Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following are factors known to us that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, or operating results, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our common stock.
Macroeconomic Risks
Our business may be sensitive to economic conditions, including those that impact our customers’ spending.
Our results of operations may be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, primarily in North America and Europe, that impact spending on our products, including discretionary spending. Weakening of, and fluctuations in, economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income or our customers’ budgets, such as employment levels, inflation, business conditions, the level of governmental financial assistance, changes in housing market conditions, capital markets, tax rates, savings rates, interest rates, fuel and energy costs, the economic impacts of natural disasters or other severe weather conditions, acts of war, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and acts of terrorism, the availability of consumer credit could reduce overall spending or reduce spending on our products. A general reduction in consumer spending or a reduction in consumer spending on powersports, boats and aftermarket products
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could adversely affect our sales growth and profitability. A general reduction in spending by our customers for commercial equipment or a reduction in government budgets could adversely affect our related sales.
Adverse changes in these factors could lead to a decreased level of demand for our products, which could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
In addition, we have financial services partnership arrangements with subsidiaries of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and a subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated that require us to repurchase products financed and repossessed by the partnership, subject to certain limitations. If adverse changes to economic conditions result in increased defaults on the loans made by this financial services partnership, our repurchase obligation under the partnership arrangement could adversely affect our liquidity and harm our business.
Shortages or increases in the cost of raw materials, commodities, component parts, and transportation could negatively impact our business.
The primary commodities used in manufacturing our products are aluminum, steel, petroleum-based resins and certain rare earth metals used in our charging systems, as well as diesel fuel to transport products. Our profitability has been affected by fluctuations in the prices of the raw materials and commodities we use in our products and in the cost of freight and shipping to source materials, commodities, and other component parts necessary to assemble our products. We have experienced significant increases in the cost of these commodities and materials due generally to an inflationary environment driven by high demand and supply chain disruptions. Additionally, fluctuating policies and the implementation of trade regulations and trade agreements could further disrupt our supply chain or increase the cost of raw materials and commodities necessary to manufacture our products. The impact from tariffs or other trade regulations could require us to shift our manufacturing footprint or result in decreased demand for our products or restructuring actions that could impact our work force and/or our investments in research and development or other growth initiatives. All of these could increase our operational costs and materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Market and Competitive Risks
We face intense competition in all product lines. Failure to compete effectively against competitors could negatively impact our business and operating results.
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive. Competition in such markets is based upon several factors, including price, quality, reliability, styling, product features and warranties. At the dealer level, competition is based on additional factors, including product availability, sales and marketing support programs (such as financing and cooperative advertising), and dealer and customer perception. Certain of our competitors are more diversified and have advantageous manufacturing footprints, and may invest more heavily in intellectual property, product development, promotions and advertising. If we are not able to compete with new or enhanced products or models of our competitors, our ability to retain and attract customers and 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. 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, utility, and work products for the discretionary spending of our customers. A failure to effectively compete with these other competitors or adjust pricing to offset inflation or increased supply chain costs could materially and adversely affect our financial results and have a material adverse effect on our performance.
If we are unable to continue to enhance existing products and develop and market new or enhanced products that respond to customer needs and preferences, we may experience a decrease in demand for our products and our business could suffer.
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 in the market, and ultimately satisfy the needs and preferences of our customers, unless we can continue to enhance existing product, execute on our electrification strategy, and develop new and innovative products in the global markets in which we compete. Product development requires significant financial, technological and other resources. There can be no assurance thatour level of investment in research and development will be a sufficient competitive advantage in product innovation, which could cause our business to suffer. Product improvements and new product introductions also require significant engineering, 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
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products may be of a better quality, beat our products to market, and be more attractive in terms of features and price than our products.
Our continued success is dependent on positive perceptions of our Polaris brands which, if impaired, could adversely affect our sales.
We believe the strength of our Polaris brands is one of the reasons our customers choose our products. To be successful, we must preserve our reputation. Reputational value is based in large part on perceptions and opinions, and broad access to social media makes it easy for anyone to provide public feedback that can influence perceptions of our company. It may be difficult to control negative publicity, regardless of whether it is accurate. While reputations may take decades to build, any negative incidents can quickly erode trust and confidence, particularly if they result in negative mainstream and social media publicity, governmental investigations, or litigation. Negative incidents, such as quality and safety concerns or incidents related to our products or actions or statements of our employees, suppliers or dealers, could lead to tangible adverse effects on our business, including lost sales or employee retention and recruiting difficulties. In addition, the reputation of our vendors and others with whom we choose to do business may affect our reputation.
Increased negative public perception of our products or any increased restrictions on the access or the use of our products in certain locations could materially adversely affect our business or results of operations.
Demand for the Company’s products depends in part on their social acceptability. Public concerns about the environmental impact of the Company’s products or their perceived safety could result in diminished public perception of the products we sell. Government, media, or activist pressure to limit emissions or perceived land and water impacts could also negatively impact consumers’ perceptions of the Company’s products or limit access to areas where customers can use our products. Any decline in the social acceptability of the Company’s products could negatively impact sales or lead to changes in laws, rules and regulations that prevent their access to certain locations or restrict their use or manner of use in certain areas or during certain times, which could also negatively impact sales. Any material decline in the social acceptability of the Company’s products could impact the Company’s ability to retain existing customers or attract new ones which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.
From time to time, we manage our portfolio andgrow our business through acquisitions, non-consolidating investments, alliances and new joint ventures and partnerships, which could be risky and could harm our business.
From time to time, we drive growth in our businesses and accelerate opportunities to expand our global presence and customer base through targeted acquisitions, non-consolidating investments, alliances, and new joint ventures and partnerships (each a “Strategic Transaction”) that we believe add value to our existing brands and product portfolio. Alternatively, we may not be able to identify an attractive Strategic Transaction. The benefits of a Strategic Transaction may take more time than expected to develop or integrate into our operations, and we cannot guarantee that any Strategic Transaction will ultimately produce the expected benefits.
There can be no assurance that Strategic Transactions will be completed or that, if completed, they will be successful. Strategic Transactions pose risks with respect to our ability to project and evaluate market demand, potential synergies and cost savings, make correct accounting estimates and achieve anticipated business goals and objectives. As we continue to grow, in part, through Strategic Transactions, our success depends on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these risks. If acquired businesses do not achieve forecasted results or otherwise fail to meet projections, it could affect our results of operations.
In many cases, Strategic Transactions present a number of integration risks. For example, the acquisition may: disrupt operations in core, adjacent or acquired businesses; require more time or resources than anticipated to be fully integrated into our operations and systems; create more costs than projected; divert management attention; create the potential of losing customer, supplier or other critical business relationships; and pose difficulties retaining employees. The inability to successfully integrate new businesses may result in higher production costs, lost sales or otherwise negatively affect earnings and financial results.
Potential divestiture activity poses similar risks, including the potential to: disrupt operations in core, adjacent or acquired businesses; require more time or resources than anticipated to be fully completed; deleverage manufacturing operations or reduce sourcing efficiencies; reduce gross profit if the Company is not able to reduce fixed cost (including corporate overhead); not deliver the value anticipated for shareholders; divert management attention; create the potential of losing customer, supplier or other critical business relationships; and pose difficulties retaining employees. The
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inability to successfully manage the risks associated with the Company’s divestiture activity may result in higher production costs, lost sales or otherwise negatively affect earnings and financial results.
Operational Risks
Disruption in our suppliers’ operations could disrupt our production schedule.
Our operations and ability to maintain production is dependent upon our suppliers delivering sufficient quantities of systems, components, raw materials and parts on time to manufacture our products and meet our production schedules. For example, we have continued to experience supply disruptions and sourcing challenges for various components critical to the manufacture of our products.
In some instances, we purchase systems, components, raw materials and parts that are ultimately derived from a single source or geography and may be at an increased risk for supply disruptions. If necessary, we may not be able to develop alternate sourcing quickly or at all. Any number of factors, including labor disruptions, catastrophic weather events, the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness, contractual or other disputes, unfavorable economic or industry conditions, port, rail, or truck delivery delays or other performance problems or financial difficulties or solvency problems, could disrupt our suppliers’ operations and lead to uncertainty in our supply chain or cause supply disruptions for us, which could, in turn, disrupt our operations.
Material disruptions of our production schedule caused by a worsening, prolonged, or other unexpected shortage of systems, components, raw materials or parts have caused, and could continue to cause, us to not be able to meet customer demand, to alter production schedules, to delay product launch schedules, or to suspend production entirely, which could cause a loss of revenues, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. These disruptions have had and may continue to have in the future an adverse impact on our prospects and operating results.
We manufacture our products at, and distribute our products from, several locations in North America and internationally. An unforeseen increase in demand for our products or any disruption at any of these facilities or manufacturing delays could adversely affect our business and operating results.
We assemble vehicles at various facilities around the world. Our facilities are typically designed to produce particular models for particular geographic markets. No single facility is designed to manufacture our full range of vehicles. We also have several locations that serve as wholegoods and PG&A distribution centers, warehouses and office facilities. In addition, we have agreements with other third-party manufacturers to manufacture products on our behalf. Should these or other facilities become unavailable either temporarily or permanently for any number of reasons, including supply chain constraints, labor disruptions, the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness or catastrophic weather events (including events caused by climate change), the inability to manufacture at the affected facility may result in harm to our reputation, increased costs, lower revenues and the loss of customers. We may not be able to easily shift production to other facilities or to make up for lost production. In addition, our ability to meet customer demand has been constrained by our ability to manufacture product driven largely by supply chain constraints, among other factors. There can be no assurance that our current or future manufacturing footprint will be sufficient to meet customer demand or that we will be able to successfully expand or contract our manufacturing capacity to meet demand, which could result in loss of revenue and market share.
Although we maintain insurance for damage to our property and disruption of our business from casualties, such insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of our potential losses. Any disruption in our manufacturing capacity could have an adverse impact on our ability to produce sufficient inventory of our products or may require us to incur additional expenses in order to produce sufficient inventory, and therefore, may adversely affect our net sales and operating results. Disruptions or delays at our manufacturing facilities could impair our ability to meet the demands of our customers, and our customers may cancel orders or purchase products from our competitors, which could adversely affect our business and operating results.
We depend on suppliers, financing sources and other strategic partners who may be sensitive to economic conditions that could affect their businesses in a manner that adversely affects their relationship with us.
We source component parts and raw materials through numerous suppliers and have relationships with a limited number of product financing sources 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 our suppliers or financing sources, or if uncertainty about inflation, the economy or the demand for our products causes these business partners to voluntarily or involuntarily reduce or terminate their relationship with us.
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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 our end customers and provide service on these products. Our sales growth and profitability could be adversely affected if deterioration of business conditions or reputational harm results in a weakening of the financial condition 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.
Our operations require significant management attention and financial resources, expose us to difficulties presented by global economic, political, regulatory, accounting, and business factors, and may not be successful or produce desired levels of sales and profitability.
Investments to increase our global presence, including adding employees and dealers and continuing to invest in business infrastructure and operations, might not produce the returns we expect, which could adversely affect our profitability. Our operations and sales are also subject to risks related to political and economic instability, including those caused by the war between Russia and Ukraine, increased costs of customizing products for foreign countries, labor market conditions, the imposition of tariffs and other trade barriers or costs, the impact of government laws and regulations, the effects of income and withholding taxes, governmental expropriation and differences in business practices in different markets, and multiple, changing, and often inconsistent enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations, including rules relating to environmental, health, and safety matters. The realization of any of these risks or unfavorable changes in the political, regulatory and business climate in any of the jurisdictions where we operate could have a material adverse effect on our total sales, financial condition, profitability, or cash flows.
Weather conditions may reduce demand and negatively impact net sales and production of certain of our products.
Unfavorable weather conditions may reduce demand and negatively impact sales of certain of the Company’s products. Unfavorable weather, including conditions caused in part by climate change, in any particular geographic region may have an adverse effect on sales of the Company’s products in that region. For example, lack of snowfall during winter may materially adversely affect snowmobile sales; excessive rain before and during spring and summer may materially adversely affect sales of off-road vehicles ATVs, and boats; a lack of rain in certain areas may limit boat usage and may materially adversely affect sales of boats; and wild fires can limit areas where our customers ride our off-road vehicles and ATVs. There can be no assurance that weather conditions or natural disasters will not have a material effect on our sales, production capability or component supply continuity for any of our products.
Our operations are dependent upon attracting and retaining senior executives and skilled employees. Our future success depends on our continuing ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate, retain and promote skilled personnel for all areas of our organization and to retain or provide for adequate succession planning for our senior executives.
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. Many members of the Company’s management team and other key employees have extensive experience in the Company’s industry and with its business, products and customers. The unplanned loss of members of the Company’s management team or other key employees, particularly if combined with difficulties in finding qualified replacements, could negatively affect the Company’s ability to develop and pursue its business strategy, which could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, the Company’s success depends to a large extent upon its ability to attract and retain skilled employees. There is intense competition for qualified and skilled employees, and a failure to recruit, train and retain such employees could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.
The demand, supply, and operational challenges associated with the actual or perceived effects of COVID-19 and the related widespread impact on global supply chains may negatively impact our business and operating results.
Our business has been, and may continue to be, negatively impacted by the fear of exposure to or actual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and other countries where we operate or our dealers or suppliers are located. Impacts on our operations include, but are not limited to:
•Reductions in demand or significant future volatility in demand for one or more of our products;
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•Inability to meet our dealers’ or consumers’ demands due to disruptions in our manufacturing and supply arrangements caused by the loss or disruption of essential manufacturing and supply elements such as raw materials or other finished product components, transportation, workforce, or other manufacturing and distribution capability;
•Failure of third parties on which we rely, including our suppliers, contract manufacturers, distributors, and contractors to meet their obligations to the Company or to timely meet those obligations, which may be caused by their own financial or operational difficulties and may adversely impact our operations;
These impacts may have a negative effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities. While we have seen increased demand for our products resulting in part from effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there can be no assurance that we can maintain or continue to expand demand for products in a post-pandemic era. Furthermore, COVID-19 and related supply chain disruptions have impacted and may further impact the broader economies of affected countries, including negatively impacting economic growth, the proper functioning of financial and capital markets, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and liquidity. Despite our efforts to manage and remedy COVID-19 related impacts to the Company, their ultimate impact also depends on factors beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, third-party actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its public health effects, including efficacy and distribution of available vaccines to our employees and the general population, and the related impact on consumer confidence and spending.
Product-Specific Risks
A significant adverse determination in any material litigation claim against us could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.
The manufacture, sale and usage of products expose us to significant risks associated with product liability, economic loss, and other claims. If our products are found to be defective or are used incorrectly by our customers, bodily injury, property damage or other injury, including death, may result. This could give rise to material product liability or economic loss claims against us or adversely affect our brand image or reputation. Any losses that we may suffer from any such claims, and the effect that any such liability may have upon the reputation and marketability of our products, may have a negative impact on our business and operating results.
The Company purchases excess insurance coverage for product liability claims for incidents occurring subsequent to the policy date that exceed our self-insured retention levels. Disputes with insurers could impact our recoveries under these policies. Furthermore, certain claims, such as economic loss claims, false marketing claims, and punitive damages, are uninsured.
Product liability claims have not historically resulted in any material adverse effects on our financial statements, however, no assurance can be given that this will not change or that material product liability or other claims against us will not be made in the future. An unanticipated adverse determination of a material product liability claim or other material claim (particularly an uninsured issue) made against us could materially and adversely affect our financial condition.
Significant product repair and/or replacement costs due to product warranty claims or product recalls could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
We generally provide limited warranties for our vehicles and boats. We may also provide longer warranties in certain geographical markets as determined by local regulations and customary practice or related to certain promotional programs. We also provide a limited emission warranty for certain emission-related parts in our ORVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles as required by the EPA and CARB. Our standard warranties require us, through our dealer network, to repair or replace defective products during such warranty periods.
If a recall of our products were to be implemented, the repair and replacement costs we could incur in connection therewith could materially and adversely affect our business. Past product recalls have harmed our reputation and caused us to lose customers. Future product recalls could increasingly cause consumers to question the safety or reliability of our products and could materially impact our results of operations and financial condition.
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Regulatory, Intellectual Property, Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks
Our business, properties and products are subject to extensive United States federal and state and international safety, environmental and other government regulation and any failure to comply with these regulations could harm our reputation, expose us to damages and otherwise adversely affect our business.
Our business, properties, and products are subject to numerous international, federal, state, and other governmental laws, rules, and regulations relating to, among other things: climate change; emissions to air; discharges to water; restrictions placed on water and land usage and water availability; product and associated packaging; use of certain chemicals; import and export compliance, including country of origin certification requirements; worker and product user health and safety; consumer privacy; energy efficiency; product life-cycles; outdoor noise laws; and the generation, use, handling, labeling, collection, management, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous substances, wastes, and other regulated materials. We are unable to predict the ultimate impact of adopted or future laws, rules, and regulations on our business, properties, or products.
Any of these laws, rules, or regulations may cause us to incur significant expenses to achieve or maintain compliance, require us to modify our products, or modify our approach to our workforce, adversely affecting the price of or demand for some of our products, and ultimately affect the way we conduct our operations. Failure to comply with any of these laws, rules, or regulations could result in harm to our reputation and/or could lead to fines and other penalties, including restrictions on the importation of our products into, and the sale of our products in, one or more jurisdictions until compliance is achieved. In addition, changes to regulations 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 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 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 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.
We may be subject to cybersecurity breaches and other disruptions to our information technology systems and connected products that could adversely affect our business.
We use many information technology systems, some of which are managed by third parties, and manufacture connected products (including connected vehicles), some of which are managed by third parties, in operating our business. Those systems and products process potentially sensitive information, including intellectual property; proprietary business information of Polaris and our dealers, suppliers, and other business partners; and personal information of consumers and employees. Our systems and products, including those managed by third parties, have been, and could be in the future vulnerable to breach, damage, disruption, or breakdown from various sources, including power loss, viruses, malware, ransomware, phishing, denial of service, and other cyber-attacks that may be random, targeted, or the result of misconduct of error by individuals with access to our systems. While we invest in layers of data and information technology protection, and monitor continually evolving cybersecurity threats, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent disruptions or breaches of our systems and connected products.
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We have experienced cyber-attacks, as have third-parties who manage our information technology systems and other third-party suppliers and service providers, but to our knowledge, we have not experienced any material disruptions or breaches of our information technology systems, connected products, or operations as a result of such cyber-attacks. We could, however, experience material disruptions or breaches in the future. Such disruptions or breaches of our information technology systems and connected products could adversely affect our business by resulting in, among other things: (i) disruption to our business operations; (ii) compromise or loss of the information processed by those systems and products, such as intellectual property, proprietary information, or personal information; (iii) impact to the performance and/or safety of our connected products; (iv) damage to our reputation; and (v) litigation or regulatory proceedings. We are subject to laws and regulations in the United States and other countries concerning the handling of personal information, including laws that require us to notify governmental authorities and/or affected individuals of data breaches involving certain personal information. These laws and regulations include, for example, the European General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”). Regulatory actions or litigation seeking to impose significant penalties could be brought against us in the event of a data breach or alleged non-compliance with such laws and regulations.
Finance and Capital Structure Risks
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in declines in our reported sales and net earnings.
The changing relationships of the United States dollar to the Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, the Euro, the Swiss franc, the Mexican peso, and certain other foreign currencies have from time to time had a negative impact on our results of operations. 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, the costs we incur to import certain components for our products, and the translation of our foreign balance sheets. In addition, with the recent strengthening of the United States dollar, we have experienced a corresponding negative impact on our financial results with respect to our foreign operations. 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.
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 third parties to make retail financing available to consumers who purchase our products in the United States. 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, consumer demand could be materially impacted and our sales and profitability could be adversely affected.
We have a significant amount of debt outstanding and must comply with restrictive covenants in our debt agreements.
Our credit agreement and other debt agreements contain financial and restrictive covenants that may limit our ability to, among other things, borrow additional funds or take advantage of business opportunities. While we are currently in compliance with the financial covenants, increases in our debt or decreases in our earnings could cause us to fail to comply with these financial covenants. Failing to comply with such covenants could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all our indebtedness or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operation and debt service capability.
Our level of debt and the financial and restrictive covenants contained in our credit agreement could have important consequences on our financial position and results of operations, including increasing our vulnerability to increases in interest rates because debt under our credit agreement bears interest at variable rates.
General Risks
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 and changes in tax laws and regulations in various
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jurisdictions. We also have negotiated and are party to certain tax incentives that require the Company comply with certain covenants. 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 or the loss of any tax incentive may have an adverse effect on the Company’s provision for income taxes and cash tax liability.
An impairment in the carrying value of goodwill and trade names could negatively impact our consolidated results of operations and net worth.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as our trade names, are recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition and are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Our determination of whether goodwill impairment has occurred is based on a comparison of each of our reporting units’ fair market value with its carrying value. Significant and unanticipated changes in circumstances, such as significant and long-term adverse changes in business climate, negative perception of the Company’s brands and tradenames, unanticipated competition, and/or changes in technology or markets, could require a provision for impairment in a future period that could negatively impact our reported earnings and reduce our consolidated net worth and shareholders’ equity.
Expectation relating to environmental, social and governance considerations expose us to potential liabilities, increased costs, reputational harm and other adverse effects on our business.
Many governments, regulators, investors, employees, customers and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) considerations relating to businesses, including climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, human capital and diversity, equity and inclusion. We make statements about our ESG goals and initiatives through information provided on our website, press statements and other communications, including through our “Geared for Good” ESG Report. Responding to these ESG considerations and implementation of these goals and initiatives involves risks and uncertainties, including those described under “Forward-Looking Statements,” requires investments and are impacted by factors that may be outside of our control. In addition, some stakeholders may disagree with our goals and initiatives and the focus of stakeholders may change and evolve over time. Stakeholders also may have very different views on where ESG focus should be placed, including differing views of regulators in various jurisdictions in which we operate. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our goals, further our initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal, state or international ESG laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and standards could result in legal and regulatory proceedings against us and materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition and stock price.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not Applicable.
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Item 2. Properties
The following sets forth the Company’s material properties as of December 31, 2022:
Location Facility Type/Use Primary Segment* Owned or Leased Square Footage
Medina, Minnesota Headquarters Corp Owned 130,000
Roseau, Minnesota Wholegoods manufacturing and R&D Off Owned 813,000
Huntsville, Alabama Wholegoods manufacturing Off / On Primarily owned 1,355,000
Monterrey, Mexico Wholegoods manufacturing Off Primarily owned 2,000,000
Elkhart, Indiana Wholegoods manufacturing M Primarily owned 1,242,000
Opole, Poland Wholegoods manufacturing Off / On Leased 365,000
Spirit Lake, Iowa Wholegoods manufacturing On Owned 448,000
Chanas, France Wholegoods manufacturing On Owned 196,000
Shanghai, China Wholegoods manufacturing Off Leased 214,000
Bourran, France Wholegoods manufacturing and R&D On Leased 105,000
Aix-les-Bains, France Wholegoods manufacturing and R&D On Owned 98,000
Osceola, Wisconsin Component parts & engine manufacturing Off / On Owned 293,000
Monticello, Minnesota Component parts manufacturing Off / On Owned 109,000
Wyoming, Minnesota Research and development facility Off / On Owned 272,000
Fernley, Nevada Distribution center Off / On Owned 475,000
Wilmington, Ohio Distribution center Off / On Owned 658,000
Vermillion, South Dakota Distribution center Off / On Owned 610,000
Rigby, Idaho Distribution center and office facility Off / On Owned 108,000
Plymouth, Minnesota Office facility Corp Primarily owned 170,000
Including the material properties listed above and those properties not listed, we have over six million square feet of global manufacturing and research and development space. Additionally, we have over six million square feet of global warehouse and distribution center space. We also have international office facilities in Western Europe, Australia, Brazil, India, China, Japan, and Mexico.
We own substantially all tooling and machinery 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.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are involved in a number of legal proceedings incidental to our business, none of which is presently expected to have a material effect on the financial results of our business.
As of the date hereof, we are party to putative class actions brought by the same plaintiff’s counsel and largely repeating the same allegations regarding various state consumer protection laws focused on rollover protection systems’ certifications for various Polaris off-road vehicles sold in California and Oregon. The first case brought related to this matter—Guzman—was first reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The district court granted summary judgment against both plaintiffs’ claims, which the plaintiffs appealed. The Ninth Circuit recently issued two rulings that reversed the district court’s summary judgment rulings and remanded the case to the district court with instructions to dismiss one plaintiff’s claims without prejudice. The plaintiff whose claims were dismissed without prejudice refiled a putative class action in California State Court under the name Albright. The second case—Hellman/Berlanga—was first reported in the Company’s quarterly report for the period ended June 30,
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2021. Additional similar putative class actions on behalf of certain plaintiffs dismissed from the Hellman case have been filed in Texas (Lollar), Nevada (Mitchell), and Oregon (Artoff), though the Lollar and Mitchell matters have since been dismissed, and another plaintiff from the Hellman/Berlanga matter, Michael Hellman, has been dismissed.
As previously reported in the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021, the district court in In re Polaris dismissed half of the plaintiffs and their claims related to alleged fire hazards in certain Polaris products. Plaintiffs’ counsel voluntarily dismissed the remaining plaintiffs to appeal. The Eighth Circuit affirmed dismissal of the claims brought by plaintiffs who had appealed. On April 28, 2022, the In re Polaris plaintiffs’ counsel filed a new, substantially similar putative class action in California State Court, seeking damages for alleged economic loss: James DeBiasio v. Polaris Industries Inc. (County of Los Angeles, Ca.). We removed the matter to federal court in June 2022 (C.D. Cal.) and have moved to dismiss the plaintiff’s claims; plaintiff filed a motion to remand the case. The district court denied plaintiff’s motion to remand and granted our motion to dismiss, allowing plaintiff to file an amended complaint. We recently moved to dismiss plaintiff’s amended complaint and the Court is scheduled to hold a hearing on the motion in March 2023.
As previously reported in the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021, the district court in Johannessohn denied class certification related to plaintiffs’ claims of excessive heat hazards in Sportsman ATVs. The Eighth Circuit subsequently affirmed that denial. On June 13, 2022, Johannessohn plaintiffs’ counsel filed a new, substantially similar putative class action in Minnesota state court, seeking damages for alleged economic loss: Jay Miller, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Polaris Inc. (4th Dist. Minn.). After we moved to dismiss, the Miller court dismissed plaintiff’s class claims with prejudice, leaving only his individual claims for alleged economic loss.
With respect to each of these putative class action lawsuits, the Company is unable to provide any reasonable evaluation of the likelihood that a loss will be incurred or any reasonable estimate of the range of possible loss.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Shares of common stock of Polaris Inc. trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PII. On February 10, 2023, there were 1,655 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock and the last reported sale price for shares of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $115.20 per share. The Company has historically paid cash dividends and expects to continue to pay comparable cash dividends in the future, subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, which will depend on market and other conditions.
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph 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 three indexes: S&P Midcap 400 Index, S&P Composite 1500 Leisure Products Index, and Morningstar’s Global Recreational Vehicles Index. The S&P Composite 1500 Leisure Products Index will replace the Morningstar Global Recreational Vehicles Index in this analysis going forward as it includes companies that are more closely aligned with our industry and strategic direction.
The graph assumes the investment of $100 at the close on December 31, 2017 in common stock of the Company and in each of the indexes, and the reinvestment of all dividends since that date to December 31, 2022. 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, 2017
Assumes Dividend Reinvestment
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022
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Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return Among Polaris Inc., S&P Midcap 400 Index, S&P Composite 1500 Leisure Products Index, and Morningstar’s Global Recreational Vehicles Index
This performance graph shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
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, 2022.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(1) In April 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s common stock (the “Program”), which replaced the previous share repurchase program. As of December 31, 2022, the approximate value of shares that may yet to be purchased pursuant to the Program is $349.1 million. The Program does not have an expiration date.
Item 6. [Reserved]
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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 and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. This section of this Form 10-K generally discusses 2022 and 2021 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2022 and 2021. Discussions of 2020 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2021 and 2020 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Overview
2022 was a record year for sales which totaled $8.6 billion, a 15 percent increase from 2021. The Company achieved growth across all segments and regions driven primarily by favorable product mix and higher pricing compared to 2021.
The impact of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic as well as other disruptive events have impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. The impact of these factors has affected our business segments, employees, dealers, suppliers, and customers in a variety of ways.
In 2021 and the first half of 2022 we saw strong retail demand for our products. Consistent with macroeconomic trends, as we progressed through 2022, we have seen indicators of demand moderating. Due to the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened demand, natural disasters, and geopolitical events, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions, our supply chain and manufacturing operations have experienced inefficiencies caused by production-limiting disruptions, including supplier labor shortages. Although these disruptions are moderating, we have made pricing changes to address the resulting increase in production costs.
The duration of these trends and the magnitude of such impacts cannot be precisely estimated at this time, as they are affected by a number of factors (some of which are outside management’s control), including those presented in Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Annual Report.
Full year net income from continuing operations attributable to Polaris Inc. of $602.9 million increased 22 percent from 2021, with diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increasing from $7.92 to $10.04 per share. These increases were primarily driven by higher pricing and favorable product mix.
On February 2, 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a two percent increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.65 per share for the first quarter of 2023, representing the 28th consecutive year of increased dividends to shareholders.
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Consolidated Results of Operations
The consolidated results of operations were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Percentage of sales 22.8 % 23.5 % -72 basis points 24.4 % -91 basis points
Operating expenses:
Goodwill impairment — — 81.1 NM
Percentage of sales 14.0 % 14.7 % -68 basis points 17.4% -275 basis points
Non-operating expense:
Other (income) expense, net $ (28.6) $ 2.3 NM $ 3.8 (39) %
Loss on sale of businesses $ — $ 36.8 NM $ — NM
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (0.5) (0.4) 25 % (0.1) NM
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 60.1 62.7 (4) % 62.6 — %
NM = not meaningful
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Sales:
Sales were $8,589.0 million in 2022, a 15 percent increase from $7,439.2 million in 2021. The components of the consolidated sales change were as follows:
Percent change in total Company sales compared to the prior year
Volume 1 % 9 %
Product mix and price 16 8
Currency (2) 1
Favorable product mix and higher pricing contributed a 16 percent increase to sales in 2022. Volume contributed a one percent increase in 2022 driven by increased motorcycle and snowmobile shipments, partially offset by lower off-road vehicle shipments. Currency rate movements drove a two percent decrease in sales for 2022.
Volume contributed a nine percent increase in 2021 driven by increased shipments in all segments, but most significantly ORV, as well as higher PG&A sales. Product mix and price contributed an eight percent increase in 2021, primarily due to lower promotional spending and increased product pricing. Currency rate movements contributed a one percent increase for 2021.
Sales by geographic region were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Sales in the United States for 2022 increased 19 percent during the year, primarily driven by favorable product mix, higher pricing, and increased motorcycle and snowmobile shipments. Sales in the United States represented 79 percent of total Company sales in 2022.
Sales in the United States for 2021 increased 13 percent, primarily driven by increased ORV and boat shipments, as well as higher PG&A sales.
Sales in Canada for 2022 increased six percent during the year, primarily driven by favorable product mix and higher pricing. Currency rate movements had an unfavorable impact of four percentage points on sales in 2022. Sales in Canada represented seven percent of total company sales in 2022.
Sales in Canada for 2021 increased 56 percent, primarily driven by increased ORV shipments. Currency rate movements had a favorable impact of eight percentage points on sales in 2021.
Sales in other countries, primarily in Europe, increased four percent during 2022, primarily driven by increased motorcycle shipments and higher pricing. Currency rate movements had an unfavorable impact of nine percentage points on sales in 2022. Sales in other countries represented 14 percent of total company sales in 2022.
Sales in other foreign countries increased 34 percent during 2021, primarily driven by increased ORV and motorcycle shipments. Currency rate movements had a favorable impact of five percentage points on sales in 2021.
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Cost of sales:
The following table reflects our cost of sales in dollars and as a percentage of sales:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Percentage of sales 77.2 % 76.5 % +72 basis points 75.6 % +91 basis points
Cost of sales increased 17 percent in 2022 primarily due to changes in product mix, as well as higher warranty, labor, raw materials, and logistics costs. Cost of sales increased 20 percent in 2021 primarily due to increased wholegood and PG&A shipments, as well as higher labor, raw materials, and logistics costs.
Gross profit:
Gross profit for 2022, as a percentage of sales, decreased primarily due to higher input costs including logistics, components, and commodity prices, plant inefficiencies related to supply chain constraints, and higher warranty costs, partially offset by higher pricing and favorable product mix.
Gross profit for 2021, as a percentage of sales, decreased primarily due to higher input costs including logistics, components, and commodity prices, as well as plant inefficiencies related to supply chain constraints. The decrease was partially offset by higher sales volume, lower promotional costs and favorable pricing.
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses for 2022, in absolute dollars, increased compared to 2021, primarily due to higher research and development and general and administrative expenses. Operating expenses for 2022, as a percent of sales, decreased compared to 2021, primarily due to higher pricing and favorable mix which drove increased sales.
Operating expenses for 2021, in absolute dollars and as a percent of sales, decreased primarily due to the prior year impairment of goodwill, partially offset by an increase in total operating expenses to levels commensurate with increases in demand.
Income from financial services:
The following table reflects our income from financial services:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Income from Polaris Acceptance joint venture $ 15.1 $ 7.7 96 % $ 18.5 (58) %
Total income from financial services $ 48.4 $ 53.8 (10) % $ 80.4 (33) %
Percentage of sales 0.6 % 0.7 % -16 basis points 1.3 % -56 basis points
Income from financial services decreased 10 percent for 2022, primarily due to lower retail credit income resulting from lower retail sales, partially offset by higher wholesale financing income from Polaris Acceptance due to higher dealer inventory levels.
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Interest expense:
Interest expense increased for 2022 due to higher debt levels and higher interest rates.
Other (income) expense, net:
Other (income) expense is the result of currency exchange rate movements and the corresponding effects on currency transactions related to our international subsidiaries. Also included in Other (income) expense, net in 2021 is a $7.7 million impairment charge related to an investment in a strategic partner that was associated with a divested business.
Loss on sale of businesses:
In the fourth quarter of 2021, we divested our GEM and Taylor-Dunn businesses which resulted in a $36.8 million loss.
Provision for income taxes:
The decrease in the effective income tax rate for 2022 was primarily due to an increased deduction for Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”) and incremental foreign tax credits, partially offset by a decrease in research and development credits, as well as the unfavorable impact of higher pretax income generated in the current period.
The increase in the effective income tax rate for 2021 was primarily due to the favorable impact of lower pretax income generated in 2020 and the release of certain income tax reserves due to favorable federal tax examination developments in 2020. The increase was partially offset by favorable income tax benefits in jurisdictions with lower tax rates, as well as favorable income tax benefits from research and development credits in 2021.
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased in 2022 primarily due to share repurchases.
Segment Results of Operations
On January 1, 2022, the Company began management of its portfolio of businesses under a new basis as a result of the divestiture of the GEM and Taylor-Dunn businesses. As a such, the Global Adjacent Markets segment was eliminated and the results of the Company’s remaining businesses historically included within the Global Adjacent Markets segment were reclassified to the Off Road and On Road segments. All historical segment results were reclassified for comparability, including the divested businesses which are included in Corporate.
On June 30, 2022, the Company again began management of its portfolio of businesses under a new basis as a result of the divestiture of TAP. As such, the Aftermarket segment was eliminated and the results of the Company’s remaining aftermarket businesses historically included within the Aftermarket segment were reclassified to the Off Road and On Road segments. All historical segment results were reclassified for comparability.
The summary that follows provides a discussion of the results of operations of each of our three reportable segments, Off Road, On Road, and Marine. Each of these segments is comprised of various product offerings that serve multiple end markets. We evaluate performance based on sales and gross profit. The Corporate amounts include revenues and costs of businesses that were divested in 2021, as well as costs that are not allocated to segments, including certain unallocated manufacturing costs. Businesses that are presented as discontinued operations are excluded from the tables below.
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Our sales and gross profit by reporting segment, which includes the respective PG&A, were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
For the Years Ended December 31,
NM = not meaningful
Off Road:
Off Road sales, inclusive of PG&A sales, increased 15 percent in 2022 driven by favorable product mix and higher pricing. Sales to customers outside of North America increased five percent in 2022 driven by higher pricing and increased snowmobile shipments. The average per unit sales price for the Off Road segment increased approximately 18 percent, driven by higher pricing.
Additional information on our end markets for 2022:
•Polaris North America ATV unit retail sales down low-twenties percent
•Polaris North America side-by-side unit retail sales down mid-teens percent
•Total Polaris North America ORV unit retail sales down high-teens percent
•Estimated North America industry ORV unit retail sales down about 10 percent
•Total Polaris North America ORV dealer inventories up approximately 140 percent
•Polaris North America snowmobile unit retail sales for the 2022-2023 season-to-date period through December 31, 2022 down mid-single digits percent
•Estimated North America industry snowmobile unit retail sales for the 2022-2023 season-to-date period through December 31, 2022 up low-single digits percent
•Total Polaris North America snowmobile dealer inventories up approximately 45 percent
Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, decreased in 2022 primarily due to higher input costs including logistics, components, and commodity prices, plant inefficiencies related to supply chain constraints, and higher warranty costs, mostly offset by higher pricing.
Off Road sales increased 16 percent in 2021 driven by broad-based demand and shipments across ATV and side-by-side product lines, including PG&A, as well as increased pricing. Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, decreased in 2021 primarily due to higher input costs including logistics, components, and commodity prices, as well as plant inefficiencies related to supply chain constraints, partially offset by favorable mix, lower promotional costs, and higher pricing.
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On Road:
On Road sales, inclusive of PG&A sales, increased 13 percent in 2022 driven by higher pricing and increased shipments. On Road sales to customers outside of North America increased four percent in 2022 driven by higher pricing, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate movement. The average per unit sales price for the On Road segment increased two percent, driven by favorable product mix and higher pricing.
Additional information on our On Road end markets for 2022:
•Indian Motorcycle North America unit retail sales down low-twenties percent
•Estimated North America industry 900cc cruiser, touring, and standard motorcycle unit retail sales down low-double digits percent
•Polaris North America motorcycle dealer inventories up approximately 90 percent
Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, increased in 2022 primarily due to favorable product mix and lower promotional costs, partially offset by higher input costs, warranty costs, and unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate movement.
On Road sales increased 28 percent in 2021 driven by increased Indian motorcycle and Slingshot shipments as a result of strong retail sales, lower promotional costs, and higher PG&A sales. Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, increased in 2021 primarily due to lower promotional costs, partially offset by increased input costs related to supply chain constraints.
Marine:
Marine sales increased 30 percent, primarily due to favorable product mix and increased shipments. The average per unit sales price for the Marine segment increased 15 percent, driven by favorable product mix.
Additional information on our boat end markets for 2022:
•Polaris U.S pontoon unit retail sales down mid-twenties percent
•Estimated U.S. industry pontoon unit retail sales down high-single digits percent
Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, increased slightly primarily due to favorable product mix, mostly offset by higher input costs and higher floor plan interest expense.
Marine sales increased 26 percent in 2021, primarily due to increased production levels driven by retail and demand, as well as higher pricing and favorable mix. Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, increased in 2021, primarily due to favorable product mix, partially offset by higher input costs related to supply chain constraints.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of funds have been cash provided by operating and financing activities. Our primary uses of funds have been for acquisitions, repurchases and retirement of common stock, capital investments, new product development, and cash dividends to shareholders. The seasonality of production and shipments cause working capital requirements to fluctuate during the year and year to year.
We believe that existing cash balances, cash flow to be generated from operating activities and borrowing capacity under the credit facility arrangement will be sufficient to fund operations, new product development, cash dividends, share repurchases, and capital requirements for at least the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future thereafter.
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Cash Flows
The following table summarizes the cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities of continuing operations:
($ in millions) For the Years Ended December 31,
Total cash provided by (used for):
Operating Activities:
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2022 was primarily the result of lower working capital additions and higher net income from continuing operations, partially offset by the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") which, beginning in 2022, eliminated the option to deduct research and development expenditures and instead capitalize and amortize such expenditures over future periods.
The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2021 was primarily the result of higher working capital additions due to increases in inventory driven by strong end-market demand and supply chain inefficiencies, partially offset by higher net income.
Investing Activities:
The primary sources and uses of cash in 2022 and 2021 were for the purchase of property, equipment and tooling for continued capacity and capability at our manufacturing and distribution facilities and for product development, distributions from and contributions to Polaris Acceptance, as well as proceeds from the sale of businesses. Net cash used for investing activities of continuing operations increased in 2022 due to a net a decrease in distributions from Polaris Acceptance and an increase in property, equipment and tooling purchases, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of businesses. Net cash used for investing activities of continuing operations increased in 2021 due to an increase in property, equipment and tooling purchases.
Financing Activities:
The increase in net cash used for financing activities was primarily due to lower proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans and decreased net borrowings under debt arrangements, finance lease obligations and notes payable. Net borrowings totaled $257.7 million in 2022 compared $351.3 million in 2021. Higher share repurchases also contributed to the increase.
Financing Arrangements:
We are party to an unsecured Master Note Purchase Agreement, as amended and supplemented, under which we have issued senior notes. As of December 31, 2022, outstanding borrowings under the Master Note Purchase Agreement totaled $350.0 million.
We are also party to an unsecured credit agreement, which includes a $1.0 billion variable interest rate Revolving Loan Facility that matures in June 2026, under which we have unsecured borrowings. As of December 31, 2022, there were borrowings of $312.9 million outstanding under the Revolving Loan Facility. Our credit agreement also includes a Term Loan Facility, on which $828.0 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2022. Interest is charged at rates based on adjusted Term SOFR for the credit facility. As of December 31, 2022, we had $679.6 million of availability on the Revolving Loan Facility.
In December 2021, we amended the credit agreement to provide an unsecured incremental 364-day term loan (the “Incremental Term Loan”) in the amount of $500 million, which was fully drawn on closing. In December 2022, we further amended the unsecured credit facility to extend the maturity date of the Incremental Term Loan to December 15, 2023. There are no required principal payments prior to the maturity date. In addition to the payment of the $500 million
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Incremental Term Loan, we are required to make principal payments under the Term Loan Facility totaling $45 million over the next 12 months.
The credit agreements governing the facility and the Master Note Purchase Agreement contain covenants that require us to maintain certain financial ratios, including minimum interest coverage and maximum leverage ratios. The agreements require us to maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.00 to 1.00 and a leverage ratio of not more than 3.50 to 1.00 on a rolling four-quarter basis.
On July 2, 2018, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 29, 2018, the we completed the acquisition of Boat Holdings, LLC, a privately held Delaware limited liability company, headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana which manufactures boats (“Boat Holdings”). As a component of the Boat Holdings merger agreement, we have committed to make a series of deferred payments to the former owners following the closing date of the mthrough July 2030. The original discounted payable was for $76.7 million, of which $55.3 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. Our debt to total capital ratio was 65 percent and 60 percent as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Additionally, as of December 31, 2022, we had letters of credit outstanding of $38.5 million, primarily related to purchase obligations for raw materials.
Share Repurchases:
As of December 31, 2022, our Board of Directors has authorized us to repurchase up to an additional $349.1 million of our common stock. We repurchased a total of 4.4 million shares of our common stock for $505.0 million during 2022, which had a favorable impact on diluted net income from continuing operations per share of 33 cents.
Wholesale Customer Financing Arrangements:
We have arrangements with certain finance companies 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, boats 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 related to snowmobiles, ORVs, motorcycles, boats and related PG&A as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, was approximately $1,893.9 million and $946.7 million, respectively. We participate in the cost of dealer financing up to certain limits.
Under these arrangements, we have agreed to repurchase products repossessed by these finance companies. As of December 31, 2022, the potential aggregate repurchase obligations were approximately $413.5 million. Our financial exposure under these repurchase 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 during the periods presented.
Retail Customer Financing Arrangements:
We have agreements with third-party financing companies to provide financing options to end consumers of our products. We have no material contingent liabilities for residual value or credit collection risk under these agreements. During 2022, consumers financed 23 percent of our vehicles sold in the United States through these arrangements. The volume of installment credit contracts written in calendar year 2022 with these institutions was $1,098.0 million, a one percent increase from 2021.
Critical Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates
We have adopted various accounting policies to prepare the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Some of those significant accounting policies require us to make difficult, subjective, or complex judgments or estimates. An accounting estimate is considered to be critical if it meets both of the following criteria: (i) the estimate requires assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate is made, and (ii) different estimates reasonably could have been used, or changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur may have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. 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, product warranties, product liability, and goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles.
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Revenue recognition. With respect to wholegood vehicles, boats, and PG&A, revenue is recognized when we transfer control of the product to our customer (primarily dealers and distributors). With respect to services provided by us, revenue is recognized upon completion of the service or over the term of the service agreement in proportion to the costs expected to be incurred in satisfying the obligations over the term of the service period. Revenue is measured based on the amount of consideration that we expect to be entitled to in exchange for the goods or services transferred. Sales, value add, and other taxes collected from a customer concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. When the right of return exists, we adjust the consideration for the estimated effect of returns. We estimate expected returns based on historical sales levels, the timing and magnitude of historical sales return levels as a percent of sales, type of product, type of customer, and a projection of this experience into the future. 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.
Sales promotions and incentives. We accrue for estimated sales promotion and incentive expenses, which are recognized as a component of sales in measuring the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. 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, planned 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. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, accrued sales promotions and incentives were $127.0 million and $96.9 million, respectively. 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 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.
Product warranties. We typically provide a limited warranty for our vehicles and boats for a period of six months to ten years, depending on the product. We provide longer warranties in certain geographical markets as determined by local regulations and customary practice and may also provide longer warranties related to certain promotional programs. Our standard warranties require us, generally through our dealer network, to repair or replace defective products during such warranty periods. 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. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the accrued warranty liability was $172.9 million and $132.9 million, respectively. Adjustments to the warranty reserve are made 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. The warranty reserve includes the estimated costs related to recalls, which are accrued when probable and estimable. Factors that could have an impact on the warranty accrual include the following: changes in manufacturing quality, shifts in product mix, changes in warranty coverage periods, impacts on product usage (including weather), product recalls and changes in sales volume. Amounts estimated to be due and payable could differ materially from what will ultimately transpire in the future and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Product liability. We are subject to product liability claims in the normal course of business. In 2012, we began purchasing excess insurance coverage for product liability claims. We self-insure product liability claims before the policy date and up to the purchased 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 estimable. There is significant judgment and estimation required in evaluating the possible outcomes and potential losses of product liability matters. We utilize claims experience, historical trends and actuarial analysis, along with an analysis of current claims, to assist in determining the appropriate loss reserve levels. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had accruals of $107.5 million and $70.3 million, respectively, for the probable payment of pending claims related to product liability litigation associated with our products. Adverse determination of material product liability claims made against us could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Goodwill. Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment and is tested for impairment more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We complete our annual goodwill impairment test as of the first day of the fourth quarter.
We may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. A qualitative assessment requires that we consider events or circumstances including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, changes in management or key personnel, changes in strategy, changes in customers, changes in the composition or
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carrying amount of a reporting unit’s net assets, and changes in our stock price. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect to bypass the qualitative test and proceed to a quantitative test, then the quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed. A quantitative test includes comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, an impairment is recognized in an amount equal to the difference, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
Under the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis and market approach. Determining the fair value of the reporting units requires the use of significant judgment, including discount rates, assumptions in our long-term business plan about future revenues and expenses, capital expenditures, and changes in working capital, which are dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of long-term growth for each reporting unit, and determination of the discount rate. These plans take into consideration numerous factors including historical experience, anticipated future economic conditions, changes in raw material prices and growth expectations for the industries and end markets in which we participate. These assumptions are determined over a five year long-term planning period. The five year growth rates for revenues and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") vary for each reporting unit being evaluated. Revenues and EBITDA beyond five years are projected to grow at a terminal growth rate consistent with industry expectations. Actual results may significantly differ from those used in our valuations. The forecasted future cash flows are discounted using a discount rate developed for each reporting unit. The discount rates were developed using market observable inputs, as well as our assessment of risks inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting unit.
In estimating fair value using the market approach, we identify a group of comparable publicly traded companies for each reporting unit that are similar in terms of size and product offering. These groups of comparable companies are used to develop multiples based on total market-based invested capital as a multiple of EBITDA. We determine our estimated values by applying these comparable EBITDA multiples to the operating results of our reporting units. The ultimate fair value of each reporting unit is determined considering the results of both valuation methods. Inputs used to estimate these fair values included significant unobservable inputs that reflect our assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use and, therefore, the fair value assessments are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
In the fourth quarter of 2022, we completed the annual impairment test. It was determined that goodwill was not impaired as each reporting unit’s fair value exceeded its carrying value. We completed a qualitative assessment for all reporting units.
Identifiable intangible assets. Our primary identifiable intangible assets include: dealer/customer relationships, brand/trade names, developed technology, and non-compete agreements. Identifiable intangibles with finite lives are amortized and those identifiable intangibles with indefinite lives are not amortized. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment annually or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We complete our annual impairment test as of the first day of the fourth quarter each year for identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives.
Our identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives include brand/trade names. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of the brand/trade name with its carrying value. The fair value is determined using the relief-from-royalty method. This method assumes the trade name has value to the extent that the owner is relieved of the obligation to pay royalties for the benefits received from them. This method requires us to estimate the future revenue for the related brands, the appropriate royalty rate and the discount rate. Forecasted revenues are derived from our annual budget and long-term business plan and royalty rates were based on brand profitability. The discount rates are developed using the market observable inputs used in the development of the reporting unit discount rates, as well as our assessment of risks inherent in the future cash flows of the respective trade name.
In the fourth quarter of 2022, we completed the annual impairment test. It was determined that our indefinite lived intangible assets were not impaired.
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New Accounting Pronouncements
See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies—New accounting pronouncements.”
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Inflation, Foreign Exchange Rates, and Interest Rates
Inflation:
Rising costs, including wages, logistics, components, and commodity prices, are negatively impacting our gross profit margins. We strive to minimize the effects of inflation through cost containment, productivity improvements and price increases.
We are subject to market risk from fluctuating market prices of certain purchased commodities and raw materials, including steel, aluminum, petroleum-based resins, certain rare earth metals and diesel fuel. In addition, we are a purchaser of components and parts containing various commodities, including steel, aluminum, rubber and others, which are integrated into our 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. The total impact of commodities, had an unfavorable impact on our gross profit margins for 2022 when compared to 2021. Based on our current outlook for commodity prices, the total impact of commodities is expected to have a favorable impact on our gross profit margins for 2023 when compared to 2022.
Foreign Exchange Rates:
The changing relationships of the U.S. dollar to foreign currencies can have a material impact on our financial results.
Euro: We have operations in the Eurozone through wholly owned subsidiaries and distributors. We also purchase components from certain suppliers directly for our U.S. operations in transactions denominated in Euros. Fluctuations in the Euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate impacts sales, cost of sales, and net income.
Canadian Dollar: We operate in Canada through a wholly owned subsidiary. The relationship of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar impacts both sales and net income.
Other currencies: We operate in various countries, principally in Europe, Mexico and Australia, through wholly owned subsidiaries. We also sell to certain distributors in other countries. We also purchase components from certain suppliers directly for our U.S. operations in transactions denominated in these foreign currencies. The relationship of the U.S. dollar in relation to these other currencies impacts sales, cost of sales and net income.
Foreign exchange risk can be quantified by performing a sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical change in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies in which we transact. We are most exposed to the Euro and Canadian dollar. All other things being equal, at current annual volumes, a hypothetical 10 percent fluctuation of the U.S. dollar compared to the Euro impacts annual operating income by approximately $20 million and a hypothetical 10 percent fluctuation of the U.S. dollar compared to the Canadian Dollar impacts annual operating income by approximately $53 million.
We actively manage our exposure to fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates by entering into foreign exchange hedging contracts. A portion of our foreign currency exposure is mitigated with the following open foreign currency hedging contracts as of December 31, 2022:
Foreign Currency Foreign currency hedging contracts
Australian Dollar Long $ 13.7 $0.69 to 1 AUD
Canadian Dollar Long $ 93.3 $0.76 to 1 CAD
Mexican Peso Short $ 47.0 22 Peso to $1
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In 2022, after consideration of the existing foreign currency hedging contracts, foreign currencies had a negative impact on net income compared to 2021. We expect currencies to have a negative impact on net income in 2023 compared to 2022.
The assets and liabilities in all our international 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 loss, net in the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. Revenues and expenses in all of our international entities are translated at the average foreign exchange rate in effect for each month of the year. 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.
Interest Rates:
We are a party to an unsecured credit agreement with various lenders consisting of a $1.0 billion revolving loan facility, a $1.2 billion term loan facility, and a $500 million incremental term loan. Interest accrues on the revolving loan, term loans, and the incremental term loan at variable rates based on adjusted Term SOFR plus the applicable add-on percentage as defined. As of December 31, 2022, there was $312.9 million outstanding on the revolving loan, $828.0 million outstanding on the term loan, and $500 million outstanding on the incremental term loan. We enter into interest rate swaps in order to maintain a balanced risk of fixed and floating interest rates associated with our debt. Based on the unhedged variable-rate debt included in our debt portfolio as of December 31, 2022, a 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would increase or decrease interest expense by approximately $8 million.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 38
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 42
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 47
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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting of the Company. This system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. In making this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal 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, 2022.
Management’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 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 thereon.
/S/ MICHAEL T. SPEETZEN
Michael T. Speetzen
Chief Executive Officer
/S/ ROBERT P. MACK
Robert P. Mack
Chief Financial Officer
February 17, 2023
Further discussion of our internal controls and procedures is included in Item 9A of this report, under the caption “Controls and Procedures.”
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Polaris Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Polaris Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Polaris Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a), and our report dated February 17, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 17, 2023
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Polaris Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Polaris Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 17, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Product Liability
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/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 17, 2023
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POLARIS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per share data)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 324.5 $ 502.3
Income taxes receivable 20.3 4.0
Current assets held for sale — 163.2
Investment in finance affiliate 93.1 49.3
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net 910.6 935.2
Long-term assets held for sale — 226.0
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Current operating lease liabilities 24.1 19.4
Income taxes payable 6.5 17.1
Current liabilities held for sale — 107.8
Long-term income taxes payable 11.7 13.3
Finance lease obligations 9.9 12.1
Deferred tax liabilities 4.6 5.5
Long-term operating lease liabilities 87.0 71.3
Long-term liabilities held for sale — 66.1
Deferred compensation $ 12.6 $ 11.2
Shareholders’ equity:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net (87.5) (77.4)
Noncontrolling interest 2.5 2.0
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
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POLARIS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share data)
For the Years Ended December 31,
Operating expenses:
Goodwill impairment — — 81.1
Non-operating expense:
Other (income) expense, net (28.6) 2.3 3.8
Loss on sale of businesses — 36.8 —
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 761.4 628.7 450.4
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (13.2) (2.3) (235.6)
Loss from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax (142.6) — —
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (0.5) (0.4) (0.1)
Net income attributable to Polaris Inc. $ 447.1 $ 493.9 $ 124.8
Amounts attributable to Polaris Inc. common shareholders:
Net income from continuing operations $ 603.4 $ 496.6 $ 360.5
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (0.5) (0.4) (0.1)
Net income attributable to Polaris Inc. $ 447.1 $ 493.9 $ 124.8
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Polaris Inc. common shareholders:
Basic
Discontinued operations $ (2.63) $ (0.04) $ (3.81)
Diluted
Discontinued operations $ (2.60) $ (0.04) $ (3.76)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
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POLARIS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
For the Years Ended December 31,
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (25.3) (30.4) 24.2
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments 14.9 11.1 (9.4)
Retirement plan and other activity 0.3 0.3 (0.5)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest (0.5) (0.4) (0.1)
Comprehensive income attributable to Polaris Inc. $ 437.0 $ 474.9 $ 139.1
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
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POLARIS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In millions, except per share data)
Employee stock compensation 0.6 — 65.3 — — — 65.3
Deferred compensation — — 0.5 0.8 — — 1.3
Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans 0.5 — 33.6 — — — 33.6
Cash dividends declared — — — (152.5) — — (152.5)
Repurchase and retirement of common shares (0.6) — (8.3) (42.0) — — (50.3)
Other comprehensive income — — — — 14.3 — 14.3
Employee stock compensation 0.5 — 62.7 — — — 62.7
Deferred compensation — — 1.3 (0.2) — — 1.1
Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans 1.8 — 156.1 — — — 156.1
Cash dividends declared — — — (153.4) — — (153.4)
Repurchase and retirement of common shares (3.8) — (60.2) (401.4) — — (461.6)
Contributions — — — — — 1.3 1.3
Other comprehensive loss — — — — (19.0) — (19.0)
Employee stock compensation 0.6 — 60.0 — — — 60.0
Deferred compensation — — (2.5) 1.1 — — (1.4)
Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans 0.4 — 34.1 — — — 34.1
Cash dividends declared — — — (150.0) — — (150.0)
Repurchase and retirement of common shares (4.4) — (83.3) (421.7) — — (505.0)
Other comprehensive loss — — — — (10.1) — (10.1)
Polaris Inc. declared cash dividends of $2.56, $2.52, and $2.48 per share for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
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POLARIS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
For the Years Ended December 31,
Operating Activities:
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax 13.2 2.3 235.6
Loss from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax 142.6 — —
Noncash income from financial services (15.1) (7.7) (18.5)
Loss on sale of businesses, net — 34.8 —
Goodwill impairment — — 81.1
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Income taxes payable/receivable 18.4 (3.8) 104.4
Prepaid expenses and other, net (7.6) (13.0) (25.7)
Investing Activities:
Investment in finance affiliate (59.3) (42.2) (30.6)
Distributions from finance affiliate 30.6 60.0 100.4
Investment in other affiliates (26.2) (23.4) (6.6)
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net 42.2 — —
Net cash used for investing activities (324.6) (303.9) (150.7)
Financing Activities:
Repurchase and retirement of common shares (505.0) (461.6) (50.3)
Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans 34.1 156.1 33.6
Net cash used for financing activities (363.2) (107.6) (415.4)
Impact of currency exchange rates on cash balances (10.2) (10.6) 8.7
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid on debt borrowings $ 71.2 $ 44.8 $ 67.0
Current assets held for sale — 6.9 3.0
The accompanying footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
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POLARIS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1.Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Polaris Inc. (“Polaris” or the “Company”), a Minnesota corporation, and its subsidiaries are engaged in the design, engineering, manufacturing and marketing of powersports vehicles, which include: off-road vehicles (“ORV”), including all-terrain vehicles (“ATV”) and side-by-side vehicles; military and commercial ORVs; snowmobiles; motorcycles; moto-roadsters; quadricycles; boats; and related Parts, Garments and Accessories (“PG&A”), which includes aftermarket accessories and apparel. Polaris products are sold worldwide online and through a network of independent dealers and distributors. The primary markets for the Company’s products are the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia and Mexico.
Basis of presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Polaris and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany 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.
The Company evaluates consolidation of entities under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810. This Topic requires management to evaluate whether an entity or interest is a variable interest entity and whether the company is the primary beneficiary. The Company used the guidelines to analyze the Company’s relationships and concluded that there were no variable interest entities requiring consolidation by the Company.
Reclassifications. Reclassifications of certain prior year segment results and account balances have been made to conform to the current-year presentation. The reclassifications had no impact on the consolidated balance sheets, statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, or cash flows, as previously reported. Refer to Note 16 for additional information.
On July 1, 2022, the Company completed the sale of its Transamerican Auto Parts (“TAP”) business. The operating results of the TAP business are reported in loss from discontinued operations, net of tax in the consolidated statements of income for all periods presented. In addition, the related assets and liabilities are reported as assets and liabilities held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets. All amounts and disclosures included in the notes to consolidated financial statements reflect only the Company's continuing operations, unless otherwise noted. Refer to Note 4 for additional information.
Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual 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.
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 foreign currency contracts and interest rate 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
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approach the Company uses significant other observable inputs to value its derivative instruments used to hedge foreign currency and interest rate transactions.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in millions):
Assets
Non-qualified deferred compensation assets Level 1 $ 39.8 $ 52.4
Foreign exchange contracts, net Level 2 8.4 2.1
Interest rate contracts, net Level 2 5.9 —
Liabilities
Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities Level 1 $ (39.8) $ (52.4)
Interest rate contracts, net Level 2 — (7.8)
Fair value of other financial instruments. The carrying values of the Company’s short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and short-term debt, including current maturities of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and notes payable, approximate their fair values. As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, finance lease obligations and notes payable was approximately $2,070.3 million and $1,870.0 million, respectively, and was determined primarily using Level 2 inputs, including quoted market prices or discounted cash flows based on quoted market rates for similar types of debt. The carrying value of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and notes payable including current maturities was $2,057.8 million and $1,800.7 million as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The Company 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 12 for additional information.
Cash equivalents. The Company 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.
Restricted cash. The Company classifies amounts of cash that are restricted in terms of their use and withdrawal separately within other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s restricted cash is comprised primarily of cash held in trust accounts not available for general use due to contractual restrictions.
Allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company’s exposure to credit losses on accounts receivable is limited due to its agreements with certain finance companies. For receivables not serviced through these finance companies, the Company establishes a reserve for doubtful accounts based on historical credit loss experience, the age of the accounts receivables, credit quality of our customers, current and expected economic conditions, and other factors that may affect our ability to collect from customers.
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 or net realizable value with substantially all inventories recorded using the first-in, first-out method. Finished goods include products that are completed and ready for sale or substantially completed as the product has gone through the primary manufacturing and assembly process.
Investment in finance affiliate. The caption investment in finance affiliate in the consolidated balance sheets represents the Company’s fifty percent equity interest in Polaris Acceptance. The Company’s 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 11 for additional information.
Investment in other affiliates. The Company’s 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, the Company assesses the level of influence in determining whether to account for the investment under the cost method or equity method. For equity method investments, the Company’s proportionate share of income or losses is recorded in the consolidated statements of income. The Company will write down or write off an
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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 11 for additional information.
Property and equipment. Property and equipment is stated at historical cost. Depreciation is determined 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 finance leases is included within depreciation expense. Fully-depreciated tooling is eliminated from the accounting records annually. The Company recorded $214.0 million, $193.4 million, and $198.2 million of depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Substantially all of the Company’s property and equipment is located in North America.
Goodwill and other intangible assets. Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment and is tested for impairment more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company completes its annual goodwill impairment test as of the first day of the fourth quarter.
The Company may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. A qualitative assessment requires that the Company considers events or circumstances including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, changes in management or key personnel, changes in strategy, changes in customers, changes in the composition or carrying amount of a reporting unit’s net assets, and changes in the Company’s stock price. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if the Company elects to bypass the qualitative test and proceed to a quantitative test, then the quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed. A quantitative test includes comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, an impairment is recognized in an amount equal to the difference, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
Under the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis and market approach. Determining the fair value of the reporting units requires the use of significant judgment, including discount rates, assumptions in the Company’s long-term business plan about future revenues and expenses, capital expenditures, and changes in working capital, which are dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of long-term growth for each reporting unit, and determination of the discount rate. These plans take into consideration numerous factors including historical experience, anticipated future economic conditions, changes in raw material prices, and growth expectations for the industries and end markets in which the Company participates.
For its annual test in 2022, the Company completed a qualitative assessment for all reporting units.
The Company’s primary identifiable intangible assets include: dealer/customer relationships, brand/trade names, developed technology, and non-compete agreements. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized and those identifiable intangibles with indefinite lives are not amortized. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment annually or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company’s identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives include brand/trade names. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of the brand/trade name with its carrying value. The Company completes its annual impairment test as of the first day of the fourth quarter each year for identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives.
Refer to Note 8 for additional information on goodwill and other intangible assets.
Revenue recognition. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a good or service to a customer. Revenue is measured based on the amount of consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the goods or services transferred. Sales, value add, and other taxes that are collected from a customer concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. Revenue from goods and services transferred to customers at a point-in-time accounts for the majority of the Company’s revenue. Revenue from products or services transferred over time is discussed in the contract liabilities section.
For the majority of wholegood vehicles, boats, and PG&A, the Company transfers control and recognizes a sale when it ships the product from its manufacturing facility, distribution center, or vehicle holding center to its customer. The amount of consideration the Company receives and revenue it recognizes varies with changes in marketing incentives and rebates it offers to its dealers and their customers. Payment terms vary by customer and most of the Company’s sales
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are financed by the customer under floorplan financing arrangements whereby the Company receives payment within a few days of shipment of the product.
When the right of return exists, the Company adjusts the consideration for the estimated effect of returns. The Company estimates expected returns based on historical sales levels, the timing and magnitude of historical sales return levels as a percent of sales, type of product, type of customer, and a projection of this experience into the future. The Company adjusts its estimate of revenue at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration it expects to receive changes or when the consideration becomes fixed.
Depending on the terms of the arrangement, the Company may also defer the recognition of a portion of the consideration received because it has to satisfy a future obligation. The Company uses an observable price to determine the stand-alone selling price for separate performance obligations. The Company has elected to recognize the cost for freight and shipping when control over vehicles, boats, or PG&A has transferred to the customer as an expense in cost of sales.
The Company sells separately-priced service contracts (“ESCs”) that extend mechanical coverages beyond the base limited warranty as well as prepaid maintenance agreements to vehicle owners. Each of these separately priced service contracts range from 12 months to 84 months. The Company typically receives payment at the inception of the contract and recognizes revenue over the term of the agreement in proportion to the costs expected to be incurred in satisfying the obligations under the contract.
Sales promotions and incentives. The Company accrues for estimated sales promotion and incentive expenses, which are recognized as a component of sales in measuring the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. 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, planned programs, and historical rates for each product line. The Company records these amounts as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet until they are ultimately paid. Adjustments to sales promotions and incentives accruals are made 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.
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 the Company’s dealers or distributors and, therefore, reduce the amount of sales the Company recognizes. The portion of the invoiced sales price estimated as the holdback is recognized as “dealer holdback” liability on the Company’s consolidated 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. The Company records shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of sales when control has transferred to the customer.
Research and development expenses. The Company records research and development expenses in the period in which they are incurred as a component of operating expenses.
Advertising expenses. The Company 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, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $87.6 million, $90.8 million and $95.8 million of advertising expenses, respectively.
Product warranties. The Company typically provides a limited warranty for its vehicles and boats for a period of six months to ten years, depending on the product. The Company provides longer warranties in certain geographical markets as determined by local regulations and customary practice and may also provide longer warranties related to certain promotional programs. The Company’s standard warranties require the Company, generally through its dealer network, to repair or replace defective products during such warranty periods. 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. The Company records these amounts as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet until they are ultimately paid. Adjustments to the warranty reserve are made 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. The warranty reserve includes the estimated costs related to recalls, which are accrued when probable and estimable. Factors that could have an impact on
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the warranty reserve include the following: changes in manufacturing quality, shifts in product mix, changes in warranty coverage periods, impacts on product usage (including weather), product recalls and changes in sales volume.