Polaris Reports Q1 2016 Earnings

2015-RZR-XP-4-1000-eps

One of the Polaris RZR models involved in the large first quarter vehicle recall.

Polaris reported earnings for the first quarter 2016 fiscal year with sales and earning declining for the second consecutive quarter. Revenue was down 5% to $983 million driven by inventory management and currency impacts. Earnings per share was down a significant 45% with currency, volume and mix and considerable legal and warranty costs more than offsetting leaner operations. The following are some of the highlights related to the small, task-oriented vehicle market.

  • Polaris is recalling more than 160,000 RZR vehicles to address fire and other thermal risks. This figure appears to include vehicles outside the US as the CPSC reported a figure of 133,000.
  • Management expects to “…address all of the recalled vehicles within the quarter…” and emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue quickly.
  • Side-by-side dealer inventory declined upper single digit percent in the quarter.
  • Year-over-year (YOY) North American side-by-side retail decreased slightly in an industry up mid to high single digits, so some market share was lost.
  • Management is positive about the performance of the new GENERAL product line and reports cannibalization of Ranger and RZR lines is not significant.
  • Side-by-side market remains weak in oil producing states but overall management is optimistic about the ORV (ATV & side-b-side) industry.
  • Management reports higher variability from month to month and regionally in the ORV market.
  • The Global Adjacent Markets business unit saw a 8% decrease in revenue with strength in Aixam, national accounts and GEM offset by weakness in Bobcat and Brutus. Defense business (MRZR and Dagor) declined “significantly” due to tough comparables but the order backlog is up.
  • The European ORV industry grew low single digits in the first quarter, with Polaris retail outperforming, up mid-single digits.
  • Multix retail and distribution, while still relatively small, are on plan through the first quarter. Multix is a small multi-purpose vehicle for the Indian market.
  • Ranger production will begin in the second quarter at the new Huntsville, AL plant, which should provide significantly better operating efficiencies and better inventory and retail flow management.
  • Management expects  Global Adjacent Markets to be up in the high single digits percent range, reflecting the recent acquisition of Taylor-Dunn and ORV/Snowmobile sales to be down low to mid single digits.

Learn more:  Seekingalpha.com (earnings call transcript)

Polaris Recalls 133,000 RZR 900 and 1000 Vehicles

2015-RZR-XP-4-1000-eps 2014-rzr-xp-1000 2013_rzr_xp_900_epsPolaris announced a massive recall of approximately 133,000 RZR 900 and RZR 1000 side-by-side vehicles covering model years 2013 to 2016 because of a potential fire and burn hazards to drivers and passengers. The recall covers a wide range of RZR 900 and RZR 1000 model variations (a few are pictured above). The following information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Summary

Name of product:  Polaris RZR recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)

Hazard:  The recalled ROVs can catch fire while consumers are driving, posing fire and burn hazards to drivers and passengers.

Consumer Contact:  Polaris at 800-POLARIS or 800-765-2747 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Saturday and Sunday or online at www.polaris.com and click on “Off-Road Safety Recalls” on the main page of the Polaris website.

 
Recall Details

Description:   The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn., is announcing a recall for about 133,000 Polaris Model Year 2013-2016 RZR 900 and RZR 1000 recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs).

CPSC and Polaris warn consumers to stop using these recreational vehicles immediately and contact their Polaris dealer for a free repair. Polaris has agreed to voluntarily suspend sale of all recalled vehicles until they are repaired.

Polaris has received more than 160 reports of fires with the recalled RZR ROVs, resulting in one death of a 15 year old passenger from a rollover that resulted in a fire and 19 reports of injuries, including first, second and third degree burns.

Visit www.polaris.com to determine if your RZR ROVs VIN number is included in this recall.

2013/2014 RZR XP 900
3NSJT9EAXEF364144 – 3NSJT9EA4EF385345
4XAJT87A0DP456738 – 4XAJT87A8EF366714

2014/2015/2016 RZR XP 1000 *additional VIN numbers included. Visit Polaris.com.
3NSVDE992FF361215 – 3NSVDE998GF784060
4XAST1EA0EB165962 – 4XAVFE992GB344924

2015/2016 RZR 900 *additional VIN numbers included. Visit Polaris.com.
3NSVAE871FF366883 – 3NSVAE874GH861374
4XAVAA878FB926614 – 4XAVAE873GB673176

2015/2016 RZR S 900 *additional VIN numbers included. Visit Polaris.com.
3NSVBE870FF361395 – 3NSVBA876GH860331
4XAVBE879FP340592 – 4XAVBE876GB673749

2016 RZR S 1000 *additional VIN numbers included. Visit Polaris.com
3NSVBE994GH102740 – 3NSVBE99XGH108171
4XAVBE995GP340655 – 4XAVBE997GB673744

The VIN is normally located on the driver’s side rear frame rail, above the PVT cover. Check your Owner’s Manual if you have any difficulty locating the VIN. VINs are not sequential and not all VINs in the ranges above are included in this recall. To determine if a specific ROV is included in this recall visit www.Polaris.com and click on “Off-Road Safety Recalls” under the “Rider Community” heading on the main page of the Polaris website.

The ROVs were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide from July 2012 through April 2016 for between $16,000 and $26,000. The ROVs were manufactured in the United States and Mexico and imported and distributed by Polaris.

Due to the serious risk of injury, owners and riders should stop using these recalled vehicles immediately. Repairs will start April 22, 2016. To schedule a free repair, consumers should call their local Polaris dealer. Contact Polaris at 800-POLARIS or 800-765-2747 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Saturday and Sunday or online at www.polaris.com and click on “Off-Road Safety Recalls” on the main page of the Polaris website.

In a company press release Polaris CEO Scott W. Wine stated,

“One of our foremost guiding principles is Safety and Ethics Always…We know that the foundation of a good ride is a safe ride, and we have been proactive, aggressive and thorough in putting forth a plan to get our vehicles repaired and give us – and our customers – confidence in the safety of our RZR vehicles. We are working day and night to inform our customers and dealers and to obtain the parts needed for the repairs we identified in our comprehensive analysis. We apologize for the inconvenience to our customers as we work to ensure all the systemic thermal risks we identified are eliminated from our vehicles.”

Polaris is instructing riders not to carry fuel or other flammable liquids in their vehicles.

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  I believe this is the largest recall by far of any side-by-side vehicle. The most recent very large side-by-side recall was from Kawasaki last year that involved about 20,000 vehicles. With 133,000 vehicles involved, the cost of repairing the vehicles could be substantial. Although Polaris has more than enough financial resources to absorb the costs, they are likely concerned to the hit their brand image may take. Not only are they the market leader but the company emphasizes their engineering excellence and innovation.

Yamaha Recalls YXZ1000R Side-by-Sides

The YXZ1000R in red and white.

The 2016 Yamaha YXZ1000R in red and white is being recalled as well as the following 2016 model year versions.

The YXZ1000R in orange.

The YXZ1000R in orange.

The special edition YXZ1000R-SE in yellow.

The special edition YXZ1000R-SE in yellow.

The 2016 Yamaha YXZ1000R in blue and white being recalled.

The YXZ1000R in blue and white being recalled.

Yamaha is recalling approximately 7,000 2016 YXZ 1000R and 1000R SE side-by-side utility vehicles due to the potential of water freezing in the throttle cable and posing a crash hazard. No injuries or incidents have been reported related to the potential hazard. The following is the recall information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Hazard:  Water can get into the throttle cable and if it freezes during cold weather, the ice can prevent the throttle from returning to idle. This can cause the rider to lose control, posing crash and injury hazards.

Units:  About 7,000

Description:  This recall involves model year 2016 YXZ1000R and YXZ1000R SE Side-by-Side utility vehicles sold in four colors: orange and black, blue and white, silver and red, and yellow and white. The model name (YXZ…) and “1000” is displayed in a graphic on both the left and right side of the vehicle. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is stamped on the frame near the driver’s side rear wheel. The letter G in the 10th position of the VIN number indicates that the unit was made in the 2016 model year.

Incidents/Injuries:  None reported

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact their local Yamaha dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.

Sold at:  Yamaha side-by-side dealers nationwide from September 2015 to February 2016 for between $19,800 and $21,600.

Distributor(s):  Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, of Cypress, Calif.

Manufactured in:  USA

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  This recall is relative large in size but more importantly for Yamaha it involves their newest entry into the high-end recreational segment. After their problems with the Rhino, Yamaha had not been active in that market segment for a number of years before the introduction of the 2016 YXZ1000. While in the long run the recall should not be detrimental to their efforts, they would have preferred a recall free re-entry into the recreational side-by-side market.

$230 Million for California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP)

CVRP NEV Rebates

Source: SVR based on CVRP data.

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is proposing $230 million in funding for the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) for fiscal year 2016-2017.

CVRP offers vehicle rebates on a first-come, first-served basis for light-duty ZEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), zero-emission motorcycles, and neighborhood electric vehicles. Rebate amounts are $2,500 for battery electric vehicles (BEVs); $1,500 for PHEVs; $5,000 for fuel cell electric vehicles; and $900 for zero-emission motorcycles and neighborhood electric vehicles. As of February 1, 2016, the CVRP has rebated over $291 million, covering 137,000 vehicles.

NEVs have been a small portion of these vehicles, totaling only 147 vehicles and just over $151,000 in rebates from 2010 to 2016, according to the CVRP statistics. One issue is that there have been only four brands that have been eligible for the rebates including GEM, Miles, Vantage and EVI eMega. By far GEM has been the most prevalent NEV in the program, accounting for 111 of the 147 vehicles. However, the model year 2014 and 2015 vehicles have not been eligible because the do not meet CVRP performance requirements. According to the CVRP website there are no current model year NEVs eligible for the rebate. As the above chart shows, there has been a significant drop-off in NEV rebates since 2013.

Source:  SVR based on CVRP data.

Source: SVR based on CVRP data.

Only 35% of the NEV rebates went to businesses, 34% to federal, state or local governments and 22% to individuals with the remainder to non-profits. These figures are not that surprising as GEM sells mostly to commercial customers.  Learn more:  Cleanvehiclerebate.org

KYMCO Recalls UTVs: Throttle Problem

The KYMCO 450i is one of the models being recalled.

The KYMCO 450i is one of the models being recalled.

KYMCO 450i Camoflauge

KYMCO 450i Camoflauge

KYMCO 450i LE

KYMCO 450i LE

KYMCO 450i Turf is also available in red.

KYMCO 450i Turf is also available in red.

KYMCO is recalling approximately 1,700 utility vehicles from model years 2015 and 2016 including the UXV 450i, UXV 450i LE and UXV 450i Turf. The throttle on the vehicles can fail to return to idle and cause the rider to lose control. The company has reported seven instances of the throttle failing, but no injuries. The related information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission follows.

Recall Details

Units:  About 1,700

Description:  This recall involves all model years 2015 and 2016 UXV 450i, UXV 450i LE and UXV 450i Turf models. Recalled utility vehicles come in the colors blue, camouflage, matte black, gold, green, red, blue and black. The model year 2015 recalled vehicles are those units with the last six numbers of the vehicle identification numbers (VIN) between 100101 and 190370. The model year 2016 recalled vehicles are those units with the last six numbers of the vehicle identification numbers (VIN) between 190371 and 260240. The VIN can be found on the frame behind the right front wheel. UXV is printed on each side of the rear cargo box and on the hood. KYMCO is printed on the side panels.

Incidents/Injuries:  The firm has received seven reports of the throttle failing. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact an authorized KYMCO dealer for a free inspection and free repair. KYMCO is contacting consumers directly.

Sold at:  Authorized KYMCO dealers nationwide from June 2014 through November 2015 for between $8,000 and $8,700.

Distributor(s):  KYMCO USA, of Spartanburg, S.C.

Manufactured in:  Taiwan

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  This is not a large recall but pretty significant for KYMCO which is one of the smaller manufacturers. They have been one of the more successful import companies selling vehicles at the $8,000 to $10,000 value price range.

Arctic Cat FY 2016 Q3 Results

The new 2017 Prowler 500 from Arctic Cat

The new 2017 Prowler 500 from Arctic Cat begins shipping this month.

The new Arctic Cat HDX 700 Crew XT for model year 2017.

The new Arctic Cat HDX 700 Crew XT for model year 2017 also ships this month.

Arctic Cat recently reported their financial results for the fiscal year 2016 third quarter. For the quarter net sales declined 14.3%, in part driven by currency headwinds and the timing of vehicle shipments compared to the prior year’s third quarter.

The following are highlights of the earnings call as it relates to the UTV/side-by-side market.

  • Sales of ATVs and ROV side-by-sides decreased 28.5% to $60 million from $83.9 million in the year ago quarter, in part driven by shipment timing
  • Softening of the overall ATV/ROV(side-by-side) retail market is a contributing factor in management’s lowering of fiscal year 2016 guidance
  • Management continues to emphasize improving their dealer network with additional training, marketing programs and performance metrics
  • Arctic Cat is planning to add 75 dealers in the next 12 months after adding 10 in the last three months
  • This month the company begins shipment of their new 2017 HDX 700 Crew and Prowler 500
  • Compared to the prior year third quarter, total ATV, ROV unit retail sales in the fiscal 2016 third quarter rose mid-single-digits versus an industry that was flat to slightly down
  • Management has decided to create a world-class research and development center in St. Cloud, and one focus will be to improve their engine technology
  • Management admitted that Wildcat vehicle sales have been hurt by their comparatively lower horsepower but that the 2017 models will “correct” that problem

Learn more:  Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)

Polaris Q4 2015 Results Point To Slowing UTV Market

The base model General 1000 EPS is Indy Red with an MSRP of $15,999.

Despite a good start for the new General crossover utility vehicle, Polaris had a tough fourth quarter in 2015 as the UTV/side-by-side market showed weakness.

Polaris reported their worst year-over-year quarterly performance since 2009 with their recent Q4 2015 results. Fourth quarter sales were down 13% to $1.1 billion with net income of $110.7 million, down 18% as all businesses except Indian motorcycles and Slingshot fell short of expectations. Management expects a slowdown in the UTV/side-by-side market faces tough macroeconomic conditions in North American and abroad, as well as currency headwinds. The following are highlights of the earnings call as they relate to the UTV/side-by-side market.

  • Despite solid demand for the new GENERAL and improving interest in the RZR Turbo, Polaris lost side by side market share in the fourth quarter.
  • To keep dealer inventory low the company cut shipments of higher margin RZRs and Rangers.
  • Off-road vehicle dealer inventory including ATVs was down year-over-year for the first time in six years
  • Side-by-side dealer inventory was up slightly for the year
  • Management reported a “more cautious” consumer in the ORV channel
  • Polaris side-by-side revenue for 2015 grew “modestly”
  • 4th quarter side-by-side retail sales in North America declined mid-single digits as the industry grew slightly
  • The new GENERAL vehicles began shipping in December, and initial consumer and dealer response was positive
  • ORV sales in oil producing states declined 10% while other areas of the market increased mid-single digits
  • For the full year 2015, Polaris again grew side-by-side market share.
  • Side-by-side retail sales increased mid-single digits in a side-by-side industry that grew slightly slower
  • Camp RZR in Glamis, California had an all-time record attendance, over 17,000 strong, which was up 45%
  • Q4 North American work and transportation revenue decreased low 20s percent as difficult comparables included the Ariens partners launch
  • GEM sales declined due to the transition to a completely redesigned GEM product platform during the quarter
  • Initial GEM orders are solid and a strong 2016 is expected
  • Q4 European Work and Transportation revenue declined low single-digits percent due primarily to currency weakness and some softness in Goupil and Mega
  • Aixam sales grew high single digits and the European quadricycle industry grew in both fourth quarter and for full year 2015, up low single-digits with Aixam retail up slightly more increasing their leading market share
  • Vehicles sales in Q4 and 2015 to Department of Defense and GSA related accounts were hurt by stop gap funding measures, but 2016 backlog is “healthy”
  • The European ORV industry grew mid-single digits in the fourth quarter and for the year.
  • Polaris gained share in the fourth quarter, as retail was up mid-teens percent and for the full year retail increased mid-single digits.
  • Multix, the three-in-one personal transportation vehicle from the Polaris-Eicher joint venture in India is retailing vehicles.
  • Multix customers are satisfied although currently the retail ramp remains well below management expectations, but they expect to accelerate retail in 2016 with key product improvements and further distribution expansion.
  • Huntsville plant will start production in Q2 and will initially produce RANGER side-by-sides
  • Huntsville incorporates the company’s most advanced Lean flow and state of the art manufacturing technologies and improves throughput times by approximately 80% compared to existing facilities
  • Management expects continued macroeconomic headwinds with ongoing currency issues overseas, a slight slowdown in global economies and a low growth economy in North America
  • Total company sales are expected to be in the range of down 2% to up 3%
  • ORV market share is expected to be maintained while gains are expected in global adjacent markets
  • ORV/snowmobiles revenue is anticipated to be flat to down mid-single digits and global adjacent markets up mid-single digits
  • Management continues to forecast strong competition in the side-by-side market
  • Q1 for 2016 side-by-side revenues is expected to be down because of Canadian currency issues, a weaker retail environment and tough prior comparables

Learn more:  Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)

Kawasaki Expands Recall of Teryx and Teryx4 Side-by-Sides

One of the Teryx4 side-by-sides from Kawasaki being recalled.

One of the Teryx4 side-by-side models from Kawasaki being recalled.

Kawasaki has expanded a recall of Teryx and Teryx4 side-by-sides due to the potential for sticks or other debris to break through the vehicle’s floor board and pose an injury hazard. The recall now includes approximately 19,500 vehicles and includes 2012 and 2013 model year Teryx4™ 750 4×4 (four seats) and 2014, 2015, 2016 model year Teryx® 800 4×4 (two seats) and 2014, 2015 and 2016 model year Teryx4 800 4×4 (four seats). To date Kawasaki has received 628 incident reports of debris cracking or breaking through the floor boards of the vehicles, including eight reports of injuries to riders’ lower extremities.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units:  About 19,500 (an additional 11,000 were recalled for the same hazard in July 2014 and 7,000 for a different hazard in August 2012)

Description and Models:  The recall involves 2012 and 2013 model year Teryx4™ 750 4×4 (four seats) and 2014, 2015, 2016 model year Teryx® 800 4×4 (two seats) and 2014, 2015 and 2016 model year Teryx4 800 4×4 (four seats) recreational off-highway vehicles. These four-wheel off-highway vehicles have automotive style controls and seating for two or four. The Teryx 800 has side-by-side seating for two people, two doors, a roll bar with hand holds and a cargo bed. The Teryx4 750 and Teryx 4 800 have side-by-side seating for four people, four doors, a roll bar with hand holds and a cargo bed. The models come in three different styles: Non-EPS, EPS and EPS LE. The LE style has a roof and aluminum wheels. The model name is printed on the driver’s side of the hood or on the left and right front fender.

The 2012 Teryx4 750 model comes in blue, camo, green, yellow, and red. The 2013 Teryx4 750 model comes in black, camo, green, red, white, and yellow. The 2014 Teryx4 800 model comes in green, camo, yellow, and orange. The 2015 Teryx4 800 model comes in green, orange, white, camo, and black. The 2016 Teryx4 800 model comes in camo, white, green, red, and gray. The 2014 Teryx 800 model comes in camo, green, and blue. The 2015 Teryx 800 comes in green, white, black and camo. The 2016 Teryx 800 comes in green, gray, camo, and white.

Incidents/Injuries:  Kawasaki has received 628 incident reports of debris cracking or breaking through the floor boards of the vehicles, including eight reports of injuries to riders’ lower extremities.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact an authorized Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair, consisting of the installation of floor board guards and replacing damaged floorboards. Consumers with previously repaired vehicles should contact Kawasaki dealers to receive this additional repair.

Sold at:  Kawasaki dealers nationwide from November 2011 through November 2015 for between $13,400 and $16,300.

Distributor(s):  Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif.

Manufactured in:  United States

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  Encompassing nearly 20,000 vehicles this is a much larger than usual recall for the side-by-side market. It spans multiple models and several model years. This recall is also somewhat unusual in that many side-by-side recalls involve fire hazards related to debris touching hot parts or leaks in some type of fuel or fluid lines. This is the first time that I remember a recall involving floor boards. I’m curious to know whether this is related to a defective part or a more fundamental flaw in the design of the floor board. From perusing an online forum, it appears that the fix is the addition of metal guards.

Polaris Recalls RZR XP Turbo Side-by-Side

The Polaris RXR XP Turbo is being recalled because of a potential fire hazard.

The Polaris RXR XP Turbo is being recalled because of a potential fire hazard.

Polaris has issued a recall for model year 2016 RZR XP Turbo side-by-sides due to a potential leak in the oil drain line, which can pose a fire hazard. To date the company has received two reports of the vehicles catching on fire. The recall involves approximately 2,230 vehicles sold between September and November 2015. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting its customers directly and sending a recall letter to each registered owner.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units:  About 2,230 vehicles

Description:  This recall involves model year 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo recreational off-highway vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) 3NSVDE925GF454105 through 3NSVDE923GF459495. RZR XP Turbos were sold in graphite, orange and blue color schemes. A “Turbo” decal is located on the right and left front fenders and a “RZR” decal on the right and left rear fenders. The VIN is on the driver’s side rear frame rail, above the PVT cover. VINs are not sequential and not all VINs in the range are included in this recall. A complete list of recalled vehicles including VINs is available at www.polaris.com

Incidents/Injuries:  Polaris has received two reports of RZR XP Turbos with oil leaks and two reports of the vehicles catching on fire. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting its customers directly and sending a recall letter to each registered owner.

Sold at:  Polaris dealers nationwide from September 2015 through November 2015 for about $25,000.

Distributor(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Manufactured in:  Mexico

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  The recall is not very large but management probably isn’t happy that they have to recall their first side-by-side which uses a turbocharged engine. The RZR XP Turbo is top of the line Polaris sport side-by-side and a direct competitor to Can-Am’s turbocharged models.

BRP Reports Fiscal Year 2016 Third-Quarter Results

The new Can-Am Defender utility side-by-side.

Introduction of the new Can-Am Defender utility side-by-side line was a third quarter highlight.

BRP, manufacturer of Can-Am side-by-sides, recently announced their fiscal year 2016 third-quarter (ending Oct. 31, 2015) results. Financial highlights in Canadian dollars include:

  • Revenues of $1,010.2 million, a 10.0% increase compared to the third quarter of FY2015;
  • Normalized EBITDA of $141.5, a 5.5% increase compared to the same period last year;
  • Net income of $65.5 million, an increase of $28.3 million compared to the same period last year;
  • Normalized net income of $72.8 million resulting in a normalized diluted earnings per share of $0.62;
  • Guidance remains unchanged for the full fiscal year

A summary of highlights from the earnings call that relate to the side-by-side market include:

  • BRP is tracking to reach the objective of signing 75 to 85 new dealers for the year
  • Launched the Can-Am Defender side-by-side vehicle in the largest segment of the off-road vehicle market
  • Defender has been well received by side-by-side, farm and hunting media
  • First Defender units shipped in November and full production should be reached by end of February
  • Season to date side-by-side market is up mid-single digits while Can-Am is down mid-single digit driven by soft start to season, but US retail was up mid-single digits in September and October
  • Western Canada market is weak from the impact of low oil prices
  • Competition in the side-by-side market is higher driven by numerous new model introductions
  • Management expects industry growth in the utility segment for side-by-sides to be mid-single digits in the near future.

Learn more:  phx-corporate-ir.net (PDF – Earnings Call Transcript)