corp., a Rolling Hills Estates, California-based company that markets personal care, wellness and “quality of life” products under the NHT Global brand, has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017.

For the fourth quarter, total revenue of $46.1 million decreased 26 percent compared to $62.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, and increased 15 percent compared to $40.1 million in the third quarter of 2017.

Revenue from the company’s Hong Kong operations, which represented 86 percent of total revenue, was $39.6 million, a decrease of 29 percent compared to $56.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, and an increase of 13 percent compared to $35.0 million in the third quarter of 2017.

Revenue outside of Hong Kong of $6.5 million increased 4 percent compared to $6.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, and increased 27 percent compared to $5.1 million in the third quarter of 2017.

Operating income of $8.7 million decreased 57 percent compared to $20.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, and increased 2 percent compared to $8.5 million in the third quarter of 2017.

For the full-year 2017, total revenue of $197.6 million decreased 31 percent compared to $287.7 million in 2016. Operating income of $43.1 million decreased 33 percent compared to $64.1 million in 2016. As a percent of total revenue, operating income was 22 percent, consistent with 2016.

“While 2017 was a challenging year, we regained momentum in the fourth quarter with the first sequential quarter of sales growth since mid-2016,” said Chris Sharng, president of Natural Health Trends Corp. “The overall sales decline can be traced to factors beyond our control, which hindered our members’ ability to organize meetings and conduct business, including the G20 Summit in late 2016, the 20th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover and China’s Communist Party’s 19th National Congress.”

Sharng further commented, “We believe our ability to increase sales over the prior quarter was a result of the improvements we made to our commission plan, combined with a number of productive incentive trips and training programs held throughout the year. Additionally, we continued to gain traction in international markets such as Europe, Southeast Asia and Japan, which all grew sales over 2016. We have also worked hard to preserve our strong margin profile despite our top-line decline through diligent expense management that aligned our cost structure to current sales levels. As we look ahead to 2018, we believe our targeted training programs and promotions, opportunities for international expansion and new product introductions will translate into improved financial performance in the quarters to come.”

To read the full NHT Q4 report, click here.

Oriflame Sales Up 14% for Q4, 11% for Full-Year 2017

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Oriflame Cosmetics, a Switzerland-based seller of beauty products, has reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017.

For the three months ended December 31, local currency sales increased by 14 percent, slightly impacted by positive timing. Euro sales increased by 7 percent to €380.1 million (€355.1 million). The number of registered actives increased by 2 percent to 3.1 million. Operating margin was 14.8 percent (11.8 percent), negatively impacted by 210 bps from currencies, and operating profit was €56.3 million (€42.0 million).

For the 12 months ended December 31, local currency sales increased by 11 percent and Euro sales increased by 9 percent to €1,363.1 million (€1,249.4 million). Euro sales in the largest market in each global business area amounted to:

  • Russia €241.5 million (€210.7 million)
  • China €190.4 million (€139.1 million)
  • Mexico €88.5 million (€81.2 million)
  • Poland €51.5 million (€47.6 million)

Operating margin was 11.7 percent (9.5 percent), negatively impacted by 60 bps from currencies, and operating profit was €159.0 million (€119.2 million). Net profit was €92.6 million (€66.7 million) and diluted EPS €1.62 (€1.18).

“2017 was another year of healthy Euro growth and double-digit local currency growth, also reflected in the fourth quarter,” said CEO Magnus Brännström. “We delivered very strong profitability improvements this year, above our expectations. Our strategic categories—Skin Care and Wellness sets and routines—served as significant drivers of growth and price mix development, with further results achieved by the efficiency measures in manufacturing and supply chain. We have now spent over 50 years of constantly adopting to changing and challenging environments, a reality we will continue to be faced with.

“Looking ahead, I believe our social direct selling business model, online positioning and asset-light company structure make Oriflame more relevant than ever,” he said. “We stay committed to our long-term financial targets—we have a more balanced geographical footprint with growth opportunities and the right people to make it happen.”

To read the full Oriflame Q4 report, click here.

Avon Reports Revenue Unchanged for Q4 and Full-Year 2017

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Avon Products, Inc., a London-based globally recognized leader in direct selling of beauty and related products, has reported results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

For the fourth quarter of 2017, total revenue was relatively unchanged at $1.6 billion. Active Representatives and Ending Representatives declined 2 percent and were relatively unchanged, respectively. Operating margin increased 150 bps to 8.3 percent, and adjusted operating margin increased 250 bps to 9.8 percent.

“I am excited to be joining such a special business at this important chapter in the company’s history,” said recently appointed CEO Jan Zijderveld. “Very few brands have Avon’s brand recognition, extensive global reach and operate in attractive beauty channel categories. In a world where trust in companies is becoming a scarce commodity, our Representatives’ relationships with their consumers has never been more relevant or compelling.”

Jamie Wilson, Avon CFO, remarked, “Our top line remains under pressure as we continue to operate in challenging macro and competitive conditions, particularly in our largest markets. We delivered improving operating margins in the fourth quarter supported by continued benefit from our ongoing cost savings initiatives. Importantly, we continued to strengthen our cash position, enhancing the financial flexibility necessary to fund priority investments.”

For fiscal 2017, the company reported that total revenue was relatively unchanged at $5.7 billion. Avon realized more than $250 million of cost savings, exceeding its target of $230 million for 2017. Active Representatives and Ending Representatives declined 3 percent and were relatively unchanged, respectively. Operating margin decreased 80 bps to 4.8 percent, and adjusted operating margin decreased 30 bps to 6.2 percent.

“With the support of the Board of Directors, and the reality of our current performance, I am taking a fresh look, diving deeply into our business, starting with spending time in our key markets to gain a full picture of the operating climate as a basis to improve performance,” said Zijderveld. “I am committed to accelerating the pace of change and to positioning Avon for success.”

To see the full Avon Q4 report, click here.

Primerica Revenue Up 12% for Q4; Up 11% for Full Year 2017

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Primerica Inc., a Duluth, Georgia-based seller of financial services, has reported financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2017. In the fourth quarter, total revenues increased 12 percent and adjusted operating revenues increased 13 percent to $442.9 million and $441.9 million, respectively.

Net income grew to $168.4 million in the fourth quarter, with EPS and ROE reaching $3.72 and 49.9 percent, respectively. Results reflect a net benefit of $95.5 million to recognize the transition effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Tax Reform) during the quarter. Given the one-time and unusual nature of this benefit, Primerica has removed its impact from operating results. Adjusted net operating income grew 29 percent to $72.3 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2016 and adjusted operating EPS increased 34 percent to $1.60. ROAE expanded to 22.1 percent in the current period.

For the full year 2017, total revenues and adjusted operating revenues both increased 11 percent to $1.69 billion. Net income, EPS and ROE increased to $350.3 million, $7.61 and 27.4 percent, respectively, inclusive of the transition effect of Tax Reform. Adjusted net operating income grew 17 percent year-over-year to $253.9 million. Earnings growth and share repurchases throughout the year drove a 22 percent increase in adjusted operating EPS to $5.52 and ROAE expanded to 20.6 percent in 2017.

Results reflect solid Term Life and ISP performance, including 14 percent growth in net premiums, 15 percent growth in average ISP client asset values and 11 percent growth in total ISP sales year-over-year. While fluctuations in persistency and claims experience impacted quarterly results in 2017, the full-year Term Life margin remained consistent with 2016. Positive market conditions, growth in the number of fee-generating positions and the launch of the new Lifetime Investments Platform positively impacted ISP results in 2017.

“During 2017, we successfully expanded distribution, grew our sales volumes and substantially increased EPS and ROE,” said CEO Glenn Williams. “Our life licensed sales force grew to over 126,000 representatives at year-end. Life insurance productivity remained at the top of the historical range throughout the year, which drove an increase in life insurance policies issued at a rate that surpassed the life insurance industry’s results. We also delivered solid growth in Investment and Savings Products sales and client asset values in 2017. As we head into a new year, we plan to drive further growth by continuing to expand distribution, execute strategic initiatives and by actively deploying capital, including around $200 million of common stock repurchases expected in 2018. We are well-positioned to deliver long-term value for all of our stakeholders.”

To read the full Primerica Q4 2017 financial report, click here.

Herbalife Nutrition Establishes New $90 Million China Growth and Impact Investment Fund

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Herbalife Ltd., a Los Angeles, California-based health and wellness company, has created its first-ever “China Growth and Impact Investment Fund” to stimulate the development of its business and accelerate growth in China as well as help address challenging public-policy issues such as the rise in obesity.

Funds for this new initiative were granted to Herbalife Nutrition by governments in China as part of an economic development package for its proven contribution and commitment to the continuing growth and success of the Chinese economy.

“China is instrumental in our global growth plans and to fulfill our purpose to make the world healthier and happier,” said CEO Rich Goudis. “We are making this significant investment in China to leverage our deep operational expertise in nutrition to accelerate growth as well as helping address some of the most pressing and challenging societal issues such as the rise in obesity.”

This China Growth and Impact Investment Fund will focus on five key areas:

  • New Acquisitions in Health and Wellness Products and Companies. To complement Herbalife Nutrition’s already extensive lineup of quality products and wellness services, the company will look to increase its footprint in China through strategic acquisitions of innovative and impactful health and wellness companies and products and services.
  • Expansion of Nutrition Clubs. Nutrition Clubs are run by Herbalife Nutrition service providers and provide local, supportive venues for communities of like-minded people to gather and receive nutrition and fitness coaching and counseling as they work to achieve their personal health and fitness goals. Thus, Herbalife is planning to invest in Nutrition Clubs and expand the number of Clubs serving communities across China.
  • Increasing and Improving Technology. To take full advantage of technological enhancements, Herbalife plans to make an additional investment in technology, equipping the service representatives and service providers with the latest tools so they may better serve their customers, track their services and manage their businesses.
  • Providing Additional Research, Learning and Training. Herbalife will also offer service providers and employees a more enhanced and extensive training program focused on nutrition and wellness. Additionally, as Herbalife Nutrition looks to the future, the company will seek opportunities to partner with and provide endowments to universities in China for four chairs, each to play a distinct role. The first endowment will be in the field of direct sales.
  • Public-Private Partnerships Focused on Eradicating Obesity. Obesity has become one of the world’s most dire issues. This epidemic, unfortunately, has not bypassed China and the government is addressing these issues head on in part with the approval of the Healthy China 2030 plan by China’s Central Committee. The Company plans to fund a series of public-private partnerships at the local and regional levels that will focus on best practices to end obesity.

Amway Reports 2017 Sales Slightly Down at $8.6 Billion

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Amway, the world’s largest direct selling company, has reported sales of $8.6 billion for the year ending Dec. 31, 2017. The Ada, Michigan-based company achieved sales gain in several key markets, including South Korea, Thailand, Russia and India. Total sales in the second half of 2017 grew by 3 percent, compared to same period of the previous year, led by China and the United States. The company forecasts year-over-year sales growth in 2018.

“We have weathered a challenging period for our business in China that, combined with less than favorable exchange rates, have impacted our sales for a few years,” Amway President Doug DeVos said. “That downward trajectory has leveled off and now, with our China business rebounding faster than expected, we are forecasting sales growth in 2018.”

Sales growth is forecasted to build off positive momentum from digital investment, social selling trends and second-half sales results.

“Technology is evolving at a rapid pace and we are evolving and investing right along with it,” said Steve Van Andel, Amway’s chairman of the board. “The next-generation entrepreneur wants to run his or her business on the go. Meeting the unique needs of ‘next’ entrepreneurs will be the key to our success and long-term growth, as will meeting the digital needs of consumers.”

Some of the company’s initial digital investments are already coming online and the results are positive.

In China, approximately 70 percent of product purchases are already made through digital and social platforms, and two-thirds of those are via mobile devices. Amway also launched a variety of online platforms, apps and digital tools for sellers and buyers in the Philippines, South Korea and the United States.

While the company’s investment in digital is growing, so is growth in Amway’s product categories. In 2017, nutrition and weight management products accounted for 50 percent of Amway’s sales.

Amway also continues to see strong sales growth overall from some of its top-selling brands, including Nutrilite supplements; Artistry skin care and color cosmetics; eSpring water treatment systems; and XS Energy drinks, snacks and sports nutrition. This past year, XS Energy sales grew more than 30 percent when the segment expanded to new markets, including China and India. Further expansion is planned for 2018.

Across its product categories, Amway is focused on innovation to appeal to the new generation of consumers and their changing expectations on how companies interact with them. For example, the company released its first smart home product called Atmosphere Sky. This is the newest edition of its top-selling air treatment system and allows users to control the device using their smartphone from anywhere in the world.

“Globally, we see marketplace trends in employment and products converging on everything we offer at Amway,” said DeVos. “With our continual investment in products of the future and a strong, proven business plan, there has never been a better time for our business than now.”

Amway’s top 10 markets, based on 2017 sales, were China, United States, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Russia, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Hendrik Pelafu Appointed General Manager of 4Life Indonesia

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4Life Research, a Sandy, Utah-based immune health company, has appointed Hendrik Pelafu as the new general manager of 4Life Indonesia. In his new role, Pelafu will work closely with key leaders and distributors and oversee day-to-day operations for the market.

“We are so excited to have Hendrik join the 4Life family and the Indonesia team,” said Vice President of International Steve Apple. “We believe that his vision, combined with the wonderful people of Indonesia, will help us continue to move forward in the market at an accelerated pace.”

Pelafu has a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine and more than 15 years of direct selling experience. Before joining 4Life, Pelafu served as managing director for a prominent regional direct selling company and as national sales manager for a global direct selling giant, where he achieved top sales growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Hendrik has an outstanding track record,” said 4Life President and CEO Danny Lee. “He brings a wealth of industry knowledge to 4Life Indonesia. We are excited to welcome him and to have his expertise throughout the market.”

4Life has 24 offices around the world to serve a global network of independent distributors and their customers.