OWINGS MILLS, Md., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Medifast, Inc. (NYSE:
MED), a provider of leading clinically proven portion-controlled
weight-loss programs, announced it was named as the #1 Small
Company in America by Forbes Magazine in the list of "America's 100
Best Small Companies." This is the third consecutive year that
Forbes has recognized Medifast, which advanced to number 16 on the
list in 2009, compared to number 85 in 2008.
Michael S. McDevitt, Chief
Executive Officer of Medifast, Inc., commented, "We are extremely
pleased to be recognized by Forbes for the third consecutive year,
and being ranked as the top small company in America is an amazing
honor and achievement."
In the article Forbes states, "Rankings are based on earnings
growth, sales growth and return on equity in the past 12 months and
over five years; we dropped companies with fuzzy accounting or
looming legal troubles. We also compared the stock performance of
each company with that of its peers. Shares of last year's list
members outpaced the Russell by 10 percentage points." Forbes
continued, "Medifast is on a tear. Sales have marched north 41% a
year over the past five years and earnings per share have increased
35% a year during the same period. The past 12 months have been
even better, with sales increasing 69% and earnings jumping
120%."
McDevitt continued, "At Medifast, we feel it is important to
celebrate our past achievements while we continue to look forward
to create an even brighter future. Recent reports show that the
obesity epidemic continues to worsen, costing us billions of
dollars in health care a year and resulting in the first generation
of children with shorter life expectancy than their parents. We at
Medifast are dedicated to restoring the health of this nation, and
will do so one successful client at a time. We provide clients a
top quality clinically proven product line, and deliver consumer
nutrition through four different support channels. This allows
clients to select the best program for both their weight loss and
weight maintenance needs for long-term optimal health."
Medifast has been recommended by over 20,000 doctors since 1980.
Clients can expect to lose up to two to five pounds per week on the
Medifast 5 & 1 Plan, which consists of eating five Medifast
Meals and one Lean & Green Meal per day. Medifast provides
customers over 70 different menu options, as well as a variety of
support options to assist customers on their weight-loss
journey.
MED-G
About Medifast:
Medifast (NYSE: MED) is the leading easy-to-use, clinically
proven, portion-controlled weight-loss program. Medifast has been
recommended by over 20,000 doctors and used by over one million
customers since 1980. It is committed to enriching lives by
providing innovative choices for lasting health. Medifast programs
have been proven effective through studies by major university
teaching hospitals. The company sells its products and programs via
four unique distribution channels: 1) the web and national call
centers, 2) the Take Shape For Life personal coaching division, 3)
Medifast Weight Control Centers, and 4) a national network of
physicians. Medifast was founded in 1980 and is located in
Owings Mills, Maryland. For more
information, log onto http://www.choosemedifast.com.
Please Note: This release contains "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use
of phrases or terminology such as "intend" or other similar words
or the negative of such terminology. Similarly, descriptions
of Medifast's objectives, strategies, plans, goals or targets
contained herein are also considered forward-looking
statements. Medifast believes this release should be read in
conjunction with all of its filings with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission and cautions its readers that
these forward-looking statements are subject to certain events,
risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Some of these factors
include, among others, Medifast's inability to attract and
retain independent Associates and Members, stability in the pricing
of print, TV and Direct Mail marketing initiatives affecting
the cost to acquire customers, increases in competition,
litigation, regulatory changes, and its planned growth into new
domestic and international markets and new channels of
distribution. Although Medifast's believes that the
expectations, statements, and assumptions reflected in these
forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cautions readers to
always consider all of the risk factors and any other cautionary
statements carefully in evaluating each forward-looking statement
in this release, as well as those set forth in its latest Annual
Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and other
filings filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission, including its current reports on Form 8-K. All of the
forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the
date of this release.
SOURCE Medifast, Inc.
Copyright . 22 PR Newswire