Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

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. Polaris used the guidelines to analyze the Company’s relationships, including its relationship with Polaris Acceptance, and concluded that there were no variable interest entities requiring consolidation by the Company in 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Use of Estimates

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

Fair Value Measurements

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 the foreign currency contracts and commodity contracts. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities, and for the income approach the Company uses significant other observable inputs to value its derivative instruments used to hedge interest rate volatility, foreign currency and commodity transactions.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017
Asset (Liability)	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Non-qualified deferred compensation assets	$	54,244		$	54,244		—			—
Total assets at fair value	$	54,244		$	54,244		$	—		—
Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities	$	(54,244	)	$	(54,244	)	—			—
Foreign exchange contracts, net	(426		)	—			$	(426	)	—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	(54,670	)	$	(54,244	)	$	(426	)	—
	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016
Asset (Liability)	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Non-qualified deferred compensation assets	$	49,330		$	49,330		—			—
Foreign exchange contracts, net	298			—			$	298		—
Total assets at fair value	$	49,628		$	49,330		$	298		—
Commodity contracts, net	$	—		—			$	—		—
Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities	(49,330		)	$	(49,330	)	—			—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	(49,330	)	$	(49,330	)	$	—		—

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, capital lease obligations and notes payable, approximate their fair values. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was approximately $922,123,000 and $1,156,181,000, respectively, and was determined 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, including current maturities, was $913,012,000 and $1,141,910,000 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Polaris measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of acquisitions are measured at fair value. Refer to Notes 2 and 6 for additional information. Polaris will impair or write off an investment and recognize a loss when events or circumstances indicate there is impairment in the investment that is other-than-temporary. The amount of loss is determined by measuring the investment at fair value. Refer to Note 10 for additional information.

Cash Equivalents

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

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

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

Inventories

Inventories. Inventory costs include material, labor, and manufacturing overhead costs, including depreciation expense associated with the manufacture and distribution of the Company’s products. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.

Investment in Affiliate

Investment in finance affiliate. The caption investment in finance affiliate in the consolidated balance sheets represents Polaris’ fifty percent equity interest in Polaris Acceptance, a partnership agreement between Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance Corporation and one of Polaris’ wholly-owned subsidiaries. Polaris Acceptance provides floor plan financing to Polaris dealers in the United States. Polaris’ investment in Polaris Acceptance is accounted for under the equity method, and is recorded as investment in finance affiliate in the consolidated balance sheets. Polaris’ allocable share of the income of Polaris Acceptance has been included as a component of income from financial services in the consolidated statements of income. Refer to Note 9 for additional information regarding Polaris’ investment in Polaris Acceptance.

Investment in other affiliates. Polaris’ investment in other affiliates is included within Other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and represents the Company’s investment in nonmarketable securities of strategic companies. For each investment, Polaris assesses the level of influence in determining whether to account for the investment under the cost method or equity method. For equity method investments, Polaris’ proportionate share of income or losses is recorded in the consolidated statements of income. Polaris will write down or write off an investment and recognize a loss if and when events or circumstances indicate there is impairment in the investment that is other-than-temporary. Refer to Note 10 for additional information regarding Polaris’ investment in other affiliates.

Property and Equipment

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

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets. ASC Topic 350 prohibits the amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. Topic 350 requires that these assets be reviewed for impairment at least annually. An impairment charge for goodwill is recognized only when the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than its carrying amount. Refer to Note 6 for additional information regarding goodwill and other intangible assets.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue recognition. Revenues are recognized at the time of shipment to the dealer or distributor or other customers, or at the time of customer delivery for our retail aftermarket locations. Service revenues are recognized upon completion of the service. Product returns, whether in the normal course of business or resulting from repossession under the Company’s customer financing program (see Note 9), have not been material. Polaris sponsors certain sales incentive programs and accrues liabilities for estimated sales promotion expenses and estimated holdback amounts that are recognized as reductions to sales when products are sold to the dealer or distributor customer.

Sales Promotions and Incentives

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

Dealer Holdback Programs

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

Shipping and Handling Costs

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

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses. Polaris records research and development expenses in the period in which they are incurred as a component of operating expenses.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising expenses. Polaris records advertising expenses as a component of selling and marketing expenses in the period in which they are incurred.

Product Warranties

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

Share-Based Employee Compensation

Share-based employee compensation. For purposes of determining the estimated fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant under ASC Topic 718, Polaris uses the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of employee stock options, and the Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate the fair value of employee performance restricted stock units that include a total shareholder return (“TSR”) performance condition. These models require the input of certain assumptions that require judgment. Because employee stock options and restricted stock awards have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models may not provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the employee stock options or restricted stock awards. Management will continue to assess the assumptions and methodologies used to calculate estimated fair value of share-based compensation. Circumstances may change and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies and thereby materially impact the fair value determination. If factors change and the Company employs different assumptions in the application of Topic 718 in future periods, the compensation expense that was recorded under Topic 718 may differ significantly from what was recorded in the current period. Refer to Note 3 for additional information regarding share-based compensation.

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

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative instruments and hedging activities. Changes in the fair value of a derivative are recognized in earnings unless the derivative qualifies as a hedge. To qualify as a hedge, the Company must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.

Polaris enters into foreign exchange contracts to manage currency exposures from certain of its purchase commitments denominated in foreign currencies and transfers of funds from time to time from its foreign subsidiaries. Polaris does not use any financial contracts for trading purposes. These contracts met the criteria for cash flow hedges. Gains and losses on the Canadian dollar and Australian dollar contracts at settlement are recorded in non-operating other expense, net in the consolidated income statements, and gains and losses on the Japanese yen and Mexican peso contracts at settlement are recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated income statements. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net.

Polaris is subject to market risk from fluctuating market prices of certain purchased commodity raw materials, including steel, aluminum, diesel fuel, and petroleum-based resins. In addition, the Company purchases components and parts containing various commodities, including steel, aluminum, rubber, rare earth metals and others which are integrated into the Company’s end products. While such materials are typically available from numerous suppliers, commodity raw materials are subject to price fluctuations. The Company generally buys these commodities and components based upon market prices that are established with the vendor as part of the purchase process. From time to time, Polaris utilizes derivative contracts to hedge a portion of the exposure to commodity risks. The Company did not enter into any such derivative contracts during 2017 or 2016. The Company’s diesel fuel and aluminum hedging contracts do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting and therefore, the resulting unrealized gains and losses from those contracts are included in the consolidated statements of income in cost of sales. Refer to Note 12 for additional information regarding derivative instruments and hedging activities.

The gross unrealized gains and losses of these contracts are recorded in the accompanying balance sheets as other current assets or other current liabilities.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign currency translation. The functional currency for each of the Polaris foreign subsidiaries is their respective local currencies. The assets and liabilities in all Polaris foreign entities are translated at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Translation gains and losses are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholders’ equity section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Revenues and expenses in all of Polaris’ foreign entities are translated at the average foreign exchange rate in effect for each month of the quarter. Transaction gains and losses including intercompany transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity involved are included in other expense, net in our consolidated statements of income.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income. Components of comprehensive income include net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, and retirement benefit plan activity. The Company discloses comprehensive income in separate consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New accounting pronouncements.