Definitive Proxy Statement
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United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant To Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant  x    Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ¨

Check the appropriate box:

 

¨ Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

¨ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

x Definitive Proxy Statement

 

¨ Definitive Additional Materials

 

¨ Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12

NAUTILUS, INC.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

  

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

x No fee required

 

¨ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

  (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

  

 

  (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

  

 

  (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

  

 

  (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of the transaction:

 

  

 

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¨ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

¨ Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

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LOGO

 

NAUTILUS, INC.

 

 

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

 

 

To the Stockholders of Nautilus, Inc.:

 

The annual meeting of stockholders of Nautilus, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the Company’s World Headquarters, 16400 SE Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, Washington 98683, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, for the following purposes:

 

1. To elect a Board of Directors, consisting of six (6) members, to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified;

 

2. To ratify the Audit Committee’s appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2012; and

 

3. To consider and act upon any other matter which may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

Only stockholders who held their shares at the close of business on March 27, 2012, the record date, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, please sign and promptly return the enclosed proxy card, which you may revoke at any time prior to its use. A prepaid, self-addressed envelope is enclosed for your convenience. Your shares will be voted at the annual meeting in accordance with your proxy.

 

  By Order of the Board of Directors
 

LOGO

WAYNE M. BOLIO

Secretary

 

Vancouver, Washington

April 17, 2012

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held On May 17, 2012:

 

Pursuant to rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we have elected to provide access to our proxy materials both by sending you this full set of proxy materials, including a notice of annual meeting, and 2011 Annual Report to Stockholders, and by notifying you of the availability of our proxy materials on the Internet. The notice of annual meeting, proxy statement, and 2011 Annual Report to Stockholders are available at http://www.nautilus.com/proxy. In accordance with the SEC rules, the materials on the website are searchable, readable and printable, and the website does not have “cookies” or other tracking devices which identify visitors. Directions to the Company’s World Headquarters are available at http://www.nautilus.com.


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2012 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

  

PROXY STATEMENT

     1   

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

     3   

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     5   

STOCK OWNERSHIP

     11   

Beneficial Ownership of Nautilus Stock

     11   

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

     12   

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     13   

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     14   

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

     14   

Summary Compensation Table

     22   

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

     23   

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

     25   

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

     26   

Other Potential Post-Employment Payments

     26   

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

     28   

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

     29   

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

     30   

PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2012

     31   

OTHER MATTERS

     32   


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NAUTILUS, INC.

16400 SE Nautilus Drive

Vancouver, Washington 98683

 

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

 

General Information

 

Our Board of Directors (the “Board”) is furnishing this proxy statement and the accompanying Annual Report to Stockholders, notice of annual meeting and proxy card in connection with its solicitation of proxies for use at our 2012 annual meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof. The annual meeting will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2012, beginning at 11:00 a.m., Pacific Daylight Time at the following location:

 

Nautilus World Headquarters

16400 SE Nautilus Drive

Vancouver, Washington 98683

 

Our Board has designated the two persons named on the enclosed proxy card, M. Carl Johnson, III and Wayne M. Bolio, to serve as proxies in connection with the annual meeting. These proxy materials and the accompanying Annual Report to Stockholders are being mailed on or about April 17, 2012 to our stockholders of record as of March 27, 2012.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 16400 SE Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, Washington 98683. As used in this proxy statement, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Nautilus,” and “Company” refer to Nautilus, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

Revocability of Proxies

 

You may revoke any proxy you execute at any time prior to its use at the annual meeting by:

 

   

delivering written notice of revocation to our Secretary;

 

   

delivering an executed proxy bearing a later date to our Secretary; or

 

   

attending the annual meeting and voting in person.

 

Record Date

 

Our Board has fixed the close of business on March 27, 2012 as the record date for determining which of our stockholders are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. At the close of business on the record date, 30,746,836 shares of our common stock were outstanding.

 

Voting; Quorum

 

Each share of common stock outstanding on the record date is entitled to one vote per share at the annual meeting. Stockholders are not entitled to cumulate their votes. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock is necessary to constitute a quorum at the annual meeting.

 

Votes Required to Approve each Proposal

 

If a quorum is present at the annual meeting:

 

(i) the six (6) nominees for the election of directors who receive the greatest number of votes cast by the shares present and voting in person or by proxy will be elected as directors; and

 

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(ii) the ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast against it.

 

Effect of Abstentions

 

If you abstain from voting, your shares will be deemed present at the annual meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast, and only votes cast in favor of a nominee will have an effect on the outcome. Therefore, abstention from voting will not affect the outcome of the election of directors. Abstentions will also not affect the outcome of the proposal to ratify Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Effect of Broker Non-Votes

 

If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker or other nominee, your broker or nominee will not be permitted to exercise voting discretion with respect to the proposal for election of directors but will be permitted to exercise voting discretion with respect to the proposal for ratification of Deloitte & Touche, LLP as our registered independent public accounting firm. Thus, if you do not give your broker or nominee specific voting instructions, your shares will not be voted on the proposal for election of directors. Such “broker non-votes” will be counted for determining whether there is a quorum, but will not have any effect on the proposal for election of directors.

 

Proxy Procedure

 

When a proxy card is properly dated, executed and returned, the shares it represents will be voted at the annual meeting in accordance with the instructions specified in the proxy. If no specific instructions are given, the shares will be voted FOR the election of the director nominees described below, and FOR the ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our registered independent public accounting firm. If other matters come before the annual meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote in accordance with their best judgment with respect to such matters.

 

Cost of Proxy Solicitation

 

We do not plan to hire a proxy solicitor in connection with the annual meeting, but to the extent we choose to use proxy solicitor services, Nautilus will pay the related fees and expenses.

 

Procedures for Stockholder Proposals and Nominations

 

Under our amended and restated bylaws, as amended (“Bylaws”), nominations for directors at an annual meeting may be made only by (1) the Board or a committee of the Board, or (2) a stockholder entitled to vote who has delivered notice to the Company within 120 to 180 days before the first anniversary of the date of the mailing of the notice for the preceding year’s annual meeting.

 

Our Bylaws also provide that business may not be brought before an annual meeting unless it is (1) specified in the notice of meeting (which includes stockholder proposals that we are required to include in our proxy statement under SEC Rule 14a-8), (2) brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board, or (3) brought by a stockholder entitled to vote who has delivered notice to the Company (containing certain information specified in the Bylaws) within 120 to 180 days before the first anniversary of the date of the mailing of the notice for the preceding year’s annual meeting. In addition, you must comply with SEC Rule 14a-8 to have your proposal included in our proxy statement.

 

A copy of the full text of our Bylaws may be obtained upon written request to the Company Secretary at the address provided on page 1 of this proxy statement.

 

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Where You Can Find More Information

 

We file our proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). You can inspect and obtain a copy of our proxy statement and other information filed with the SEC at the offices of the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, on official business days during the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov/ where you can obtain most of our SEC filings. We also make available, free of charge, on our website at www.nautilusinc.com, our proxy statements filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the SEC.

 

PROPOSAL 1:

 

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

According to our Bylaws, our Board shall be comprised of seven (7) directors, provided, however that the number may be decreased by resolution of our Board. The Board has fixed the authorized numbers of our directors at six (6).

 

At our annual meeting, our stockholders will elect a board consisting of six (6) directors to serve until our 2013 annual meeting or until their respective successors are elected and qualified. Our Board has nominated the individuals listed below to serve on our Board. All of the nominees are currently members of our Board. If any nominee is unable or unwilling to serve as a director at the time of the annual meeting, our Board may provide for a lesser number of directors or designate a substitute. If our Board designates a substitute, the proxy holders will have the discretionary authority to vote for the substitute. Proxies may not be voted for more than six (6) nominees.

 

Our Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR each of the following nominees for election as director:

 

M. Carl Johnson, III, 63, was elected to our Board on July 1, 2010. Mr. Johnson is Chairman of the Board and a member of the Compensation Committee. In November, 2011, Mr. Johnson joined Del Monte Foods as executive vice president, brands, with direct operating responsibility for the company’s two business units, Consumer Products and Pet Food Snacks. From 2001 until April 2011, Mr. Johnson served as senior vice president and chief strategy officer of the Campbell Soup Company, where he had direct responsibility for corporate strategy, research & development, quality, corporate marketing services, licensing, and e-business. Mr. Johnson joined Campbell from Kraft Foods, where he ran three successively larger business divisions. He joined Kraft in 1992 as vice president, strategy, for Kraft Foods, USA. In 1993, he became executive vice president of Kraft USA and general manager of Kraft’s Specialty Products division. In 1995, he was made executive vice president of Kraft Foods, N.A. and general manager of the Meals division. In 1997, Mr. Johnson was named president of the $2.5 billion New Meals division when the former Meals and Enhancers divisions were consolidated and a member of the Kraft Foods N.A. operating committee. Mr. Johnson earned his B.A. degree in government and economics from Wesleyan University, and his M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago. Mr. Johnson serves as an advisory board member of the Agricultural Sustainability Institute, University of California, Davis. He also serves as a member of the board of directors of Avedro, Inc., a privately held pioneer in vision correction technology. Mr. Johnson is a trustee of the Adelphic Educational Fund, Wesleyan University, which grants scholarships and supports educational, literary and artistic programs. He is also a member of the steering committee of the Kilts Center for Marketing at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, which provides scholarships to top marketing students and helps the school steer its marketing curriculum. He also serves on the dean’s advisory board of the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University. Our Board has determined that Mr. Johnson has the requisite experience and expertise to be a director of Nautilus based on his consumer marketing expertise and strong background in corporate expansion strategy.

 

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Ronald P. Badie, 69, joined our Board in August 2005. Mr. Badie is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Audit Committee. Mr. Badie spent over 35 years with Deutsche Bank and its predecessor, Bankers Trust Company, retiring in 2002 as vice chairman of Deutsche Bank Alex Brown (now Deutsche Bank Securities), the firm’s investment banking subsidiary. Mr. Badie currently serves as a director and audit committee member of Obagi Medical Products, Inc. and Amphenol Corporation. In addition, Mr. Badie is the chairman of the compensation committee for Obagi Medical Products. Mr. Badie is a graduate of Bucknell University and received an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Our Board determined that Mr. Badie has the requisite experience and expertise to be a director of Nautilus based on his broad experience while serving as a director of several publicly-traded and privately-held companies. In addition, Mr. Badie spent many years as an investment banker and has extensive experience in structured finance and capital markets transactions.

 

Bruce M. Cazenave, 57, was appointed Chief Executive Officer and elected to our Board in May 2011. He assumed the role of Acting Principal Financial Officer in January 2012. From January 2010 until his appointment as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Cazenave served as managing director of Inflection Point Consulting, where he consulted with and served as an executive advisor to private equity firms in the U.S. and Europe. From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Cazenave worked for Central Garden & Pet Company, serving as president of its Garden Décor Group. Central Garden & Pet Company is a marketer and producer of branded products for the lawn and garden and pet supplies markets. From January 2006 to August 2006, Mr. Cazenave served as a strategy consultant to Timex Corporation where he focused on supply chain, operational and organizational priorities for the watch manufacturer. From 2002 to 2005, Mr. Cazenave served as president & CEO of Dorel Juvenile Group, a subsidiary of Dorel Industries, Inc. Dorel Juvenile Group is a marketer and manufacturer of juvenile products. Mr. Cazenave has also served in senior executive roles at Black & Decker U.S., Inc. and Timberland-Europe. The Board has concluded that Mr. Cazenave should continue serving as a director based on his over 20 years of senior executive leadership and extensive background running divisions of premier global consumer products companies focused on profitable growth.

 

Richard A. Horn, 64, was elected to our Board in December 2007. Mr. Horn is Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. Mr. Horn has been a private investor since February 2002. Mr. Horn was general manager of the PetsHotel Division of PETsMART, Inc., a publicly-traded company, from April 2001 through February 2002. From January 1999 through March 2001, he was senior vice-president and general merchandise manager of PETsMART.com, Inc. and from July 1994 until December 1998, he was vice-president and general merchandise manager of PETsMART, Inc. From 1992 to 1994, Mr. Horn was chief financial officer of Weisheimer Companies, Inc. Mr. Horn was a partner at Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) from 1980 to 1992. Mr. Horn currently serves on the board of directors of Lucky Litter L.L.C., a privately-financed manufacturer and marketer of pet products. Mr. Horn currently serves as the Chairman of the finance committee of the board of trustees of The Saint Joseph’s Hospital Foundation; as a trustee of the Scottsdale Artists’ School; and on the board of directors of the Fiesta Bowl. Our Board has determined that Mr. Horn has the requisite experience and expertise to be a director of Nautilus. As a former retail merchandising and direct-marketing manager, former chief financial officer and a former partner at Coopers & Lybrand, Mr. Horn brings particular expertise to our Board in the areas of direct marketing sales, consumer product merchandising, and service industries, investor relations, financial reporting, accounting and auditing for complex multinational operations.

 

Anne G. Saunders, 50, was elected to our Board effective April 2, 2012. From March 2009 until January 2012, Ms. Saunders was executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Knowledge Universe, a privately-held early education company with over 1600 schools nationwide. From February 2008 until March 2009, Ms. Saunders’ was senior vice president, consumer bank executive and, from May 2007 until February 2008, she was senior vice president, brand executive, for Bank of America Corporation, a publicly-traded company. Between 2001 and 2007, Ms. Saunders held a variety of positions with Starbucks Coffee Co., a publicly-traded company, including senior vice president, global brand, during that company’s period of rapid domestic and international growth. Ms. Saunders has also held executive and senior management positions with

 

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eSociety, a B2B e-commerce company, AT&T Wireless, and Young & Rubicam. She received a BA from Northwestern University and a MBA from Fordham University. Additionally, Ms. Saunders previously served, from 2006 until 2007, as a director for Blue Nile, Inc., a publicly-traded company. Ms. Saunders’ strong background in marketing, building brands, and understanding the consumer marketplace provides the Company with additional expertise with regards to its current and new product lines.

 

Marvin G. Siegert, 63, joined our Board in August 2005. Mr. Siegert is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. Currently a private investor, Mr. Siegert was president and chief operating officer of The Pyle Group LLC, a private equity investment group, from 1996 until July 2007. Prior to The Pyle Group, Mr. Siegert spent 26 years with Rayovac Corporation, a manufacturer of batteries and lighting products, where he held various positions, with his most recent position as senior vice president and chief financial officer. Currently, Mr. Siegert serves as audit committee chairman on the board of directors of Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc., a privately-held student loan servicing company, and is a member of the board of directors of Hy Cite Corporation, a privately-held direct sales marketing company. Mr. Siegert graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a degree in accounting and holds a master’s degree in management from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Our Board has determined that Mr. Siegert has the requisite experience and expertise to be a director of Nautilus. As a former president and chief operating officer of a private equity investment group and former chief financial officer of a privately-held global consumer products company, Mr. Siegert brings a particular expertise to our Board in the areas of consumer products, investor relations and financial strategies.

 

No family relationship exists among any of the directors or executive officers. No arrangement or understanding exists between any director or executive officer and any other person pursuant to which any director was selected as a director or executive officer of Nautilus.

 

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Our Board oversees our overall performance on behalf of our stockholders. Members of our Board stay informed of our business through discussions with our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and other members of our executive team, by reviewing materials provided to them, and by participating in regularly scheduled Board and committee meetings.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Our Board is elected by our stockholders to govern the Company’s business and affairs. Our Board selects our senior management team, which is charged with conducting our business. Having selected our senior management team, our Board acts as an advisor to senior management and monitors their performance. Our Board reviews the Company’s strategies, financial objectives and operating plans. It also plans for management succession of our Chief Executive Officer, as well as other senior management positions, and oversees our compliance efforts.

 

Our Board has determined that each of Ronald P. Badie, Richard A. Horn, M. Carl Johnson, III, Anne G. Saunders and Marvin G. Siegert qualify as an “independent director” under our Corporate Governance Guidelines (available on our website at www.nautilusinc.com), Section 303A.02 of the Listed Company Manual (the “Listed Company Manual”) of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), and applicable rules of the SEC, and that each such person is free of any relationship that would interfere with the individual exercise of independent judgment. Our Board has further determined that each member of the Board’s three committees meets the independence requirements applicable to those committees prescribed by the Listed Company Manual and the SEC, including Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act related to audit committee member independence. Our Board considered Mr. Siegert’s independence in light of his position as an independent member of the board of directors of Hy Cite Corporation, which provides third-party consumer credit financing

 

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to certain Nautilus customers whose credit applications have been declined by our primary third-party consumer credit financing provider. The Board concluded that his qualification as an independent director of Nautilus is not compromised by such position.

 

Our Board met five times in 2011 and all of our directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of our Board and of the meetings held by the committee(s) on which they served. Currently, we do not have a policy requiring our Board members’ attendance at the annual meetings of our stockholders. One director attended our 2011 annual stockholders meeting.

 

Transactions with Related Persons

 

Our Board recognizes that “transactions” with a “related person” (as such terms are defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K) present a heightened risk of conflict of interest and/or improper valuation (or the perception thereof) and, therefore, has adopted a policy which shall be followed in connection with all related person transactions. Specifically, this policy addresses our procedures for the review, approval and ratification of all related person transactions.

 

Our Board has determined that its Audit Committee is best suited to review and approve related person transactions. Accordingly, any related person transactions recommended by management shall be presented to the Audit Committee for approval at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Audit Committee. Any related person transaction shall be consummated or shall continue only if the Audit Committee approves the transaction, the disinterested members of our Board approve the transaction, or the transaction involves compensation approved by the Compensation Committee.

 

Sherborne Investors LP and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Sherborne”), formerly our largest stockholder, undertook a successful action to replace four of our Board members with Sherborne nominees in a December 2007 special meeting of stockholders. In May 2008 stockholders approved the reimbursement of up to $0.6 million of expenses incurred by Sherborne in connection with the stockholder action. Payment requires the approval of the disinterested members of our Board. Sherborne is controlled by Edward J. Bramson, our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Craig L. McKibben, a former member of our Board.

 

On September 3, 2010, the disinterested members of our Board approved a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among the Company and certain entities affiliated with Sherborne (the “Purchasers”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Nautilus issued to the Purchasers $6,096,996.21 in aggregate principal amount at original maturity of its Increasing Rate Senior Discount Notes Due December 31, 2012 (the “Notes”). The Notes had an original principal amount totaling $5,000,000 and had a maturity date of May 2, 2013. On July 19, 2011, beneficial interest in the Notes was assigned by the Purchasers pro-rata to their respective investors in the manner permitted by the Purchase Agreement. Such assignment was made in connection with the resignation of Messrs. Bramson and McKibben from their respective positions with Nautilus on May 26, 2011, and the subsequent pro-rata distribution by certain Sherborne-affiliated entities to their respective investors of the common stock of the Company owned by such entities.

 

The Notes were fully repaid on March 30, 2012. The Notes accreted value at rates equal to (i) 2.5% per annum from September 3, 2010 through February 28, 2011; (ii) 6.0% per annum from March 1, 2011 through August 31, 2011; (iii) 9.5% per annum from September 1, 2011 through February 29, 2012; and (iv) 13.0% per annum from March 1, 2012 through the repayment date of March 30, 2012. As of the repayment date, the effective rate of interest was 6.4% per annum.

 

Committees of the Board

 

Our Board currently has three standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each committee is governed by a written charter that may be amended by our Board at any time. The full text of each committee charter and our Corporate Governance

 

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Guidelines are available on our website located at www.nautilusinc.com or in print to any interested party who requests it. Requests should be sent to the Company Secretary at the address provided on page 1 of this proxy statement.

 

The Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee is established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act and represents and assists our Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to (i) the integrity of our financial statements and other financial information furnished by Nautilus, (ii) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii) our system of internal accounting and financial controls, (iv) our registered independent public accounting firm’s qualifications, performance, compensation and independence, (v) the performance of our internal audit function, and (vi) compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics.

 

In fulfilling the duties outlined in its charter, the Audit Committee, among other things, shall:

 

   

have the sole authority and responsibility to select, evaluate and, where appropriate, replace our registered independent public accounting firm;

 

   

review and discuss with management and our registered independent public accounting firm, prior to release to the general public and legal and regulatory agencies, our annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements, including disclosures contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under the section heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and matters required to be reviewed under applicable legal, regulatory or public company exchange listing requirements;

 

   

discuss polices developed by management and our Board with respect to risk assessment and risk management and steps management has taken to monitor and control financial risk exposure, including anti-fraud programs and controls;

 

   

review the responsibilities, functions and performance of our internal audit function, including internal audit’s charter, plans and budget and the scope and results of internal audits;

 

   

review management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and discuss with management and the registered independent public accounting firm any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of our internal controls; and

 

   

establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, including procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting, auditing matters or violations of our code of conduct.

 

As of the date of this proxy statement, the Audit Committee consists of three independent directors, Marvin G. Siegert (Chairman), Ronald P. Badie and Richard A. Horn. Mr. Siegert has served as Chairman of the committee since May 2007. Mr. Horn was appointed to the Committee in December 2007 and Mr. Badie in May 2011.

 

Each current member of the Audit Committee meets the independence, financial literacy and experience requirements contained in the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE relating to audit committees. Our Board has determined that each member of its Audit Committee qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” under the regulations of the SEC. Although all members of the Audit Committee meet the current NYSE regulatory requirements for accounting or related financial management expertise, and our Board has determined that each of them qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” members of the Audit Committee are not professionally engaged in the practice of auditing or accounting and are not technical experts in auditing or accounting. The Audit Committee met five times during 2011.

 

A copy of the full text of the Audit Committee Charter can be found on our website at www.nautilusinc.com.

 

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The Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the Company’s compensation of employees, including equity-based plans, and employee benefit plans and practices, including the compensation and benefits of our executive officers. The Compensation Committee also administers our 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 

In fulfilling the duties outlined in its charter, the Compensation Committee, among other things, shall:

 

   

review periodically our executive compensation plans in light of the Company’s goals and objectives with respect to such plans and, if the committee deems appropriate, adopt, or recommend to our Board the adoption of new, or the amendment of existing, executive compensation plans;

 

   

evaluate annually the performance of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and, with our CEO’s participation and input, that of our other executive officers in light of the goals and objectives of our executive compensation plans. Based on this evaluation, the Compensation Committee shall determine and approve the CEO’s compensation level and, with the CEO’s participation and input, the compensation levels of our other executive officers;

 

   

approve any equity compensation awarded to any of our executive officers, subject to the requirements of the applicable compensation plans; and

 

   

with respect to SEC reporting requirements, review and discuss with management our compensation discussion and analysis, and oversee the preparation of, and approve, the Compensation Committee’s report on executive compensation to be included in our proxy statement.

 

The Compensation Committee may not delegate any power or authority required by any law, regulation or listing standard to be exercised by the committee. The Compensation Committee met five times during 2011.

 

A copy of the full text of the Compensation Committee Charter can be found on our website at www.nautilusinc.com.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

As of the date of this proxy statement, the Compensation Committee is comprised of four independent directors, Ronald P. Badie (Chairman), Richard A. Horn, M. Carl Johnson, III and Marvin G. Siegert, each of whom served on the committee during 2011. Messrs. Horn and Badie were appointed to the committee in December 2007 and Mr. Badie was named the committee’s Chairman in May 2011. Messrs. Johnson and Siegert were appointed to the Compensation Committee in July 2010 and May 2011, respectively. None of the members of the committee have a relationship with Nautilus, other than as directors and stockholders. No member of the Compensation Committee is or was formerly an officer or an employee of Nautilus. None of our executive officers served, during the year ended December 31, 2011, as a member of the compensation committee or on the board of directors of any entity that has an executive officer serving as a member of the Compensation Committee or the Board.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for considering and making recommendations concerning the membership and function of the Board, and the development and review of corporate governance guidelines.

 

In fulfilling the duties outlined in its charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, among other things, shall:

 

   

identify individuals qualified to become members of our Board and to select director nominees to be presented for stockholder approval at our annual stockholders meeting;

 

   

review our Board’s committee structure and recommend to the Board for its approval directors to serve as members of each committee;

 

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develop and recommend to our Board for its approval a set of corporate governance guidelines;

 

   

develop and recommend to our Board for its approval an annual self-evaluation process of the Board and its committees; and

 

   

review on an annual basis director compensation and benefits.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider recommendations for directorships submitted by stockholders. Stockholders who wish the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to consider their directorship recommendations should submit their recommendations in writing to Nautilus, Inc., 16400 SE Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, WA 98683, Attn: Chairman of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Recommendations by stockholders that are made in accordance with these procedures will receive the same consideration given to nominations made by the committee.

 

Nominees may be suggested by directors, members of management, stockholders or, in some cases, by a third party firm. In identifying and considering candidates for nomination to the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers a candidate’s quality of experience, the needs of the Company and the range of talent and experience represented on its Board. In evaluating particular candidates, the committee will review the nominee’s personal and professional integrity, judgment, experience, and ability to serve the long-term interest of the stockholders. The committee will also take into account the ability of a director to devote the time and effort necessary to fulfill his or her responsibilities. The committee also considers matters of diversity, including gender, race and national origin, education, professional experience and differences in viewpoints and skills. While the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity, both the Board and the committee believe that it is essential that Board members represent a diverse range of experience, expertise and viewpoints.

 

As of the date of this proxy statement, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of three independent directors, Richard A. Horn (Chairman), Ronald P. Badie and Marvin G. Siegert. Mr. Horn was appointed to the committee and named the committee’s Chairman in December 2007. Messrs. Badie and Siegert were appointed to the committee in May 2011. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met six times during 2011.

 

A full copy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter can be found on our website at www.nautilusinc.com.

 

Communications with Directors

 

All interested parties may send correspondence to our Board or to any individual director at the following address: Nautilus, Inc., 16400 SE Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, Washington 98683.

 

Your communications should indicate that you are a stockholder of Nautilus. Depending on the subject matter, we will either forward the communication to the director or directors to whom it is addressed, attempt to handle the inquiry directly, or not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature or if it relates to an improper or irrelevant topic. Correspondence marked confidential will not be opened prior to forwarding to the Board or any individual director.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

We have adopted the Nautilus, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”), which applies to all of our directors, officers and employees. You can view the Code of Ethics on our website at www.nautilusinc.com. A copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided in print without charge to all interested parties who submit a request in writing to Nautilus, Inc., 16400 SE Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, Washington 98683, Attn: Corporate Communications.

 

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Board Leadership Structure

 

Our Board has a majority of independent directors; five out of the six (6) director nominees are independent. The Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees each are composed solely of independent directors.

 

We separate the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in recognition of the differences between the two positions. Mr. Johnson acts as the Chairman, oversees the Company broadly, leads the meetings of our Board, and provides guidance to the Company’s management. Mr. Cazenave serves on the Board, but as our Chief Executive Officer, he is also charged with oversight of the day-to-day operations of the business. We believe that consistency between day-to-day operations of the Company and the overall management is reached through Mr. Cazenave’s service as the Chief Executive Officer and a director, but the separation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles is important to achieve a balance of oversight that is favorable to the Company and our stockholders.

 

Board Role in Risk Oversight

 

While risk management is primarily the responsibility of our management team, our Board is responsible for overall supervision of risk management efforts as they relate to the key business risks we face. Management identifies, assesses, and manages the risks most critical to our operations and routinely advises our Board regarding those matters. Areas of material risk may include operational, financial, legal and regulatory, human capital, information technology and security, and strategic and reputational risks. Our Board’s role in risk oversight is consistent with our leadership structure, with senior management having responsibility for assessing and managing risk exposure, and our Board and its committees providing oversight as necessary in connection with those efforts.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers, as well as persons who own more than 10% of our outstanding common stock, to file with the SEC initial reports of beneficial ownership and reports of changes in beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock. Based solely on a review of copies of such forms furnished to us and written representations from our executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders, we believe that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to Nautilus were timely made with respect to the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

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STOCK OWNERSHIP

 

BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF NAUTILUS STOCK

 

The following table summarizes certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our outstanding common stock, as of April 2, 2012, by: 1) each director and director nominee; 2) each of the named executive officers included in the Summary Compensation Table; 3) all persons that we know are beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock; and 4) all directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, each owner has sole voting and sole investment powers with respect to all shares beneficially owned.

 

    Total
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
    Shares
Covered
by
Options(2)
    Percentage
Beneficially
Owned(3)
 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

     

Norman H. and Sandra S. Pessin

366 Madison Avenue, 14th Floor

New York, NY 10017

    1,721,953 (4)      —          5.6

Galt Investment Management LLC

Jeffrey Lick, Managing Member

53 State Street, 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02109

    1,655,235        —          5.4

Non-Employee Directors(1)

     

Ronald P. Badie, Director

    52,500        45,000        *   

Richard A. Horn, Director

    30,000        30,000        *   

M. Carl Johnson, III, Chairman of the Board of Directors

    10,000        5,000        *   

Anne G. Saunders, Director(5)

    —          —          —     

Marvin G. Siegert, Director

    48,000 (6)      45,000        *   

Employee Director(1)

     

Bruce M. Cazenave, Chief Executive Officer, Acting Principal Financial Officer, Director

    36,671        16,671        *   

Named Executive Officers(1)

     

Wayne M. Bolio, Senior Vice President, Law and Human Resources, General Counsel

    134,967        119,167        *   

Edward M. Bramson, Former Chief Executive Officer(7)

    —          —          —     

Kenneth L. Fish, Former Chief Financial Officer(8)

    138,215        —          *   

William B. McMahon, Chief Operating Officer

    59,846        45,086        *   

Michael D. Mulholland, Former Chief Financial Officer(9)

    15,000        —          *   

Ryan A. Neal, Vice President, General Manager Retail

    20,667        13,667        *   

Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (9 persons)

    392,651        319,591        1.3

 

* Less than 1%.
(1) The address for each director and executive officer is c/o Nautilus, Inc., 16400 SE Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, Washington 98683.
(2) Includes currently exercisable options and options exercisable within 60 days after April 2, 2012.
(3) Percentages have been calculated based on 30,746,836 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of April 2, 2012. Shares which the person or group has the right to acquire within 60 days after April 2, 2012, are deemed to be outstanding in calculating the percentage ownership of the person or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding as to any other person or group.
(4) Information based on the Schedule 13D filed on February 27, 2012 by a group consisting of Norman H. Pessin and Sandra F. Pessin. As stated in the Schedule 13D, Norman H. Pessin is the owner of 1,521,253 shares of our common stock and Sandra F. Pessin is the owner of 200,700 shares of our common stock.
(5) Ms. Saunders was elected to the Board effective April 2, 2012.
(6) Includes 3,000 shares held by the Siegert Trust, of which Marvin G. Siegert is a trustee.
(7) Mr. Bramson left Nautilus effective May 26, 2011. In the Schedule 13D/A filed on May 31, 2011, Mr. Bramson reported that he does not beneficially own any shares of our common stock.
(8) Mr. Fish left Nautilus effective December 31, 2011. Unexercised options held by Mr. Fish on March 31, 2012 were cancelled.
(9) Mr. Mulholland left Nautilus effective January 20, 2012. As of April 2, 2012, Mr. Mulholland held no outstanding options that were vested or expected to vest within 60 days.

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following table identifies our executive officers as of the date of this proxy statement, the positions they hold and the year in which they began serving as officers of Nautilus. Our Board elects all of our executive officers, who hold office until their respective successors are elected and qualified.

 

Name

  Age    

Current Position(s) with Nautilus

  Officer
Since
 

Bruce M. Cazenave

    57      Chief Executive Officer, Acting Principal Financial Officer, Director     2011   

William B. McMahon

    47      Chief Operating Officer     2009   

Wayne M. Bolio

    55      Senior Vice President, Law and Human Resources, General Counsel     2003   

Ryan A. Neal

    46      Vice President, General Manager Retail     2009   

 

For information on Bruce M. Cazenave’s business background, see “Nominees” under “Election of Directors” above.

 

Wayne M. Bolio assumed the position of Senior Vice President, Law and Human Resources in August 2011. He was named General Counsel in April 2008. Mr. Bolio joined Nautilus in June 2003 as Vice President, Human Resources. He was appointed Senior Vice President, Human Resources in March 2004 and was promoted to Senior Vice President, Law in January 2006. From 1997 to 2002 he served as the chief human resources officer for Consolidated Freightways, a major transportation company, and most recently held the position of Vice President of Human Resources and Assistant General Counsel. Prior to that, he was employed by Southern Pacific Transportation Company as assistant general counsel with responsibility for labor relations, human resources, and employment law matters. Mr. Bolio received a B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley and a J.D. from UCLA.

 

William B. McMahon was appointed Chief Operating Officer in August 2011. In this role, Mr. McMahon has responsibility for oversight of the Company’s Retail and Direct businesses, as well as overall operations and information technology. He also has broad oversight of the Company’s product development function. Mr. McMahon joined Nautilus in October 2005 and has held a number of leadership roles, including Senior Vice President, Consumer Business from November 2009 until August 2011 and, prior to that, Vice President and General Manager of our Direct business. Before joining Nautilus, Mr. McMahon held several executive positions with the Readers Digest Association from 1989 through 1995, including chief operating officer of gifts.com, an e-commerce portal; director of information technology; vice president, operations of Good Catalog, a luxury home products and electronics catalog; and director of U.S. Operations for QSP Inc., the largest school fundraising program in North America. He previously spent over a decade with the United States Navy nuclear submarine force, where he oversaw reactor plant operations. Mr. McMahon is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Nuclear Engineering program.

 

Ryan A. Neal joined Nautilus in May 2009 as Vice President, General Manager Retail, where he is responsible for leading the Retail business team. Mr. Neal has over 20 years of leadership experience in the sporting goods/home leisure industries, including senior vice president, sales for Aero Products International in Chicago, Illinois from 2007 to 2009. From 1998 to 2007, he held various executive and senior leadership positions with the W.C. Bradley Company; including serving as vice president of business development for Zebco division, and vice president, business unit manager for the Char-Broil Parts and Accessories division. Prior to that, Mr. Neal held various sales and marketing positions within Brunswick Corporations’ Outdoor Recreation Group from 1993 to 1998. Mr. Neal earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana.

 

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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

April 6, 2012

 

The Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) oversees the Company’s compensation programs on the Board’s behalf.

 

The Committee reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on the review and discussion, the Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s proxy statement, for the Company’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Ronald P. Badie, Chairman

Richard A. Horn

M. Carl Johnson, III

Marvin G. Siegert

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION and ANALYSIS

 

In this section of the proxy statement we identify the material elements of our compensation programs for all of our executive officers, including an overview of our executive compensation philosophy and the processes and methodology we use in making executive pay decisions. We also provide detailed information regarding compensation paid to each Named Executive Officer (“NEO”). NEOs are the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and three most highly compensated executive officers of Nautilus other than the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, including salary, bonus, stock awards, option awards and all other compensation, as of the most recently completed fiscal year. Our NEOs are as follows:

 

Name

  

Position

Bruce M. Cazenave

   Chief Executive Officer and Acting Principal Financial Officer

Edward J. Bramson(1)

   Former Chief Executive Officer

Michael D. Mulholland(2)

   Former Chief Financial Officer

Kenneth L. Fish(3)

   Former Chief Financial Officer

Wayne M. Bolio

   Senior Vice President, Law and Human Resources, General Counsel

William B. McMahon

   Chief Operating Officer

Ryan A. Neal

   Vice President, General Manager Retail

 

(1) Mr. Bramson was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until he left the Company effective May 26, 2011. During his employment with the Company, he declined to receive any compensation directly from the Company. See “Compensation of Former Chief Executive Officer” herein.
(2) Mr. Mulholland was Chief Financial Officer from May 7, 2011 until he left the Company effective January 20, 2012.
(3) Mr. Fish was Chief Financial Officer from November 11, 2008 through May 6, 2011, when he became Vice President, Business Development. Mr. Fish occupied that position until he left Nautilus effective December 31, 2011. For more information regarding the severance paid to Mr. Fish, see “Other Post-Employment Benefits” herein.

 

Executive Summary

 

Overview

 

In early 2008 we implemented considerable revisions to our executive compensation programs with the goal of improving our financial performance and supporting our financial turnaround strategy. These changes included an increase in the targeted ratio of variable compensation to total compensation and revisions to the short-term incentive program. These programs remained in effect through 2011 as turnaround activities continued.

 

The Committee has established a desired competitive position for target total cash compensation levels in the 50th to 75th percentile range of the peer group (for more information regarding the peer groups, see “Compensation Philosophy” herein). Individual levels within this range are based on experience, performance and potential.

 

The executive compensation program is comprised of three primary elements in support of these objectives:

 

   

A base salary that is intended to provide a market competitive base level of compensation;

 

   

A highly variable short-term incentive program that rewards the achievement of explicit, measurable, company financial objectives in the areas of profitability, inventory control and accounts receivable, as well as individual achievement of short- and long-term business objectives; and

 

   

An equity based long-term incentive program that rewards the achievement of sustained increases in stockholder value over the long-term.

 

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Our executive officers are eligible to participate in our employee benefits programs on the same terms as our eligible non-executive employees. Nautilus does not provide any executive perquisites. Unexercised stock options held by our executive officers expire 90 days following termination, which same terms apply to our non-executive employees.

 

Nautilus has an employment contract with Mr. Cazenave that provides for the payment of twelve months of base salary upon termination under certain circumstances. Nautilus has employment contracts with Messrs. Bolio, McMahon and Neal that provide for the payment of six months of base salary upon termination under certain circumstances. In addition, the Company had employment agreements with Mr. Fish and Mr. Mulholland until each left the Company.

 

Governance of the Company’s Executive Compensation Program

 

The Committee has overall responsibility for the evaluation, approval and oversight of our compensation plans, policies and programs and the total direct compensation of our executive officers.

 

The Committee has sole responsibility for determining our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation and for reviewing it with our Board. Our Chief Executive Officer provides recommendations to the Committee on compensation matters for our other executive officers. The Committee seeks input from an independent consultant who advises the Committee regarding executive compensation matters.

 

The Committee engaged Compensia, Inc. (“Compensia”) to serve as its independent compensation consultant. Compensia assists the Committee in reviewing our compensation practices and provides advice to the Committee regarding compensation of our executive officers. Neither Compensia nor any of its employees earns fees from the Company or any of its executive officers or directors, other than for providing executive compensation consulting services to the Committee, and neither Compensia nor any of its employees owns any shares of Nautilus stock. Compensia was chosen solely by the Committee, all of their fees are for services provided to and at the request of Committee, and the Committee has complete and sole discretion as to its hiring, continued service or termination.

 

Compensia reports directly to the Committee and supports the Committee by:

 

   

Providing information on executive compensation best practices and current trends;

 

   

Reviewing compensation guiding principles and recommending assessment methodologies;

 

   

Conducting detailed executive compensation assessments and providing preliminary recommendations for executive compensation adjustments; and

 

   

Providing conceptual guidance and design advice on short-term and long-term incentive programs.

 

Compensation Philosophy

 

Our executive compensation program is designed with two primary objectives in mind:

 

   

Attracting, retaining and motivating executives critical to our financial turnaround and future success; and

 

   

Rewarding executives for meeting ambitious financial, operational and individual performance goals and taking effective actions which are expected to increase stockholder value over time.

 

Consistent with these objectives, we offer our executive officers a mix of base salary, short-term incentive compensation, long-term equity based incentives, health and welfare benefits and employment contracts. While we do not target a specific percentage allocation for base salary, short-term incentive compensation or long-term incentives (as a percent of total direct compensation), we operate under the general philosophy of targeting a total direct compensation opportunity that is competitive within our market for executive talent. Relative to our peer group, we believe that we generally target a greater percentage of the executives’ total direct compensation

 

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opportunity as variable compensation. We do not believe the elements of our compensation program are structured so as to encourage excessive risk taking by any of our executives, but are part of an overall compensation and management philosophy designed to increase stockholder value over time.

 

Peer group data is used to compare our compensation program for executive officers with that of executives in comparable roles at peer group companies. Although a comprehensive compensation review was not conducted in 2011, Compensia conducted a benchmark equity compensation analysis for the purpose of determining equity grants in 2010. We consulted with Compensia regarding the compensation of our new chief executive officer in 2011.

 

Based upon the selection criteria, which targeted high-end consumer products companies with annual revenues similar to Nautilus, the following companies were chosen for our peer group:

 

Bassett Furniture Industry, Inc. (BSET)    Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (GOLF)
Cobra Electronics Corp. (COBR)    iRobot Corp. (IRBT)
Cross (A.T.) Co. (ATX)    Johnson Outdoors Inc. (JOUT)
Cybex International, Inc. (CYBI)    Movado Group, Inc (MOV)
Escalade, Inc. (ESCA)    Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (SWHC)
Flexsteel Industries, Inc. (FLXS)    Sturm Ruger & Co. Inc. (RGR)

 

Peer group data for aforementioned companies is supplemented by data from published relevant compensation surveys, providing additional market-based analytical data for corporate executive pay at companies similar in industry, annual revenues or other relevant metrics.

 

The Committee has established a desired competitive position for target total cash compensation levels in the 50th to 75th percentile range of our peer group. Individual levels within this range are also affected by the executive’s experience, performance and potential, as assessed by our Chief Executive Officer and the Committee.

 

Compensation of Former Chief Executive Officer

 

Edward J. Bramson, former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, had elected not to take any salary, benefits or incentives from the Company. As a partner of Sherborne Investors Management LP (“Sherborne”), formerly a significant stockholder of Nautilus, Mr. Bramson instead hoped to realize substantial economic benefit in the form of appreciation in the value of Nautilus stock owned by Sherborne. Until Mr. Bramson’s resignation in May 2011, Nautilus paid $20,000 per month to Sherborne for the use of New York office space and administrative, information technology and communications services to support Mr. Bramson in his role as our Chief Executive Officer. We also reimbursed Mr. Bramson for customary travel and other business expenses incurred while conducting company business.

 

Base Salaries

 

Base salaries of our executive officers are intended to attract and retain executives (as part of the total compensation package) by providing a competitive base level of compensation. Base salaries are typically considered by the Committee on an annual basis, as well as in connection with the hiring of a new executive from outside the Company, a promotion or other changes in an incumbent executive’s job responsibilities. Base salaries of executive officers are determined by evaluating the responsibilities of the position, the experience and performance of the individual, and by reference to the competitive marketplace median for corporate executives in comparable positions (similarity in scope, duties and responsibilities).

 

In March 2010 Compensia conducted a benchmark equity compensation analysis for the purpose of determining equity grants. At this time, Compensia presented an executive compensation analysis, summarizing

 

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the current position of our executive officers, noting base salaries generally below our peer group’s 50th percentile and target total cash compensation averaging near our peer group’s 65th percentile. In view of business and market conditions at that time, the Committee decided not to make any changes to executive officer base salaries and target total cash compensation levels. Although a comprehensive compensation review was not conducted in 2011, Compensia provided the Committee with benchmark compensation information in 2011 to assist in the determination of annual compensation for Mr. Cazenave and Mr. Mulholland.

 

Short-Term Incentive Program

 

Our short-term incentive program for executive officers is designed to reward accomplishment of strategic, financial and individual goals. Achievement relative to measurable, pre-determined company goals provides the basis of the program. Individual goals are also established, the achievement of which further impacts the amount of potential short-term incentive.

 

The program focuses on specific short-term objectives to improve our financial performance and accelerate turnaround efforts, with quarterly measurements and payments. Individual bonus targets reflect our emphasis on leveraging variable pay upon achievement of ambitious performance objectives.

 

The calculation for determining an individual’s quarterly incentive amount earned is a product of: 1) the individual’s quarterly eligible wages; 2) the individual’s target bonus percentage; 3) the weighting of each company performance factor; and 4) the degree to which each company performance factor is actually achieved. The calculation is performed for each company performance factor. The company performance amounts are then totaled and multiplied by the individual’s goal achievement percentage. Company and individual performance objectives are tied directly to the quarterly business plan. While achievability was reasonably uncertain at the time the performance criteria were established, the performance targets were generally set such that the business plan results must be surpassed in order to achieve a payout at or above the target level.

 

Individual Bonus Targets for 2011 for our NEOs ranged from 50% to 100% of quarterly eligible wages, as follows:

 

     Individual
Bonus  Target
(% of eligible wages)
 

Wayne M. Bolio

     50

Edward J. Bramson(1)

     N/A   

Bruce M. Cazenave

     100

Kenneth L. Fish

     100

William B. McMahon

     100

Michael D. Mulholland(2)

     100

Ryan A. Neal

     100

 

(1) Mr. Bramson elected not to take any compensation directly from Nautilus. See “Compensation of Former Chief Executive Officer” herein.
(2) Under the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Mulholland was eligible to earn an annual bonus targeted at 50% of his base salary in the applicable year, based upon the achievement of Company and individual performance goals. For 2011 only, Mr. Mulholland was assigned certain additional individual performance goals that could increase his bonus target to 100% of his base salary for the year.

 

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Company Performance Criteria are determined on a calendar quarter basis. Each company performance factor is assigned a weighting.

 

The 2011 quarterly performance criteria and specific weightings were as follows:

 

Quarterly Performance Criteria Weighting

 

Operating

Income/(Loss)

   Inventory     Accounts Receivable  

80%

     10 %     10 %

 

Thresholds, Targets and Maximums Payout under the plan in 2011 could have ranged from 0% to 150% of target, based on achievement of company performance criteria, subject to a specified minimum performance threshold required to earn any incentive under the plan, as follows:

 

First Quarter 2011

   Potential Achievement Ranges  
     Operating
Income/(Loss)
    Inventory     Accounts
Receivable
 

Threshold

     10     100     10

Target

     100     100     100

Maximum

     150     100     150

 

Second Quarter 2011

   Potential Achievement Ranges  
     Operating
Income/(Loss)
    Inventory     Accounts
Receivable
 

Threshold

     10     10     10

Target

     100     100     100

Maximum

     150     150     150

 

Third Quarter 2011

   Potential Achievement Ranges  
     Operating
Income/(Loss)
    Inventory     Accounts
Receivable
 

Threshold

     10     30     30

Target

     100     100     100

Maximum

     150     150     150

 

Fourth Quarter 2011

   Potential Achievement Ranges  
     Operating
Income/(Loss)
    Inventory     Accounts
Receivable
 

Threshold

     10     10     20

Target

     100     100     100

Maximum

     150     150     150

 

Individual Performance Criteria In addition to company performance criteria, individual performance objectives were established for each executive officer in the form of formal written goals. Specific actions included, but were not limited to, revenue targets, expense reduction targets, accounts receivable and inventory reduction amounts, new borrowing arrangements and terms, cash position, specific product development milestones and discontinued operations.

 

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Based on achievement relative to individual performance objectives, an individual performance multiplier would be applied to the result based on company performance, as follows:

 

     Individual Performance Multiplier  
     Q1 - 2011      Q2 - 2011      Q3 - 2011      Q4 - 2011  

Wayne M. Bolio

     0% - 100%         0% - 100%         0% - 100%         0% - 100%   

Bruce M. Cazenave(1)

     —             0% - 100%         0% - 100%         0% - 100%   

Kenneth L. Fish(2)

     0% - 100%         —             —             —       

William B. McMahon(3)

     0% - 110%         0% - 110%         0% - 100%         0% - 100%   

Michael D. Mulholland(4)

     —             0% - 100%         0% - 100%         0% - 100%   

Ryan A. Neal(5)

     0% - 150%         0% - 140%         0% - 100%         0% - 100%   

 

(1) Mr. Cazenave participated in the Company’s short-term incentive program beginning with the second quarter of 2011.
(2) Mr. Fish did not participate in the Company’s short-term incentive program after the first quarter of 2011.
(3) Mr. McMahon’s performance multiplier opportunity for the first and second quarters of 2011 was greater than 100% based on a 10% upside on one specific individual performance metric regarding consumer business revenue, which was partially achieved.
(4) Mr. Mulholland participated in the Company’s short-term incentive program beginning with the second quarter of 2011.
(5) Mr. Neal’s performance multiplier opportunity for the first and second quarters of 2011 was greater than 100% based on a 50% and a 40% upside, respectively on one specific individual performance metric regarding retail business revenue and profitability, which was partially achieved.

 

Holdback Provision A “holdback” provision for executive officers requires that 20% of each quarterly incentive earned be withheld, with payment made after our annual audited financial statements are completed. To the extent that audit or other adjustments made to the annual financial statements would, if known at the time, have resulted in a recalculated bonus less than the amount originally calculated, the executive officer may be paid some of this 20% withheld to the extent that the difference between the original bonus amount and the recalculated amount is less than the remaining 20% holdback.

 

2011 Short-Term Incentive Payments In 2011 our NEOs earned quarterly incentives based on achievement of company and individual performance metrics as follows:

 

     Company Performance Goals Achievement  

Company Performance Criteria

   First
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
    Third
Quarter
    Fourth
Quarter
 

Operating income (loss)

     135     56     0     150

Inventory

     100     150     74     150

Accounts receivable

     150     150     86     0

 

     Individual Performance Goals Achievement  
     First
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
    Third
Quarter
    Fourth
Quarter
 

Wayne M. Bolio

     75     40     90     90

Bruce M. Cazenave(1)

     —          70     70     85

Kenneth L. Fish(2)

     100     —          —          —     

William B. McMahon

     100     70     70     85

Michael D. Mulholland(3)

     —          100     92     —   (4) 

Ryan A. Neal

     70     30     50     90

 

(1) Mr. Cazenave participated in the Company’s short-term incentive program beginning with the second quarter of 2011.

 

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(2) Mr. Fish did not participate in the Company’s short-term incentive program after the first quarter of 2011.
(3) Mr. Mulholland participated in the Company’s short-term incentive program beginning with the second quarter of 2011.
(4) As provided under his employment agreement, the Company determined Mr. Mulholland’s fourth quarter bonus amount based upon his achievement of certain additional individual performance goals for 2011.

 

     Quarterly Incentive Amounts Earned  
     First
Quarter
     Second
Quarter
     Third
Quarter
     Fourth
Quarter
     Total  

Wayne M. Bolio

   $ 26,897       $ 8,068       $ 4,530       $ 38,221       $ 77,716   

Bruce M. Cazenave(1)

     —           18,125         10,662         107,578         136,365   

Kenneth L. Fish(2)

     75,196         —           —           —           75,196   

William B. McMahon

     76,731         30,208         7,538         77,236         191,713   

Michael D. Mulholland(3)

     —           12,774         4,730         40,000         57,504   

Ryan A. Neal

     48,340         11,652         4,846         73,601         138,439   

 

(1) Mr. Cazenave participated in the Company’s short-term incentive program beginning with the second quarter of 2011.
(2) Mr. Fish did not participate in the Company’s short-term incentive program after the first quarter of 2011.
(3) Mr. Mulholland participated in the Company’s short-term incentive program beginning with the second quarter of 2011.

 

Equity Compensation

 

Long-term incentives are intended to focus executive behavior on making decisions that meaningfully contribute to our long-term success as reflected in our stock price. Under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), the Committee may grant equity awards (stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance units or stock units) to executive officers and other employees. Stock options have exercise prices equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant, as defined by the Plan. In granting these awards, the Committee may establish conditions or restrictions it deems appropriate.

 

Our executive officers generally are provided an equity grant upon commencement of their employment. The Committee reviews the equity position of executive officers on a periodic basis. Additionally, an executive officer’s overall equity position is reviewed at the time of promotion and an additional grant may be considered. Equity awards granted to our NEOs in 2011 upon commencement of their employment were as follows:

 

     Options     Restricted
Stock Units
 

Bruce M. Cazenave

     50,000 (1)      316,206 (2) 

Michael D. Mulholland

     21,000 (3)      59,000 (3) 

 

(1) Options vest as to one-third of the number of shares subject to the award on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant.
(2) Restricted stock units vest over four years, with 93,874 units vesting after one year and 6,176 units vesting each month thereafter for 36 consecutive months.
(3) Options and restricted stock units vest ratably over four years from the date of the grant.

 

Early 2012 Compensation Decisions

 

The Committee met in early 2012 to approve revisions to the short-term incentive plan that are intended to better support the Company’s focus on long-term strategic growth by shifting back to annually-based performance targets from the quarterly-based targets that have characterized the short-term incentive plan since mid-2008. The Company’s short-term incentive program for 2012 focuses on achievement of certain annual goals for pre-tax operating income and net working capital, as well as individual and strategic performance goals established for the performance period. Under the short-term incentive program, individual plan participants are

 

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eligible to receive incentive compensation based on a target percentage of their base salary. The amount payable is determined based upon the weighted average percentage achievement of the individual and corporate financial and strategic performance goals established for the annual plan period. Achievement below 100% of goal on a combined basis results in payout of less than the target award, and achievement of greater than 100% of goal on a combined basis results in a payout of greater than the target award. The Company must achieve a minimum of 85% of its operating income or net working capital goal for any payout to be available with a maximum award of 150% of target if the goal is exceeded. The Committee approved the following new incentive targets for 2012 based on recommendations from Compensia.

 

     Individual
Bonus  Target
(% of eligible wages)
 

Wayne M. Bolio

     50

Bruce M. Cazenave

     100

William B. McMahon

     75

Ryan A. Neal

     60

 

The Committee approved a grant of equity compensation which included a mix of options and performance unit awards, both issued under the Company’s 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan. The options vest in three equal annual installments, beginning on February 16, 2013. The performance unit awards vest based on achievement of certain operating income and return on asset goals established for a three year performance period. The number of shares vested under the performance unit awards following conclusion of the performance period will be determined based on the level at which the financial goals are achieved. The number of shares vesting can range from 60% of the performance unit awards if minimum thresholds are achieved to a maximum of 150%.

 

Perquisites and Other Benefits

 

Our executive officers are eligible to participate in our medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life, disability, and 401(k) programs on substantially the same terms as eligible non-executive employees, subject to legal limits on the amounts that may be contributed or paid to executive officers under these plans. No significant perquisites are provided to our executive officers.

 

Post-Employment Obligations

 

We believe that modest post-employment benefits are an important factor in maintaining the stability of our executive management team, especially at a time when there is uncertainty about market conditions for our products and the economy in general. Nautilus has separate severance arrangements with each of our NEOs under their respective employment agreement or employment offer. These documents outline the terms and conditions of the post employment benefits. The agreements provide that Nautilus will pay severance of six months or, in the case of Mr. Cazenave, twelve months, of the employee’s base salary in the event of an involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than cause. In general, the definition of “cause” includes: indictment or conviction of the employee for a crime that, in the Company’s judgment, makes the employee unfit or unable to perform his or her duties, or adversely affects the Company’s reputation; employee dishonesty related to his or her employment; violation of key company policies; insubordination; serious conflicts of interest or self-dealing; intentional or grossly negligent conduct by the employee that is significantly injurious to the Company; certain serious performance failures by the employee; and, death or disability of the employee.

 

Severance payments are made in accordance with our normal payroll cycle over the severance period. The agreements with Messrs. Bolio, Cazenave, McMahon and Mulholland also provide for continuation, during the severance period, of health benefits under COBRA for the employee and covered dependents, at active employee premium rates. Refer to the table entitled “Other Potential Post-Employment Payments” and related notes for information regarding severance and post-employment benefits that may be payable to our NEOs upon their termination.

 

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Tax and Accounting Considerations

 

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the amount we can deduct for compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and three other most highly-compensated executive officers (excluding the Chief Financial Officer) in any year to $1 million. The limit on deductibility does not apply to performance-based compensation meeting certain requirements.

 

Our general philosophy is to structure executive compensation to maximize deductibility under Section 162(m). In 2011, 100% of our executive compensation was tax deductible. Base salary is not performance-based under Section 162(m), and our short-term incentive awards do not meet the performance-based compensation requirements of Section 162(m) because these awards are not granted under a stockholder-approved plan. However, we were able to deduct all of this compensation because no executive officer’s compensation exceeded the $1 million limit. Should an executive officer’s compensation approach $1 million in the future, the Committee will consider deductibility of compensation under Section 162(m) as one (but not the sole) factor in setting executive compensation.

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

The following table summarizes the compensation earned by, awarded to or paid to our NEOs in the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 

    Year     Salary     Bonus(1)     Stock
Awards(2)
    Option
Awards(2)
    All Other
Compensation
    Total  

Bruce M. Cazenave(3)

    2011      $ 216,346      $ 136,365      $ 800,001      $ 87,775      $ 98,207      $ 1,338,694   

Chief Executive Officer, Acting Principal Financial Officer

    2010        —          —          —          —          —          —     
    2009        —          —          —          —          —          —     

Michael D. Mulholland(4)

    2011        163,385        57,504        175,230        43,277        39,583        478,979   

Former Chief Financial Officer

    2010        —          —          —          —          —          —     
    2009        —          —          —          —          —          —     

Wayne M. Bolio

    2011        233,688        77,716        —          —          —          311,404   

Senior Vice President, Law and Human Resources, General Counsel

    2010        233,688        31,254        38,280        19,333        —          322,555   
    2009        242,676        70,888        —          —          2,994        316,558   

William B. McMahon(5)

    2011        250,000        191,713        —          —          —          441,713   

Chief Operating Officer

    2010        250,000        69,765        92,800        117,046        —          529,611   
    2009        179,038        94,862        —          —          1,552        275,452   

Ryan A. Neal(6)

    2011        225,000        138,439        —          —          —          363,439   

Vice President, General Manager Retail

    2010        225,000        83,529        38,280        19,333        —          366,142   
    2009        147,115        192,900        —          5,929        —          345,944   

Edward J. Bramson(7)

    2011        —          —          —          —          —          —     

Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

    2010        —          —          —          —          —          —     
    2009        —          —          —          —          —          —     

Kenneth L. Fish(8)

    2011        245,000        75,196        —          —          159,185        479,381   

Former Chief Financial Officer

    2010        245,000        112,478        92,800        43,892        —          494,170   
    2009        254,423        207,518        —          —          3,282        465,223   

 

(1) Bonuses in 2011 consist of amounts earned under our short-term incentive program.
(2)

The amounts reported in these columns reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock option, restricted stock unit and performance share unit awards granted under our 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan or preceding plans. The amount is determined in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. The actual amount of compensation realized, if any, by our NEOs may differ from the

 

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amounts presented in the table. For further information regarding our stock-based compensation, see notes to our consolidated financial statements, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

(3) Mr. Cazenave was hired by Nautilus as Chief Executive Officer and appointed to the Board effective on May 30, 2011. Mr. Cazenave does not receive any compensation for serving on the Board. The amount reported for Mr. Cazenave as Other Compensation in 2011 consisted of executive relocation payments.
(4) Mr. Mulholland was hired by Nautilus on April 21, 2011 and became Chief Financial Officer on May 7, 2011. He left the Company effective January 20, 2012. The Company agreed to pay Mr. Mulholland’s bonus compensation based on his achievement of individual performance targets established for 2011. The amount reported for Mr. Mulholland as Other Compensation in 2011 consisted of executive relocation payments.
(5) Mr. McMahon was appointed Chief Operating Officer in August 2011, after serving as Senior Vice President, Consumer Business since November 2009. Previously, he was Vice President and General Manager of the Direct business.
(6) Mr. Neal was hired by Nautilus as Vice President, General Manager Retail in May 2009.
(7) Mr. Bramson, our Chief Executive Officer from March 2008 until he left the Company effective May 26, 2011, elected not to take any compensation directly from Nautilus during his period of employment.
(8) Mr. Fish was Chief Financial Officer until he became Vice President, Business Development on May 7, 2011. He held this position until he left Nautilus effective December 31, 2011. The amount reported as Other Compensation for Mr. Fish in 2011 consisted of severance payments and benefits. For more information regarding the severance paid to Mr. Fish, see “Other Post Employment Payments.”

 

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding non-equity incentive plan awards to our NEOs during 2011.

 

     Estimated Possible Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1)
 
     Threshold(2)      Target(3)      Maximum(4)  

Bruce M. Cazenave

   $ 1,355       $ 223,558       $ 335,337   

Michael D. Mulholland

     2,580         163,385         245,077   

Wayne M. Bolio

     3,049         116,844         173,918   

William B. McMahon

     2,226         250,000         389,134   

Ryan A. Neal

     2,427         225,000         403,702   

Edward J. Bramson

     —           —           —     

Kenneth L. Fish

     1,074         56,538         81,981   

 

(1) Amounts reflect potential payments to the NEOs under our short-term incentive program. Participation in the program is limited to those executives who are employed by the Company at the time the incentive payments are made. For further information regarding our short-term incentive program, see “Short-Term Incentive Program” located herein.
(2) The amounts in this column represent the potential award for each NEO under our short-term incentive program at the threshold level. The minimum payout is calculated assuming company performance at the minimum target level and the employee achieving the lowest payout level for individual contribution.
(3) The amounts in this column represent the potential award for each NEO under our short-term incentive program at the target level. The target payout is calculated assuming company performance at the 100% level and the employee obtaining 100% of the target payout level for individual contribution.
(4) The amounts in this column represent the potential award for each NEO under our short-term incentive program at the maximum level. The maximum payout is calculated assuming company performance at the highest level and the employee obtaining the highest payout level for individual contribution.

 

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The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock options and restricted stock units awarded to our NEOs during 2011.

 

    Stock Option Awards     Restricted Stock Unit Awards  
    Grant
Date(1)
    Number  of
Shares(2)
    Exercise
Price
Per
Share(3)
    Grant Date
Fair  Value(4)
    Grant
Date(1)
    Number  of
Shares(2)
    Grant Price
Per Share(3)
    Grant Date
Fair  Value(4)
 

Bruce M. Cazenave

    05/30/11        50,000      $ 2.53      $ 87,775        5/30/11        316,206      $ 2.53      $ 800,001   

Michael D. Mulholland

    04/21/11        21,000        2.97        43,277        4/21/11        59,000        2.97        175,230   

 

(1) Stock option and restricted stock unit awards granted upon commencement of employment. For further information regarding equity compensation awarded to our executive officers, see “Equity Compensation” herein.
(2) Number of stock options or restricted stock units awarded to NEOs upon commencement of employment in 2011 under our 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
(3) The stock option exercise price or restricted stock unit grant price was determined based on the NYSE closing price of Nautilus common stock on the last business day preceding the date of grant.
(4) Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of the applicable stock option or restricted stock unit grant, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718.

 

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

 

The following tables set forth certain information regarding outstanding stock options, performance share units and restricted stock units held by our NEOs as of December 31, 2011.

 

     Option Awards  
     Grant
Date
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
     Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
     Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date(1)
 
       Exercisable      Unexercisable        

Bruce M. Cazenave

     5/30/11 (2)      —           50,000       $ 2.53         5/30/18   

Michael D. Mulholland(7)

     4/21/11 (3)      —           21,000         2.97         4/21/18   

Wayne M. Bolio

     07/15/03 (3)     1,500         —           10.39         07/15/13   
     02/04/04 (4)      28,000         —           14.25         02/04/14   
     06/07/04 (4)      25,000         —           15.66         06/07/14   
     01/29/06 (3)      10,500         —           15.15         01/29/13   
     01/28/07 (3)      12,000         —           16.10         01/28/14   
     02/25/08 (3)      13,500         4,500         4.15         02/25/15   
     02/25/08 (5)      18,000         —           4.15         02/25/15   
     04/02/10 (2)      3,084         6,166         2.99         04/02/17   

William B. McMahon

     01/28/07 (3)      750         —           16.10         01/28/14   
     02/25/08 (3)      2,625         875         4.15         02/25/15   
     02/25/08 (5)      3,500         —           4.15         02/25/15   
     04/02/10 (2)      18,671         37,329         2.99         04/02/17   

Ryan A. Neal

     05/04/09 (3)      5,000         5,000         0.95         05/04/16   
     04/02/10 (2)      3,084         6,166         2.99         04/02/17   

Edward J. Bramson

     —          —           —           —           —     

Kenneth L. Fish(8)

     06/20/05 (3)      10,000         —           27.72         06/20/12   
     01/29/06 (3)      6,500         —           15.15         01/29/13   
     01/28/07 (3)      6,500         —           16.10         01/28/14   
     12/03/07 (3)      10,000         —           5.75         12/03/14   
     02/25/08 (5)      18,000         —           4.15         02/25/15   
     11/24/08 (6)      37,500         —           2.37         11/24/15   
     04/02/10 (2)      7,000         —           2.99         04/02/17   

 

(1) Options granted under our 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan generally expire seven years from the date of grant. Outstanding options granted to our NEOs under previous plans (granted prior to June 6, 2005) generally expire ten years from the date of grant.
(2) Option awards vest in three equal annual installments, beginning the first anniversary of the grant date.
(3) Option awards vest in four equal annual installments, beginning the first anniversary of the grant date.
(4) Option awards vest in five equal annual installments, beginning the first anniversary of the grant date.
(5) Option awards vest in two equal annual installments, beginning the first anniversary of the grant date.
(6) Option award vests as to 25% of the total shares on each of the second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, and as to the remaining 50% of the total shares on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.
(7) Unvested stock options were forfeited upon Mr. Mulholland’s departure on January 20, 2012.
(8) Unvested stock options were forfeited upon Mr. Fish’s departure on December 31, 2011. Mr. Fish’s opportunity to exercise vested options expired on March 31, 2012.

 

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     Performance Share Unit Awards(1)  
     Grant
Date
     Vested      Unvested      Grant
Price
 

Wayne M. Bolio

     04/02/10         —           16,500         2.99   

William B. McMahon

     04/02/10         —           40,000         2.99   

Ryan A. Neal

     04/02/10         —           16,500         2.99   

 

(1) Performance share units are subject to both time-based vesting (one-third annually over three years) and achievement of a stock price target of two times the grant date price of $2.99. If, over the three-year period, our stock price does not close at or above two times the grant date price over any 20 of 30 consecutive days, the entire award is forfeited.

 

     Restricted Stock Unit Awards  
     Grant
Date
    Vested      Unvested      Grant
Price
 

Bruce M. Cazenave

     5/30/11 (1)      —           19,763       $ 2.53   
     5/30/11 (2)      —           296,443         2.53   

Michael D. Mulholland(4)

     4/21/11 (3)      —           59,000         2.97   

 

(1) Restricted stock unit award fully vests one year after the grant date.
(2) Restricted stock unit award vests over four years, with 74,111 units vesting one year after the grant date and 6,176 units vesting each month thereafter for 36 consecutive months.
(3) Restricted stock unit award vests ratably over four years from the date of the grant.
(4) Unvested restricted stock units were forfeited upon Mr. Mulholland’s departure on January 20, 2012.

 

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

 

No stock options were exercised and no stock was vested by our NEOs in 2011.

 

OTHER POTENTIAL POST-EMPLOYMENT PAYMENTS

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding amounts potentially payable to our NEOs.

 

     Salary
Continuation
or Severance(1)
     Benefits or
Perquisites(2)
 

Bruce M. Cazenave

   $ 375,000       $ 13,370   

Michael D. Mulholland(3)

     120,000         6,685   

Wayne M. Bolio

     116,844         —     

William B. McMahon

     125,000         2,578   

Ryan A. Neal

     112,500         —     

Kenneth L. Fish(4)

     152,500         6,685   

 

Each of our NEOs is employed “at-will,” meaning employment may be terminated by either party with or without cause. Upon termination of employment by the Company without “cause” or, in the case of Mssrs. Bolio and McMahon, if the NEO leaves for “good reason” (in each instance, as such terms are defined in the NEO’s employment agreement), the Company may be obligated to pay separation benefits to the NEOs as indicated above. Separation benefits for the NEOs include continued payments of the individual’s base salary, paid biweekly according to the Company’s normal payroll schedule, for six months or, in the case of Mr. Cazenave, for twelve months. Severance payments may cease or be reduced in the event the NEO obtains subsequent employment, within the salary continuation period, at a salary equal to or greater than the NEO’s initial salary with the Company or, in the case of Mr. Cazenave, salary at the time of termination. Distributions are subject to certain restrictions imposed by Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.

 

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(1) Amounts that may be paid under the applicable employment agreement, assuming termination occurred on December 31, 2011.
(2) Under their respective employment agreements, Messrs. Bolio, Cazenave, Fish and McMahon are entitled to continued health benefits for themselves and their covered dependents, at active-employee premium rates, during the period in which they are entitled to severance payments. Currently, Mr. Bolio is not a participant in the Company’s health benefit program and, therefore, would not receive continued health benefits.
(3) Mr. Mulholland resigned from the Company effective January 20, 2012 and, therefore, was not eligible for post-employment benefits.
(4) Mr. Fish left the Company effective December 31, 2011. Under the terms of a separation agreement, the Company agreed to provide Mr. Fish with a lump sum payment totaling $152,500 in January 2012, plus continued health and dental benefits for a period of six months.

 

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

Nautilus has established a Director Compensation Program which provides for the payment of annual retainers and meeting fees, and the award of initial and annual equity grants, to non-employee members of our Board.

 

Annual Retainer Under the Director Compensation Program, as approved by our Board on June 3, 2008, each non-employee director receives an annual retainer of $35,000 and a fee of $1,500 for attendance at each Board meeting. Our Board’s Non-executive Chairman receives an additional annual fee of $30,000. Each director serving on a committee of our Board receives an additional fee of $1,500 for attendance at each committee meeting. The Chair of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000, while the Chairs of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $5,000.

 

Initial Equity Grant The Director Compensation Program provides that, upon initial election to our Board, each non-employee director may be granted an option to purchase 10,000 shares of Nautilus common stock.

 

Annual Equity Grant The Director Compensation Program also provides that, upon reelection to our Board, each non-employee director receives a stock option to purchase an additional 10,000 shares of Nautilus common stock.

 

Stock options granted under the Director Compensation Program have an exercise price equal to the NYSE market closing price of Nautilus common stock on the last business day preceding the date of the grant. Stock options granted to directors prior to March 26, 2012 vest ratably over four years. Stock options granted to directors on or after March 26, 2012 are subject to 100% vesting after one year.

 

On May 19, 2011, our Board granted to each non-employee director a stock option representing the right to purchase 10,000 shares of Nautilus common stock at an exercise price of $2.97 per share. Directors who are Company employees, if any, receive no additional or special remuneration for serving as directors.

 

2011 Directors Compensation Table

 

     Fees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash
     Option
Awards(1)
     Total  

Edward J. Bramson

     **         **         **   

Craig L. McKibben

     **         **         **   

Ronald P. Badie(2)

   $ 69,500       $ 20,608       $ 90,108   

Richard A. Horn(3)

     70,000         20,608         90,608   

M. Carl Johnson, III(4)

     70,000         20,608         90,608   

Marvin G. Siegert(2)

     70,500         20,608         91,108   

Michael A. Stein(5)

     30,167         —           30,167   

 

** Messrs. Bramson and McKibben declined to receive director compensation from Nautilus and resigned from our Board effective May 19, 2011.
(1) Option award amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options granted during 2011, as calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718.
(2) As of December 31, 2011, Messrs. Badie and Siegert each held outstanding stock option awards representing the right to purchase 65,000 shares of Nautilus common stock.
(3) As of December 31, 2011, Mr. Horn held outstanding stock option awards representing the right to purchase 50,000 shares of Nautilus common stock.
(4) As of December 31, 2011, Mr. Johnson held outstanding stock option awards representing the right to purchase 20,000 shares of Nautilus common stock.
(5) Mr. Stein retired from our Board effective May 19, 2011.

 

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STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return of our common stock with the cumulative total return of the NYSE Composite Index, the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, and the NASDAQ, for the period commencing December 29, 2006 and ending on December 31, 2011. The S&P SmallCap 600 Index was chosen because we do not believe we can reasonably identify an industry index or specific peer issuer that would offer a meaningful comparison. The S&P SmallCap 600 Index represents a broad-based index of companies with similar market capitalization.

 

The graph assumes $100 was invested, on December 29, 2006, in our common stock and each index presented. The comparisons in the table below are not intended to forecast or be indicative of future performance of our common stock.

 

LOGO

 

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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS *

 

Each current member of the Audit Committee meets the independence, financial literacy and experience requirements contained in the corporate governance listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) relating to audit committees. The Board has determined that all Audit Committee members qualify as “audit committee financial experts” under the regulations of the SEC. Although all members of our Audit Committee meet the current NYSE regulatory requirements for accounting or related financial management expertise, and the Board has determined that each of them qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” members of our Audit Committee are not professionally engaged in the practice of auditing or accounting and are not technical experts in auditing or accounting.

 

The Audit Committee oversees Nautilus’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board and operates under a written charter, approved by the Audit Committee and ratified by the Board. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed the audited financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 with management, including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.

 

Management has the primary responsibility for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the reporting process, including internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Management is responsible for maintaining and evaluating appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles and internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations.

 

The Audit Committee reviewed with the independent registered public accounting firm, which is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of Nautilus’ audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles. The Audit Committee also has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T, Communication with Audit Committees. The audit committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent accountant required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant’s independence from the Company and its management, and has considered whether the independent registered public accounting firm’s provision of non-audit services to the Company is compatible with maintaining such firm’s independence.

 

The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their audit. In addition, the Audit Committee met with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examination, their evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, that the audited financial statements and management’s report on internal control over financial reporting be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The Audit Committee has determined that provision by Deloitte & Touche LLP of other non-audit services is compatible with maintaining Deloitte & Touche LLP’s independence. The Audit Committee and the Board have also recommended, subject to stockholder ratification, the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2012.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Marvin G. Siegert, Chairman

Ronald P. Badie

Richard A. Horn

 

* The information contained in the Report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating this proxy statement into any filings under either the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act (together the “Acts”), except to the extent Nautilus specifically incorporates such report by reference, and further, such Report shall not otherwise be deemed filed under the Acts.

 

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PROPOSAL NO. 2:

 

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2012

 

The Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tomatsu and their respective affiliates (collectively, “Deloitte & Touche”) as our registered independent public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012. Although we are not required to seek stockholder approval of this appointment, the Board has determined it to be sound corporate governance to do so. If the appointment is not ratified by stockholders, the Audit Committee will investigate the possible bases for the negative vote and will reconsider the appointment in light of the results of its investigation.

 

We employed Deloitte & Touche as our registered independent public accounting firm during 2011. There have been no disagreements with Deloitte & Touche on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Deloitte & Touche, would have caused Deloitte & Touche to make reference to the matter in their report. A representative of Deloitte & Touche is expected to be present at the annual stockholders’ meeting. The representative will be given the opportunity to make a statement on behalf of Deloitte & Touche if the representative so desires, and the representative will be available to respond to appropriate stockholder questions.

 

We understand the need for Deloitte & Touche to maintain objectivity and independence in its audit of our financial statements. To minimize relationships that could appear to impair the objectivity of Deloitte & Touche, our Audit Committee has restricted the non-audit services that Deloitte & Touche may provide. These determinations are among the key practices adopted by the Audit Committee in its “Policies and Procedures for the Approval of Audit and Non-audit Services Provided by the Independent Auditor,” effective April 2003.

 

Under these policies, with Audit Committee pre-approval, we may use Deloitte & Touche for the following categories of non-audit services: merger and acquisition due diligence and audit services; tax services; internal control reviews; employee benefit plan audits; and reviews and procedures that we engage Deloitte & Touche to undertake to provide assurances on matters not required by laws or regulations.

 

The aggregate fees and expenses billed for professional services rendered by Deloitte & Touche for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 

Type of Fees

   2011      2010  

Audit Fees

   $ 616,000       $ 541,000   

Tax Fees

     74,000         169,000   

All Other Fees

     74,000         32,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 764,000       $ 742,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

“Audit fees” are fees for the audit of our consolidated financial statements included in Form 10-K, review of our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with our statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including the audit required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404 audit requirements did not apply for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 due to our status as a non-accelerated filer.

 

“Tax fees” are fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning, billed during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. “All other fees” are fees for any services not included in the first two categories, including royalty contract compliance review services and the audit of our 401(k) employee benefit plan, billed during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

All of the services performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP in 2011 and 2010 were pre-approved in accordance with the pre-approval policy and procedures adopted by the Audit Committee. This policy describes the

 

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permitted audit, audit-related, tax and other services that the independent auditors may perform. Generally, pre-approval is provided at regularly scheduled committee meetings; however, the authority to pre-approve services between meetings, as necessary, has been delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, subject to formal approval by the committee at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

 

The Audit Committee believes that the foregoing expenditures are compatible with maintaining the independence of our registered independent public accounting firm.

 

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE’S APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP AS OUR REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board is not aware of any other matters that may come before the annual meeting. The persons named in the enclosed proxy card intend to vote the proxy in accordance with their best judgment if any other matters properly come before the annual meeting.

 

We will provide, without charge, on the written request of any beneficial owner of shares of our common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. Written requests should be mailed to Nautilus, Inc., 16400 SE Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, Washington 98683, Attn: Company Secretary.

 

Please return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible. Unless a quorum consisting of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote is represented at the annual stockholders’ meeting, no business can be transacted. Therefore, please be sure to date and sign your proxy card exactly as your name appears on your stock certificate and return it in the enclosed postage prepaid return envelope. Please act promptly to ensure that you will be represented at this important meeting.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

LOGO

Wayne M. Bolio

Secretary

 

Vancouver, Washington

April 17, 2012

 

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LOGO

 

 

 

Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas.   x           

 

LOGO

q PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q

 

LOGO

 

 

 A 

  Proposals — The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposal 2.

 

1. Election of Directors:

 
  For   Withhold     For   Withhold     For   Withhold  

+

 

 
    01 - Ronald P. Badie   ¨   ¨   02 - Bruce M. Cazenave   ¨   ¨   03 - Richard A. Horn   ¨   ¨    
    04 - M. Carl Johnson, III   ¨   ¨   05 - Anne G. Saunders   ¨   ¨   06 - Marvin G. Siegert   ¨   ¨    
    

 

For

  

 

Against

  

 

Abstain

  
2.   Ratification of selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Registered Independent Public Accounting Firm.   

 

¨

  

 

¨

  

 

¨

  

NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL: The Notice of meeting and proxy statement are available at http://nautilus.com/proxy.

 

 

 B 

  Non-Voting Items     

Change of Address — Please print new address below.

 

  

Meeting Attendance

Mark box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.

 
           ¨
          
          

 

 C    Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below      
Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title.

 

Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below.

 

   

Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box.

 

   

Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.

 

          /          /                     

 

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q PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q

 

LOGO

 

LOGO

 

Proxy — Nautilus, Inc.

 

PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 17, 2012

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement, each dated April 17, 2012 and names, constitutes and appoints M. Carl Johnson, III and Wayne M. Bolio, or either of them acting in absence of the other, with full power of substitution, my true and lawful attorneys and proxies for me and in my place and stead to attend the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Nautilus, Inc., to be held at 11:00 a.m. PDT on May 17, 2012, and at any adjournment thereof, and to vote all the shares of common stock held of record in the name of the undersigned on March 27, 2012, with all the powers that the undersigned would possess if personally present.

Our Board of Directors is soliciting this proxy. If no specific direction is given as to the items stated on the reverse side, this proxy will be voted FOR the nominees named in Proposal 1 and FOR Proposal 2.

The stockholder signed on the reverse side reserves the right to revoke this proxy at any time prior to its exercise by written notice delivered to our Secretary at our corporate offices at 16400 SE Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, Washington 98683, prior to the annual meeting. The power of the proxy holders shall also be suspended if the stockholder signed above appears at the annual meeting and elects in writing to vote in person.

(Items to be voted appear on reverse side.)