MEDIFAST INC - Annual Report: 2015 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

or

For the transition period from                      to                     .

Commission file number 001-31573

Medifast, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

3600 Crondall Lane, Owings Mills, MD 21117

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(410) 581-8042

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

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 Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) 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 (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  x

Non-accelerated filer  ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)            Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes  ¨    No   x

As of June 30, 2015, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s common stock (based on the closing sale price of $32.32, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on such date) held by non-affiliates was approximately $345 million.

The number of outstanding shares of the Registrant’s common stock as of March 1, 2016 was 11,834,724.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholder’s are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (“Report”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Forward-looking statements often include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “would,” “could,” and similar words or are made in connection with discussions of future operating or financial performance.

Forward-looking statements reflect management’s expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals strategies as of the date of this Report and are not guarantees of future performance or results. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements and the underlying assumptions are reasonable, we cannot assure you that they will be correct. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict or quantify. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from what is anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Some of those factors (in addition to others described elsewhere in this Report and in subsequent securities filings) include:

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Report. We undertake no obligation to update any information contained in this Report or to publicly release the results of any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances of which we may become aware of after the date of this Report.

Table of Contents

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

SUMMARY

Medifast, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Medifast”) is engaged in the production, distribution, and sale of weight loss, weight management, and healthy living products and other consumable health and diet products. The Company primarily operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Take Shape For Life, LLC, Jason Enterprises, Inc., Medifast Franchise Systems (“MFSI”), Inc., Jason Properties, LLC, Medifast Nutrition, Inc. and Seven Crondall, LLC. Medifast product lines include weight loss, weight management, and healthy living meal replacements, snacks, hydration products and vitamins. The Company manufactures a significant portion of its products at its manufacturing facility located in Owings Mills, Maryland.

MARKETS

Over the past 30 years, obesity in the United States has risen dramatically. In 2013, the American Medical Association officially declared obesity a disease and The American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and The Obesity Society recommended that obesity be managed as a chronic disease. Throughout the world, the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1.9 billion people are overweight. In the United States, over two-thirds of the adult population fall within the overweight or obese categories. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), over 78 million U.S. adults are obese.

Obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (“BMI”) of 30 kg/m² or greater, whereas overweight is defined as a BMI ranging between 25 and 29.9 kg/m². All states in the United States had a prevalence of obesity of at least 20% in 2014. Furthermore, the CDC reported that forty-five states had adult obesity rates of 25% or higher, and twenty-two of these states had obesity rates at 30% or more. Being overweight and/or obese is linked to a multitude of serious comorbidities including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancers, arthritis, sleep apnea and depression. A 2015 report by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation estimated 80% of people with diabetes are overweight or obese.

The primary factors contributing to obesity, which are well known are: unhealthy food choices and lack of physical activity. Obesity is not limited to adults; the CDC has reported children and adolescents are also affected. According to the CDC, the prevalence of obesity in children age 6-11 years has doubled and obesity rates have quadrupled in adolescents age 12-19 years in the past 30 years. Approximately 18% of children and 21% of adolescents are obese and are at an increased risk of developing health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and prediabetes.

Studies completed by the CDC reported Americans incurred $147 billion in medical costs associated with obesity in 2008 and that the average annual medical costs for those who are obese are over $1,400 higher than those of people in normal weight ranges. The U.S. weight loss market itself is estimated to be a $65 billion per year industry, including consumer spending on diet foods, drinks and low-calorie sweeteners; health clubs and workout videos; medically supervised and commercial weight loss programs; children’s weight loss camps; diet books; appetite suppressants and more. Portion-controlled, meal-replacement weight management programs are continuing to gain popularity, as consumers search for a safe and effective solution that provides balanced nutrition, effective weight loss, and valuable behavior-modification education.

OUR PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS

THE MEDIFAST® BRAND

Medifast enriches lives by providing weight loss, weight management, and healthy living products and programs through multiple channels of distribution, specifically: (1) our direct to consumer channel through our website and in-house call centers, (2) Take Shape For Life, (3) Franchise Medifast Weight Control Centers, and (4) a national network of physicians . Medifast products and programs have been recommended by over 20,000 doctors since 1980.

PRODUCTS

Our products were originally developed by a physician, Medifast has been on the cutting edge in the development of nutritional and weight-management products since the Company was founded. The Company offers a variety of weight loss, weight management, and healthy living products under the Medifast^®, Thrive by Medifast, Optimal Health by Take Shape For Life®, and Essential 1^® brands. On January 20, 2016, the Company announced the launch of a sports nutrition product line, Dual Fuel^TM, which will be available for select private label customers. The Medifast meal replacement line includes more than 70 options, including, but not limited to bars, bites, pretzels, puffs, cereal crunch, drinks, eggs, hearty choices, oatmeal, pancakes, pudding, soft serve, shakes, smoothies, soft bakes, and soups. The Thrive by Medifast and Optimal Health by Take Shape For Life® lines include a variety of specially formulated bars, shakes, and smoothies for those who are maintaining their weight for long-term healthy living.

Medifast nutritional products are formulated with high-quality, low-calorie, and low-fat ingredients. Medifast meals are individually portioned, calorie- and carbohydrate-controlled meal replacements that share a similar nutritional “footprint” and provide a balance of protein and good carbohydrates, including fiber. Medifast meal replacements are also fortified to contain 24 vitamins and minerals, as well as other nutrients essential for good health.

Medifast brand awareness has expanded through the Company’s marketing campaigns, improved product quality, and an emphasis on quality customer service, technical support, and publications developed by the Company’s marketing staff. Medifast products have been proven to be effective for weight loss and weight management in clinical studies conducted by researchers from leading universities. The Company has continued to develop its sales and marketing operations with qualified management and innovative programs. The Company’s facility in Owings Mills, Maryland manufactures all powder-based products and the Company subcontracts the production of all other products.

Medifast identifies opportunities to expand its product line by regularly surveying its customer base and studying industry and consumer trends. This allows Medifast to introduce new, high quality products that meet consumer demand.

DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS

Medifast Direct – In the direct-to-consumer channel (“Medifast Direct”), customers order Medifast product directly through the Company’s website, www.medifastnow.com or our in-house call center. This business is driven by a multi-media customer acquisition and retention strategy that includes television, digital advertising, direct mail, email, public relations, word of mouth referrals, social media initiatives, and other means as deemed appropriate. The Medifast Direct division focuses on targeted marketing initiatives to acquire and retain customers and provides support through its social communities, its in-house call center, and nutrition support team of registered dietitians to better serve its customers.

Take Shape For Life® – Take Shape For Life is the personal coaching division of Medifast. This coaching network consists of independent contractor health coaches (“Health Coaches”), who are trained to provide coaching and support to clients utilizing the Take Shape For Life® platform. The role of the Health Coach is to provide support and personal encouragement to help clients effectively reach and sustain a healthy weight, and adopt habits for a lifetime of health. Within our Trilogy of Optimal Health, the Company offers individuals an opportunity to create sustainable health in all areas of their lives – building a healthy body, developing a healthy mind, and generating healthy finances. Health Coaches and their clients follow the principles of the Discover Your Optimal Health book, Habits of Health book, and Habits of Health companion workbook written by the NY Times Best-Selling author and Take Shape For Life® co-founder to create an overall health optimization program. In addition to the encouragement and support of a Health Coach, clients of Take Shape For Life® are offered a bio-network of support including product and program information on our website, weekly support calls, and access to our registered dietitians.

Our Health Coaches provide coaching and support to their clients throughout the weight-loss and weight-maintenance process. Most new Health Coaches are introduced to the opportunity by an existing Health Coach. The vast majority of new Health Coaches started as weight-loss clients of a Health Coach, had success on the Take Shape For Life® program, and became a Health Coach to help others through the weight-loss process.

Take Shape For Life® is a member of the Direct Selling Association (the “DSA”), a national trade association representing over 200 direct selling companies doing business in the United States. To become a member of the DSA, Take Shape For Life®, like other active DSA member companies, underwent a comprehensive and rigorous one-year company review by DSA legal staff that included a detailed analysis of its company business-plan materials. This review is designed to ensure that a company’s business practices do not contravene DSA’s Code of Ethics. In addition to its DSA membership, Take Shape For Life is also a voluntary DSA Code of Ethics participant, which sets higher standards for ensuring compliance. Compliance with the requirements of the Code of Ethics is paramount to becoming and remaining a member in good standing of the DSA. Accordingly, we believe membership in DSA by Take Shape For Life® demonstrates its commitment to the highest standards of ethics and a pledge not to engage in any deceptive, unlawful, or unethical business practices. Among those Code of Ethics proscriptions are pyramid schemes and endless chain schemes as defined by federal, state, or local laws. Moreover, Take Shape For Life®, like other DSA member companies in good standing, has pledged to provide consumers with accurate and truthful information regarding the price, grade, quality, and performance of the products Take Shape For Life® markets. In 2015, Take Shape For Life®, and its parent company Medifast® was ranked in the Direct Selling Association’s North American 50 & Global 100 lists. 

Franchise Medifast Weight Control Centers – Franchise Medifast Weight Control Centers (“MWCC”) offer structured programs and a team of professionals to help customers achieve weight-loss and weight-management success at center locations. In 2008, MFSI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Medifast, began offering the center model as a franchise opportunity. MFSI currently offers the Medifast Weight Control Center franchise opportunity in most states under a registered (where required) franchise disclosure document (“FDD”). The MFSI Franchise Agreement requires franchisees to develop a minimum of three Medifast Weight Control Centers within a defined geographic area in the time frame set forth in the Development Agreement between MFSI and the franchisee. MFSI currently has franchised centers located in Arizona, California, Louisiana, Minnesota, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. As of December 31, 2015, 61 franchise locations were in operation.

MFSI currently offers the Medifast Weight Control Center franchise opportunity in most states under a registered (where required) franchise disclosure document (“FDD”). The MFSI Franchise Agreement requires franchisees to develop a minimum of three Medifast Weight Control Centers within a defined geographic area in the time frame set forth in the Franchise and Development Agreement between MFSI and the franchisee.

MFSI’s franchise strategy depends on our franchisees’ active involvement in, and management of, Medifast Weight Control Center operations. Candidates are reviewed for appropriate operational experience and financial stability, including specific net worth and liquidity requirements. Upon execution of the Franchise and Development Agreements, franchisees are required to promptly select sites for their Centers, each of which are subject to MFSI’s approval.

A franchisee’s initial fee includes the franchise fee for their first Center to be developed and a non-refundable deposit for the second and third Centers to be developed, and covers the cost of MFSI resources provided for, among other things, the training of franchisees and their staff, and approval of the proposed territory for development. If a franchisee desires to open more than three Centers in the designated territory, there is an additional fee charged for each additional Center to be developed.

Prior to the opening of each Medifast Weight Control Center franchise established under the Franchise and Development Agreements, MFSI will do the following:

MFSI may, in certain limited circumstances, cause its affiliate to provide products at a discounted price. Medifast may, in certain circumstances guarantee a franchisee’s notes, leases or other obligations. MFSI does not offer direct or indirect financing.

While MFSI does not currently have a purchase option included in its Franchise and Development Agreements, it does have the right of first refusal to acquire a Center if the franchisee wishes to sell a Center.

Medifast Wholesale –Medifast medical provider practices carry an inventory of wholesale products and resell them to patients while providing appropriate medical monitoring, testing, and support to ensure healthy weight loss and weight management.

The Company offers extensive resources to assist the medical providers, their staff and their patients in achieving success with their Medifast program. These medical providers have access to our nutrition support team, marketing assets and training modules to help grow their program and enable patients to achieve their weight loss and associated health goals. Medifast’s nutrition support team includes registered dietitians and a behavioral specialist who provide program support and advice via phone and email.

In 2014, the Company began piloting an online offering that features a resource center to provide Medifast medical providers access to the most current product and program material to support their patients and their business. In addition to opening up the opportunity for current Medifast medical providers to incorporate an e-commerce solution into their Medifast offering, they now have access to online training, news and tips from Medifast, and customizable marketing material to help them reach more patients via our wholesale healthcare channel.

In 2012, the Company entered into a 3-year strategic partnership with Medix, a leader in pharmaceutical obesity products in Mexico. The agreement granted Medix an exclusive license for the distribution of Medifast products and programs through physicians and weight control centers in Mexico under the Medifast brand. Inventory is shipped to Medix within the United States and the resulting revenues are classified as domestic sales for the Company.

In January 2013, the Company and Medix, amended their agreement to provide an exclusive 5-year licensing agreement to increase distribution of Medifast meal replacement products and programs beyond Mexico and into Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, and Uruguay. In 2015, Medix operated one Medifast Weight Control Center in Mexico and launched their brand revitalization strategy with the opening of a 180⁰ Center that features Medifast products and programs. Along with seven Slim Centers, Medix continued operations in nine total locations in Mexico.

The Company recently started to expand its international presence into Canada.

SEASONALITY

Sales of the Company's weight management products and programs have historically been seasonal. Traditionally, predisposition of consumers not to initiate a weight loss or management program during the holiday season impacts the fourth quarter with fewer sales of weight management products and services. January and February generally show increases in sales, as these months are considered the commencement of the “diet season.”

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD

Medifast has a Scientific Advisory Board that consists of a multi-disciplinary, international panel that serves as the foundation for scientifically-valid, consumer-centric, high quality innovations for lasting health. Its mission is to help guide Medifast in making informed decisions regarding medical, nutritional, and scientific matters by providing expertise and information on research and emerging trends.

The work of this cross-disciplinary group builds on Medifast’s heritage of medically sound approaches to weight loss, and the incorporation of leading-edge clinical research into the Company’s products and programs. The Scientific Advisory Board is chaired by Lawrence Cheskin, M.D., F.A.C.P., associate professor of Health, Behavior, and Society at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and director at Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center.

COMPETITION

The weight-loss industry is very competitive and encompasses various weight loss products and programs. These include a wide variety of commercial weight-loss programs, pharmaceutical products, books, self-help diets, dietary supplements, appetite suppressants, and meal replacements, as well as, digital tools and wearable trackers. The weight loss market is served by a diverse array of competitors. Potential customers seeking to manage their weight can turn to other traditional center-based competitors, online diet oriented sites, self-directed dieting and self-administered products such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as well as medically supervised programs.

Medifast’s identified peers and competitors in the general health and wellness diet industry include NutriSystem Inc., Herbalife Ltd., USANA Health Sciences, and Weight Watchers International, Inc. The Company believes that it competes effectively in the weight-loss industry and differentiates itself from the competition.

The Company believes its scientific and clinical heritage and commitment to evaluating its products and programs through clinical research are primary differentiators that allow it to compete in this market. Another primary differentiator is the Company’s unique multi-channel distribution strategy, which provides varying support modalities, and broadens the availability of the Medifast brand by targeting a customer’s individual needs. Originally developed by a physician, Medifast has been on the cutting edge in the development of nutritional and weight-management products since the Company was founded. Medifast meals are individually portioned, calorie- and carbohydrate-controlled meal replacements that share a similar nutritional “footprint” and provide a balance of protein and good carbohydrates, including fiber.

Medifast Medical Providers offer Medifast products and programs to patients in their practice and utilize wholesale sales. Medifast Direct serves customers through the Medifast website and call center with various online support tools, along with access to registered dietitians. The Take Shape For Life® division offers the personal support of a Health Coach that is often a person who has achieved success with Take Shape For Life® and has turned their success into a business opportunity. Medifast Weight Control Centers offer a supervised and structured model for customers who prefer more accountability and personalized counseling as part of the ongoing program. Medifast weight management programs utilize meal replacements as part of a structured meal plan that clinical research has shown to be effective for weight loss.

MARKETING

In 2015, Medifast continued to build and leverage its core Medifast brand through multiple marketing strategies for each distinct distribution channel: Take Shape For Life®, Medifast Direct, Medifast Weight Control Centers, and Medifast Wholesale. Customer acquisition and retention strategies vary by distribution channel and may include digital marketing, television advertising, public relations, social media, email marketing, events, and other means. These mediums were used to target new customers by stressing Medifast's and Take Shape For Life’s® simple and effective approach to weight loss and management and long term health. Many of these programs were also utilized to reactivate, encourage and support existing customers and Health Coaches. Medifast and Take Shape For Life® continues to enhance all company materials and websites.

MANUFACTURING

Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, manufactures and produces all Medifast powder-based products, which is approximately 42% of Medifast’s product revenues, in the manufacturing facility in Owings Mills, Maryland. The Company purchased the plant in July 2002 and has gradually increased production capacity and improved overall efficiencies with additional investments in blending and packaging equipment. The remaining 58% of Medifast products are manufactured by third party vendors in accordance with Medifast proprietary formulas and manufacturing standards. Our Owings Mills manufacturing facility is regulated and inspected by the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) and the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. It is certified as a Safe Quality Food Program (SQF) Level 2 facility compliant with the Global Food Safety Initiative.

GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION HISTORY

The formulation, processing, packaging, labeling, marketing, advertising and selling of the Company's products is subject to regulation by federal, state and local agencies. Products must comply with the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Food Safety Modernization Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, State Consumer Protection laws and several other federal, state and local statutes and regulations applicable in localities in which the company products are made or are sold.

The FDA and USDA and State and local Health departments are the major agencies whose regulatory mission is to assure that products are made using approved ingredients, manufacturing procedures and testing to ensure that safe quality products are delivered to consumers. The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has principal regulatory control over the Company’s advertising and trade practices, its enforcement powers are aimed at protecting the consumer from being deceived by unfair marketing and trading practices.

The FTC has principal regulatory control over the Company’s advertising. Historically, the FTC has filed complaints against a number of commercial weight management providers alleging violations of federal law in connection with the use of advertisements that featured testimonials and claims for program success. In 2012, Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a consent decree with the FTC regarding certain statements included in the advertising for the Company’s weight-loss programs. The consent decree requires us to comply with certain procedures and disclosures in connection with our advertisements of products and services.

PRODUCT LIABILITY AND INSURANCE

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

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s subsidiaries employed 425 employees, of whom 182 were engaged in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain support, and 243 in marketing, administrative, call center and corporate support functions. None of the employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement with the Company. All employees are employed by Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS INFRASTRUCTURE

Our websites are based on commercially developed software and are hosted at a co-location data center located in Baltimore, Maryland. This data center is SSAE16 and PCI-DSS compliant. This facility provides redundant network connections, uninterruptible power supplies, robust physical security, fire prevention controls, and diesel generated power back up for the equipment on which our websites rely. 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, including regularly scheduled penetration security tests on our websites. We also use an industry leading network monitoring service for our Intrusion Detection Services solution along with Intrusion Prevention System devices on our network’s perimeter. When our customers place an order or access their account information, we use secure channels to encrypt and transmit information. Our security certificates encrypt all information entered before it is sent to our servers. We have a secondary firewall layer of security between our customer facing websites and the databases which house their information and we have deployed mitigation devices to protect against Distributed Denial of Service attacks. Customer data is protected against unauthorized access. We have a redundant network across our organization which provides for inter-connectivity and redundancy for our corporate locations.

As our operations grow in both size and scope, we will continuously improve and upgrade our information systems and infrastructure while maintaining their reliability and integrity.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Products manufactured by and programs marketed by the Company are sold primarily under its own trademarks and trade names. Ours policy is to protect our products and programs through trademark registrations both in the U.S. and in significant international markets. The Company carefully monitors trademark use and promotes enforcement of its trademarks in a manner that is designed to balance the cost of such protection against obtaining the greatest value for the Company.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Our principal office is located at 3600 Crondall Lane, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117. Our telephone number at this office is (410) 581-8042. Our corporate website is located at http://www.medifastnow.com. All periodic and current reports, registration statements, code of conduct and other material that we are required to file with the SEC, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are available free of charge through our investor relations page at http://www.medifastnow.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 field 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.

CERTIFICATIONS

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have filed their certifications as required by the SEC regarding the quality of the Company’s public disclosure for each of the periods ended during the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. Further, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer has certified to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) that he is not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards, as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE listing standards.

QUARTERLY RESULTS (Unaudited)

Earnings per common share (sometimes referred to as “EPS”) is computed independently for each of the quarters presented; accordingly, the sum of the quarterly earnings per common share may not equal the total computed for the year.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

You should consider carefully the following risks and uncertainties when reading this 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

The success of our Take Shape For Life® business is dependent on our ability to maintain and grow our network of Health Coaches.

Sales in our Take Shape For Life® channel are generated by our independent contractor Health Coaches. The channel is subject to high turnover and we depend on our network of Health Coaches to continually grow their businesses by attracting, training and motivating new Health Coaches. We consider our number of Health Coaches and revenue per Health Coach to be key indicators of our success in the Take Shape For Life® channel. For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the Company had 11,900 active Health Coaches and the average revenue per Health Coach was $4,039. If we fail to provide the tools and competitive compensation necessary to promote Health Coaches to grow their businesses, we believe these key indicators will weaken and our revenue will decline.

The growth and sustainability of our network of Health Coaches is also subject to risk factors which may be outside of our control. These include:

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 business success depends on our ability to attract and retain customers, which significantly depends on our marketing practices. In 2015, 2014 and 2013 our marketing expenditures were $15.3 million, $17.0 million and $22.1 million, respectively. Our future growth and profitability will depend in large part upon the effectiveness and efficiency of our marketing expenditures, including our ability to:

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.

Our results of operation are highly dependent on product sales and program fees. A downturn 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 or decrease purchases of our products and programs 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 a majority of the products we sell and we manufacture the remaining portion. The inability to obtain the necessary product from our third-party manufacturers or to produce products could cause our revenue, earnings or reputation to suffer.

We rely on third-party manufacturers to supply approximately 58% of the food and other products we sell. 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 Medifast brand.

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

We manufacture approximately 42% of the food and other products we sell. As a result we are dependent upon the uninterrupted and efficient operation of our sole manufacturing facility in Owings Mills, Maryland. The operations at this facility may be disrupted by a number of factors, including the following:

There can be no assurance that the occurrence of these or any other operation problems at our sole facility would not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

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

Our Health Coaches are independent contractors and, accordingly, we are not in a position to provide the same level of oversight as we would if Health Coaches were our own employees. As a result, there can be no assurance that our Health Coaches will comply with our policies and procedures despite our internal compliance efforts. Additionally, some of our Health Coaches 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 Health Coaches lack the qualifications necessary to provide proper advice regarding weight loss and related topics. We may also be subject to claims that our Health Coaching 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. 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 brand image, customer loyalty and results of operations.

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, digital tools and wearable trackers, 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.

New weight loss products or services may put us at a competitive disadvantage and our business may suffer.

The weight management industry is subject to changing consumer demands based, in large part, on the efficacy and popular appeal of weight management programs. The popularity of weight management programs is dependent, in part, on their ease of use, cost and channels of distribution as well as consumer trends, and, 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.

If we do not continue to develop innovative new services and products or if our services and products do not continue to appeal to the market, or if we are unable to successfully expand into new channels of distribution or respond to consumer trends, our business may suffer.

The increasing focus of consumers on more integrated lifestyle and fitness approaches rather than just food, nutrition and diet could adversely impact the popularity of our programs. Our future success depends on our ability to continue to develop and market new, innovative services and products and to enhance our existing services and products, each on a timely basis to respond to new and evolving consumer demands, achieve market acceptance and keep pace with new nutritional, weight management, technological and other developments. We may not be successful in developing, introducing on a timely basis or marketing any new or enhanced services and products, and we cannot assure you that any new or enhanced services or products will appeal to the market. Our failure to develop new products and services and to enhance our existing products and services, and the failure of our products and services to continue to appeal to the market could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract and retain customers and thus adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

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 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 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.

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. 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 or cause us to lose our ability to accept credit cards as a form of payment and result in chargebacks of the fraudulently charged amounts. Furthermore, widespread credit card fraud may lessen our customers’ willingness to purchase our products on our website.

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. Because our business relies heavily on a direct-to-consumer business model, our brand is an important element of our business strategy. 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. Additionally, failure to protect our intellectual property could result in the entry of a competitor to the market. 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 revenue and our ability to compete effectively, increase our costs or harm our business.

We may not be able to successfully implement new strategic initiatives, which could adversely impact our business.

We are continuously evaluating changing consumer preferences and the competitive environment of our industry and seeking out opportunities to improve our performance through the implementation of selected strategic initiatives. The goal of these efforts is to develop and implement a comprehensive and competitive business strategy which addresses the continuing changes in the weight management industry environment and our position within the industry. For example, as the healthcare industry continues to evolve its response to the obesity epidemic so do the requirements, both regulatory and business, for providers. If we do not successfully meet these requirements, we may not be perceived as an appropriate partner for certain purposes. We may not be able to successfully implement our strategic initiatives and realize the intended business opportunities, growth prospects, including new business channels, and competitive advantages. Our efforts to capitalize on business opportunities may not bring the intended results. Assumptions underlying expected financial results or consumer demand may not be met or economic conditions may deteriorate. We also may be unable to attract and retain highly qualified and skilled personnel to implement our strategic initiatives. If these or other factors limit our ability to successfully execute our strategic initiatives, our business activities, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

The sale of our products in markets outside of the United States may subject us to risks.

We have entered into certain arrangements for the sale of our products in international markets and we plan to expand our international sales, marketing and distribution activities on our own and through arrangements with partners located in other countries. The sale, marketing and distribution of our products and programs in such locations is subject to a number of uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the following:

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 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. 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 (the "FTC"), regulate and enforce 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. 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 customers 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, including dietary supplements, 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 pays 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.

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

Like other manufacturers and 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 and products that we manufacture and sell 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, including dietary supplements, 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. Additionally, the manufacture and sale of these products involves the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. To date, we have not been a party to any product liability litigation and we are not aware of any instance in which any of our products have been defective in any way that could give rise to product liability claims. Product liability litigation, even if not meritorious, is very expensive and could also entail adverse publicity for us and reduce our revenue. Any negative publicity associated with these actions would adversely affect our brand and may result in decreased product sales and, as a result, lower revenue and profits.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

In Owings Mills, Maryland, the Company owns a 49,000 square-foot manufacturing facility and leases two buildings which serve as corporate headquarters which are set to expire on August 31, 2016 and October 31, 2017. The Company owns a 119,000 square-foot distribution facility in Ridgley, Maryland and leases a second distribution center in Dallas, Texas which includes a call center. This lease is set to expire on March 31, 2018. Both distribution facilities give the Company adequate product distribution capacity for the foreseeable future. The Company owned a 3,000 square-foot conference and training facility in Ocean City, Maryland that was sold in February 2016. The Company leases a raw materials warehouse in Arbutus, Maryland that expires in May 2018. The Company also has 41 leases for what were its corporate owned Medifast Weight Control Centers. The 41 leases include 3 agreements for Centers that were closed in December 2013 and 7 agreements for Centers that were closed in December 2014 that the Company is in the process of negotiating lease terminations or sublease arrangements, if possible. The remaining 31 agreements are for Centers that were sold to franchise partners during 2014 and the Company entered into sublease agreements with the franchisees. All corporate leases range in terms from one to ten years.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Medifast entered into a number of Franchise and Development Agreements with Team Wellness, Inc. and Team Wellness Louisiana, LLC for the operation of Medifast Centers in the States of Alabama, Tennessee, and Louisiana. The primary owner and representative of the Team Wellness companies personally guaranteed the companies’ obligations. 

Team Wellness, Inc. failed to make payments required under the terms of a Loan Agreement that Team Wellness, Inc. had entered into with Bank of America and for which Medifast provided a limited guarantee. As a result, Medifast served Team Wellness, Inc. with a Notice of Default and Opportunity to Cure. After Team Wellness, Inc. failed to cure and pay the outstanding amounts, and was otherwise in default under the Franchise and Development Agreements, Medifast served Team Wellness, Inc. with a Notice of Termination. In addition, Medifast terminated Team Wellness Louisiana LLC’s franchises, alleging that Team Wellness Louisiana LLC and its guarantor never disclosed to Medifast that RMS Management LLC was an owner of Team Wellness Louisiana LLC but rather represented to Medifast that the guarantor was the sole owner.  

When the companies and the primary guarantor failed to pay the monies owed or comply with their post-termination obligations, Medifast filed a lawsuit on November 21, 2014 against the primary guarantor and the companies in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (Medifast Franchise Systems, Inc. v. Team Wellness, Inc., et al., No. 14-03668 (D. Md.) for breach of contract (nonpayment) and fraud (relating to Medifast’s allegation that Team Wellness LLC and its guarantor failed to disclose that RMS Management LLC was an owner of Team Wellness Louisiana LLC). The complaint seeks damages, enforcement of the termination of the Franchise and Development Agreements, and an injunction ordering the defendants to comply with their post-termination obligations under the Franchise and Development Agreements. Medifast moved for a default judgment against the companies after they failed to answer the complaint. The court granted the motion on June 24, 2015. The Court’s Order requires the companies to pay $2,100,927.53 million to Medifast, which includes the following: outstanding royalties and receivables on food purchases in the amount of $141,239.89, reimbursement for loan payments in the amount of $1,892,834.44, and interest and fees on those loan payments in the amount of $66,853.20. In addition, the court awarded Medifast its attorneys’ fees and costs in the amount of $45,231.05. The Court’s Order also requires the companies to abide by their post-termination obligations under the Franchise Agreements, including that they cease using Medifast’s confidential information. The case against the primary guarantor remains ongoing. Medifast recently filed for summary judgment against the guarantor for nonpayment and fraud – the remaining counts in the complaint on February 2, 2016. The guarantor filed a motion for summary judgment on the fraud claim and on February 2, 2016. Those motions are currently pending before the court.

Medifast granted franchise rights to operate 16 weight loss control Centers to franchisee TransformU, LLC (“TransformU”) in Virginia and Maryland in May and December, 2014. In connection with those transactions, Jason Properties, LLC (“Jason Properties”) assigned certain real estate leases and other liabilities in connection with the Centers, which were assumed by TransformU and guaranteed by TransformU’s principals, Ronald M. Fields, Jr. and James Smith. TransformU ceased operating the Centers, ceased paying fees pursuant to the governing franchise agreements, and ceased paying rent under the operative leases prior to the expiration of the lease terms.

On January 12, 2016, Medifast and Jason Properties filed suit against TransformU, Mr. Fields, and Mr. Smith in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in a case entitled Jason Properties, LLC, et al. v. TransformU, et al., Case No. 1:16-cv-35 AHH/JFA alleging that TransformU and Messrs. Fields and Smith defaulted on their obligations pursuant to the above-mentioned agreements and seeking in excess of $650,000 in damages. The action was dismissed with prejudice on February 5, 2016 by joint stipulation in accordance with the terms of a settlement agreement reached between the parties.

In addition to the above matters, the Company is, from time to time, subject to a variety of litigation and similar proceedings incidental to its business.   Based upon the Company’s experience, current information and applicable law, it does not believe that these proceedings and claims will have a material adverse effect .on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

PART II

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

The Company's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol MED. The following table sets forth the low and high closing prices for the Company’s common stock as reported by the NYSE by fiscal quarters for 2015 and 2014:

Holders

There were approximately 112 record holders of the Company’s common stock as of March 1, 2016. This number does not include beneficial owners of our securities held in the name of nominees.

Dividends

Prior to the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company had not declared or paid any dividend since inception. On December 16, 2015, the Company’s board of directors declared a dividend of $0.25 per share to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 28, 2015. Subsequent to December 31, 2015, the Company’s board of directors declared a dividend of $0.25 per share to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 21, 2016, payable on May 10, 2015. 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 and Capital Resources.”

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The information under the heading “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” will be filed in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

At the outset of the quarter ended December 31, 2015, there were 847,567 shares of the Company’s common stock eligible for repurchase under the repurchase authorization dated September 16, 2014.

No repurchases were made during the fourth quarter of 2015; however throughout the year 40,368 shares of common stock, at an average purchase price of $31.89, were surrendered by employees to the Company during 2015 for the payment of the minimum tax liability withholding obligations upon the vesting of shares of restricted stock.

Performance Graph

The following graph compares the Company’s cumulative total stockholder return (Common Stock price appreciation plus dividends, on a reinvested basis) over the last five fiscal years with the Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 Index and the Company’s selected peer group, including NutriSystem Inc., Herbalife Ltd., USANA Health Sciences, and Weight Watchers International, Inc.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

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

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

The preparation of our consolidated 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 policies to be the most critical in preparing our consolidated financial statements. These critical accounting policies have been discussed with our Audit Committee, as appropriate.

Revenue Recognition: Revenue is recognized net of discounts, rebates, promotional adjustments, price adjustments, and estimated returns and upon transfer of title and risk to the customer which occurs at shipping (F.O.B. terms). Upon shipment, the Company has no further performance obligations and collection is reasonably assured as the majority of sales are paid for prior to shipping. Medifast Weight Control Centers’ program fees were recognized over the estimated service period.

Impairment of Fixed Assets and Long-Lived Assets: We continually assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on legal factors, market conditions and our operating performance. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and the carrying values of fixed and intangible assets may be impaired. Any resulting impairment loss would be limited to the value of net fixed and intangible assets.

Income Taxes: The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.

We evaluated our tax positions and determined that we did not have any material uncertain tax positions. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on uncertain tax positions as part of income tax expense. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, no material estimated interest or penalties were recognized for the uncertainty of certain tax positions. We file income tax returns in the United States, Canada and various states jurisdictions. We are currently under audit by the IRS for 2010, but do not anticipate it to have a significant impact on previously reported results as well as benefits realized under our current tax structure. Other than 2010, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2012.

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. 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. Our estimates for returns have not differed materially from our actual returns. The provision for estimated returns as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $323,000 and $290,000, respectively.

Operating leases: Medifast leases retail stores, distribution facilities, and office space under operating leases. Many lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and contingent rent provisions. The Company recognizes incentives and minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. We commence recording rent expense on the date of initial possession, which is generally when we enter the space and begin to make improvements to properties for our intended use. For tenant improvement allowances and rent holidays, we record a deferred rent liability on the consolidated balance sheets and amortize the deferred rent over the terms of the leases as reductions to rent expense on the consolidated statements of income.

For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy, we record minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases on the consolidated statements of income. Several leases provide for contingent rents, which are determined as a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels. We record a contingent rent liability on the consolidated balance sheets and the corresponding rent expense when we determine achieving specified levels is probable.

Background

The Company is engaged in the production, distribution, and sale of weight loss, weight management, and healthy living products and other consumable health and diet products. The Company’s product lines include weight loss, weight management, and healthy living meal replacements, snacks, hydration products and vitamins. Our product sales accounted for 97% of our revenues in 2015 and 98% of our revenues in 2014.

We review and analyze a number of key operating and financial metrics to manage our business, including revenue to advertising spend, number of active Health Coaches and average monthly revenue generated per Health Coach in the Take Shape For Life® channel.

In 2014, the Company exited the MWCC corporate center model with the sale of 41 Centers to existing franchise partners and the closure of the remaining 34 corporate Centers. The assets, liabilities, operating results, and cash flows of the MWCC corporate center channel have been presented separately as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2015 COMPARISON WITH 2014

Overview of the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014

Revenue: Revenue decreased to $272.8 million in 2015 compared to $285.3 million in 2014, a decrease of $12.5 million. The Take Shape For Life® sales channel accounted for 74.1%, the Medifast Direct channel accounted for 17.8%, the Franchise Medifast Weight Control Centers channel accounted for 6.3%, and the Medifast Wholesale channel accounted for 1.8% of total revenue. The year to date revenue to spend ratio for continuing operations for 2015 was 17.9-to-1 compared to 16.8-to-1 for 2014. Total advertising spend, inclusive of broker fees, for continuing operations was $15.3 million in 2015 compared to $17.0 million in 2014.

Take Shape For Life® revenue decreased 2% to $202.2 million in 2015 compared with $206.7 million in 2014.  The decline in revenue for Take Shape For Life® was caused by the Company having less active Health Coaches and clients coming out of 2014 as compared to 2013, driving down revenues in the first three quarters of 2015.  This impact was partially offset by a price increase in the first quarter of 2015. 

In 2014, the Company defined active Health Coaches as Health Coaches earning income from a product sale in the last month of the quarter. However, in order to provide a more accurate depiction of the number of Health Coaches contributing to Take Shape For Life revenues, the Company began reporting a new active Health Coach count and average revenue per active Health Coach in the first quarter of 2015. The number of active Health Coaches is now reported as the number of earning coaches each quarter instead of the number of earning Health Coaches in the last month of the quarter. The average revenue per Health Coach will now be calculated on a quarterly basis instead of an average month within the quarter. These new quarterly measurements provide a more consistent metric for quarterly comparison. The number of active Health Coaches and quarterly revenue per Health Coach rebounded in the quarter ended December 31, 2015, in which the number of active Health Coaches increased to 11,900 compared with 11,700 for the quarter ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 2%.  For the same period, the average quarterly revenue per Health Coach increased to $4,039 in 2015 from $3,896 in 2014.

The new and historical metrics for the prior period are as follows:

Medifast Direct Sales revenue decreased 15% to $48.7 million in 2015 as compared with $57.2 million in 2014, a decrease of $8.5 million. Revenues in this channel are driven primarily by targeted customer marketing and advertising. Sales were down in comparison to 2014 as new customer acquisition continues to be challenging. To optimize profitability, we decreased our advertising spend in 2015 by 10.1% in comparison to 2014.

Franchise Medifast Weight Control Centers channel revenue increased 11% year-over-year, with revenue of $17.1 million in 2015 compared to $15.4 million in 2014. Sixty-one franchise centers were in operation as of December 31, 2015, as compared to 73 Centers as of December 31, 2014. Twelve Centers were closed during the year, including 10 corporate centers that were transitioned to the franchise model in June of 2014. The increase in revenue was the result of sales derived from corporate centers that were transitioned to the franchise model in June 2014 and December 2014, partially offset by decreased sales per Center and the closure of two Centers opened greater than a year.

Medifast Wholesale revenue decreased 20%, or $1.2 million, to $4.8 for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $6.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease was due to the loss of certain accounts resulting from Medifast’s enforcement of business partner compliance distribution requirements.

Costs of Sales: Cost of sales decreased $4.6 million in 2015 to $71.5 million as compared to $76.1 million in 2014, primarily due to decreased sales volumes. As a percentage of sales, gross margin increased to 73.8% in 2015 from $73.3% in 2014. The gross margin improvement was primarily driven by price increases and shipping efficiencies recognized during the year.

Selling, General and Administrative Costs: Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $6.3 million compared to 2014. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 63.3% versus 62.7% in 2014. Selling general and administrative costs include $2.1 million and $2.6 million for 2015 and 2014, respectively, of extraordinary legal expenses resulting from certain Schedule 13D filings. Fiscal year 2014 also includes a $2.0 million accrual for a franchise loan default guaranteed by Medifast. Excluding these items, selling, general, and administrative expense decreased $3.8 million. Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 62.5% of sales in 2015 as compared to 61.1% in 2014.

Take Shape For Life® commission expense, which is variable based upon product sales, decreased by approximately $2.1 million, or 2.5%, which is in line with the 2% decrease in revenue year-over-year. Health Coaches are compensated on product sales referred to the Company. Health Coaches can earn compensation under the Integrated Compensation Plan in two ways:

Health Coaches do not earn a commission or bonus when they recruit a new Health Coach into the Take Shape For Life® network. Fees paid by new Health Coaches for start-up materials are at the Company’s approximate cost.

Salaries and benefits increased by approximately $0.6 million in 2015 as compared to 2014. The year-over-year increase was driven by higher bonus expenses and medical costs, partially offset by a reduction in salaries and benefits resulting from lower headcount and a decrease in stock compensation expense.

Sales and marketing expense decreased by $1.3 million in 2015 as compared to the prior year as a result of lower advertising spend and a decrease in expenses associated with the Take Shape For Life® annual convention. Total advertising spend was $15.3 million in 2015 versus $17.0 million in 2014. The decrease in spending was offset by an increase in production costs for the Medifast commercials that aired in the first quarter of 2015 and an increase in the Company’s research and development costs related to an ongoing study.

General expenses decreased $2.2 million in 2015 as compared to 2014. Included in 2014, was the recording of a $2.0 million default of a franchise loan agreement. Excluding this, the year-over-year change would have been $0.2 million and was driven by a decrease in legal expenses. The decrease in legal fees is largely due to the settlement agreement with Engaged Capital, LLC that was reached during the first quarter, limiting the extraordinary legal fees incurred during 2015. These savings were partially offset by an increase in accounting expenses and costs associated with retaining GKV as the Company’s marketing and advertising agency.

Other expenses decreased by $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. The improvement was due to a decrease in depreciation expense and a reduction in credit card fees due to reduced revenues. These improvements were partially offset by an increase in licenses and fees.

Income taxes: In 2015, the Company recorded $10.1 million in income tax expense, an effective tax rate of 34.1%. In 2014, the Company recorded 10.7 million in income tax expense, an effective tax rate of 33.6%. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2015 over 2014 was the result of benefits realized in 2014 from research and development credits that were retroactive to 2010. The Company anticipates a tax rate of approximately 33 – 34% in 2016.

Income from continuing operations: Income from continuing operations was $19.6 million in 2015 as compared to $21.0 million in 2014, a decrease of $1.4 million. Pre-tax profit as a percent of sales decreased to 10.9% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 11.1% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The year to date decrease in income is a result of the reduced sales offset by the Company’s efforts to manage expenses. Excluding the extraordinary legal expenses in 2015 and 2014 and the accrued franchise loan obligation in 2014, income from continuing operations would have been $20.9 million, or $1.73 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $24.1 million, or $1.89 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Loss from discontinued operations: In 2014, the Company exited the MWCC corporate center model with the sale of 41 Centers to existing franchise partners and the closure of the remaining 34 corporate centers. The Company had $0.5 million in income from discontinued operations in 2015 compared to a $7.8 loss from discontinued operations in 2014. The income generated in 2015 was primarily the result of the settlement of lease agreements offset by incremental closure costs incurred during the year.

Net income: Net income was $20.1 million in 2015 compared to $13.2 million in 2014. The year-over-year change was driven by the factors described above in the explanations for income from continuing operations and loss from discontinued operations.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2014 COMPARISON WITH 2013

Overview of the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013

Revenue: Revenue decreased to $285.3 million in 2014 compared to $324.1 million in 2013, a decrease of $38.8 million. The Take Shape For Life® sales channel accounted for 72.5%, the Medifast Direct channel accounted for 20.0%, the Franchise Medifast Weight Control Centers channel accounted for 5.4%, and the Medifast Wholesale channel accounted for 2.1% of total revenue. The year to date revenue to spend ratio for continuing operations for 2014 was 16.8-to-1 compared to 14.7-to-1 for 2013. Total advertising spend, inclusive of broker fees, for continuing operations was $17.0 million in 2014 compared to $22.1 million in 2013.

Take Shape For Life® revenue decreased 10% to $206.7 million in 2014 compared with $228.7 million in 2013. The decrease in revenue for Take Shape For Life® was driven by a decrease in the number of active Health Coaches and revenue per Health Coach along with the accrued impact from the creation of the new BeSlim Club loyalty program. Utilizing the new quarterly metrics, the number of active Health Coaches at the end of 2014 decreased to 11,700 compared with 12,800 during the period a year ago, a decrease of 11%. The average revenue per Health Coach per quarter decreased to $3,896 in 2014 from $4,047 in 2013. Approximately half of the decrease of the Health Coach count was due to having less pay periods used in the calculation versus the number of pay periods used in the prior year.

As discussed above, the Company redefied the active Health Coach and revenue per active Health Coach metrics in the first quarter of 2015. The new and historical metrics for the two periods presented are as follows:

Medifast Direct Sales revenue decreased 24% to $57.2 million as compared with $75.5 million in 2013, a decrease of $18.3 million. Revenues in this channel are primarily driven by targeted customer advertising on-line, across local radio, via email and direct mail campaigns, and by highlighting customer successes in large national publications and on television. The Company experienced lower marketing efficiencies and new customer acquisition during the year; and therefore, reduced marketing spending to optimize profitability. The Company’s decision to reduce spending impacted the year-over-year revenue for the channel. As compared to 2013, the Company increased fourth quarter spending in an effort to drive 2015 sales.

Franchise Medifast Weight Control Centers channel revenue increased 1% year-over-year, with revenue of $15.4 million in 2014 compared to $15.3 million in 2013. There were 73 franchise centers in operation as of December 31, 2014, including 19 corporate centers that were transitioned in June 2014 and 17 corporate centers that were transitioned in December 2014. There were 17 franchise centers that closed during 2014, including 5 Centers transitioned to the franchise model in June 2014 and 7 Centers opened during 2014. There were 41 franchise centers in operation as of December 31, 2013. The increase in revenue was driven by the conversion of corporate centers over to Franchise Centers offset by franchise center closures as well as a decrease in sales of franchise centers open greater than one year.

Medifast Wholesale revenue increased 30%, or $1.4 million, to $6.0 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase was driven by a reallocation of internal sales resources to improve revenue in the channel for both domestic and international customers.

Costs of Sales: Cost of sales decreased $7.4 million in 2014 to $76.1 million as compared to $83.5 million in 2013. As a percentage of sales, gross margin decreased from 74.2% in 2013 to $73.3% in 2014, which was the result of increased year-over-year product costs primarily driven by a reduction in manufacturing volumes.

Selling, General and Administrative Costs: Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $23.2 million compared to 2013. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 62.7% versus 62.4% in 2013. Included in selling general and administrative costs for 2014 are $2.6 million in extraordinary legal expenses resulting from certain Schedule 13D filings and a $2.0 million accrual for a franchise loan default guaranteed by Medifast. Excluding these items, selling, general, and administrative expense as a percentage of sales would have been 61.1%, a decrease of 130 basis points compared to 2013.

Take Shape For Life® commission expense, which is variable based upon product sales, decreased by approximately $15.6 million, or 15.4%, as a result of a new compensation plan introduced in late 2013 and a 10% decrease in sales for the channel.

Salaries and benefits decreased by approximately $3.5 million in 2014 as compared to 2013. The year-over-year decrease was driven by reductions in bonuses, salaries, and medical expenses resulting from the Company’s continued focus on headcount. These improvements were partially offset by an increase in stock compensation expense.

Sales and marketing expense decreased by $5.1 million in 2014 as compared to the prior year as a result of lower advertising expenses. The Company continues to focus on efficiency improvements and balancing sales and marketing expense in an effort to drive profitability. The Company increased year-over-year fourth quarter revenue spending in an effort to drive 2015 sales.

General expenses increased $3.0 million in 2014 as compared to 2013. The year-over-year change was driven by a $2.0 million accrual relating to a default on a franchise loan guaranteed by Medifast and an increase in legal expenses, inclusive of $2.6 million in extraordinary expenses resulting from certain Schedule 13D filings. These were partially offset by a decrease in information technology consulting fees.

Other expenses consisting primarily of depreciation and credit card processing fees, decreased by $1.7 million. The decrease in expenses for the period was the result of a reduction in credit card fees due to reduced revenues and the final settlement of Voluntary Disclosure Agreement’s (VDA) accrued in 2012 and issued in 2013.

Income taxes: In 2014, the Company recorded $10.7 million in income tax expense, an effective rate of 33.6%. In 2013, the Company recorded $11.9 million in income tax expense, an effective rate of 30.5%. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2014 over 2013 was a result of benefits realized in 2013 from research and development credits of $0.5 million that were retroactive to 2012, as well as realizing benefits of $0.8 million from extensive state income tax restructuring (to take advantage of apportionment methodology) which also related to prior years. As a manufacturing entity based in Maryland, in 2013 the Company adopted the single sales factor apportionment method in addition to claiming new state jobs credits and research and development credits. The Company anticipates a tax rate of approximately 33 – 34% in 2015.

Income from continuing operations: Income from continuing operations was $21.0 million in 2014 as compared to $27.1 million in 2013, a decrease of $6.1 million. Income from operations decreased by $8.2 million, or 21%, versus 2013 with the percent of sales decreasing to 10.6% in 2014 as compared to 11.9% in 2013. The year-over-year decrease in profitability was primarily driven by the 11.9% reduction in sales coupled with an increase in product costs, a $1.8 million after tax extraordinary legal and advisory expenses incurred in relation to the certain Schedule 13D filings and a $1.3 million after tax accrual relating to a default on a franchise loan guaranteed by Medifast. These negative impacts to profits were partially offset by the Company’s continued efforts to closely monitor spending as demonstrated in the decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses outlined above.

Loss from discontinued operations: In 2014, the Company exited the MWCC corporate center model by selling 41 Centers to existing franchise partners (24 Centers were sold in June 2014 and the remaining 17 Centers were sold in December 2014) and closing the remaining 34 corporate centers. Loss from discontinued operations was $7.8 million in 2014 as compared to $3.1 million in 2013, a decrease of $4.7 million. The year-over-year decrease includes the $8.6 million pre-tax, $5.2 million after-tax, charge for the closure of 34 Centers in December 2014. This charge includes $0.6 million for one-time termination benefits, $4.4 million for closed clinic lease obligations, $3.3 million for impaired assets, and $0.5 million in other facility related closure costs. These exit activity costs were partially offset by a gain of $0.2 million on the sale of Centers.

Net income: Net income was $13.2 million in 2014 compared to $24.0 million in 2013. The year-over-year change was driven by the factors described above in the explanations for income from continuing operations and loss from discontinued operations.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to providing results that are determined in accordance with GAAP, the Company provides certain non-GAAP financial measures. The Company’s 2015 and 2014 non-GAAP financial measures of adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share exclude the charges the Company incurred in relation to extraordinary legal expenses in connection with the Schedule 13D filings. The 2014 results also exclude a franchise loan default guaranteed by Medifast. Because all of these charges are unique events, not directly related to the Company’s normal operations, the Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures may help investors better understand and compare our operating results and trends by eliminating this component.

The reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures are as follows:

The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding used in the calculation of theses non-GAAP financial measures are the same as the weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculation of the reported per share amounts.

Excluding the impact of the $2.1 million extraordinary legal expenses incurred in connection with the Schedule 13D filings for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the impact of the $2.0 million franchise loan guarantee and the $2.6 extraordinary legal expenses incurred in connection with the 13D filings for the year ended December 31, 2014, income from operations decreased $4.0 million to $30.8 million from $34.8 million. Adjusted income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased to $20.9 million from income from adjusted continuing operations of $24.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased to $21.4 million from net income of $16.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased to $1.73 as compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.89 for the same period in 2014. Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased to $1.77 as compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.27 for the same period in 2014.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company had stockholders’ equity of $88.6 million and working capital of $64.5 million on December 31, 2015 compared with $80.5 million and $55.0 million at December 31, 2014, respectively. The $8.1 million net decrease in stockholder’s equity reflects $20.1 million in 2015 profits offset by the $10.5 million used to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock as well as other equity transactions as outlined in the “Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity” included in our consolidated financial statements. The Company also declared a dividend of $0.25 per share to its common stockholders during the fourth quarter of 2015 which was paid in the first quarter of 2016. Subsequent to December 31, 2015, the Company’s board of directors declared a dividend of $0.25 per share to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 21, 2016, payable on May 10, 2015. While we intend to continue the dividend program and believe we will have sufficient liquidity to do so, we can provide no assurance we will be able to continue the declaration and payment of dividends. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents position increased from $24.5 million at December 31, 2014 to $42.0 million at December 31, 2015.

In the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company generated cash flow of $33.1 million from continuing operations, partially attributable to $19.6 million in income from continuing operations. Cash provided by operating activities of $16.5 million primarily includes depreciation and amortization of $7.1 million, a $3.6 million decrease in prepaid income taxes, share-based compensation of $3.1 million, a decrease in inventory of $2.4 million, and a $0.3 million decrease in other assets. This was offset by cash used by operating activities of $3.0 million including a $2.4 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses, a $0.5 million net realized gain on investment securities, and deferred income taxes of $0.1 million.

Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations was $3.7 million including income from discontinued operations of $0.5 million. Cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations totaled $2.6 million and includes a non-cash benefit of $2.4 million for deferred taxes and a $0.1 decrease in inventory. Cash used by operating activities from discontinued operations of $6.8 million include a $6.5 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses and a $0.3 million increase in accounts receivable.

In the year ended December 31, 2015, net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations was $0.2 million, which was due to $9.3 million for the purchase of investment securities offset by $11.9 million of cash generated by the sale of investment securities and $2.8 million for the purchase of property and equipment.

In the year ended December 31, 2015, financing activities from continuing operations used $11.7 million in cash. The Company used $10.5 million to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market, to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock to cover employee taxes of $1.3 million, and to repay $0.3 million in capital leases. The Company realized a cash benefit for excess tax benefits from share-based compensation in the amount of $0.2 million. As of December 31, 2015, there are 847,567 shares of the Company’s common stock eligible for repurchase under the repurchase authorization dated September 16, 2014.

In the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company had a non-cash benefit of $0.1 million related to foreign currency translation.

In pursuing its business strategy, the Company may require additional cash for operating and investing activities. The Company expects future cash requirements, if any, to be funded from operating cash flow and financing activities.

The Company evaluates acquisitions from time to time as presented.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The Company has the following contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015: 

INFLATION

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

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates and a decline in the stock market. The Company does not enter into derivatives, foreign exchange transactions or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company paid off its outstanding debt during the first quarter of 2013, eliminating our current exposure to interest rate risk.

We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates and market pricing impacting our investment portfolio. Our current investment policy is to maintain an investment portfolio consisting mainly of U.S. money market and high-grade corporate securities, directly or through managed funds. Our cash is deposited in and invested through highly rated financial institutions in North America. Our marketable securities are subject to interest rate risk and market pricing risk and will fall in value if market interest rates increase or if market pricing decreases. If market interest rates were to increase and market pricing were to decrease immediately and uniformly by 10% from levels at December 31, 2015, we estimate that the fair value of our investment portfolio would decline by an immaterial amount and therefore we would not expect our operating results or cash flows to be affected to any significant degree by the effect of a change in market conditions on our investments.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The information required by this item is set forth on pages 33 to 50 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

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

There were no disagreements with the Company’s independent auditors, regarding accounting and financial disclosures for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

In accordance with Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2015.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions, providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements, providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of Company assets are made in accordance with management authorization, and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Company assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, was audited by RSM US LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing below.

Changes in our Internal Control

No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with associated policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Medifast, Inc.

We have audited Medifast, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. The Company’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 (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) 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 (c) 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, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 of the Company and our report dated March 15, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion.

/s/ RSM US LLP

Baltimore, Maryland

March 15, 2016

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.

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

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.

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

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following documents are filed as part of this Report

See Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 33 of this Report

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

Reference is made to the Exhibit Index on page 51 of this Report for a list of exhibits required by Item 601 of Registration S-K to be filed as part of this Report.

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Medifast, Inc.

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Medifast, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. 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 Medifast, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 15, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ RSM US LLP

Baltimore, Maryland

March 15, 2016

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014

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

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

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

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

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

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

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

MEDIFAST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 & 2013