Revenue during the quarter grew 15.23 percent to $125.76 million from $109.14 million in the previous year period. Gross margin for the quarter expanded 289 basis points over the previous year period to 50.97 percent. Total expenses were 84.65 percent of quarterly revenues, down from 88.69 percent for the same period last year. This has led to an improvement of 404 basis points in operating margin to 15.35 percent.

Operating income for the quarter was $19.31 million, compared with $12.34 million in the previous year period.

Bruce M. Cazenave, chief executive officer, stated, "Our fourth quarter was strong, rounding out another year of solid revenue growth, increased profitability, and achieving greater operating leverage. Compared to the prior year, we achieved double-digit revenue growth in the fourth quarter, improved gross margins by 290 basis points and increased EBITDA by over 60% to $21 million. Our Direct segment response rates improved on a sequential basis, but we continued to face challenging consumer response conditions and a soft consumer retail environment. However, as reflected by our strong operating performance, our team was able to adjust our media strategy again in the fourth quarter to achieve strong operating results as we adhere to our disciplined management of expenses to achieve our long-term growth and operating targets."

Debt comes down
Nautilus, Inc. has recorded a decline in total debt over the last one year. It stood at $63.97 million as on Dec. 31, 2016, down 20 percent or $15.99 million from $79.96 million on Dec. 31, 2015. Total debt was 19.21 percent of total assets as on Dec. 31, 2016, compared with 25.31 percent on Dec. 31, 2015. Debt to equity ratio was at 0.40 as on Dec. 31, 2016, down from 0.63 as on Dec. 31, 2015.