Analyst Mark Smith, who covers Polaris Industries for Minneapolis-based Feltl and Co., reiterated his "buy" recommendation on Polaris last week. Smith's report included a Polaris design drawing for a reverse trike vehicle that would be an entirely new category for the maker of snowmobiles, ATVs and motorcycles.

The three-wheeled, on-road vehicle would have two wheels up front and a single wheel in back. The vehicle would appear to compete with CanAm's Spyder, a similarly configured on-road vehicle. The biggest distinction, however, is the Polaris concept has side-by-side seating. Smith said the design is an indication of what Polaris does well: "These guys are always riding, developing and coming up with new ideas."

Another fan of Target merchandising

Ivan Feinseth, director of research for Tigress Financial Partners, last week initiated coverage on retailers Costco Wholesale Corp., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Target Corp. He has a "strong buy" on Costco; a "buy" on Target and a "neutral" on Wal-Mart. Target's merchandising strategy "should continue to drive increases in comparable-store sales and operating margins," Feinseth wrote.

Patrick Kennedy