Polaris Industries' CEO Thomas Tiller Talks to The Wall Street Transcript

    NEW YORK--May 15, 2001--The Wall Street Transcript has published an in-depth interview with Thomas Tiller, CEO of Polaris Industries , in which he talks at length about the company's future.
    The entire 4,600-word interview is available online at http://www.twst.com/info/info347.htm
    Tiller gives an overview of the company. "Polaris is a 46-year-old company headquartered here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and we produce a variety of recreation and utility vehicles, such as snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, and Victory motorcycles."
    Tiller explains, "We just introduced our 2002 models of snowmobiles, and we had probably more new product innovation there than we've ever had. We just introduced what we call our Polaris Professional Series, trying to sell to a little bit more upscale customer, a little bit more commercially-oriented customer, and that has been quite successful for us. It's building upon the utility end of our ATV business. We would expect this year to do kind of an incremental $15-$20 million worth of business as a result of that. We also have announced new products for younger people. We've introduced in the last several months ATVs that are targeted to kids from ages six to 12 that have been a big hit for us. So there are lots and lots of new product introductions all the time here."
    Looking forward, Tiller states, "I think we have a clear plan on where we're going. I think we have an excellent track record to build on. We have a company that is in excellent financial shape. We're in good markets with strong demographics. I think we have a great management team that's young and dynamic, and looking to grow, and we still are at a good value in terms of what's out there. There aren't too many companies with 19 years of consecutive earnings growth with a 40% ROE that are trading at 10 or 12 earnings."
    This interview is part of a 56-page Autos & Auto Parts Issue available at http://www.twst.com/info/info347.htm or by calling (212) 952-7433.
    The Wall Street Transcript does not endorse the views of any interviewees nor does it make stock recommendations. For subscription information call (800) 246-7673.