UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington D.C. 20549





FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)





x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2011oro
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934





For the transition period from ______________ to _____________





Commission File Number 1-13026





BLYTH, INC.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


DELAWARE
36-2984916(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)





One East Weaver Street, Greenwich, Connecticut 06831(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)





(203) 661-1926


(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)





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 o





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 o       No o





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.





Large accelerated filer o



Non-accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x



Smaller reporting company o





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


Yes o                         No x





Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.





8,246,295 Common Shares as of May 31, 2011


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BLYTH, INC.





INDEX


PagePart I.   Financial InformationItem 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited):Consolidated Balance Sheets
3Consolidated Statements of Earnings
4Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
5Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
6Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7-20Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
21-25Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
26Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
27Part II.   Other InformationItem 1.
Legal Proceedings
28Item 1A.
Risk Factors
28Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
29Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities
29Item 4.
Removed and Reserved
30Item 5.
Other Information
30Item 6.
Exhibits
30Signatures

31











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Part I.   FINANCIAL  INFORMATIONItem I.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTSBLYTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(Unaudited)April 30,


January 31,2011


2011(In thousands, except share and per share data)ASSETSCurrent assets:Cash and cash equivalents

$
191,908


$
205,748Short-term investments


-



8,700Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful receivablesof $637 and $669, respectively


15,801



9,670Inventories


90,216



91,039Prepaid and other


30,612



20,936Deferred income taxes


817



2,096Current assets held for sale


44,946



44,068Total current assets


374,300



382,257Property, plant and equipment, at cost:Less accumulated depreciation of $155,750 and $152,012, respectively


89,985



89,310Other assets:Investments


7,378



7,576Goodwill


2,298



2,298Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $13,521 and $13,338, respectively


10,609



10,792Other assets


14,110



9,532Total other assets


34,395



30,198Total assets

$
498,680


$
501,765LIABILITIES AND EQUITYCurrent liabilities:Current maturities of long-term debt

$
737


$
1,321Accounts payable


40,041



48,893Accrued expenses


66,798



58,944Dividends payable


829



-Income taxes payable


1,225



3,482Current liabilities held for sale


6,586



5,256Total current liabilities


116,216



117,896Deferred income taxes


2,102



2,049Long-term debt, less current maturities


109,361



109,555Other liabilities


25,376



25,195Commitments and contingencies


-



-Redeemable noncontrolling interest


843



-Stockholders' equity:Preferred stock - authorized 10,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value; no shares issued


-



-Common stock - authorized 50,000,000 shares of $0.02 par value; issued 12,810,098, shares and 12,791,515 shares, respectively


256



256Additional contributed capital


146,851



146,355Retained earnings


501,053



510,102Accumulated other comprehensive income


20,937



16,951Treasury stock, at cost,  4,565,853 and 4,561,014 shares, respectively


(424,416
)


(424,210
)Total stockholders' equity


244,681



249,454Noncontrolling interest


101



(2,384
)Total  equity


244,782



247,070Total liabilities and equity

$
498,680


$
501,765The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


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BLYTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)(Unaudited)Three months ended April 30(In thousands, except per share data)

2011


2010Net sales

$
185,543


$
185,285Cost of goods sold


76,759



74,093Gross profit


108,784



111,192Selling


76,201



73,142Administrative and other


29,597



27,696Total operating expense


105,798



100,838Operating profit


2,986



10,354Other expense (income):Interest expense


1,706



1,780Interest income


(248
)


(249
)Foreign exchange and other


(527
)


(156
)Total other expense


931



1,375Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes


2,055



8,979Income tax expense (benefit)


(231
)


2,783Earnings from continuing operations before noncontrolling interests


2,286



6,196Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests


235



(405
)Net earnings from continuing operations


2,051



6,601Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $1,258 in 2011 and $1,135 in 2010


(2,457
)


(2,094
)Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $1,249


(2,515
)


-Net earnings (loss)

$
(2,921
)

$
4,507Basic:Net earnings from continuing operations attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share

$
0.25


$
0.75Net loss from discontinued operations attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share


(0.60
)


(0.24
)Net earnings (loss)

$
(0.35
)

$
0.51Weighted average number of shares outstanding


8,273



8,832Diluted:Net earnings from continuing operations attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share

$
0.25


$
0.74Net loss from discontinued operations attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share


(0.60
)


(0.24
)Net earnings (loss)

$
(0.35
)

$
0.51Weighted average number of shares outstanding


8,324



8,872Cash dividend declared per share

$
0.10


$
0.10The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.








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BLYTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY(Unaudited)(In thousands)Blyth, Inc.'s StockholdersCommon

Stock

Additional

Contributed

Capital

Retained

Earnings

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

Treasury

Stock

Noncontrolling

Interest

Total

Equity


Redeemable

Noncontrolling

Interest

(Temporary Equity)


Comprehensive

Income (Loss)For the three months ended April 30, 2010:Balance, February 1, 2010

$
255

$
144,233

$
494,524

$
20,591

$
(403,329
)
$
3

$
256,277


$
(1,470
)Net earnings (loss) for the period








4,507








56


4,563



(461
)

$
4,102Distribution to noncontrolling interest

















(36
)

(36
)Foreign currency translation adjustments

(net of tax liability of $4,133)








(7,421
)







(7,421
)






(7,421
)Net unrealized gain on certain investments(net of tax liability of  $206)











410








410







410Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedging instruments(net of tax liability of $36)











67








67







67Comprehensive loss




























(2,842
)Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling

interests

























405Comprehensive loss attributable to Blyth, Inc.

























(2,437
)Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan


1


(1
)













-Stock-based compensation





985














985Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)








(885
)










(885
)Treasury stock purchases 1














(220
)




(220
)Balance, April 30, 2010

$
256

$
145,217

$
498,146

$
13,647

$
(403,549
)
$
23

$
253,740


$
(1,931
)For the three months ended April 30, 2011:Balance, February 1, 2011

$
256

$
146,355

$
510,102

$
16,951

$
(424,210
)
$
(2,384
)
$
247,070


$
-Net earnings (loss) for the period








(2,921
)







68


(2,853
)


167


$
(2,686
)Reclass of noncontrolling interest to redeemable

noncontrolling interest














2,462


2,462



(2,462
)Distribution to noncontrolling interest

















(45
)

(45
)Foreign currency translation adjustments

(net of tax benefit of $4,013)








4,293








4,293







4,293Net unrealized gain on certain investments

(net of tax liability of  $51)











90








90







90Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedging instruments  (net of tax benefit of $213)











(397
)







(397
)






(397
)Comprehensive income




























1,300Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling

interests

























(235
)Comprehensive income attributable to Blyth, Inc.
























$
1,065Stock-based compensation





496














496Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest








(5,299
)










(5,299
)


3,138Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)








(829
)










(829
)Treasury stock purchases 1














(206
)




(206
)Balance, April 30, 2011

$
256

$
146,851

$
501,053

$
20,937

$
(424,416
)
$
101

$
244,782


$
8431) This includes shares withheld in order to satisfy employee withholding taxes upon the distribution of vested restricted stock units.The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.























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BLYTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(Unaudited)Three months ended April 30(In thousands)

2011


2010Cash flows from operating activities:Net earnings (loss)

$
(2,921
)

$
4,507Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax


2,457



2,094Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax


2,515



-Income (loss) from continuing operations


2,051



6,601Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:Depreciation and amortization


2,899



3,020Loss (gain) on sale of assets


15



(385
)Stock-based compensation expense


594



985Deferred income taxes


(5,446
)


5,267Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of business acquisitions and divestitures:Accounts receivable


(6,994
)


(6,391
)Inventories


3,404



(5,836
)Prepaid and other


(9,187
)


(5,858
)Other long-term assets


56



(88
)Accounts payable


(9,972
)


(13,890
)Accrued expenses


6,964



6,451Income taxes payable


(2,488
)


(1,999
)Other liabilities and other


1,114



(5,467
)Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations


(16,990
)


(17,590
)Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations


(4,246
)


(629
)Net cash used in operating activities


(21,236
)


(18,219
)Cash flows from investing activities:Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of disposals


(2,085
)


(1,722
)Purchases of short-term investments


-



(5,000
)Purchases of additional ViSalus interest


(2,161
)


-Proceeds from sale of short-term investments


8,700



-Proceeds from sale of long-term investments


275



1,972Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities


4,729



(4,750
)Cash flows from financing activities:Borrowings on long-term debt


-



600Repayments on long-term debt


(739
)


(121
)Payments on capital lease obligations


(57
)


(21
)Dividends paid


-



(8,826
)Distributions to noncontrolling interest


(45
)


(36
)Net cash used in financing activities


(841
)


(8,404
)Effect of exchange rate changes on cash


3,508



(2,696
)Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents


(13,840
)


(34,069
)Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period


205,748



207,430Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$
191,908


$
173,361The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


























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BLYTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(Unaudited)





Blyth, Inc. (the “Company”) is a multi-channel company competing primarily in the home fragrance and decorative accessories industries. The Company designs, markets and distributes an extensive array of decorative and functional household products including candles, accessories, seasonal decorations, household convenience items and personalized gifts, as well as products for the foodservice trade,nutritional supplements and weight management products. The Company competes primarily in the global home expressions industry and its products can be found throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Our financial results are reported in three segments: the Direct Selling segment, the Catalog & Internet segment and the Wholesale segment.





1.           Basis of Presentation





The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries operate on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. European operations and one domestic direct selling entity maintain a calendar year accounting period, which is consolidated with the Company’s fiscal period. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of items that are normal and recurring in nature) necessary for fair presentation of the Company's consolidated financial position as of April 30, 2011 and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and 2010. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, as set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three months ended April 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012.





The financial statements reflect the presentation of Midwest-CBK and Boca Java as discontinued operations, and as such, have been restated for prior year reporting (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).





Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance





In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) - Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements" (“ASU 2010-06”). ASU 2010-06 requires new disclosures regarding transfers in and out of the Level 1 and 2 and activity within Level 3 fair value measurements and clarifies existing disclosures of inputs and valuation techniques for Level 2 and 3 fair value measurements. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosure of activity within Level 3 fair value measurements, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those years. This update did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.





In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-28, “Intangible –Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): When to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts.” This update requires an entity to perform all steps in the test for a reporting unit whose carrying value is zero or negative if it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that a goodwill impairment exists based on qualitative factors, resulting in the elimination of an entity’s ability to assert that such a reporting unit’s goodwill is not impaired and additional testing is not necessary despite the existence of qualitative factors that indicate otherwise. These changes became effective for Blyth beginning February 1, 2011. The Company’s adoption of this update did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.





In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of supplementary pro forma information for business combinations.” This update changes the disclosure of pro forma information for business combinations. These changes clarify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. Also, the existing supplemental pro forma disclosures were expanded to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. These changes became effective for Blyth beginning February 1, 2011. The Company’s adoption of this update did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The Company will comply prospectively to the extent it makes additional acquisitions.


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In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-13, "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades (A consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)" (“ASU 2010-13”). ASU 2010-13 clarifies that a share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, such an award should not be classified as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. This clarification of existing practice is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010, with early application permitted. The Company’s adoption of this update did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.





2.           Discontinued Operations





On May 27, 2011, the Company sold substantially all of the net assets of its seasonal, home décor and home fragrance business (“Midwest-CBK”) within the Wholesale segment for approximately $37.1 million and incurred a loss of approximately $2.5 million, net of tax benefits. The agreement also provides for a net working capital adjustment to be settled on or before July 26, 2011. The Company received cash proceeds of $23.7 million and a one year promissory note secured by fixed assets included with the transaction of $11.9 million. The Company also received an advance payment of interest on the promissory note of $0.5 million at the time of closing. For the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, revenues were $15.0 and $14.7 million and losses before income taxes were $2.9 and $2.8 million, respectively. Revenues for the year ended January 31, 2011 were $104.6 million.





On February 11, 2011, the Company assigned all the assets and liabilities of the Boca Java business through a court approved assignment for the benefit of its creditors. The proceeds from the sale of the assets were used to discharge the claims of the creditors. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company assessed the recoverability of these assets and recorded a $1.1 million impairment charge. This charge was primarily to write down its fixed assets, inventories on hand and other assets, net of any expected recoveries and was recorded to Cost of goods sold and Administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) within the Catalog and Internet Segment in Fiscal 2011. Revenue and losses before income taxes for Boca Java are not significant.





These transactions are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements and results of operations for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010. The following table provides the detail of the assets and liabilities held for sale:


April 30,


January 31,2011


2011Assets held for saleAccounts receivable, net

$
8,430


$
7,916Inventories


17,388



17,182Prepaid and other


6,770



6,648Net plant, property & equipment


12,004



12,192Other assets


354



130Total assets held for sale

$
44,946


$
44,068Liabilities held for saleAccounts payable

$
2,489


$
2,890Accrued expenses


1,220



2,158Other current liabilities


2,777



108Long term debt


100



100Total liabilities held for sale

$
6,586


$
5,256








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3.          Business Acquisitions
 
 In August 2008, the Company signed a definitive agreement to purchase ViSalus Holdings, LLC (“ViSalus”), a direct seller of weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks, through a series of investments.
 
 On October 21, 2008, the Company completed its initial investment and acquired a 43.6% equity interest in ViSalus for $13.0 million in cash. Additionally, as provided in the acquisition agreement, and amended in September 2009, the Company has provided ViSalus with a $3.0 million revolving credit facility through July 2014, of which $3.0 million was outstanding as of January 31, 2011 and was subsequently repaid in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. On April 15, 2011, the Company completed the second phase of its acquisition of ViSalus Sciences and currently owns 57.5% of the company. The Company may be required to make additional purchases of ViSalus to increase ownership over time to 72.7% and 100.0%. These additional purchases are conditioned upon ViSalus meeting certain operating targets in calendar years 2012 and 2013. The purchase prices of the additional investments are based on ViSalus’ future operating results. The Company has the option to acquire the remaining interest in ViSalus, even if they do not meet the predefined operating targets.
 
 The Company accounted for the acquisition of ViSalus as a business combination under SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations,” since the Company obtained control of ViSalus prior to the effective date of ASC 805. The Company analyzed the criteria for consolidation in accordance with ASC 810, and determined it has control of ViSalus based on the following factors. ViSalus is currently majority owned collectively by Blyth and Ropart Asset Management Fund, LLC and Ropart Asset Management Fund II, LLC (collectively, “RAM”), a related party (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information). Moreover, the Company has taken into account the composition of ViSalus’ three-member board of managers, one of whom is an executive officer of the Company, one of whom is a principal of RAM and one of whom is a founder and executive officer of ViSalus. Additionally, the Company and RAM together control ViSalus’ compensation committee and control the compensation of the ViSalus executive officer who serves on ViSalus’ board of managers. Consequently, all of the members of ViSalus’ board of managers may be deemed to operate under the Company’s influence.
 
 The Company has also taken into account ViSalus’ governing documents, which afford the Company significant rights with respect to major corporate actions and the right to force the other owners of ViSalus’ equity to sell them in certain circumstances. Finally, the Company considered the mechanisms that are in place to permit it to purchase the remaining noncontrolling interest in ViSalus over the next several years.
 
 As discussed above, the Company is required to purchase the remaining noncontrolling interests in ViSalus if ViSalus meets certain operating targets. As a result, these noncontrolling interests were determined to be redeemable and are accounted for in accordance with the guidance of ASC 480-10-S99-3A, and the non-codified portions of Emerging Issues Task Force Topic D-98, “Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities.” Accordingly, the Company has begun recognizing these noncontrolling interests obligations outside of permanent equity and has accreted changes in their redemption value through the date of redemption during the time at which it was probable that the noncontrolling interests would be redeemed. The accretion of the redemption value has been recognized as a charge to retained earnings and to the extent that the resulting redemption value exceeds the fair value of the noncontrolling interests, the differential could result in future adjustments in the Company’s earnings per share (“EPS”) should the redemption value exceed fair value. As of April 30, 2011, the estimated redemption value did not exceed fair value and no adjustment was recorded.  For the calendar year 2010, ViSalus did not meet its predefined operating target, however, as noted above, the Company has waived this requirement and increased its ownership interest to 57.5% on April 15, 2011. As such, the noncontrolling interest has become redeemable and we may be required to make the additional purchases of ViSalus in 2012 and 2013 if ViSalus meets it predefined operating targets in those years. As of April 30, 2011, the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interests was $0.8 million and has been reflected as Redeemable noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.


As of April 30, 2011, if ViSalus meets its projected operating targets, the total expected redemption value of noncontrolling interest will be approximately $60.4 million paid through 2014. The total expected redemption value could increase or decrease depending upon whether ViSalus exceeds or falls short of its operating projections.





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The acquisition of ViSalus by Blyth involves related parties, as discussed in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition to Blyth, the other owners of ViSalus, include its three founders (each of whom currently own approximately 9.6% of ViSalus for a total of 28.9%) (“the founders”) and RAM which currently owns 8.3%, and a small group of employees who collectively own approximately 5.3% of ViSalus. Blyth’s initial investment in ViSalus of $13.0 million was paid to ViSalus ($2.5 million), RAM ($3.0 million) and each of the three founders ($2.5 million each), and second investment of $2.2 million was paid to RAM ($1.0 million), each of the three founders ($0.3 million each) and others ($0.3 million in the aggregate).  Mr. Goergen, Blyth’s chairman and chief executive officer, beneficially owns approximately 33.4% of Blyth’s outstanding common stock, and together with members of his family, owns substantially all of RAM.





On February 1, 2010, ViSalus received a financing commitment from the founders and RAM for up to $1.2 million to fund its operations for calendar year 2010, $0.6 million of which has been borrowed as of January 31, 2011.  Interest accrues at 10% per annum payable quarterly in arrears. In addition to the 10% interest, the loan requires ViSalus to pay a further lump-sum interest payment at maturity of $0.6 million in addition to its principal amount due. In April 2010, the Company also loaned ViSalus an additional $0.3 million which was due on February 28, 2011. The loan accrues interest at 10% per annum payable quarterly in arrears. These loans, plus interest, were paid when due on February 28, 2011.





As of January 31, 2011, ViSalus had outstanding notes payable, excluding interest, to RAM and the founders of $3.2 million, in addition to $3.3 million due to Blyth. On February 28, 2011, ViSalus repaid $0.6 million of the loan due to founders and RAM, decreasing the outstanding balance to $2.6 million as of April 30, 2011. In March 2011, ViSalus fully repaid the loan balance of $3.3 million due to Blyth.





4.           Restructuring





During fiscal 2007, the Company initiated a restructuring plan within the North American operations of the Company’s Direct Selling segment. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had an accrual for approximately $1.2 million for restructuring charges relating to a lease obligation. The remaining lease payments will be made through fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2011, given the limited lease term remaining and market conditions, the Company fully impaired the lease assuming no future sub-lease income through its lease expiration in fiscal 2013.





The following is a tabular rollforward of the lease obligation accrual described above, included in Accrued expenses:





(In thousands)

Lease ObligationBalance at January 31, 2011

$
1,371Payments made in fiscal 2012


(204
)Balance at April 30, 2011

$
1,167






5.           Investments
 
 The Company considers all money market funds and debt instruments, including certificates of deposit and commercial paper, purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents, unless the assets are restricted. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value.
 
 The Company’s investments as of April 30, 2011 consisted of a number of financial securities including preferred stocks, certificates of depositand an investment in a limited liability company. The Company accounts for its investments in equity instruments in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments – Debt & Equity Securities”.





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April 30, 2011


January 31, 2011(In thousands)

Cost Basis1


Fair Value


Net unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI


Cost Basis1


Fair Value


Net unrealized gain (loss) in AOCIAuction rate securities

$
-


$
-


$
-


$
10,000


$
8,700


$
-Preferred stocks


4,620



5,193



573



4,620



5,118



498Certificates of deposit


1,792



1,792



-



2,065



2,065



-Total available for sale investments

$
6,412


$
6,985


$
573


$
16,685


$
15,883


$
498Equity method investment in LLC 2






393











393Total investments





$
7,378










$
16,2761) The cost basis represents the actual amount paid or the basis assumed following a permanent impairment of that asset.The basis for the preferred stock is their fair value as of February 1, 2009, the date that they were reclassified from trading to available for sale.2) The equity method investment is reported at cost, adjusted by the Company's proportionate share of investee's earnings or loss.








Short-term investments held as of January 31, 2011 consisted of an auction rate security valued at $8.7 million. In conjunction with a decision made prior to year end, the ARS was sold in February 2011 and was presented as short-term investments as of January 31, 2011 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the decrease in value of its ARS was other than temporary and therefore recorded a charge of $1.3 million representing the difference in the par value of the ARS of $10.0 million and its liquidated value of $8.7 million. The charge of $1.3 million was recorded in Foreign exchange and other in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the year ended January 31, 2011.





As of April 30 and January 31, 2011, the Company held $5.2 million and $5.1 million of preferred stock investments which are classified as long-term available for sale securities. Unrealized gains and/or losses on these investments that are considered temporary are recorded in AOCI. These securities are valued based on quoted prices in inactive markets. For the quarter ended April 30, 2011, the Company recorded an unrealized gain, net of tax, of $0.4 in AOCI.





The following table summarizes the proceeds and realized gains and losses on the sale of available for sale investments recorded in Foreign exchange and other within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010. Gains and losses are calculated using the specific identification method.








(In thousands)

2011


2010Net proceeds

$
-


$
1,591Realized gains (losses)

$
-


$
385








The Company holds an investment in a limited liability company (“LLC”) obtained through its ViSalus acquisition. The LLC is accounted for under the equity method as the Company holds a significant minority interest in this company. The Company records its share of the LLC’s earnings or loss to its investment balance. All earnings and losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in Foreign exchange and other. The investment in this LLC involves related parties as discussed in Note 16.




Also included in long-term investments are certificates of deposit that are held as collateral for the Company’s outstanding standby letters of credit. These are recorded at cost and interest earned on these is realized in Interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
 
 In addition to the investments noted above, the Company holds mutual funds as part of a deferred compensation plan which are classified as available for sale. As of April 30, 2011 and January 31, 2011 the fair value of these securities was $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. These securities are valued based on quoted prices in an active market. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities are recorded in AOCI. These mutual funds are included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


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6.           Inventories





The components of inventory are as follows:








(In thousands)

April 30, 2011


January 31, 2011Raw materials

$
7,515


$
7,563Work in process


278



-Finished goods


82,423



83,476Total

$
90,216


$
91,039


As of April 30, 2011 and January 31, 2011, the inventory valuation adjustments totaled $14.1 million and $14.3 million, respectively.




7.           Goodwill and Other Intangibles





Goodwill is subject to an assessment for impairment using a two-step fair value-based test and as such other intangibles are also subject to impairment reviews, which must be performed at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill or other indefinite lived intangibles might be impaired. As of April 30, 2011, there were no indications that a review was necessary.





As of January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2011 the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill, within the Direct Selling segment, was $2.3 million.





Other intangible assets include indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks and customer relationships related to the Company’s acquisition of Miles Kimball, Walter Drake and As We Change, which are reported in the Catalog and Internet segment and ViSalus, which is reported in the Direct Selling segment. The Company does not amortize the indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks, but rather test for impairment annually as of January 31st, or sooner if circumstances indicate a condition of impairment may exist. As of April 30, 2011, there were no indications that a review was necessary.





Other intangible assets, by segment, consisted of the following:








Direct Selling Segment


Multi-channel Segment


Total(In thousands)


Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks


Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks


Customer relationships


Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks


Customer relationshipsGross value

$
4,200


$
28,100


$
15,400


$
32,300


$
15,400Accumulated amortization


-



-



(13,258
)


-



(13,258
)Impairments


(3,100
)


(20,550
)


-



(23,650
)


-Other intangibles at January 31, 2011


1,100



7,550



2,142



8,650



2,142Amortization


-



-



(183
)


-



(183
)Other intangibles at April 30, 2011


$1,100


$
7,550


$
1,959


$
8,650


$
1,959








Amortization expense is recorded on an accelerated basis over the estimated lives of the customer lists ranging from 5 to 12 years. Amortization expense for other intangible assets was $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The estimated annual amortization expense for fiscal year 2012 is $0.7 million. The estimated amortization expense for the remaining four fiscal years beginning with fiscal 2013 is as follows: $0.6 million, $0.6 million, $0.1 million and an insignificant amount to be amortized in fiscal 2016.




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8.           Fair Value Measurements




The fair-value hierarchy established in ASC 820, prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels as follows:





•

Level 1 – Observable inputs – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;•

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities – such as quoted prices for similar instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data;•

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs – includes amounts derived from valuation models where one or more significant inputs are unobservable and require us to develop relevant assumptions.




Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis




The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the measurement date, April 30, 2011, and the basis for that measurement, by level within the fair value hierarchy:







(In thousands)

Balance as of

April 30, 2011


Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)


Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)


Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)Financial assetsCertificates of deposit

$
1,792


$
-


$
1,792


$
-Preferred stocks


5,193



-



5,193



-Deferred compensation plan assets 1


1,133



1,133



-



-Total

$
8,118


$
1,133


$
6,985


$
-Financial liabilitiesForeign exchange forward contracts

$
(1,014
)

$
-


$
(1,014
)

$
-1) There is an offsetting liability for the obligation to its employees in Other liabilities





The Company values its investments in equity securities within the deferred compensation plan using level 1 inputs, by obtaining quoted prices in active markets.  The deferred compensation plan assets consist of shares of mutual funds, for which there are quoted prices in an active market. The Company also enters into both cash flow and fair value hedges by purchasing forward contracts. These contracts are valued using level 2 inputs, primarily observable forward foreign exchange rates. The Company values its preferred stock investments using information classified as level 2. This data consists of quoted prices of identical instruments in an inactive market and third party bid offers. The certificates of deposit that are used to collateralize some of the Company’s letters of credit have been valued using information classified as level 2, as these are not traded on the open market and are held unsecured by one counterparty.





The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and trade payables are considered to be representative of their respective fair values.




Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis




The Company is required, on a non-recurring basis, to adjust the carrying value or provide valuation allowances for certain assets using fair value measurements in accordance with ASC 820. The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include property, plant and equipment, goodwill, intangibles and other assets. These level 3 assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis; however, they are subject to fair value adjustments annually or sooner in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence that impairment may exist.  As of April 30, 2011, there were no indications or circumstances indicating that an impairment might exist.


The estimated fair value of the Company’s $110.1 million in debt, including the $100 million Senior Notes, recorded at an amortized cost, as of April 30, 2011 was approximately $111.6 million. The estimated fair value of the Company’s $110.9 million in debt, as of January 31, 2011 was approximately $110.1 million. The fair value of the liability is determined using the fair value of its notes when traded as an asset in an inactive market and is based on current interest rates, relative credit risk and time to maturity. Due to nature of the information used the Company considers these inputs to be level 2.




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9.           Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities





The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on foreign denominated inventory purchases, net assets of our foreign operations, intercompany payables and loans. It does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company has hedged the net assets of certain of its foreign operations through foreign currency forward contracts. The realized and unrealized gains/losses on these hedges are recorded within AOCI until the investment is sold or disposed of. As of April 30, 2011 and January 31, 2011, there were no outstanding net investment hedges. The cumulative net after-tax gain related to net investment hedges in AOCI as of April 30, 2011 and January 31, 2011 was $5.6 million.





The Company has designated its foreign currency forward contracts related to certain foreign denominated loans and intercompany payables as Fair Value hedges. The gains or losses on the Fair Value hedges are recognized into earnings and generally offset the transaction gains or losses in the foreign denominated loans that they are intended to hedge.





The Company has designated forward exchange contracts on forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and future purchase commitments as cash flow hedges and as long as the hedge remains effective and the underlying transaction remains probable, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of these contracts will be recorded in AOCI until earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows being hedged. Upon payment of each commitment, the underlying forward contract is closed and the corresponding gain or loss is transferred from AOCI and is realized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). If a hedging instrument is sold or terminated prior to maturity, gains and losses are deferred in AOCI until the hedged item is settled. However, if the hedged item is probable of not occurring, the resultant gain or loss on the terminated hedge is recognized into earnings immediately. The net after-tax loss included in accumulated AOCI at April 30, 2011 for cash flow hedges is $0.5 million and is expected to be transferred into earnings within the next twelve months upon settlement of the underlying commitment. The net after-tax loss included in accumulated AOCI at January 31, 2011 for cash flow hedges was $0.1 million.




For financial statement presentation, net cash flows from such hedges are classified in the categories of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows with the items being hedged. Forward contracts held with each bank are presented within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a net asset or liability, based on netting agreements with each bank and whether the forward contracts are in a net gain or loss position. The foreign exchange contracts outstanding have maturity dates through January 2012.





The table below details the fair value and location of the Company’s hedges in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:








(In thousands)April 30, 2011


January 31, 2011Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Accrued Expenses


Prepaid and Other


Accrued ExpensesForeign exchange forward contract in asset positions

$
-


$
19


$
83Foreign exchange forward contract in liability positions


(1,014
)


(18
)


(380
)Net derivatives at fair value

$
(1,014
)

$
1


$
(297
)




Gain and loss activity related to the Company’s Cash Flow hedges for the three months ended April 30, are as follows:
 
 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)

Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)

Amount of Gain Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)(In thousands)

2011


2010



2011


2010Foreign exchange forward contract

$
(610
)

$
104

Cost of goods sold

$
(553
)

$
185
 
 
 For the three month period ended April 30, 2011, the Company recorded a loss of $0.1 million, compared to a loss of $0.4 million in the comparable prior year period related to foreign exchange forward contracts accounted for as Fair Value hedges to Foreign exchange and other within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).


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10.           Long-Term Debt





On October 20, 2003, the Company issued $100.0 million 5.50% Senior Notes due on November 1, 2013 at a discount of approximately $0.2 million, which is being amortized over the life of the notes. Such notes contain among other provisions, restrictions on liens on principal property or stock issued to collateralize debt. As of April 30, 2011, the Company was in compliance with such provisions. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1. The notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at a specified redemption price. The proceeds of the debt issuances were used for general corporate purposes.





As of April 30, 2011 and January 31, 2011, Miles Kimball had approximately $7.1 million and $7.2 million, respectively, of long-term debt outstanding under a real estate mortgage note payable which matures June 1, 2020. Under the terms of the note, payments of principal and interest are required monthly at a fixed interest rate of 7.89%.





As of April 30, 2011, ViSalus had $2.6 million of long-term debt outstanding related to notes payable to RAM and ViSalus’ three founders. Under the terms of the notes, interest is accrued at a fixed interest rate of 10.0%.





The Company’s debt is recorded at its amortized cost basis. The estimated fair value of the Company’s $110.1 million total long-term debt (including current portion) at April 30, 2011 was approximately $111.6 million. The estimated fair value of the Company’s $110.9 million in debt, as of January 31, 2011 was approximately $110.1 million. The fair value of the liability is determined using the fair value of its notes when traded as an asset in an inactive market and is based on current interest rates, relative credit risk and time to maturity.





As of April 30, 2011, the Company had $2.0 million available under an uncommitted bank facility to be used for letters of credit. The issuance of letters of credit under this facility will be available until January 31, 2012. As of April 30, 2011, no amount was outstanding under the facility.





As of April 30, 2011, the Company had $1.8 million in standby letters of credit outstanding that are collateralized with a certificate of deposit.





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11.           Earnings per Share





Vested restricted stock units issued under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans participate in a cash equivalent of the dividends paid to common shareholders and are not considered contingently issuable shares. Accordingly these RSUs are included in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share as common stock equivalents. RSUs that have not vested and are subject to a risk of forfeiture are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.





The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:





Three months ended April 30,2011


2010Net earnings from continuing operations

$
2,051


$
6,601Net loss from discontinued operations


(4,972
)


(2,094
)Net earnings (loss)

$
(2,921
)

$
4,507Weighted average number outstanding:Common shares


8,235



8,798Vested restricted stock units


38



34Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:Basic


8,273



8,832Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted shares units


51



40Diluted


8,324



8,872Basic earnings per shareNet earnings from continuing operations attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share

$
0.25


$
0.75Net loss from discontinued operations attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share


(0.60
)


(0.24
)Net earnings (loss)

$
(0.35
)

$
0.51Diluted earnings per shareNet earnings from continuing operations attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share

$
0.25


$
0.74Net loss from discontinued operations attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share


(0.60
)


(0.24
)Net earnings (loss)

$
(0.35
)

$
0.51








For the three month period ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, options to purchase 43,300 shares and 55,725 shares, respectively, of common stock are not included in the computation of earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive.





12.           Treasury and Common Stock








Treasury StockChanges in Treasury Stock were (In thousands, except shares):

Shares


AmountBalance at February 1, 2010


3,972,112


$
(403,329
)Treasury stock purchased in connection with long-term incentive plan


4,523



(220
)Balance at April 30, 2010


3,976,635


$
(403,549
)Balance at February 1, 2011


4,561,014


$
(424,210
)Treasury stock purchased in connection with long-term incentive plan


4,839



(206
)Balance at April 30, 2011


4,565,853


$
(424,416
)











Common StockChanges in Common Stock were (In thousands, except shares):

Shares


AmountBalance at February 1, 2010


12,765,919


$
255Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan


16,646



1Balance at April 30, 2010


12,782,565


$
256Balance at February 1, 2011


12,791,515


$
256Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan


18,583



-Balance at April 30, 2011


12,810,098


$
256





13.           Income Taxes




The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 was a negative 11% and a positive 31%, respectively, which resulted in a provision for income taxes of a benefit of $0.2 million and an expense of $2.8 million, respectively. The lower effective rate in the three months ended April 30, 2011 was primarily related to the utilization of a net operating loss carry forward for which a valuation allowance had been previously provided. The effective tax rate for the three months ended April 30, 2010 was primarily affected by the favorable closure of an income tax audit partly offset by the prior period accrual of interest on the Company’s income tax reserves.


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Due to the various jurisdictions in which the Company files tax returns and the uncertainty regarding the timing of the settlement of tax audits, it is possible that there could be other significant changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in fiscal 2012 but the amount cannot be estimated.





In August 2008, a state department of revenue proposed to assess additional corporate income taxes on the Company for fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004 in the net amount of $34.9 million, which includes interest. The state department of revenue has subsequently reduced this amount to $16.9 million, including interest. In February 2011, the state department of revenue issued a notice of intent to assess additional corporate income taxes for fiscal years 2005, 2006 and 2007 in the amount of $14.0 million, including interest and penalties. Refer to Note 17 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.





14.       Stock Based Compensation


As of April 30, 2011, the Company had one active stock-based compensation plan, the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2003 Plan”), available to grant future awards and two inactive stock-based compensation plans (the Amended and Restated 1994 Employee Stock Option Plan and the Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors), under which vested and unexercised options remain outstanding. As of April 30, 2011, 1,020,449 shares were authorized and approximately 808,000 shares were available for grant under these plans. The Company’s policy is to issue new shares of common stock for all stock options exercised and restricted stock grants.





The Board of Directors and the stockholders of the Company have approved the adoption and subsequent amendments of the 2003 Plan. The 2003 Plan provides for grants of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, dividend equivalents and other stock unit awards to officers and employees. The 2003 Plan also provides for grants of nonqualified stock options to directors of the Company who are not, and who have not been during the immediately preceding 12-month period, officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are granted to certain employees to incent performance and retention. RSUs issued under the plans provide that shares awarded may not be sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions have lapsed. The release of RSUs on each of the vesting dates is contingent upon continued active employment by the employee until the vesting dates. During the three months ended April 30, 2011 a total of 24,274 RSUs were granted.





Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 includes compensation expense for restricted stock, RSUs and other stock-based awards granted subsequent to January 31, 2006 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). The Company recognizes these compensation costs net of a forfeiture rate for only those awards expected to vest, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is over periods of 3 years for stock options; 2 to 5 years for employee restricted stock and RSUs; and 1 to 2 years for non-employee restricted stock and RSUs. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.





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Transactions involving restricted stock and RSUs are summarized as follows:





Shares


Weighted Average

Grant Date Fair Value


Aggregate

Intrinsic Value

(In thousands)Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at January 31, 2011


101,045


$
40.64Granted


24,274



41.48Vested


(25,552
)


49.17Forfeited


(5,761
)


37.50Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at April 30, 2011


94,006



38.73


$
4,431Total restricted stock and RSUs at April 30, 2011


136,965


$
51.81


$
6,457








Compensation expense related to restricted stock and RSUs for three months ended April 30, 2011 and April 30, 2010 was approximately $0.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and April 30, 2010 was approximately $0.2 million and $0.4 million.





As of April 30, 2011, there was $1.3 million of unearned compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and RSU awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years. As of April 30, 2011, approximately 94,000 restricted stock awards with a weighted average grant date fair value of $38.73 are unvested. The total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost to be recognized in future periods as of April 30, 2011 does not consider the effect of stock-based awards that may be issued in subsequent periods.





Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:




Option

Shares


Weighted Average

Exercise Price


Weighted Average

Remaining

Contractual Life


Aggregate

Intrinsic ValueOutstanding at January 31, 2011


47,600


$
109.16



1.71


$
-Options expired


(4,300
)


91.38



-



-Outstanding and exercisable at April 30, 2011


43,300


$
110.92



1.63


$
-




Authorized unissued shares may be used under the stock-based compensation plans. The Company intends to issue shares of its common stock to meet the stock requirements of its awards in the future.




15.           Segment Information





Blyth designs, markets and distributes an extensive array of decorative and functional household products including candles, accessories, seasonal decorations, household convenience items and personalized gifts, as well as products for the foodservice trade,nutritional supplements and weight management products. The Company competes in the global home expressions industry and the Company’s products can be found throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Our financial results are reported in three segments: the Direct Selling segment, the Catalog & Internet segment and the Wholesale segment.





Within the Direct Selling segment, the Company designs, manufactures or sources, markets and distributes an extensive line of products including scented candles, candle-related accessories and other fragranced products under the PartyLite® brand.  PartyLite also offers gourmet foods under the Two Sisters Gourmetâ by PartyLiteâ brand name. The Company also operates ViSalus Sciences®, a Direct Selling business, which is focused on selling nutritional supplements and weight management products. Products in this segment are sold in North America through networks of independent sales consultants. PartyLite brand products are also sold in Europe and Australia.





Within the Catalog & Internet segment, the Company designs, sources and markets a broad range of household convenience items, premium photo albums, frames, holiday cards, personalized gifts and kitchen accessories.  These products are sold directly to the consumer under the As We Change®, Easy Comforts®, Exposuresâ, Home Marketplace®, Miles Kimballâ and Walter Drakeâ brands.  These products are sold in North America. Within the Wholesale segment, the Company designs, manufactures or sources, markets and distributes chafing fuel and tabletop lighting products and accessories for the Away From Home or foodservice trade are sold through this segment under the Ambria®, HandyFuel® and Sterno® brands.


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Operating profit in all segments represents net sales less operating expenses directly related to the business segments and corporate expenses allocated to the business segments. Other expense includes Interest expense, Interest income, and Foreign exchange and other which are not allocated to the business segments. Identifiable assets for each segment consist of assets used directly in its operations and intangible assets, if any, resulting from purchase business combinations. Unallocated Corporate within the identifiable assets include corporate cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, prepaid income tax, corporate fixed assets, deferred bond costs and other long-term investments, which are not allocated to the business segments.








Three months ended April 30,(In thousands)

2011


2010Net salesDirect Selling

$
136,299


$
139,909Multi-channel Group:Catalog & Internet


34,414



32,176Wholesale


14,830



13,200Subtotal Multi-channel Group


49,244



45,376Total

$
185,543


$
185,285Operating profit (loss)Direct Selling

$
5,095


$
13,074Multi-channel Group:Catalog & Internet


(894
)


(1,907
)Wholesale


(1,215
)


(813
)Subtotal Multi-channel Group


(2,109
)


(2,720
)Total

$
2,986


$
10,354Other expense


(931
)


(1,375
)Continuing operations earnings before income taxes

$
2,055


$
8,979April 30, 2011


January 31, 2011Identifiable assetsDirect Selling

$
218,203


$
235,618Multi-channel Group:Catalog & Internet


53,061



51,566Wholesale


30,980



25,456Subtotal Multi-channel Group


84,041



77,022Unallocated Corporate


150,503



142,965Discontinued Operations


45,933



46,160Total

$
498,680


$
501,765








16.           Related Party Transactions





As discussed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the acquisition of ViSalus by Blyth in October 2008 involved related parties. ViSalus is currently owned in part by RAM, which owns a significant noncontrolling interest in ViSalus.  Robert B. Goergen, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; Robert B. Goergen, Jr., Vice President of the Company and President of the Multi-Channel Group; and Todd A. Goergen, son of Robert B. Goergen and Pamela Goergen (who is also a director of the Company), and brother of Robert B. Goergen, Jr., own, directly or indirectly, substantially all of the interests in RAM. Todd A. Goergen was a member of the Board of Managers of ViSalus at the time of acquisition. Mr. Goergen, the Company’s chairman and chief executive officer, beneficially owns approximately 33.4% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, and together with members of his family, owns substantially all of RAM.


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As of April 30, 2011, ViSalus had a $2.6 million notes payable due to RAM and the founders.





As discussed in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the investment in the LLC involves related parties. RAM holds an approximately 17.5% interest in the LLC. In addition to this interest, they also have significant influence on the management of the LLC and representation on its board of managers.





17.           Contingencies





In August 2008, a state department of revenue proposed to assess additional corporate income taxes on the Company for fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004 in the amount of $34.9 million including interest and penalties. The state department of revenue has subsequently reduced this amount to $16.9 million, including interest. In February 2011, the state department of revenue issued a notice of intent to assess additional corporate income taxes for fiscal years 2005, 2006 and 2007 in the amount of $14.0 million, including interest and penalties. The Company intends to vigorously protest all of these assessments. As of April 30, 2011, the Company has a reserve for these matters that it believes is adequate based on existing facts and circumstances. The ultimate resolution of these matters could exceed the Company’s recorded reserve in the event of an unfavorable outcome.  It is reasonably possible that losses in excess of the Company’s recorded reserve could be incurred; however, the Company cannot estimate such a loss at this time.





The Company has contingent liabilities that have arisen in the ordinary course of its business, including pending litigation. The Company believes the outcome of these matters and the state department of revenue matter discussed above will not have a material adverse affect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.





18.           Subsequent Events





On May 27, 2011, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the net assets of its seasonal, home décor and home fragrance business (“Midwest-CBK”) and received cash proceeds of $23.7 million and a one year promissory note secured by fixed assets included with the transaction of $11.9 million. Please refer to Note 2 for additional information.








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Item 2.    MANAGEMENT'SDISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS





Overview





Blyth is a designer and marketer of home fragrance products and accessories, home décor, seasonal decorations, household convenience items and personalized gifts. We also market weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks, as well as chafing fuel and other products for the foodservice trade. We compete in the global home expressions industry, and our products can be found throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Our financial results are reported in three segments, the Direct Selling segment, the Catalog & Internet segment and the Wholesale segment. These reportable segments are based on similarities in distribution channels, customers and management oversight.





Annualized net sales are comprised of approximately $579 million in Direct Selling, approximately $154 million in Catalog & Internet and approximately $58 million in our Wholesale segment. Sales and earnings results differ in each segment depending on geographic location, market penetration, our relative market share and product and marketing execution, among other business factors.





Our current focus is driving sales growth and profitability of our brands so we may more fully leverage our infrastructure. New product development continues to be critical to all three segments of our business. In the Direct Selling segment, monthly sales and productivity incentives are designed to attract, retain and increase the earnings opportunity of independent sales consultants and distributors. In the Catalog & Internet channel, product, merchandising and circulation strategy are designed to drive strong sales growth in newer brands and expand the sales and customer base of our flagship brands. In the Wholesale segment, sales initiatives are targeted to independent retailers and national accounts.





The financial statements reflect the presentation of Midwest-CBK and Boca Java as discontinued operations, and as such, our results of operations for both years presented only include amounts from continuing operations (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).





RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Three months ended April 30, 2011 versus 2010:





Net Sales




Net sales for the three months ended April 30, 2011 increased $0.2 million to $185.5 million, from $185.3 million in the comparable prior year period due to increases within the Wholesale and Catalog & Internet segments partially offset by lower sales within the direct selling segment.





Net Sales - Direct Selling Segment





Net sales in the Direct Selling segment for the three months ended April 30, 2011 decreased $3.6 million, or 3%, to $136.3 million from $139.9 million in the comparable prior year period. PartyLite’s U.S. sales decreased 27% compared to the prior period primarily due to a decrease in active independent sales consultants from over 21,000 as of April 30, 2010 to approximately 18,000 as of April 30, 2011 as well as fewer shows per consultant. PartyLite Canada’s sales declined on a U.S. dollar basis by 26%, or 30% in local currency, due to decreases in consultants. Sales for PartyLite Europe declined 9% in reported U.S. dollars and local currency, primarily due to a slow start to the year following snow storms last year that disrupted the important holiday selling season during which consultants began booking 2011 shows. Partially offsetting these declines was a sharp increase in ViSalus’ Net sales of $16.4 million, or 456%, to $20.0 million from $3.6 million. This growth is a result of a 356% increase in distributors compared to the same prior year period as well as increased demand for its products.





Net Sales - Catalog & Internet Segment





Net sales in the Catalog & Internet segment for the three months ended April 30, 2011 increased $2.2 million, or 7%, to $34.4 million from $32.2 million in the comparable prior year period. This increase is mainly due to higher sales for several catalogs within the Miles Kimball Company, specifically, Easy Comforts, Walter Drake and As We Change, primarily due to increases in catalog circulation and improved response rates versus the comparable prior year period.


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Net Sales - Wholesale Segment





Net sales in the Wholesale segment in the three months ended April 30, 2011increased $1.6 million, or approximately 12% to $14.8 million from $13.2 million in the comparable prior year period. The increase in sales is primarily due to price increases to offset higher commodity costs within the Sterno Group.





Gross Profit





Gross profit for the three months ended April 30, 2011, decreased $2.4 million, or 2%, to $108.8 million from $111.2 million in the comparable prior year period. This decrease was due to a $18.0 million decrease in gross profit within PartyLite due to lower sales in the U.S., Canada and Europe and higher product and freight cost. Partially offsetting this decrease was a $11.8 million increase in ViSalus’ gross profit due to higher sales volume, and a $2.6 million increase within Miles Kimball’s gross profit due to selling price and volume increases. Gross profit margin for the three months ended April 30, 2011 decreased to 58.7% of sales from 60.1% in the comparable prior year period.





Selling Expense





Selling expense for the three months ended April 30, 2011, increased $3.1 million, or 4%, to $76.2 million from $73.1 million in the comparable prior year period. This increase was primarily due to a higher commission expense at ViSalus resulting from higher sales, as well as an increase at the Miles Kimball Company due to an increase in catalog circulation. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline at PartyLite principally due to their sales shortfalls. As a percentage of Net sales, selling expense increased to 41.1% of net sales for the quarter ended April 30, 2011, compared to 39.5% for the comparable prior year period.





Administrative and Other Expense





Administrative and other expense for the three months ended April 30, 2011, increased $1.9 million, or 7%, to $29.6 million from $27.7 million in the comparable prior year period. This increase is principally due to additional equity compensation expense of $2.1 million and higher administrative costs associated with ViSalus’ sales growth, partially offset by a decrease in administrative costs within PartyLite. As a percent of Net sales, administrative expense was 16.0% for the quarter ended April 30, 2011and 15.0% for the comparable prior year period.





Operating Profit (Loss)





Operating profit from continuing operations for the three months ended April 30, 2011 decreased $7.4 million to $3.0 million in the current period, compared to $10.4 million in the comparable prior year period. This decrease is due to a $8.0 million decline within the Direct Selling segment and $0.4 million in the Wholesale segment partially offset by an increase of $1.0 million in the Catalog & Internet segment.





Operating Profit - Direct Selling Segment





Operating profit for the three months ended April 30, 2011 in the Direct Selling segment was $5.1 million compared to $13.1 million in the comparable prior year period. This decline is primarily due to a decrease at PartyLite principally resulting from their sales shortfalls in the U.S., Canada and Europe, as well as additional promotions expenses for hosts and guests holding and attending shows, partially offset by improved operating performance at ViSalus.





Operating Loss - Catalog & Internet Segment





Operating loss for the three months ended April 30, 2011 in the Catalog & Internet segment was $0.9 million compared to $1.9 million in the prior year. This decreased loss is primarily due to higher sales and improved gross margin within the Miles Kimball Company partially offset by higher circulation expense.


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Operating Loss - Wholesale Segment




Operating loss for the three months ended April 30, 2011 in the Wholesale segment increased $0.4 million to $1.2 million versus $0.8 million in the comparable prior year period. This increased loss is primarily the result of higher commodity costs and freight expense within the Sterno Group.





Interest Expense, Interest Income, and Foreign Exchange and Other





Interest expense for the three months ended April 30, 2011 decreased approximately $0.1 million to $1.7 million from $1.8 million in the comparable prior year period. This decline was due to lower outstanding debt in fiscal 2012.




Interest income for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and April 30, 2010 remained constant at $0.2 million.




Foreign exchange and other income for the three months ended April 30, 2011 was $0.5 million, compared to $0.2 million in the comparable prior year period, principally due to increased foreign exchange gains recognized as a result of stronger foreign currencies.





Income Taxes





Our effective tax rate for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 was a negative 11% and a positive 31%, respectively, which resulted in a provision for income taxes of a benefit of $0.2 million and an expense of $2.8 million, respectively. The lower effective rate in the three months ended April 30, 2011 was primarily related to the utilization of a net operating loss carry forward for which a valuation allowance had been previously provided. The effective tax rate for the three months ended April 30, 2010 was primarily affected by the favorable closure of an income tax audit partly offset by the prior period accrual of interest on the Company’s income tax reserves.





Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests





The Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests for three months ended April 30, 2011 was earnings of $0.2 million compared to a loss of $0.4 million for the comparable prior year. This improvement is a result of the increase in ViSalus’ operating performance which generated Net earning compared to prior year’s Net loss.





Net Earnings (Loss)




The Net loss for the three months ended April 30, 2011 was $2.9 million compared to Net earnings of $4.5 million for the same period in fiscal 2011. The decrease is primarily attributable to the loss on sale of discontinued operations of $2.5 million in addition to lower operating results from continuing and discontinued operations for April 30, 2011 and the comparable prior year (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).





The basic earnings per share from continuing operations for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and April 30, 2010 was $0.25 compared to $0.75, respectively. The diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 was $0.25 compared to $0.74, respectively.





The basic and diluted loss per share from discontinued operations for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 was $0.60 compared to $0.24, respectively.





The basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share from Net earnings (loss) for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 was a loss of $0.35 compared to earnings of $0.51, respectively.





Liquidity and Capital Resources





Cash and cash equivalents decreased $13.8 million to $191.9 million at April 30, 2011 from $205.7 million at January 31, 2011. This decrease in cash during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was primarily attributed to seasonal changes in working capital requirements.


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Cash used in operating activities of continuing operations was $16.4 million in the first three months of  fiscal 2012. This was an increase of $1.2 million compared to cash used in operations of $17.6 million in the prior year. The decrease in cash from operations is due to higher working capital requirements due to higher accounts receivable and prepaid expense balances. We have also endeavored to take advantage of early payment discounts on our accounts payable, thus decreasing the outstanding balance.
 On an annual basis we typically generate positive cash flow from operations due to favorable gross margins and the variable nature of selling expenses, which constitute a significant percentage of operating expenses. Due to the seasonal nature of our businesses we typically do not have positive cash flow from operations until our fourth quarter. Included in operating earnings were non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization, and amortization of unearned stock-based compensation of $2.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively.





Management is presently increasing inventory purchases in preparation of this year’s forecasted sales, and expect a use of cash exceeding the levels experienced in the prior year. If demand for our products falls short of expectations this could result in us having to maintain higher inventory balances than forecasted and could negatively impact our liquidity. Additionally, the existing credit environment may negatively impact the ability of our customers to obtain credit and consequently could negatively impact our sales and the collection of our receivables. We have taken steps to limit our exposure to our customers’ credit risk, including adjusting payment terms and expanding our credit approval procedures within some of our businesses.





Net cash provided from investing activities was $4.2 million in the first three months of fiscal 2012. The primary increase of cash was due to the sale of our auction rate securities of $8.7 million. This increase was partially offset by $2.7 million of net capital expenditures





We anticipate total capital spending of approximately $8.0 million for fiscal 2012. A major influence on the forecasted expenditures is our investment in the growth of the PartyLite European operations as well as investments in information technology systems. We have grown in part through acquisitions and, as part of this growth strategy, we expect to continue from time to time in the ordinary course of business to evaluate and pursue acquisition opportunities as appropriate. We believe our financing needs in the short and long-term can be met from cash generated internally.





Net cash used in financing activities was $0.8 million. This was primarily due to ViSalus’ repayment of the $0.6 million note payable to their founders and RAM and the payment of capital lease obligations.





On October 21, 2008, we acquired a 43.6% interest in ViSalus for $13.0 million and incurred acquisition costs of $1.0 million for a total cash acquisition cost of $14.0 million. On April 15, 2011, the Company completed the second phase of its acquisition of ViSalus Sciences for $2.2 million and now owns 57.5% of the company. We intend to and may be required to purchase additional interests in ViSalus that will require additional capital resources, increasing our ownership to 100%. These additional purchases are conditioned upon ViSalus meeting certain operating targets in calendar years 2012 and 2013. We have the option, but are not required, to acquire the remaining interest in ViSalus if they do not meet these operating targets.  If ViSalus meets its current projected operating targets, the total expected redemption value of the noncontrolling interest will be approximately $60.4 million over calendar years 2012 and 2013. The purchase prices of the additional investments are equal to a multiple of ViSalus’ earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, exclusive of certain extraordinary items. The payment, if any, will be out of existing cash balances and expected future cash flows from operations.





The current status of the United States and global credit and equity markets have made it difficult for many businesses to obtain financing on acceptable terms. If these conditions continue or worsen, our cost of borrowing may increase and it may be more difficult to obtain financing for our businesses. In addition, our borrowing costs can be affected by short and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies. A decrease in these ratings would likely increase our cost of borrowing and/or make it more difficult for us to obtain financing.  Obtaining a new credit facility will more than likely require higher interest costs and may require our providing security to guarantee such borrowings. Alternatively, we may not be able to obtain unfunded borrowings, which may require us to seek other forms of financing, such as term debt, at higher interest rates and additional expense. A significant amount of our cash and cash equivalents are held by our international subsidiaries in foreign banks, and as such may be subject to foreign taxes, unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations and other costs limiting our ability to repatriate funds to the United States.


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In addition, if the economic conditions continue to worsen, we may be subject to future impairments of our assets, including accounts receivable, inventories, property, plant and equipment, investments, deferred tax assets, goodwill and other intangibles, if the valuation of these assets or businesses decline.





As of April 30, 2011, we had $2.0 million available under an uncommitted facility issued by a bank, to be used for letters of credit through January 31, 2012. As of April 30, 2011, no amount was outstanding under this facility.





As of April 30, 2011, the Company had $1.8 million in standby letters of credit outstanding that are fully collateralized through a certificate of deposit funded by Blyth.





As of April 30, 2011, Miles Kimball had approximately $7.1 million of long-term debt outstanding under a real estate mortgage note payable which matures June 1, 2020. Under the terms of the note, payments of principal and interest are required monthly at a fixed interest rate of 7.89%.





As of April 30, 2011, ViSalus had $2.6 million of long-term debt outstanding related to notes payable to RAM and ViSalus’ three founders.





On December 13, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program for 1,500,000 shares, in addition to 3,000,000 shares authorized under the previous plan. The new stock repurchase program will become effective after we exhaust the authorized amount under the old repurchase program. We have not repurchased any shares during the first three months of fiscal 2012. As of April 30, 2011, the cumulative total shares purchased under the original programs was 3,317,602, at a total cost of approximately $249.4 million. The acquired shares are held as common stock in treasury at cost.





On April 12, 2011, the Company announced that it had declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share of common stock for the six months ended January 31, 2011. The dividend, authorized at the Company’s April 12, 2011 Board of Directors meeting, was payable to shareholders of record as of May 2, 2011, and was paid on May 16, 2011. The total payment was $0.8 million.





Critical Accounting Policies





There were no changes to our critical accounting policies in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. For a discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011.





Recent Accounting Standards





The following accounting standard will be adopted in subsequent periods:







In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” (“ASU No. 2011-04”). ASU No. 2011-04 does not extend the use of fair value accounting, but provides guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within U.S. GAAP. The amendments in ASU No. 2011-04 change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Amendments in ASU No. 2011-04 include those that: (1) clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, and (2) change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. For many of the requirements, the FASB does not intend for the amendments in ASU No. 2011-04 to result in a change in the application of the requirements in Topic 820. ASU No. 2011-04 is effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Accordingly, the Company will adopt ASU No. 2011-04 commencing in fiscal 2013. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-04 is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVEAND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK





Market Risk





We have operations outside of the United States and sell our products worldwide. Our activities expose us to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. These financial exposures are actively monitored and, where considered appropriate, managed by us. We enter into contracts, with the intention of limiting these risks, with only those counterparties that we deem to be creditworthy, in order to also mitigate our non-performance risk.





Investment Risk





We are subject to investment risks on our marketable securities due to market volatility. As of April 30, 2011 we held $5.2 million in preferred stock investments primarily in utility companies, which have been adjusted to fair value based on current market data.





Foreign Currency Risk





We use foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on foreign denominated inventory purchases, net assets of our foreign operations, intercompany payables and certain foreign denominated loans. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.





The Company has hedged the net assets of certain of its foreign operations through foreign currency forward contracts. The realized and unrealized gains/losses on these hedges are recorded within AOCI until the investment is sold or disposed of. The net after-tax gain related to the derivative net investment hedges in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) as of April 30, 2011 and January 31, 2011 was $5.6 million.





We have designated our foreign currency forward contracts related to certain foreign denominated loans and intercompany payables as fair value hedges. The gains or losses on the fair value hedges are recognized into earnings and generally offset the transaction gains or losses in the foreign denominated loans that they are intended to hedge.





We have designated our forward exchange contracts on forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and future purchase commitments as cash flow hedges and, as such, as long as the hedge remains effective and the underlying transaction remains probable, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of these contracts will be recorded in AOCI until earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows being hedged. Upon payment of each commitment, the underlying forward contract is closed and the corresponding gain or loss is transferred from AOCI and is included in the measurement of the cost of the acquired asset. If a hedging instrument is sold or terminated prior to maturity, gains and losses are deferred in AOCI until the hedged item is settled. However, if the hedged item is no longer probable to occur, the resultant gain or loss on the terminated hedge is recognized into earnings immediately. The net after-tax gain included in AOCI at April 30, 2011 is $0.5 million and is expected to be transferred into earnings within the next twelve months upon settlement of the underlying commitment. The net after-tax loss included in accumulated AOCI at January 31, 2011 for cash flow hedges was $0.1 million.





For consolidated financial statement presentation, net cash flows from such hedges are classified in the categories of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows with the items being hedged.





The following table provides information about our foreign exchange forward contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges as of April 30, 2011:





U.S. Dollar


Average


Unrealized(In thousands, except average contract rate)

Notional Amount


Contract Rate


GainEuro

$
13,375



1.34


$
(707
)Canadian Dollar


1,575



1.01



(69
)$
14,950






$
(776
)





The foreign exchange contracts outstanding have maturity dates through January 2012.


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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES





(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.




We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design


and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a−15(e) and 15d−15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”))


as of January 31, 2011. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as


of April 30, 2011.





(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting.




There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that


occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2012 that has materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

























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Part II.OTHER INFORMATION





Item 1. Legal Proceedings





In August 2008, a state department of revenue proposed to assess additional corporate income taxes on us for fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004 in the amount of $34.9 million including interest and penalties.  The state department of revenue has subsequently reduced this amount to $16.9 million, including interest and penalties. In February 2011, the state department of revenue issued a notice of intent to assess additional corporate income taxes for fiscal years 2005, 2006 and 2007 in the amount of $14.0 million, including interest and penalties.  We intend to vigorously protest all of these assessments.  As of April 30, 2011, we established a reserve for this matter which we believe is adequate based on existing facts and circumstances. The ultimate resolution of these matters could exceed our recorded reserve in the event of an unfavorable outcome; however, we cannot estimate such a loss at this time.





We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, existing litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.





Item 1A. Risk Factors





There have been no changes to the risks described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011.


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Part II.  OTHER INFORMATION(continued)





Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds





The following table sets forth certain information concerning the repurchase of the Company’s Common Stock made by the Company during the first quarter of the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012.





ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES1





Period

(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased2


(b) Average Price Paid per Share


(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs


(d) Maximum of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or ProgramsFebruary 1, 2011 –February 28, 2011


-


$
-



-



1,182,398March 1, 2011 –March 31, 2011


-



-



-



1,182,398April 1, 2011 –April 30, 2011


-



-



-



1,182,398Total


-



-



-



1,182,398





1 On September 10, 1998, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program pursuant to which we were originally authorized to repurchase up to 250,000 shares of Common Stock in open market transactions. From June 1999 to June 2006 the Board of Directors increased the authorization under this repurchase program five times (on June 8, 1999 to increase the authorization by 250,000 shares to 500,000 shares; on March 30, 2000 to increase the authorization by 250,000 shares to 750,000 shares; on December 14, 2000 to increase the authorization by 250,000 shares to 1.0 million shares; on April 4, 2002 to increase the authorization by 500,000 shares to 1.5 million shares; and on June 7, 2006 to increase the authorization by 1.5 million shares to 3.0 million shares). On December 13, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program, for 1.5 million shares, which became effective after we exhausted the authorized amount under the old repurchase program.  As of April 30, 2011, we have purchased a total of 3,317,602 shares of Common Stock under the old and new repurchase programs.  The repurchase programs do not have expiration dates.  We intend to make further purchases under the repurchase programs from time to time. The amounts set forth in this paragraph have been adjusted to give effect to the reverse stock split executed in fiscal 2009.





2 This does not include the 21,600 shares that we withheld in order to satisfy employee withholding taxes upon the distribution of vested restricted stock units.





Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities





None























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Item 4. Removed and Reserved








Item 5. Other Information





On May 27, 2011, we completed the sale of substantially all of the net assets of Midwest-CBK, our seasonal, home décor and home fragrance business within the Wholesale segment for approximately $37.1 million. The agreement also provides for a net working capital adjustment to be settled on or before July 26, 2011. We received cash proceeds of $23.7 million and a one-year promissory note secured by fixed assets included with the transaction of $11.9 million. We also received an advance payment of interest on the promissory note of $0.5 million at the time of closing.  In connection with this transaction, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved the payment of bonuses to Robert B. Goergen, Jr., Vice President of Blyth and President, Multi-Channel Group (in the amount of $175,000), and Robert H. Barghaus, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (in the amount of $100,000), which bonuses were paid on June 2, 2011.








Item 6. Exhibits





Exhibits







2.2(a)
Promissory Note dated May 27, 2011 from borrowers to Midwest-CBK, Inc.




31.1
Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.




31.2
Certification of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.




32.1
Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.





32.2
Certification of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.














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SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.








BLYTH, INC.











Date:           June 3, 2011                                                                By:/s/Robert B. Goergen


Robert B. Goergen


Chairman and Chief Executive Officer














Date:           June 3, 2011                                                                By:/s/Robert H. Barghaus


Robert H. Barghaus


Vice President and Chief Financial Officer














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