Nu Skin 2009 forecast is below analyst estimates

PROVO, Utah - Nu Skin Enterprises Inc., which sells personal-care products and nutritional supplements, forecast slightly lower profit and revenue than analysts expected in 2009.

The company said Thursday it expects to earn between $1.10 and $1.20 per share for the year, on $1.24 billion to $1.27 billion in revenue. That implies modest sales growth from 2008, as the company said revenue will grow 3 to 5 percent in local currency, but foreign exchange rates are expected to reduce revenue by 3 to 5 percent.

On average, analysts expect a profit of $1.25 per share on $1.29 billion in revenue.

Many foreign currencies have gained strength relative to the dollar in recent months, which can hurt overseas sales for U.S. companies.

Nu Skin said it expects $12 million in first-half restructuring costs, which are not included in the forecast. One-time items like restructuring expenses are generally excluded from analyst estimates.

The company did not revise its 2008 forecast for a profit of $1.17 to $1.22 per share and $1.23 billion to $1.24 billion in revenue. Analysts expect a profit of $1.07 per share and revenue of $1.24 billion.

Its shares slipped 13 cents to $10.13 in morning trading.

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