Polaris Reports 2006 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) (NYSE Arca: PII): Highlights: Earnings per share from continuing operations for fourth quarter and full year 2006 in line with guidance Victory motorcycles sales up 13% and financial services income increased 22% for full year 2006 Polaris repurchased 6.9 million shares or approximately 17% of its common stock during 2006, and has 4.8 million shares remaining under its current repurchase authorization On January 18, 2007, Polaris declared a 10% increase in the regular quarterly cash dividend, marking the 12th consecutive year of increased dividends In 2007, Polaris expects modest growth in sales driven by strong demand for Victory motorcycles and side-by-side utility vehicles 2007 earnings per share is expected to be positively affected by higher gross margins and a lower share count Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) (NYSE Arca: PII) today reported net income from continuing operations of $0.93 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2006, a six percent decrease from $0.99 per diluted share for the prior year’s fourth quarter. Net income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter 2006 was $36.1 million, a decrease of 14 percent from the prior year’s fourth quarter net income from continuing operations of $42.1 million. Sales from continuing operations for the fourth quarter 2006 decreased 15 percent to $448.6 million, compared to last year’s fourth quarter sales from continuing operations of $526.1 million. Full Year Results from Continuing Operations For the full year ended December 31, 2006, Polaris reported net income per share from continuing operations of $2.72 per diluted share compared to $3.15 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2005, a 14 percent decrease on a per diluted share basis. Reported net income from continuing operations for the full year 2006 was $112.8 million compared to $137.7 million for the full year 2005. Sales from continuing operations for the full year ended December 31, 2006, totaled $1,656.5 million, a decrease of 11 percent compared to sales from continuing operations of $1,869.8 million for the full year 2005. "This past year proved to be challenging for us. We did, however, finish in line with our previously issued guidance and continue to make good progress in getting our business back on track. The snowmobile market has remained difficult as inadequate early season snowfall across most of the North American snowbelt continued to negatively impact our results. The overall North American ATV market was also down for the second year in a row. Our dealers felt the pressure as well and reduced their inventory levels by ordering fewer ATVs during 2006. As a result we reduced our overall shipments to our North American ATV dealers. We have seen progress in our dealers’ efforts to lower their inventories thus far for both ATVs and snowmobiles, and feel we are taking the necessary steps to make both of these businesses more competitive including cost reductions, strong retail promotions and increased advertising as we move into 2007,” commented Tom Tiller, Chief Executive Officer. Tiller added, "We are also very excited about the new products we unveiled on January 19, 2007, which included our new luxury touring motorcycle models, the Victory Vision Street and Victory Vision Tourer, as well as the all new RANGER™ RZR. We believe these new products will allow us to capitalize on the large and fast-growing motorcycle touring and side-by-side recreational vehicle market segments. The new Victory Vision models are designed to deliver what touring riders believe are the two most influential factors in their buying decision — forward-looking style and comfort. Additionally, the RANGER™ RZR is expected to be the fastest trail-capable, side-by-side vehicle available on the market meeting the needs and demanding expectations of hunters, big bore trail enthusiasts and sport side-by-side buyers.” 2007 Business Outlook Full year 2007 earnings from continuing operations are expected to be in the range of $2.80 to $2.92 per diluted share, which represents three-to-seven-percent growth in diluted earnings per share when compared to net income from continuing operations of $2.72 per diluted share for the full year 2006. Sales are expected to grow in the one-to-three-percent range for the full year 2007. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company expects that North American ATV shipments will be lower than the first quarter of 2006, with the objective of further reducing dealer inventories, and expects first quarter 2007 total sales to be lower than the first quarter of 2006 in the range of down six to eight percent. First quarter 2007 earnings from continuing operations are expected to be in the range of $0.23 to $0.25 per diluted share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $0.26 per diluted share for the first quarter 2006. Tiller commented, "Taking into consideration the steps we have taken in 2006, coupled with our current outlook for the ATV market, projections for dealer inventory levels of ATVs and snowmobiles, volume expectations for 2007 and the market potential of our exciting new products, we anticipate our challenges will continue in the first half of 2007 but expect improvements in the second half of the year with full year 2007 results being improved over the full year 2006. Additionally, the strength of our underlying businesses and diverse portfolio of industry-leading products give me confidence that our new 3-year sales and earnings goals for the Company of $2.2 billion in sales, $150 million in net income and $4.25 in diluted earnings per share are achievable by 2009. We are very excited about the growth and profitability opportunities for our business as we move into the future.” Discontinued Operations Results The Company ceased manufacturing marine products on September 2, 2004. As a result, the marine products division’s financial results are being reported separately as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The Company’s fourth quarter 2006 loss from discontinued operations was $0.3 million, net of tax, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $0.3 million, net of tax, or $0.01 per diluted share in the fourth quarter 2005. During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company recorded an additional loss on disposal of discontinued operations of $5.0 million before tax, or $3.4 million after tax, or $0.09 per diluted share. This loss includes the estimated costs required to resolve past and potential future product liability litigation claims. Reported net income for the fourth quarter 2006, including each of continuing and discontinued operations and the loss on disposal of discontinued operations was $32.4 million, or $0.83 per diluted share compared to $41.8 million, or $0.98 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2005. For the full year ended December 31, 2006, the loss from discontinued operations was $0.8 million, after tax, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $1.0 million or $0.02 per diluted share in 2005. Reported net income for the full year ended December 31, 2006, including each of continuing and discontinued operations, the loss on disposal of discontinued operations and the cumulative effect of the SFAS 123(R) accounting change was $107.0 million or $2.58 per diluted share, compared to $136.7 million, or $3.12 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2005. (In millions except per share data)   4th Quarter ended December 31,   Full Year ended December 31,     2006    2005    Change   2006    2005    Change Sales from continuing operations   $448.6    $526.1    (15)%   $1,656.5    $1,869.8    (11)% Operating income from continuing operations   $54.3    $61.7    (12)%   $168.1    $205.0    (18)% Net Income from continuing operations   $36.1    $42.1    (14)%   $112.8    $137.7    (18)% Earnings per share from continuing operations (diluted)   $0.93    $0.99    (6)%   $2.72    $3.15    (14)% Earnings per share (diluted)   $0.83    $0.98    (15)%   $2.58    $3.12    (17)% ATV (all-terrain vehicle) sales in the fourth quarter 2006 decreased 13 percent from the fourth quarter 2005. This decrease is largely attributable to North American dealers scaling back orders in an effort to further reduce dealer inventory levels. As a result, dealer inventory levels in North America were lower at the end of the fourth quarter 2006 than at the end of the fourth quarter 2005. During the fourth quarter 2006 several of the Company’s newer products continued to show growth, which included the two-up ATV -- the Sportsman X2. During the fourth quarter and full year 2006 periods, the overall utility vehicle market continued to perform well and Polaris experienced continued strong sales growth in the RANGER™ product line. Overall full year 2006 ATV sales decreased 10 percent from 2005 to a total of $1,117.3 million. Sales of Victory motorcycles decreased ten percent during the fourth quarter 2006 compared to the fourth quarter of 2005. This decrease in sales for the fourth quarter of 2006 is due to timing of shipments as more of the model year 2007 motorcycles were shipped during the third quarter of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. Full year 2006 Victory motorcycle sales increased 13 percent over 2005, to a total of $112.8 million. The full year 2006 marks the first year of profitability for the Victory motorcycle business since the Company began production back in 1998. Snowmobile sales decreased 34 percent to $61.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2006 compared to $93.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, as expected. Shipments in the fourth quarter 2006 were lower as a result of a significant decrease in dealer orders for 2007 model year snowmobiles. As discussed in prior communications, the reduced levels of dealer orders resulted from increased dealer inventory levels at the end of the prior 2005-2006 snowmobile season due to below average snowfall across many regions of North America and quality issues relating to certain 2005 and 2006 model year snowmobiles. The Company has received good press reviews for its new 2007 Polaris IQ and RMK models, which utilize the new 600 HO or 700 HO Cleanfire semi-direct injection engines. For the full year 2006 snowmobile sales totaled $156.9 million compared to full year 2005 sales of $256.7 million. Parts, Garments, and Accessories ("PG&A”) sales decreased one percent and two percent for the fourth quarter and full year periods ended December 31, 2006, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2005. The decline in PG&A sales was primarily related to lower shipments of ATVs and snowmobiles during the fourth quarter and full year 2006 periods. Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, was 23.6 percent for the fourth quarter 2006, an increase from 20.7 percent in the comparable quarter of 2005. During the fourth quarter 2006, increased sales of higher gross margin products, favorable currency effects and savings from various cost reduction initiatives were partially offset by higher promotional and dealer assistance expenses, primarily for snowmobiles. For the full year 2006, gross profit, as a percentage of sales, was 21.7 percent compared to 22.0 percent for the full year in 2005. For the fourth quarter 2006, operating expenses increased eleven percent to $65.1 million or 14.5 percent of sales compared to $58.7 million or 11.2 percent of sales for the fourth quarter of 2005. Operating expenses increased during the fourth quarter 2006 due to higher research and development expenses related to exciting new products as well as increases in selling and marketing and advertising expenses during the quarter to improve the Company’s competitive position. As a percentage of sales, operating expenses were higher due to the lower sales volume during the fourth quarter 2006. For the full year 2006, operating expenses decreased three percent to $238.4 million from $244.7 million in 2005. As a percentage of sales, operating expenses increased for full year 2006 to 14.4 percent of sales compared to 13.1 percent of sales for the full year 2005 due to the lower sales volumes, which were partially offset by the implementation of operating expense control measures. Income from financial services increased 15 percent to $13.5 million in the fourth quarter 2006, up from $11.7 million in the fourth quarter 2005, due to increased profits generated by the retail credit portfolio. Income from financial services for the year ended December 31, 2006, increased 22 percent to $47.1 million compared to $38.6 million for the full year 2005. The income generated from the retail credit portfolio increased for the fourth quarter and full year 2006 periods in part due to the success of an additional offering to Polaris dealers to finance their used and non-Polaris products through Polaris’ retail credit relationship with HSBC. Equity in income of manufacturing affiliates (which primarily represents the Company’s portion of income from the investment in KTM Power Sports AG ("KTM”), net of tax) was $0.0 for the fourth quarter 2006 and $3.6 million for the full year 2006. During the fourth quarter 2006, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement to sell during the first half of 2007 approximately 1.38 million shares or approximately 80 percent of Polaris’ investment in KTM. The aggregate proceeds to be generated from the sale of these KTM shares pursuant to the share purchase agreement are approximately equal to the amount recorded as an asset on Polaris’ balance sheet related to those shares. Since the transaction purchase price has been fixed at approximately the asset value, the Company no longer receives a net benefit from its percentage of KTM’s income in Polaris’ income statement beginning with the fourth quarter 2006. Interest expense increased to $3.6 million and $9.8 million for the fourth quarter and full year periods of 2006, respectively, compared to $1.4 million and $4.7 million for the fourth quarter and full year periods of 2005, respectively. The increase is due to higher debt levels and increased interest rates during the 2006 periods. Non-operating other expense (income) improved $3.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2006 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2005 primarily due to the weakening of the U.S. Dollar and the resulting effects of foreign currency transactions related to the international subsidiaries. The Income tax provision for the fourth quarter of 2006 was recorded at a rate of approximately 32.2 percent of pretax income, an increase from 30.2 percent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2005. During the fourth quarter 2005 the Company benefited from certain favorable income tax events. Financial Position and Cash Flow Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations decreased six percent to $152.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $162.5 million for the full year 2005. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the full year 2006 was primarily due to a decrease in net income during that period compared to the same period last year and an increase in inventory levels in 2006 resulting from fourth quarter shipment reductions to dealers within Polaris’ production lead times. Total debt levels were $250.0 million at December 31, 2006, primarily as a result of the term loan utilized to complete the accelerated share repurchase transaction. Total shareholders’ equity was lower at December 31, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005 primarily due to the share repurchase transactions. The Company’s debt-to-total capital ratio was 60 percent at December 31, 2006, compared to five percent at the end of 2005. Share Buyback Activity During the fourth quarter 2006, the Company repurchased and retired 4.3 million shares of its common stock for $198.2 million, bringing total share repurchases to 6.9 million shares, or $307.6 million for the full year 2006. Of that total, 3.55 million shares of Polaris common stock were repurchased at an initial purchase price of approximately $165.6 million, or $46.64 per share through an accelerated share repurchase agreement entered into in December 2006 with Goldman, Sachs & Co. Since inception of the share repurchase program in 1996 approximately 29.2 million shares have been repurchased at an average price of $30.41 per share. As of December 31, 2006, the Company has authorization from its Board of Directors to repurchase up to an additional 4.8 million shares of Polaris stock. Subsequent Event On January 18, 2007, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a ten percent increase in the regular quarterly cash dividend, the 12th consecutive year of increased dividends, effective with the 2007 first quarter dividend payment. The first quarter dividend of $0.34 per share will be payable on February 15, 2007, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 1, 2007. Conference Call to Be Held Today at 9:00 AM (CST) Polaris Industries Inc. will host a conference call to discuss Polaris’ fourth quarter and full year 2006 earnings results released this morning. The conference call is accessible by dialing 800-374-6475 in the U.S. and Canada or 706-679-2596 for International calls or via the Investor Relations page of the Company’s web site, www.polarisindustries.com (click on Our Company then Investor Relations). The conference call will be available through Thursday, February 1, 2007, by dialing 800-642-1687 in the U.S. and Canada, or 706-645-9291 for International calls and entering passcode 5394430, and on Polaris’ web site. About Polaris Information about the complete line of Polaris products is available from authorized Polaris dealers or from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com. With annual 2006 sales of $1.7 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Victory motorcycles and the Polaris RANGER™ for recreational and utility use. Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry and one of the largest manufacturers of ATVs in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the motorcycle cruiser marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships. Consumers can also purchase apparel and vehicle accessories anytime at www.polarisindustries.com. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange and the NYSE Arca under the symbol "PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index. Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, including management’s expectations regarding 2007 sales, shipments, net income and cash flow, are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include such factors as product offerings, promotional activities and pricing strategies by competitors; warranty expenses; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; effects of the KTM relationship; environmental and product safety regulatory activity; effects of weather; commodity costs; uninsured product liability claims; and overall economic conditions, including inflation and consumer confidence and spending. Investors are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME and Other Selected Financial Information (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)   For Three Months Ended For the Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2006  2005  2006  2005  Sales $ 448,584  $ 526,087  $ 1,656,518  $ 1,869,819  Cost of sales   342,697    417,366    1,297,159    1,458,787  Gross profit 105,887  108,721  359,359  411,032  Operating expenses Selling and marketing 27,406  25,548  108,890  108,395  Research and development 20,339  17,190  73,889  70,983  General and administrative   17,334    15,966    55,584    65,282  Total operating expenses 65,079  58,704  238,363  244,660    Income from financial services   13,493    11,689    47,061    38,640  Operating Income 54,301  61,706  168,057  205,012    Non-operating Expense (Income): Interest expense 3,644  1,403  9,773  4,713  Equity in (income) of manufacturing affiliates (28) (1,363) (3,642) (2,308) Other expense (income) net   (2,604)   1,345    (1,853)   3,748  Income before income taxes 53,289  60,321  163,779  198,859    Provision for Income Taxes   17,163    18,206    50,988    61,138    Net Income from continuing operations $ 36,126  $ 42,115  $ 112,791  $ 137,721    Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (346) $ (322) $ (812) $ (1,007) Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax (3,380) ? (5,401) ? Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax ? ?   407  ?   Net Income $ 32,400  $ 41,793  $ 106,985  $ 136,714    Basic Net Income per share Continuing operations $ 0.95  $ 1.02  $ 2.80  $ 3.27  Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (0.01) $ (0.01) $ (0.02) $ (0.02) Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax $ (0.09) ? $ (0.13) ? Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax $ -  ? $ 0.01  ? Net Income $ 0.86  $ 1.01  $ 2.65  $ 3.24    Diluted Net Income per share Continuing operations $ 0.93  $ 0.99  $ 2.72  $ 3.15  Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.01) (0.01) $ (0.02) $ (0.02) Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax (0.09) ? $ (0.13) ? Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax   -  ? $ 0.01  ? Net Income $ 0.83  $ 0.98  $ 2.58  $ 3.12    Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 37,835  41,475  40,324  42,131  Diluted 38,846  42,594  41,451  43,787  Business Unit Information For Three Months Ended December 31, For the Year Ended December 31, (in thousands)   2006    2005  % chg   2006    2005  % chg All-terrain Vehicles $ 278,732  $ 320,033  -13% $ 1,117,298  $ 1,239,452  -10% Snowmobiles 61,921  93,350  -34% 156,930  256,655  -39% Victory Motorcycles 33,825  37,742  -10% 112,763  99,478  13% Parts, Garments & Accessories   74,106    74,962  -1%   269,527    274,234  -2% Total Sales $ 448,584  $ 526,087  -15% $ 1,656,518  $ 1,869,819  -11%   2005 results have been adjusted to reflect the adoption of SFAS 123R under the modified retrospective method. All periods presented reflect the classification of the marine division's financial results as discontinued operations. POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS     Subject to reclassification (In Thousands) (Unaudited) December 31, 2006  2005  Assets Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,566  $ 19,675  Trade receivables, net 63,815  78,350  Inventories 230,533  202,022  Prepaid expenses and other 19,940  13,330  Deferred tax assets 59,107  60,498  Current assets of discontinued operations   -    113  Total current assets 392,961  373,988    Property and equipment, net 204,001  222,336  Investments in finance affiliate 55,629  59,601  Investments in manufacturing affiliates 99,433  87,772  Goodwill, net 25,040  25,039  Deferred tax assets 1,595  1,677  Intangible and other assets, net   132    220  Total Assets $ 778,791  $ 770,633    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 100,672  $ 97,065  Accrued expenses 252,446  263,728  Income taxes payable 3,940  9,428  Current liabilities of discontinued operations   4,362    5,393  Total current liabilities 361,420  375,614    Deferred income taxes -  -  Borrowings under credit agreement   250,000    18,000  Total liabilities $ 611,420  $ 393,614    Shareholders’ Equity: Preferred stock $0.01 par value, 20,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding —  —  Common stock $0.01 par value, 80,000 shares authorized, 35,455 and 41,687 shares issued and outstanding $ 355  $ 417  Additional paid-in capital —  —  Retained earnings 152,219  379,032  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   14,797    (2,430) Total shareholders' equity   167,371    377,019    Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 778,791  $ 770,633    2005 results have been adjusted to reflect the adoption of SFAS 123R under the modified retrospective method. All periods presented reflect the classification of the marine division's financial results as discontinued operations. POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS     Subject to reclassification (In Thousands) (Unaudited) For the Year Ended December 31, 2006  2005  Operating Activities: Net income $ 106,577  $ 136,714  Net loss from discontinued operations 6,213  1,007  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 71,164  67,936  Noncash compensation 13,402  22,178  Noncash income from financial services (15,907) (14,174) Noncash income from manufacturing affiliates (3,642) (2,308) Deferred income taxes 1,299  1,640  Changes in current operating items: Trade receivables 14,534  (7,178) Inventories (28,513) (28,396) Accounts payable 3,608  762  Accrued expenses (11,284) 11,025  Income taxes payable (5,487) (21,574) Prepaid expenses and others, net   790    (5,169) Net cash provided by continuing operations 152,754  162,463  Net cash flow (used for) provided by discontinued operations   (7,131)   (16,101) Net cash provided by operating activities 145,623  146,362    Investing Activities: Purchase of property and equipment (52,636) (89,770) Investments in finance affiliate, net 19,878  52,959  Investment in manufacturing affiliates, net   1,706    (84,320) Net cash used for continuing operations investment activities (31,052) (121,131) Net cash used for discontinued operations investment activities   —    —  Net cash used for investing activities (31,052) (121,131)   Financing Activities: Borrowings under credit agreement 1,131,000  795,000  Repayments under credit agreement (899,000) (795,000) Repurchase and retirement of common shares (307,621) (132,280) Cash dividends to shareholders (50,234) (46,956) Tax effect of proceeds from stock based compensation exercises 2,003  15,166  Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans   9,172    20,045    Net cash used for financing activities (114,680) (144,025)   Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (109) (118,794)   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   19,675    138,469    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 19,566  $ 19,675    2005 results have been adjusted to reflect the adoption of SFAS 123R under the modified retrospective method. All periods presented reflect the classification of the marine division's financial results as discontinued operations.