Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

Commission file number 001-11411

 

 

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Minnesota   41-1790959

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

2100 Highway 55, Medina MN   55340
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(763) 542-0500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, $.01 par value   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $4,888,017,000 as of June 30, 2012, based upon the last sales price per share of the registrant’s Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on such date.

As of February 15, 2013, 68,440,462 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, of the registrant were outstanding.

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the registrant’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Annual Report”) furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated by reference into Part II of this Form 10-K.

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 25, 2013 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report (the “2013 Proxy Statement”), are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

2012 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
  PART I   

Item 1.

  Business      3   

Item 1A.

  Risk Factors      17   

Item 1B.

  Unresolved Staff Comments      22   

Item 2.

  Properties      23   

Item 3.

  Legal Proceedings      24   

Item 4.

  Mine Safety Disclosures      24   
  PART II   

Item 5.

  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      25   

Item 6.

  Selected Financial Data      27   

Item 7.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      28   

Item 7A.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      41   

Item 8.

  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      44   

Item 9.

  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      74   

Item 9A.

  Controls and Procedures      74   

Item 9B.

  Other Information      74   
  PART III   

Item 10.

  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      75   

Item 11.

  Executive Compensation      75   

Item 12.

  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      76   

Item 13.

  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      76   

Item 14.

  Principal Accounting Fees and Services      77   
  PART IV   

Item 15.

  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules      77   
  Signatures      78   

 

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PART I

Item 1. Business

Polaris Industries Inc., a Minnesota corporation, was formed in 1994 and is the successor to Polaris Industries Partners LP. The terms “Polaris,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” as used herein refer to the business and operations of Polaris Industries Inc., its subsidiaries and its predecessors, which began doing business in the early 1950’s. We design, engineer and manufacture Off-Road Vehicles (ORV), including All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and side-by-side vehicles for recreational and utility use, Snowmobiles, and On-Road Vehicles, including motorcycles and Small Vehicles (SV), together with the related replacement Parts, Garments and Accessories (PG&A). These products are sold through dealers and distributors principally located in the United States, Canada and Europe. Sales of ORVs, Snowmobiles, On-Road Vehicles, and PG&A accounted for the following approximate percentages of our sales for the years ended December 31:

 

     ORVs     Snowmobiles     On-Road     PG&A  

2012

     69     9     8     14

2011

     69     11     5     15

2010

     69     10     4     17

Industry Background

Off-Road Vehicles. Our ORVs include core ATVs and RANGER® and RZR® side-by-side vehicles. ATVs are four-wheel vehicles with balloon style tires designed for off-road use and traversing rough terrain, swamps and marshland. Side-by-side vehicles are multi-passenger off-road, all-terrain vehicles that can carry up to six passengers in addition to cargo. ORVs are used for recreation, in such sports as fishing and hunting, for utility purposes on farms, ranches, construction sites, and for certain military applications.

ATVs were introduced to the North American market in 1971 by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (“Honda”). Other Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, including Yamaha Motor Corporation (“Yamaha”), Kawasaki Motors Corp. (“Kawasaki”), and Suzuki Motor Corporation (“Suzuki”), entered the North American ATV market in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. We entered the ATV market in 1985, Arctic Cat Inc. (“Arctic Cat”) entered in 1995 and Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) entered in 1998. In addition, numerous Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers of youth and small ATVs exist for which limited industry sales data is available. By 1985, the number of three- and four-wheel ATVs sold in North America had grown to approximately 650,000 units per year, then dropped dramatically to a low of 148,000 in 1989. The ATV industry then grew each year in North America from 1990 until 2005, but had declined each year from 2005 until 2011, primarily due to weak overall economic conditions and a move to side-by-side vehicles, until returning to growth in 2012. Internationally, ATVs are also sold primarily in Western European countries by similar manufacturers as in North America. We estimate that during 2012 world-wide industry sales increased two percent from 2011 levels with approximately 419,000 ATVs sold worldwide.

We estimate that the side-by-side vehicle market sales increased approximately 13 percent during 2012 over 2011 levels with an estimated 353,000 side-by-side vehicles sold worldwide. The side-by-side market is up primarily due to continued innovation by existing and new manufacturers. The main competitors for our RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles are Deere & Company (“Deere”), Kawasaki, Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Kubota Tractor Corporation (“Kubota”), Honda and BRP.

We estimate that total off-road vehicle industry sales for 2012, which includes core ATVs and side-by-side vehicles, increased six percent from 2011 levels with approximately 772,000 units sold worldwide.

Snowmobiles. In the early 1950’s, a predecessor to Polaris produced a “gas powered sled” which became the forerunner of the Polaris snowmobile. Snowmobiles have been manufactured under the Polaris name since 1954.

 

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Originally conceived as a utility vehicle for northern, rural environments, over time the snowmobile gained popularity as a recreational vehicle. From the mid-1950’s through the late 1960’s, over 100 producers entered the snowmobile market and snowmobile sales reached a peak of approximately 495,000 units in 1971. The Polaris product survived the industry decline in which snowmobile sales fell to a low point of approximately 87,000 units in 1983 and the number of snowmobile manufacturers serving the North American market declined to four: Yamaha, BRP, Arctic Cat and Polaris. These four manufacturers also sell snowmobiles in certain overseas markets where the climate is conducive to snowmobile riding. From 1984 to 1997 the industry grew to approximately 260,000 units before gradually declining to its current level. We estimate that during the season ended March 31, 2012, industry sales of snowmobiles on a worldwide basis were approximately 131,000 units, down approximately three percent from the previous season.

On-Road Vehicles. Polaris’ On-Road Vehicles consist of Victory® and Indian® motorcycles and small vehicles. Heavyweight motorcycles are utilized as a mode of transportation as well as for recreational purposes. There are four segments: cruisers, touring, sport bikes and standard motorcycles. We entered the motorcycle market in 1998 with an initial Victory product in the cruiser segment. We entered the touring segment in 2000. United States industry retail cruiser sales more than doubled from 1996 to 2006; however, the motorcycle industry declined in 2007 through 2010 due to weak overall economic conditions. The motorcycle industry has rebounded with growth in 2011 and 2012. We estimate that the combined 1,400cc and above cruiser and touring market segments increased two percent in 2012 compared to 2011 levels with approximately 173,000 heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycles sold in the North American market. In 2011, we purchased the Indian Motorcycle brand to complement our Victory brand of motorcycles. Other major cruiser and touring motorcycle manufacturers include BMW of North America, LLC (“BMW”), Triumph, Harley Davidson, Inc., Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki.

We introduced our initial SV product, the Polaris Breeze®, in 2009, which was an electric powered vehicle primarily used in master planned communities in the Sunbelt United States. In 2011, we ceased production of the Breeze line of products and made two SV acquisitions, Global Electric Motorcars LLC (GEM) and Goupil Industries S.A. (“Goupil”). Both of these acquisitions complement our growing small vehicle product line. We estimate the target market for small electric vehicles at approximately $4.0 billion in 2012, which includes master planned communities and golf courses, light duty hauling, people movers and urban/suburban commuting. Other major small electric vehicle manufacturers include Textron Inc.’s “E-Z-GO,” Ingersoll-Rand Plc.’s “Club Car,” and Yamaha and JH Global Services, Inc.’s “StarCar”.

Products

Off-Road Vehicles. We entered the ORV market in 1985 with an ATV. We currently produce four-wheel ATVs, which provide more stability for the rider than earlier three-wheel versions. In 2000, we introduced our first youth ATV models. In 1998, we introduced the Polaris RANGER, a six-wheeled off-road side-by-side utility vehicle and in 2000, we introduced a four-wheeled version of the RANGER utility vehicle. In 2004, we introduced a military version ATV and side-by-side vehicles with features specifically designed for ultra-light tactical military applications. In 2007, we introduced our first recreational side-by-side vehicle, the RANGER RZR®, and our first six-passenger side-by-side vehicle, the RANGER Crew®. Our standard line of military and government vehicles for 2013 consists of 7 models at suggested United States retail prices ranging from approximately $7,000 to $35,000. Our full line of ORVs beyond military vehicles consists of 35 models, including two-, four- and six-wheel drive general purpose, recreational and side-by-side models, with 2013 model year suggested United States retail prices ranging from approximately $2,000 to $22,000.

Most of our ORVs feature the totally automatic Polaris variable transmission, which requires no manual shifting, and several have a MacPherson strut front suspension, which enhances control and stability. Our “on demand” all-wheel drive provides industry leading traction performance and ride quality due to its patented on demand, easy shift on-the-fly design. Our ORVs have four-cycle engines and both shaft and concentric chain drive. In 2003, we introduced the industry’s first electronic fuel injected ATV, the Sportsman® 700 EFI. In 2005, we introduced the industry’s first independent rear suspension on a sport ATV named the Outlaw®. In 2007, we

 

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introduced the RANGER RZR, a big bore recreational side-by-side model. In 2008, we celebrated the one millionth unit sale of our Sportsman ATV family, which has been the industry leading big bore ATV for 14 years, by introducing the 100 percent redesigned Sportsman XP®. In 2008, we also introduced an extension of our recreational side-by-side vehicle with the introduction of the RANGER RZR S®. In 2009, we introduced our first all-electric side-by-side vehicle, the RANGER EV. In 2010, we introduced our first four-seat recreational side-by-side, the RANGER RZR 4®, a mid-sized RANGER side-by-side with increased power, a four-person mid-sized RANGER Crew and a RANGER powered by our first 24 horsepower diesel engine. In addition, shipments to Bobcat Company (“Bobcat”) of the differentiated utility vehicle produced by us for Bobcat, began in 2010. In 2011, we added to our lineup of recreational vehicles with the addition of the mid-sized RANGER RZR® 570 and an extreme performance RZR, the RANGER RZR XP® 900. In 2012, we introduced a re-engineered RANGER utility vehicle, the RANGER XP® 900, added the mid-sized RANGER 800, and added the powerful sport styled Scrambler® XP 850 ATV.

Snowmobiles. We produce a full line of snowmobiles consisting of 28 models, ranging from youth models to utility and economy models to performance and competition models. The 2013 model year suggested United States retail prices range from approximately $2,700 to $12,300. Polaris snowmobiles are sold principally in the United States, Canada and Europe. We believe our snowmobiles have a long-standing reputation for quality, dependability and performance. We believe that we were the first to develop several features for wide commercial use in snowmobiles, including independent front suspension, long travel rear suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, liquid cooling for brakes and a three cylinder engine. In 2001, we introduced a new, more environmentally-friendly snowmobile featuring a four-stroke engine designed specifically for snowmobiles. In 2009, we introduced the first true progressive-rate rear suspension snowmobile, the Polaris RUSH®.

On-Road Vehicles. In 1998, we began manufacturing V-twin cruiser motorcycles under the Victory brand name. In 2008, we introduced our first luxury touring models, the Victory Vision®. In 2009, we expanded our touring product line to include the Victory Cross Roads® and Cross Country® models. In 2011, we acquired Indian Motorcycle Company, America’s first motorcycle company. Our 2013 model year line of motorcycles for both Victory and Indian consists of 20 models with suggested U.S. retail prices ranging from approximately $12,500 to $37,900. In 2009, we introduced our first SV, the Polaris Breeze. In 2011, we ceased production of the Breeze electric vehicles and acquired GEM and Goupil complement our small vehicle product line. GEM addresses the people mover segment of low emission vehicles and Goupil, a French company, addresses the light duty hauling segment. GEM has 6 SV models with retail pricing ranging from $7,800 to $13,500. Goupil has two base platforms that are modular and can be configured to meet numerous custom needs from park and garden maintenance to delivery and street cleaning. Prices range from $25,000 to $35,000, depending on model and application.

Parts, Garments and Accessories. We produce or supply a variety of replacement parts and accessories for our product lines. ORV accessories include winches, bumper/brushguards, plows, racks, mowers, tires, pull-behinds, cabs, cargo box accessories, tracks and oil. Snowmobile accessories include covers, traction products, reverse kits, electric starters, tracks, bags, windshields, oil and lubricants. Motorcycle accessories include saddle bags, handlebars, backrests, exhaust, windshields, seats, oil and various chrome accessories. We also market a full line of recreational apparel for our product lines including helmets, jackets, bibs and pants, leathers and hats. In 2012, we acquired Teton Outfitters, LLC (d/b/a Klim), which specializes in premium technical riding gear for the snowmobile and motorcycle industries. Polaris and Klim apparel is designed to our specifications, purchased from independent vendors and sold by us through our dealers and distributors, and online under the Polaris and Klim brand names.

Marine Products Division. We entered the personal watercraft market in 1992. In September 2004, we announced that we had decided to cease manufacturing marine products effective immediately. As technology and the distribution channel evolved, the Marine Products Division’s lack of commonality with other Polaris product lines created challenges for us and our dealer base. The Marine Products Division continued to experience escalating costs and increasing competitive pressures and was never profitable.

 

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Manufacturing and Distribution Operations

Our products are assembled at our original manufacturing facility in Roseau, Minnesota and at our facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and its surrounding areas, Osceola, Wisconsin, Monterrey, Mexico, and Bourran, France. Since our product lines incorporate similar technology, substantially the same equipment and personnel are employed in their production. We are vertically integrated in several key components of our manufacturing process, including plastic injection molding, welding, clutch assembly and balancing and painting. Fuel tanks, tracks, tires, seats and instruments, and certain other component parts are purchased from third-party vendors. Raw materials or standard parts are readily available from multiple sources for the components manufactured by us. Our work force is familiar with the use, operation and maintenance of the products since many employees own the products we manufacture. In 1991, we acquired a manufacturing facility in Osceola, Wisconsin to manufacture component parts previously produced by third-party suppliers. In 1994, we acquired a manufacturing facility in Spirit Lake, Iowa in order to expand our assembly capacity. Certain operations, including engine assembly and the bending of frame tubes, seat manufacturing, drivetrain and exhaust assembly and stamping, had been conducted at the Osceola, Wisconsin facility. In 1998, Victory motorcycle production began at our Spirit Lake, Iowa facility. The production process in Spirit Lake includes welding, finish painting, and final assembly. In 2002, we completed an expansion and renovation of our Roseau manufacturing facility, which resulted in increased capacity and enhanced production flexibility. In 2010, we announced plans to realign our manufacturing operations. We have created manufacturing centers of excellence for Polaris products by enhancing the existing Roseau and Spirit Lake production facilities and have established a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, which became operational in mid-2011 that assembles ORVs and certain engines. This realignment led to the sale of part of our Osceola, Wisconsin manufacturing operations, moving frame tube bending into Roseau and Monterrey, and outsourcing some operations including seat manufacturing and stamping. Several of the engines used in our vehicles continue to be manufactured in Osceola. With the acquisition of Goupil, we acquired additional manufacturing operations for their product line in Bourran, France. GEM vehicles and Indian motorcycles are both manufactured in facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and its surrounding areas.

Pursuant to informal agreements between us and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (“Fuji”), Fuji was the sole manufacturer of our two-cycle snowmobile engines from 1968 to 1995. Fuji has manufactured engines for our ATV products since their introduction in 1985 and remains a supplier of engines to us. Fuji develops such engines to our specific requirements.

In addition, we had entered into an agreement with Fuji to form Robin Manufacturing, U.S.A. (“Robin”) in 1995. Under the agreement, we made an investment for a 40 percent ownership position in Robin, which built engines in the United States for recreational and industrial products. The Robin facility was closed in 2011 as the production volume of engines made at the facility had declined significantly in recent years. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Robin agreement.

We have been designing and producing our own engines for select models of snowmobiles since 1995, for all Victory motorcycles since 1998, and for select ORV models since 2001. Consistent with 2011, during 2012 approximately 60 percent of the total vehicles we produced were powered by engines designed and assembled by us.

In 2000, we entered into an agreement with a Taiwan manufacturer to co-design, develop and produce youth ATVs. We expanded the agreement with the Taiwan manufacturer in 2004 to include the design, development and production of value-priced smaller adult ATV models and in 2008 to include a youth side-by-side vehicle, the RANGER RZR 170.

We do not anticipate any significant difficulties in obtaining substitute supply arrangements for other raw materials or components that we generally obtain from limited sources.

Contract carriers ship our products from our manufacturing and distribution facilities to our customers. We maintain several leased wholegoods distribution centers where final setup and up-fitting is completed for certain models before shipment to customers.

 

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We maintain sales and administration facilities in Medina and Plymouth, Minnesota; Rigby, Idaho; Winnipeg, Canada; Passy, France; Askim, Norway; Ostersund, Sweden; Birmingham, United Kingdom; Griesheim, Germany; Barcelona, Spain; Derrimut, Australia; Shanghai, China; Rolle, Switzerland; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and New Delhi, India. Our primary PG&A distribution facilities are in Vermillion, South Dakota, and Rigby, Idaho, which distribute PG&A products to our North American dealers. We have various other locations around the world that distribute PG&A to our international dealers and distributors.

Production Scheduling

We produce and deliver our products throughout the year based on dealer, distributor and customer orders. Beginning in 2008, we began testing a new dealer ordering process called Maximum Velocity Program (MVP) with select dealers in North America, where ORV orders are placed in approximately two-week intervals for the high volume dealers driven by retail sales trends at the individual dealership. Smaller dealers utilize a similar MVP process, but on a less frequent ordering cycle. Effective in the second half of 2010, the MVP process is being utilized by all North American ORV dealers. Prior to the MVP process, most ORV orders were taken from North American dealers twice a year, in the summer and late winter. International distributor ORV orders are taken throughout the year. For MVP dealers, ORV retail sales activity at the dealer level drives orders which are incorporated into each product’s production scheduling. Orders for each year’s production of snowmobiles are placed by the dealers and distributors in the spring. Non-refundable deposits made by consumers to dealers in the spring for pre-ordered snowmobiles assist in production planning. Effective in the second half of 2012, we began utilizing our Retail Flow Management (RFM) ordering system for Victory motorcycles. The RFM system allows dealers to order daily, create a segment stocking order, and eventually reduce order fulfillment times to what we expect will be less than 18 days. Prior to RFM, Victory motorcycle dealers would place annual orders in the summer after meetings with dealers. For non-MVP and RFM dealers and products, units are built to order each year, subject to fluctuations in market conditions and supplier lead times. The anticipated volume of units to be produced is substantially committed to by dealers and distributors prior to production.

Manufacture of snowmobiles commences in late winter of the previous season and continues through late autumn or early winter of the current season. We generally manufacture ORVs, motorcycles and SV’s year round. We have the ability to mix production of the various products on the existing manufacturing lines as demand dictates.

Sales and Marketing

Our products are sold through a network of approximately 1,650 independent dealers in North America, through 15 subsidiaries and 80 distributors in over 100 countries outside of North America.

We sell our snowmobiles directly to dealers in the snowbelt regions of the United States and Canada. Many dealers and distributors of our snowmobiles also distribute our ORVs. At the end of 2012, approximately 650 Polaris dealers were located in areas of the United States where snowmobiles are not regularly sold. Unlike our primary competitors, which market their ORV products principally through their affiliated motorcycle dealers, we also sell our ORVs through lawn and garden and farm implement dealers.

With the exception of France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Spain, China, India and Brazil, sales of our products in Europe and other offshore markets are handled through independent distributors. In 1999, we acquired certain assets of our distributor in Australia and New Zealand and distribute our products to the dealer network in those countries through a wholly-owned subsidiary. During 2000, we acquired our distributor in France and distribute our products to our dealer network in France through a wholly-owned subsidiary. In 2002, we acquired certain assets of our distributors in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway and distribute our products to our dealer networks in these countries. During 2007, we established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Germany and distribute our products directly to our dealer network in Germany. In 2008, we established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Spain and distribute our products directly to our dealer

 

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network in Spain. In 2010, we established wholly-owned subsidiaries in China and Brazil and distribute our products directly to the dealer network in those countries. In 2011, we established a wholly-owned subsidiary in India to sell direct to dealers. Additionally in 2011 and 2012, we acquired GEM and Goupil in the Small Vehicles division and Klim in the PG&A division, which have their own dealer/distributor relationships established. See Notes 1 and 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of international operations.

Victory and Indian motorcycles are distributed directly through independently owned authorized dealers, except in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia where we have Company-owned retail stores. We have a high quality dealer network for our other product lines from which many of the approximately 450 current North American Victory dealers were selected. Indian motorcycles currently has 23 dealers, but that number is expected to grow dramatically as the Indian brand motorcycles are re-launched for model year 2014 in the second half of calendar 2013. In 2005, we began selling Victory motorcycles in the United Kingdom. Since 2005, we have been gradually expanding our international sales of Victory motorcycles, primarily in Europe and Australia. We expect to further expand our motorcycle dealer network over the next few years in North America and internationally for both Victory and Indian motorcycles. The GEM and Goupil businesses each have their own distribution networks through which their respective vehicles are distributed. GEM has approximately 280 dealers and Goupil sells direct to customers in France and through several dealers and distributors for markets outside France. Polaris ceased production of the Breeze electric vehicles in 2011.

Dealers and distributors sell Polaris’ products under contractual arrangements pursuant to which the dealer or distributor is authorized to market specified products and is required to carry certain replacement parts and perform certain warranty and other services. Changes in dealers and distributors take place from time to time. We believe a sufficient number of qualified dealers and distributors exist in all geographic areas to permit an orderly transition whenever necessary. In addition, we sell military and other Polaris vehicles directly to military and government agencies and other national accounts and we supply a highly differentiated side-by-side vehicle branded Bobcat to their dealerships in North America.

In 1996, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a partnership agreement with a subsidiary of Transamerica Distribution Finance (TDF) to form Polaris Acceptance. Polaris Acceptance provides floor plan financing to our dealers in the United States. Under the partnership agreement, we have a 50 percent equity interest in Polaris Acceptance. We do not guarantee the outstanding indebtedness of Polaris Acceptance. In 2004, TDF was merged with a subsidiary of General Electric Company (GE) and, as a result of that merger, TDF’s name was changed to GE Commercial Distribution Finance Corporation (GECDF). No significant change in the Polaris Acceptance relationship resulted from the change of ownership from TDF. In November 2006, Polaris Acceptance sold a majority of its receivable portfolio to a securitization facility arranged by General Electric Capital Corporation, a GECDF affiliate (“Securitization Facility”), and the partnership agreement was amended to provide that Polaris Acceptance would continue to sell portions of its receivable portfolio to the Securitization Facility from time to time on an ongoing basis. See Notes 4 and 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of this financial services arrangement.

We have arrangements with Polaris Acceptance (United States) and GE affiliates (Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand) to provide floor plan financing for our dealers. A majority of our United States sales of snowmobiles, ORVs, motorcycles, SVs and related PG&A are financed under arrangements whereby we are paid within a few days of shipment of our product. We participate in the cost of dealer financing and have agreed to repurchase products from the finance companies under certain circumstances and subject to certain limitations. We have not historically been required to repurchase a significant number of units. However, there can be no assurance that this will continue to be the case. If necessary, we will adjust our sales return allowance at the time of sale should we anticipate material repurchases of units financed through the finance companies. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of these financial services arrangements.

In August 2005, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a multi-year contract with HSBC Bank Nevada, National Association (“HSBC”), formerly known as Household Bank (SB), N.A., under which HSBC

 

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manages our private label credit card program under the StarCard label for the purchase of Polaris products. During 2010, Polaris and HSBC extended the term of the agreement on similar terms to October 2013. During 2011, it was announced that HSBC’s U.S. Credit Card and Retail Services business would be acquired by Capital One, subject to regulatory approval. The transaction closed in May 2012. Polaris has not experienced any changes, and does not expect any changes going forward, in the contractual terms governing the StarCard program as a result of the sale, other than an assignment to Capital One. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of this financial services arrangement.

In April 2006, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a multi-year contract with GE Money Bank (“GE Bank”) under which GE Bank makes available closed-end installment consumer and commercial credit to customers of our dealers for both Polaris and non-Polaris products. In January 2009, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a multi-year contract with Sheffield Financial (“Sheffield”) pursuant to which Sheffield agreed to make available closed-end installment consumer and commercial credit to customers of our dealers for Polaris products. In October 2010, we extended our installment credit agreement with Sheffield to February 2016 under which Sheffield will provide exclusive installment credit lending for ORV and Snowmobiles. In November 2010, we extended our installment credit contract with GE Bank to March 2016 under which GE Bank will provide exclusive installment credit lending for Victory motorcycles. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of these financial services arrangements.

We promote the Polaris brand among the riding and non-riding public and provide a wide range of products for enthusiasts by licensing the name Polaris. We currently license the production and sale of a range of items, including die cast toys, ride-on toys and numerous other products.

We sell clothing and accessories through our e-commerce sites purepolaris.com and klim.com.

Our marketing activities are designed primarily to promote and communicate directly with consumers and secondarily to assist the selling and marketing efforts of our dealers and distributors. We make available and advertise discount or rebate programs, retail financing or other incentives for our dealers and distributors to remain price competitive in order to accelerate retail sales to consumers and gain market share. We advertise our products directly to consumers using print advertising in the industry press and in user group publications and on billboards, television, radio, and the internet. We also provide media advertising and partially underwrite dealer and distributor media advertising to a degree and on terms which vary by product and from year to year. From time to time, we produce promotional films for our products, which are available to dealers for use in the showroom or at special promotions. We also provide product brochures, leaflets, posters, dealer signs, and miscellaneous other promotional items for use by dealers.

We expended approximately $210.4 million, $178.7 million, and $142.4 million for sales and marketing activities in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Engineering, Research and Development, and New Product Introduction

We have approximately 550 employees who are engaged in the development and testing of existing products and research and development of new products and improved production techniques primarily in our Roseau and Wyoming, Minnesota facilities and in Burgdorf, Switzerland. We believe Polaris was the first to develop, for wide commercial use, independent front suspensions for snowmobiles, long travel rear suspensions for snowmobiles, liquid cooled snowmobile brakes, hydraulic brakes for snowmobiles, the three cylinder engine in snowmobiles, the adaptation of the MacPherson strut front suspension, “on demand” all-wheel drive systems and the Concentric Drive System for use in ORVs, the application of a forced air cooled variable power transmission system to ORVs and the use of electronic fuel injection for ORVs.

We utilize internal combustion engine testing facilities to design and optimize engine configurations for our products. We utilize specialized facilities for matching engine, exhaust system and clutch performance

 

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parameters in our products to achieve desired fuel consumption, power output, noise level and other objectives. Our engineering department is equipped to make small quantities of new product prototypes for testing by our testing teams and for the planning of manufacturing procedures. In addition, we maintain numerous test facilities where each of the products is extensively tested under actual use conditions. We utilize our 127,000 square-foot research and development facility in Wyoming, Minnesota for engineering, design and development personnel for our line of engines and powertrains, ORVs, Victory and Indian motorcycles, and SV’s. The total cost of the facility was approximately $35.0 million when it was completed in 2005. In 2012, we began a project to expand the Wyoming, Minnesota facility, which will more than double the size of the original facility by the end of 2013. In 2010, we acquired Swissauto Powersports Ltd., an engineering company that develops high performance and high efficiency engines and innovative vehicles. In 2011, we acquired GEM and Goupil which included research and development for their respective product lines.

We expended approximately $127.4 million, $105.6 million, and $84.9 million for research and development activities in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Intellectual Property

We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and nondisclosure and non-competition agreements to establish and protect our intellectual property and proprietary technology. We have filed and obtained numerous patents in the United States and abroad, and regularly file patent applications worldwide in our continuing effort to establish and protect our proprietary technology. We hold patents in the United States and foreign countries and apply for patents as applicable. Additionally, we have numerous registered trademarks, trade names and logos in the United States, Canada and international locations.

Investment in KTM Power Sports AG

In 2005, we purchased a 25 percent interest in Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM and began several important strategic projects with KTM intended to strengthen the competitive position of both companies and provide tangible benefits to our respective customers, dealers, suppliers and shareholders. Additionally, Polaris and KTM’s largest shareholder, Cross Industries AG (“Cross”), entered into an option agreement, which provided that, under certain conditions in 2007, either Cross could purchase our interest in KTM or, alternatively, we could purchase Cross’ interest in KTM. In December 2006, Polaris and Cross cancelled the option agreement and entered into a share purchase agreement for the sale by us of approximately 1.38 million shares of KTM, or approximately 80 percent of our investment in KTM, to a subsidiary of Cross. The agreement provided for completion of the sale of the KTM shares in two stages. In the first half of 2007, we completed both stages of our sale of KTM shares generating proceeds of $77.1 million. After the completion of the sale of the KTM shares, we held ownership of approximately 0.34 million shares, representing slightly less than five percent of KTM’s outstanding shares. During the first quarter of 2009, we determined that the decline in the market value of the KTM shares owned by us was other than temporary; therefore, we recorded the decrease in the fair value of the investment as a charge to the income statement in the first quarter of 2009 totaling $9.0 million. During the second quarter 2010, we determined that the further decline in the market value of the KTM shares owned by us was other than temporary and, therefore, we recorded a $0.8 million decrease in the fair value of the investment. In the third quarter of 2010, we sold our remaining investment in KTM and recorded a gain on securities available for sale of $1.6 million.

Competition

The off-road vehicle, snowmobile, motorcycle and small vehicle markets in the United States, Canada and other global markets are highly competitive. Competition in such markets is based upon a number of factors, including price, quality, reliability, styling, product features and warranties. At the dealer level, competition is based on a number of factors, including sales and marketing support programs (such as financing and cooperative advertising). Certain of our competitors are more diversified and have financial and marketing resources that are substantially greater than those of Polaris.

 

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We believe that our products are competitively priced and our sales and marketing support programs for dealers are comparable to those provided by our competitors. Our products compete with many other recreational products for the discretionary spending of consumers, and to a lesser extent, with other vehicles designed for utility applications.

Product Safety and Regulation

Safety regulation. The federal government and individual states have promulgated or are considering promulgating laws and regulations relating to the use and safety of certain of our products. The federal government is currently the primary regulator of product safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has federal oversight over product safety issues related to ATVs, snowmobiles and off-road side-by-side vehicles. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has federal oversight over product safety issues related to on-road motorcycles and small vehicles.

In 1988, Polaris, five competitors and the CPSC entered into a ten-year consent decree settling litigation involving CPSC’s attempt to force an industry-wide recall of all three-wheel ATVs and four-wheel ATVs sold that could be used by youth under 16 years of age. The settlement required, among other things, that ATV purchasers receive “hands on” training. In 1998, this consent decree expired and we entered into a voluntary action plan under which we agreed to continue various activities previously required under the consent decree, including age recommendations, warning labels, point of purchase materials, hands on training and an information and education effort. We also agreed to continue dealer monitoring to ascertain dealer compliance with safety obligations, including age recommendations and training requirements.

We do not believe that our voluntary action plan has had or will have a material adverse effect on us or negatively affect our business to any greater degree than those of our competitors who have undertaken similar action plans with the CPSC. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that future recommendations or regulatory actions by the federal government or individual states would not have an adverse effect on us. We will continue to attempt to assure that our dealers are in compliance with their safety obligations. We have notified our dealers that we may terminate or not renew any dealer we determine has violated such safety obligations. We believe that our ATVs have complied with safety standards relevant to ATVs.

In August 2006, the CPSC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish mandatory standards for ATVs and to ban three-wheeled ATVs. The CPSC did not complete this rulemaking process or issue a final rule.

In August 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (“Act”) was passed. The Act includes a provision that requires all manufacturers and distributors who import into or distribute ATVs in the United States to comply with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standard developed by the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). This standard was previously voluntary. The Act also requires the same manufacturers and distributors to have ATV action plans filed with the CPSC that are substantially similar to the voluntary action plans that were previously in effect through the voluntary agreement with the CPSC. We believe that our products comply with the ANSI/SVIA standard and we have had an action plan filed with the CPSC since 1998 when the consent decree expired. We do not believe the law will negatively affect our business to any greater degree than those of our competitors who are subject to the same mandatory standards.

The Act also includes a provision that requires the CPSC to complete the ATV rulemaking process it started in August 2006 and issue a final rule regarding ATV safety. The Act requires the CPSC to evaluate certain matters in the final rule, including the safety of the categories of youth ATVs as well as the need for safety standards or increased safety standards for suspension, brakes, speed governors, warning labels, marketing and dynamic stability.

The Act also includes provisions that limit the amount of lead paint and previously limited the lead content that can exist in the accessible components of ATVs and snowmobiles that we sell in the United States for youth 12 years of age and younger. Under the Act, products that have lead content in excess of these limits may not be sold in the United States starting February 10, 2009.

 

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In response to a petition from the recreational products industry, the CPSC issued a Stay of Enforcement (“Stay”) providing that the CPSC would not seek to enforce the Act against manufacturers who sell recreational products for youth provided that the metal alloys in these products met certain lead limits and information regarding the lead content of the relevant products was submitted to the CPSC. The Stay was extended by the CPSC through December 31, 2011. We complied with the terms of the Stay and continued to sell youth ATVs and snowmobiles under the terms of the Stay through August 2011.

On August 12, 2011, the United States President signed into law an amendment to the Act (“Amendment”), which exempts off-highway vehicles from the lead content provision and requires the CPSC to issue a final rule regarding ATV safety within one year. Our youth ATVs and snowmobiles therefore are no longer subject to the lead content requirements. The lead paint requirements in the Act remain in effect. We believe all our products comply with the lead paint requirements. The CPSC has not yet issued a final rule regarding ATV safety.

We are a member of the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA), which was established to promote the safe and responsible use of side-by-side vehicles also known as Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs). Since early 2008, ROHVA has been engaged in a comprehensive process for developing a voluntary standard for equipment, configuration and performance requirements of ROVs through ANSI. Comments on the draft standard were actively solicited from the CPSC and other stakeholders as part of the ANSI process. The standard, which addresses stability, occupant retention, and other safety performance criteria, was approved and published by ANSI in March 2010. The standard was then immediately opened for maintenance and revision in accordance with the ANSI process to evaluate additional safety provisions.

In October 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Commission published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking regarding ROVs. Our RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles are included in the ROV category. In its notice, the CPSC stated that it was reviewing the risk of injury associated with ROVs and beginning a rule-making procedure under the Consumer Product Safety Act. The CPSC also noted the draft ANSI standard developed by ROHVA and expressed concerns with the draft standard in the areas of vehicle stability, vehicle handling, and occupant retention and protection. Through ROHVA, we submitted written comments and a technical response to the CPSC notice. Through ROHVA, we also met with CPSC Commissioners and staff on several occasions during 2010, 2011, and 2012 to provide updates on ROHVA’s efforts to address CPSC concerns through changes to the voluntary ANSI standard relating to stability, occupant retention and warnings. Comments on these changes were solicited from the CPSC and other stakeholders as part of the ANSI process. The revised standard, which includes dynamic stability, occupant retention, and warning requirements, was approved and published by ANSI in July 2011. We are unable to predict the outcome of the CPSC rule-making procedure and the ultimate impact of the procedure or any resulting rules on our business and operating results.

We are a member of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), a trade association formed to promote safety in the manufacture and use of snowmobiles, among other things. ISMA members include all of the major snowmobile manufacturers. The ISMA members are also members of the Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee, which promulgated voluntary sound and safety standards for snowmobiles that have been adopted as regulations in some states of the United States and in Canada. These standards require testing and evaluation by an independent testing laboratory. We believe that our snowmobiles have always complied with safety standards relevant to snowmobiles.

Motorcycles and SVs are subject to federal vehicle safety standards administered by NHTSA and are also subject to various state vehicle equipment standards. We believe that our motorcycles and SVs have complied with applicable federal and state safety standards.

Our products are also subject to international standards related to safety in places where we sell our products outside the United States. We believe that our motorcycles, SVs, ATVs, off-road side-by-side vehicles and snowmobiles have complied with applicable safety standards in the United States and other international locations.

 

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Use regulation. State and federal laws and regulations have been promulgated or are under consideration relating to the use or manner of use of our products. Some states and localities have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, legislation and local ordinances that restrict the use of ATVs, snowmobiles and off-road side-by-side vehicles to specified hours and locations. The federal government also has restricted the use of ATVs, snowmobiles and side-by-side vehicles in some national parks and federal lands. In several instances, this restriction has been a ban on the recreational use of these vehicles.

We are unable to predict the outcome of such actions or the possible effect on our business. We believe that our business would be no more adversely affected than those of our competitors by the adoption of any pending laws or regulations. We continue to monitor these activities in conjunction with industry associations and support balanced and appropriate programs that educate the product user on safe use of our products and how to protect the environment.

Emissions. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have adopted emissions regulations applicable to our products.

The CARB has emission regulations for ATVs and off-road side-by-side vehicles that we already meet. In 2002, the EPA established new corporate average emission standards effective for model years 2006 and later, for off-road recreational vehicles, including ATVs, off-road side-by-side vehicles and snowmobiles. We have developed engine and emission technologies along with our existing technology base to meet current and future requirements, including chassis-based emission requirements that become effective in model year 2014. In 2008, the EPA announced its intention to issue a future rulemaking on snowmobiles in or around 2010 and any new emission standards under this rule would be effective after model year 2012. No further rulemaking activity has followed.

Victory and Indian motorcycles are also subject to EPA and CARB emission standards. We believe that our motorcycles have complied with these standards. The CARB regulations required additional motorcycle emission reductions in model year 2008, which the Company meets. The EPA adopted the CARB emission limits in a 2004 rulemaking that allowed an additional two model years to meet these new CARB emission requirements on a nationwide basis. We have developed engine and emission technologies and met these requirements nationwide in model year 2010.

GEM electric vehicles are subject to CARB emissions certification requirements, which they meet.

Our products are also subject to international laws and regulations related to emissions in places where we sell our products outside the United States. Europe currently regulates emissions from certain of our ATV-based products and motorcycles and these products meet such requirements. Canada’s emission regulations for motorcycles are similar to those in the United States. Canada has also finalized regulations that essentially adopt the United States emission standards for ATVs, off-road side-by-side vehicles and snowmobiles. These regulations are now in effect and Polaris complies with the applicable requirements. The European Commission in 2012 updated its proposed new regulations that could apply to certain of the Company’s motorcycles and ATV-based products as early as 2016. The details of these future EU regulations have not been finalized.

We believe that our motorcycles, ATVs, off-road side-by-side vehicles and snowmobiles have complied with applicable emission standards and related regulations in the United States and internationally. We are unable to predict the ultimate impact of the adopted or proposed regulations on Polaris and our business. We are currently developing and obtaining engine and emission technologies to meet the requirements of the future emission standards.

Employees

Due to the seasonality of our business and certain changes in production cycles, total employment levels vary throughout the year. Despite such variations in employment levels, employee turnover has not been high. During 2012, on a worldwide basis, we employed an average of approximately 4,500 full-time persons, a 15 percent increase from 2011. Approximately 1,900 of our employees are salaried. We consider our relations with our employees to be excellent.

 

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Available Information

Our Internet website is http://www.polaris.com. We make available free of charge, on or through our website, our annual, quarterly and current reports, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We also make available through our website our corporate governance materials, including our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Technology Committee of our Board of Directors and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Any shareholder or other interested party wishing to receive a copy of these corporate governance materials should write to Polaris Industries Inc., 2100 Highway 55, Medina, Minnesota 55340, Attention: Investor Relations. Information contained on our website is not part of this report.

Forward-Looking Statements

This 2012 Annual Report contains not only historical information, but also “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These “forward-looking statements” can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as we or our management “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates” or words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may also be made from time to time in oral presentations, including telephone conferences and/or webcasts open to the public. Shareholders, potential investors and others are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results in future periods to differ materially from those anticipated by some of the statements made in this report, including the risks and uncertainties described below under the heading entitled “Item 1A—Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. The risks and uncertainties discussed in this report are not exclusive and other factors that we may consider immaterial or do not anticipate may emerge as significant risks and uncertainties.

Any forward-looking statements made in this report or otherwise speak only as of the date of such statement, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements. We advise you, however, to consult any further disclosures made on related subjects in future quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Set forth below are the names of our executive officers as of February 10, 2013, their ages, titles, the year first appointed as an executive officer, and employment for the past five years:

 

Name

   Age     

Title

Scott W. Wine      45       Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Bennett J. Morgan      49       President and Chief Operating Officer
Michael W. Malone      54       Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Todd-Michael Balan      43       Vice President—Corporate Development
Stacy L. Bogart      49       Vice President—General Counsel, Compliance Officer and Secretary
Michael D. Dougherty      45       Vice President—Asia Pacific and Latin America
Stephen L. Eastman      48       Vice President—Parts, Garments and Accessories
William C. Fisher      58       Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Matthew J. Homan      41       Vice President—Europe, Middle East, Africa and Small Vehicles
Michael P. Jonikas      52       Vice President—Snowmobiles, Sales and Corporate Marketing
Suresh Krishna      44       Vice President—Global Operations and Integration
David C. Longren      54       Vice President—Off-Road Vehicles and Off-Road Vehicles Engineering
James P. Williams      50       Vice President—Human Resources

 

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Executive officers of the Company are elected at the discretion of the Board of Directors with no fixed terms. There are no family relationships between or among any of the executive officers or directors of the Company.

Mr. Wine joined Polaris Industries Inc. as Chief Executive Officer on September 1, 2008, and was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in January 2013. Prior to joining Polaris, Mr. Wine was President of Fire Safety Americas, a division of United Technologies, a provider of high technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries, from 2007 to August 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Wine held senior leadership positions at Danaher Corp. in the United States and Europe from 2003 to 2007, including President of its Jacob Vehicle Systems and Veeder-Roots subsidiaries, and Vice President and General Manager, Manufacturing Programs in Europe. From 1996 to 2003, Mr. Wine held a number of operations and executive posts, both international and domestic with Allied Signal Corporations’ Aerospace Division.

Mr. Morgan has been President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since April 2005; prior to that he was Vice President and General Manager of the ATV Division of Polaris. Prior to managing the ATV Division, Mr. Morgan was General Manager of the PG&A Division for Polaris from 1997 to 2001. He joined Polaris in 1987 and spent his early career in various product development, marketing and operations management positions of increasing responsibility.

Mr. Malone has been Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since January 1997. From January 1997 to January 2010, Mr. Malone also served as Corporate Secretary. Mr. Malone was Vice President and Treasurer of the Company from December 1994 to January 1997 and was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of a predecessor company of Polaris from January 1993 to December 1994. Prior thereto and since 1986, he was Assistant Treasurer of a predecessor company of Polaris. Mr. Malone joined Polaris in 1984 after four years with Arthur Andersen LLP.

Mr. Balan joined Polaris in July 2009 as Vice President—Corporate Development. Prior to joining Polaris, Mr. Balan was Director of Marketing and Strategy for United Technologies Fire & Security Business from 2007 to June 2009. Prior to that, Mr. Balan held various marketing, general management, business development, and strategy roles within Danaher Corp. from 2001 to 2007. Mr. Balan’s work history also includes various strategy, marketing, and sales management roles with Emerson Electric and Colfax Corporation.

Ms. Bogart has been Vice President—General Counsel and Compliance Officer of Polaris since November 2009 and Corporate Secretary since January 2010. From February 2009 to November 2009, Ms. Bogart was General Counsel of Liberty Diversified International. From October 1999 until February 2009, Ms. Bogart held several positions at The Toro Company, including Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary. Before joining The Toro Company, Ms. Bogart was a Senior Attorney for Honeywell Inc.

Mr. Dougherty has been Vice President—Asia Pacific and Latin America since August 2011. Mr. Dougherty joined the company in 1998 as International Sales Manager, and has held several positions, including Vice President of Global New Market Development and Vice President and General Manager of the ATV Division during his tenure. Prior to Polaris, Mr. Dougherty was employed at Trident Medical International, a trading company.

Mr. Eastman joined Polaris in February 2012 as Vice President—Parts, Garments and Accessories. Prior to joining Polaris, Mr. Eastman was President of Target.com for Target Corporation, a general merchandise retailer, from July 2008 to October 2011. Prior to that, Mr. Eastman held several leadership positions at Target Corporation since 1982 in various areas, including General Merchandising, Consumer Electronics, Inventory Management and Merchandise Planning Operations.

Mr. Fisher has been Vice President and Chief Information Officer since November 2007, and has been Chief Information Officer since July 1999. He has also served as General Manager of Service overseeing all

 

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technical, dealer, and consumer service operations since 2005. Prior to joining Polaris, Mr. Fisher was employed by MTS Systems for 15 years in various positions in information services, software engineering, control product development, and general management. Before that time, Mr. Fisher worked as a civil engineer for Anderson-Nichols and he later joined Autocon Industries, where he developed process control software.

Mr. Homan was appointed Vice President—Europe, Middle East, Africa in August 2011 and assumed responsibility for Small Vehicles in December 2012. Prior to this, Mr. Homan was Vice President of the Off-Road Vehicles Division since August 2008, and was General Manager of the Side-by-Side Division since December 2005. Mr. Homan joined Polaris in 2002 as Director of Marketing for the ATV Division. Prior to working at Polaris, Mr. Homan spent nearly seven years at General Mills working in various marketing and brand management positions.

Mr. Jonikas shifted roles in August 2011 to Vice President—Snowmobiles, Sales and Corporate Marketing. Mr. Jonikas was Vice President of Sales and Marketing since November 2007 and Vice President—On-Road Vehicles from May 2009 to August 2011. Mr. Jonikas joined Polaris in 2000, and during the past eleven years has held several key roles including Director of Product and Marketing Management for the ATV Division and General Manager of the Polaris Side-by-Side Division. Prior to joining Polaris, Mr. Jonikas spent 12 years at General Mills in numerous general management positions.

Mr. Krishna joined Polaris as Vice President—Supply Chain and Integration on March 29, 2010 and was promoted to Vice President—Global Operations and Integration in September 2010. Prior to joining Polaris, Mr. Krishna was Vice President Global Operations, Supply Chain and IT for a division of United Technologies Corporation’ Fire & Security business where he was responsible for significant operations in China, Mexico, United States and Europe from August 2007 to March 2010. Prior to United Technologies Corporation, Mr. Krishna worked for Diageo, a global producer of famous drink brands, as Vice President Supply Chain for their North American business from February 2002 to July 2007.

Mr. Longren was appointed Vice President—Off-Road Vehicles and Off-Road Vehicles Engineering in August 2011. Prior to this, Mr. Longren was Chief Technical Officer since May 2006. Mr. Longren joined Polaris in January 2003 as the Director of Engineering for the ATV Division. Prior to joining Polaris, Mr. Longren was a Vice President in the Weapons Systems Division of Alliant Techsystems and Vice President, Engineering and Marketing at Blount Sporting Equipment Group.

Mr. Williams joined Polaris as Vice President—Human Resources in April 2011. Prior to joining Polaris, Mr. Williams was Vice President of Human Resources for Cooper Industries, a diversified manufacturing Company, since 2006. Between 2005 and 2006, Mr. Williams was Vice President of Human Resources for Danaher Corp. Previous to that, Mr. Williams held various executive positions of increasing responsibility with Honeywell Inc. from 1995 to 2005. Prior to that, Mr. Williams held a number of posts in Human Resources with Monsanto and General Motors Corporation.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following are significant factors known to us that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or operating results, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our common stock.

Our products are subject to extensive United States federal and state and international safety, environmental and other government regulation that may require us to incur expenses or modify product offerings in order to maintain compliance with the actions of regulators and could decrease the demand for our products.

Our products are subject to extensive laws and regulations relating to safety, environmental and other regulations promulgated by the United States federal government and individual states as well as international regulatory authorities. Failure to comply with applicable regulations could result in fines, increased expenses to modify our products and harm to our reputation, all of which could have an adverse effect on our operations. In addition, future regulations could require additional safety standards or emission reductions that would require additional expenses and/or modification of product offerings in order to maintain compliance with applicable regulations. Our products are also subject to laws and regulations that restrict the use or manner of use during certain hours and locations, and these laws and regulations could decrease the popularity and sales of our products. We continue to monitor regulatory activities in conjunction with industry associations and support balanced and appropriate programs that educate the product user on safe use of our products and how to protect the environment.

A significant adverse determination in any material product liability claim against us could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.

The manufacture, sale and usage of our products expose us to significant risks associated with product liability claims. If our products are defective or used incorrectly by our customers, bodily injury, property damage or other injury, including death, may result and this could give rise to product liability claims against us or adversely affect our brand image or reputation. Any losses that we may suffer from any liability claims, and the effect that any product liability litigation may have upon the reputation and marketability of our products, may have a negative impact on our business and operating results.

Because of the high cost of product liability insurance premiums and the historically insignificant amount of product liability claims paid by us, we were self-insured from 1985 to 1996 and from 2002 to 2012. From 1996 to 2002, and beginning again in late 2012, we purchased excess insurance coverage for catastrophic product liability claims for incidents occurring subsequent to the policy date that exceeded our self-insured retention levels. The estimated costs resulting from any losses are charged to expense when it is probable a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably determinable.

We had a product liability reserve accrued on our balance sheet of $19.0 million at December 31, 2012 for the probable payment of pending claims related to product liability litigation associated with our products. We believe such accrual is adequate. We do not believe the outcome of any pending product liability litigation will have a material adverse effect on our operations. However, no assurance can be given that our historical claims record, which did not include ATVs prior to 1985, motorcycles and side-by-side vehicles prior to 1998, and SV’s prior to 2011, will not change or that material product liability claims against us will not be made in the future. Adverse determination of material product liability claims made against us would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Significant product repair and/or replacement due to product warranty claims or product recalls could have a material adverse impact on the results of operations.

We provide a limited warranty for ORVs for a period of six months, for a period of one year for our snowmobiles and motorcycles and two years for SVs. We may provide longer warranties related to certain promotional programs, as well as longer warranties in certain geographical markets as determined by local

 

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regulations and market conditions. We also provide a limited emission warranty for certain emission-related parts in our ORVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles as required by the EPA and CARB. Although we employ quality control procedures, sometimes a product is distributed that needs repair or replacement. Our standard warranties require us or our dealers to repair or replace defective products during such warranty periods at no cost to the consumer. Historically, product recalls have been administered through our dealers and distributors. The repair and replacement costs we could incur in connection with a recall could adversely affect our business. In addition, product recalls could harm our reputation and cause us to lose customers, particularly if recalls cause consumers to question the safety or reliability of our products.

Changing weather conditions may reduce demand and negatively impact net sales and production of certain of our products.

Lack of snowfall in any year in any particular geographic region may adversely affect snowmobile retail sales and related PG&A sales in that region. Additionally, to the extent that unfavorable weather conditions are exacerbated by global climate change or otherwise, our sales may be affected to a greater degree than we have previously experienced. There is no assurance that weather conditions or natural disasters could not have a material effect on our sales, production capability or component supply continuity for any of our products.

We face intense competition in all product lines, including from some competitors that have greater financial and marketing resources. Failure to compete effectively against competitors would negatively impact our business and operating results.

The snowmobile, off-road vehicle, motorcycle and small vehicle markets are highly competitive. Competition in such markets is based upon a number of factors, including price, quality, reliability, styling, product features and warranties. At the dealer level, competition is based on a number of factors including sales and marketing support programs (such as financing and cooperative advertising). Certain of our competitors are more diversified and have financial and marketing resources that are substantially greater than ours, which allow these competitors to invest more heavily in intellectual property, product development and advertising. If we are not able to compete with new products or models of our competitors, our future business performance may be materially and adversely affected. Internationally, our products typically face more competition where foreign competitors manufacture and market products in their respective countries. This allows those competitors to sell products at lower prices, which could adversely affect our competitiveness. In addition, our products compete with many other recreational products for the discretionary spending of consumers, and, to a lesser extent, with other vehicles designed for utility applications. A failure to effectively compete with these other competitors could have a material adverse effect on our performance.

Termination or interruption of informal supply arrangements could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

Pursuant to our informal agreements with Fuji in Japan, Fuji was the sole manufacturer of our two-cycle snowmobile engines from 1968 to 1995. Fuji has manufactured engines for our ATV products since their introduction in the spring of 1985 and remains a supplier of engines to us. Such engines are developed by Fuji to our specific requirements. Although we have alternative sources for our engines and do not currently have knowledge that Fuji intends to terminate supplying engines to us, a termination of the supply relationship with Fuji could adversely affect our production until substitute supply arrangements for the quantity of engines required by us could be established. There can be no assurance that alternate supply arrangements will be made on satisfactory terms. If we need to enter into supply arrangements on unsatisfactory terms, or if there are any delays to our supply arrangements, it could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in declines in our reported sales and net earnings.

The changing relationships of primarily the United States dollar to the Canadian dollar, the Euro, the Mexican peso, the Japanese yen and certain other foreign currencies have from time to time had a negative impact on our results of operations because fluctuations in the value of the United States dollar relative to these

 

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foreign currencies can adversely affect the price of our products in foreign markets, the costs we incur to import certain components for our products, and the translation of our foreign balance sheets. While we actively manage our exposure to fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates by entering into foreign exchange hedging contracts from time to time, these contracts hedge foreign currency denominated transactions and any change in the fair value of the contracts would be offset by changes in the underlying value of the transactions being hedged.

Our business may be sensitive to economic conditions that impact consumer spending.

Our results of operations may be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, primarily in North America and Europe, that impact consumer spending, including discretionary spending. Weakening of, and fluctuations in, economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income such as employment levels, business conditions, changes in housing market conditions, capital markets, tax rates, savings rates, interest rates, fuel and energy costs, the impacts of natural disasters and acts of terrorism and other matters including the availability of consumer credit could reduce consumer spending or reduce consumer spending on powersports products. A general reduction in consumer spending or a reduction in consumer spending on powersports products could adversely affect our sales growth and profitability. In addition, we have a financial services partnership arrangement with a subsidiary of General Electric Company that requires us to repurchase products financed and repossessed by the partnership, subject to certain limitations. For calendar year 2012, our maximum aggregate repurchase obligation was approximately $78.9 million. If adverse changes to economic conditions result in increased defaults on the loans made by this financial services partnership, our repurchase obligation under the partnership arrangement could adversely affect our liquidity and harm our business.

Failure to establish and maintain the appropriate level of dealers and distributor relationships or weak economic conditions impacting those relationships may negatively impact our business and operating results.

We distribute our products through numerous dealers and distributors and rely on them to retail our products to the end customers. Our sales growth and profitability could be adversely affected if deterioration of economic or business conditions results in a weakening of the financial condition of a material number of our dealers and distributors. Additionally, weak demand for, or quality issues with, our products may cause dealers and distributors to voluntarily or involuntarily reduce or terminate their relationship with us. Further, if we fail to establish and maintain an appropriate level of dealers and distributors for each of our products, we may not obtain adequate market coverage for the desired level of retail sales of our products.

We depend on suppliers, financing sources and other strategic partners who may be sensitive to economic conditions that could affect their businesses in a manner that adversely affects their relationship with us.

We source component parts and raw materials through numerous suppliers and have relationships with a limited number of sources of product financing for our dealers and consumers. Our sales growth and profitability could be adversely affected if deterioration of economic or business conditions results in a weakening of the financial condition of a material number of our suppliers or financing sources, or if uncertainty about the economy or the demand for our products causes these business partners to voluntarily or involuntarily reduce or terminate their relationship with us.

Retail credit market deterioration and volatility may restrict the ability of our retail customers to finance the purchase of our products and adversely affect our income from financial services.

We have arrangements with each of Capital One, Sheffield and GE Bank to make retail financing available to consumers who purchase our products in the United States. During 2012, consumers financed approximately 34 percent of the vehicles we sold in the United States through the Capital One revolving retail credit, and Sheffield and GE Bank installment retail credit programs. Furthermore, some customers use financing from lenders who do not partner with us. There can be no assurance that retail financing will continue to be available

 

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in the same amounts and under the same terms that had been previously available to our customers. If retail financing is not available to customers on satisfactory terms, it is possible that our sales and profitability could be adversely affected.

We intend to grow our business through potential acquisitions, alliances and new joint ventures and partnerships, which could be risky and could harm our business.

One of our growth strategies is to drive growth in our businesses and accelerate opportunities to expand our global presence through targeted acquisitions, alliances, and new joint ventures and partnerships that add value while considering our existing brands and product portfolio. The benefits of an acquisition or new joint venture or partnership may take more time than expected to develop or integrate into our operations, and we cannot guarantee that acquisitions, alliances, joint ventures, or partnerships will in fact produce any benefits. In addition, acquisitions, alliances, joint ventures, and partnerships involve a number of risks, including:

 

   

diversion of management’s attention;

 

   

difficulties in integrating and assimilating the operations and products of an acquired business or in realizing projected efficiencies, cost savings, and synergies;

 

   

potential loss of key employees or customers of the acquired businesses or adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers;

 

   

adverse impact on overall profitability if acquired businesses do not achieve the financial results projected in our valuation models;

 

   

reallocation of amounts of capital from other operating initiatives and/or an increase in our leverage and debt service requirements to pay the acquisition purchase prices, which could in turn restrict our ability to access additional capital when needed or to pursue other important elements of our business strategy;

 

   

inaccurate assessment of undisclosed, contingent or other liabilities or problems, unanticipated costs associated with an acquisition, and an inability to recover or manage such liabilities and costs;

 

   

incorrect estimates made in the accounting for acquisitions, incurrence of non-recurring charges, and write-off of significant amounts of goodwill or other assets that could adversely affect our operating results;

 

   

dilution to existing shareholders if our securities are issued as part of transaction consideration or to fund transaction consideration; and

 

   

inability to direct the management and policies of a joint venture, alliance, or partnership, where other participants may be able to take action contrary to our instructions or requests and against our policies and objectives.

Our ability to grow through acquisitions will depend, in part, on the availability of suitable acquisition targets at acceptable prices, terms, and conditions, our ability to compete effectively for these acquisition candidates, and the availability of capital and personnel to complete such acquisitions and run the acquired business effectively. These risks could be heightened if we complete a large acquisition or multiple acquisitions within a relatively short period of time. Any potential acquisition could impair our operating results, and any large acquisition could impair our financial condition, among other things.

Increases in the cost of raw material, commodity and transportation costs and shortages of certain raw materials could negatively impact our business.

The primary commodities used in manufacturing our products are aluminum, steel, petroleum-based resins and certain rare earth metals used in our charging systems, as well as diesel fuel to transport the products. Our profitability is affected by significant fluctuations in the prices of the raw materials and commodities we use in our products. We may not be able to pass along any price increases in our raw materials to our customers. As a result, an increase in the cost of raw materials, commodities, labor or other costs associated with the manufacturing of our products could increase our costs of sales and reduce our profitability.

 

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Our reliance upon patents, trademark laws, and contractual provisions to protect our proprietary rights may not be sufficient to protect our intellectual property from others who may sell similar products and may lead to costly litigation.

We hold patents and trademarks relating to various aspects of our products, such as our patented “on demand” all-wheel drive, and believe that proprietary technical know-how is important to our business. Proprietary rights relating to our products are protected from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that they are covered by valid and enforceable patents or trademarks or are maintained in confidence as trade secrets. We cannot be certain that we will be issued any patents from any pending or future patent applications owned by or licensed to us or that the claims allowed under any issued patents will be sufficiently broad to protect our technology. In the absence of enforceable patent or trademark protection, we may be vulnerable to competitors who attempt to copy our products, gain access to our trade secrets and know-how or diminish our brand through unauthorized use of our trademarks, all of which could adversely affect our business. Others may initiate litigation to challenge the validity of our patents, or allege that we infringe their patents, or they may use their resources to design comparable products that do not infringe our patents. We may incur substantial costs if our competitors initiate litigation to challenge the validity of our patents, or allege that we infringe their patents, or if we initiate any proceedings to protect our proprietary rights. If the outcome of any such litigation is unfavorable to us, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected. Regardless of whether litigation relating to our intellectual property rights is successful, the litigation could significantly increase our costs and divert management’s attention from operation of our business, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. We also cannot be certain that our products or technologies have not infringed or will not infringe the proprietary rights of others. Any such infringement could cause third parties, including our competitors, to bring claims against us, resulting in significant costs, possible damages and substantial uncertainty.

Fourteen percent of our total sales are generated outside of North America, and we intend to continue to expand our international operations. Our international operations require significant management attention and financial resources, expose us to difficulties presented by international economic, political, legal, accounting, and business factors, and may not be successful or produce desired levels of sales and profitability.

We currently manufacture our products in the United States, Mexico, and France. We sell our products throughout the world and maintain sales and administration facilities in the United States, Canada, France, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Australia, China, Brazil and India. Our primary distribution facilities are in Vermillion, South Dakota, and Rigby, Idaho, which distribute PG&A products to our North American dealers and we have various other locations around the world that distribute PG&A to our international dealers and distributors and one of our significant engine suppliers is located in Japan. Our total sales outside North America were 14 percent, 16 percent, and 15 percent of our total sales for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. International markets have, and will continue to be, a focus for sales growth. We believe many opportunities exist in the international markets, and over time we intend for international sales to comprise a larger percentage of our total sales. Several factors, including weakened international economic conditions, could adversely affect such growth. In 2013, we intend to begin construction of a manufacturing facility in Europe. The expansion of our existing international operations and entry into additional international markets require significant management attention and financial resources. Some of the countries in which we manufacture and/or sell our products, or otherwise have an international presence, are to some degree subject to political, economic and/or social instability. Our international operations expose us and our representatives, agents and distributors to risks inherent in operating in foreign jurisdictions. These risks include:

 

   

increased costs of customizing products for foreign countries;

 

   

difficulties in managing and staffing international operations and increases in infrastructure costs including legal, tax, accounting, and information technology;

 

   

the imposition of additional United States and foreign governmental controls or regulations; new or enhanced trade restrictions and restrictions on the activities of foreign agents, representatives, and

 

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distributors; and the imposition of increases in costly and lengthy import and export licensing and other compliance requirements, customs duties and tariffs, license obligations, and other non-tariff barriers to trade;

 

   

the imposition of United States and/or international sanctions against a country, company, person, or entity with whom we do business that would restrict or prohibit our continued business with the sanctioned country, company, person, or entity;

 

   

international pricing pressures;

 

   

laws and business practices favoring local companies;

 

   

adverse currency exchange rate fluctuations;

 

   

longer payment cycles and difficulties in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through certain foreign legal systems;

 

   

difficulties in enforcing or defending intellectual property rights; and

 

   

multiple, changing, and often inconsistent enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations, including rules relating to environmental, health, and safety matters.

Our international operations may not produce desired levels of total sales or one or more of the factors listed above may harm our business and operating results. Any material decrease in our international sales or profitability could also adversely impact our operating results.

If we are unable to continue to enhance existing products and develop and market new products that respond to customer needs and preferences and achieve market acceptance, we may experience a decrease in demand for our products, and our business could suffer.

One of our growth strategies is to develop innovative, customer-valued products to generate revenue growth. Our sales from new products in the past have represented a significant component of our sales and are expected to continue to represent a significant component of our future sales. We may not be able to compete as effectively with our competitors, and ultimately satisfy the needs and preferences of our customers, unless we can continue to enhance existing products and develop new innovative products in the global markets in which we compete. Product development requires significant financial, technological, and other resources. While we expended $127.4 million, $105.6 million, and $84.9 million for research and development efforts in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, there can be no assurance that this level of investment in research and development will be sufficient to maintain our competitive advantage in product innovation which could cause our business to suffer. Product improvements and new product introductions also require significant planning, design, development, and testing at the technological, product, and manufacturing process levels and we may not be able to timely develop product improvements or new products. Our competitors’ new products may beat our products to market, be more effective with more features and/or less expensive than our products, obtain better market acceptance, or render our products obsolete. Any new products that we develop may not receive market acceptance or otherwise generate any meaningful sales or profits for us relative to our expectations based on, among other things, existing and anticipated investments in manufacturing capacity and commitments to fund advertising, marketing, promotional programs, and research and development.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not Applicable.

 

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Item 2. Properties

The following sets forth the Company’s material facilities as of December 31, 2012:

 

Location

  

Facility Type/Use

   Owned or
Leased
     Square
Footage
 
Medina, Minnesota    Headquarters      Owned         130,000   
Roseau, Minnesota    Wholegoods manufacturing and R&D      Owned         717,800   
Monterrey, Mexico    Wholegoods manufacturing      Leased         425,000   
Spirit Lake, Iowa    Wholegoods manufacturing      Owned         303,000   
Milford, Iowa    Wholegoods manufacturing      Leased         129,000   
Osceola, Wisconsin    Component parts manufacturing      Owned         188,800   
Osceola, Wisconsin    Engine manufacturing      Owned         97,000   
Bourran, France    Wholegoods manufacturing and R&D      Leased         100,000   
Wyoming, Minnesota    Research and development facility      Owned         127,000   
Burgdorf, Switzerland    Research and development facility      Leased         13,600   
Vermillion, South Dakota    Distribution center      Owned         385,000   
Vermillion, South Dakota    Distribution center      Leased         33,000   
Rigby, Idaho    Distribution center and office facility      Owned         54,600   
Roseau, Minnesota    Warehouse (various locations)      Leased         39,100   
Spirit Lake, Iowa    Warehouse (various locations)      Leased         70,000   
St. Paul, Minnesota    Wholegoods distribution      Leased         160,000   
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota    Wholegoods distribution      Leased         40,000   
E. Syracuse, New York    Wholegoods distribution      Leased         40,000   
Redlands, California    Wholegoods distribution      Leased         85,000   

Nashville, Tennessee

   Wholegoods distribution      Leased         37,500   
Irving, Texas    Wholegoods distribution      Leased         126,000   
Milford, Iowa    Wholegoods distribution      Leased         100,000   
Antwerp, Belgium    Wholegoods distribution      Leased         50,000   
Yichun, China    Wholegoods distribution      Owned         35,000   
Plymouth, Minnesota    Office facility      Leased         30,000   
Winnipeg, Canada    Office facility      Leased         15,000   
Askim, Norway    Office facility      Leased         10,800   
Barcelona, Spain    Office facility      Leased         4,300   
Birmingham, United Kingdom    Office facility      Leased         6,500   
Griesheim, Germany    Office facility      Leased         3,200   
Rolle, Switzerland    Office facility      Leased         8,000   
Shanghai, China    Office facility      Leased         1,400   
New Delhi, India    Office facility      Leased         2,500   
Sao Paulo, Brazil    Office and distribution facility      Leased         15,100   
Derrimut, Australia    Office and distribution facility      Leased         14,000   
Ostersund, Sweden    Office and distribution facility      Leased         14,300   
Passy, France    Office and distribution facility      Leased         10,000   
Melbourne, Australia    Retail store      Leased         9,600   
Sydney, Australia    Retail store      Leased         13,000   

We own substantially all tooling and machinery (including heavy presses, conventional and computer-controlled welding facilities for steel and aluminum, assembly lines and paint lines) used in the manufacture of our products. We make ongoing capital investments in our facilities. These investments have increased production capacity for our products. We believe our current manufacturing and distribution facilities are adequate in size and suitable for our present manufacturing and distribution needs. We expect a significant amount of capital expenditures in 2013 which will expand our Product Development Center near Wyoming, Minnesota, expand our current manufacturing facilities and begin construction of a European manufacturing facility in anticipation of the capacity and capability requirements of expected future growth.

 

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings

On January 5, 2010, Fabiola Esparza (Plaintiff) sued Polaris in California State District Court in Los Angeles County. In her Complaint, Plaintiff alleges that she was injured in a July 4, 2008 accident involving a collision between a 2001 Polaris Virage personal watercraft (PWC) and a boat. Plaintiff was a passenger on the PWC at the time of the accident and incurred serious, permanent injuries as a result of the accident. Plaintiff alleges that the PWC was defective and unreasonably dangerous in that it lacked sufficient steerage while being operated off-throttle and lacked sufficient warnings regarding this alleged condition. Plaintiff is seeking general, special, and punitive damages. The case has been referred to and accepted by the Long Cause Division for trial, but a trial judge has not yet been assigned and no date has been set for trial. Management believes the claim to be without merit and intends to defend vigorously against this action, but there can be no assurance that the ultimate outcome of the lawsuit will be favorable to us or that the defense of the suit or its outcome will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

We are involved in a number of other legal proceedings incidental to our business, none of which is expected to have a material effect on the financial results of our business.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The information under the caption “Other Investor Information” appearing on the inside back cover of the Company’s 2012 Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference. On February 15, 2013, the last reported sale price for shares of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $85.88 per share.

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The graph below compares the five-year cumulative total return to shareholders (stock price appreciation plus reinvested dividends) for the Company’s common stock with the comparable cumulative return of two indexes: Russell 2000 Index and Morningstar’s Recreational Vehicles Industry Group Index. The graph assumes the investment of $100 at the close on December 31, 2007 in common stock of the Company and in each of the indexes, and the reinvestment of all dividends. Points on the graph represent the performance as of the last business day of each of the years indicated.

Assumes $100 Invested at the close on December 31, 2007

Assumes Dividend Reinvestment

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

     2007      2008      2009      2010      2011      2012  

Polaris Industries Inc.

   $ 100.00       $ 62.28       $ 99.58       $ 183.00       $ 267.28       $ 409.72   

Russell 2000 Index

     100.00         66.20         84.18         106.80         102.33         119.06   

Recreational Vehicles Industry Group Index—Morningstar Group

     100.00         40.64         66.90         93.47         105.57         146.77   

Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return Among

Polaris Industries Inc., Russell 2000 Index and Recreational Vehicles Index

 

LOGO

 

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The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Polaris during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
     Average Price Paid
per Share
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
     Maximum Number
of Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the
Program(1)
 

October 1–31, 2012

     —          —          —          2,816,000   

November 1–30, 2012

     149,000       $ 81.96         149,000         2,667,000   

December 1–31, 2012

     686,000         82.09         686,000         1,981,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     835,000       $ 82.07         835,000         1,981,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) The Board of Directors previously authorized a share repurchase program to repurchase up to an aggregate of 75.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Program”). Of that total, 73.0 million shares have been repurchased cumulatively from 1996 through December 31, 2012. This Program does not have an expiration date.

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table presents our selected financial data. The table should be read in conjunction with Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All periods presented reflect the classification of the marine products division’s financial results, including the loss from discontinued operations and the loss on disposal of the division, as discontinued operations. Per share data has been adjusted to give effect of all stock splits through 2012.

11-Year Selected Financial Data

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  

(Dollars in millions, except per-share data)

   2012     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  

Statement of Operations Data

            

Sales Data:

            

Total sales

   $ 3,209.8      $ 2,656.9      $ 1,991.1      $ 1,565.9      $ 1,948.3      $ 1,780.0   

Percent change from prior year

     21     33     27     -20     9     7

Sales mix by product:

            

Off-Road Vehicles

     69     69     69     65     67     67

Snowmobiles

     9     11     10     12     10     10

On-Road Vehicles

     8     5     4     3     5     6

Parts, Garments and Accessories

     14     15     17     20     18     17

Gross Profit Data:

            

Total gross profit

   $ 925.3      $ 740.6      $ 530.2      $ 393.2      $ 445.7      $ 393.0   

Percent of sales

     28.8     27.9     26.6     25.1     22.9     22.1

Operating Expense Data:

            

Total operating expenses

   $ 480.8      $ 414.7      $ 326.3      $ 245.3      $ 284.1      $ 262.3   

Percent of sales

     15.0     15.6     16.4     15.7     14.6     14.7

Operating Income Data:

            

Total operating income

   $ 478.4      $ 349.9      $ 220.7      $ 165.0      $ 182.8      $ 176.0   

Percent of sales

     14.9     13.2     11.1     10.5     9.4     9.9

Net Income Data:

            

Net income from continuing operations

   $ 312.3      $ 227.6      $ 147.1      $ 101.0      $ 117.4      $ 112.6   

Percent of sales

     9.7     8.6     7.4     6.5     6.0     6.3

Diluted net income per share from continuing operations

   $ 4.40      $ 3.20      $ 2.14      $ 1.53      $ 1.75      $ 1.55   

Net income

   $ 312.3      $ 227.6      $ 147.1      $ 101.0      $ 117.4      $ 111.7   

Diluted net income per share

   $ 4.40      $ 3.20      $ 2.14      $ 1.53      $ 1.75      $ 1.54   

Cash Flow Data:

            

Cash flow provided by continuing operations

   $ 416.1      $ 302.5      $ 297.9      $ 193.2      $ 176.2      $ 213.2   

Purchase of property and equipment for continuing operations

     103.1        84.5        55.7        43.9        76.6        63.7   

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

     127.5        132.4        27.5        4.6        107.2        103.1   

Cash dividends to shareholders

     101.5        61.6        53.0        50.2        49.6        47.7   

Cash dividends per share

   $ 1.48      $ 0.90      $ 0.80      $ 0.78      $ 0.76      $ 0.68   

Balance Sheet Data (at end of year):

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 417.0      $ 325.3      $ 393.9      $ 140.2      $ 27.2      $ 63.3   

Current assets

     1,017.8        875.0        808.1        491.5        443.6        447.6   

Total assets

     1,486.5        1,228.0        1,061.6        763.7        751.1        769.9   

Current liabilities

     631.0        586.3        584.2        343.1        404.8        388.2   

Long-term debt

     104.3        104.6        100.0        200.0        200.0        200.0   

Shareholders’ equity

     690.5        500.1        371.0        204.5        137.0        173.0   

 

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     For the Years Ended December 31,  

(Dollars in millions, except per-share data)

   2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  

Statement of Operations Data

          

Sales Data:

          

Total sales

   $ 1,656.5      $ 1,869.8      $ 1,773.2      $ 1,552.4      $ 1,468.2   

Percent change from prior year

     -11     5     14     6     3

Sales mix by product:

          

Off-Road Vehicles

     67     66     66     67     64

Snowmobiles

     10     14     16     15     20

On-Road Vehicles

     7     5     4     4     2

Parts, Garments and Accessories

     16     15     14     14     14

Gross Profit Data:

          

Total gross profit

   $ 359.4      $ 411.0      $ 416.6      $ 356.0      $ 324.6   

Percent of sales

     21.7     22.0     23.5     22.9     22.1

Operating Expense Data:

          

Total operating expenses

   $ 238.4      $ 244.7      $ 242.7      $ 206.0      $ 181.8   

Percent of sales

     14.4     13.1     13.7     13.3     12.4

Operating Income Data:

          

Total operating income

   $ 168.1      $ 205.0      $ 205.9      $ 173.5      $ 157.5   

Percent of sales

     10.1     11.0     11.6     11.2     10.7

Net Income Data:

          

Net income from continuing operations

   $ 112.8      $ 137.7      $ 132.3      $ 115.2      $ 107.1   

Percent of sales

     6.8     7.4     7.5     7.4     7.3

Diluted net income per share from continuing operations

   $ 1.36      $ 1.57      $ 1.49      $ 1.29      $ 1.14   

Net income

   $ 107.0      $ 136.7      $ 99.9      $ 106.3      $ 99.4   

Diluted net income per share

   $ 1.29      $ 1.56      $ 1.12      $ 1.19      $ 1.06   

Cash Flow Data:

          

Cash flow provided by continuing operations

   $ 152.8      $ 162.5      $ 237.1      $ 162.5      $ 195.8   

Purchase of property and equipment for continuing operations

     52.6        89.8        88.8        59.2        52.3   

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

     307.6        132.3        66.8        73.1        76.4   

Cash dividends to shareholders

     50.2        47.0        38.9        26.7        25.3   

Cash dividends per share

   $ 0.62      $ 0.56      $ 0.46      $ 0.31      $ 0.28   

Balance Sheet Data (at end of year):

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 19.6      $ 19.7      $ 138.5      $ 82.8      $ 81.2   

Current assets

     393.0        374.0        465.7        387.7        343.7   

Total assets

     778.8        770.6        792.9        674.2        614.4   

Current liabilities

     361.4        375.6        405.2        330.5        313.5   

Long-term debt

     250.0        18.0        18.0        18.0        18.0   

Shareholders’ equity

     167.4        377.0        368.1        325.7        282.8   

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion pertains to the results of operations and financial position of the Company for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

 

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Overview

In 2012, we recorded our third straight year of record sales and net income, with sales doubling over the last three years and net income tripling over the same period. This growth is fueled by innovative new products leading to market share growth in every product category, remaining the market share leader in side-by-side vehicles, and for the first time ever becoming the North American ATV market share leader in 2012. The overall North American Powersports industry continued its positive trend with modest growth in 2012. Our North America retail sales to consumers increased approximately 14% in 2012, helping to drive total full year Company sales up 21% to a record $3.21 billion. Despite the global economy remaining difficult, continued market share growth in ORVs and Victory motorcycles led to a nine percent increase in international sales including a 21 percent increase in the Asia Pacific/Latin America regions.

Full year earnings reflect the success of our margin expansion efforts, as we delivered a 110 basis point increase in net income margin to a record 9.7 percent of sales. This increase came while we continued to invest in numerous longer-term diversification and growth opportunities. The combination of increased sales growth and expanding gross margins drove net income up 37 percent to $312.3 million, with diluted earnings per share increasing 38 percent to a record $4.40 per share.

Throughout 2012, we continued to invest in both product development and strategic initiatives. The investments made have positioned us well for the launch of the new Indian motorcycle and jointly developed product with Bobcat in 2013, and supported our continued growth in the small vehicle industry with GEM and Goupil. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2012, we acquired Klim, a market leader in the design, development, and distribution of premium technical riding gear for the snowmobile and motorcycle segments. During 2012, we also established a joint venture with Eicher Motors Limited, which intends to design, develop, and manufacture a full range of new vehicles for India and other emerging markets.

Global Market Leadership is a focus for our core and adjacent businesses, with our goal for international sales to customers outside of North America being to generate at least 33 percent of total Company sales by 2018. We continued to grow international market share in ORVs and motorcycles in 2012, with sales growth experienced in each of Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific regions. Our planned investment in a manufacturing facility in Europe during 2013 and strategic investments such as Eicher, positions us well to continue our international growth in the coming years.

On January 31, 2013, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a 14 percent increase in the regular quarterly cash dividend to $0.42 per share for the first quarter of 2013, representing the 18th consecutive year of increased dividends to shareholders. This increase reflects the continued momentum and potential of our business and the strength of our balance sheet.

Results of Operations

Sales:

Sales were $3,209.8 million in 2012, a 21 percent increase from $2,656.9 million in sales for the same period in 2011. The following table is an analysis of the percentage change in total Company sales for 2012 compared to 2011 and 2011 compared to 2010:

 

     Percent Change in Total
Company Sales for the Years
Ended December 31
 
     2012 vs.
2011
    2011 vs.
2010
 

Volume

     18     24

Product mix and price

     4     7

Currency

     (1 %)      2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     21     33
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Volume for 2012 and 2011 increased 18 and 24 percent compared to 2011 and 2010, respectively. The volume increase in 2012 and 2011 is primarily due to the Company shipping more ORVs and on-road vehicles, and related PG&A items to dealers than during the prior years, as consumer retail demand and market share increased for our products. Product mix and price increased for both 2012 and 2011 compared to the respective prior years primarily due to the increased shipments of side-by-side vehicles to dealers in both periods. Side-by-side vehicles typically have a higher selling price than our other ORV products. Increased sales of Victory motorcycles also contributed to the improved mix of products in 2012 and 2011 compared to the respective prior years.

Total company sales by product line are as follows:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  

($ in millions)

   2012      Percent
of Total
Sales
    2011      Percent
of Total
Sales
    Percent
Change
2012 vs.
2011
    2010      Percent
of Total
Sales
    Percent
Change
2011 vs.
2010
 

Off-Road Vehicles

   $ 2,225.8         69   $ 1,822.3         69     22   $ 1,376.4         69     32

Snowmobiles

     283.0         9     280.1         11     1     188.9         10     48

On-Road Vehicles

     240.2         8     146.3         5     64     81.6         4     79

PG&A

     460.8         14     408.2         15     13     344.2         17     19
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total Sales

   $ 3,209.8         100   $ 2,656.9         100     21   $ 1,991.1         100     33
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

ORV sales of $2,225.8 million in 2012, which includes core ATV and RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, increased 22 percent from 2011. This increase reflects continued market share gains for both ATVs and side-by-side vehicles driven by industry leading product offerings. Polaris’ North American ORV unit retail sales to consumers increased mid-teens percent for 2012 compared to 2011, with ATV unit retail sales growing mid-single digits percent and side-by-side vehicle unit retail sales increasing more than 20 percent over the prior year. North American dealer inventories of ORVs increased 26 percent from 2011, in support of continued strong retail demand for side-by-side vehicles and incremental new market segments. ORV sales outside of North America decreased six percent in 2012 compared to a year ago, primarily due to weak demand in Europe. Despite decreased sales outside of North America, we have widened our market share leadership in ORVs worldwide in 2012 compared to 2011. For 2012, the average ORV per unit sales price increased two percent over 2011’s per unit sales price, primarily as a result of the increased sales of higher priced side-by-side vehicle models.

ORV sales of $1,822.3 million in 2011, which includes core ATV and RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, increased 32 percent from 2010. This increase reflected continued market share gains for both ATVs and side-by-side vehicles driven by industry leading product offerings and good growth in military and shipments to Bobcat. Polaris’ North American ORV unit retail sales to consumers increased mid-teens percent for 2011 compared to 2010, with ATV unit retail sales growing single digits percent and side-by-side vehicle unit retail sales increasing mid-twenties percent over the prior year. North American dealer inventories of ATVs declined, decreasing eight percent from 2010. Side-by-side North American dealer inventories for 2011 were up mid-teens percent to accommodate the strong retail demand. ORV sales outside of North America increased 37 percent in 2011 compared to 2010. Given the growth in our ORV business worldwide, we widened our market share leadership in ORVs in 2011 compared to 2010.

Snowmobile sales increased one percent to $283.0 million for 2012 compared to 2011. This increase is primarily due to increased market share in North America driven by the success of model year 2013 new product introductions. Sales of snowmobiles to customers outside of North America, principally the Scandinavian region and Russia, increased nine percent as compared to 2011. Unit sales price in 2012 was flat when compared to 2011.

Snowmobile sales increased 48 percent to $280.1 million for 2011 compared to 2010. This increase is primarily due to significantly reduced snowmobile dealer inventory levels entering the 2011 – 2012 selling

 

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season compared to the prior year and the success of model year 2012 new product introductions resulting in increased orders from dealers. Sales of snowmobiles to customers outside of North America, principally the Scandinavian region and Russia, also experienced sales growth in 2011 compared to 2010.

Sales of On-Road Vehicles, which is comprised primarily of Victory motorcycles, but also includes Indian motorcycles and our GEM and Goupil SVs, increased 64 percent to $240.2 million for 2012 compared to 2011. The 2012 sales increase reflects an increase of Victory North American unit retail sales to consumers over ten times the North American heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle industry percentage growth rate. North American Victory dealer inventory increased over 2011 levels to support the sales increases, market share gains, new dealer additions and our new RFM ordering system. When fully implemented, the new RFM ordering system will allow dealers to place more frequent orders based on retail sell-through along with encouraging display of each Victory model. Sales of On-Road Vehicles to customers outside of North America increased over 100 percent due to increased market share gains of our Victory motorcycles and the 2011 acquisitions of GEM and Goupil. The 2011 acquisitions of Indian, GEM, and Goupil contributed approximately one-third of the on-road incremental 2012 sales when compared to 2011. The average per unit sales price for On-Road Vehicles in 2012 increased six percent compared to 2011, primarily due to shipments of higher priced Goupil vehicles during 2012.

Sales of On-Road Vehicles increased 79 percent to $146.3 million for 2011 compared to 2010. In 2011, On-Road Vehicle sales were comprised of Victory and Indian brand motorcycles, as well as the Company’s SV sales of GEM and Goupil. The 2011 sales increase reflects increased Victory North American unit retail sales to consumers of 22 percent and international Victory motorcycle sales up significantly during 2011 when compared to 2010, resulting in continued market share gains. The North American heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle industry increased mid-single digits percent during 2011. Consumer demand remained strong for Victory’s newest models, the Cross Country Tour and the Victory Hard-Ball. The increase in On-Road Vehicle sales in 2011 also benefited from the SV acquisitions of GEM and Goupil which occurred in 2011.

PG&A sales increased 13 percent to $460.8 million for 2012 compared to 2011. Sales of PG&A to customers outside of North America increased 16 percent during 2012 compared to 2011. The sales increase in 2012 was driven by increased sales in all product lines and product categories driven by the addition of over 250 model year 2013 accessories, and higher PG&A related sales to owners of the Company’s large installed base of vehicles. The acquisition of Klim late in the 2012 fourth quarter did not have a significant impact on the 2012 PG&A sales results.

PG&A sales increased 19 percent to $408.2 million for the full year 2011 compared to 2010. The increase in 2011 was primarily due to increased ORV and Victory motorcycle related PG&A sales including strong international growth. During 2011, we continued to innovate with over 200 accessories introduced for new model year vehicles.

Sales by geographic region for the 2012, 2011 and 2010 year end periods were as follows:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  

($ in millions)

   2012      Percent
of Total
Sales
    2011      Percent
of Total
Sales
    Percent
Change
2012 vs.
2011
    2010      Percent
of Total
Sales
    Percent
Change
2011 vs.
2010
 

United States

   $ 2,311.0         72   $ 1,864.1         70     24   $ 1,405.9         71     33

Canada

     438.2         14     368.5         14     19     279.3         14     32

Other foreign countries

     460.6         14     424.3         16     9     305.9         15     39
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Sales

   $ 3,209.8         100   $ 2,656.9         100     21   $ 1,991.1         100     33
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Significant regional trends were as follows:

United States:

Sales in the United States for 2012 increased 24 percent compared to 2011, primarily resulting from higher shipments in ORV and motorcycles due to market share gains driven by innovative products. The United States represented 72 percent, 70 percent and 71 percent of total company sales in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Sales in the United States for 2011 increased 33 percent compared to 2010, primarily resulting from higher shipments in all product lines due to market share gains driven by innovative products.

Canada:

Canadian sales increased 19 percent in 2012 compared to 2011. Increased volume was the primary contributor for the increase in 2012 due to strong retail sales demand in Canada for our products, partially offset by currency rate movements, which had an unfavorable one percent impact on sales for 2012 compared to 2011. Sales in Canada represented 14 percent of total company sales in 2012, 2011, and 2010. Canadian sales increased 32 percent in 2011 compared to 2010. Fluctuations in the Canadian currency rate compared to the United States dollar accounted for a five percent increase in sales for 2011 compared to 2010. Increased volume was the primary contributor for the remainder of the increase in 2011 due to strong retail sales demand in Canada for our products.

Other Foreign Countries:

Sales in other foreign countries, primarily in Europe, increased nine percent for 2012 compared to 2011. The increase was primarily driven by the additional sales from the Goupil acquisition, higher sales of Victory motorcycles and snowmobiles, and a 21 percent increase in the Asia/Pacific and Latin America region sales. This increase was partially offset by currency rate movements which had an unfavorable two percent impact on sales for 2012 compared to 2011. Sales in other foreign countries, primarily in Europe, increased 39 percent for 2011 compared to 2010. Favorable currency rates accounted for six percent of the increase for the 2011 year compared to 2010. The remainder of the increase was primarily driven by higher volume largely related to market share gains for ORV and Victory motorcycles.

Cost of Sales:

 

    For the Year Ended December 31,  

($ in millions)

  2012     Percent of
Total
Cost of Sales
    2011     Percent of
Total
Cost of Sales
    Change
2012 vs.
2011
    2010     Percent of
Total Cost of
Sales
    Change
2011 vs.
2010
 

Purchased materials and services

  $ 2,008.9        88   $ 1,650.8        86     22   $ 1,208.4        83     37

Labor and benefits

    177.7        8     165.5        9     7     151.9        10     9

Depreciation and amortization

    51.8        2     53.9        3     (4 )%      56.9        4     (5 )% 

Warranty costs

    46.1        2     46.2        2           43.7        3     6
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Cost of Sales

  $ 2,284.5        100   $ 1,916.4        100     19   $ 1,460.9        100     31
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Percentage of sales

    71.2       72.1       -90 basis        73.4       -130 basis   
            points            points   

For 2012, cost of sales increased 19 percent to $2,284.5 million compared to $1,916.4 million in 2011. The increase in cost of sales in 2012 resulted primarily from the effect of an 18 percent increase in sales volumes on purchased materials and services and labor and benefits offset somewhat by continued product cost reduction efforts in 2012. For 2011, cost of sales increased 31 percent to $1,916.4 million compared to $1,460.9 million in 2010. The increase in cost of sales in 2011 resulted primarily from the effect of a 24 percent sales volume increase and a richer mix of products on purchased materials and services, and labor and benefits offset somewhat by continued product cost reduction efforts in 2011.

 

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Gross Profit:

The following table reflects our gross profit in dollars and as a percentage of sales for the 2012, 2011 and 2010 year end periods:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  

($ in millions)

   2012     2011     Change
2012 vs. 2011
    2010     Change
2011 vs. 2010
 

Gross profit dollars

   $ 925.3      $ 740.6        25   $ 530.2        40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage of sales

     28.8     27.9     +90 basis points        26.6     +130 basis points   

For 2012, gross profit dollars increased 25 percent to $925.3 million compared to 2011. Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, increased 90 basis points to 28.8 percent compared to 27.9 percent for 2011. The increase in gross profit dollars and the 90 basis points increase in the gross profit margin percentage in 2012 resulted primarily from continued product cost reduction efforts, production efficiencies on increased volumes, higher selling prices, and ongoing cost savings from the manufacturing realignment project, partially offset by higher sales promotions and unfavorable product mix. For 2011, gross profit dollars increased 40 percent to $740.6 million compared to 2010. Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, increased 130 basis points to 27.9 percent compared to 26.6 percent for 2010. The increase in gross profit dollars and the 130 basis points increase in the gross profit margin percentage in 2011 resulted primarily from continued product cost reduction efforts, production efficiencies on increased volumes, and higher selling prices, partially offset by increasing commodity costs and unfavorable product mix.

Operating Expenses:

The following table reflects our operating expenses in dollars and as a percentage of sales for the 2012, 2011 and 2010 periods:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  

($ in millions)

   2012     2011     Change
2012 vs. 2011
    2010     Change
2011 vs. 2010
 

Selling and marketing

   $ 210.4      $ 178.7        18   $ 142.4        25

Research and development

     127.3        105.6        21     84.9        24

General and administrative

     143.1        130.4        10     99.0        32
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

   $ 480.8      $ 414.7        16   $ 326.3        27
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage of sales

     15.0     15.6     -60 basis points        16.4     -80 basis points   

Operating expenses for 2012 increased 16 percent to $480.8 million compared to $414.7 million for 2011. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased 60 basis points to 15.0 percent compared to 15.6 percent in 2011. Operating expenses in absolute dollars for 2012 increased primarily due to higher research and development expenses as we invest in growth initiatives and higher selling and marketing expenses due to sales growth, preparation for the Indian motorcycle launch, and implementation of the new go-to-market program for motorcycles. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased in 2012 compared to 2011 due to leverage achieved from the increased sales volume during the year. Operating expenses for 2011 increased 27 percent to $414.7 million compared to $326.3 million for 2010. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased 80 basis points to 15.6 percent compared to 16.4 percent in 2010. Operating expenses in absolute dollars for 2011 increased primarily due to an increase in performance-based incentive compensation plan expenses over 2010 driven by the higher profitability for 2011 and the higher stock price, which reflects our pay for performance compensation philosophy. In addition, incremental investments made in global market expansion and new product development initiatives and acquisitions made in 2011 contributed to the increase in operating expenses in 2011. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 due to leverage achieved from the increased sales volume during the year.

 

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Income from Financial Services:

The following table reflects our income from financial services for the 2012, 2011 and 2010 periods:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  

($ in millions)

   2012      2011      Change
2012 vs. 2011
    2010      Change
2011 vs. 2010
 

Equity in earnings of Polaris Acceptance

   $ 3.9       $ 4.4         (12 %)    $ 4.6         (4 %) 

Income from Securitization Facility

     11.8         7.7         54     8.0         (4 %) 

Income from Capital One, Sheffield and GE Bank retail credit agreements

     15.3         9.1         69     2.4         279

Income from other financial services activities

     2.9         2.9         (1 %)      1.9         53
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

Total income from financial services

   $ 33.9       $ 24.1         41   $ 16.9         43
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from financial services increased 41 percent to $33.9 million in 2012 compared to $24.1 million in 2011. The increase was primarily due to increased profitability generated from retail credit arrangements with Sheffield, GE, and Capital One, an 11 percent increase in the retail credit volume, and higher income from dealer inventory financing through the Securitization Facility. Income from financial services increased 43 percent to $24.1 million in 2011 compared to $16.9 million in 2010. The increase was primarily due to increased profitability generated from the retail credit arrangements with GE, Capital One and Sheffield and a 30 percent increase in the retail credit volume.

Interest Expense:

Interest expense increased to $5.9 million in 2012 compared to $4.0 million in 2011. This increase is due to both sustained increased levels of capital lease obligations and interest bearing long-term senior notes being outstanding throughout all of 2012. Interest expense increased to $4.0 million in 2011 compared to $2.7 million in 2010. This increase is due to higher interest rates on the long-term senior notes issued in May 2011.

Gain on Securities Available for Sale:

The net gain of $0.8 million in 2010 on securities available for sale resulted from a $1.6 million gain on the sale of our remaining investment in KTM during the 2010 third quarter offset by a related non-cash impairment charge of $0.8 million during the 2010 second quarter.

Other (Income) Expense, Net:

Non-operating other (income) expense was $7.5 million of income, $0.7 million of income, and $0.3 million of expense for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The changes primarily relate to fluctuations of the U.S. dollar and the resulting effects on currency hedging activities, foreign currency transactions, and certain balance sheet positions.

Provision for Income Taxes:

The income tax provision rate was similar for 2012, 2011 and 2010 and reflected an effective rate of 34.9, 34.3, and 32.7 percent of pretax income, respectively. The income tax rate for 2012 was unfavorably impacted by the United States Congress not enacting the 2012 research and development tax credit until January 2013. As a result, the impact of the 2012 research and development tax credit will be recorded in the first quarter 2013 tax provision.

 

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Reported Net Income:

The following table reflects our reported net income for the 2012, 2011 and 2010 periods:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  

($ in millions except per share data)

   2012      2011      Change
2012 vs. 2011
    2010      Change
2011 vs. 2010
 

Net Income

   $ 312.3       $ 227.6         37   $ 147.1         55
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share

   $ 4.40       $ 3.20         38   $ 2.14         50
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:

The weighted average diluted shares outstanding for 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 71.0 million, 71.1 million, and 68.8 million shares, respectively. In 2012, the issuance of shares under employee compensation plans offset market share repurchases under our stock repurchase program, resulting in flat weighted average shares outstanding compared to 2011. The increase in weighted average diluted shares outstanding for 2011 compared to 2010 is due to the issuance of shares under employee compensation plans, and the higher dilutive effect of stock options outstanding due to a higher stock price in 2011 compared to 2010.

Critical Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies that management believes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following: revenue recognition, sales promotions and incentives, dealer holdback programs, share-based employee compensation, product warranties and product liability.

Revenue recognition: Revenues are recognized at the time of shipment to the dealer, distributor or other customers. Historically, product returns, whether in the normal course of business or resulting from repurchases made under the floorplan financing program, have not been material. However, we have agreed to repurchase products repossessed by the finance companies up to certain limits. Our financial exposure is limited to the difference between the amount paid to the finance companies and the amount received on the resale of the repossessed product. No material losses have been incurred under these agreements. We have not historically recorded any significant sales return allowances because we have not been required to repurchase a significant number of units. However, an adverse change in retail sales could cause this situation to change. Polaris sponsors certain sales incentive programs and accrues liabilities for estimated sales promotion expenses and estimated holdback amounts that are recognized as reductions to sales when products are sold to the dealer or distributor customer.

Sales promotions and incentives: We provide for estimated sales promotion and incentive expenses, which are recognized as a reduction to sales, at the time of sale to the dealer or distributor. Examples of sales promotion and incentive programs include dealer and consumer rebates, volume incentives, retail financing programs and sales associate incentives. Sales promotion and incentive expenses are estimated based on current programs and historical rates for each product line. We record these amounts as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet until they are ultimately paid. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, accrued sales promotions and incentives were $107.0 million and $81.2 million, respectively, resulting primarily from an increase in the volume of units sold and an increase in the level of dealer inventories in 2012. Actual results may differ from these estimates if market conditions dictate the need to enhance or reduce sales promotion and incentive programs or if the customer usage rate varies from historical trends. Adjustments to sales promotions and incentives accruals are made from time to time as actual usage becomes known in order to properly estimate the amounts necessary to generate consumer demand based on market conditions as of the balance sheet date. Historically, actual sales promotion and incentive expenses have been within our expectations and differences have not been material.

 

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Dealer holdback programs: Dealer holdback represents a portion of the invoiced sales price that is expected to be subsequently returned to the dealer or distributor as a sales incentive upon the ultimate retail sale of the product. Holdback amounts reduce the ultimate net price of the products purchased by our dealers or distributors and, therefore, reduce the amount of sales we recognize at the time of shipment. The portion of the invoiced sales price estimated as the holdback is recognized as “dealer holdback” liability on our balance sheet until paid or forfeited. The minimal holdback adjustments in the estimated holdback liability due to forfeitures are recognized in net sales. Payments are made to dealers or distributors at various times during the year subject to previously established criteria. Polaris recorded accrued liabilities of $86.7 million and $76.5 million for dealer holdback programs in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Share-based employee compensation: We recognize in the financial statements the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of share-based awards at the date of grant requires judgment. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of employee stock options. Option pricing models, including the Black-Scholes model, also require the use of input assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, expected dividend rate, and expected risk-free rate of return. The Company utilizes historical volatility as it believes this is reflective of market conditions. The expected life of the awards is based on historical exercise patterns. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the terms of awards. The dividend yield assumption is based on our history of dividend payouts. We develop an estimate of the number of share-based awards which will be forfeited due to employee turnover. Changes in the estimated forfeiture rate can have a significant effect on reported share-based compensation, as the effect of adjusting the rate for all expense amortization is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed. If the actual forfeiture rate is higher or lower than the estimated forfeiture rate, then an adjustment is made to increase or decrease the estimated forfeiture rate, which will result in a decrease or increase to the expense recognized in the financial statements. If forfeiture adjustments are made, they would affect our gross margin and operating expenses. We estimate the likelihood and the rate of achievement for performance sensitive share-based awards, specifically long-term compensation grants of performance-based restricted stock awards. Changes in the estimated rate of achievement can have a significant effect on reported share-based compensation expenses as the effect of a change in the estimated achievement level is recognized in the period that the likelihood factor changes. If adjustments in the estimated rate of achievement are made, they would be reflected in our gross margin and operating expenses. At the end of 2012, all long-term incentive program performance based awards were expected to achieve the maximum payout. Fluctuations in our stock price can have a significant effect on reported share-based compensation expenses for liability-based awards. The impact from fluctuations in our stock price is recognized in the period of the change, and is reflected in our gross margin and operating expenses. At December 31, 2012, the accrual for liability-based awards outstanding was $86.3 million.

Product warranties: We provide a limited warranty for ORVs for a period of six months, for a period of one year for our snowmobiles and motorcycles and two years for SVs. We provide longer warranties in certain geographical markets as determined by local regulations and market conditions and may provide longer warranties related to certain promotional programs. Our standard warranties require us or our dealers to repair or replace defective products during such warranty periods at no cost to the consumers. The warranty reserve is established at the time of sale to the dealer or distributor based on management’s best estimate using historical rates and trends. We record these amounts as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet until they are ultimately paid. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the accrued warranty liability was $47.7 million and $44.4 million, respectively. Adjustments to the warranty reserve are made from time to time based on actual claims experience in order to properly estimate the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date. While management believes that the warranty reserve is adequate and that the judgment applied is appropriate, such amounts estimated to be due and payable could differ materially from what will actually transpire in the future.

Product liability: We are subject to product liability claims in the normal course of business. In late 2012, we purchased excess insurance coverage for catastrophic product liability claims for incidents occurring after the policy date. We self-insure product liability claims up to the purchased catastrophic insurance coverage. The

 

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estimated costs resulting from any uninsured losses are charged to operating expenses when it is probable a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably determinable. We utilize historical trends and actuarial analysis tools, along with an analysis of current claims, to assist in determining the appropriate loss reserve levels. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had accruals of $19.0 million and $16.9 million, respectively, for the probable payment of pending claims related to product liability litigation associated with our products. These accruals are included in other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. While management believes the product liability reserves are adequate, adverse determination of material product liability claims made against us could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies—New Accounting Pronouncements.”

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of funds have been cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under our credit arrangements. Our primary use of funds has been for repayments under our credit arrangements, repurchase and retirement of common stock, capital investments, acquisitions, cash dividends to shareholders and new product development.

The following chart summarizes the cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31  

($ in millions):

   2012     2011     Change  

Total cash provided by (used for):

      

Operating activities

   $ 416.1      $ 302.5      $ 113.6   

Investment activities

     (163.0     (141.1     (21.9

Financing activities

     (162.5     (227.5     65.0   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances

     1.1        (2.5     3.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 91.7      $ (68.6   $ 160.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating activities:

For the year ended December 31, 2012, we generated net cash from operating activities of $416.1 million compared to net cash from operating activities of $302.5 million in the same period of 2011, an increase of 38 percent. The $113.6 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 is primarily due to an $84.7 million increase in net income, which includes a $14.9 million increase in noncash compensation, and a $27.9 million reduction in net investment in working capital.

Investing activities:

Net cash used for investing activities was $163.0 million for 2012 compared to cash used totaling $141.1 million for 2011. The primary use of cash in 2012 and 2011 was the capital investment in property and equipment of $103.1 million and $84.5 million, respectively. Additionally, during 2012 and 2011, cash was used to complete acquisitions of businesses totaling $41.1 million and $51.9 million, respectively.

Improvements in manufacturing capacity and product development during 2012 included $49.2 million of tooling expenditures for new product development across all product lines. We anticipate that capital

 

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expenditures for 2013 will be approximately $200 million, which includes tooling and research equipment, planned capacity expansion projects at each of our North America plants, the expansion of our Product Development Center near Wyoming, Minnesota, and building a new manufacturing plant in Europe.

Financing activities:

Net cash used for financing activities was $162.5 million for 2012 compared to $227.5 million in 2011. In 2012, we used cash for financing activities to pay cash dividends of $101.5 million, repurchase shares of common stock for $127.5 million, and a net repayment of debt totaling $5.0 million, offset by proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans of $41.7 million. In 2011, we used cash for financing activities to pay cash dividends of $61.6 million and repurchase shares of common stock for $132.4 million and a net repayment of debt totaling $102.3 million, offset by proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans of $45.7 million.

In August 2011, Polaris entered into a new $350 million unsecured revolving loan facility. Subsequent to December 31, 2012, Polaris amended the loan facility to provide more beneficial covenant and interest rate terms and extend the expiration date from August 2016 to January 2018. Interest is charged at rates based on LIBOR or “prime.” The agreement also requires Polaris to maintain certain financial ratios including minimum interest coverage and a maximum leverage ratio. There were no borrowings under this revolving loan facility at December 31, 2012 and 2011. Prior to August 2011, we were a party to an unsecured bank agreement comprised of a $250 million revolving loan facility for working capital needs. As part of the previous bank agreement, the we had a $200 million term loan outstanding at December 31, 2010, which was paid off in its entirety in May 2011 with the issuance of the Senior Notes described below and $100 million of cash on hand. In December 2010, we entered into a Master Note Purchase Agreement to issue $25.0 million of 3.81 percent unsecured Senior Notes due May 2018 and $75.0 million of 4.60 percent unsecured Senior Notes due May 2021 (collectively, the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were issued in May 2011. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

We previously had interest rate swap agreements to manage exposures to fluctuations in interest rates. Each of these interest swaps was designated as and met the criteria of cash flow hedges. The swaps expired in April 2011.

We entered into and settled an interest rate lock contract in November 2010 in connection with the Master Note Purchase Agreement. The interest rate lock settlement resulted in a $0.3 million gain, net of deferred taxes of $0.1 million, which will be amortized into income over the life of the related debt.

The following table summarizes our significant future contractual obligations at December 31, 2012:

 

(In millions):

   Total      <1 Year      1-3 Years      3-5 Years      >5 Years  

Borrowings under credit agreement:

              

Senior Notes

   $ 100.0         —          —          —        $ 100.00   

Interest expense senior notes

     33.8       $ 4.4       $ 8.8       $ 8.8         11.8   

Capital leases

     7.3         3.0         3.3         1.0          

Operating leases

     39.0         8.9         12.8         8.5         8.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 180.1       $ 16.3       $ 24.9       $ 18.3       $ 120.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Additionally, at December 31, 2012, we had letters of credit outstanding of $29.4 million related to purchase obligations for raw materials. Not included in the above table is unrecognized tax benefits of $7.1 million and the payments of contingent purchase price related to acquisitions which has a fair value of $12.7 million at December 31, 2012, and is expected to be paid at various times in 2013 through 2017.

Our Board of Directors authorized the cumulative repurchase of up to 75.0 million shares of our common stock through December 31, 2012. Of that total, approximately 73.0 million shares were repurchased cumulatively from 1996 through December 31, 2012. We paid $127.5 million to repurchase and retire

 

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approximately 1.6 million shares during 2012. The share repurchase activity during 2012 had a $0.03 beneficial impact on diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, we have authorization from our Board of Directors to repurchase up to an additional 2.0 million shares of Polaris stock, which represents approximately three percent of the total shares currently outstanding.

We have arrangements with certain finance companies (including Polaris Acceptance) to provide secured floor plan financing for our dealers. These arrangements provide liquidity by financing dealer purchases of our products without the use of our working capital. A majority of the worldwide sales of snowmobiles, ORVs, motorcycles and related PG&A are financed under similar arrangements whereby we receive payment within a few days of shipment of the product. The amount financed by worldwide dealers under these arrangements at December 31, 2012 and 2011, was approximately $981.6 million and $731.3 million, respectively. We participate in the cost of dealer financing up to certain limits. We have agreed to repurchase products repossessed by the finance companies up to an annual maximum of no more than 15 percent of the average month-end balances outstanding during the prior calendar year. Our financial exposure under these agreements is limited to the difference between the amounts unpaid by the dealer with respect to the repossessed product plus costs of repossession and the amount received on the resale of the repossessed product. No material losses have been incurred under these agreements. However, an adverse change in retail sales could cause this situation to change and thereby require us to repurchase repossessed units subject to the annual limitation referred to above.

In 1996, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a partnership agreement with a subsidiary of TDF to form Polaris Acceptance. In 2004, TDF was merged with a subsidiary of GE and, as a result of that merger, TDF’s name was changed to GECDF. Polaris Acceptance provides floor plan financing to our dealers in the United States. Our subsidiary has a 50 percent equity interest in Polaris Acceptance. In November 2006, Polaris Acceptance sold a majority of its receivable portfolio to a Securitization Facility, and the partnership agreement was amended to provide that Polaris Acceptance would continue to sell portions of its receivable portfolio to the Securitization Facility from time to time on an ongoing basis. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the outstanding balance of receivables sold by Polaris Acceptance to the Securitization Facility (the “Securitized Receivables”) amounted to approximately $601.2 million and $477.6 million, respectively. The sale of receivables from Polaris Acceptance to the Securitization Facility is accounted for in Polaris Acceptance’s financial statements as a “true-sale” under ASC Topic 860 (originally issued as SFAS No. 140: “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”). Polaris Acceptance is not responsible for any continuing servicing costs or obligations with respect to the Securitized Receivables. We have not guaranteed the outstanding indebtedness of Polaris Acceptance or the Securitized Receivables. The remaining portion of the receivable portfolio is recorded on Polaris Acceptance’s books. The two partners of Polaris Acceptance share equally an equity cash investment equal to 15 percent of the sum of the portfolio balance in Polaris Acceptance plus Securitized Receivables. Our total investment in Polaris Acceptance at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $57.0 million and $42.3 million, respectively. The Polaris Acceptance partnership agreement provides for periodic options for renewal, purchase or termination by either party. Substantially all of our United States sales are financed through Polaris Acceptance and the Securitization Facility whereby we receive payment within a few days of shipment of the product. The partnership agreement provides that all income and losses of the Polaris Acceptance portfolio and income and losses realized by GECDF’s affiliates with respect to the Securitized Receivables are shared 50 percent by our wholly-owned subsidiary and 50 percent by GECDF. Our exposure to losses associated with respect to the Polaris Acceptance Portfolio and the Securitized Receivables is limited to its equity in its wholly-owned subsidiary that is a partner in Polaris Acceptance.

Our investment in Polaris Acceptance is accounted for under the equity method, and is recorded as Investments in finance affiliate in the consolidated balance sheets. Our allocable share of the income of Polaris Acceptance and the Securitized Receivables has been included as a component of Income from financial services in the consolidated statements of income. At December 31, 2012, Polaris Acceptance’s wholesale portfolio receivables from dealers in the United States (excluding the Securitized Receivables) was $166.0 million, an 83 percent increase from $90.8 million at December 31, 2011 as more receivables have been originated outside

 

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the securitization facility. Including the Securitized Receivables, the wholesale receivables from dealers in the United States at December 31, 2012 was $767.2 million, a 35 percent increase from $568.4 million at December 31, 2011. Credit losses in the Polaris Acceptance portfolio have been modest, averaging less than one percent of the portfolio over the life of the partnership.

In August 2005, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a multi-year contract with HSBC Bank Nevada, National Association (“HSBC”), formerly known as Household Bank (SB), N.A., under which HSBC manages the Polaris private label credit card program under the StarCard label, providing revolving retail credit for Polaris products. The current agreement expires in October 2013. During 2011, it was announced that HSBC’s U.S. Credit Card and Retail Services business would be acquired by Capital One, subject to regulatory approval. The transaction closed in May 2012. Polaris has not experienced any changes, and does not expect any changes going forward, in the contractual terms governing the StarCard program as a result of the sale, other than an assignment to Capital One. Polaris’ income generated from the Capital One agreement has been included as a component of Income from financial services in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

In April 2006, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a multi-year contract with GE Money Bank (“GE Bank”) under which GE Bank makes available closed-end installment consumer and commercial credit to customers of Polaris dealers for both Polaris and non-Polaris products. In November 2010, the Company extended its installment credit agreement to March 2016 under which GE Bank will provide exclusive installment credit lending for Victory motorcycles. Polaris’ income generated from the GE Bank agreement has been included as a component of Income from financial services in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

In January 2009, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a multi-year contract with Sheffield pursuant to which Sheffield agreed to make available closed-end installment consumer and commercial credit to customers of Polaris dealers for Polaris products. In October 2010, Polaris extended its installment credit agreement to February 2016 under which Sheffield will provide exclusive installment credit lending for ORV and Snowmobiles. Polaris’ income generated from the Sheffield agreement has been included as a component of Income from financial services in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

During 2012, consumers financed approximately 34 percent of our vehicles sold in the United States through the combined Capital One revolving retail credit and GE Bank and Sheffield installment retail credit arrangements, while the volume of revolving and installment credit contracts written in calendar year 2012 was $717.4 million, an 11 percent increase from 2011.

Management believes that existing cash balances, cash flows to be generated from operating activities and available borrowing capacity under the existing $350.0 million line of credit arrangement and the new Master Note Purchase Agreement, will be sufficient to fund operations, regular dividends, share repurchases, and capital expenditure requirements for 2013. At this time, management is not aware of any factors that would have a material adverse impact on cash flow beyond 2013.

 

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Inflation, Foreign Exchange Rates, Equity Prices and Interest Rates

Commodity inflation has had an impact on our results of operations in 2012. The changing relationships of the U.S. dollar to the Japanese yen, the Canadian dollar, the Euro and other foreign currencies have also had a material impact from time to time. At December 31, 2012, we had the following open foreign currency contracts for 2013:

 

Foreign Currency

   Notional Amounts
(in thousands of US Dollars)
    

Average Exchange Rate of Open
Contracts

Australian Dollar

   $ 11,210       $1.02 to 1 Australian Dollar

Canadian Dollar

     99,001       $0.99 to 1 Canadian Dollar

Euro

     3,130       $1.28 to 1 Euro

Japanese Yen

     49,566       81.60 Yen to $1

Mexican Peso

     10,647       13.89 Peso to $1

Swedish Krona

     6,524       $0.15 to 1 Krona

During 2012, purchases totaling approximately five percent of our Cost of sales were from yen-denominated suppliers. Our Cost of sales in 2012 was positively impacted by the Japanese yen-U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuation when compared to the same period in 2011. In view of current exchange rates and currency contracts, we anticipate that the Japanese yen-U.S. dollar exchange rate will have a positive impact on Cost of sales for 2013 when compared to 2012.

With the increased production at our Monterrey, Mexico facility, our Mexican peso denominated costs have increased significantly. We began hedging the Mexican peso in 2012. Cost of sales was negatively impacted by the Mexican peso-U.S. dollar exchange rate during 2012. In view of current exchange rates, we anticipate that the Mexican peso-U.S. dollar exchange rate will have a slightly negative impact on Cost of sales for 2013.

We operate in Canada through a wholly owned subsidiary. The relationship of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar has unfavorably impacted sales and gross margin levels in 2012. In view of current exchange rates and the foreign exchange hedging contracts currently in place, we anticipate that the Canadian dollar-U.S. dollar exchange rate will have a roughly neutral impact on sales for 2013.

We operate in various countries, principally in Europe, through wholly owned subsidiaries and also sell to certain distributors in other countries and purchase components from certain suppliers directly for our U.S. operations in transactions denominated in Euros and other foreign currencies. The relationship of the U.S. dollar in relation to the other foreign currencies, combined, resulted in a positive impact on the gross margin levels in 2012 when compared to 2011. In view of the current exchange rates and the foreign exchange hedging contracts currently in place, we anticipate that the impact of the exchange rates on sales and gross profit for 2013 when compared to the same periods in the prior year will be negative for the Euro, Swedish krona, and Australian dollar.

The assets and liabilities in all Polaris foreign entities are translated at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Translation gains and losses are reflected as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income, net in the Shareholders’ Equity section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Revenues and expenses in all Polaris foreign entities are translated at the average foreign exchange rate in effect for each month of the quarter. Certain assets and liabilities related to intercompany positions reported on Polaris’ consolidated balance sheet that are denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency are translated at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and the associated gains and losses are included in Net income.

We are subject to market risk from fluctuating market prices of certain purchased commodities and raw materials including aluminum, steel, petroleum-based resins, certain rare earth metals, and diesel fuel. In addition, we are a purchaser of components and parts containing various commodities, including steel,

 

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aluminum, rubber and others, which are integrated into the Company’s end products. While such materials are typically available from numerous suppliers, commodity raw materials are subject to price fluctuations. We generally buy these commodities and components based upon market prices that are established with the vendor as part of the purchase process and from time to time will enter into derivative contracts to hedge a portion of the exposure to commodity risk. At December 31, 2012, there were derivative contracts in place to hedge a portion of our aluminum and diesel fuel exposures during 2013. Based on our current outlook for commodity prices, the total impact of commodities is expected to have a slightly positive impact on our gross margins for 2013 when compared to 2012.

We are a party to a credit agreement with various lenders consisting of a $350 million revolving loan facility. Interest accrues on the revolving loan at variable rates based on LIBOR or “prime” plus the applicable add-on percentage as defined. At December 31, 2012, there was no outstanding balance on the revolving loan.

We have been manufacturing our own engines for selected models of snowmobiles since 1995, motorcycles since 1998 and ORVs since 2001 at our Osceola, Wisconsin facility and in our Monterrey facility since 2011. Also, in 1995, we entered into an agreement with Fuji to form Robin. Under the terms of the agreement, we had a 40 percent ownership interest in Robin, which built engines in the United States for recreational and industrial products. Potential advantages to Polaris of having these additional sources of engines include reduced foreign exchange risk, lower shipping costs and less dependence in the future on a single supplier for engines. The Robin facility closed in 2011 as the production volume of engines produced at the facility had declined significantly in recent years. Subsequent to the closing of the Robin facility, Fuji has continued to support the production of these engines for Polaris from its facility in Japan.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     44   

Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     45   

Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements

     46   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011

     47   

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     48   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     49   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December  31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     50   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     51   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     52   

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting of the Company. This system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. In making this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on management’s evaluation and those criteria, management concluded that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.

Management’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing on the following page, in which they expressed an unqualified opinion.

 

/S/ Scott W. Wine
Scott W. Wine
Chief Executive Officer
/S/ Michael W. Malone
Michael W. Malone
Vice President—Finance and
Chief Financial Officer

February 28, 2013

Further discussion of our internal controls and procedures is included in Item 9A of this report, under the caption “Controls and Procedures.”

 

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Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Polaris Industries Inc.

We have audited Polaris Industries Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Polaris Industries Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Polaris Industries Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Polaris Industries Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, and our report dated February 28, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 28, 2013

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

on Consolidated Financial Statements

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Polaris Industries Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Polaris Industries Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15. These financial statements and the schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Polaris Industries Inc. at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Polaris Industries Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 28, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 28, 2013

 

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POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  
ASSETS     

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 417,015      $ 325,336   

Trade receivables, net

     119,769        115,302   

Inventories, net

     344,996        298,042   

Prepaid expenses and other

     34,039        33,969   

Income taxes receivable

     15,730        24,723   

Deferred tax assets

     86,292        77,665   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     1,017,841        875,037   

Property and Equipment:

    

Land, buildings and improvements

     133,688        123,771   

Equipment and tooling

     557,880        524,382   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     691,568        648,153   

Less accumulated depreciation

     (438,199     (434,375
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

     253,369        213,778   

Investment in finance affiliate

     56,988        42,251   

Investment in other affiliates

     12,817        5,000   

Deferred tax assets

     22,389        10,601   

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

     107,216        77,718   

Other long-term assets

     15,872        3,639   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 1,486,492      $ 1,228,024   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current Liabilities:

    

Current portion of capital lease obligations

   $ 2,887      $ 2,653   

Accounts payable

     169,036        146,743   

Accrued expenses:

    

Compensation

     139,140        165,347   

Warranties

     47,723        44,355   

Sales promotions and incentives

     107,008        81,228   

Dealer holdback

     86,733        76,512   

Other

     73,529        68,856   

Income taxes payable

     4,973        639   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     631,029        586,333   

Long term income taxes payable

     7,063        7,837   

Capital lease obligations

     4,292        4,600   

Long-term debt

     100,000        100,000   

Other long-term liabilities

     53,578        29,198   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     795,962        727,968   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

    

Preferred stock $0.01 par value, 20,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

     —         —    

Common stock $0.01 par value, 160,000 shares authorized, 68,647 and 68,430 shares issued and outstanding

     686        684   

Additional paid-in capital

     268,515        165,518   

Retained earnings

     409,091        321,831   

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

     12,238        12,023   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     690,530        500,056   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 1,486,492      $ 1,228,024   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Sales

   $ 3,209,782      $ 2,656,949      $ 1,991,139   

Cost of sales

     2,284,485        1,916,366        1,460,926   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     925,297        740,583        530,213   

Operating expenses:

      

Selling and marketing

     210,367        178,725        142,353   

Research and development

     127,361        105,631        84,940   

General and administrative

     143,064        130,395        99,055   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     480,792        414,751        326,348   

Income from financial services

     33,920        24,092        16,856   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     478,425        349,924        220,721   

Non-operating expense (income):

      

Interest expense

     5,932        3,987        2,680   

Gain on securities available for sale

     —         —         (825

Equity in loss of other affiliates

     179        —         —    

Other (income) expense, net

     (7,529     (689     325   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     479,843        346,626        218,541   

Provision for income taxes

     167,533        119,051        71,403   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 312,310      $ 227,575      $ 147,138   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic net income per share

   $ 4.54      $ 3.31      $ 2.20   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share

   $ 4.40      $ 3.20      $ 2.14   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

      

Basic

     68,849        68,792        66,900   

Diluted

     71,005        71,057        68,765   

The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

Shares outstanding and per share data have been adjusted to give effect to the two-for-one stock split declared on

July 20, 2011, paid on September 12, 2011 to shareholders of record on September 2, 2011.

 

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POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011      2010  

Net income

   $ 312,310      $ 227,575       $ 147,138   

Other comprehensive income:

       

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (expense) benefit of ($182), $6,782, and ($222)

     4,124        2,554         3,131   

Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $2,325, ($2,125), and $256

     (3,909     3,571         (439

Unrealized gain on available for sale securities, net of tax benefit of $0, $0, and $230

     —         —          382   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 312,525      $ 233,700       $ 150,212   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

    Number
of Shares
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-
In Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Total  

Balance, December 31, 2009

    65,296      $ 653      $ 9,990      $ 191,074      $ 2,824      $ 204,541   

Employee stock compensation

    308        3        18,049            18,052   

Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans

    4,066        41        68,064            68,105   

Tax effect of exercise of stock options

        10,610            10,610   

Cash dividends declared ($0.80 per share)

          (53,043       (53,043

Repurchase and retirement of common shares

    (1,202     (12     (27,474         (27,486

Net income

          147,138          147,138   

Other comprehensive income

            3,074        3,074   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2010

    68,468        685        79,239        285,169        5,898        370,991   

Employee stock compensation

    290        3        20,545            20,548   

Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans

    2,280        22        45,632            45,654   

Tax effect of exercise of stock options

        23,120            23,120   

Cash dividends declared ($0.90 per share)

          (61,585       (61,585

Repurchase and retirement of common shares

    (2,608     (26     (3,018     (129,328       (132,372

Net income

          227,575          227,575   

Other comprehensive income

            6,125        6,125   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2011

    68,430        684        165,518        321,831        12,023        500,056   

Employee stock compensation

    174        2        35,418            35,420   

Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans

    1,692        17        41,679            41,696   

Tax effect of exercise of stock options

        29,892            29,892   

Cash dividends declared ($1.48 per share)

          (101,534       (101,534

Repurchase and retirement of common shares

    (1,649     (17     (3,992     (123,516       (127,525

Net income

          312,310          312,310   

Other comprehensive income

            215        215   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2012

    68,647      $ 686      $ 268,515      $ 409,091      $ 12,238      $ 690,530   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

Shares outstanding, common stock, additional paid-in-capital, retained earnings and per share data

have been adjusted to give effect to the two-for-one stock split declared on July 20, 2011, paid on

September 12, 2011 to shareholders of record on September 2, 2011.

 

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POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

    For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
    2012     2011     2010  

Operating Activities:

     

Net income

  $ 312,310      $ 227,575      $ 147,138   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

     

Gain on securities available for sale

    —         —         (825

Depreciation and amortization

    70,580        66,390        66,519   

Noncash compensation

    35,420        20,548        18,052   

Noncash income from financial services

    (3,899     (4,444     (4,574

Noncash expense from other affiliates

    179        133        1,376   

Deferred income taxes

    (28,901     (16,946     (16,888

Tax effect of share-based compensation exercises

    (29,892     (23,120     (10,610

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

     

Trade receivables

    2,413        (23,115     1,111   

Inventories

    (36,029     (49,973     (56,612

Accounts payable

    21,371        27,232        37,580   

Accrued expenses

    39,269        80,668        107,363   

Income taxes payable/receivable

    51,120        (1,343     7,033   

Prepaid expenses and others, net

    (17,831     (1,075     956   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

    416,110        302,530        297,619   

Investing Activities:

     

Purchase of property and equipment

    (103,083     (84,484     (55,718

Investment in finance affiliate

    (18,400     (12,588     (9,173

Distributions from finance affiliate

    7,562        11,950        17,910   

Investment in other affiliates

    (7,996     (5,000     —    

Proceeds from sale of investments

    —         876        9,601   

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

    (41,135     (51,899     (4,738
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for investment activities

    (163,052     (141,145     (42,118

Financing Activities:

     

Borrowings under senior notes/capital lease obligations

    2,437        100,000        —    

Repayments under credit agreements/capital lease obligations

    (7,478     (202,333     —    

Repurchase and retirement of common shares

    (127,525     (132,372     (27,486

Cash dividends to shareholders

    (101,534     (61,585     (53,043

Tax effect of proceeds from share-based compensation exercises

    29,892        23,120        10,610   

Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans

    41,696        45,654        68,105   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

    (162,512     (227,516     (1,814

Impact of currency exchange rates on cash balances

    1,133        (2,460     —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    91,679        (68,591     253,687   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    325,336        393,927        140,240   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 417,015      $ 325,336      $ 393,927   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

     

Interest paid on debt borrowings

  $ 5,932      $ 3,350      $ 2,813   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income taxes paid

  $ 143,510      $ 132,088      $ 81,142   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Polaris Industries Inc. (“Polaris” or the “Company”), a Minnesota corporation, and its subsidiaries are engaged in the design, engineering, manufacturing and marketing of innovative, high-quality, high-performance Off-Road Vehicles (ORV), Snowmobiles, and On-Road Vehicles, including motorcycles and Small Vehicles (SV). Polaris products, together with related parts, garments and accessories are sold worldwide through a network of dealers, distributors and its subsidiaries located in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Spain, China, India and Brazil.

Basis of presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Polaris and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Income from financial services is reported as a component of operating income to better reflect income from ongoing operations, of which financial services has a significant impact.

During the 2011 third quarter, the Board of Directors declared a two-for-one split of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock. On September 12, 2011, Polaris shareholders received one additional share of Common Stock for each share they held of record at the close of business on September 2, 2011. All amounts, including shares and per share information, have been adjusted to give effect to the two-for-one stock split.

The Company evaluates consolidation of entities under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810. This Topic requires management to evaluate whether an entity or interest is a variable interest entity and whether the company is the primary beneficiary. Polaris used the guidelines to analyze the Company’s relationships, including the relationship with Polaris Acceptance, and concluded that there were no variable interest entities requiring consolidation by the Company in 2012, 2011 and 2010.

In December 2012, the Company completed an acquisition of Teton Outfitters, LLC (d/b/a Klim). The purchase price totaled approximately $41,200,000, of which approximately $11,061,000 was allocated to goodwill, $19,600,000 to identifiable intangible assets and $10,539,000 to assumed tangible assets, net of liabilities. Included in the acquisition of Klim were borrowings under a credit arrangement of $4,647,000, which was paid and retired by Polaris prior to December 31, 2012. The Company has included the financial results of this acquisition in its consolidated results of operations beginning on the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations; however, the impact of this acquisition did not have a material impact on Polaris’ consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications of previously reported balance sheet amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassifications had no impact on the consolidated statements of income, or total assets and total liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, as previously reported.

Fair value measurements: ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. This Topic also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires classification based on observable and unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

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Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The Company utilizes the market approach to measure fair value for its non-qualified deferred compensation assets and liabilities, and the income approach for the interest rate swap agreements, foreign currency contracts and commodity contracts. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities and for the income approach the Company uses significant other observable inputs to value its derivative instruments used to hedge interest rate volatility, foreign currency and commodity transactions. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2012
 
     Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  

Asset (Liability)

        

Non-qualified deferred compensation assets

   $ 15,872      $ 15,872        —           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value

   $ 15,872      $ 15,872        —           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ (2,617     —         $ (2,617     —     

Commodity contracts

     (124     —           (124     —     

Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities

     (15,872   $ (15,872     —           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value

   $ (18,613   $ (15,872   $ (2,741     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2011
 
     Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  

Asset (Liability)

        

Non-qualified deferred compensation assets

   $ 3,639      $ 3,639        —           —     

Foreign exchange contracts

     3,578        —         $ 3,578        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value

   $ 7,217      $ 3,639      $ 3,578        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commodity contracts

   $ (1,337     —         $ (1,337     —     

Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities

     (3,639   $ (3,639     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value

   $ (4,976   $ (3,639   $ (1,337     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

We measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of acquisitions are measured at fair value. Refer to Note 5 for additional information.

Investment in finance affiliate: The caption Investment in finance affiliate in the consolidated balance sheets represents Polaris’ 50 percent equity interest in Polaris Acceptance, a partnership agreement between GE Commercial Distribution Finance Corporation (“GECDF”) and one of Polaris’ wholly-owned subsidiaries. Polaris Acceptance provides floor plan financing to Polaris dealers in the United States. Polaris’ investment in Polaris Acceptance is accounted for under the equity method, and is recorded as Investment in finance affiliate in the consolidated balance sheets. Polaris’ allocable share of the income of Polaris Acceptance and the Securitized Receivables has been included as a component of Income from financial services in the consolidated statements of income. Refer to Note 8 for additional information regarding Polaris’ investment in Polaris Acceptance.

Investment in other affiliates: The caption Investment in other affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets represents the Company’s investment in nonmarketable securities of strategic companies. For each investment, Polaris assesses the level of influence in determining whether to account for the investment under the cost method or equity method. For equity method investments, Polaris’ proportionate share of income or losses is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Polaris will write down or write off an investment and recognize a loss when events or circumstances indicate there is impairment in the investment that is other-than-

 

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temporary. No impairments have been recognized on currently held investments. Refer to Note 9 for additional information regarding Polaris’ investment in other affiliates.

Gain on Securities Available for Sale: The net gain of $825,000 in 2010 on securities available for sale resulted from a $1,594,000 gain on the sale of our remaining investment in KTM during the 2010 third quarter offset by a related non-cash impairment charge of $769,000 during the 2010 second quarter. In the first quarter 2009, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge on securities held for sale of $8,952,000 from the decline in the fair value of the KTM shares owned by Polaris as of March 31, 2009, when it was determined that the decline in the fair value of the KTM shares owned by the Company was other than temporary.

Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Ultimate results could differ from those estimates.

Cash equivalents: Polaris considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Such investments consist principally of money market mutual funds.

Allowance for doubtful accounts: Polaris’ financial exposure to collection of accounts receivable is limited due to its agreements with certain finance companies. For receivables not serviced through these finance companies, the Company provides a reserve for doubtful accounts based on historical rates and trends. This reserve is adjusted periodically as information about specific accounts becomes available.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. The major components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Raw materials and purchased components

   $ 70,552      $ 61,296   

Service parts, garments and accessories

     95,110        77,437   

Finished goods

     196,691        175,252   

Less: reserves

     (17,357     (15,943
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Inventories

   $ 344,996      $ 298,042   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment: Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the respective assets, ranging from 10-40 years for buildings and improvements and from 1-7 years for equipment and tooling. Fully depreciated tooling is eliminated from the accounting records annually.

Goodwill and other intangible assets: ASC Topic 350 prohibits the amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. Topic 350 requires that these assets be reviewed for impairment at least annually. An impairment charge for goodwill is recognized only when the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than its carrying amount. In accordance with Topic 350, the Company completed an impairment analysis as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. Refer to Note 5 for additional information regarding goodwill and other intangible assets.

Research and Development Expenses: Polaris records research and development expenses in the period in which they are incurred as a component of operating expenses. In the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, Polaris incurred $127,361,000, $105,631,000, and $84,940,000, respectively.

 

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Advertising Expenses: Polaris records advertising expenses as a component of selling and marketing expenses in the period in which they are incurred. In the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, Polaris incurred $58,752,000, $48,877,000, and $40,833,000, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs: Polaris records shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of sales at the time the product is shipped.

Product warranties: Polaris provides a limited warranty for its ORVs for a period of six months and for a period of one year for its snowmobiles and motorcycles and a two year period for SVs. Polaris provides longer warranties in certain geographical markets as determined by local regulations and market conditions and may provide longer warranties related to certain promotional programs. Polaris’ standard warranties require the Company or its dealers to repair or replace defective products during such warranty periods at no cost to the consumer. The warranty reserve is established at the time of sale to the dealer or distributor based on management’s best estimate using historical rates and trends. Adjustments to the warranty reserve are made from time to time as actual claims become known in order to properly estimate the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date. Factors that could have an impact on the warranty accrual in any given period include the following: improved manufacturing quality, shifts in product mix, changes in warranty coverage periods, snowfall and its impact on snowmobile usage, product recalls and any significant changes in sales volume.

The activity in the warranty reserve during the years presented is as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 44,355      $ 32,651      $ 25,520   

Additions to warranty reserve through acquisitions

     900        2,727        —      

Additions charged to expense

     46,088        46,217        43,721   

Warranty claims paid

     (43,620     (37,240     (36,590
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 47,723      $ 44,355      $ 32,651   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sales promotions and incentives: Polaris provides for estimated sales promotion and incentive expenses, which are recognized as a reduction to sales, at the time of sale to the dealer or distributor. Examples of sales promotion and incentive programs include dealer and consumer rebates, volume incentives, retail financing programs and sales associate incentives. Sales promotion and incentive expenses are estimated based on current programs and historical rates for each product line. Actual results may differ from these estimates if market conditions dictate the need to enhance or reduce sales promotion and incentive programs or if the customer usage rate varies from historical trends. Polaris recorded accrued liabilities of $107,008,000 and $81,228,000 related to various sales promotions and incentive programs as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Historically, sales promotion and incentive expenses have been within the Company’s expectations and differences have not been material.

Dealer holdback programs: Dealer holdback represents a portion of the invoiced sales price that is expected to be subsequently returned to the dealer or distributor as a sales incentive upon the ultimate retail sale of the product. Holdback amounts reduce the ultimate net price of the products purchased by Polaris’ dealers or distributors and, therefore, reduce the amount of sales Polaris recognizes at the time of shipment. The portion of the invoiced sales price estimated as the holdback is recognized as “dealer holdback” liability on the Company’s balance sheet until paid or forfeited. The minimal holdback adjustments in the estimated holdback liability due to forfeitures are recognized in net sales. Payments are made to dealers or distributors at various times during the year subject to previously established criteria. Polaris recorded accrued liabilities of $86,733,000 and $76,512,000, for dealer holdback programs in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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Foreign currency translation: The functional currency for each of the Polaris foreign subsidiaries is their respective local currencies.

The assets and liabilities in all Polaris foreign entities are translated at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Translation gains and losses are reflected as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in the shareholders’ equity section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Revenues and expenses in all of Polaris’ foreign entities are translated at the average foreign exchange rate in effect for each month of the quarter. Transaction gains and losses including intercompany transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity involved are included in “Other (income) expense, net” on our consolidated statements of income. The net Accumulated other comprehensive income related to translation gains and losses was a net gain of $13,669,000 and $9,545,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Revenue recognition: Revenues are recognized at the time of shipment to the dealer or distributor or other customers. Product returns, whether in the normal course of business or resulting from repossession under its customer financing program (see Note 8), have not been material. Polaris sponsors certain sales incentive programs and accrues liabilities for estimated sales promotion expenses and estimated holdback amounts that are recognized as reductions to sales when products are sold to the dealer or distributor customer.

Share-based employee compensation: For purposes of determining the estimated fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant under ASC Topic 718, Polaris uses the Black-Scholes Model. The Black-Scholes Model requires the input of certain assumptions that require judgment. Because employee stock options and restricted stock awards have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models may not provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the employee stock options or restricted stock awards. Management will continue to assess the assumptions and methodologies used to calculate estimated fair value of share-based compensation. Circumstances may change and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies and thereby materially impact the fair value determination. If factors change and the Company employs different assumptions in the application of Topic 718 in future periods, the compensation expense that was recorded under Topic 718 may differ significantly from what was recorded in the current period. Refer to Note 2 for additional information regarding share-based compensation.

The Company estimates the likelihood and the rate of achievement for performance sensitive share-based awards. Changes in the estimated rate of achievement and fluctuation in the market based stock price can have a significant effect on reported share-based compensation expenses as the effect of a change in the estimated achievement level and fluctuation in the market based stock price is recognized in the period that the likelihood factor and stock price changes. If adjustments in the estimated rate of achievement and fluctuation in the market based stock price are made, they would be reflected in our gross margin and operating expenses.

Accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities: ASC Topic 815 requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge criteria are met, and requires that a company must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. The net unrealized loss of the derivative instruments of $2,741,000 at December 31, 2012 and the net unrealized gain of $2,241,000 at December 31, 2011 were recorded in the accompanying balance sheets as other current assets or other current liabilities. Polaris’ derivative instruments consist of foreign exchange and commodity contracts discussed below. The after tax unrealized losses on foreign exchange contracts of $1,431,000 and unrealized gains of $2,478,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were recorded as components of Accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company’s diesel fuel and aluminum contracts in 2012 and 2011 did not meet the criteria for hedge accounting and therefore, the resulting unrealized gains and losses from those contracts are included in the consolidated statements of income in Cost of sales. The

 

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unrealized gains for the diesel fuel contracts for 2012 and 2011 totaled $108,000 and $160,000, respectively, pretax, and the unrealized losses for the aluminum contracts for 2012 and 2011 totaled $232,000 and $1,497,000, respectively, pretax. Refer to Note 11 for additional information regarding derivative instruments and hedging activities.

Interest rate swap agreements: At December 31, 2012 and 2011, Polaris did not have any outstanding interest rate swaps.

Foreign exchange contracts: Polaris enters into foreign exchange contracts to manage currency exposures of certain of its purchase commitments denominated in foreign currencies and transfers of funds from time to time from its foreign subsidiaries. Polaris does not use any financial contracts for trading purposes. These contracts met the criteria for cash flow hedges. Gains and losses on the Canadian dollar, Swedish Krona and Australian dollar contracts at settlement are recorded in Non-operating other expense (income). Gains and losses on the Japanese yen, Mexican peso and Euro contracts at settlement are recorded in Cost of sales. Unrealized gains or losses, after tax, are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in Shareholders’ Equity. The fair value of the foreign exchange contracts was a net liability of $2,617,000 as of December 31, 2012 and a net asset of $3,578,000 as of December 31, 2011.

Commodity derivative contracts: Polaris is subject to market risk from fluctuating market prices of certain purchased commodity raw materials including steel, aluminum, diesel fuel, and petroleum-based resins. In addition, the Company purchases components and parts containing various commodities, including steel, aluminum, rubber, rare earth metals and others which are integrated into the Company’s end products. While such materials are typically available from numerous suppliers, commodity raw materials are subject to price fluctuations. The Company generally buys these commodities and components based upon market prices that are established with the vendor as part of the purchase process. From time to time, Polaris utilizes derivative contracts to hedge a portion of the exposure to commodity risks. During 2012 and 2011, the Company entered into derivative contracts to hedge a portion of the exposure for diesel fuel and aluminum. These contracts did not meet the criteria for hedge accounting and the resulting unrealized gains and losses are recorded in the consolidated statement of income as a component of Cost of sales. The fair value of the commodity derivative contracts was a net liability of $124,000 and $1,337,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Comprehensive income: Components of comprehensive income include net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, and unrealized gains or losses on securities held for sale, net of tax. The Company has chosen to disclose comprehensive income in a separate Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

New accounting pronouncements: There are no new accounting pronouncements which are expected to have a significant impact on Polaris’ consolidated financial statements.

Note 2. Share-Based Compensation

Share-based plans: The Company grants long-term equity-based incentives and rewards for the benefit of its employees, directors and consultants under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”), which were previously provided under several separate incentive and compensatory plans. Upon approval by the shareholders of the Omnibus Plan in April 2007, the Polaris Industries Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan (“Option Plan”), the 1999 Broad Based Stock Option Plan (“Broad Based Plan”), the Restricted Stock Plan (“Restricted Plan”) and the 2003 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (“Director Stock Option Plan” and collectively the “Prior Plans”) were frozen and no further grants or awards have since been or will be made under such plans. A maximum of 13,500,000 shares of common stock are available for issuance under the Omnibus Plan, together with additional shares cancelled or forfeited under the Prior Plans.

 

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Stock option awards granted to date under the Omnibus Plan generally vest two to four years from the award date and expire after ten years. In addition, since 2007 the Company has granted a total of 118,000 deferred stock units to its non-employee directors under the Omnibus Plan (12,000, 16,000 and 20,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively) which will be converted into common stock when the director’s board service ends or upon a change in control. Restricted shares awarded under the Omnibus Plan to date generally contain restrictions which lapse after a two to four year period if Polaris achieves certain performance measures.

Under the Option Plan, incentive and nonqualified stock options for a maximum of 16,400,000 shares of common stock could be issued to certain employees. Options granted to date generally vest three years from the award date and expire after ten years.

Under the Director Stock Option Plan, nonqualified stock options for a maximum of 400,000 shares of common stock could be issued to non-employee directors. Each non-employee director as of the date of the annual shareholders meetings through 2006 was granted an option to purchase 8,000 shares of common stock at a price per share equal to the fair market value as of the date of grant. Options became exercisable as of the date of the next annual shareholders meeting following the date of grant and must be exercised no later than 10 years from the date of grant.

Under the Polaris Industries Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (“Director Plan”), members of the Board of Directors who are not Polaris officers or employees receive annual grants of common stock equivalents and may also elect to receive additional common stock equivalents in lieu of director’s fees, which will be converted into common stock when board service ends. A maximum of 500,000 shares of common stock has been authorized under this plan of which 234,000 equivalents have been earned and an additional 230,000 shares have been issued to retired directors as of December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, Polaris’ liability under the plan totaled $19,699,000 and $13,933,000, respectively.

Polaris maintains a long term incentive program under which awards are issued to provide incentives for certain employees to attain and maintain the highest standards of performance and to attract and retain employees of outstanding competence and ability with no cash payments required from the recipient. Awards granted through 2011 are paid in cash and are based on certain Company performance measures that are measured over a period of three consecutive calendar years. At the beginning of the plan cycle, participants had the option to receive a cash value at the time of awards or a cash value tied to Polaris stock price movement over the three year plan cycle. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, Polaris’ liability under the plan totaled $66,586,000 and $93,765,000, respectively. Beginning in 2012, long term incentive program awards are granted in restricted stock units and therefore treated as equity awards. All remaining conditions of the long term incentive program have remained the same as prior to 2012.

Share-based compensation expense: The amount of compensation cost for share-based awards to be recognized during a period is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company estimates stock option forfeitures at the time of grant and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company analyzes historical data to estimate pre-vesting forfeitures and records share compensation expense for those awards expected to vest.

 

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Total share-based compensation expenses were as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2012      2011      2010  

Option plan

   $ 16,497       $ 9,948       $ 6,132   

Other share-based awards

     56,770         63,872         52,807   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total share-based compensation before tax

     73,267         73,820         58,939   

Tax benefit

     27,401         27,929         23,039   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total share-based compensation expense included in Net income

   $ 45,866       $ 45,891       $ 35,900   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

These share-based compensation expenses are reflected in Cost of sales and Operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. For purposes of determining the estimated fair value of option awards on the date of grant under ASC Topic 718, Polaris has used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Assumptions utilized in the model are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and experience.

At December 31, 2012, there was $46,317,000 of total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested share-based equity awards. Unrecognized share-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.59 years. Included in unrecognized share-based compensation is approximately $25,311,000 related to stock options and $21,006,000 for restricted stock.

General stock option and restricted stock information: The following summarizes stock option activity and the weighted average exercise price for the following plans for the each of the three years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Omnibus Plan
(Active)
     Option Plan
(Frozen)
     Director Stock Option Plan
(Frozen)
 
     Outstanding
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Outstanding
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Outstanding
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Balance as of December 31, 2009

     2,837,800      $ 16.89         6,439,246      $ 19.15         176,000      $ 23.03   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Granted

     1,615,812        26.81         —           —            —           —      

Exercised

     (6,000     24.25         (3,951,986     16.50         (72,000   $ 24.65   

Forfeited

     (138,800     18.79         (13,500     21.49         —           —      
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Balance as of December 31, 2010

     4,308,812      $ 20.54         2,473,760      $ 23.36         104,000      $ 21.91   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Granted

     1,276,500        50.52         —           —            —           —      

Exercised

     (865,875     16.30         (1,373,414     21.98         (16,000   $ 18.14   

Forfeited

     (36,700     26.38         (1,800     24.27         (8,000   $ 13.35   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Balance as of December 31, 2011

     4,682,737      $ 29.45         1,098,546      $ 25.08         80,000      $ 23.52   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Granted

     570,700        66.19         —           —            —           —      

Exercised

     (861,397     22.54         (744,974     25.84         (64,000   $ 22.62   

Forfeited

     (61,630     40.95         —           —            —           —      
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Balance as of December 31, 2012

     4,330,410      $ 35.50         353,572      $ 23.47         16,000      $ 27.10   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2012

     4,330,410      $ 35.50         353,572      $ 23.47         16,000      $ 27.10   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Options exercisable as of December 31, 2012

     864,558      $ 21.69         353,572      $ 23.47         16,000      $ 27.10   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

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The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding options was 7.13 years as of December 31, 2012.

The following assumptions were used to estimate the weighted average fair value of options of $23.40, $18.44, and $9.30 granted during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively:

 

     For the Year
Ended December 31,
 
     2012     2011     2010  

Weighted-average volatility

     50     49     48

Expected dividend yield

     2.2     1.9     3.0

Expected term (in years)

     4.6        4.7        5.1   

Weighted average risk free interest rate

     0.7     1.4     2.5

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2012 was $92,864,000. The total intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $76,372,000, $67,466,000, and $40,795,000, respectively. The total intrinsic values are based on the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the applicable year for in-the-money options.

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2012:

 

     Shares
Outstanding
    Weighted
Average
Grant Price
 

Balance as of December 31, 2011

     424,248      $ 30.09   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Granted

     333,800        70.12   

Vested

     (206,000     21.55   

Canceled/Forfeited

     (7,616     61.99   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

     544,432      $ 57.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expected to vest as of December 31, 2012

     544,432      $ 57.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The total intrinsic value of restricted stock expected to vest as of December 31, 2012 was $45,814,000. The total intrinsic value is based on the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the year. The weighted average fair values at the grant dates of grants awarded under the Restricted Stock Plan for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were $70.12, $42.54, and $28.95, respectively.

Note 3. Employee Savings Plans

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Polaris sponsors a qualified non-leveraged ESOP under which a maximum of 7,200,000 shares of common stock can be awarded. The shares are allocated to eligible participants accounts based on total cash compensation earned during the calendar year. Grants of shares vest equally after two and three years of service and require no cash payments from the recipient. Participants may instruct Polaris to pay respective dividends directly to the participant in cash or reinvest the dividends into the participants ESOP accounts. Substantially all employees are eligible to participate in the ESOP, with the exception of Company officers. Total expense related to the ESOP was $7,380,000, $7,011,000, and $8,123,000, in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2012 there were 4,508,000 shares vested in the plan.

401(k) Retirement Plan: Polaris sponsors a 401(k) retirement savings plan under which eligible United States employees may choose to contribute up to 50 percent of eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis, subject to certain IRS limitations. The Company matches 100 percent of employee contributions up to a maximum of five percent of eligible compensation. All contributions vest immediately. Matching contributions were $9,318,000, $8,456,000, and $7,073,000, in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP): Polaris sponsors a SERP that provides executive officers of the Company an alternative to defer portions of their salary, cash incentive compensation, and Polaris matching contributions. The deferrals and contributions are held in a rabbi trust and are invested in funds to match the liabilities of the plan. The assets are recorded as trading assets. The assets of the rabbi trust are included in other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets and the SERP liability is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The asset and liability balance are both $15,872,000 and 3,639,000 at December 31, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Note 4. Financing

Bank financing: In August 2011, Polaris entered into a $350,000,000 unsecured revolving loan facility. Subsequent to December 31, 2012, Polaris amended the loan facility to provide more beneficial covenant and interest rate terms and extend the expiration date from August 2016 to January 2018. Interest is charged at rates based on LIBOR or “prime.” The agreement also requires Polaris to maintain certain financial ratios including minimum interest coverage and a maximum leverage ratio. Polaris was in compliance with each of the covenants as of December 31, 2012. There were no borrowings under this revolving loan facility at December 31, 2012 and 2011. Prior to August 2011, Polaris was a party to an unsecured bank agreement comprised of a $250,000,000 revolving loan facility for working capital needs. As part of the previous bank agreement, the Company had a $200,000,000 term loan outstanding at December 31, 2010, which was paid off in its entirety in May 2011 with the issuance of the Senior Notes described below and $100,000,000 of cash on hand.

In December 2010, the Company entered into a Master Note Purchase Agreement to issue $25,000,000 of 3.81 percent unsecured senior notes due May 2018 and $75,000,000 of 4.60 percent unsecured senior notes due May 2021 (collectively, the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were issued in May 2011.

The Company entered into and settled an interest rate lock contract in November 2009 in connection with the Master Note Purchase Agreement. The interest rate lock settlement resulted in a $251,000 gain, net of deferred taxes of $149,000, which will be amortized into income over the life of the related debt.

The following summarizes activity under Polaris’ credit arrangements, excluding the acquired borrowings of Klim under their credit arrangement of $4,647,000 that was fully paid and retired by December 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

 

     2012     2011     2010  

Total borrowings at December 31,

   $ 100,000      $ 100,000      $ 200,000   

Average outstanding borrowings during year

   $ 100,000      $ 133,800      $ 200,000   

Maximum outstanding borrowings during year

   $ 100,000      $ 200,000      $ 200,000   

Interest rate at December 31

     4.40     4.40     0.65

The carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt approximates its fair value as December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Capital Leases: With the acquisition of Goupil in late 2011, the Company assumed capital lease obligations related to certain lease agreements entered into by Goupil. These transactions are classified as capital lease obligations and recorded at fair value. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011 the Company’s capital lease obligations totaled $7,179,000 and $7,253,000, respectively, which includes $2,887,000 and $2,653,000, respectively, classified as a current liability.

Letters of credit: At December 31, 2012, Polaris had open letters of credit totaling approximately $29,358,000. The amounts are primarily to inventory purchases and are reduced as the purchases are received.

 

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Dealer financing programs: Certain finance companies, including Polaris Acceptance, an affiliate (see Note 8), provide floor plan financing to dealers on the purchase of Polaris products. The amount financed by worldwide dealers under these arrangements at December 31, 2012, was approximately $981,584,000. Polaris has agreed to repurchase products repossessed by the finance companies up to an annual maximum of no more than 15 percent of the average month-end balances outstanding during the prior calendar year. Polaris’ financial exposure under these arrangements is limited to the difference between the amount paid to the finance companies for repurchases and the amount received on the resale of the repossessed product. No material losses have been incurred under these agreements during the periods presented. As a part of its marketing program, Polaris contributes to the cost of dealer financing up to certain limits and subject to certain conditions. Such expenditures are included as an offset to Sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets: ASC Topic 350 prohibits the amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. Topic 350 requires that these assets be reviewed for impairment at least annually. An impairment charge for goodwill is recognized only when the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than its carrying amount. The Company performed the annual impairment test as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. The results of the impairment test indicated that no goodwill or intangible impairment existed as of the test date. The Company has had no historical impairments of goodwill. In accordance with Topic 350, the Company will continue to complete an impairment analysis on an annual basis. Goodwill and other intangible assets, net, consist of $56,324,000 and $44,668,000 of goodwill and $50,892,000 and $33,050,000 of intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, for the periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Additions to goodwill and other intangible assets in 2012 primarily relate to the December 2012 acquisition of Klim. Additions to goodwill and other intangible assets in 2011 relate to the acquisition of Indian Motorcycle Company, Global Electric Motorcars LLC, and Goupil Industries S.A. Goodwill associated with these acquisitions is tax deductible. Financial results for each of the above acquisitions are included in the Company’s consolidated results from the date of acquisition. Pro forma financial results are not presented as the acquisitions are not material, individually or in the aggregate. The aggregate Klim purchase price was allocated on a preliminary basis to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. As of December 31, 2012, this allocation for Klim remains preliminary as it relates to income taxes and a working capital adjustment.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012      2011  

Balance as of beginning of year

   $ 44,668       $ 28,354   

Goodwill acquired during the year

     11,061         16,482   

Currency translation effect on foreign goodwill balances

     595         (168
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of end of year

   $ 56,324       $ 44,668   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For other intangible assets the changes in the net carrying amount for the years December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

 

    For the Year Ended
December 31, 2012
    For the Year Ended
December 31, 2011
 
    Gross
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Gross
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
 

Other intangible assets, beginning

  $ 34,256      $ (1,206   $ 3,147      $ (188

Intangible assets acquired during the period

    20,369        —           31,106        —      

Amortization expense

    —           (2,787     —           (1,018

Foreign currency translation effect on balances

    282        (22     3        —      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other intangible assets, ending

  $ 54,907      $ (4,015   $ 34,256      $ (1,206
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The components of other intangible assets were as follows (in thousands):

 

December 31, 2012

   Estimated Life
(Years)
   Gross Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net  

Non-compete agreements

   5    $ 540       $ (77   $ 463   

Dealer/customer related

   7      14,702         (1,650     13,052   

Developed technology

   5-7      12,974         (2,288     10,686   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total amortizable

        28,216         (4,015     24,201   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-amortizable—brand/trade names

        26,691               26,691   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other intangible assets, net

      $ 54,907       $ (4,015   $ 50,892   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

   Estimated Life
(Years)
   Gross Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net  

Non-compete agreements

   5    $ 240       $ (24   $ 216   

Dealer/customer related

   7      8,013         (366     7,647   

Developed technology

   7      8,625         (816     7,809   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total amortizable

        16,878         (1,206     15,672   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-amortizable—brand/trade names

        17,378               17,378   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other intangible assets, net

      $ 34,256       $ (1,206   $ 33,050   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets during 2012 and 2011 was $2,787,000 and $1,018,000, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for 2013 to 2017 is as follows: 2013, $4,222,000; 2014, $4,222,000; 2015, $4,222,000; 2016, $4,198,000; 2017, $3,901,000; and after 2017, $3,436,000. The preceding expected amortization expense is an estimate and actual amounts could differ due to additional intangible asset acquisitions, changes in foreign currency rates or impairment of intangible assets.

Note 6. Income Taxes

Polaris’ Income before income taxes was generated from its United States and foreign operations as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
      2012      2011      2010  

United States

   $ 458,635       $ 329,060       $ 210,155   

Foreign

     21,208         17,566         8,386   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 479,843       $ 346,626       $ 218,541   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Components of Polaris’ Provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
      2012     2011     2010  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 169,833      $ 113,406      $ 73,597   

State

     15,366        10,629        7,381   

Foreign

     8,593        6,374        6,783   

Deferred

     (26,259     (11,358     (16,358
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 167,533      $ 119,051      $ 71,403   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Reconciliation of the Federal statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2012     2011     2010  

Federal statutory rate

     35.0     35.0     35.0

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

     1.8        1.8        1.8   

Domestic manufacturing deduction

     (1.5     (1.9     (1.8

Research tax credit

     0.0        (0.8     (1.2

Valuation allowance for foreign subsidiaries net operating losses

     0.0        0.5        0.4   

Other permanent differences

     (0.4     (0.3     (1.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

     34.9     34.3     32.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2012, the United States President enacted the 2012 research and development tax credit. As a result, the impact of the 2012 research and development tax credit will be recorded in the first quarter 2013 tax provision. Polaris anticipates the impact of the tax credit will be consistent with the amount of tax credit recorded in prior years.

Undistributed earnings relating to certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of approximately $56,812,000 and $44,643,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are considered to be permanently reinvested; accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes has been provided thereon. If the Company were to distribute these earnings it would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits reflecting the amounts paid to non-U.S. taxing authorities) and withholding taxes payable to the non-U.S. countries. Determination of the unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability related to these undistributed earnings is not practicable due to the complexities associated with this hypothetical calculation.

Polaris utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes whereby deferred taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities given the provisions of enacted tax laws. The net deferred income taxes consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Current deferred income taxes:

    

Inventories

   $ 7,277      $ 5,968   

Accrued expenses

     78,164        73,171   

Derivative instruments

     851        (1,474
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current

     86,292        77,665   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncurrent net deferred income taxes:

    

Cost in excess of net assets of business acquired

     5,193        2,139   

Property and equipment

     (21,656     (21,627

Compensation payable in common stock

     40,329        31,274   

Net unrealized gains in other comprehensive income

     (1,698     (1,516

Net operating loss carryforwards

     4,744        4,243   

Valuation allowance

     (4,523     (3,912
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total noncurrent

     22,389        10,601   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 108,681      $ 88,266   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2012, the Company had available unused international and acquired federal net operating loss carryforwards of $26,122,000. The net operating loss carryforwards will expire at various dates from 2013 to 2020.

 

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Polaris had liabilities recorded related to unrecognized tax benefits totaling $7,063,000 and $7,837,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The liabilities were classified as Long term income taxes payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in accordance with ASC Topic 740. Polaris recognizes potential interest and penalties related to income tax positions as a component of the Provision for income taxes on the consolidated statements of income. Polaris had reserves related to potential interest of $359,000 and $496,000 recorded as a component of Long term income taxes payable at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The entire balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company does not anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will materially change in the next twelve months. Tax years 2009 through 2012 remain open to examination by certain tax jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
              2012                     2011          

Balance at January 1,

   $ 7,837      $ 5,509   

Gross increases for tax positions of prior years

     83        483   

Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years

     —         —    

Gross increases for tax positions of current year

     1,137        1,956   

Decreases due to settlements

     (1,994     —    

Decreases for lapse of statute of limitations

     —         (111
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31,

   $ 7,063      $ 7,837   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 7. Shareholders’ Equity

Stock repurchase program: The Polaris Board of Directors authorized the cumulative repurchase of up to 75,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of December 31, 2012, 1,981,000 shares remain available for repurchases under the Board’s authorization. During 2012, Polaris paid $127,525,000 to repurchase and retire approximately 1,649,000 shares. During 2011, Polaris paid $132,372,000 to repurchase and retire approximately 2,608,000 shares, and in 2010 Polaris paid $27,486,000 to repurchase and retire approximately 1,202,000 shares.

Shareholder rights plan: During 2000, the Polaris Board of Directors adopted a shareholder rights plan. Under the plan, a dividend of preferred stock purchase rights will become exercisable if a person or group should acquire 15 percent or more of the Company’s stock. The dividend will consist of one purchase right for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock held by shareholders of record on June 1, 2000. The shareholder rights plan was amended and restated in April 2010. The amended and restated rights agreement extended the final expiration date of the rights from May 2010 to April 2020, expanded the definition of “Beneficial Owner” to include certain derivative securities relating to the common stock of the Company and increased the purchase price for the rights from $75 to $125 per share. The Board of Directors may redeem the rights earlier for $0.01 per right.

Accumulated other comprehensive income: Accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of $13,669,000 and $9,545,000 of unrealized currency translation gains (net of tax expense of $1,698,000 and $1,516,000) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and unrealized losses of $1,431,000 and unrealized gains of $2,478,000 (net of tax benefit of $851,000 and tax expense of $1,474,000) related to derivative instruments as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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Changes in the Accumulated other comprehensive income balance is as follows (in thousands):

 

    Foreign
Currency
Items
    Net Gains (Losses)
on Cash Flow
Hedging Derivatives
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income
 

Balance at December 31, 2011

  $ 9,545      $ 2,478      $ 12,023   

Reclassification to the income statement

    —         (6,085     (6,085

Change in fair value

    4,124        2,176        6,300   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

  $ 13,669      $ (1,431   $ 12,238   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share: Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year, including shares earned under the Director Plan, ESOP and deferred stock units under the Omnibus Plan. Diluted earnings per share is computed under the treasury stock method and is calculated to compute the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and certain shares issued under the Restricted Plan and Omnibus Plan. A reconciliation of these amounts is as follows (in thousands):

 

    2012     2011     2010  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

    68,409        68,315        66,318   

Director Plan and Deferred stock units

    341        342        326   

ESOP

    99        135        256   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding—basic

    68,849        68,792        66,900   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dilutive effect of restricted stock awards

    181        165        132   

Dilutive effect of stock option awards

    1,975        2,100        1,733   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common and potential common shares outstanding—diluted

    71,005        71,057        68,765   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the number of options that could potentially dilute earnings per share on a fully diluted basis that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive was 872,000, 131,000, and 788,000, respectively.

Stock Purchase Plan: Polaris maintains an employee stock purchase plan (“Purchase Plan”). A total of 3,000,000 shares of common stock are reserved for this plan. The Purchase Plan permits eligible employees to purchase common stock at 95 percent of the average market price each month. As of December 31, 2012, approximately 1,220,000 shares had been purchased under the Purchase Plan.

Note 8. Financial Services Arrangements

In 1996, one of Polaris’ wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a partnership agreement with a subsidiary of Transamerica Distribution Finance (TDF) to form Polaris Acceptance. In 2004, TDF was merged with a subsidiary of General Electric Company and, as a result of that merger, TDF’s name was changed to GECDF. Polaris’ subsidiary has a 50 percent equity interest in Polaris Acceptance. In November 2006, Polaris Acceptance sold a majority of its receivable portfolio to the securitization facility arranged by General Electric Capital Corporation, a GECDF affiliate (“Securitization Facility”), and the partnership agreement was amended to provide that Polaris Acceptance would continue to sell portions of its receivable portfolio to a Securitization Facility from time to time on an ongoing basis. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the outstanding balance of receivables sold by Polaris Acceptance to the Securitization Facility (the “Securitized Receivables”) amounted to approximately $601,175,000 and $477,604,000, respectively. The sale of receivables from Polaris Acceptance to the Securitization Facility is accounted for in Polaris Acceptance’s financial statements as a “true-sale” under ASC Topic 860. Polaris Acceptance is not responsible for any continuing servicing costs or obligations with respect to the Securitized Receivables. Polaris has not guaranteed the outstanding indebtedness of Polaris

 

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Acceptance or the Securitized Receivables. Polaris’ subsidiary and GECDF have an income sharing arrangement related to income generated from the Securitization Facility. The remaining portion of the receivable portfolio is recorded on Polaris Acceptance’s books. The two partners of Polaris Acceptance share equally an equity cash investment equal to 15 percent of the sum of the portfolio balance in Polaris Acceptance plus Securitized Receivables. Polaris’ total investment in Polaris Acceptance at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $56,988,000 and $42,251,000, respectively. The Polaris Acceptance partnership agreement provides for periodic options for renewal, purchase, or termination by either party. Substantially all of Polaris’ United States sales are financed through Polaris Acceptance and the Securitization Facility whereby Polaris receives payment within a few days of shipment of the product. The net amount financed for dealers under this arrangement at December 31, 2012, including both the portfolio balance in Polaris Acceptance and the Securitized Receivables, was $767,200,000. Polaris has agreed to repurchase products repossessed by Polaris Acceptance up to an annual maximum of 15 percent of the average month-end balances outstanding during the prior calendar year. For calendar year 2012, the potential 15 percent aggregate repurchase obligation was approximately $78,905,000. Polaris’ financial exposure under this arrangement is limited to the difference between the amounts unpaid by the dealer with respect to the repossessed product plus costs of repossession and the amount received on the resale of the repossessed product. No material losses have been incurred under this agreement during the periods presented. Polaris’ trade receivables from Polaris Acceptance were $1,777,000 and $1,618,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Polaris’ exposure to losses with respect to the Polaris Acceptance Portfolio and the Securitized Receivables is limited to its equity in its wholly-owned subsidiary that is a partner in Polaris Acceptance.

Polaris’ total investment in Polaris Acceptance at December 31, 2012 of $56,988,000 is accounted for under the equity method, and is recorded as Investment in finance affiliate in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The partnership agreement provides that all income and losses of the Polaris Acceptance and the Securitized Receivables are shared 50 percent by Polaris’ wholly-owned subsidiary and 50 percent by GECDF. Polaris’ allocable share of the income of Polaris Acceptance and the Securitized Facility has been included as a component of Income from financial services in the accompanying statements of income.

Summarized financial information for Polaris Acceptance reflecting the effects of the Securitization Facility is presented as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  

Revenues

   $ 8,811       $ 13,018       $ 12,459   

Interest and operating expenses

     1,013         4,131         3,311   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 7,798       $ 8,887       $ 9,148   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011  

Finance receivables, net

   $ 166,025       $ 90,788   

Other assets

     100         73   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 166,125       $ 90,861   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Notes payable/(receivable)

   $ 44,494       $ (2,435

Other liabilities

     7,655         8,794   

Partners’ capital

     113,976         84,502   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

   $ 166,125       $ 90,861   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

In August 2005, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a multi-year contract with HSBC Bank Nevada, National Association (“HSBC”), formerly known as Household Bank (SB), N.A., under which HSBC manages the Polaris private label credit card program under the StarCard label, providing revolving retail credit

 

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for Polaris products. The current agreement expires in October 2013. During 2011, it was announced that HSBC’s U.S. Credit Card and Retail Services business would be acquired by Capital One, subject to regulatory approval. The transaction closed in May 2012. Polaris has not experienced any changes, and does not expect any changes going forward, in the contractual terms governing the StarCard program as a result of the sale, other than an assignment to Capital One. Polaris’ income generated from the HSBC agreement has been included as a component of Income from financial services in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

In April 2006, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a multi-year contract with GE Money Bank (“GE Bank”) under which GE Bank makes available closed-end installment consumer and commercial credit to customers of Polaris dealers for both Polaris and non-Polaris products. In November 2010, the Company extended its installment credit agreement to March 2016 under which GE Bank will provide exclusive installment credit lending for Victory motorcycles. Polaris’ income generated from the GE Bank agreement has been included as a component of Income from financial services in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

In January 2009, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a multi-year contract with Sheffield Financial (“Sheffield”) pursuant to which Sheffield agreed to make available closed-end installment consumer and commercial credit to customers of Polaris dealers for Polaris products. In October 2010, Polaris extended its installment credit agreement to February 2016 under which Sheffield will provide exclusive installment credit lending for ORV and Snowmobiles. Polaris’ income generated from the Sheffield agreement has been included as a component of Income from financial services in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Polaris also provides extended service contracts to consumers and certain insurance contracts to dealers and consumers through various third-party suppliers. Polaris does not retain any warranty, insurance or financial risk in any of these arrangements. Polaris’ service fee income generated from these arrangements has been included as a component of Income from financial services in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Income from financial services as included in the consolidated statements of income is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  

Equity in earnings of Polaris Acceptance

   $ 3,899       $ 4,444       $ 4,574   

Income from Securitization Facility

     11,862         7,686         8,027   

Income from HSBC/Capital One, GE Bank and Sheffield retail credit agreements

     15,296         9,056         2,422   

Income from other financial services activities

     2,863         2,906         1,833   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income from financial services

   $ 33,920       $ 24,092       $ 16,856   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 9. Investment in Other Affiliates

The caption Investment in other affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets represents the Company’s investment in nonmarketable securities of strategic companies.

During 2011 the Company had a 40 percent equity ownership in Robin Manufacturing, U.S.A. (“Robin”), which assembled engines in the United States for recreational and industrial products. The Robin operations were closed during 2011 as the production volumes of engines made by Robin had declined significantly in recent years. Polaris received the return of its remaining equity investment in Robin during the fourth quarter 2011 as Robin was liquidated.

 

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Investment in other affiliates as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011  

Investment in Brammo, Inc.

   $ 12,000       $ 5,000   

Investment in Eicher-Polaris Private Limited

     817         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investment in other affiliates

   $ 12,817       $ 5,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

A $5,000,000 investment was made in October 2011 in Brammo, Inc., a privately held manufacturer of electric motorcycles, and an additional $7,000,000 investment was made in July 2012. The investment in Brammo, Inc. is accounted for under the cost method.

In July 2012, Polaris announced a joint venture agreement with Eicher Motors Limited (Eicher), a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles and motorcycles in India. Polaris and Eicher will each control 50 percent of the joint venture, Eicher-Polaris Private Limited (EPPL), which is intended to design, develop and manufacture a full range of new vehicles for India and other emerging markets. The investment in EPPL is accounted for under the equity method, with Polaris’ proportionate share of income or loss recorded within the consolidated financial statements on a one month lag due to financial information not being available timely. The overall investment is expected to be approximately $50,000,000, shared equally with Eicher over a three year period. An initial investment of $999,000 was made by Polaris in November 2012. Polaris’ share of EPPL loss for the period ended December 31, 2012 was $179,000.

Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies

Product liability: Polaris is subject to product liability claims in the normal course of business. In late 2012, Polaris purchased excess insurance coverage for catastrophic product liability claims for incidents occurring after the policy date. Polaris self-insures product liability claims before the policy date and up to the purchased catastrophic insurance coverage after the policy date. The estimated costs resulting from any losses are charged to operating expenses when it is probable a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably determinable. The Company utilizes historical trends and actuarial analysis tools, along with an analysis of current claims, to assist in determining the appropriate loss reserve levels. At December 31, 2012, the Company had an accrual of $19,026,000 for the probable payment of pending claims related to product liability litigation associated with Polaris products. This accrual is included as a component of Other Accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company is party to a lawsuit which the Plaintiff alleges that she was injured in a 2008 accident involving a collision between a 2001 Polaris Virage personal watercraft and a boat. Management believes the claim to be without merit and intends to defend vigorously against the action, but there can be no assurances that the ultimate outcome of the lawsuit will be favorable to the Company or that the defense of the suit or its outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition. Management is unable to estimate the range of reasonably possible loss associated with this claim. The Company discontinued the manufacture of marine products in 2004.

Litigation: Polaris is a defendant in lawsuits and subject to other claims arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, it is unlikely that any legal proceedings pending against or involving Polaris will have a material adverse effect on Polaris’ financial position or results of operations.

Contingent purchase price: As a component of certain past acquisition agreements, Polaris has committed to make additional payments to certain sellers contingent upon either the passage of time or certain financial performance criteria. Polaris initially records the fair value of each commitment as of the respective opening balance sheet, and each reporting period the fair value is evaluated, using level 3 inputs, with the change in value reflected in the consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the fair value of contingent purchase price commitments was $12,701,000 and $6,874,000, respectively, recorded in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Leases: Polaris leases buildings and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. Total rent expense under all operating lease agreements was $10,349,000, $9,184,000, and $5,553,000 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Based on capital leases held as of December 31, 2012, Polaris expects to make payments totaling $7,337,000 over the next six years.

Future minimum annual lease payments under capital and operating leases with non-cancelable terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2012, including payments for the Monterrey, Mexico facility operating lease were as follows (in thousands):

 

Lease Obligations

   Capital
Leases
     Operating
Leases
 

2013

   $ 2,958       $ 8,897   

2014

     2,105         7,300   

2015

     1,222         5,528   

2016

     686         4,737   

2017

     362         3,747   

Thereafter

     4         8,832   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total future minimum lease obligation

   $ 7,337       $ 39,041   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 11. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and commodity price fluctuations. Forward exchange contracts on various currencies are entered into in order to manage foreign currency exposures associated with certain product sourcing activities and intercompany sales. Interest rate swaps are entered into from time to time in order to manage interest rate risk associated with the Company’s variable-rate borrowings. Commodity hedging contracts are entered into in order to manage fluctuating market prices of certain purchased commodities and raw materials that are integrated into the Company’s end products.

The Company’s foreign currency management objective is to mitigate the potential impact of currency fluctuations on the value of its United States dollar cash flows and to reduce the variability of certain cash flows at the subsidiary level. The Company actively manages certain forecasted foreign currency exposures and uses a centralized currency management operation to take advantage of potential opportunities to naturally offset foreign currency exposures against each other. The decision of whether and when to execute derivative instruments, along with the duration of the instrument, can vary from period to period depending on market conditions, the relative costs of the instruments and capacity to hedge. The duration is linked to the timing of the underlying exposure, with the connection between the two being regularly monitored. Polaris does not use any financial contracts for trading purposes. At December 31, 2012, Polaris had the following open contracts, which have maturities through December 2013 (in thousands):

 

Foreign Currency

   Notional Amounts
(in US Dollars)
     Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)  

Australian Dollar

   $ 11,210       $ (78

Canadian Dollar

     99,001         (1,185

Euro

     3,130         (70

Japanese Yen

     49,566         (1,817

Mexican Peso

     10,647         692   

Swedish Krona

     6,524         (159
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 180,078       $ (2,617
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Polaris has entered into derivative contracts to hedge a portion of the exposure for gallons of diesel fuel for 2013 and metric tons of aluminum for 2013. These diesel fuel and aluminum derivative contracts did not meet the criteria for hedge accounting.

 

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The tables below summarize the carrying values of derivative instruments as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

    Carrying Values of Derivative Instruments as of December 31,  2012  
    Fair Value—Assets     Fair Value—(Liabilities)     Derivative Net
Carrying Value
 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

     

Foreign exchange contracts(1)

  $ 1,122      $ (3,739   $ (2,617
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

  $ 1,122      $ (3,739   $ (2,617
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commodity contracts(1)

  $ 114      $ (238   $ (124
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

  $ 114      $ (238   $ (124
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Derivatives

  $ 1,236      $ (3,977   $ (2,741
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    Carrying Values of Derivative Instruments as of December 31,  2011  
    Fair Value—Assets     Fair Value—(Liabilities)     Derivative Net
Carrying Value
 
     

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

     

Foreign exchange contracts(1)

  $ 4,738      $ (1,160   $ 3,578   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

  $ 4,738      $ (1,160   $ 3,578   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commodity contracts(1)

  $ 193      $ (1,530   $ (1,337
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

  $ 193      $ (1,530   $ (1,337
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Derivatives

  $ 4,931      $ (2,690   $ 2,241   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Assets are included in Prepaid expenses and other and liabilities are included in Other accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into the income statement in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects the income statement. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in the statement of income. The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses, net of tax, related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges included as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income for the twelve month periods ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

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

Derivatives in Cash Flow

Hedging Relationships

   Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2012
    Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2011
 

Interest rate contracts

   $ (19   $ 62   

Foreign currency contracts

     (3,890     3,509   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (3,909   $ 3,571   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses, net of tax, reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income into income on derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments for the twelve months ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow

Hedging Relationships

   Location of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
Into Income
   Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
    Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
 
      Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2012
    Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2011
 

Interest rate contracts

   Interest expense      —       $ (152

Foreign currency contracts

   Other income, net      (5,681     (807

Foreign currency contracts

   Cost of sales      (404     —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (6,085   $ (959
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The net amount of the existing gains or losses at December 31, 2012 that is expected to be reclassified into the statement of income within the next 12 months is not expected to be material. The ineffective portion of foreign currency contracts was not material for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

The Company recognized a loss of $1,471,000 and $1,295,000 in Cost of sales on commodity contracts not designated as hedging instruments for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Note 12. Manufacturing Realignment

In May 2010, the Company announced that it was realigning its manufacturing with the intent to consolidate operations into its existing operations in Roseau, Minnesota and Spirit Lake, Iowa as well as establish a new facility in Monterrey, Mexico. As part of the realignment, the Company sold a portion of the Osceola, Wisconsin facility and outsourced certain components previously manufactured by Polaris at Osceola. The Company has since been recording transition charges, including both exit costs and startup costs, and completed the realignment in the second quarter of 2012. The cumulative exit costs pertaining to the manufacturing realignment totaled $6,937,000. The exit costs are classified within Cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.

Utilization of components of the accrued exit costs during the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was as follows (in thousands):

 

2012

   Balance
December 31, 2011
     Amount provided for
During 2012
     Amount Paid
During 2012
    Balance
December 31, 2012
 

Termination benefits

   $ 2,234       $ 125       $ (2,359   $ —     

Other associated costs

     —          —          —         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Exit Costs

   $ 2,234       $ 125       $ (2,359   $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

2011

   Balance
December 31, 2010
     Amount provided for
During 2011
     Amount Paid
During 2011
    Balance
December 31, 2011
 

Termination benefits

   $ 4,843       $ 980       $ (3,589   $ 2,234   

Other associated costs

     619         368         (987     —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Exit Costs

   $ 5,462       $ 1,348       $ (4,576   $ 2,234   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

2010

   Balance
December 31, 2009
     Amount provided for
During 2010
     Amount Paid
During 2010
    Balance
December 31, 2010
 

Termination benefits

     —        $ 4,843         —       $ 4,843   

Other associated costs

     —          621       $ (2     619   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Exit Costs

   $ —         $ 5,464       $ (2   $ 5,462   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Note 13. Segment Reporting

Polaris has reviewed ASC Topic 280 and determined that the Company meets the aggregation criteria outlined since the Company’s segments have similar (1) economic characteristics, (2) product and services, (3) production processes, (4) customers, (5) distribution channels, and (6) regulatory environments. Therefore, the Company reports as a single reportable business segment.

The following data relates to Polaris’ foreign operations (in thousands):

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  

Canadian subsidiary:

        

Sales

   $ 438,208       $ 368,487       $ 279,309   

Identifiable assets

     18,257         18,008         42,936   

Other foreign countries:

        

Sales

   $ 460,631       $ 424,363       $ 305,864   

Identifiable assets

     255,313         224,742         145,528   

Note 14. Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated events subsequent to the balance sheet date through the date the consolidated financial statements have been filed. There were no other subsequent events which required recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

Note 15. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

 

     Sales      Gross Profit      Net Income      Diluted
Net Income
per Share
 
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

2012

           

First Quarter

   $ 673,750       $ 194,963       $ 60,078       $ 0.85   

Second Quarter

     755,446         216,749         69,823         0.98   

Third Quarter

     879,939         259,785         94,345         1.33   

Fourth Quarter

     900,647         253,800         88,064         1.24   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Totals

   $ 3,209,782       $ 925,297       $ 312,310       $ 4.40   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2011

           

First Quarter

   $ 537,198       $ 151,835       $ 47,310       $ 0.67   

Second Quarter

     607,921         177,604         48,729         0.68   

Third Quarter

     729,861         206,836         67,637         0.95   

Fourth Quarter

     781,969         204,308         63,899         0.90   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Totals

   $ 2,656,949       $ 740,583       $ 227,575       $ 3.20   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management including its Chief Executive Officer and Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure. No changes have occurred during the period covered by this report or since the evaluation date that would have a material effect on the disclosure controls and procedures.

The Company’s internal control report is included in this report after Item 8, under the caption “Management’s Report on Company’s Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

Item 9B. Other Information

Not applicable.

 

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PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

(a) Directors of the Registrant

The information required under this item concerning our directors will be set forth under the caption Proposal 1—“Election of Directors—Information Concerning Nominees and Directors” in the Company’s 2013 Proxy Statement incorporated herein by reference.

(b) Executive Officers of the Registrant

Information concerning Executive Officers of the Company is included in this Report after Item 1, under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

(c) Identification of the Audit Committee; Audit Committee Financial Expert

The information required under this item concerning our Audit Committee and identification of our Audit Committee Financial Expert will be set forth under the caption “Corporate Governance—Committees of the Board and Meetings—Audit Committee” in the Company’s 2013 Proxy Statement incorporated herein by reference.

(d) Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

The information required under this item concerning compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 will be set forth under the caption “Corporate Governance—Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s 2013 Proxy Statement incorporated herein by reference.

(e) Code of Ethics.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and all other Polaris employees. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website at www.polaris.com and may be found as follows:

 

   

From our main web page, first click on “Our Company.”

 

   

Next, highlight “Investor Relations.”

 

   

Next, scroll down and click on “Corporate Governance.”

 

   

Finally, click on “Business Code of Conduct and Ethics.”

A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be furnished to any shareholder or other interested party who submits a written request for it. Such request should be sent to Polaris Industries Inc., 2100 Highway 55, Medina, Minnesota 55340, Attention: Investor Relations.

We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from a provision of this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by posting such information on our website, at the address and location specified above under the heading “waivers.”

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this item will be set forth under the captions “Corporate Governance—Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Summary Compensation Table,” “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2012,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2012

 

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Fiscal Year-End,” “Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2012,” “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation in 2012,” “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control,” “Director Compensation” and “Compensation Committee Report” in the Company’s 2013 Proxy Statement incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Company’s 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Our shareholders have approved the Polaris Industries Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan, the Polaris Industries Inc. Restricted Stock Plan, the Polaris Industries Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Polaris Industries Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, the 2003 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan and the Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

We do not have any equity compensation plans outstanding that have not been approved by shareholders.

Summary Table

The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2012, with respect to compensation plans under which shares of our common stock may be issued.

 

Plan category

   Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
    Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding
options,

warrants and rights
    Number of securities
remaining available for
issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in the first
column
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     5,037,027 (1)(2)    $ 34.56 (3)      8,448,659 (4) 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

     None        n/a        None   

 

(1) Includes 4,699,982 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, 102,950 shares issuable upon settlement of deferred stock units and accompanying dividend equivalent units issued under the Omnibus Plan to non-employee directors and 234,095 shares issuable upon settlement of common stock equivalents awarded to non-employee directors under the Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors but excludes 544,432 shares of restricted stock issued under the Omnibus Plan.
(2) The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding options was 7.13 years as of December 31, 2012. Unvested stock options and stock appreciation rights do not receive dividend equivalents.
(3) Reflects the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options. There is no exercise price for outstanding deferred stock units or common stock equivalents.
(4) A total of 36,310 shares were available under the Deferred Compensation Plan, a total of 6,632,436 shares were available under the Omnibus Plan (a fungible ratio of three to one will be applied to the Omnibus Plan pool) and a total of 1,779,913 shares were available under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item will be set forth under the captions “Corporate Governance—Corporate Governance Guidelines and Independence” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the Company’s 2013 Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the close of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this item will be set forth under the caption “Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s 2013 Proxy Statement, to be filed within 120 days after the close of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART  IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:

(1) Financial Statements

The financial statements listed in the Index to Financial Statements on page 43 are included in Part II of this Form 10-K.

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts is included on page 80 of this report.

All other supplemental financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or are not required or the information required to be set forth therein is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.

(3) Exhibits

The Exhibits to this report are listed in the Exhibit Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K on pages 81 to 84.

A copy of any of these Exhibits will be furnished at a reasonable cost to any person who was a shareholder of the Company as of February 28, 2013, upon receipt from any such person of a written request for any such exhibit. Such request should be sent to Polaris Industries Inc., 2100 Highway 55, Medina, Minnesota 55340, Attention: Investor Relations.

(b) Exhibits

Included in Item 15(a)(3) above.

(c) Financial Statement Schedules

Included in Item 15(a)(2) above.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Minneapolis, State of Minnesota on February 28, 2013.

 

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
By:  

/S/    SCOTT W. WINE        

  Scott W. Wine
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

/S/    SCOTT W. WINE        

  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer   February 28, 2013
Scott W. Wine   (Principal Executive Officer)  

/s/    MICHAEL W. MALONE        

  Vice President — Finance and Chief Financial   February 28, 2013
Michael W. Malone  

Officer (Principal Financial and

Accounting Officer)

 

*

  Director   February 28, 2013
Robert L. Caulk    

*

  Director   February 28, 2013
Brian C. Cornell    

*

  Director   February 28, 2013
Annette K. Clayton    

*

  Director   February 28, 2013
Gary E. Hendrickson    

*

  Director   February 28, 2013
Bernd F. Kessler    

*

  Director   February 28, 2013
Gregory R. Palen    

*

  Director   February 28, 2013
R. M. Schreck    

*

  Director   February 28, 2013
William Grant Van Dyke    

 

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Signature

 

Title

 

Date

*

  Director   February 28, 2013
John P. Wiehoff    
*By:  

/s/    SCOTT W. WINE        

    February 28, 2013
  (Scott W. Wine Attorney-in-Fact)    

 

* Scott W. Wine, pursuant to Powers of Attorney executed by each of the officers and directors listed above whose name is marked by an “*” and filed as an exhibit hereto, by signing his name hereto does hereby sign and execute this report of Polaris Industries Inc. on behalf of each of such officers and directors in the capacities in which the names of each appear above.

 

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POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

  Balance at
Beginning of
Period
    Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
    Additions
Through
Acquisition
    Other Changes
Add (Deduct)(1)
    Balance at
End of Period
 

(In thousands)

   

2010: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

  $ 9,593      $ 1,599        —       $ (4,823   $ 6,369   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

2011: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

  $ 6,369      $ 25      $ 532      $ (2,453   $ 4,473   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

2012: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

  $ 4,473      $ 375      $ 365      $ (945   $ 4,268   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Uncollectible accounts receivable written off, net of recoveries.

 

Inventory Reserve

  Balance at
Beginning of
Period
    Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
    Additions
Through
Acquisition
    Other Changes
Add (Deduct)(2)
    Balance at
End of Period
 

2010: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for obsolete inventory

  $ 15,593      $ 5,840        —       $ (5,223   $ 16,210   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

2011: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for obsolete inventory

  $ 16,210      $ 4,611      $ 725      $ (5,603   $ 15,943   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

2012: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for obsolete inventory

  $ 15,943      $ 6,258      $ 15      $ (4,859   $ 17,357   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(2) Inventory disposals, net of recoveries

 

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POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

EXHIBIT INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON

FORM 10-K

For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

    3.a    Restated Articles of Incorporation of Polaris Industries Inc. (the “Company”), effective October 24, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.a to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
      .b    Bylaws of the Company, as amended and restated on April 29, 2010, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.
    4.a    Specimen Stock Certificate of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed November 21, 1994 (No. 033-55769).
      .b    Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2010 by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Rights Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 30, 2010.
      .c    Master Note Purchase Agreement by and among Polaris Industries Inc. and the purchasers party thereto, dated December 13, 2010, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 15, 2010.
      .d    First Amendment to Master Note Purchase Agreement effective as of August 18, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.c to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
  10.a    Amendments to the Polaris Industries Inc. Supplemental Retirement/Savings Plan, as amended and restated effective December 31, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.a to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 28, 2009, subsequently amended effective April 9, 2009, January 1, 2010 and November 1, 2012.*
      .b   

Polaris Industries Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed October 31, 2005

(No. 333-129335).*

      .c    Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement and Notice of Exercise Form for options granted under the Polaris Industries Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed October 31, 2005 (No. 333-129335).*
      .d    Amendment to the Polaris Industries Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, as amended and restated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2009, subsequently amended on July 25, 2012, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.a to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012.*
      .e    Polaris Industries Inc. Restricted Stock Plan, as amended and restated effective January 20, 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.n to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 26, 2005.*
      .f    Form of Performance Restricted Share Award Agreement for performance restricted shares awarded under the Polaris Industries Inc. Restricted Stock Plan, as amended and restated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed June 7, 1996 (No. 333-05463).*

 

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Exhibit

Number

  

Description

    .g    Form of Change of Control Agreement entered into with executive officers of Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.*
    .h    Form of Amendment to the Form of Change in Control Agreement entered into with executive officers of Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.f to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 31, 2007.*
    .i    Polaris Industries Inc. 2003 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated on January 20, 2010, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.qq to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.*
    .j    Polaris Industries Inc. 2003 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan Amended and Restated Stock Option Agreement, amended as of January 20, 2010, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.rr to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.*
    .k    Polaris Industries Inc. Senior Executive Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 22, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2009.*
    .l    Polaris Industries Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective January 22, 2009 and as further amended effective January 20, 2011, incorporated by reference to Annex B to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed March 10, 2011.*
    .m    Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated April 28, 2011), incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed March 10, 2011.*
    .n    Form of Performance Based Restricted Share Award Agreement for performance based restricted shares awarded to named executive officers in 2008 under the Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.a to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.*
    .o    Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated April 28, 2011) Performance Based Restricted Share Award Agreement form (Single Trigger), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2011.*
    .p    Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated April 28, 2011) Performance Based Restricted Share Award Agreement form (Double Trigger), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2011.*
    .q    Form of Stock Option Agreement and Notice of Exercise Form for options (cliff vesting) granted to executive officers under the Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.ff to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 4, 2008.*
    .r    Form of Stock Option Agreement and Notice of Exercise Form for options (installment vesting) granted to executive officers under the Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.t to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.*
    .s    Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated April 28, 2011) Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement form (Single Trigger), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2011.*
    .t    Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated April 28, 2011) Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement form (Double Trigger), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2011.*

 

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Exhibit

Number

  

Description

    .u    Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated April 28, 2011) Restricted Stock Award Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2011.*
    .v    Form of Deferred Stock Award Agreement for shares of deferred stock granted to non-employee directors in 2007 under the Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.t to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.*
    .w    Form of Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.y to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.*
    .x    Employment Offer Letter dated April 4, 2005 by and between the Company and Bennett J. Morgan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.y to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 18, 2005.*
    .y    Employment Offer Letter dated July 28, 2008 by and between the Company and Scott W. Wine, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.a to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 4, 2008.*
    .z    Employment Offer Letter dated February 18, 2010 by and between the Company and Suresh Krishna, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.bb to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.*
    .aa    Employment Offer Letter dated January 12, 2011 by and between the Company and James P. Williams, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.cc to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.*
    .bb    Employment Offer Letter dated August 18, 2011 by and between the Company and Matthew J. Homan, incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.dd to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.*
    .cc    Employment Offer Letter dated February 6, 2012 by and between the Company and Stephen L. Eastman.*
    .dd    Form of Severance Agreement entered into with executive officers of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.dd to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 17, 2008.*
    .ee    Severance, Proprietary Information and Noncompetition Agreement entered into with Scott W. Wine, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.b to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 4, 2008.*
    .ff    Form of Severance Agreement entered into with Bennett J. Morgan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.ee to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 17, 2008.*
    .gg    Polaris Industries Inc. Early Retirement Perquisite Policy for the Chief Executive Officer, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.y to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.*
    .hh    Polaris Industries Inc. Retirement Perquisite Policy for the Chief Executive Officer, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.z to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.*
    .ii    Polaris Industries Inc. Early Retirement Perquisite Policy for executive officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.aa to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.*
    .jj    Polaris Industries Inc. Retirement Perquisite Policy for executive officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.bb to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.*

 

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Exhibit

Number

  

Description

      .kk    Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement dated as of February 28, 2011, by and between the Company and GE Commercial Distribution Finance Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 1, 2011.
      .ll    Credit Agreement, dated as of August 18, 2011, by and among the Company, one or more of its foreign subsidiaries designated thereafter as foreign borrowers, the lenders identified therein, U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent, Lead Arranger and Lead Book Runner, RBC Capital Markets and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners, RBC Capital Markets and Wells Fargo Bank National Association, as Syndication Agents, and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as Documentation Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2011.
      .mm    First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated December 20, 2011, by and among the Company, and any designated Foreign Borrower, the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and U.S. Bank National Association, as one of the lenders, lead arranger, lead book runner, and administrative agent for the lenders, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.nn to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
      .nn    Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated January 31, 2013, by and among the Company, and any designated Foreign Borrower, the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and U.S. Bank National Association, as one of the lenders, lead arranger, lead book runner, and administrative agent for the lenders.
      .oo    Amended and Restated Manufacturer’s Repurchase Agreement dated as of February 28, 2011, by and among the Company, Polaris Industries Inc., a Delaware Corporation, Polaris Sales Inc., and Polaris Acceptance, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 1, 2011.
    13    Portions of the Annual Report to Security Holders for the Year Ended December 31, 2011 included pursuant to Note 2 to General Instruction G.
    21    Subsidiaries of Registrant.
    23    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
    24    Power of Attorney.
    31.a    Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
    31.b    Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
    32.a    Certification furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    32.b    Certification furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  101    The following financial information from Polaris Industries Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2013, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

* Management contract or compensatory plan.

 

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