Ahead of the Bell: Nu Skin downgraded

PROVO, Utah — Nu Skin Enterprises, which sells anti-aging skin-care products and nutritional supplements, is facing difficult comparisons in the upcoming quarter, an analyst said Monday as he lowered his rating on the stock.

Stifel Nicolaus analyst Mark Astrachan said in a note to investors that the company is facing difficult comparisons in the fourth quarter, since a year ago the company successfully rolled out its Ageloc personal care products. Also, he said shares are trading close to fair value.

He downgraded the company to "Hold" from "Buy."

Still, he said he continues to believe that the company is capable of producing mid- to high- single digit revenue growth, excluding the effects of foreign exchange, for the next two to three years.