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, 2011

Commission file number 001-11411


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, 2014
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:

(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

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.  ¨

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

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ 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 $3,710,299,000$8,590,586,000 as of June 30, 2011,2014, 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 16, 2012, 68,457,25513, 2015, 66,317,127 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, of the registrant were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Portions of the registrant’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 20112014 (the “2011“2014 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 26, 201230, 2015 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report (the “2012“2015 Proxy Statement”), are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.


POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

2011 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS




POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
2014 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
  Page
 PagePART I 
Item 1.PART I

Item 1.

1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
  
3PART II 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors17

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments23

Item 2.

Properties24

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings25

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures25
PART II

Item 5.

26

Item 6.

28

Item 7.

29

Item 7A.

41

Item 8.

45

Item 9.

Item 9A.
Item 9B.
  
75PART III 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures75

Item 9B.

Other Information75
PART III

Item 10.

76

Item 11.

76

Item 12.

77

Item 13.

77

Item 14.

  
78PART IV 
PART IV

Item 15.

 78
79


2


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”)(ORV), including All-Terrain Vehicles (“ATV”)(ATV) and side-by-side vehicles for recreational and utility use, Snowmobiles, and On-Road vehicles, including motorcyclesMotorcycles and Small Electric Vehicles (“SEV”)(SV), together with the related replacement Parts, Garments and Accessories (“PG&A”)(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,Motorcycles, SVs and PG&A accounted for the following approximate percentages of our sales for the years ended December 31:

   ORVs  Snowmobiles  On-Road  PG&A 

2011

   69  11  5  15

2010

   69  10  4  17

2009

   65  12  3  20

 ORVs Snowmobiles Motorcycles Small Vehicles PG&A
201465% 7% 8% 3% 17%
201367% 8% 6% 3% 16%
201269% 9% 6% 2% 14%
Industry Background

Off-Road Vehicles. Our Off-Road VehiclesORVs include both core ATVs andRANGER® 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 as well asand for trail and dune riding, for utility purposes on farms, ranches, construction sites and the military.for certain military applications.

All-Terrain Vehicles

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”("BRP") entered in 1998.1998 with their Can-Am product line. 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 has declined in each year sincebetween 2005 and 2011, primarily due to weak overall economic conditions and a move to side-by-side vehicles.vehicles, until returning to modest low single digit percentage growth in 2012 through 2014. Internationally, ATVs are also sold primarily in Western European countries by similar manufacturers as in North America. We estimate that during 20112014 world-wide industry sales declined sevenincreased three percent from 20102013 levels with approximately 396,000an estimated 419,000 ATVs sold worldwide.

We estimate that the side-by-side vehicle market sales increased approximately 15seven percent during 20112014 over 20102013 levels with an estimated 275,000413,000 side-by-side vehicles sold worldwide. The side-by-side market is uphas increased consistently over the past several years primarily due to the continued shift by the consumer from ATVs to side-by-side vehicles, new competitors entering the market and continued innovation by existing and new manufacturers. The main competitors for ourRANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles are Deere & Company (“Deere”), Kawasaki, Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Kubota Tractor Corporation (“Kubota”), Honda and BRP.BRP's Can-Am product line.

We estimate that total off-road vehicle industry sales for 2011,2014, which includes core ATVs and side-by-side vehicles, increased onefive percent from 20102013 levels with approximately 671,000an estimated 832,000 units sold worldwide.

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

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,BRP's Ski-Doo product line, 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 through the 2012 season, but grew again in 2013. We estimate that during the season ended March 31, 2011,2014,


3

Table of Contents

world-wide industry sales of snowmobiles on a worldwide basis were approximately 117,000 units, up threeincreased four percent from the previous season.

season levels with an estimated 141,000 units sold worldwide.

On-Road Vehicles.Motorcycles. Polaris’ On-Road Vehicles consistMotorcycles division consists of Victory® and, Indian® motorcycles, and Small Electric Vehicles.the all-new three-wheel roadster motorcycle, Slingshot®. Heavyweight motorcycles are utilized as a mode of transportation as well as for recreational purposes. There areThe industry is comprised of four segments: cruisers, touring, sport bikes and standard motorcycles. We entered the heavyweight motorcycle market in 1998 with an initial entryVictory product in the cruiser segment. United StatesWe entered the touring segment in 2000. In 2011, we purchased the Indian Motorcycle brand to complement our Victory brand of motorcycles. In 2013, we re-launched the Indian brand by releasing the first three Indian Motorcycle models engineered by Polaris. In 2014, we introduced the Company's first three-wheeled, roadster motorcycle, Slingshot. The North America heavyweight industry retail cruiser and touring sales more than doubled from 1996 to 2006; however, the motorcycle industry declined in 2007 through 2010 due to weak overall economic conditions. We entered the touring segmentThe motorcycle industry has rebounded with growth beginning in 2000.2011. We estimate that the combined 1,400cc and above cruiser and touring market segments combined increased 4one percent in 20112014 compared to 20102013 levels with approximately 170,000an estimated 186,000 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 heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle manufacturers include BMW of North America, LLC (“BMW”), Triumph Harley Davidson,Motorcycles Ltd., Harley-Davidson, Inc., Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki. We estimate that the worldwide target market for three-wheel motorcycles is approximately $1 billion.

Small Vehicles. We introduced our initial SEVSV product, the Polaris Breeze®, in 2009, which iswas an electric powered vehicle primarily used in master planned communities in the Sunbelt region of the United States. In 2011, we ceased production of the Breeze line of products and made two SEVSV acquisitions, Global Electric Motorcars LLC (“GEM”("GEM") and Goupil Industries S.A. (“Goupil”). Both ofWe expanded our SV portfolio in 2013 by acquiring A.M. Holding S.A.S., which operates under the name Aixam Mega S.A.S. ("Aixam"). Aixam is based in France and manufactures and sells enclosed on-road quadricycles and light duty commercial vehicles. Through these acquisitions, add to our growingwe now offer products in the light-duty hauling, people mover and urban/suburban commuting sub-sectors of the small vehicle product line.vehicles industry. We estimate the worldwide target market for small electric vehicles at approximately $4.0 billion in 2011,2014, which includes master planned communities and golf courses, light duty hauling, people movers, and urban/suburban commuting.commuting and related quadricycles. Other major small electric vehicle manufacturers include Textron Inc.’s “E-Z-GO”,“E-Z-GO,” Ingersoll-Rand Plc.’s “Club Car”,Car,” Yamaha and JH Global Services, Inc. (“StarCar”).DrivePlanet's "Ligier."

Products
Products

Off-Road Vehicles. We entered the off-road vehicleORV 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 PolarisRANGER,a six-wheeled off-road side-by-side utility vehicle and in 2000, we introduced a four-wheeled version of theRANGERutility 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, theRANGERRZR®, and our first six-passenger side-by-side vehicle, theRANGERCrew®. Our standard line of military and government vehicles for 2012model year 2015 consists of 116 models at suggested United States retail prices ranging from approximately $7,000 to $22,000.$163,000. Our full line of ORVs beyond military vehicles consists of 3449 models, including two-, four- and six-wheel drive general purpose, sportcommercial, recreational and side-by-side models, with 20122015 model year suggested United States retail prices ranging from approximately $2,000$2,100 to $20,000.$28,000.

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-flyshift-on-the-fly design. Our ORVs have four-cycle engines and both shaft and concentric chain drive. In 2003,Over the past 11 years, we have introduced the industry’sindustry'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 namedand helped create the Outlawrecreational side-by-side segment through introduction of our RZR vehicles. Our lineup of ORVs has continued to expand over the past years through introduction of electric ORVs and commercial focused ORVs. Our family of ORVs includes utility and recreational Sportsman®. In 2007, we introduced theRANGERRZR, a big bore recreational side-by-side model. In 2008, we celebrated the ATVs, sport-styled Scrambler

one millionth unit sale of our Sportsman ATV family, which has been the industry leading big bore ATV for 13 years, by introducing the 100 percent redesigned Sportsman XP®. In 2008, we also introduced an extension of our ATVs, utility and recreational RANGERside-by-side vehicle with the introduction of theRANGERRZR Svehicles, commercial-utility BRUTUS®. side-by-side vehicles and recreational RZR side-by-side vehicles. In 2009,many of these segments, we introduced our first all-electric side-by-side vehicle,offer youth, value, mid-size, trail and high-performance vehicles, which come in both single passenger and multi-passenger seating arrangements. Our key ORV product introductions in 2014 included theRANGEREV. In 2010, we introduced our first four-seat recreational side-by-side, theRANGERRZR 4®,XP 900 trail, RANGER570 with industry-exclusive PRO-FIT™ cab system, and RANGER Diesel


4


with hydrostatic transmission, several new value models and two models in a mid-sizedRANGERside-by-side with increased power, a four-person mid-sizedRANGERCrew and aRANGERpowered by our first 24 horsepower diesel engine. In addition, shipments to Bobcat Company (“Bobcat”)newly defined category of single-seat, ride-in ATVs, 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-sizedRANGER RZRPolaris ACE® 570 and an extreme performance RZR, theRANGER RZR XP®. 900.
Snowmobiles.

Snowmobiles. We produce a full line of snowmobiles consisting of 26approximately 32 models, ranging from youth models to utility and economy models to performance and competition models. The 20122015 model year suggested United States retail prices range from approximately $2,600$2,800 to $12,000.$14,000. 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®. In 2014, we introduced the all-new AXYS

On-Road Vehicles. chassis platform for the flatland rider.

Motorcycles. In 1998, we began manufacturing V-twin cruiser motorcycles under the Victory brand name. In 2008, we introduced our first luxury touring models,model, 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.company, and in 2013 we re-launched the Indian brand by releasing the first three Indian Motorcycle models engineered by Polaris: Indian Chief® Classic, Indian Chief Vintage and Indian Chieftain. In 2014, we added two new Indian models, including the Roadmaster®, a luxury touring motorcycle, and Scout, Polaris' first mid-sized motorcycle. We also added a new bagger to the Victory motorcycle line in 2014, the Victory Magnum. The all-new three-wheel motorcycle, Slingshot was introduced in 2014, and is the Company's first roadster motorcycle. Our 20122015 model year line of motorcycles for both Victory, Indian and IndianSlingshot consists of 20approximately 16 models with suggested U.S. retail prices ranging from approximately $12,500$11,000 to $36,000. $28,500.
Small Vehicles. In 2009, we introduced our first SEV,SV, the Polaris Breeze. In 2011, we ceased production of the Breeze electric vehicles and acquired GEM and Goupil to add toexpand and complement our small vehicle product line. In 2013, we further expanded our SV division by acquiring Aixam. GEM addresses the people mover segment of low emission vehicles, and Goupil, a French company, addresses the light duty hauling segment.segment and Aixam, also a French company, addresses both the passenger and light duty hauling segments. GEM has 6 SEVten SV models, with retail pricing ranging from $7,600 to $13,500.while Goupil has twoand Aixam each have three base platforms that are modular and can be configured to meet numerous custom needs from park and garden maintenance to delivery and street cleaning.other commercial needs. Additionally, Aixam has four base models of passenger-based quadricycles that are sold primarily in Western Europe. Prices for SVs range from $25,000$8,000 to $35,000$30,000, depending on the 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 hatshats. In 2012, we acquired Teton Outfitters, LLC (d/b/a Klim), which specializes in premium technical riding gear for our product lines. The apparelthe snowmobile and motorcycle industries. Apparel is designed to our specifications, purchased from independent vendors and sold by us through our dealers and distributors, and online throughunder our e-commerce subsidiary under the Polaris brand name.names. In 2014, we acquired Kolpin Outdoors, Inc. ("Kolpin"), an aftermarket brand delivering purpose-built and universal-fit ORV accessories and lifestyle products. We also acquired certain assets of LSI Products Inc. and Armor Holdings LLC (collectively "Pro Armor"), an aftermarket accessories company that specializes in accessories for performance side-by-side vehicles and all-terrain vehicles. These two 2014 acquisitions added industry leading aftermarket accessory brands to our PG&A activities.

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

Manufacturing and Distribution Operations

Our products are primarily 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, Opole, Poland and Monterrey, Mexico.various locations across France. Since our product lines incorporate similar

technology, substantially the same equipment and personnel are employed across production in their production.North America. We are vertically integrated in several key components of


5


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 Polarisour products by enhancing the existing Roseau and Spirit Lake production facilities and have established a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, which became operational mid-2011in 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. WithOur plant in Opole, Poland facility manufactures ORVs to serve the acquisition ofEuropean market. Goupil we acquired additionalhas its manufacturing operations for their product line in Bourran, France, while Aixam has its manufacturing operations in Aix-les-Bains and Chanas, France. Our Roseau facility primarily manufactures ORVs and snowmobiles and our Monterrey facility primarily manufactures ORVs. Our facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa and its surrounding areas primarily manufacture ORVs, motorcycles and GEM vehiclesvehicles. In January 2015, we announced plans to build a new production facility in Huntsville, Alabama to provide additional capacity and Indian motorcycles are both manufacturedflexibility. The 600,000 square-foot facility will focus on off-road vehicle production. We will break ground on the facility in our Iowa facilities.

the first quarter of 2015 with completion expected in the first half of 2016.

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, we1985. 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 significantlysignificantly. Since 2011, our reliance on and use of Fuji manufactured engines in recent years. See Note 8our products has steadily declined as our internal engine manufacturing capabilities have expanded. After decreasing from 2011 to 2014, we expect our use of NotesFuji engines in our vehicles to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Robin agreement.

stabilize in 2015.

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 2001.2001 and for Indian motorcycles since the re-launch in 2013. During 2011,2014, approximately 6580 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 TaiwanTaiwanese manufacturer to co-design, develop and produce youth ATVs. We have since expanded the agreement with the TaiwanTaiwanese 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, theRANGERRZR 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 setupset-up and up-fitting is completed for certain models before shipment to customers.

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; Ballarat,Derrimut, Australia; Shanghai, China; Rolle, Switzerland; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and New Delhi, India.India; Monterrey, Mexico and in most Western European countries. Our primary wholegoods distribution facilities are in St. Paul, Minnesota; Haviland, Ohio; Altona, Australia; Irving, Texas; and Milford, Iowa. Our primary North American dealer PG&A distribution facility isfacilities are in Vermillion, South Dakota, which distributes PG&A products to our North American dealersDakota; Wilmington, Ohio and weRigby, Idaho. 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,(MVP), 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 nowwas being utilized by all North American ORV dealers. Prior toFor MVP dealers, ORV retail sales activity at the MVP process, most ORVdealer level drives orders were taken from North American dealers twice a year, in the summer and late winter.which are incorporated into each product’s production scheduling. International distributor ORV orders are taken throughout the year. Orders for each year’s production of snowmobiles are placed by the dealers

6


and distributors in the spring. Non-refundable deposits made by consumers to dealers in the spring for pre-ordered snowmobiles assist in production planning. Annual ordersIn 2012, we began utilizing our Retail Flow Management (RFM) ordering system for Victory motorcycles, are placed by mostand now also use it as the ordering system for Indian motorcycles. In late 2014, we began utilizing RFM for certain ATV dealers. 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. In 2011, Victory began testing a modified version of MVP with a select number of dealers.summer. 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. For MVP dealers, ORV retail sales activity at the dealer level drives orders which are incorporated into each product’s production scheduling.

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 SEV’sSV’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 1,5001,750 independent dealers in North America, through 1123 subsidiaries and 65approximately 85 distributors in approximately 130over 100 countries outside of North America.

We sell our snowmobiles directly to dealers in the snowbeltsnowbelt regions of the United States and Canada. Many dealers and distributors of our snowmobiles also distribute our ORVs. At the end of 2011,2014, approximately 700800 Polaris dealers were located in areas of the United States where snowmobiles are not regularly sold. UnlikeUnlike 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, Mexico and Brazil, sales of our non-SV 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 countries2011 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 the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway through wholly-owned subsidiaries. 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 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 2011,2014, we acquired GEM, Goupil and GoupilAixam in the Small Electric Vehicles segment,SV division and Klim, Kolpin and Pro Armor in PG&A, which each have their own dealer/distributor relationships established. See Notes 1 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of international operations.

Victory and Indian motorcycles are distributed directly through independently owned authorized dealers and distributors, except in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia where we have three Company-owned retail stores. We have a high quality dealer network for our other product lines from which many of the approximately 400450 current North American Victory dealers were selected. Indian motorcycles currently has approximately 20 dealers.175 North American dealers signed up, of which approximately 118 are retailing Indian motorcycles as of the end of 2014. We expect the number of Indian retailing dealerships to continue to increase over the coming years. 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.Europe and Australia. We expect to further expand our motorcycle dealer network over the next few years in North America and internationally. internationally for Victory, Indian and Slingshot motorcycles.
The GEM and GoupilSV businesses each have their own distribution networks through which their respective vehicles are distributed. GEM has approximately 130 dealers250 dealers. Goupil and Goupil sells directAixam sell directly to customers in France, through subsidiaries in certain Western European countries and through several dealers and distributors for markets outside France. Polaris ceased production of the Breeze electric vehicles in 2011.

such countries.

Dealers and distributors sell Polaris’our 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 2013, we entered into a partnership with Ariens Company ("Ariens"), a Brillion, Wisconsin based manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. Through the partnership, we anticipate leveraging each other's dealer networks, sharing certain technologies, research and development and supplying Ariens with a highly differentiated work vehicle to sell through its dealer network. In 2014, we began shipping vehicles to Ariens under the terms of the partnership.

In 1996, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a partnership agreement with a subsidiary of Transamerica Distribution Finance (“TDF”)(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”)(GE) and, as a result of that merger, TDF’s name was changed to GE Commercial Distribution Finance Corporation (“GECDF”)(GECDF). No significant change in the Polaris Acceptance relationship resulted from

7


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 34 and 78 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, China and New Zealand) to provide floor plan financing for our dealers. A majority of our United StatesNorth American sales of snowmobiles, ORVs, motorcycles, SEVsSVs 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,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 78 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 managesmanaged 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 thatSince then, HSBC’s U.S. Credit Card and Retail Services business would behas been acquired by Capital One. Our current agreement with Capital One subject to regulatory approval. The transaction is expected to closeexpires in the second quarter of 2012. At this time we do not expect any change in the contractual terms governing our StarCard program as a result of the sale, other than an assignment to Capital One. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of this financial services arrangement.

October 2015.

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 2014, GE Bank changed its name to Synchrony Bank, as a result of a spin off and is part of the GE Capital Retail Finance business. The current installment credit agreement under which Synchrony Bank provides installment credit lending for motorcycles expires in April 2016.
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 ourThe current installment credit agreement with Sheffield to February 2016 under which Sheffield will provideprovides 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 exclusiveORVs, as well as installment credit lending for snowmobiles, motorcycles and certain other Polaris products expires in February 2016.
In November 2014, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a multi-year contract with FreedomRoad Financial (“FreedomRoad”) pursuant to which FreedomRoad agreed to make available closed-end installment consumer and commercial credit to customers of our dealers for Polaris products. The current installment credit agreement under which FreedomRoad provides installment credit lending for motorcycles expires in February 2016.
In December 2014, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris entered into a multi-year contract with Chrome Capital LLC (“Chrome”) pursuant to which Chrome agreed to make available leasing to customers of our dealers for Victory motorcycles. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statementsand Indian Motorcycles. The current leasing agreement under which Chrome provides exclusive leasing for a discussion of these financial services arrangements.

motorcycles expires in January 2018.

We promote the Polaris brandour brands 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 onride-on toys and numerous other products.

During 2000, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris established an e-commerce site, purepolaris.com, to

We sell clothing and accessories over the Internet directly to consumers.

through our e-commerce sites polaris.com, indianmotorcycle.com, klim.com, kolpin.com, and proarmor.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 the internet, billboards, television and radio. 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.


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We expended approximately $178.7$314.4 million, $142.4$270.3 million and $111.1$210.4 million for sales and marketing activities in 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, respectively.

Engineering, Research and Development, and New Product Introduction

We have approximately 450700 employees who are engaged in the development and testing of existing products and research and development of new products and improved production techniques, located primarily in our Roseau and Wyoming, Minnesota facilities and in Burgdorf, Switzerland. Our SV acquisitions of GEM, Goupil and Aixam included research and development resources for their respective product lines. 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 toin 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 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. In 2005, we completed construction ofWe utilize our 127,000 square-foot research and development facility in Wyoming, Minnesota facility for engineering, design and development personnel for our line of engines and powertrains, ORVs, Victory, Indian and IndianSlingshot motorcycles, and

SEV’s. The total cost of the facility was approximately $35.0 million. SVs. 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 $105.6$148.5 million, $84.9$139.2 million, and $63.0$127.4 million for research and development activities in 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, 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 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 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 electric 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.

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”)(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”)(NHTSA) has federal oversight over product safety issues related to on-road motorcycles and small electric 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 allpassed which, among other things, required ATV manufacturers and distributors who import into or distribute ATVs in the United States to comply with thepreviously voluntary American National Standards Institute (“ANSI”) ATV(ANSI) safety standards which were previously voluntary. The Act also requiresdeveloped by 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.Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). We believe that our products comply with the ANSI/SVIA standardstandards, and we have had an action plan filedon file 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 thoseregarding safety

9


related issues. The Act also includes a provision thatwhich requires the CPSC to complete thean 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 existATVs, which has not yet resulted in the accessible componentsissuance 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.

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 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.

rule.

We are a member of the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (“ROHVA”)(ROHVA), which was established to promote the safe and responsible use of side-by-side vehicles also known as Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (“ROVs”).(ROVs), a category that includes our RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles. 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 maintenance2010, revised in 2011, and revisionrevised again in accordance with the ANSI process to evaluate additional safety provisions.

2014.

In October 2009, the Consumer Product Safety CommissionCPSC published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking regarding ROVs. OurRANGERand 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 proceduresafety under the Consumer Product Safety Act. TheIn December 2014, the CPSC also noted the draft ANSI standard developed by ROHVA and expressed concerns with the draft standardpublished a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that includes proposed mandatory safety standards for ROVs in the areas of vehiclelateral stability, vehiclesteering and handling, and occupant retentionretention. Polaris, by itself and protection. We are a member of ROHVA, which submitted written comments and a technical response to the CPSC notice. We, through ROHVA, also met with CPSC Commissionershas expressed concerns about the proposed mandatory standards, whether they would actually reduce ROV incident rates, whether the proposed tests are repeatable and staff on several occasions during 2010appropriate for ROVs, and 2011 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 solicitedunintended safety consequences that could result 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.them. We are unable to predict the outcome of the CPSC rule-making procedure andprocess or 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”)(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

Motorcycle and small electric vehiclesSVs are subject to federal vehicle safety standards administered by the NHTSA and are also subject to various state vehicle safetyequipment standards. Our Slingshot vehicle is classified as a motorcycle under federal law, but may be classified differently in other jurisdictions. We believe that our motorcycles (including Slingshot) and SEVs have compliedSVs comply 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, SEVs, ATVs, Off-Road side-by-side vehiclesSVs, ORVs and Snowmobilessnowmobiles have complied with applicable safety standards in the United States and other international locations.

Use regulation. State Local, state and federal laws and regulations have been promulgated, and at various times, ordinances or are under considerationlegislation is introduced, relating to the use or manner of use of our products. Some states and localitiesmunicipalities have adopted, or are considering

the adoption of, legislation and local ordinances that restrict the use of ATVs,ORVs and snowmobiles and off-road side-by-side vehicles to specified hours and locations. The federal government also has restrictedlegislative and executive authority to restrict the use of ATVs,ORVs and 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”)(EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”)(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 averageEPA's emission standards effective for model years 2006 and later, for off-road recreational engines and vehicles including ATVs, off-road side-by-side vehiclesapply to our ORV's and snowmobiles. We have developed engine and emission technologies along with our existing technology base to meet current and futurethese requirements, including the chassis-based ORV emission requirements that becomebecame effective in model year 2014. Snowmobiles comply using the fleet average provisions of the regulations. In 2008, the EPA announced its intention to issue a future rulemaking on snowmobiles in or around 2010 andwith any new emission standards under this rule would be effectivetaking effect after model year 2012. No further EPA rulemaking activity has followed.

followed the 2008 announcement. The CARB also has emission regulations for ORVs that we meet. In 2014, CARB finalized additional evaporative emission regulations for ORVs that will take effect beginning in model year 2018.

Our Victory, Indian and IndianSlingshot motorcycles are also subject to EPA and CARB emission standards.standards for on-highway motorcycles. We believe that our motorcycles have compliedthese vehicles comply with thesethe applicable 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.


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Table of Contents

Our products are also subject to international emission 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, ORVs and snowmobiles are similar to those in the United States.States, and Polaris complies with the applicable Canada requirements. Europe currently regulates emissions from our motorcycles and certain of our ATV-based products for which we obtain whole vehicle type approvals, and these products meet the applicable requirements. In December 2006, Canada proposed a new regulation that would essentially adopt2014, the United States emission standards for ATVs, off-road side-by-side vehiclesEuropean Parliament and snowmobiles. These regulations have not yet beenCouncil finalized but they are not expected to have a material effect on our business. The European Commission proposedthe details of new regulations that will make these European emission requirements more stringent beginning in 2010 that could apply to certain of2016. Emissions from other Polaris off-road products in the Company’s motorcyclesEU will be covered in the future by the non-road mobile machinery directive, which is currently being revised. Polaris is reviewing the technology requirements and ATV-based products as early as 2013. Thesedeveloping compliance solutions for these future EU regulations have not been finalized.

regulations.

We believe that our motorcycles, ATVs, off-road side-by-side vehicles and snowmobiles have compliedproducts comply 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 new 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 2011,2014, on a worldwide basis, we employed an average of approximately 3,9007,000 full-time persons, a 30 percent increase from 2010.2013. Approximately 1,6002,900 of our employees are salaried. We consider our relations with our employees to be excellent.

Available Information

Our Internet website is http://www.polarisindustries.com.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 itsour 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 20112014 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.


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Executive Officers of the Registrant

Set forth below are the names of our executive officers as of February 10, 2012,20, 2015, their ages, titles, the year first appointed as an executive officer, and employment for the past five years:

Name

 Age 

Title

Scott W. Wine 4447 Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Bennett J. Morgan 4851 President and Chief Operating Officer
Kenneth J. Pucel48Executive Vice President—Global Operations, Engineering and Lean
Michael W. Malone 5356 Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Todd-Michael Balan 4245 Vice President—Corporate Development
Stacy L. Bogart 4851 Vice President—General Counsel, Compliance Officer and Secretary
Michael D. Dougherty 4447 Vice President—Asia Pacific and Latin America
Stephen L. Eastman 4750 Vice President—Parts, Garments and Accessories
William C. Fisher57Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Matthew J. Homan 4043 President—Global Adjacent Markets
Michael P. Jonikas54Vice President—Snowmobiles and Slingshot
Suresh Krishna46 Vice President—Europe, Middle East and Africa
Michael P. Jonikas51Vice President—Snowmobiles, Sales and Corporate Marketing
Suresh Krishna43Vice President—Global Operations and Integration
David C. Longren 5356 Vice President—Off-Road Vehicles and Off-Road Vehicles Engineering
Scott A. Swenson48Vice President—Small Vehicles
James P. Williams 4952 Vice President—Human Resources

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, 2008.2008, 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’Corporation's 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 Divisiondivision of Polaris. Prior to managing the ATV Division,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. Pucel joined Polaris in December 2014 as Executive Vice President—Global Operations, Engineering and Lean. Prior to joining Polaris, Mr. Pucel was with Boston Scientific Corporation (BSC), a global provider of medical solutions. Most recently, Mr. Pucel held the position of Executive Vice President of Global Operations, Quality and Technology and was a member of BSC’s Executive Committee from 2004 to 2014. Since 2004, he managed BSC’s manufacturing facilities, supply chain and numerous distributions centers; in 2010, he added responsibility for enterprise-wide Lean and research and development activities.
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 Corporation's Fire & Security Businessbusiness 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.


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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 shifted roles in August 2011 tohas been Vice President—Asia Pacific and Latin America from his most recent role as Vice President—Global New Market Development which he held since December 2008.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 Divisiondivision during his tenure. Prior to Polaris, Mr. Dougherty was employed at Trident Medical International, a trading company.

Mr. Eastman joined Polaris in February 2012 ashas been Vice President—Parts, Garments and Accessories.Accessories since February 2012. 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 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 appointedpromoted to President—Global Adjacent Markets in July 2014. Mr. Homan has held several key leadership positions at Polaris. Prior to his current role, most recently he was Vice President—Europe, Middle East and Africa inEMEA since August 2011. Prior to this, Mr. Homan was2011, Vice President of the President—Off-Road Vehicles Division since August 2008, and was General Manager of the Side-by-Side DivisionSide-by-Sides since December 2005. Mr. Homan joined Polaris in 2002 as Director of Marketing for the ATV Division.division. Prior to working at Polaris, Mr. Homan spent nearly seven years at General Mills, Inc. working in various marketing and brand management positions.

Mr. Jonikas shifted roles in August 2011 tois Vice President—Snowmobiles Sales and Corporate Marketing.Slingshot. Mr. Jonikas has been Vice President of Snowmobiles since August 2011. Mr. Jonikas was Vice President of Sales and Marketing sincebeginning in November 2007 until January 2014 when he assumed the role of Vice President of Snowmobiles and Slingshot. Mr. Jonikas was also previously 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 Divisiondivision and General Manager of the Polaris Side-by-Side Division.Side-by-Sides. Prior to joining Polaris, Mr. Jonikas spent 12 years at General Mills, Inc. in numerous general management positions.

Mr. Krishna joined Polaris Industries Inc. asbecame Vice President—Europe, Middle East and Africa in July 2014. Prior to this, Mr. Krishna was Vice President—Global Operations and Integration since September 2010, and Vice President—Supply Chain and Integration onsince March 29, 2010 and was promoted to Vice President—Global Operations and Integration in September 2010. Prior to joining Polaris,Before Mr. Krishna joined Polaris, he was Vice President Global Operations, Supply Chain and IT for a division of United Technologies Corporation’Corporation's Fire & Security business where he was responsible for significant operations in China, Mexico, the 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 theirits 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. Swenson shifted roles in February 2012 to Vice President—Small Vehicles. Prior to this, Mr. Swenson’s leadership also included PG&A since 2001, and Snowmobiles from 2006 to August 2011. Mr. Swenson joined Polaris in 1998 as Assistant Treasurer. Prior to joining Polaris, Mr. Swenson was employed in various finance positions at General Electric and Shell Oil Company.

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. In 1996 and from 2002 to 2012. From 1996 to 2002, and beginning again in 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. Since September 2002, due to insurance market conditions resulting in significantly higher proposed premium costs, we have elected not to purchase insurance for product liability losses. 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 $16.9$17.3 million at December 31, 20112014 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, or motorcycles and side-by-side vehicles prior to 1998, and SVs 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 theour results of operations.

We provide a limited warranty for ORVs for a period of six months, and for a period of one year for our snowmobiles, and motorcycles andfor a period of one or two years for SEVs.our motorcycles depending on brand and model year, and for a two year period 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 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 United States Environmental Protection AgencyEPA and the California Air Resources Board.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


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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 electric 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 whichthat 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 certain foreign competitors manufacture and market products in their respective countries because thatcountries. 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

We have informal agreementssupply arrangements with Fuji in Japan, Fuji was the sole manufacturermany of our two-cycle snowmobile engines from 1968 to 1995. Fuji has manufactured engines for our ATV products since their introduction insuppliers. In the springevent 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. Therearrangement, 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, Australian dollar, the Euro, the Swiss Franc, 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 fluctuationsoperations. Fluctuations in the value of the United States dollar relative to these foreign currencies can adversely affect the price of our products in foreign markets, and the costs we incur to import certain components for our products.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 2011,2014, our maximum aggregate repurchase obligation was approximately $91.7$120.8 million. If adverse

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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 dealers, 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 distribute our products through numerous dealers and distributors, 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 dealers and distributors, 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 HSBC, Sheffield and GE Bank to make retail financing available to consumers who purchase our products in the United States. During 2011, consumers financed approximately 34 percent of the vehicles we sold in the United States through the HSBC 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 in the same amounts and under the same terms that had previously been 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.

Our transition to a new dealer ordering process could affect our sales and profitability during the transition period.

Over the past several years we have been transitioning our North American ORV dealers to the Maximum Velocity Program (MVP), an enhanced dealer ordering process. Currently 100 percent of our ORV dealers in North America are using the enhanced ordering process. The ordering process negatively impacts sales during the transition period because dealers place smaller, more frequent orders which allow them to operate with lower inventory levels. As a result, our results of operations during the transition period may fluctuate more compared to similar periods in prior years. We began testing a modified version of MVP in select Victory motorcycle dealerships in 2011.

We may encounter difficulties in our manufacturing realignment initiatives, which could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.

In May 2010, we announced our plans to realign our manufacturing operations footprint by enhancing our Roseau, Minnesota and Spirit Lake, Iowa production facilities and establishing a new facility in Mexico. The realignment led to the sale of a portion of the Osceola manufacturing facility in Wisconsin in 2011. There are significant risks inherent in our realignment initiatives. The realignment may not be accomplished as quickly as anticipated and the expected cost reductions may not fully materialize. We have and expect to continue to record transition charges in connection with the realignment efforts, including both exit costs and startup costs. Even though we anticipate that the realignment will ultimately result in reduced transportation and logistical expenses and increased operational efficiencies, we give no assurance that we will be successful in implementing the realignment efforts or that the amounts of our transition costs or our cost savings will be as anticipated. Other risks and uncertainties in connection with the realignment initiatives include, but are not limited to, failing to ensure that:

there is no negative impact to product quality or delivery to customers as a result of shifting capacity;

adequate raw material and other service providers are available to meet the needs at the new production location;

adequate supervisory, production and support personnel are available to accommodate the shift in production; and

violence does not impact our ability to produce and transport products from our facility in Mexico

In the event any of the risks or uncertainties related to the manufacturing realignment initiatives occurs, we may not recoup our investment, and we could experience lost future sales and increased operating costs as well as customer relations problems, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

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, plasticpetroleum-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.

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, Synchrony Bank and FreedomRoad to make retail financing available to consumers who purchase our products in the United States. During 2014, consumers financed approximately 32 percent of the vehicles we sold in the United States through the Capital One revolving retail credit and Sheffield, Synchrony Bank, and FreedomRoad installment retail credit programs. Furthermore, some customers use financing from lenders who do not partner with us, such as local banks and credit unions. There can be no assurance that retail financing will continue to be available 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. Our income from financial services is affected by changes in interest rates.
We intend to grow our business through potential acquisitions, non-consolidating investments, 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, non-consolidating investments, alliances, and new joint ventures and partnerships that add value while considering our existing brands and product portfolio. The benefits of an acquisition, non-consolidating investment, new joint venture or partnership may take more time than expected to develop or integrate into our operations, and we cannot guarantee that acquisitions, non-consolidating investments, alliances, joint ventures or partnerships will ultimately produce any benefits. In addition, acquisitions, non-consolidating investments, 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;

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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 or affiliates 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 impairment of significant amounts of goodwill, investments or other related 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.
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.

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Fifteen 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, Poland and beginning in May 2011 began manufacturing products in Mexico.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,and

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several other Western European countries, Australia, China, Brazil, Mexico and India. Our primary distribution facility isfacilities are in Vermillion, South Dakota, Wilmington, Ohio, and Rigby, Idaho, which distributesdistribute 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.distributors. Our total sales outside North America were 15 percent, 16 percent, 15 percent, and 1614 percent of our total sales for fiscal 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009,2012, 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. Additionally, theIn 2014, we completed construction of a manufacturing facility in Poland. 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 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, taxes, 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.

Additional tax expense or tax exposure could impact our financial performance.
We are subject to income taxes and other business taxes in various jurisdictions in which we operate. Our tax liabilities are dependent upon the earnings generated in these different jurisdictions. Our provision for income taxes and cash tax liability could be adversely affected by numerous factors, including income before taxes being lower than anticipated in jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated in jurisdictions with higher statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, a change in our assertion regarding the permanent reinvestment of the undistributed earnings of international affiliates and changes in tax laws and regulations in various jurisdictions. We are also subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by various tax authorities. The results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns and continuing assessments of our tax exposures may have an adverse effect on the Company’s provision for income taxes and cash tax liability.

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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 $105.6$148.5 million, $84.9$139.2 million, and $63.0$127.4 million for research and development efforts in 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, 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.

Our operations are dependent upon attracting and retaining skilled employees, including skilled labor. Our future success depends on our continuing ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate, retain and promote skilled personnel for all areas of our organization.
Our success depends on attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Our ability to sustain and grow our business requires us to hire, retain and develop a highly skilled and diverse management team and workforce. Failure to ensure that we have the leadership capacity with the necessary skill set and experience could impede our ability to deliver our growth objectives and execute our strategic plan. In addition, any unplanned turnover or inability to attract and retain key employees, including managers, could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.
We may be subject to information technology system failures, network disruptions and breaches in data security.
We use many information technology systems and their underlying infrastructure to operate our business. The size and complexity of our computer systems make them potentially vulnerable to breakdown, malicious intrusion and random attack. Recent acquisitions have resulted in additional decentralized systems which add to the complexity of our information technology infrastructure. Likewise, data privacy breaches by employees or others with permitted access to our systems may pose a risk that sensitive data may be exposed to unauthorized persons or to the public. While we have invested in layers of data and information technology protection, and continually monitor cybersecurity threats, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent disruptions or breaches in our systems that could adversely affect our business.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not Applicable.


Item 2. Properties

The following sets forth the Company’s material facilities as of December 31, 2011:

2014:

19

Table of Contents

Location

 

Facility Type/Use

 
Owned or
Leased
 Square
Footage
Medina, Minnesota Headquarters Owned 130,000
Spirit Lake, IowaPlymouth, Minnesota Wholegoods manufacturingHeadquarters OwnedPrimarily owned 301,000175,000
Roseau, Minnesota Wholegoods manufacturing and R&D Owned 635,000733,200
Monterrey, Mexico Wholegoods manufacturing LeasedOwned 425,000
Osceola, WisconsinComponent parts manufacturingOwned188,800
Osceola, WisconsinEngine manufacturingOwned97,000
Roseau, MinnesotaInjection molding manufacturingOwned76,800
Wyoming, MinnesotaResearch and development facilityOwned127,000
Burgdorf, SwitzerlandResearch and development facilityLeased13,600
Vermillion, South DakotaDistribution centerOwned385,000
Vermillion, South DakotaDistribution centerLeased33,000
Milford, Iowa Wholegoods manufacturing LeasedPrimarily owned 94,000460,400
St. Paul, MinnesotaOpole, Poland Wholegoods distributionmanufacturing Leased 110,000
Brooklyn Park, MinnesotaWholegoods distributionLeased25,000
E. Syracuse, New YorkWholegoods distributionLeased40,000
Redlands, CaliforniaWholegoods distributionLeased40,000
Nashville, TennesseeWholegoods distributionLeased37,500
Irving, TexasWholegoods distributionLeased140,000
Fife, WashingtonWholegoods distributionLeased20,000

Haviland, Ohio

Wholegoods distributionLeased30,000
Askim, NorwayOffice facilityLeased10,800
Barcelona, SpainOffice facilityLeased4,300
Birmingham, United KingdomOffice facilityLeased6,500
Griesheim, GermanyOffice facilityLeased3,200
Rolle, SwitzerlandOffice facilityLeased8,000
Sao Paulo, BrazilOffice facilityLeased1,600
Shanghai, ChinaOffice facilityLeased2,300
Winnipeg, CanadaOffice facilityLeased15,000
Plymouth, MinnesotaOffice facilityLeased30,000
New Delhi, IndiaOffice facilityLeased2,500
Ballarat, AustraliaOffice and distribution facilityLeased9,200
Ostersund, SwedenOffice and distribution facilityLeased14,300
Passy, FranceOffice and distribution facilityLeased10,000
Roseau, MinnesotaWarehouse (various locations)Leased33,600300,000
Spirit Lake, Iowa Warehouse (various locations)Wholegoods manufacturing LeasedOwned 298,400
Osceola, Wisconsin 70,000Component parts & engine manufacturing Owned285,800
Milford, IowaChanas, France Wholegoods distributionmanufacturing LeasedOwned 100,000
Melbourne, AustraliaRetail storeLeased9,600
Sydney, AustraliaRetail storeLeased13,000196,000
Bourran, France Wholegoods manufacturing and R&D Leased100,000
Aix-les-Bains, FranceWholegoods manufacturing and R&DOwned97,800
Wyoming, MinnesotaResearch and development facilityOwned272,000
Burgdorf, SwitzerlandResearch and development facility Leased 13,600
Wilmington, OhioDistribution centerLeased429,000
Vermillion, South DakotaDistribution centerPrimarily owned418,000
Rigby, IdahoDistribution center and office facilityOwned54,600
Altona, AustraliaWholegoods distributionLeased215,000
St. Paul, MinnesotaWholegoods distributionLeased160,000
Irving, TexasWholegoods distributionLeased157,000
Milford, IowaWholegoods distributionLeased 100,000
Haviland, Ohio Wholegoods distributionLeased100,000
Winnipeg, CanadaOffice facilityLeased15,000
Rolle, SwitzerlandOffice facilityLeased8,000

Including the material properties listed above and those properties not listed, we have over 3.3 million square feet of manufacturing and research and development space located in North America and Europe. We have over 2.3 million square feet of warehouse and distribution center space in the United States and countries occupied by our subsidiaries that is owned or leased. We also have approximately 140,000 square feet of international office facility square footage in Canada, Western Europe, Australia, Brazil, India, China and Mexico. In Australia, we own three retail stores with approximately 25,000 square feet of space.
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.

However, we expect a significant amount of capital expenditures in 2015, which will expand our current manufacturing facilities in anticipation of the capacity and capability requirements of expected future growth. In January 2015, we announced plans to build a new production facility in Huntsville, Alabama to provide additional capacity and flexibility. The 600,000 square-foot facility will focus on ORV production. We will break ground on the facility in the first quarter of 2015 with completion expected in the first half of 2016.

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 is currently scheduled for trial on May 8, 2012. 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.

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


Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.


20



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 20112014 Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference. On February 16, 2012,18, 2015, the last reported sale price for shares of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $67.96$155.63 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 threetwo indexes: Russell 2000S&P Midcap 400 Index and Morningstar’s Recreational Vehicles Industry Group Index. The graph assumes the investment of $100 at the close on December 31, 20062009 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, 2006

2009

Assumes Dividend Reinvestment

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2011

   2006   2007   2008   2009   2010   2011 

Polaris Industries Inc.  

  $100.00    $104.81    $65.28    $104.37    $191.81    $280.15  

Russell 2000 Index

   100.00     98.44     65.75     82.87     105.14     100.73  

Recreational Vehicles Industry Group Index—Morningstar Group

   100.00     73.08     29.70     48.89     68.31     77.15  

2014

 2009 2010  2011  2012 2013 2014
Polaris Industries Inc.$100.00
 $183.78
 $268.42
 $411.47
 $723.73
 $761.88
S&P Midcap 400 Index100.00
 126.64
 124.45
 146.70
 195.84
 214.97
Recreational Vehicles Industry Group Index—Morningstar Group100.00
 136.37
 149.24
 205.27
 318.26
 313.83
Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return Among

Polaris Industries Inc., Russell 2000S&P Midcap 400 Index and Recreational Vehicles Index


21

Table of Contents

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Polaris of its own stock during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

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, 2011

   365,000    $63.98     365,000     4,430,000  

November 1–30, 2011

   —       —       —       4,430,000  

December 1–31, 2011

   801,000     58.13     801,000     3,629,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,166,000    $59.96     1,166,000     3,629,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2014.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

PeriodTotal 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, 20141,000
 $148.46
 1,000
 1,573,000
November 1–30, 2014
 
 
 1,573,000
December 1–31, 2014523,000
 148.64
 523,000
 1,050,000
Total524,000
 $148.64
 524,000
 1,050,000
(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, 71.473.9 million shares have been repurchased cumulatively from 1996 through December 31, 2011.2014. This Program does not have an expiration date.

On January 29, 2015, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the Company’s common stock repurchase authorization by 4.0 million shares. The additional share repurchase authorization, together with the 1.1 million shares remaining available for repurchase under the prior authorization, represents approximately eight percent of the shares of Polaris common stock currently outstanding.



22

Table of Contents

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 2011.2014.

11-Year Selected Financial Data

   For the Years Ended December 31, 

(Dollars in millions, except per-share data)

  2011  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 

Statement of Operations Data

       

Sales Data:

       

Total sales

  $2,656.9   $1,991.1   $1,565.9   $1,948.3   $1,780.0   $1,656.5  

Percent change from prior year

   33  27  -20  9  7  -11

Sales mix by product:

       

Off-Road Vehicles

   69  69  65  67  67  67

Snowmobiles

   11  10  12  10  10  10

On-Road Vehicles

   5  4  3  5  6  7

Parts, Garments and Accessories

   15  17  20  18  17  16

Gross Profit Data:

       

Total gross profit

  $740.6   $530.2   $393.2   $445.7   $393.0   $359.4  

Percent of sales

   27.9  26.6  25.1  22.9  22.1  21.7

Operating Expense Data:

       

Total operating expenses

  $414.7   $326.3   $245.3   $284.1   $262.3   $238.4  

Percent of sales

   15.6  16.4  15.7  14.6  14.7  14.4

Operating Income Data:

       

Total operating income

  $349.9   $220.7   $165.0   $182.8   $176.0   $168.1  

Percent of sales

   13.2  11.1  10.5  9.4  9.9  10.1

Net Income Data:

       

Net income from continuing operations

  $227.6   $147.1   $101.0   $117.4   $112.6   $112.8  

Percent of sales

   8.6  7.4  6.5  6.0  6.3  6.8

Diluted net income per share from continuing operations

  $3.20   $2.14   $1.53   $1.75   $1.55   $1.36  

Net income

  $227.6   $147.1   $101.0   $117.4   $111.7   $107.0  

Diluted net income per share

  $3.20   $2.14   $1.53   $1.75   $1.54   $1.29  

Cash Flow Data:

       

Cash flow provided by continuing operations

  $302.5   $297.9   $193.2   $176.2   $213.2   $152.8  

Purchase of property and equipment for continuing operations

   84.5    55.7    43.9    76.6    63.7    52.6  

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

   132.4    27.5    4.6    107.2    103.1    307.6  

Cash dividends to shareholders

   61.6    53.0    50.2    49.6    47.7    50.2  

Cash dividends per share

  $0.90   $0.80   $0.78   $0.76   $0.68   $0.62  

Balance Sheet Data (at end of year):

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $325.3   $393.9   $140.2   $27.2   $63.3   $19.6  

Current assets

   878.7    808.1    491.5    443.6    447.6    393.0  

Total assets

   1,228.0    1,061.6    763.7    751.1    769.9    778.8  

Current liabilities

   615.5    584.2    343.1    404.8    388.2    361.4  

Long-term debt

   104.6    100.0    200.0    200.0    200.0    250.0  

Shareholders’ equity

   500.1    371.0    204.5    137.0    173.0    167.4  

   For the Years Ended December 31, 

(Dollars in millions, except per-share data)

  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001 

Statement of Operations Data

      

Sales Data:

      

Total sales

  $1,869.8   $1,773.2   $1,552.4   $1,468.2   $1,427.4  

Percent change from prior year

   5  14  6  3  8

Sales mix by product:

      

Off-Road Vehicles

   66  66  67  64  58

Snowmobiles

   14  16  15  20  26

On-Road Vehicles

   5  4  4  2  1

Parts, Garments and Accessories

   15  14  14  14  15

Gross Profit Data:

      

Total gross profit

  $411.0   $416.6   $356.0   $324.6   $299.2  

Percent of sales

   22.0  23.5  22.9  22.1  21.0

Operating Expense Data:

      

Total operating expenses

  $244.7   $242.7   $206.0   $181.8   $164.5  

Percent of sales

   13.1  13.7  13.3  12.4  11.5

Operating Income Data:

      

Total operating income

  $205.0   $205.9   $173.5   $157.5   $149.0  

Percent of sales

   11.0  11.6  11.2  10.7  10.4

Net Income Data:

      

Net income from continuing operations

  $137.7   $132.3   $115.2   $107.1   $93.8  

Percent of sales

   7.4  7.5  7.4  7.3  6.6

Diluted net income per share from continuing operations

  $1.57   $1.49   $1.29   $1.14   $0.99  

Net income

  $136.7   $99.9   $106.3   $99.4   $87.5  

Diluted net income per share

  $1.56   $1.12   $1.19   $1.06   $0.93  

Cash Flow Data:

      

Cash flow provided by continuing operations

  $162.5   $237.1   $162.5   $195.8   $192.0  

Purchase of property and equipment for continuing operations

   89.8    88.8    59.2    52.3    52.9  

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

   132.3    66.8    73.1    76.4    49.2  

Cash dividends to shareholders

   47.0    38.9    26.7    25.3    22.8  

Cash dividends per share

  $0.56   $0.46   $0.31   $0.28   $0.25  

Balance Sheet Data (at end of year):

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $19.7   $138.5   $82.8   $81.2   $40.5  

Current assets

   374.0    465.7    387.7    343.7    305.3  

Total assets

   770.6    792.9    674.2    614.4    568.0  

Current liabilities

   375.6    405.2    330.5    313.5    308.3  

Long-term debt

   18.0    18.0    18.0    18.0    18.0  

Shareholders’ equity

   377.0    368.1    325.7    282.8    241.6  
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 
(Dollars in millions, except per-share data) 
20142013201220112010
Statement of Operations Data     
Sales Data:     
Total sales$4,479.6
$3,777.1
$3,209.8
$2,656.9
$1,991.1
Percent change from prior year19%18%21%33%27%
Sales components:     
Off-Road Vehicles65%67%69%69%69%
Snowmobiles7%8%9%11%10%
Motorcycles8%6%6%5%4%
Small Vehicles3%3%2%%%
Parts, Garments and Accessories17%16%14%15%17%
Gross Profit Data:     
Total gross profit$1,319.2
$1,120.9
$925.3
$740.6
$530.2
Percent of sales29.4%29.7%28.8%27.9%26.6%
Operating Expense Data:     
Total operating expenses$666.2
$588.9
$480.8
$414.7
$326.3
Percent of sales14.9%15.6%15.0%15.6%16.4%
Operating Income Data:     
Total operating income$714.7
$577.9
$478.4
$349.9
$220.7
Percent of sales16.0%15.3%14.9%13.2%11.1%
Net Income Data:     
Net income from continuing operations$454.0
$381.1
$312.3
$227.6
$147.1
Percent of sales10.1%10.1%9.7%8.6%7.4%
Diluted net income per share from continuing operations$6.65
$5.40
$4.40
$3.20
$2.14
Net income$454.0
$377.3
$312.3
$227.6
$147.1
Diluted net income per share$6.65
$5.35
$4.40
$3.20
$2.14
Cash Flow Data:     
Cash flow provided by continuing operations$529.3
$499.2
$416.1
$302.5
$297.9
Purchase of property and equipment205.1
251.4
103.1
84.5
55.7
Repurchase and retirement of common stock81.8
530.0
127.5
132.4
27.5
Cash dividends to shareholders126.9
113.7
101.5
61.6
53.0
Cash dividends per share$1.92
$1.68
$1.48
$0.90
$0.80
Balance Sheet Data (at end of year):     
Cash and cash equivalents$137.6
$92.2
$417.0
$325.3
$393.9
Current assets1,096.6
865.7
1,017.8
875.0
808.1
Total assets2,074.9
1,685.5
1,488.5
1,228.0
1,061.6
Current liabilities850.8
748.1
631.0
586.3
584.2
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations223.6
284.3
104.3
104.6
100.0
Shareholders’ equity861.3
535.6
690.5
500.1
371.0

23

Table of Contents

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, 2011,2014, and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

Overview

Our full year 2011

In 2014, we had record sales and earningsnet income, with our fifth straight year of double digit growth rates rapidly accelerated past the record results we delivered in 2010. While the global economy remained difficult,both sales and net income. This growth is fueled by award-winning innovative new products leading to continued market share gainsleadership in ORVside-by-side vehicles and VictoryATVs. In 2014, we also experienced growth in our snowmobiles, motorcycles, coupled with strong international and adjacency growth, enabled us to once again outperform the competition.small vehicles businesses. The overall North American powersports industry was about flat year over year, acontinued its positive trend for the industry compared to the past several years.with mid-single digit percentage growth in 2014. Our full year North AmericanAmerica retail sales were up 14%,to consumers increased 12 percent in 2014, helping to drive total full year Company sales up 19 percent to a record $2.66 billion in 2011, up 33$4.48 billion. Despite the global economy remaining difficult, our international sales increased 16 percent from 2010. Sales growth remained broad based, as sales grew in every product line and in every region of the world. Thanksdue to innovative new products, our ORV business extended theircontinued market share leadership position while contributing significantly togrowth in all product categories and strong results by our sales growth. With Victory hitting its stride in most every respect and the Indian brand now part of Polaris, our motorcycle business was a key contributor to revenue growth. Despite this winter’s lack of snow, last season’s success and our line-up of new products contributed to a very strong 2011 for our snowmobile business, increasing 48 percent in 2011. Ourrecent European business grew sales 37 percent in 2011, supporting total International sales growth of 39 percent in 2011.

acquisitions.

Full year earnings reflect the success of our margin expansion efforts,ongoing product innovation, as we exceeded expectations by delivering a 120 basis point increase in net income margin, to a record 8.619 percent of sales. The combination of rapid sales growth, and expanding marginspartially offset by a decrease in the gross profit percentage of 23 basis points, drove net income from continuing operations up 5519 percent to $227.6$454.0 million, with diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increasing 5023 percent to a record $3.20$6.65 per share.

During 2011, Polaris accomplished much more than posting record sales and earnings results. Across the business and around the globe, each of our employees helped to make significant progress towards achieving our first strategic objective, to be the Best in Powersports PLUS. The strongest testimony to this commitment comes from our market share expansion and financial results in ORV, snowmobiles and motorcycles.

Growth through Adjacencies moved meaningfully from concept to reality in 2011, as These increases came while we completed three acquisitions, GEM, Goupil and Indian Motorcycles; made small investments in cutting-edge technology companies and greatly expanded our military and Bobcat businesses. GEM and Goupil both hold strong positions in the growing $4.0 billion small electric vehicle industry and our integration and development of Indian Motorcycles is proceeding well.

Global Market Leadership is an attractive growth initiative in the company shorter term and our objective is to drive International business to generate at least 25 percent of our sales within the next few years. In 2011, we took an important step and asked two of our most experienced executives to lead our international efforts in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions and Asia Pacific/Latin America. While these regions are quite different, we look to consistently pursue our strategy of creating organic growth through new product introductions and dealer expansion, while looking for opportunitiescontinued to invest in businessesnumerous longer-term diversification and growth opportunities.

In 2014, we began to augmentreceive benefits from prior investments while continuing to invest in both product development and strategic initiatives. We introduced over twenty new ORV models in 2014, including the all-new RZR® XP 900 trail and RZR XP4 900 trail, several new value models, and two models in a newly defined category of single-seat, ride-in ATVs, the Polaris ACE. We also introduced nine new snowmobiles in the all-new AXYS chassis platform. In our organic growth.

Supporting quality growthmotorcycles line, we added two new models to the iconic Indian Motorcycle® brand—the 2015 Roadmaster®, a luxury touring motorcycle, and ensuring customer satisfaction are key objectives ofthe Scout, Polaris' first mid-sized motorcycle. Additionally, we introduced the revolutionary all-new three-wheel motorcycle, Slingshot®, our Operational Excellencefirst roadster motorcycle. We also acquired Kolpin and LEAN initiatives, and in 2011 our operations team made substantial progress. They executed the challenging and complex Monterrey Mexico plant start-up on time and within budget, providing much neededPro Armor, adding two industry leading accessory companies to Polaris' PG&A activities. Operationally, we expanded production capacity to meet rising demand. Additionally, we integrated three acquisitions, increased vehicle productionand capabilities at all assemblymanufacturing facilities in the U.S. and delivered improved productivity forMexico, and completed the second yearconstruction of the manufacturing plant in Opole, Poland, our first manufacturing operation outside of North America, where production began in late 2014.

In January 2015, we announced plans to build a row.

Duringnew production facility in Huntsville, Alabama to provide additional capacity and flexibility. The 600,000 square-foot facility will focus on off-road vehicle production. We will break ground on the 2011 thirdfacility in the first quarter of 2015 with completion expected in the Boardfirst half of Directors declared a two-for-one split of our outstanding shares of Common Stock. 2016.

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.

On February 2, 2012,January 29, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a 6410 percent increase in the regular quarterly cash dividend to $0.37$0.53 per share for the first quarter 2012,of 2015, representing the 17th20th consecutive year of increased dividends.dividends to shareholders. This percentage increase is our largest since 1995, reflectingreflects the continued momentum and potential of our business and the strength of our balance sheet.



24


Results of Operations

Sales:
Sales:

Sales were $2,656.9$4,479.6 million for 2011, in 2014, a 3319 percent increase from $1,991.1$3,777.1 million in sales for the same period in 2010.2013. The following table is an analysis of the percentage change in total Company sales for 20112014 compared to 20102013 and 20102013 compared to 2009:

   Percent Change in  Total
Company Sales for the Years
Ended December 31
 
   2011 vs.
2010
  2010 vs.
2009
 

Volume

   24  21

Product mix and price

   7  4

Currency

   2  2
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   33  27
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Volume for 2011 and 2010 increased 24 and 21 percent compared to 2010 and 2009, respectively. 2012:

 Percent change in total Company sales compared to the prior year
 2014 2013
Volume14 % 12 %
Product mix and price6
 7
Currency(1) (1)
 19 % 18 %
The volume increaseincreases in 20112014 and 2010 is due to2013 are primarily the Companyresult of shipping more off-roadORVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, small vehicles and on-road vehicles, snowmobiles and related PG&A items to dealers than during the prior years, asgiven increased consumer retail demand increased for our products.products worldwide. Product mix and price increasedcontributed six percent and seven percent to the growth for 2014 and 2013, respectively, primarily due to the positive benefit of a greater number of higher priced ORVs sold to dealers relative to our other businesses. The impact from currency rates on our Canadian and other foreign subsidiaries' sales, when translated to U.S. dollars, decreased sales by one percent in both 20112014 and 20102013 compared to the respective prior years primarily due to the increased shipmentsyears.
Our components 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 2011 and 2010 compared to the respective prior years. Additionally, we realized select selling price increases in 2011 and 2010 on several of the new model year products.

Total company sales by product line arewere as follows:

   For the Year Ended December 31, 

($ in millions)

  2011   Percent
of Total
Sales
  2010   Percent
of Total
Sales
  Percent
Change
2011 vs.
2010
  2009   Percent
of Total
Sales
  Percent
Change
2010 vs.
2009
 

Off-Road Vehicles

  $1,822.3     69 $1,376.4     69  32 $1,021.1     65  35

Snowmobiles

   280.1     11  188.9     10  48  179.3     12  5

On-Road Vehicles

   146.3     5  81.6     4  79  52.8     3  55

PG&A

   408.2     15  344.2     17  19  312.7     20  10
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total Sales

  $2,656.9     100 $1,991.1     100  33 $1,565.9     100  27
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 For the Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions) 
2014 Percent
of Total
Sales 
 2013 Percent
of Total
Sales 
 Percent
Change
2014 vs.
2013
 2012 Percent
of Total
Sales 
 Percent
Change
2013 vs.
2012
Off-Road Vehicles$2,909.0
 65% $2,521.5
 67% 15% $2,225.8
 69% 13%
Snowmobiles322.4
 7% 301.7
 8% 7% 283.0
 9% 7%
Motorcycles348.7
 8% 219.8
 6% 59% 195.8
 6% 12%
Small Vehicles157.4
 3% 122.8
 3% 28% 44.4
 2% 177%
PG&A742.1
 17% 611.3
 16% 21% 460.8
 14% 33%
Total Sales$4,479.6
 100% $3,777.1
 100% 19% $3,209.8
 100% 18%
ORV sales of $1,822.3$2,909.0 million in 2011,2014, which includes bothinclude core ATV, RANGERandRANGERRZR side-by-side vehicles, and the Company's new ACE category, increased 3215 percent from 2010.2013. This increase reflects continued market share gains for both ATVs and side-by-side vehicles driven by industry leading productstrong consumer enthusiasm for our ORV offerings, including an expanded line-up of innovative new models and good growth in military and shipments to Bobcat.the introduction of the new ACE category. Polaris’ North American ORV unit retail sales to consumers increased mid-teenslow-double digits percent for 20112014 compared to 2010,2013, with ATV unit retail sales growing singlemid-single digits percent and side-by-side vehicle unit retail sales increasing mid-twentiesdouble-digits percent over the prior year. The Company's new ACE category, introduced early in 2014, accelerated its retail sales sequentially throughout 2014. North American dealer inventories of ORVs increased high-teens percent from 2013, in support of dealer stocking levels for premium and value segments for ATV RFM and new ACE categories. ORV sales outside of North America increased mid-teens percent in 2014 compared to 2013 resulting from market share gains. For 2014, the average ORV per unit sales price increased four percent over 2013's per unit sales price, primarily as a result of the increased sales of higher priced side-by-side vehicle models.
ORV sales of $2,521.5 million in 2013, which include core ATV and RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, increased 13 percent from 2012. This increase reflects continued market share gains for both ATVs and side-by-side vehicles driven by strong consumer enthusiasm for our ORV offerings, including an expanded line-up of innovative new ATVs and side-by-side vehicles introduced in the 2013 third and fourth quarters. Polaris’ North American ORV unit retail sales to consumers increased high-single digits percent for 2013 compared to 2012, with ATV unit retail sales growing mid-single digits percent and side-by-side vehicle unit retail sales increasing more than ten percent over the prior year. North American dealer inventories of ATVs continued to decline, decreasing eightORVs increased mid-teens percent from 2010. Side-by-side North American dealer inventories for 2011 were up mid-teens percent to accommodate the2012, in support of continued strong retail demand.demand for side-by-side vehicles and incremental new market segments. ORV sales outside of North America increased 37

25

Table of Contents

nine percent in 20112013 compared to a year ago. Given the growth2012 resulting in our ORV business worldwide, we have widened our market share leadership in off-road vehicles in 2011 compared to 2010.

gains. For 2013, the average ORV per unit sales price increased seven percent over 2012's per unit sales price, primarily as a result of the increased sales of $1,376.4 million in 2010, which includes both core ATV andRANGER side-by-side vehicles, increased 35 percent from 2009. This increase reflects continued market share gains for both ATVs and

side-by-side vehicles driven by industry leading product offerings. North American dealer inventories of ATVs continued to decline, decreasing 33 percent from 2009. Our North American ORV unit retail sales to consumers increased approximately 15 percent for 2010 compared to the 2009 withhigher priced side-by-side vehicle retail sales increasing in the mid 30 percent range year over year and ATV retail sales about flat with the prior year. Given the growth in our ORV business worldwide, we widened our market share leadership in off-road vehicles in both North America and Europe in 2010 compared to 2009.

models.

Snowmobile sales increased 48seven percent to $280.1$322.4 million for 20112014 compared to 2010.2013. This increase is primarily due to significantly reduced snowmobile dealer inventory levels entering the 2011 – 2012 selling season compared to the prior yearearly snowfall and colder weather in North America and the success of model year 2012the new product introductions resultingAXYS chassis platform models introduced in 2014. Retail sales to consumers for the 2014-2015 season-to-date period through December 31, 2014, increased orders from dealers.high-teens percent. Sales of snowmobiles to customers outside of North America, principally within the Scandinavian region and Russia, also experienced sales growthdecreased 28 percent in 20112014 as compared to a year ago. 2013 due primarily to economic weakness in the region. The average unit sales price in 2014 was approximately flat when compared to 2013.
Snowmobile sales increased fiveseven percent to $188.9$301.7 million for 20102013 compared to 2009.2012. This increase wasis primarily due to an increase in retaillower dealer inventory coming out of the 2012-2013 snowmobile season and success of the model year 2014 new product introductions. Retail sales resulting from heavy amountsto consumers for the 2013-2014 season-to-date period through December 31, 2013, increased nearly ten percent. Sales of early snowfall in many key riding areas insnowmobiles to customers outside of North America, principally within the Scandinavian region and Russia, increased 18 percent in the 2010 – 2011 selling season and the success2013 as compared to 2012. The average unit sales price in 2013 decreased two percent when compared to 2012, resulting primarily from increased sales of model year 2011 new product introductions.

our value-priced snowmobiles.

Sales of On-Road Vehicles increased 79 percent to $146.3 million for 2011 compared to 2010. In 2011, On-Road Vehicle sales areMotorcycles, which is comprised of Victory and Indian brand motorcycles, as well asand the Company’s SEVall-new roadster, Slingshot, increased 59 percent to $348.7 million for 2014 compared to 2013. The increase in 2014 sales is due to the continued high demand for Indian motorcycles including the new 2015 Roadmaster and the Company's first mid-sized motorcycle, Scout, and initial shipments of GEMthe Slingshot. North American industry heavyweight cruiser and Goupil. The 2011touring motorcycle retail sales increase reflects(which excludes Slingshot) increased Victorylow-single digits percent in 2014 compared to 2013. Over the same period, Polaris North American unit retail sales to consumers increased almost 40 percent, driven primarily by continued strong retail sales for Indian motorcycles and initial retail sales of 22Slingshot. North American Polaris motorcycle dealer inventory increased mid-teens digits percent in 2014 versus 2013 levels primarily due to stocking of the Indian motorcycles and international Victory motorcycle sales up significantly during 2011 whenSlingshot. Sales of motorcycles to customers outside of North America increased over 70 percent in 2014 compared to 2010, resulting2013. The average per unit sales price for the Motorcycles division in continued market share gains.2014 increased nine percent compared to 2013 due to the increased sales of higher priced Indian motorcycles and initial sales of Slingshot.
Sales of Motorcycles, which was comprised of Victory and Indian motorcycles in 2013, increased 12 percent to $219.8 million for 2013 compared to 2012. The increase in 2013 sales is due to the initial shipments of the new model year 2014 Indian motorcycles. North American industry heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle industryretail sales increased mid-single digits percent during 2011. Consumer demand remains 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 SEV acquisitions of GEM and Goupil in 2011. Sales of the On-Road Vehicles Division in 2010, which primarily consist of Victory motorcycles,increased 55 percent to $81.6 million during 20102013 compared to 2009. The sales increase reflected increased Victory2012. Over the same period, Polaris North American unit retail sales to consumers ofincreased over 20 percent, and international Victorydriven by an unprecedented number of new product introductions in 2013, which includes three new Indian Motorcycle models. North American Polaris motorcycle sales up significantly during 2010 whendealer inventory increased high-single digits percent in 2013 versus 2012 levels due to stocking of the new Indian motorcycles. Sales of motorcycles to customers outside of North America increased three percent in 2013 compared to 2009, resulting2012. The average per unit sales price for the Motorcycles division in continued market share gains.

Parts, Garments,2013 increased five percent compared to 2012 due to the increased sales of higher priced Indian motorcycles.

Sales of Small Vehicles, which is comprised of Aixam, GEM and AccessoriesGoupil vehicles, increased 28 percent to $157.4 million for 2014 compared to 2013. The increase in sales increased 19 percentover the comparable prior year is due to $408.2 million and 10 percent to $344.2 millionthe inclusion of Aixam in our consolidated financial statements for the full year 2011 and 2010, respectively.in 2014, versus eight months in 2013, since it was acquired in April 2013. Also, GEM experienced an increase in sales during 2014 compared to 2013.
Small Vehicles sales of $122.8 million in 2013 represents an increase of 177 percent compared to 2012. The increase in both 2011 and 2010 wassales over the comparable prior year periods is primarily due to the inclusion of Aixam in our consolidated financial statements since it was acquired in April 2013. Also, both GEM and Goupil experienced an increase in sales during 2013 compared to 2012.
PG&A sales increased 21 percent to $742.1 million for 2014 compared to 2013. The sales increase in 2014 was driven by double digit percent increases in ORV, Motorcycles, and Victory motorcycleSmall Vehicles related PG&A, sales including strong international growth. During both 2011 and 2010, we continued to innovate withwhich was primarily driven by the addition of over 200 accessories introduced for400 new model year vehicles2015 accessories, including additions to the family of Lock & Ride® attachments that add comfort, style and utility to ORVs and motorcycles. PG&A sales also increased due to the inclusion of Kolpin and Pro Armor in each respective year.

our consolidated financial statements, which were both acquired in 2014. Sales of PG&A to customers outside of North America increased 13 percent during 2014 compared to 2013.


26

Table of Contents

PG&A sales increased 33 percent to $611.3 million for 2013 compared to 2012. The sales increase in 2013 was driven by double digit percent increases in all product lines and categories, which was primarily driven by the addition of over 300 new model year 2014 accessories, including additions to the family of Lock & Ride attachments that add comfort, style and utility to ORVs and motorcycles. Sales of PG&A to customers outside of North America increased 26 percent during 2013 compared to 2012. PG&A sales also increased over the prior year periods due to the inclusion of Klim in our consolidated financial statements since it was acquired in December 2012, and Aixam related PG&A since it was acquired in April 2013.
Sales by geographic region for the 2011, 2010 and 2009 year end periods were as follows:

   For the Year Ended December 31, 

($ in millions)

  2011   Percent
of Total
Sales
  2010   Percent
of Total
Sales
  Percent
Change
2011 vs.
2010
  2009   Percent
of Total
Sales
  Percent
Change
2010 vs.
2009
 

United States

  $1,864.1     70 $1,405.9     71  33 $1,074.2     69  31

Canada

   368.5     14  279.3     14  32  239.3     15  17

Other foreign countries

   424.3     16  305.9     15  39  252.4     16  21
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total Sales

  $2,656.9     100 $1,991.1     100  33 $1,565.9     100  27
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 For the Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions)2014 Percent of Total Sales 2013 Percent of Total Sales  Percent Change 2014 vs. 2013 2012 Percent of Total Sales  Percent Change 2013 vs. 2012
United States$3,339.9
 75% $2,721.3
 72% 23 % $2,311.0
 72% 18%
Canada454.6
 10% 463.3
 12% (2)% 438.2
 14% 6%
Other foreign countries685.1
 15% 592.5
 16% 16 % 460.6
 14% 29%
Total sales$4,479.6
 100% $3,777.1
 100% 19 % $3,209.8
 100% 18%
Significant regional trends were as follows:

United States:

Sales in the United States for 20112014 increased 3323 percent compared to 2010,2013, primarily resulting from higher shipments in all product lines due to market share gains driven by innovative products.and related PG&A, improved pricing and more sales of higher priced side-by-side vehicles. The United States

represented 7075 percent, 7172 percent and 6972 percent of total company sales in 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, respectively. Sales in the United States for 20102013 increased 3118 percent compared to 2009,2012, primarily resulting from higher shipments in all product lines due to market share gains driven by innovative products.

and related PG&A, improved pricing and more sales of higher priced side-by-side vehicles.

Canada:

Canadian sales increased 32decreased two percent in 20112014 compared to 2010. Fluctuations in the Canadian2013. Negative currency rate compared to the United States dollar accounted for a five percent increase in sales for 2011 compared to 2010. Increased volumemovements was the primary contributor for the remainderdecrease in 2014, which had an unfavorable seven percent impact on sales for 2014 compared to 2013, partially offset by sales of the increase in 2011 due to strong retail sales demandhigher priced side-by-side vehicles and motorcycles. Sales in Canada for our products.represented 10 percent, 12 percent and 14 percent of total company sales in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Canadian sales increased 176 percent in 20102013 compared to 2009. Fluctuations in the Canadian2012 due to increased shipments of ORVs and snowmobiles, partially offset by currency rate movements, which had an unfavorable three percent impact on sales for 2013 compared to the United States dollar accounted for a nine percent increase in sales for 2010 compared to 2009. Increased volume was the primary contributor for the remainder of the increase in 2010 due to strong retail sales demand in Canada for our products.

2012.

Other Foreign Countries:

Sales in other foreign countries, primarily in Europe, increased 3916 percent for 20112014 compared to 2010. Favorable currency rates accounted for six percent of the increase for the 2011 year compared to 2010.2013. The remainder of the increase was primarily driven by higher volume largely relatedincreased sales of side-by-side vehicles and motorcycles, as well as the acquisition of Aixam in April 2013. This increase was partially offset by currency rate movements, which had an unfavorable two percent impact on sales for 2014 compared to market share gains for ORV and Victory motorcycles.2013. Sales in other foreign countries, primarily in Europe, increased 2129 percent for 20102013 compared to 2009. Favorable currency rates accounted for two percent of the increase for the 2010 year compared to 2009.2012. The remainder of the increase was primarily driven by higher volume largely relatedthe acquisition of Aixam in April 2013, along with increased sales of side-by-side vehicles and PG&A. This increase was partially offset by currency rate movements, which had an unfavorable one percent impact on sales for 2013 compared to market share gains.

2012.


27

Table of Contents

Cost of Sales:

  For the Year Ended December 31, 

($ in millions)

 2011  Percent of
Total
Cost of Sales
  2010  Percent of
Total
Cost of Sales
  Change
2011 vs.
2010
  2009  Percent of
Total Cost  of
Sales
  Change
2010  vs.
2009
 

Purchased materials and services

 $1,650.8    86 $1,208.4    83  37 $968.6    83  25

Labor and benefits

  165.5    9  151.9    10  9  108.1    9  41

Depreciation and amortization

  53.9    3  56.9    4  (5)%   55.0    5  3

Warranty costs

  46.2    2  43.7    3  6  41.0    3  7
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total Cost of Sales

 $1,916.4    100 $1,460.9    100  31 $1,172.7    100  25
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Percentage of sales

  72.1   73.4   -130 basis    74.9   -150 basis  
      points      points  

The following table reflects our cost of sales in dollars and as a percentage of sales:
 For the Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions)2014 Percent of Total Cost of Sales 2013 Percent of Total Cost of Sales Change 2014 vs. 2013 2012 Percent of
Total
Cost of Sales
 Change 2013 vs. 2012
Purchased materials and services$2,757.6
 87% $2,336.1
 88% 18% $2,008.9
 88% 16%
Labor and benefits244.1
 8% 198.7
 8% 23% 177.7
 8% 12%
Depreciation and amortization96.9
 3% 64.5
 2% 50% 51.8
 2% 25%
Warranty costs61.9
 2% 56.9
 2% 9% 46.1
 2% 23%
Total cost of sales$3,160.5
 100% $2,656.2
 100% 19% $2,284.5
 100% 16%
Percentage of sales70.6%   70.3%   +23 basis
 71.2%   -85 basis
         points
        points
For 2011,2014, cost of sales increased 3119 percent to $1,916.4$3,160.5 million compared to $1,460.9$2,656.2 million in 2010.2013. The increase in cost of sales in 20112014 resulted primarily from the effect of a 2414 percent increase in sales volume on purchased materials and services and labor and benefits. Additionally, depreciation and amortization increased due to increased capital expenditures to increase production capacity and capabilities.
For 2013, cost of sales increased 16 percent to $2,656.2 million compared to $2,284.5 million in 2012. The increase in cost of sales in 2013 resulted primarily from the effect of a richer mix of products12 percent increase in sales volume on purchased materials and services and labor and benefits, offset somewhat by continued product cost reduction effortsand also includes an unfavorable resolution regarding a contract dispute resulting in 2011. For 2010, cost of sales increased 25 percent to $1,460.9an approximate $10.0 million compared to $1,172.7 millioncharge for additional royalties in 2009. The increase in cost of sales in 2010 resulted primarily from the effect of a 21 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 2010.

2013.

Gross Profit:

The following table reflects our gross profit in dollars and as a percentage of sales for the 2011, 2010 and 2009 year end periods:

   For the Year Ended December 31, 

($ in millions)

  2011  2010  Change
2011 vs.  2010
  2009  Change
2010 vs.  2009
 

Gross profit dollars

  $740.6   $530.2    40 $393.2    35
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Percentage of sales

   27.9  26.6  +130 basis points    25.1  +150 basis points  

For 2011, gross profit dollars increased 40 percent to $740.6 million compared to 2010. sales:

 For the Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions)2014 2013 Change
2014 vs. 2013 
 2012 Change
2013 vs. 2012 
Gross profit dollars$1,319.2
 $1,120.9
 18% $925.3
 21%
Percentage of sales29.4% 29.7% -23 basis points
 28.8% +85 basis points
Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, increased 130was 29.4 percent for 2014, a decrease of 23 basis points from 2013. Gross profit dollars increased 18 percent to 27.9 percent$1,319.2 million in 2014 compared to 26.6 percent for 2010.2013. The increase in gross profit dollars resulted from higher selling prices, mix and product cost reduction efforts partially offset by the negative impact of currency movements. The decrease in gross profit percentage resulted primarily from unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations, new plant start-up costs and higher depreciation and amortization, partially offset by product cost reduction and higher selling prices.
Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, was 29.7 percent for 2013, an increase of 85 basis points from 2012. Gross profit dollars increased 21 percent to $1,120.9 million in 2013 compared to 2012. The increases 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 commodityunfavorable foreign currency fluctuations, higher promotional costs and unfavorable product mix. For 2010, gross profit dollars increased 35 percent to $530.2 million compared to 2009. Gross profit,royalty expenses as a percentageresult of sales, improved 150 basis points to 26.6 percent compared to 25.1 percent for 2009. The increase in gross profit dollars and the 150 basis points increase in the gross profit margin percentage in 2010 resulted primarily from higher volume, continued product cost reduction efforts, higher selling prices and beneficial currency movements. These increases were partially offset by manufacturing realignment costs as well as higher sales promotion costs.

a contract dispute resolution.


28


Operating Expenses:

The following table reflects our operating expenses in dollars and as a percentage of sales for the 2011, 2010 and 2009 periods:

   For the Year Ended December 31, 

($ in millions)

  2011  2010  Change
2011 vs. 2010
  2009  Change
2010 vs. 2009
 

Selling and marketing

  $178.7   $142.4    25 $111.1    28

Research and development

   105.6    84.9    24  63.0    35

General and administrative

   130.4    99.0    32  71.2    39
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total operating expenses

  $414.7   $326.3    27 $245.3    33
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Percentage of sales

   15.6  16.4  -80 basis points    15.7  +70 basis points  

sales:

 For the Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions) 
2014 2013 Change
2014 vs. 2013
 2012 Change
2013 vs. 2012
Selling and marketing$314.5
 $270.3
 16% $210.4
 28%
Research and development148.5
 139.2
 7% 127.3
 9%
General and administrative203.2
 179.4
 13% 143.1
 25%
Total operating expenses$666.2
 $588.9
 13% $480.8
 22%
Percentage of sales14.9% 15.6% -72 basis points
 15.0% +61 basis points
Operating expenses for 20112014 increased 2713 percent to $414.7$666.2 million, compared to $326.3$588.9 million for 2010. in 2013. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased 8072 basis points in 2014 to 15.614.9 percent compared to 16.415.6 percent in 2010.2013. Operating expenses in absolute dollars for 2011 increased in 2014 primarily due to an increase in performance-based incentive compensation planhigher selling, marketing and advertising expenses over 2010 driven byrelated to the higher profitability for 2011launch of new model year 2015 products, including Slingshot, and the higher stock price,continued roll-out of Indian motorcycles, as well as increased general and administrative expenses, which reflects our pay for performance compensation philosophy. In addition, incrementalincludes infrastructure investments being made into support global market expansion and new product development initiatives and acquisitions made in 2011 contributed to the increase in operating expenses in 2011.growth initiatives. Operating expenses as a percentagepercent of sales decreased in 2011 compared to 2010declined primarily due to leverage achieved fromlower long-term incentive compensation expenses, partially offset by higher marketing and advertising expenses related to the increased sales volume during the year. launch of various new model year 2015 products.
Operating expenses for 20102013 increased 3322 percent to $326.3$588.9 million, compared to $245.3$480.8 million for 2009.in 2012. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased 7061 basis points in 2013 to 16.415.6 percent compared to 15.715.0 percent in 2009.2012. Operating expenses in absolute dollars and as a percentage of sales for 2010 increased in 2013 primarily due to an increasehigher selling, marketing and advertising expenses related, in performance-basedpart, to the re-launch of Indian Motorcycle, increased general and administrative expenses, which includes infrastructure investments being made to support global growth initiatives and higher accrued incentive compensation plan expenses over 2009 driven by the higher profitability for 2010 and thedue to a higher stock price, which reflectsprice. Operating expenses in absolute dollars also increased due to the inclusion of Klim and Aixam operating expenses in our pay for performance compensation philosophyconsolidated financial statements since these companies were acquired in December 2012 and incremental investments made in global market expansion and new product development initiatives.

April 2013, respectively.

Income from Financial Services:

The following table reflects our income from financial services for the 2011, 2010 and 2009 periods:

   For the Year Ended December 31, 

($ in millions)

  2011   2010   Change
2011 vs.  2010
  2009   Change
2010 vs.  2009
 

Equity in earnings of Polaris Acceptance

  $4.4    $4.6     -4 $4.0     15

Income from Securitization Facility

   7.7     8.0     -4  9.6     -17

Income from HSBC, Sheffield and GE Bank retail credit agreements

   9.1     2.4     279  1.1     118

Income from other financial services activities

   2.9     1.9     53  2.4     -21
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total income from financial services

  $24.1    $16.9     43 $17.1     -1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

services:

 For the Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions)2014 2013 Change
2014 vs. 2013
 2012 Change
2013 vs. 2012
Income from Polaris Acceptance joint venture$30.5
 $20.2
 51% $15.7
 29%
Income from retail credit agreements27.6
 22.5
 23% 15.3
 47%
Income from other financial services activities3.6
 3.2
 13% 2.9
 10%
Total income from financial services$61.7
 $45.9
 34% $33.9
 35%
Percentage of sales1.4% 1.2% +16 basis points
 1.1% +16 basis points
Income from financial services increased 4334 percent to $24.1$61.7 million in 20112014 compared to $16.9$45.9 million in 2010.2013. The increase wasin 2014 is primarily due to a 16 percent increase in retail credit contract volume and increased profitability generated from the recently extended retail credit arrangementsportfolios with GE, HSBCSheffield, Synchrony Bank, Capital One and SheffieldFreedomRoad, and higher income from dealer inventory financing through Polaris Acceptance, due to increased profitability and a 3023 percent increase in the retail credit volume. financed receivables as of December 31, 2014.
Income from financial services decreased oneincreased 35 percent to $16.9$45.9 million in 20102013 compared to $17.1$33.9 million in 2009. This decrease was2012. The increase in 2013 is primarily due to lower wholesale financing income resulting from lower dealer inventories, which was somewhat offset by highera nine percent increase in retail credit income.

contract volume and increased profitability generated from the retail credit portfolios with Sheffield, GE and Capital One, and higher income from dealer inventory financing through Polaris Acceptance.


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Remainder of the Income Statement:
 For the Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions except per share data)2014 2013 Change
2014 vs. 2013
 2012 Change
2013 vs. 2012
Interest expense$11.2
 $6.2
 81 % $5.9
 5 %
Equity in loss of other affiliates$4.1
 $2.4
 71 % $0.2
 NM
Other expense (income), net$0.0
 $(5.1) NM
 $(7.5) (32)%
          
Income before income taxes$699.3
 $574.4
 22 % $479.8
 20 %
Provision for income taxes$245.3
 $193.4
 27 % $167.5
 15 %
Percentage of income before income taxes35.1% 33.7% +141 basis points
 34.9% -125 basis points
          
Net income from continuing operations$454.0
 $381.1
 19 % $312.3
 22 %
Net income$454.0
 $377.3
 20 % $312.3
 21 %
Diluted net income per share:         
Continuing operations$6.65
 $5.40
 23 % $4.40
 23 %
Diluted net income$6.65
 $5.35
 24 % $4.40
 22 %
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding68.2
 70.5
 (3)% 71.0
 (1)%
NM = not meaningful         
Interest Expense:Expense.

Interest expense increased to $4.0 millionThe increase in 20112014 compared to $2.7 million in 2010. This increase2013 is primarily due to higher interest ratesincreased debt levels through borrowings on our existing revolving credit facility and the long-term senior notes issuedadditional borrowing of $100.0 million through our amended Master Note Purchase Agreement in May 2011. Interest expense decreased to $2.7 millionDecember 2013. The increase in 20102013 compared to $4.1 million2012, is primarily related to the increased debt levels through borrowings in 2009. This decrease was due to lower interest ratesthe 2013 fourth quarter on our bankexisting revolving credit facility and additional borrowings duringof $100.0 million through our amended Master Note Purchases Agreement in November 2013 used to partially fund the 2010 period and lower average borrowings$497.5 million buyback of outstanding Polaris shares held by Fuji.

Equity in 2010 compared to 2009.

(Gain) Loss on Securities Available for Sale:

The net gainloss of $0.8 million in 2010 on securities available for sale resulted from a $1.6 million gain onother affiliates. Increased losses at Eicher-Polaris Private Limited (EPPL) were the saleresult 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. In the first quarter 2009, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge on securities held for sale of $9.0 million from the declinean increase in the fair valuejoint venture's pre-production activities. We record our proportionate 50 percent share of the KTM shares owned by us as of March 31, 2009, when it was determined that the decline in the fair value of the KTM shares owned by us was other than temporary.

EPPL gains and losses.

Other Expense (Income), Net:

Non-operating other expense (income) was $0.7 million of income, $0.3 million of expense, and $0.7 million of expense for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.,net. The changeschange primarily relaterelates to fluctuations of the U.S. dollarforeign currency exchange rate movements and the resultingcorresponding effects on currency hedging activities and foreign currency transactions and balance sheet positions.

positions related to our foreign subsidiaries from period to period.

Provision for Income Taxes:income taxes.

The higher income tax rate for 2014 was primarily due to lower income generated from our international operations which generally have lower income tax rates. For 2014 and 2013, the income tax provision rate was similarpositively impacted by the United States Congress extending the research and development income tax credit. However, in 2013 the research and development credit extension was retroactive to 2012, resulting in two years of benefit in 2013. In addition, we also had a favorable impact in 2013 from the release of certain income tax reserves due to favorable conclusions of federal income tax audits. The favorable impact from these items totaled $8.2 million and was recorded as a reduction to income tax expense in the first quarter of 2013.


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Net income.The 2013 loss from discontinued operations is a result of a 2013 unfavorable jury verdict in a previously disclosed lawsuit involving a collision between a 2001 Polaris Virage personal watercraft and a boat. The jury awarded approximately $21.0 million in damages of which our liability was $10.0 million. We reported a loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $3.8 million in 2013 for 2011, 2010an additional provision for our portion of the jury award and 2009 and reflected an effective ratelegal fees. The liability was fully paid by the end of 34.3, 32.7, and 33.2 percent2013. There was no income or loss from discontinued operations in 2014 or 2012. In September 2004, we announced our decision to cease manufacturing marine products. Since then, any material financial results of pretax income, respectively.

that division have been recorded in discontinued operations. No additional charges are expected from this lawsuit.

Reported Net Income:Weighted average shares outstanding.

The following table reflects our reported net income fordecrease in the 2011, 2010 and 2009 periods:

   For the Year Ended December 31, 

($ in millions except per share data)

  2011   2010   Change
2011 vs.  2010
  2009   Change
2010 vs.  2009
 

Net Income

  $227.6    $147.1     55 $101.0     46
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share

  $3.20    $2.14     50 $1.53     40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:

The weighted average diluted shares outstanding for 2011, 2010 and 2009 were 71.1 million, 68.8 million and 66.1is primarily due to the Company's November 2013 purchase of 3.96 million shares respectively. The increase in weighted average diluted shares outstanding for 2011 compared to 2010 is due toof Polaris stock previously held by FHI Heavy Industries Ltd ("Fuji") under a Share Repurchase Agreement with Fuji. This buyback more than offset the issuance of shares under employee compensation plans and resulted in a decrease to the higher dilutive effect of stock options outstanding2014, and to a lesser extent due to a higher stock price in 2011. The increase in the timing of the transaction, the 2013 weighted average diluted shares outstanding for 2010 compared to 2009 is due to no open market share repurchases under our stock repurchase program, the issuance of shares under employee compensation plans, and the higher dilutive effect of stock options outstanding due to a higher stock price in 2010.

outstanding.


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: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 it haswe 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: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, 20112014 and 2010,2013, accrued sales promotions and incentives were $81.2$138.6 million and $75.5$123.1 million, respectively, resulting primarily from an increase in the volume of units sold.sold and an increase in the level of dealer inventories in 2014. 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.

Dealer holdback programs: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 $76.5$120.1 million and $79.7$100.6 million for dealer holdback programs in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 20112014 and 2010,2013, respectively.

Share-based employee compensation: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

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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 whichthat 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 Long Term Incentive Plan units andperformance-based restricted stock.stock 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.

At the end of 2014, if all long-term incentive program performance based awards were expected to achieve the maximum payout, we would have recorded an additional $7.5 million of expense in 2014. 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, 2014, the accrual for liability-based awards outstanding was $15.2 million, and is included in accrued compensation in the consolidated balance sheets.

Product warranties:warranties. We provide a limited warranty for ORVs for a period of six months, and for a period of one year for our snowmobiles, for a period of one or two years for our motorcycles depending on brand and motorcyclesmodel year, and two years for SEVs.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, 20112014 and 2010,2013, the accrued warranty liability was $44.4$53.1 million and $32.7$52.8 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 actuallyultimately transpire in the future.

Product liability: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 our product liability claims.claims up to the purchased catastrophic insurance coverage. The 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, 20112014 and 2010,2013, we had accruals of $16.9$17.3 million and

$13.5 $17.1 million, respectively, for the probable payment of pending claims related to continuing operations 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.”



32


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sourcessource of funds havehas been cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under our credit arrangements.activities. Our primary useuses of funds hashave been for repayments under our credit arrangements,acquisitions, repurchase and retirement of common stock, capital investments,investment, new product development and cash dividends to shareholders and new product development.

shareholders.

The following charttable summarizes the cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 20112014 and 2010:

   For the Year Ended December 31 

($ in millions):

  2011  2010  Change 

Total cash provided by (used for):

    

Operating activities

  $302.5   $297.6   $4.9  

Investment activities

   (141.1  (42.1  (99.0

Financing activities

   (227.5  (1.8  (225.7

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances

   (2.5      (2.5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  $(68.6 $253.7   $(322.3
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2013:

($ in millions)For the Years Ended December 31,
2014 2013 Change
Total cash provided by (used for):     
Operating activities$529.3
 $492.2
 $37.1
Investing activities(246.8) (406.7) 159.9
Financing activities(222.6) (409.0) 186.4
Impact of currency exchange rates on cash balances(14.5) (1.3) (13.2)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$45.4
 $(324.8) $370.2
Operating activities:

For the year ended December 31, 2011, we generated netActivities:

Net cash fromprovided by operating activities of $302.5totaled $529.3 million compared to net cash from operating activities of $297.6 and $492.2 million in the same period of 2010, an increase of 2 percent.2014 and 2013, respectively. The $4.9$37.1 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 2014 is primarily the result of higher net income compared to 2013, which includes a $35.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization, partially offset by a $44.5 million increase in deferred income taxes and a $15.8 million increase in net working capital. Changes in working capital (as reflected in our statements of cash flows) for the year ended 20112014 was an increase of $15.6 million, compared to the same periodan increase of $0.2 million in 2010 is2013. This was primarily due to a $80.4 millionan increase in net income largelycash used of $106.4 million related to higher inventory required to support the growth in the business, offset by $65.0 million higheran increase in net investment in working capital. This higher working capital resulted primarily from higher investment incash provided related to timing of payments made for accounts receivable and income taxes receivable totaling $32.6payable of $54.3 million and lower cash provided from accrued expenses totaling $26.7the timing of collections of trade receivables of $29.9 million.

Investing activities:

Activities:

Net cash used for investing activities was $141.1$246.8 million for 2011in 2014 compared to cash used totaling $42.1$406.7 million for 2010.in 2013. The primary useuses of cash in 20112014 were the acquisitions of Kolpin and 2010 wasPro Armor and capital expenditures for the investment inpurchase of property and equipmentequipment. In 2014, we made large capital expenditures related to the expansion of $84.5 millionmany of our North America locations, including our manufacturing facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa; Milford, Iowa; Roseau, Minnesota; and $55.7 million, respectively. Additionally, during 2011, cash was used to complete a numberMonterrey, Mexico, as well as the construction of acquisitions totaling $51.9our new manufacturing facility in Opole, Poland. We expect that capital expenditures for 2015 will be in excess of $250 million.

Financing activities:

Activities:

Net cash used for financing activities was $227.5$222.6 million for 2011 in 2014 compared to $1.8$409.0 million in 2010. In 2011, we used cash for financing activities to pay2013. We paid cash dividends of $61.6$126.9 million and repurchase shares of

$113.7 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Total common stock repurchased in 2014 and 2013 totaled $81.8 million and $530.0 million, respectively. In November 2013, Polaris repurchased the 3.96 million Polaris shares held by Fuji for $132.4$497.5 million. The repurchase of the Polaris shares held by Fuji was partially funded through additional debt borrowings. In 2014, we had net repayments under our capital lease arrangements and debt arrangements of $82.1 million, and acompared to net repaymentborrowings of debt totaling $102.3$179.2 million offset by proceedsin 2013. Proceeds from the issuance of stock issuances under employee plans were $31.3 million and $26.9 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The seasonality of $45.7 million. In 2010, we used cash for financing activitiesproduction and shipments cause working capital requirements to pay cash dividends of $53.0 million and repurchase shares of common stock for $27.5 million, offset by proceeds from stock issuance under employee plans of $68.1 million.

In August 2011, Polaris entered into a newfluctuate during the year. We are party to an unsecured $350 million unsecured revolving loan facility. The newvariable interest rate bank lending agreement that expires in August 2016. ThereJanuary 2018. Interest is charged at rates based on LIBOR or "prime." At December 31, 2014, there were no borrowings under this new facility as of December 31, 2011. Prior to August 2011, Polaris was 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 Company had a $200 million term loan which was paid off in its entirety in May 2011 with issuance of the Senior Notes described below and $100 million of cash on hand. arrangement.

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”"Senior Notes"). The Senior Notes were issued in May 2011. Polaris wasIn December 2013, the Company entered into a First Supplement to Master Note Purchase Agreement, under which the Company issued $100.0 million of 3.13 percent

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unsecured senior notes due December 2020. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, outstanding borrowings under the amended Master Note Purchase Agreement totaled $200.0 million for both periods.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we were in compliance with all debt covenants as of covenants. Our debt to total capital ratio was 21 percent and 35 percent at December 31, 2011.

We previously had interest rate swap agreements to manage exposures to fluctuations in interest rates. Each of these interest swaps was designated as2014 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.

2013, respectively.

The following table summarizes our significant future contractual obligations at December 31, 2011:

(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

   38.2    $4.4    $8.8    $8.8     16.2  

Capital leases

   7.3     2.7     3.6     0.9     0.1  

Operating leases

   36.9     7.2     10.7     7.4     11.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $182.4    $14.3    $23.1    $17.1    $127.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2014:

(In millions): 
Total  <1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years >5 Years
Senior notes$200.0
 
 
 $25.0
 $175.0
Interest expense44.4
 $7.6
 $15.1
 13.6
 8.1
Capital leases38.3
 3.9
 6.2
 4.6
 23.6
Operating leases22.5
 9.6
 8.4
 3.1
 1.4
Total$305.2
 $21.1
 $29.7
 $46.3
 $208.1
In the table above, we assumed our December 31, 2014, outstanding borrowings under the Senior Notes will be paid at their respective due dates. Additionally, at December 31, 2011,2014, we had letters of credit outstanding of $4.5$24.9 million related to purchase obligations for raw materials. Not included in the above table is unrecognized tax benefits of $7.8 million.

$10.6 million and the estimated future payments of contingent purchase price related to acquisitions which have a fair value of $27.9 million at December 31, 2014, and are expected to be paid at various times in 2015 through 2017.

Our Board of Directors has authorized the cumulative repurchase of up to 75.0 million shares of our common stock through December 31, 2011.an authorized stock repurchase program. Of that total, approximately 71.473.9 million shares werehave been repurchased cumulatively from 1996 through December 31, 2011. We paid $132.4 million2014. In addition to this stock repurchase authorization, in 2013 the Polaris Board of Directors authorized the one-time repurchase of all the shares of Polaris stock owned by Fuji. On November 12, 2013, Polaris entered into and retire approximately 2.6executed a Share Repurchase Agreement with Fuji pursuant to which Polaris purchased 3.96 million shares of Polaris stock held by Fuji. We repurchased a total of 0.6 million shares of our common stock for $81.8 millionduring 2011. The share repurchase activity during 2011 had a $0.02 beneficial impact on diluted2014, which increased earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2011.by one cent. We have authorization from our Board of Directors to repurchase up to an additional 3.61.1 million shares of Polarisour common stock at as of December 31, 2011, which represents approximately five percent2014. On January 29, 2015, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the totalCompany’s common stock repurchase authorization by an additional 4.0 million shares. The repurchase of any or all such shares currently outstanding.

authorized remaining for repurchase will be governed by applicable SEC rules.

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, 20112014 and 2010,2013, was approximately $731.3$1,337.2 million and $667.6$1,163.5 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, onea wholly owned subsidiary of our wholly-owned subsidiariesPolaris entered into a partnership agreement with an entity that is now a subsidiary of TDFGE Commercial Distribution Finance Corporation (GECDF) 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 (the “Securitized Receivables”) to a securitization facility (“Securitization Facility,Facility”) arranged by General Electric Capital Corporation, a GECDF affiliate, 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, 2011 and 2010, the outstanding balance of receivables sold by Polaris Acceptance to the Securitization Facility (the “Securitized Receivables”) amounted to approximately $477.6 million and $323.8 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”).860. 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. Thebooks, and is funded through a loan from an affiliate of GECDF and through equity contributions from both partners.

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We have not guaranteed the outstanding indebtedness of Polaris Acceptance. In addition, the two partners of Polaris Acceptance share equally ana variable equity cash investment equal to 15 percent ofbased on the sum of the portfolio balance in Polaris Acceptance plus Securitized Receivables.Acceptance. Our total investment in Polaris Acceptance at December 31, 2011 and 20102014 was $42.3$89.1 million and $37.2 million, respectively. The Polaris Acceptance partnership agreement provides for periodic options for renewal, purchase or termination by either party.. Substantially all of our United StatesU.S. sales are financed through Polaris Acceptance and the Securitization Facility whereby we receivePolaris receives 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-ownedwholly owned subsidiary and 50 percent by GECDF.GECDF’s subsidiary. Our exposure to losses associated with respect to the Polaris Acceptance Portfoliois limited to our equity in Polaris Acceptance. We have agreed to repurchase products repossessed by Polaris Acceptance up to an annual maximum of 15 percent of the aggregate average month-end balances outstanding during the prior calendar year with respect to receivables retained by Polaris Acceptance and the Securitized ReceivablesReceivables. For calendar year 2015, the potential 15 percent aggregate repurchase obligation is approximately $146.4 million. Our financial exposure under this arrangement is limited to its equity in its wholly-owned subsidiary that is a partner inthe difference between the amount paid to the finance company for repurchases and the amount received on the resale of the repossessed product. No material losses have been incurred under this agreement. During 2011, Polaris Acceptance.

and GECDF amended the Polaris Acceptance partnership agreement to extend it through February 2017 with similar terms to the previous agreement.

Our investment in Polaris Acceptance is accounted for under the equity method and is recorded as Investmentsinvestment in finance affiliate in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Our allocable share of the income of Polaris Acceptance and the Securitized Receivables has been included as a component of Incomeincome from financial services in the accompanying consolidated statements of Income.income. At December 31, 2011,2014, Polaris Acceptance’s wholesale portfolio receivables from dealers in the United States (excluding(including the Securitized Receivables) was $90.8$1,141.1 million, a 48 percent decrease from $174.0 million at December 31, 2010 as more receivables have been securitized. Including the Securitized Receivables, the wholesale receivables from dealers in the United States at December 31, 2011 was $568.4 million, a 1423 percent increase from $497.8$928.5 million at December 31, 2010.2013. 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 contractportfolio.

We have agreements with HSBC,Capital One, Sheffield, FreedomRoad, Synchrony Bank, and Chrome under which HSBC manages the Polaris private label credit card program under the StarCard label for thethese financial institutions provide financing to end consumers of Polaris products by consumers. During 2010 Polarisour products. The agreements expire in October 2015, February 2016, February 2016, April 2016, and HSBC extended the term of the agreement 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.January 2018, respectively. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012. At this time we do not expect any change in the contractual terms governing our StarCard program as a result of the sale, other than an assignment to Capital One. Our income generated from the HSBC agreementthese agreements has been included as a component of Incomeincome 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 our dealers for Polaris products. Our 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 November 2010, we extended our installment credit contract to March 2016 under which GE Bank will provide exclusive installment credit lending for Victory motorcycles only.

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 credit to customers of our dealers for Polaris products in the United States. Our income generated from the Sheffield agreement has been included as a component of Income from financial services in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In October 2010, we extended our installment credit agreement to February 2016 under which Sheffield will provide exclusive installment credit lending for ORV and Snowmobiles.

During 2011,2014, consumers financed approximately 3432 percent of our vehicles sold in the United States through the combined HSBCCapital One revolving retail credit and GESheffield, Synchrony Bank and SheffieldFreedomRoad installment retail credit arrangements, while thearrangement. The volume of revolving and installment credit contracts written in calendar year 20112014 was $643.9$903.7 million, a 3016 percent increase from 2010.

Improvements2013.

We administer and provide extended service contracts to consumers and certain insurance contracts to dealers and consumers through various third-party suppliers. We do not retain any warranty, insurance or financial risk under any of these arrangements. The service fee income generated from these arrangements has been included as a component of income from financial services in manufacturing capacity and product development during 2011 included $29.7 millionthe accompanying consolidated statements of tooling expenditures for new product development across all product lines. income.
We anticipate that capital expenditures for 2012, including tooling and research and development equipment will be approximately $85.0 million, similar to the capital expenditures made in 2011.

Management believesbelieve that existing cash balances, cash flowsflow 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, regularnew product development, cash dividends, share repurchases, acquisitions and capital expenditure requirements for 2012.the foreseeable future. At this time, management iswe are not aware of any factors that would have a material adverse impact on cash flow beyond 2012.

flow.

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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 2011.

The changing relationships of the United StatesU.S. dollar to the Japanese yen, the Mexican Peso, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar, the Euro, the Swiss Franc and Japanese yenother foreign currencies have also had a material impact from time-to-time.

time to time. We actively manage our exposure to fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates by entering into foreign exchange hedging contracts.

Japanese Yen: During 2011,2014, purchases totaling sixapproximately two percent of our cost of sales were from Japaneseyen-denominated suppliers. Fluctuations in the yen denominated suppliers. The impact of the Japanese yento U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuation on our raw material purchase prices andprimarily impacts cost of sales and net income.
Mexican Peso: With increased production at our Monterrey, Mexico facility, our costs in 2011 hadthe Mexican peso have continued to increase. We also market and sell to customers in Mexico through a negative financial impact when comparedwholly owned subsidiary. Fluctuations in the peso to 2010. At December 31, 2011, we had no Japanese yen foreign exchange hedging contracts in place. We anticipate that the yen-dollarU.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuation will again have a negative impact onprimarily impacts sales, cost of sales, during 2012 when compared to 2011.

and net income.

Canadian Dollar:We operate in Canada through a wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiary. SalesThe relationship of the Canadian subsidiary comprised 14 percent of our total sales in 2011. From time to time, we utilize foreign exchange hedging contracts to manage our exposure to the Canadian dollar. The United StatesU.S. dollar weakened overall in relation to the Canadian dollar in 2011, which resulted in a net positive financial impact on ourimpacts both sales and gross margins for the full year 2011 when compared to 2010. At December 31, 2011, we had open Canadian dollar foreign exchange hedging contracts in place for approximately 50 percent of our expected exposure through December 31, 2012 with notional amounts totaling $156.9 million with an average exchange rate of approximately 1.01 United States dollar to Canadian dollar. In view of the current exchange rates and the foreign exchange hedging contracts currently in place, we anticipate that the Canadian dollar exchange rate fluctuation will have approximately neutral impact on sales and gross margins during 2012 when compared to 2011.

net income.

Other currencies:We operate in various countries, principally in Europe and Australia, through wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiaries and also sell to certain distributors in other countries andcountries. We also purchase components from certain suppliers directly fromfor our United StatesU.S. operations in transactions denominated in Euros and other foreign currencies. The fluctuationrelationship of the United StatesU.S. dollar in relation to the Euro andthese other currencies has resulted in a neutralimpacts each of sales, cost of sales and net income.
At December 31, 2014, we had the following open foreign currency hedging contracts for 2015, and expect the following currency impact on gross margins for 2011profit when compared to 2010. At December 31, 2011, we had open Swedish Krona, Australian dollar, and Euro foreign exchange contracts in place through December 31, 2012. The open Swedish Krona contracts had notional amounts totaling $6.4 million with an average exchange rate of approximately .15 United States dollar to the Swedish Krona, and the open Australian dollar contracts had notional amounts totaling $10.2 million with an average exchange rate of approximately 1.04 United States dollar to the Australian dollar. The open contracts to purchase Euros had notional amounts totaling $22.9 million with an average exchange rate of approximately 1.38 United States dollar to Euro. In view of the current exchange rates and the foreign exchange hedging contracts currently in place, we anticipate that the exchange rates for other foreign currencies, including the Swedish Krona, Australian Dollar, and Euro, will have a negative impact on sales and gross margins for 2012 when compared to 2011.

respective prior year periods:

Foreign Currency 
   Foreign currency hedging contracts Currency impact compared to the prior year period
 Currency Position Notional amounts (in thousands of U.S. dollars) 
Average exchange rate of open contracts 
 2014 2015
Australian Dollar Long $3,491
 $0.91 to 1 AUD Negative Negative
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Long 40,550
 $0.85 to 1 CAD Negative Negative
Euro Long 
  Negative Negative
Japanese Yen Short 22,201
 109.37 Yen to $1 Positive Positive
Mexican Peso Short 34,060
 14.01 Peso to $1 Slightly positive Positive
Norwegian Kroner Long 
  Negative Negative
Swedish Krona Long 
  Negative Negative
Swiss Franc Short 
  Negative Positive
The assets and liabilities in all of our 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 Accumulatedaccumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in the Shareholders’ Equityshareholders’ equity section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Revenues and expenses in all of our 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 our consolidated balance sheet that are denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency are translated at the foreign exchange rates 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 steel, aluminum, fuel, natural gaspetroleum-based resins, certain rare earth metals and petroleum-based resins.diesel fuel. In addition, we are a purchaser of components and parts containing various commodities, including steel, aluminum, rubber and others, which are integrated into ourthe 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.

We generally attemptprocess and from time to obtain firm pricing from mosttime will enter into derivative contracts to hedge a portion of our suppliers for volumes consistent with planned production. To the extent thatexposure to commodity prices increase and we do not have firm pricing from our suppliers, or our suppliers are not able to honor such prices, we may experience gross margin declines to the extent we are not able to increase selling prices of our products.risk. At December 31, 2011, we had diesel fuel hedging2014, derivative contracts were in place to hedge approximately 34 percent50% of our expected exposure for 2012. These diesel fuel contracts did not meet the criteriaexposures for hedge accounting and the resulting unrealized gain as of December 31, 2011 was $0.2 million pretax, which was included in the consolidated statements of income as a component of Cost of sales. We also have aluminum hedging contracts in place to hedge approximately 50 percent of our expected exposure for 2012.2015. These aluminum contracts did not meet the criteria for hedge accounting and the resulting unrealized loss as of December 31, 20112014 was $1.5$4.8 million pretax,


36

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which was included in the consolidated statements of income as a component of Costcost of sales.

Based on our current outlook for commodity prices, the total impact of commodities is expected to have a positive impact on our gross margins for 2015 when compared to 2014.

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, 20112014, there was no outstanding balance on the revolving loan.

We Assuming no additional borrowings or payments on the debt, a one-percent fluctuation in interest rates would have been manufacturing our own engines for selected modelsa $1.6 million impact to interest expense in 2014.


37

Table 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.

In the third quarter of 2010, we sold our remaining equity investment in KTM for $9.6 million and recorded a net gain on securities available for sale of $1.6 million. Prior to the sale of the KTM investment, we owned less than 5 percent of KTM’s outstanding shares. The KTM investment, prior to the sale, had been classified as available for sale securities under ASC Topic 320. During the second quarter 2010, we determined that the decline in the fair value of the KTM shares owned by us as of June 30, 2010 was other than temporary and therefore recorded in the statement of income a non-cash impairment charge on securities held for sale of $0.8 million. During the first quarter 2009, we determined that the decline in the fair value of the KTM shares owned by us as of March 31, 2009 was other than temporary and therefore recorded in the income statement a non-cash impairment charge on securities held for sale of $9.0 million.

Contents



INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 Page

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52


38

Table of Contents


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 (i)(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; (ii)(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 (iii)(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 can only provide reasonable assurance and 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, 2011.2014. In making this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) inInternal Control—2013 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, 2011.

2014.

Management’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20112014 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-
/S/ SCOTT W. WINE
Scott W. Wine
Scott W. Wine
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
-s-
/S/ MICHAEL W. MALONE
Michael W. Malone
Michael W. Malone
Vice President—Finance and
Chief Financial Officer

February 27, 2012

20, 2015

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


39



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 (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011,2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—IntegratedControl-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (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, 2011,2014, 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, 20112014 and December 31, 2010,2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011,2014 of Polaris Industries Inc., and our report, dated February 27, 201220, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 27, 2012

20, 2015


40




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, 20112014 and 2010,2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the indexIndex 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, 20112014 and 2010,2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011,2014, 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, 2011,2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—IntegratedControl-Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 2013 framework and our report, dated February 27, 201220, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 27, 2012

20, 2015





41

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share data)

  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
ASSETS  

Current Assets:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

 $325,336   $393,927  

Trade receivables, net

  115,302    89,294  

Inventories, net

  298,042    235,927  

Prepaid expenses and other

  37,608    21,628  

Income taxes receivable

  24,723    —    

Deferred tax assets

  77,665    67,369  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

  878,676    808,145  

Property and Equipment:

  

Land, buildings and improvements

  123,771    118,831  

Equipment and tooling

  524,382    488,562  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 
  648,153    607,393  

Less accumulated depreciation

  (434,375  (423,382
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

  213,778    184,011  

Investments in finance affiliate

  42,251    37,169  

Investments in other affiliates

  5,000    1,009  

Deferred tax assets

  10,601    —    

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

  77,718    31,313  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Assets

 $1,228,024   $1,061,647  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  

Current Liabilities:

  

Current portion of long-term borrowings under credit agreement

  —     $100,000  

Current portion of capital lease obligations

 $2,653    —    

Accounts payable

  146,743    113,248  

Accrued expenses:

  

Compensation

  187,671    126,781  

Warranties

  44,355    32,651  

Sales promotions and incentives

  81,228    75,494  

Dealer holdback

  76,512    79,688  

Other

  75,730    53,744  

Income taxes payable

  639    2,604  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

  615,531    584,210  

Long term income taxes payable

  7,837    5,509  

Deferred income taxes

  —      937  

Capital lease obligations

  4,600    —    

Long-term debt

  100,000    100,000  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  727,968    690,656  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

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, 68,430 and 68,468 shares issued and outstanding

  684    685  

Additional paid-in capital

  165,518    79,239  

Retained earnings

  321,831    285,169  

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

  12,023    5,898  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

  500,056    370,991  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 $1,228,024   $1,061,647  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Table of Contents

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data)
AssetsDecember 31, 2014 December 31, 2013
Current Assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$137,600
 $92,248
Trade receivables, net204,876
 186,213
Inventories, net565,685
 417,948
Prepaid expenses and other71,526
 63,716
Income taxes receivable2,691
 12,217
Deferred tax assets114,177
 93,356
Total current assets1,096,555
 865,698
Property and equipment:   
Land, buildings and improvements272,802
 228,916
Equipment and tooling826,997
 701,101
 1,099,799
 930,017
Less: accumulated depreciation(544,371) (474,850)
Property and equipment, net555,428
 455,167
Investment in finance affiliate89,107
 69,217
Deferred tax assets41,201
 18,616
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net223,966
 229,708
Other long-term assets68,678
 47,082
Total assets$2,074,935
 $1,685,488
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   
Current liabilities:   
Current portion of capital lease obligations$2,528
 $3,281
Accounts payable343,470
 238,044
Accrued expenses:   
Compensation102,379
 143,504
Warranties53,104
 52,818
Sales promotions and incentives138,630
 123,089
Dealer holdback120,093
 100,600
Other79,262
 77,480
Income taxes payable11,344
 9,254
Total current liabilities850,810
 748,070
Long-term income taxes payable10,568
 14,292
Capital lease obligations23,620
 3,842
Long-term debt200,000
 280,500
Deferred tax liabilities18,191
 25,028
Other long-term liabilities96,951
 69,730
Total liabilities$1,200,140
 $1,141,462
Deferred compensation13,528
 8,421
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, 66,307 and 65,623 shares issued and outstanding, respectively$663
 $656
Additional paid-in capital486,005
 360,616
Retained earnings401,840
 155,572
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net(27,241) 18,761
Total shareholders’ equity861,267
 535,605
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$2,074,935
 $1,685,488

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


42

Table of record on September 2, 2011.

ContentsPOLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)

   For the Years Ended December 31, 
   2011  2010  2009 

Sales

  $2,656,949   $1,991,139   $1,565,887  

Cost of sales

   1,916,366    1,460,926    1,172,668  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

   740,583    530,213    393,219  

Operating expenses:

    

Selling and marketing

   178,725    142,353    111,137  

Research and development

   105,631    84,940    62,999  

General and administrative

   130,395    99,055    71,184  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   414,751    326,348    245,320  

Income from financial services

   24,092    16,856    17,071  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

   349,924    220,721    164,970  

Non-operating expense (income):

    

Interest expense

   3,987    2,680    4,111  

(Gain) loss on securities available for sale

   —      (825  8,952  

Other expense (income), net

   (689  325    733  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   346,626    218,541    151,174  

Provision for income taxes

   119,051    71,403    50,157  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income

  $227,575   $147,138   $101,017  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic net income per share

  $3.31   $2.20   $1.56  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share

  $3.20   $2.14   $1.53  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

    

Basic

   68,792    66,900    64,798  

Diluted

   71,057    68,765    66,148  


POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Sales$4,479,648
 $3,777,068
 $3,209,782
Cost of sales3,160,470
 2,656,189
 2,284,485
Gross profit1,319,178
 1,120,879
 925,297
Operating expenses:     
Selling and marketing314,449
 270,266
 210,367
Research and development148,458
 139,193
 127,361
General and administrative203,248
 179,407
 143,064
Total operating expenses666,155
 588,866
 480,792
Income from financial services61,667
 45,901
 33,920
Operating income714,690
 577,914
 478,425
Non-operating expense (income):     
Interest expense11,239
 6,210
 5,932
Equity in loss of other affiliates4,124
 2,414
 179
Other expense (income), net10
 (5,139) (7,529)
Income before income taxes699,317
 574,429
 479,843
Provision for income taxes245,288
 193,360
 167,533
Net income from continuing operations454,029
 381,069
 312,310
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
 (3,777) 
Net income$454,029
 $377,292
 $312,310
Basic net income per share:     
Continuing operations$6.86
 $5.56
 $4.54
Loss from discontinued operations
 (0.05) 
Basic net income per share$6.86
 $5.51
 $4.54
Diluted net income per share:     
Continuing operations$6.65
 $5.40
 $4.40
Loss from discontinued operations
 (0.05) 
Diluted net income per share$6.65
 $5.35
 $4.40
Weighted average shares outstanding:     
Basic66,175
 68,535
 68,849
Diluted68,229
 70,546
 71,005

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


43

Table of record on September 2, 2011.

Contents


POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’

EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)

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

Balance, December 31, 2008

  64,984   $650    —     $140,234   $(3,857 $137,027  

Employee stock compensation

  62    1    10,225      10,226  

Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans

  472    4    4,729      4,733  

Tax effect of exercise of stock options

    (410    (410

Cash dividends declared ($0.78 per share)

     (50,177   (50,177

Repurchase and retirement of common shares

  (222  (2  (4,554    (4,556

Comprehensive income:

      

Net Income

     101,017    

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $69

      115   

Reclassification of unrealized loss on available for sale securities to the income statement, net of tax of $2,277

      6,675   

Unrealized loss on available for sale securities, net of tax benefit of $230

      (382 

Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $165

      273   

Total comprehensive income

       107,698  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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

Comprehensive income:

      

Net Income

     147,138    

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $222

      3,131   

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

      382   

Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax benefit of $256

      (439 

Total comprehensive income

       150,212  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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

Comprehensive income:

      

Net Income

     227,575    

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit of $6,782

      2,554   

Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax of $2,125

      3,571   

Total comprehensive income

       233,700  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2011

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

thousands)

 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Net income$454,029
 $377,292
 $312,310
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $65, $1,841, and ($182)(44,371) 4,913
 4,124
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $970, ($950), and $2,325(1,631) 1,610
 (3,909)
Comprehensive income$408,027
 $383,815
 $312,525
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


44

Table of record on September 2, 2011.

ContentsPOLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

  For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
  2011  2010  2009 

Operating Activities:

   

Net income

 $227,575   $147,138   $101,017  

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

   

(Gain) loss on securities available for sale

  —      (825  8,952  

Depreciation and amortization

  66,390    66,519    64,593  

Noncash compensation

  20,548    18,052    10,226  

Noncash income from financial services

  (4,444  (4,574  (4,021

Noncash expense from other affiliates

  133    1,376    382  

Deferred income taxes

  (16,946  (16,888  13,573  

Tax effect of share-based compensation exercises

  (23,120  (10,610  410  

Changes in current operating items:

   

Trade receivables

  (23,115  1,111    8,192  

Inventories

  (49,973  (56,612  42,997  

Accounts payable

  27,232    37,580    (40,329

Accrued expenses

  80,668    107,363    (24,759

Income taxes payable/receivable

  (1,343  7,033    7,325  

Prepaid expenses and others, net

  (1,075  956    4,643  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  302,530    297,619    193,201  

Investing Activities:

   

Purchase of property and equipment

  (84,484  (55,718  (43,932

Investments in finance affiliate

  (12,588  (9,173  (3,007

Distributions from finance affiliate

  11,950    17,910    17,261  

Investment in other affiliates

  (5,000  —      —    

Proceeds from sale of investments

  876    9,061    —    

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

  (51,899  (4,738  —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used for investment activities

  (141,145  (42,118  (29,678

Financing Activities:

   

Borrowings under credit agreement / senior notes

  100,000    —      364,000  

Repayments under credit agreement

  (202,333  —      (364,000

Repurchase and retirement of common shares

  (132,372  (27,486  (4,556

Cash dividends to shareholders

  (61,585  (53,043  (50,177

Tax effect of proceeds from share-based compensation exercises

  23,120    10,610    (410

Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans

  45,654    68,105    4,733  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

  (227,516  (1,814  (50,410

Impact of currency exchange rates on cash balances

  (2,460  —      —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  (68,591  253,687    113,113  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  393,927    140,240    27,127  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $325,336   $393,927   $140,240  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

   

Interest paid on debt borrowings

 $3,350   $2,813   $3,966  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income taxes paid

 $132,088   $81,142   $29,039  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


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 (loss)
 Total
Balance, December 31, 201168,430
 $684
 $165,518
 $321,831
 $12,023
 $500,056
Employee stock compensation174
 2
 35,418
 
 
 35,420
Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans1,692
 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, 201268,647
 686
 268,515
 409,091
 12,238
 690,530
Employee stock compensation264
 3
 57,890
 
 
 57,893
Deferred compensation
 
 (4,358) (4,063) 
 (8,421)
Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans1,049
 10
 26,912
 
 
 26,922
Tax effect of exercise of stock options
 
 28,621
 
 
 28,621
Cash dividends declared ($1.68 per share)
 
 
 (113,722) 
 (113,722)
Repurchase and retirement of common shares(4,337) (43) (16,964) (513,026) 
 (530,033)
Net income
 
 
 377,292
 
 377,292
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 6,523
 6,523
Balance, December 31, 201365,623
 656
 360,616
 155,572
 18,761
 535,605
Employee stock compensation254
 3
 63,180
 
 
 63,183
Deferred compensation
 
 (3,020) (2,087) 
 (5,107)
Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans984
 10
 31,303
 
 
 31,313
Tax effect of exercise of stock options
 
 36,966
 
 
 36,966
Cash dividends declared ($1.92 per share)
 
 
 (126,908) 
 (126,908)
Repurchase and retirement of common shares(554) (6) (3,040) (78,766) 
 (81,812)
Net income      454,029
 
 454,029
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 (46,002) (46,002)
Balance, December 31, 201466,307
 $663
 $486,005
 $401,840
 $(27,241) $861,267

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



45


POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
 For the Year Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Operating Activities:     
Net income$454,029
 $377,292
 $312,310
Loss from discontinued operations
 3,777
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Depreciation and amortization127,507
 92,100
 70,580
Noncash compensation63,183
 57,893
 35,420
Noncash income from financial services(18,645) (4,983) (3,899)
Deferred income taxes(50,388) (5,892) (28,901)
Tax effect of share-based compensation exercises(36,966) (28,621) (29,892)
Other, net6,124
 7,414
 179
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:     
Trade receivables(24,174) (54,055) 2,413
Inventories(158,476) (52,049) (36,029)
Accounts payable105,783
 51,519
 21,371
Accrued expenses30,664
 53,278
 39,269
Income taxes payable/receivable45,324
 33,398
 51,120
Prepaid expenses and others, net(14,695) (31,919) (17,831)
Cash provided by continuing operations529,270
 499,152
 416,110
Cash used for discontinued operations
 (6,912) 
Net cash provided by operating activities529,270
 492,240
 416,110
Investing Activities:     
Purchase of property and equipment(205,079) (251,401) (103,083)
Investment in finance affiliate(32,582) (19,251) (18,400)
Distributions from finance affiliate31,337
 12,005
 7,562
Investment in other affiliates(12,445) (10,934) (7,996)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired(28,013) (137,104) (41,135)
Net cash used for investing activities(246,782) (406,685) (163,052)
Financing Activities:     
Borrowings under debt arrangements / capital lease obligations2,146,457
 776,669
 2,437
Repayments under debt arrangements / capital lease obligations(2,228,587) (597,492) (7,478)
Repurchase and retirement of common shares(81,812) (530,033) (127,525)
Cash dividends to shareholders(126,908) (113,722) (101,534)
Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans31,313
 26,922
 41,696
Tax effect of proceeds from share-based compensation exercises36,966
 28,621
 29,892
Net cash used for financing activities(222,571) (409,035) (162,512)
Impact of currency exchange rates on cash balances(14,565) (1,287) 1,133
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents45,352
 (324,767) 91,679
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period92,248
 417,015
 325,336
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$137,600
 $92,248
 $417,015
      
Noncash Activity:     
Property and equipment obtained through capital leases$24,908
 $
 $
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:     
Interest paid on debt borrowings$11,259
 $6,076
 $5,932
Income taxes paid$261,550
 $162,647
 $143,510
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

46


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”)(ORV), Snowmobiles, and On-Road Vehicles, including motorcyclesMotorcycles and Small Electric Vehicles.Vehicles (SV). Polaris products, together with related parts, garments and accessories are sold worldwide through a network of independent dealers and distributors and its subsidiaries located insubsidiaries. The primary markets for our products are the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom,Western Europe, Australia Norway, Sweden, Germany, Spain, China, India and Brazil.

Mexico.

Basis of presentation: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 share2, 2004, the Company announced its decision to discontinue the manufacture of Common Stockmarine products effective immediately. Material financial results 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.

marine products division are reported separately as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

The Company evaluates consolidation of entities under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)(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 theits relationship with Polaris Acceptance, and concluded that there were no variable interest entities requiring consolidation by the Company in 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009.

During 2011,2012.

In April 2014, the Company completed three acquisitions: Indian Motorcycle Company in April, 2011; Global Electric Motorcars LLC (“GEM”an acquisition of Kolpin Outdoors, Inc. ("Kolpin") in June, 2011;, and Goupil Industries S.A. (“Goupil”) in November 2011. The purchase prices totaled approximately $51,899,000,2014, completed the acquisition of which approximately $16,482,000 was allocated to goodwill, $31,106,000 to identifiable intangiblecertain assets of LSI Products Inc. and $4,311,000 to assumed tangible assets, net of liabilities.Armor Holdings, LLC. ("Pro Armor"). Kolpin is a leading aftermarket brand delivering purpose-built and universal-fit ORV accessories and lifestyle products. Pro Armor is an industry-leading brand in performance side-by-side accessories, that operates under the Pro Armor brand. The Company has included the financial results of thesethe acquisitions in its consolidated results of operations beginning on the respective acquisition dates in accordance with ASC 805,Business Combinations;dates; however, the impact of these acquisitions combined, did not have a material impact on Polaris’ consolidated financial position or results of operations. Refer to Note 5 for additional information regarding the acquisitions of Kolpin and Pro Armor.
In April 2013, the Company completed an acquisition of A.M. Holding S.A.S., which operates under the name Aixam Mega S.A.S. ("Aixam"). The Company has included the financial results of the acquisition in its consolidated results of operations beginning on the acquisition date; however, the acquisition did not have a material impact on Polaris’ consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Reclassifications.

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 operations 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 levelsconsolidated statements of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identicalincome, current 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.

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 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 orcurrent 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, 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    —    

Commodity contracts

   (1,337  —       (1,337  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $5,880   $3,639    $2,241    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2010
 
   Total  Level 1   Level 2  Level 3 

Asset (Liability)

      

Non-qualified deferred compensation assets

  $2,124   $2,124     —      —    

Interest rate swap agreements

   (126  —      $(126  —    

Foreign exchange contracts

   (2,019  —       (2,019  —    

Commodity contracts

   889    —       889    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $868   $2,124    $(1,256  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

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 investments 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 7 for additional information regarding Polaris’ investment in Polaris Acceptance.previously reported.

Investment in other affiliates:The caption Investments in other affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets for the period ended December 31, 2011 represents the Company’s October 2011 investment in Brammo, Inc., a privately held manufacturer of electric motorcycles. This investment represents a minority interest in Brammo and is accounted for under the cost method. The amount recorded as of December 31, 2010 represents the Company’s 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.

(Gain) Loss 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 sales 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: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.

Fair value measurements. Fair value is 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. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified using the following hierarchy, which is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date:
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.

47


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.
In making fair value measurements, observable market data must be used when available. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. 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 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, 2014
Asset (Liability)Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Non-qualified deferred compensation assets$41,797
 $41,797
 
 
Total assets at fair value$41,797
 $41,797
 
 
Commodity contracts, net$(4,609) 
 $(4,609)  
Foreign exchange contracts, net(2,570) 
 (2,570) 
Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities(41,797) $(41,797) 
 
Total liabilities at fair value$(48,976) $(41,797) $(7,179) 
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013
Asset (Liability)Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Commodity contracts, net$30
 
 $30
 
Non-qualified deferred compensation assets24,711
 $24,711
 
 
Total assets at fair value$24,741
 $24,711
 $30
 
Foreign exchange contracts, net$(9) 
 $(9) 
Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities(24,711) $(24,711) 
 
Total liabilities at fair value$(24,720) $(24,711) $(9) 
Polaris measures 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. Polaris will impair or write off an investment and recognize a loss when events or circumstances indicate there is impairment in the investment that is other-than-temporary. The amount of loss is determined by measuring the investment at fair value. Refer to Note 9 for additional information.
Cash equivalents: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: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.


48


Inventories:Inventories. Inventory costs include material, labor, and manufacturing overhead costs, including depreciation expense associated with the manufacture and distribution of the Company's products. 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, 
   2011  2010 

Raw materials and purchased components

  $61,296   $35,580  

Service parts, garments and accessories

   77,437    60,813  

Finished goods

   175,252    155,744  

Less: reserves

   (15,943  (16,210
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Inventories

  $298,042   $235,927  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013
Raw materials and purchased components$165,823
 $107,496
Service parts, garments and accessories163,455
 125,765
Finished goods262,578
 206,290
Less: reserves(26,171) (21,603)
Inventories$565,685
 $417,948
Investment in finance affiliate. The caption investment in finance affiliate in the consolidated balance sheets represents Polaris’ fifty 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 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. Polaris' investment in other affiliates is included within other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and 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 if and when events or circumstances indicate there is impairment in the investment that is other-than-temporary. Refer to Note 9 for additional information regarding Polaris’ investment in other affiliates.
Property and equipment: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. Depreciation of assets recorded under capital leases is included with depreciation expense. Fully depreciated tooling is eliminated from the accounting records annually.

Goodwill and other intangible assets: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, 2011 and 2010. Refer to Note 45 for additional information regarding Goodwillgoodwill and other intangible assets.

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 the Company's 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.
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. 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

49


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.
Shipping and handling costs. Polaris records shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of sales at the time the product is shipped.
Research and Development Expenses: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, 2011, 2010, and 2009, Polaris incurred $105,631,000, $84,940,000, and $62,999,000, respectively.

Advertising Expenses: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, 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009,2012, Polaris incurred $48,877,000, $40,833,000$82,600,000, $73,945,000, and $37,433,000,$58,752,000, 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: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, for a period of one or two years for its motorcycles depending on brand and motorcyclesmodel year, and for a two year period for SEVs.SVs. Polaris provides longer warranties in certain geographical markets as determined by local regulations and market conditions and may also 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 yearperiod 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 yearsperiods presented iswas as follows (in thousands):

   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2011  2010  2009 

Balance at beginning of year

  $32,651   $25,520   $28,631  

Additions to warranty reserve through acquisitions

   2,727    —      —    

Additions charged to expense

   46,217    43,721    40,977  

Warranty claims paid

   (37,240  (36,590  (44,088
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

  $44,355   $32,651   $25,520  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Balance at beginning of year$52,818
 $47,723
 $44,355
Additions to warranty reserve through acquisitions160
 1,602
 900
Additions charged to expense61,888
 56,857
 46,088
Warranty claims paid(61,762) (53,364) (43,620)
Balance at end of year$53,104
 $52,818
 $47,723
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 $81,228,000 and $75,494,000 related to various sales promotions and incentive programs as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, 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 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 $76,512,000 and $79,688,000, for dealer holdback programs in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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 $9,545,000 and $6,991,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, 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 7), 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: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, specifically long-term compensation grants of Long Term Incentive Plan and restricted stock.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.


50


Accounting for derivativeDerivative instruments and hedging activities:ASC Topic 815 requires that changesactivities. Changes in the derivative’s fair value beof a derivative are recognized currently in earnings unless specificthe derivative qualifies as a hedge. To qualify as a hedge, criteria are met, and requires that a companythe Company must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. The net unrealized gain of the derivative instruments of $2,241,000 at December 31, 2011 and the net unrealized loss of $1,256,000 at December 31, 2010 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 gains of $2,478,000 and losses of $1,093,000 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were recorded as components of Accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company’s diesel fuel and aluminum contracts in 2011 and 2010 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 unrealized gains for the diesel fuel contracts for 2011 and 2010 totaled $160,000 and $282,000, respectively, pretax, and the unrealized losses for the aluminum contracts for 2011 and gains for 2010 totaled $1,497,000 and $607,000, respectively, pretax. Refer to Note 10 for additional information regarding Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

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

Foreign exchange contracts:

Polaris enters into foreign exchange contracts to manage currency exposures offrom 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, Norwegian Krone, Swedish Krona and Australian dollar contracts at settlement are recorded in Non-operatingnon-operating other expense (income). Gains in the consolidated income statements, and gains and losses on the Japanese yen, Mexican peso and Euro contracts at settlement are recorded in Costcost of sales.sales in the consolidated income statements. Unrealized gains orand losses after tax, are recorded as a component of Accumulatedaccumulated other comprehensive income in Shareholders’ Equity. The fair value of the foreign exchange contracts was a net asset of $3,578,000 as of December 31, 2011 and a net liability of $2,019,000 as of December 31, 2010.

Commodity derivative contracts:(loss).

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 20112014 and 2010,2013, the Company entered into derivative contracts to hedge a portion of the exposure for diesel fuel and aluminum. TheseThe Company's diesel fuel and aluminum hedging contracts diddo 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. Refer to Note 11 for additional information regarding derivative instruments and hedging activities.
The gross unrealized gains and losses of these contracts are recorded in the consolidated statementaccompanying balance sheets as other current assets or other current liabilities.
Foreign currency translation. The functional currency for each of incomethe 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 Cost of sales. The fair valueaccumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the shareholders’ equity section of the commodity derivative contracts wasaccompanying 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 expense (income), net liabilityin our consolidated statements of $1,337,000 as of December 31, 2011 and a net asset of $889,000 as of December 31, 2010.income.

Comprehensive income:income. Components of comprehensive income include net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, and unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, and unrealized gains or losses on securities held for sale, net of tax.instruments. The Company has chosen to disclose comprehensive income in the accompanyingseparate consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income.

New accounting pronouncements:pronouncements. In June 2011,May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue from the transfer of Comprehensive Income”. The ASU amends guidancegoods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for the presentation of comprehensive income. The amended guidance requires an entitythose goods or services. Polaris is required to present components of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate, but consecutive statements. The current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of shareholders’ equity will be eliminated. Althoughadopt the new guidance changespronouncement on January 1, 2017 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is evaluating the presentationapplication method and the impact of comprehensive income, therethis new standard on the financial statements.
There are no changes to the componentsother new accounting pronouncements that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under existing guidance. This ASUs is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2012 and retrospective application will be required. This ASU will change the Company’s financial statement presentation of comprehensive income, but will not impact net income, financial position, or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Intangibles–Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment”. This standard simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment by permitting entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2012. The Company does not expect adoptionexpected to have ana significant impact on itsPolaris' consolidated financial statements.

Note 2. Share-Based Employee Compensation

Share-based plans:Polaris maintains an Omnibus Incentive Plan (“Omnibus Plan”) under which theplans. The Company grants long-term equity-based incentives and rewards for the benefit of its employees and directors and consultants,under the shareholder approved Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended) (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 with the Option Plan, Restricted Plan and Broad Based Plan, 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


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are available for issuance under the Omnibus Plan, together with additional shares cancelledcanceled or forfeited under the Prior Plans.

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 106,000138,000 deferred stock units to its non-employee directors under the Omnibus Plan since 2007 (16,000, 20,000(9,000, 12,000 and 32,00012,000 in 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, 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

The Option Plan, which is frozen, was used to issue 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 Broad Based Plan, incentive stock options for a maximum of 1,400,000 shares of common stock could be issued to substantially all Polaris employees. Options with respect to 1,350,800 shares of common stock were granted under this plan during 1999 at an exercise price of $7.89 and of the options initially granted under the Broad Based Plan, an aggregate of 1,036,800 vested in March 2002. This plan and any outstanding options expired in 2009.

Under the Restricted Plan, a maximum of 4,700,000 shares of common stock could be awarded as an incentive to certain employees with no cash payments required from the recipient. The majority of the outstanding awards contain restrictions which lapse after a two to four year period if Polaris achieves certain performance measures.

Under the Director Stock Option Plan, which is frozen and contains no unexercised awards as of December 31, 2014, was used to issue 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 alsoannually elect to receive additional common stock equivalents in lieu of director’sdirector 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 248,900101,000 equivalents have been earned and an additional 200,400381,000 shares have been issued to retired directors as of December 31, 2011.2014. As of December 31, 20112014 and 2010,2013, Polaris’ liability under the plan totaled $13,933,000$15,217,000 and $8,992,000,$17,031,000, respectively.

Polaris maintains a Long Term Incentive Planlong 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. The awards areAwards granted through 2011 were paid in cash and arewere 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 havehad 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, 2011 and 2010,2013, Polaris’ liability under the plan totaled $93,765,000$57,166,000, and $49,745,000, respectively.

the final cash payout was made in 2014. 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 remained the same as prior to 2012.

Share-based compensation expense: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.

Total share-based compensation expenses were as follows:

   For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In thousands)  2011   2010   2009 

Option plan

  $9,948    $6,132    $4,653  

Other share-based awards

   63,872     52,807     12,354  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total share-based compensation before tax

   73,820     58,939     17,007  

Tax benefit

   27,929     23,039     6,620  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total share-based compensation expense included in Net income

  $45,891    $35,900    $10,387  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

follows (in thousands):

 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Option plan$24,428
 $22,245
 $16,497
Other share-based awards26,574
 57,640
 56,770
Total share-based compensation before tax51,002
 79,885
 73,267
Tax benefit19,039
 29,835
 27,401
Total share-based compensation expense included in net income$31,963
 $50,050
 $45,866
These share-based compensation expenses are reflected in Costcost of sales and Operatingoperating 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, 2011,2014, there was $35,567,000$82,778,000 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 1.801.50 years. Included in unrecognized share-based compensation is approximately $28,997,000$36,746,000 related to stock options and $6,570,000$46,032,000 for restricted stock.


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Table of Contents

General stock option and restricted stock information: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, 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009:2012:

  Option Plan  Omnibus Plan  Broad Based Plan  Director Stock Option Plan 
  Outstanding
Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Outstanding
Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Outstanding
Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Outstanding
Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Balance as of December 31, 2008

  6,811,698   $18.71    1,551,800   $20.70    73,600   $7.89    176,000   $23.03  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Granted

  —      —      1,334,000    12.58    —      —      —      —    

Exercised

  (331,652  9.67    —      —      (67,998  7.89    —      —    

Forfeited

  (40,800  22.39    (48,000  20.09    (5,602  7.89    —      —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Balance as of December 31, 2009

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Granted

  —      —      1,615,812    26.81    —      —      —      —    

Exercised

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

Forfeited

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Balance as of December 31, 2010

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Granted

  —      —      1,276,500    50.52    —      —      —      —    

Exercised

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

Forfeited

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

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

  

Balance as of December 31, 2011

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2011

  1,098,546   $25.08    4,480,067   $29.10    —      —      80,000   $23.52  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Options exercisable as of December 31, 2011

  1,098,546   $25.08    819,725   $18.26    —      —      80,000   $23.52  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2011:

   Options Outstanding   Options Exercisable 

Range of Exercise Prices

  Number
Outstanding  at
12/31/11
   Weighted  Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Number
Exercisable  at
12/31/11
   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 

$9.90 to $14.25

   613,158     6.25    $10.77     246,158    $12.00  

$14.26 to $21.51

   592,625     6.83    $16.79     326,925    $17.87  

$21.52 to $22.33

   976,390     7.06    $22.15     329,838    $21.82  

$22.34 to $23.21

   614,000     6.14    $22.57     224,000    $22.53  

$23.22 to $29.73

   845,350     4.21    $26.11     801,350    $26.11  

$29.74 to $29.98

   839,860     8.71    $29.98     —       —    

$29.99 to $38.46

   623,400     8.42    $37.77     70,000    $34.80  

$38.47 to $64.41

   756,500     9.80    $58.82     —       —    

 
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, 20114,682,737
 $29.45
 1,098,546
 $25.08
 80,000
 $23.52
Granted570,700
 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, 20124,330,410
 $35.50
 353,572
 $23.47
 16,000
 $27.10
Granted1,037,729
 87.06
 
 
 
 
Exercised(821,679) 24.45
 (191,141) 23.23
 (16,000) 27.10
Forfeited(80,380) 47.55
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 20134,466,080
 $49.29
 162,431
 $23.74
 
 
Granted705,564
 130.10
 
 
 
 
Exercised(866,917) 30.33
 (96,398) 23.77
 
 
Forfeited(98,215) 65.14
 (2,800) 22.43
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 20144,206,512
 $66.38
 63,233
 $23.76
 
 
Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 20144,206,512
 $66.38
 63,233
 $23.76
 
 
Options exercisable as of December 31, 20141,640,169
 $32.52
 63,233
 $23.76
 
 
The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding and of options was 7.18 yearsoutstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2011.

2014 was 6.83 years and 5.17 years, respectively.

The following assumptions were used to estimate the weighted average fair value of options of $18.44, $9.30,$39.97, $30.43, and $2.95$23.40 granted during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 2009,2012, respectively:

   For the Year
Ended December 31,
 
   2011  2010  2009 

Weighted-average volatility

   49  48  42

Expected dividend yield

   1.9  3.0  6.6

Expected term (in years)

   4.7    5.1    5.7  

Weighted average risk free interest rate

   1.4  2.5  2.2

 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Weighted-average volatility40% 49% 50%
Expected dividend yield1.5% 1.9% 2.2%
Expected term (in years)4.5
 4.4
 4.6
Weighted average risk free interest rate1.6% 0.9% 0.7%
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 20112014 was $77,736,000.$108,584,000. The total intrinsic value of options outstanding and of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2011, 2010,2014, was $365,160,000 and 2009 was $67,466,000, $40,795,000, and $25,962,000,$202,788,000, respectively. The total intrinsic value at each of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 isvalues 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, 2011:

   Shares
Outstanding
  Weighted
Average
Grant Price
 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

   256,908   $21.44  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Granted

   175,340   $42.54  

Vested

   (8,000 $25.42  

Canceled/Forfeited

   —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2011

   424,248   $30.09  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Expected to vest as of December 31, 2011

   424,248   $30.09  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2014:

 Shares
Outstanding
 Weighted
Average
Grant Price
Balance as of December 31, 2013770,967
 $74.47
Granted407,626
 134.34
Vested(65,020) 50.29
Canceled/Forfeited(35,842) 87.12
Balance as of December 31, 20141,077,731
 $98.15
Expected to vest as of December 31, 2014895,243
 $94.80
The total intrinsic value of restricted stock expected to vest as of December 31, 20112014 was $23,749,000.$135,396,000. The total intrinsic value at December 31, 2011 is based on the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the year. The weighted average

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Table of Contents

fair values at the grant dates of grants awarded under the Restricted StockOmnibus Plan for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010,2014, 2013, and 20092012 were $42.54, $28.95,$134.34, $88.84, and $17.84,$70.12, respectively.


Note 3. Employee Savings Plans
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Polaris sponsors a qualified non-leveraged employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”)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. Shares vest immediatelyAn employee's ESOP account vests equally after two and requirethree years of service and requires 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 $7,011,000, $8,123,000$10,789,000, $9,224,000, and $0,$7,380,000, in 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, respectively. As of December 31, 20112014 there were 4,659,0003,925,000 shares vestedheld in the plan.

Defined contribution plans. Polaris sponsors avarious defined contribution retirement plans covering substantially all U.S. employees. For the 401(k) defined contribution retirement savings plan under which eligible United Statescovers the majority of U.S. employees, may choose to contribute up to 50 percent of eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis, subject to certain IRS limitations. Thethe Company matches 100 percent of employee contributions up to a maximum of five percent of eligible compensation. MatchingAll contributions vest immediately. The cost of these defined contribution retirement plans was $12,486,000, $10,651,000, and $9,318,000, in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
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 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 $41,797,000 and $24,711,000 at December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
In November 2013, Polaris amended the SERP to allow executive officers of the Company the opportunity to defer certain restricted stock awards beginning with the annual performance-based award, which is scheduled to vest in February 2015 if certain performance metrics are achieved. After a holding period, the executive officer has the option to diversify the vested award into other funds available under the SERP. The deferrals will be held in a rabbi trust and will be invested in funds to match the liabilities of the SERP. The awards are redeemable in Polaris stock or in cash based upon the occurrence of events not solely within the control of Polaris; therefore, awards probable of vesting, for which the executive has not yet made an election to defer, or awards that have been deferred but have not yet vested and are probable of vesting or have been diversified into other funds are reported as deferred compensation in the temporary equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. The awards recorded in temporary equity are recognized at fair value as though the reporting date is also the redemption date, with any difference from stock-based compensation recorded in retained earnings. At December 31, 2014, 89,444 shares are recorded at a fair value of $13,528,000 in temporary equity, which includes $7,378,000 of compensation cost and $6,150,000 of cumulative fair value adjustment recorded through retained earnings.

Note 4. Financing Agreement
Debt and capital lease obligations and the average related interest rates were $8,456,000, $7,073,000, and $6,827,000, in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

as follows (in thousands):


54


 Average interest rate at December 31, 2014 Maturity December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013
Revolving loan facility January 2018 
 $80,500
Senior notes—fixed rate3.81% May 2018 $25,000
 25,000
Senior notes—fixed rate4.60% May 2021 75,000
 75,000
Senior notes—fixed rate3.13% December 2020 100,000
 100,000
Capital lease obligations5.02% Various through 2029 26,148
 7,123
Total debt and capital lease obligations    $226,148
 $287,623
Less: current maturities    2,528
 3,281
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations    $223,620
 $284,342
Note 3. Financing

Bank financing:financing. In August 2011, Polaris entered into a new $350,000,000$350,000,000 unsecured revolving loan facility. The new bank agreement expires inIn January 2013, Polaris amended the loan facility to provide more beneficial covenant and interest rate terms and extend the expiration date from August 2016.2016 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, 2011. There were no borrowings under this revolving loan facility at December 31, 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$25,000,000 of 3.81 percent unsecured senior notes due May 2018 and $75,000,000$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 In December 2013, the Company entered into and settled an interest rate lock contract in November 2009 in connection with thea First Supplement to Master Note Purchase Agreement. Agreement, under which the Company issued $100,000,000 of unsecured senior notes due December 2020.

The unsecured revolving loan facility and the amended Master Note Purchase Agreement contain covenants that require Polaris to maintain certain financial ratios, including minimum interest rate lock settlement resultedcoverage and maximum leverage ratios. Polaris was in a $251,000 gain, netcompliance with all such covenants as of deferred taxes of $149,000, which will be amortized into income over the life of the related debt.

December 31, 2014.

The following summarizes activity under Polaris’ credit arrangements (dollars in thousands):

   2011  2010  2009 

Total borrowings at December 31,

  $100,000   $200,000   $200,000  

Average outstanding borrowings during year

  $133,800   $200,000   $268,100  

Maximum outstanding borrowings during year

  $200,000   $200,000   $345,000  

Interest rate at December 31

   4.40  0.65  0.79

 2014 2013 2012
Total borrowings at December 31$200,000
 $280,500
 $100,000
Average outstanding borrowings during year$361,715
 $138,400
 $100,000
Maximum outstanding borrowings during year$500,000
 $411,000
 $100,000
Interest rate at December 313.77% 2.98% 4.40%
The carrying amountsamount of the Company’s long-term debt approximates its fair valevalue as December 31, 20112014 and 2010.

2013.

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, 2011 the Company’s capital lease obligations totaled $7,253,000, which includes $2,653,000 classified as a current liability.

Letters of credit:credit. At December 31, 2011,2014, Polaris had open letters of credit totaling approximately $4,496,000.$24,894,000. The amounts outstandingare primarily related to inventory purchases and are reduced as inventorythe purchases pertaining to the contracts are received.

Dealer financing programs:programs. Certain finance companies, including Polaris Acceptance, an affiliate (see Note 7)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, 2011,2014, was approximately $731,319,000.$1,337,214,000. 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 Salessales in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.


Note 4.5. 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 analysesthe annual impairment test as of December 31,

2011 2014 and 2010.2013. The results of the analysesimpairment test indicated


55


that no goodwill or intangible impairment existed.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.basis or more frequently if an event or circumstance that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount occurs. Goodwill and other intangible assets, net, consist of $44,668,000$123,031,000 and $28,354,000$126,697,000 of goodwill and $33,050,000$100,935,000 and $2,959,000$103,011,000 of intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, for the periods ended December 31, 20112014 and December 31, 2010,2013, respectively.

Additions to goodwill and other intangible assets in 20112014 relate primarily to the acquisition of Indian Motorcycle Company, GEMKolpin Outdoors, Inc. ("Kolpin") in April 2014, and Goupil during 2011. Goodwill associated with thesethe acquisition of certain assets of LSI Products Inc. and Armor Holdings, LLC. (collectively, "Pro Armor") in November 2014. Kolpin is a leading aftermarket brand delivering purpose-built and universal-fit ORV accessories and lifestyle products. Pro Armor is an industry-leading brand in performance side-by-side accessories.
For both 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. Therespective aggregate Goupil 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. Kolpin and Pro Armor's financial results are included in the Company’s consolidated results from the respective dates of acquisition. Pro forma financial results are not presented as the acquisitions are not material to the consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2011, this2014, the purchase price allocation for GoupilPro Armor remains preliminary related to income taxes and capitalized leases.

preliminary.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 20112014 and 20102013 are as follows (in thousands):

   2011  2010 

Balance as of beginning of year

  $28,354   $25,869  

Goodwill acquired during the year

   16,482    1,985  

Currency translation effect on foreign goodwill balances

   (168  500  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance as of end of year

  $44,668   $28,354  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 2014 2013
Balance as of beginning of year$126,697
 $56,324
Goodwill acquired during the period7,456
 66,085
Currency translation effect on foreign goodwill balances(11,122) 4,288
Balance as of end of year$123,031
 $126,697
For other intangible assets, the changes in the net carrying amount for the years ended December 31, 20112014 and 2010 were2013 are as follows (in thousands):

  For the Year Ended
December 31, 2011
  For the Year Ended
December 31, 2010
 
  Gross
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Gross
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
 

Other intangible assets, beginning

 $3,147   $(188  —      —    

Intangible assets acquired during the period

  31,106    —     $3,001    —    

Amortization expense

  —      (1,018  —     $(188

Foreign currency translation effect on balances

  3    —      146    —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other intangible assets, ending

 $34,256   $(1,206 $3,147   $(188
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 2014 2013
 Gross
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Gross
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
Other intangible assets, beginning$116,279
 $(13,268) $54,907
 $(4,015)
Intangible assets acquired during the period16,050
 
 57,388
 
Amortization expense
 (11,599) 
 (9,178)
Currency translation effect on foreign balances(8,236) 1,709
 3,984
 (75)
Other intangible assets, ending$124,093
 $(23,158) $116,279
 $(13,268)

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

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  
    

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

  Estimated Life
(Years)
  Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net 

Developed technology

  7  $3,147    $(188 $2,959  
    

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other intangible assets, net

    $3,147    $(188 $2,959  
    

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

December 31, 2014Estimated Life
(Years)
 Gross Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Non-compete agreements5 $540
 $(293) $247
Dealer/customer related7 62,758
 (16,361) 46,397
Developed technology5-7 14,571
 (6,504) 8,067
Total amortizable  77,869
 (23,158) 54,711
Non-amortizable—brand/trade names  46,224
 
 46,224
Total other intangible assets, net  $124,093
 $(23,158) $100,935
        
December 31, 2013Estimated Life
(Years)
 Gross Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Non-compete agreements5 $540
 $(185) $355
Dealer/customer related7 59,244
 (8,608) 50,636
Developed technology5-7 15,307
 (4,475) 10,832
Total amortizable  75,091
 (13,268) 61,823
Non-amortizable—brand/trade names  41,188
 
 41,188
Total other intangible assets, net  $116,279
 $(13,268) $103,011
Amortization expense for intangible assets during 2011for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 20102013 was $1,018,000$11,599,000 and $188,000, respectively.$9,178,000. Estimated amortization expense for 2012 to 20162015 through 2019 is as follows: 2012, $2,393,000; 2013, $2,393,000; 2014, $2,393,000; 2015 $2,393,000; , $11,300,000; 2016 $2,369,000;, $11,300,000; 2017, $11,000,000; 2018, $9,500,000; 2019, $8,200,000; and after 2016, $3,731,000.2019, $3,400,000. 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 5.6. Income Taxes

Polaris’ Incomeincome from continuing operations before income taxes was generated from its United States and foreign operations as follows:

   For the Years Ended December 31, 

(In thousands):

  2011   2010   2009 

United States

  $329,060    $210,155    $143,483  

Foreign

   17,566     8,386     7,691  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

  $346,626    $218,541    $151,174  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

follows (in thousands):

 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
United States$666,323
 $535,265
 $458,635
Foreign32,994
 39,164
 21,208
Income from continuing operations before income taxes$699,317
 $574,429
 $479,843
Components of Polaris’ Provisionprovision for income taxes for continuing operations are as follows:

   For the Years Ended December 31, 

(In thousands):

  2011  2010  2009 

Current:

    

Federal

  $113,406   $73,597   $27,104  

State

   10,629    7,381    3,723  

Foreign

   6,374    6,783    5,757  

Deferred

   (11,358  (16,358  13,573  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $119,051   $71,403   $50,157  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

follows (in thousands):

 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Current:     
Federal$255,299
 $167,690
 $169,833
State20,438
 12,942
 15,366
Foreign21,584
 15,457
 8,593
Deferred(52,033) (2,729) (26,259)
Total provision for income taxes for continuing operations$245,288
 $193,360
 $167,533
Reconciliation of the Federal statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:

   For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2011  2010  2009 

Federal statutory rate

   35.0  35.0  35.0

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

   1.8    1.8    2.3  

Domestic manufacturing deduction

   (1.9  (1.8  (1.1

Research tax credit

   (0.8  (1.2  (1.2

Valuation allowance for foreign subsidiaries net operating losses

   0.5    0.4    —    

Other permanent differences

   (0.3  (1.5  (1.8
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   34.3  32.7  33.2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


57


 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Federal statutory rate35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit1.5
 1.5
 1.8
Domestic manufacturing deduction(1.1) (1.0) (1.5)
Research and development tax credit(1.1) (2.2) 
Valuation allowance for foreign subsidiaries net operating losses
 0.3
 
Other permanent differences0.8
 0.1
 (0.4)
Effective income tax rate for continuing operations35.1 % 33.7 % 34.9 %
In December 2014, the President of the United States signed the Tax Increase Prevention Act, which retroactively reinstated the research and development tax credit for 2014. In January 2013, the President of the United States signed the American Taxpayers Relief Act of 2012, which reinstated the research and development tax credit. As a result, the impact of both the 2012 and 2013 research and development tax credits were recorded in the 2013 tax provision.
Undistributed earnings relating to certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of approximately $44,643,000$105,782,000 and $38,749,000$75,487,000 at December 31, 20112014 and 2010,2013, 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, 
   2011  2010 

Current deferred income taxes:

   

Inventories

  $5,968   $6,618  

Accrued expenses

   73,171    60,100  

Derivative instruments

   (1,474  651  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current

   77,665    67,369  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Noncurrent net deferred income taxes:

   

Cost in excess of net assets of business acquired

   2,139    (1,973

Property and equipment

   (21,296  (20,786

Compensation payable in common stock

   31,274    30,119  

Net unrealized gains in other comprehensive income

   (1,516  (8,297
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total noncurrent

   10,601    (937
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $88,266   $66,432  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 December 31,
 2014 2013
Current deferred income taxes:   
Inventories$9,034
 $6,306
Accrued expenses104,279
 87,157
Derivative instruments864
 (107)
Total current114,177
 93,356
Noncurrent deferred income taxes:   
Cost in excess of net assets of business acquired(13,111) (13,594)
Property and equipment(28,921) (36,069)
Compensation payable in common stock58,446
 42,528
Net operating loss carryforwards and impairments12,693
 5,782
Valuation allowance(6,097) (5,059)
Total noncurrent23,010
 (6,412)
Total net deferred income tax asset$137,187
 $86,944

58


At December 31, 2014, the Company had available unused international and acquired federal net operating loss carryforwards of $32,640,000. The net operating loss carryforwards will expire at various dates from 2015 to 2033, with certain jurisdictions having indefinite carryforward terms.
Polaris hadclassified liabilities recorded related to unrecognized tax benefits totaling $7,837,000 and $5,509,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The liabilities were classified as Long termlong-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 Provisionprovision for income taxes on the consolidated statements of income. Polaris had reservesReserves related to potential interest of $496,000 and $331,000are recorded as a component of Long termlong-term income taxes payable at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.payable. The entire balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011,2014, 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 20062010 through 20102014 remain open to examination by certain tax jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amountamounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

   For the Years Ended December 31, 

(In thousands):

          2011                  2010         

Balance at January 1,

  $5,509   $4,988  

Gross increases for tax positions of prior years

   483    1,259  

Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years

   —      —    

Gross increases for tax positions of current year

   1,956    1,345  

Decreases due to settlements

   —      —    

Decreases for lapse of statute of limitations

   (111  (2,083
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31,

  $7,837   $5,509  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
follows (in thousands):
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013
Balance at January 1,$13,199
 $6,704
Increases due to acquisition opening balance sheet positions
 6,420
Gross increases for tax positions of prior years55
 561
Gross increases for tax positions of current year1,456
 3,755
Decreases due to settlements and other prior year tax positions(2,346) (3,310)
Decreases for lapse of statute of limitations(1,586) (1,344)
Currency translation effect on foreign balances(942) 413
Balance at December 31,9,836
 13,199
Reserves related to potential interest at December 31,732
 1,093
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31,$10,568
 $14,292

Note 6.7. Shareholders’ Equity

Stock repurchase program:program. The Polaris Board of Directors has authorized the cumulative repurchase of up to 75,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. In addition, in 2013 the Polaris Board of Directors authorized the one-time repurchase of all the shares of Polaris stock owned by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. ("Fuji"). On November 12, 2013, Polaris entered into and executed a Share Repurchase Agreement with Fuji under which Polaris purchased 3,960,000 shares of Polaris stock held by Fuji for an aggregate purchase price of $497,474,000.
As of December 31, 2011, 3,629,0002014, 1,050,000 shares remain available for repurchases under the Board’s authorization. During 20112014, Polaris paid $132,372,000 to repurchase

and retire approximately 2,608,000 shares. During 2010 Polaris paid $27,486,000$81,812,000 to repurchase and retire approximately 1,202,000 shares and in 2009554,000 shares. During 2013, Polaris paid $4,556,000$530,033,000 to repurchase and retire approximately 222,0004,337,000 shares, and in 2012 Polaris paid $127,525,000 to repurchase and retire approximately 1,649,000 shares.

Shareholder rights plan: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 consistedStock purchase plan. Polaris maintains an employee stock purchase plan (“Purchase Plan”). A total of $9,545,0003,000,000 shares of common stock are reserved for this plan. The Purchase Plan permits eligible employees to purchase common stock monthly at 95 percent of the average of the beginning and $6,991,000end of unrealized currency translation gains (net of tax of $1,516,000 and $8,298,000) asmonth stock prices. As of December 31, 20112014, approximately 1,261,000 shares had been purchased under the Purchase Plan.
Dividends. Quarterly and 2010, respectively, and unrealized gains of $2,478,000 and unrealized losses of $1,093,000 (net of tax liability of $1,474,000 and tax benefit of $650,000) related to derivative instruments as oftotal year cash dividends declared per common share for the year ended December 31, 20112014 and 2010, respectively.

Changes in2013 were as follows:


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Table of Contents

  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2014 2013
Quarterly dividend declared and paid per common share $0.48
 $0.42
Total dividends declared and paid per common share $1.92
 $1.68
On January 29, 2015, the Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances is as follows (in thousands):

  Foreign
Currency

Items
  Unrealized Gains
(Losses) on
Securities
  Net Gains (Losses)
on Cash Flow
Hedging Derivatives
  Accumulated  Other
Comprehensive
Income
 

Balance at December 31, 2010

 $6,991    —     $(1,093 $5,898  

Reclassification to the income statement

  —      —      (959  (959

Change in fair value

  2,554    —      4,530    7,084  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

 $9,545    —     $2,478   $12,023  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Polaris Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.53 per share payable on March 16, 2015 to holders of record of such shares at the close of business on March 2, 2015.

Net income per share: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,period, including shares earned under the The Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (“Director Plan,Plan”), the ESOP and deferred stock units under the 2007 Omnibus Plan.Incentive Plan (“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 issued under the 1995 Stock Option Plan and the 2003 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (collectively, the “Option Plans”) and certain shares issued under the Restricted Plan and Omnibus Plan. A reconciliation of these amounts is as follows (in thousands):

  2011  2010  2009 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

  68,315    66,318    64,490  

Director Plan and Deferred stock units

  342    326    308  

ESOP

  135    256    —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding—basic

  68,792    66,900    64,798  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Dilutive effect of Restricted Plan and Omnibus Plan

  165    132    530  

Dilutive effect of Option Plan and Omnibus Plan

  2,100    1,733    820  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Common and potential common shares outstanding—diluted

  71,057    68,765    66,148  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding65,904 68,209 68,409
Director Plan and deferred stock units196 242 341
ESOP75 84 99
Common shares outstanding—basic66,175 68,535 68,849
Dilutive effect of restricted stock awards359 228 181
Dilutive effect of stock option awards1,695 1,783 1,975
Common and potential common shares outstanding—diluted68,229 70,546 71,005
During 2011, 2010the 2014, 2013 and 2009,2012 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 131,000, 788,000,were 581,000, 23,000 and 3,344,000,872,000, respectively.

Stock Purchase Plan: Polaris maintains an employee stock purchase plan (“Purchase Plan”)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). A totalChanges in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balance is as follows (in thousands):
 Foreign
Currency
Items
 Cash Flow
Hedging Derivatives
 Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
Balance as of December 31, 2013$18,582
 $179
 $18,761
Reclassification to the income statement
 (5,469) (5,469)
Change in fair value(44,371) 3,838
 (40,533)
Balance as of December 31, 2014$(25,789) $(1,452) $(27,241)
The table below provides data about the amount of 3,000,000 sharesgains and losses, net of common stock are reservedtax, reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into the income statement for this plan. cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
Derivatives in Cash
Flow Hedging Relationships
Location of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013
Foreign currency contractsOther (income), net $(5,641) $(1,671)
Foreign currency contractsCost of sales 172
 977
Total  $(5,469) $(694)
The Purchase Plan permits eligible employees to purchase common stock at 95 percentnet amount of the average market price each month. As of existing gains or losses at December 31, 2011, approximately 1,198,000 shares had been purchased under2014 that is expected to be reclassified into the Purchase Plan.income statement within the next 12 months is expected to not be material. See Note 11 for further information regarding Polaris' derivative activities.



60

Table of Contents

Note 7.8. Financial Services Arrangements

In 1996, one of Polaris’ wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into

Polaris Acceptance, a partnership agreement with a subsidiary of Transamericajoint venture between Polaris and GE Commercial Distribution Finance (“TDF”) to form Polaris Acceptance. In 2004, TDF was merged with aCorporation, an indirect subsidiary of General Electric Company and, asCapital Corporation, which is supported by a resultpartnership agreement between their respective wholly owned subsidiaries, finances substantially all of that merger, TDF’s name was changed to GECDF.Polaris' United States sales whereby Polaris receives payment within a few days of shipment of the product. Polaris’ subsidiary has a 50 percent equity interest in Polaris Acceptance. In November 2006, Polaris Acceptance soldsells a majority of its receivable portfolio to thea securitization facility (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, 2011 and 2010, the outstanding balance of receivables sold by Polaris Acceptance to the Securitization Facility (the “Securitized Receivables”) amounted to approximately $477,604,000 and $323,790,000, respectively.Corporation. 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 ASCAccounting Standards Codification Topic 860. Polaris Acceptance is not responsible for any continuing servicing costs or obligations with respect toPolaris’ allocable share of the Securitized Receivables. Polaris has not guaranteed the outstanding indebtednessincome of Polaris Acceptance orhas been included as a component of income from financial services in the Securitized Receivables. Polaris’ subsidiary and GECDF have an income sharing arrangement related to income generated from the Securitization Facility.accompanying consolidated statements of income. The remaining portion of the receivable portfoliopartnership agreement 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. effective through February 2017.
Polaris’ total investment in Polaris Acceptance of $89,107,000at December 31, 2011and 2010, was $42,251,0002014 is accounted for under the equity method, and $37,169,000, respectively. The Polaris Acceptance partnership agreement provides for periodic options for renewal, purchase, or termination by either party. Substantially allis recorded in investment in finance affiliate in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2014, the outstanding amount 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 amountreceivables financed for dealers under this arrangement at December 31, 2011, including bothwas $1,141,068,000, which included $337,088,000 in the portfolio balance in Polaris Acceptance portfolio and $803,980,000 of receivables within the Securitization Facility ("Securitized Receivables, was $568,392,000. Receivables").
Polaris has agreed to repurchase products repossessed by Polaris Acceptance up to an annual maximum of 15 percent of the aggregate average month-end balances outstanding Polaris Acceptance receivables and Securitized Receivables during the prior calendar year. For calendar year 2011,2014, the potential 15 percent aggregate repurchase obligation was approximately $91,693,000.$120,815,000. 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 $1,618,000 and $29,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, 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, 2011 of $42,251,000 is accounted for under the equity method, and is recorded as Investments 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, 
   2011   2010   2009 

Revenues

  $13,018    $12,459    $12,559  

Interest and operating expenses

   4,131     3,311     4,517  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $8,887    $9,148    $8,042  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   As of December 31, 
   2011  2010 

Finance receivables, net

  $90,788   $174,040  

Other assets

   73    67  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Assets

  $90,861   $174,107  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes payable/(receivable)

  $(2,435 $92,863  

Other liabilities

   8,794    6,980  

Partners’ capital

   84,502    74,264  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

  $90,861   $174,107  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

In August 2005, a wholly-owned subsidiary

 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
Revenues$40,968
 $13,010
 $8,811
Interest and operating expenses3,678
 3,044
 1,013
Net income$37,290
 $9,966
 $7,798
 As of December 31,
 2014 2013
Finance receivables, net$337,088
 $226,742
Other assets122
 172
Total Assets$337,210
 $226,914
Notes payable$155,436
 $85,096
Other liabilities3,560
 3,384
Partners’ capital178,214
 138,434
Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital$337,210
 $226,914
Polaris has agreements with Capital One, Sheffield, Synchrony Bank and FreedomRoad under which these financial institutions provide financing to end consumers 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 is continuing to manage the Polaris private label credit card program under the StarCard label to provide financing for 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 is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012. Polaris’Polaris' income generated from the HSBC agreementthese agreements has been included as a component of Incomeincome 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 administers and 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 inunder any of these arrangements. Polaris’ service fee income generated from these arrangements has been included as a component of Incomeincome from financial services in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Income from financial services as included in the consolidated statements



61

Table of income is comprised of the following (in thousands):

   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010   2009 

Equity in earnings of Polaris Acceptance

  $4,444    $4,574    $4,021  

Income from Securitization Facility

   7,686     8,027     9,559  

Income from HSBC, GE Bank and Sheffield retail credit agreements

   9,056     2,422     1,090  

Income from other financial services activities

   2,906     1,833     2,401  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income from financial services

  $24,092    $16,856    $17,071  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Contents

Note 8.9. Investment in Other Affiliates

The caption InvestmentsCompany has certain investments in Other Affiliatesnonmarketable securities of strategic companies. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, these investments are comprised of investments in Eicher-Polaris Private Limited (EPPL) and Brammo, Inc. ("Brammo"), and are recorded as components of other long-term assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheetssheets.
EPPL is a joint venture established in 2012 with Eicher Motors Limited ("Eicher"). Polaris and Eicher each control 50 percent of the joint venture, 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. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value of the Company's investment in EPPL was $14,601,000 and $6,456,000, respectively. Through December 31, 2014, Polaris has invested $21,878,000 in the joint venture. Polaris' share of EPPL loss for the periodyears ended December 31, 2011 represents2014 and 2013 was $4,124,000 and $2,414,000, respectively, and is included in equity in loss of other affiliates on the Company’s investment in consolidated statements of income.
Brammo Inc.,is a privately held manufacturerdesigner and developer of electric motorcycles madevehicles, which Polaris has invested in Octobersince 2011. This $5,000,000The investment represents a minority interest in Brammo and is accounted for under the cost method. The amount recorded as of December 31, 2010 represents the Company’s 40 percent ownership in Robin Manufacturing, U.S.A. (“Robin”), which assembled enginesBrammo is in the United Statesearly stages of designing, developing, and selling electric vehicle powertrains. As such, a risk exists that Brammo may not be able to secure sufficient financing to reach viability through cash flow from operations. In January 2015, Polaris acquired the electric motorcycle business from Brammo. Brammo will continue to be a designer and developer of electric vehicle powertrains.
Polaris will impair or write off an investment and recognize a loss if and when events or circumstances indicate there is impairment in the investment that is other-than-temporary. When necessary, Polaris evaluates investments in nonmarketable securities for recreationalimpairment, utilizing level 3 fair value inputs. During 2014 and industrial products. The Robin operations were closed during third quarter 2011 as2013, Polaris recorded an immaterial impairment expense within other expense (income), net in the production volumesconsolidated statements of engines made by Robin had declined significantly in recent years. Polaris receivedincome, and reduced the return of its remaining equity investment in Robin during the fourth quarter 2011 as Robin was liquidated.

Brammo investment.

Note 9.10. Commitments and Contingencies

Product liability:liability. Polaris is subject to product liability claims in the normal course of business. In 2012, Polaris is currently self-insuredpurchased excess insurance coverage for allcatastrophic product liability claims.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, 2011,2014, the Company had an accrual of $16,861,000$17,327,000 for the probable payment of pending claims related to continuing operations product liability litigation associated with Polaris products. This accrual is included as a component of Other Accruedother accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The
As previously disclosed, the Company iswas party to a lawsuit in which the Plaintiff alleges that sheplaintiff was seriously 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 vigorouslyOn July 23, 2013, a Los Angeles County jury returned an unfavorable verdict against the action, but there can be no assurancesCompany. The jury returned a verdict finding that the ultimate outcomeaccident was caused by multiple actions, the majority of which was attributed to the negligence of the lawsuit will be favorableother boat driver, with the balance attributed to the Company or that the defensereckless behavior of the suit ordriver of the Virage and the design of the Virage. The jury awarded approximately $21,000,000 in damages, of which Polaris' liability was $10,000,000. In the third quarter of 2013, the Company reported a loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $3,777,000 for an additional provision to accrue Polaris' portion of the jury award and legal fees. The amount was fully paid in 2013. In September 2004, the Company announced its outcome will notdecision to cease manufacturing marine products. Since then, any material financial results of that division 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 Companybeen recorded in discontinued the manufacture of marine products in 2004.operations.

Litigation: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’Polaris' financial position or results of operations.


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Leases: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, 2014 and 2013 the fair value of contingent purchase price commitments was $27,908,000 and $18,249,000, respectively, recorded in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Leases. Polaris leases buildings and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. Total rent expense under all operating lease agreements was $9,184,000, $5,553,000$13,734,000, $10,656,000, and $4,999,000$10,349,000 for 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, respectively. With the acquisition of Goupil
A property lease agreement signed in late 2011, the Company assumed2013 for a manufacturing facility which Polaris began occupying in Opole, Poland commenced in February 2014. The Poland property lease is accounted for as a 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. Polaris will make payments totaling $7,253,000 over the next six years.

lease.

Future minimum annual lease payments under capital and operating leases with non-cancelablenoncancelable terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2011, including payments for the Monterrey, Mexico facility operating lease were2014, are as follows (in thousands):

Lease Obligations

  Capital
Leases
   Operating
Leases
 

2012

  $2,653    $7,184  

2013

   2,190     5,845  

2014

   1,444     4,857  

2015

   701     3,899  

2016

   222     3,460  

Thereafter

   43     11,644  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total future minimum lease obligation

  $7,253    $36,889  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
 Capital
Leases
 Operating
Leases
2015$3,915
 $9,576
20163,281
 5,098
20172,903
 3,326
20182,403
 1,945
20192,203
 1,173
Thereafter23,639
 1,403
Total future minimum lease obligation$38,344
 $22,521

Note 10.11. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. TheFrom time to time, the primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and commodity price fluctuations. Forward exchangeDerivative contracts on various currencies are entered into in order to manage foreign currency exposures associated with certain product sourcing activities and intercompany sales.cash flows. 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 StatesU.S. 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, 2011,2014, Polaris had the following open Canadian Dollarforeign currency contracts (in thousands):
Foreign Currency 
Notional Amounts
(in U.S. dollars)
 Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Australian Dollar $3,491
 $391
Canadian Dollar 40,550
 38
Japanese Yen 22,201
 (1,008)
Mexican Peso 34,060
 (1,991)
Total $100,302
 $(2,570)
These contracts, with notional amounts totaling United States $156,941,000 and a net unrealized gain of $3,601,000, open contracts to purchase Euros with notional amounts totaling United States $22,948,000 and an unrealized loss of $819,000, open Swedish Krona contracts with notional amounts totaling United States $6,442,000 and an unrealized gain of $437,000, and open Australian Dollar contracts with notional amounts totaling United States $10,243,000 and a net unrealized gain of $359,000. These contracts have maturities through December 2012. The Company had no open Yen foreign currency derivative contracts31, 2015, met the criteria for cash flow hedges and the unrealized gains or losses, after tax, are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in place at December 31, 2011.

shareholders’ equity.


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Polaris has enteredenters into derivative contracts to hedge a portion of the exposure for gallons ofrelated to diesel fuel for 2012 and metric tons of aluminum for 2012.aluminum. These diesel fuel and aluminum derivative contracts didhave not meetmet the criteria for hedge accounting.

The tablestable below summarizesummarizes the carrying values of derivative instruments as of December 31, 20112014 and 20102013 (in thousands):

  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(2)

 $4,738   $(1,160 $3,578  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 $4,738   $(1,160 $3,578  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commodity contracts(2)

 $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  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  Carrying Values of Derivative Instruments as of December 31,  2010 
  Fair Value—Assets  Fair Value—(Liabilities)  Derivative Net
Carrying Value
 

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

   

Interest rate contracts(1)

  —     $(126 $(126

Foreign exchange contracts(2)

 $39    (2,058  (2,019
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 $39   $(2,184 $(2,145
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commodity contracts(2)

 $889    —     $889  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 $889    —     $889  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Derivatives

 $928   $(2,184 $(1,256
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 Carrying Values of Derivative Instruments as of December 31, 2014
 
Fair Value—
Assets
 
Fair Value—
(Liabilities)
 
Derivative Net
Carrying Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments     
Foreign exchange contracts(1)$534
 $(3,104) $(2,570)
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$534
 $(3,104) $(2,570)
Commodity contracts(1)$
 $(4,609) $(4,609)
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$
 $(4,609) $(4,609)
Total derivatives$534
 $(7,713) $(7,179)
 Carrying Values of Derivative Instruments as of December 31, 2013
 
Fair Value—
Assets
 
Fair Value—
(Liabilities)
 
Derivative Net
Carrying Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments     
Foreign exchange contracts(1)$1,194
 $(1,203) $(9)
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$1,194
 $(1,203) $(9)
Commodity contracts(1)$46
 $(16) $30
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$46

$(16) $30
Total derivatives$1,240
 $(1,219) $21
(1)Included in Other Current Liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(2)(1)Assets are included in Prepaidprepaid expenses and other and liabilities are included in Other Current Liabilitiesother accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.sheets.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge,hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of Accumulatedaccumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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. current income statement.
The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses, net of tax, related to the effective portion of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges included as a component of Accumulatedin accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the twelve month periodsyears ended December 31:

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

Derivatives in Cash Flow

Hedging Relationships

  Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2011
   Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2010
 

Interest rate contracts

  $62    $609  

Foreign currency contracts

   3,509     (1,048
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $3,571    $(439
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The table below provides data31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

Derivatives in Cash
Flow Hedging Relationships
For the Years Ended December 31,
2014 2013
Interest rate contracts
 $(26)
Foreign currency contracts$(1,631) 1,636
Total$(1,631) $1,610
See Note 7 for information about the amount of gains and losses, net of tax, reclassified from Accumulatedaccumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into the income onstatement for 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,
2011
  Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2010
 

Interest rate contracts

  Interest expense  $(152 $(1,039

Foreign currency contracts

  Other income, net   (807  (1,133

Foreign currency contracts

  Cost of sales   —      24  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

    $(959 $(2,148
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

The net amount of the existing gains or losses at December 31, 2011 that is expected to be reclassified into the statement of income within the next 12 months is not expected to be material.instruments. The ineffective portion of foreign currency contracts was not material for the twelve monthsyears ended December 31, 20112014 and 2010.

2013.

The Company recognized a loss of $1,295,000$4,820,000 and a gain of $643,000$878,000 in Costcost of sales on commodity contracts not designated as hedging instruments for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2011in 2014 and 2010,2013, respectively.

Note 11. Manufacturing Realignment

In May 2010, the Company announced that it was realigning its manufacturing operations. The realignment will consolidate operations into existing operations in Roseau, Minnesota and Spirit Lake, Iowa as well as establish a new facility in Monterrey, Mexico. As part



64

Table 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 expects to record transition charges, including both exit costs and startup costs during the 2010 – 2012 time period. The exit costs pertaining to the manufacturing realignment are expected to total approximately $7,100,000 over that time period. The exit costs are classified within Cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income. A summary of these exit costs follows:

(In thousands)

  Total Amount
Expected  to be
Incurred
   Amount Incurred
During  the Twelve
Months Ended
December 31, 2011
   Cumulative Amounts
Incurred through
December 31, 2011
 

Termination benefits

  $6,000    $980    $5,823  

Other associated costs

   1,100     368     989  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Exit Costs

  $7,100    $1,348    $6,812  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Utilization of components of the accrued exit costs during the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

2011 (In thousands)

  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 (In thousands)

  Balance
December 31,  2019
   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

  $—      $,4645    $(2 $5,462  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
Contents

Note 12. 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

Sales to Polaris’ foreign operations:

   For the Years Ended December 31, 
(In thousands)  2011   2010   2009 

Canadian subsidiary:

      

Sales

  $368,487    $279,309    $239,240  

Identifiable assets

   18,008     42,936     35,462  

Other foreign countries:

      

Sales

  $424,363    $305,864    $252,419  

Identifiable assets

   252,519     145,528     97,771  
external customers based on the location of the customer and property and equipment, net, by geography are presented in the tables below (in thousands):
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012
United States$3,339,905
 $2,721,300
 $2,310,943
Canada454,608
 463,316
 438,208
Other foreign countries685,135
 592,452
 460,631
Consolidated sales$4,479,648
 $3,777,068
 $3,209,782
 As of December 31,
 2014 2013
United States$432,614
 $349,224
Mexico49,064
 52,450
Other foreign countries73,750
 53,493
Consolidated property and equipment, net$555,428
 $455,167

Note 13. Subsequent Events

On January 9, 2015, the Company announced plans to build a new production facility in Huntsville, Alabama to provide additional capacity and flexibility. The 600,000 square-foot facility will focus on off-road vehicle production. The Company will break ground on the facility in the first quarter of 2015 with completion expected in the first half of 2016.
On January 29, 2015, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the Company’s common stock repurchase authorization by 4.0 million shares. The additional share repurchase authorization, together with the 1.1 million shares remaining available for repurchase under the prior authorization, represents approximately eight percent of the shares of Polaris common stock currently outstanding.
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 14. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

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

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  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2010

        

First Quarter

  $361,708    $94,914    $19,771    $0.29  

Second Quarter

   430,907     113,084     25,624     0.37  

Third Quarter

   580,082     150,699     47,221     0.69  

Fourth Quarter

   618,442     171,516     54,522     0.78  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Totals

  $1,991,139    $530,213    $147,138    $2.14  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Sales Gross profit Net income from continuing operations Net income Diluted net income per share from continuing operations Diluted net income per share
 (In thousands, except per share data)
2014           
First Quarter$888,346
 $258,417
 $80,901
 $80,901
 $1.19
 $1.19
Second Quarter1,013,959
 304,914
 96,905
 96,905
 1.42
 1.42
Third Quarter1,302,343
 388,274
 140,826
 140,826
 2.06
 2.06
Fourth Quarter1,275,000
 367,573
 135,397
 135,397
 1.98
 1.98
Totals$4,479,648
 $1,319,178
 $454,029
 $454,029
 $6.65
 $6.65
2013           
First Quarter$745,909
 $216,648
 $75,464
 $75,464
 $1.07
 $1.07
Second Quarter844,800
 252,338
 80,004
 80,004
 1.13
 1.13
Third Quarter1,102,649
 334,785
 116,921
 113,144
 1.64
 1.59
Fourth Quarter1,083,710
 317,108
 108,680
 108,680
 1.56
 1.56
Totals$3,777,068
 $1,120,879
 $381,069
 $377,292
 $5.40
 $5.35

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Table of Contents


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.


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—“sections entitled "Proposal 1 – Election of Directors—Information Concerning Nominees and Directors” in the Company’s 2012 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 “CorporateDirectors," "Corporate Governance—Committees of the Board and Meetings—Audit Committee”Committee" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company’s 2012Polaris definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 13, 2015 (the "2015 Proxy Statement"), are incorporated herein by reference.

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

The information required under this item concerning compliance with Section 16(a) See also Item 1 "Executive Officers of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 will be set forth under the caption “Corporate Governance—Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”Registrant" on page 12 in the Company’s 2012 Proxy Statement incorporated herein by reference.

(e) Code of Ethics.

Part I hereof.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that appliesapplicable to all employees, including our Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and all other executive officers and the Board of Directors. A copy of the Polaris employees. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is postedavailable on our website at www.polarisindustries.com and may be found as follows:

www.polaris.com.

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 CodeAny amendments to, or waivers for executive officers or directors of, Conduct and Ethics.”

A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethicsthese ethics codes 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 informationdisclosed on our website atpromptly following the address and location specified above under the heading “waivers.”

date of such amendment or waiver.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this item will be set forth under the captions “Corporate Governance —Compensationsections entitled "Corporate Governance—Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Compensation" "Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Summary Compensation Table,” “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2011,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2011

Fiscal Year-End,” “Option Exercises" "Compensation Committee Report," "Executive Compensation" and Stock Vested in 2011,” “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation in 2011,” “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control,” “Director Compensation” and “Compensation Committee Report”"Director Compensation" in the Company’s 2012Company's 2015 Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference.


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

The information under the captionsections entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and "Equity Compensation Plan Information" in the Company’s 20122015 Proxy Statement isare incorporated herein by reference.

Equity compensation plan information

Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Shareholders

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. Omnibus Incentive Plan.

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

Summary


66

Table

The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2011, 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

   6,215,849(1)(2)  $28.55(3)   9,986,084(4) 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   None    n/a    None  

(1)Includes 5,861,283 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, 105,666 shares issuable upon settlement of deferred stock units and accompanying dividend equivalent units issued under the Omnibus Plan to non-employee directors and 248,900 shares issuable upon settlement of common stock equivalents awarded to non-employee directors under the Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors but excludes 424,248 shares of restricted stock issued under the Omnibus Plan.
(2)The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding options was 7.18 years as of December 31, 2011. 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 50,640 shares were available under the Deferred Compensation Plan, a total of 8,133,386 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 1,802,058 shares were available under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Contents


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

The information required by this item will be set forth under the captions “Corporatesections entitled "Corporate Governance—Corporate Governance Guidelines and Independence”Independence" and “Certain"Corporate Governance—Certain Relationships and Related Transactions”Transactions" in the Company’s 20122015 Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the close of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, and isare incorporated herein by reference.


Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this item will be set forth under the caption “Feessection entitled "Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”Firm" in the Company’s 20122015 Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the close of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.


67



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 4438 are included in Part II of this Form 10-K.

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts is included on page 8170 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 8271 to 85.

74.

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 29, 2012,20, 2015, 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.


68



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 27, 2012.

20, 2015.
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
 

Title

Date

/S/    SCOTT W. WINE        

/s/    GREGORY R. PALEN        

Chairman and Director
February 27, 2012
Gregory R. Palen

/s/    SCOTT W. WINE        

Chief Executive Officer and DirectorFebruary 27, 2012
Scott W. Wine
(Principal Executive Officer)
February 20, 2015
Scott W. Wine
 

/s/S/    MICHAEL W. MALONE        

Vice President — Finance and Chief FinancialFebruary 27, 2012
Michael W. Malone

Officer (Principal Financial and

Accounting Officer)

February 20, 2015
Michael W. Malone
 
*
DirectorFebruary 20, 2015

*

Annette K. Clayton
 Director
 February 27, 2012
Robert L. Caulk*
DirectorFebruary 20, 2015
Brian C. Cornell 
 
*
DirectorFebruary 20, 2015

*

Kevin M. Farr
 Director
 February 27, 2012
Annette K. Clayton*DirectorFebruary 20, 2015
Gary E. Hendrickson 
 
*DirectorFebruary 20, 2015

*

Bernd F. Kessler
 Director
 February 27, 2012
Gary E. Hendrickson
*
DirectorFebruary 20, 2015
R. M. Schreck 
 
*Lead DirectorFebruary 20, 2015

*

John P. Wiehoff
 Director
 February 27, 2012
Bernd F. Kessler

*

DirectorFebruary 27, 2012
John R. Menard, Jr.

*

DirectorFebruary 27, 2012
R. M. Schreck

*

DirectorFebruary 27, 2012
William Grant Van Dyke

Signature

Title

Date

*

DirectorFebruary 27, 2012
John P. Wiehoff
*By:

/s/    SCOTT W. WINE        

 February 27, 201220, 2015
(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.



69


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)

  

2009: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 $6,098   $5,741    —     $(2,246 $9,593  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

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  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Allowance for Doubtful AccountsBalance 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)   
2012: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable$4,473
 $375
 365
 $(945) $4,268
2013: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable$4,268
 $75
 $2,192
 $(640) $5,895
2014: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable$5,895
 $2,347
 $265
 $(1,083) $7,424
(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
 

2009: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for obsolete inventory

 $17,216   $6,400    —     $(8,023 $15,593  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

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  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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
(In thousands)  ��
2012: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for obsolete inventory$15,943
 $6,258
 $15
 $(4,859) $17,357
2013: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for obsolete inventory$17,357
 $9,966
 $2,423
 $(8,143) $21,603
2014: Deducted from asset accounts—Allowance for obsolete inventory$21,603
 $12,868
 $600
 $(8,900) $26,171
(2)Inventory disposals, net of recoveriesrecoveries.

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

EXHIBIT INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON

FORM 10-K

For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2011


70

Table of Contents

Exhibit

Number

Description

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K
For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014
Exhibit Number 
Description
    3.aRestated 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.
      .bBylaws 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.aSpecimen Stock Certificate of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4,S-4/A, filed November 21, 1994 (No. 033-55769).
      .bAmended 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.
      .cMaster 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.
      .dFirst 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      .eShareholderFirst Supplement to Master Note Purchase Agreement with Fuji Heavy Industries LTD.,effective as of December 19, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k)4.1 to the Company’s AnnualCurrent Report on Form 10-K for the year ended8-K, filed December 31, 1994.
20, 2013.
 .b 
   10.aAmendments to the Polaris Industries Inc. Supplemental Retirement/Savings Plan, as amended and restated effective December 31, 2008,July 23, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.a to the Company’s CurrentQuarterly Report on Form 8-K10-Q filed January 28, 2009.October 29, 2014.*
      .c.bPolaris 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).*
      .d.cForm 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).*
      .e.dForm of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement and Notice of Exercise Form for options grantedAmendment to the Chief Executive Officer under the Polaris Industries Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated, incorporated by reference to Annex A to Exhibit 10(q) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 2, 2005.*
    .fPolaris 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.*
    .gPolaris Industries Inc. Restricted Stock Plan, as2009, subsequently amended and restated effective January 20, 2005,on July 25, 2012, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.n10.a to the Company’s CurrentQuarterly Report on Form 8-K, filed April 26, 2005.10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012.*

Exhibit

Number

Description

 .h 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).*
     .i.eForm 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.*
     .j.fForm 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.*
     .kPolaris 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.*
    .lPolaris 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.*
    .m.gPolaris Industries Inc. Senior Executive Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 22, 2009,April 24, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3Annex A to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-KProxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed on May 12, 2009.March 7, 2014.*
     .n.hPolaris 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.*


71

Table of Contents

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K
For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014 (cont.)
     .o.iPolaris 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.*
     .p.jForm of Performance Based Restricted Share Award Agreement for performance based restricted shares awarded to named executive officers in 2008 under the Polaris Industries IncInc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.A10.a to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.*
     .q.kPolaris 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 2,3, 2011.*
     .r.lPolaris 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 2,3, 2011.*
      .s.mForm 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.*
      .t.nForm 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.*

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

     .u.oPolaris 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 2,3, 2011.*
     .v.pPolaris 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 2,3, 2011.*
     .w.qPolaris 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 2,3, 2011.*
     .x.rForm 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.*
     .y.sForm of Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Polaris Industries Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan*
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.*
 .z 
     .tEmployment 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.*
     .aa.uEmployment Offer Letter Agreement 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.*
     .bb.vEmployment Offer Letter Agreement dated February 18, 2010 by and between the Company and Suresh Krishna.*
    .ccEmployment Letter Agreement dated January 12, 2011 by and between the Company and James P. Williams.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.*
     .dd.wEmployment Offer Letter Agreement dated August 18, 2011September 15, 2014 by and between the Company and MatthewKenneth J. Homan.Pucel.*
     .ee.xForm 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.*


72

Table of Contents

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K
For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014 (cont.)
     .ff.yForm of 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.*
     .gg.zForm 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.*
     .hhPolaris 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.*
    .iiPolaris 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.*
    .jjPolaris 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.*

Exhibit

Number

Description

      .kkPolaris 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.*
      .ll.aaAmended 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.
     .mm.bbCredit 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.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.
      .nn.ccFirst 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.
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.
 .oo 
      .ddSecond 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, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.nn to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
      .eeAmended 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.
      .ffShare Repurchase Agreement dated November 12, 2013, by and among the Company and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 12, 2013.
      .ggForm of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement entered into with Kenneth J. Pucel.*
      .hhForm of Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement entered into with Kenneth J. Pucel.*
      .iiForm of Severance Agreement entered into with Kenneth J. Pucel.*
      .jjForm of Incentive Plan Acknowledgement for David C. Longren.*
    13Portions of the Annual Report to Security Holders for the Year Ended December 31, 20112014 included pursuant to Note 2 to General Instruction G.
    21Subsidiaries of Registrant.
    23Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
    24Power of Attorney.
    31.aCertification of Chief Executive Officer required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
    31.bCertification of Chief Financial Officer required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
    32.aCertification furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


73

Table of Contents

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K
For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014 (cont.)
    32.bCertification furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS  101XBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
The following financial information from Polaris Industries Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on February 20, 2015, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

*Management contract or compensatory plan.

85

* Management contract or compensatory plan.


74