Harley-Davidson
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HARLEY-DAVIDSON REPORTS FIRST QUARTER RESULTS

Milwaukee (April 19, 2007) - Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced its results for the first quarter ended April 1, 2007. During the quarter, a 3-week strike occurred at the Company’s York, Pennsylvania manufacturing plant. The impact of the strike is included in the following results.

Revenue for the quarter was $1.18 billion compared to $1.29 billion in the year-ago quarter, an 8.3 percent decrease. Net income for the quarter was $192.3 million compared to $234.6 million, a decrease of 18.0 percent compared to the first quarter of 2006. First quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.74, a 14.0 percent decrease compared to last year’s $0.86.
“We anticipated that first quarter results would be lower than last year due to the strike,” said Jim Ziemer, Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “Nobody wants a strike and no one wins in a strike. Not our employees, dealers, customers, suppliers, or our shareholders. Now that the strike is behind us, our employees are focused on moving ahead, and with the new contract, we are better positioned for the future,” he said.

“In 2007 Harley-Davidson expects EPS growth in the range of 4 – 6 percent compared to 2006 based on moderate revenue growth, lower operating margin, and the benefits of our strong free cash flow. Looking ahead to 2008 and 2009, we expect solid revenue growth, operating margin improvement and the continued benefits of our strong free cash flow to drive EPS growth in the range of 11 – 17 percent,” said Ziemer.

The Company expects to ship between 94,000 and 97,000 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in the second quarter of 2007.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment – First Quarter Results
Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $891.5 million, a decrease of $117.0 million or 11.6 percent versus the same period last year. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 67,761 units, a decrease of 11,745 units or 14.8 percent compared to last year’s first quarter.

Revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $188.2 million, an increase of $5.3 million or 2.9 percent over the year-ago quarter. Revenue from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothes® apparel and collectibles, totaled $76.1 million, an increase of $7.6 million or 11.0 percent over the year-ago quarter.

Gross margin for the first quarter of 2007 was 35.9 percent of revenue compared to 38.4 percent for the first quarter last year. First quarter operating margin decreased to 20.0 percent from 24.3 percent in the first quarter of 2006. The changes in both gross margin and operating margin are primarily due to the strike.

Motorcycle Retail Sales Data
During the first quarter, worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 1.3 percent compared to the prior year quarter. In the U.S., retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 5.9 percent for the quarter while the heavyweight motorcycle industry in the U.S. decreased 0.7 percent. “We never like to see a retail sales decline,” said Ziemer, “but first quarter sales are not necessarily indicative of sales for the full year. We continue to expect positive worldwide retail sales growth for 2007.”

Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 16.5 percent in international markets during the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006. First quarter retail sales increased 25.7 percent in Europe; Canada was up 14.0 percent, and Japan was down 7.7 percent. All other international markets combined were up 16.7 percent.

Data is listed in the accompanying tables.

Financial Services Segment
Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) reported first quarter operating income of $58.9 million, an increase of $7.3 million or 14.2 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase is primarily due to higher wholesale and retail net interest income and higher fee income.

Income Tax Rate
The Company's first quarter effective income tax rate was 35.5 percent compared to 36.0 percent in the same quarter last year. This decrease primarily reflects the reinstatement of the federal research and development tax credit.

Cash Flow
Cash and marketable securities totaled $929 million as of April 1, 2007. Cash flow from operations was $520 million and capital expenditures were $41 million during the first quarter of 2007. For the full year of 2007, capital expenditures are expected to be between $300 million and $325 million.

Stock Repurchase
The Company repurchased 870,000 shares of its common stock at a cost of $61.2 million during the first quarter of 2007. On April 1, 2007, the Company had 257,470,381 shares of common stock outstanding.

As of April 1, 2007, there are 21.9 million shares remaining on two board-approved share repurchase authorizations. An additional board-approved share repurchase authorization is in place to offset option exercises.

Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers.

Forward-Looking Statements
The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this release are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” or “estimates” or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only made as of the date of this release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

The Company’s ability to meet the targets and expectations noted depends upon, among other factors, the Company's ability to (i) continue to realize production efficiencies at its production facilities and manage operating costs including materials, labor and overhead, (ii) manage production capacity and production changes, (iii) manage supply chain issues, (iv) provide products, services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace, (v) develop and implement sales and marketing plans that retain existing retail customers and attract new retail customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace, (vi) sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services to its independent dealers and distributors, (vii) continue to develop the capacity of its distributor and dealer network, (viii) manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations, (ix) adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices, (x) manage regional and worldwide demographic trends and economic and political conditions, including healthcare inflation, pension reform and tax changes, (xi) manage the credit quality and recovery rates of HDFS’s loan portfolio, (xii) retain and attract talented employees and (xiii) detect any defects in our motorcycles to minimize delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation. In addition, the Company could experience delays or disruptions in its operations as a result of work stoppages, strikes, natural causes, terrorism or other factors. Other factors are described in risk factors that the Company has disclosed in documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company’s ability to sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services also depends on the ability of the Company’s independent dealer network to sell them to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability of its independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand for the motorcycles and related products and services they purchase from the Company.

In addition, the Company’s independent dealers and distributors may experience difficulties in selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products and services as a result of weather, economic conditions or other factors.

TABLES FOLLOW


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
       
 
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
April 1,
March 26,
 
 
2007
2006
 
       
Net revenue $1,178,875 $1,285,090  
Gross profit 423,046 493,214  
Operating expenses 187,632 180,902  
  Operating income from motorcycles & related products 235,414 312,312  
       
Financial services income 109,163 95,901  
Financial services expense 50,226 44,270  
Operating income from financial services 58,937 51,631  
       
Corporate expenses 4,939 4,757  
Total operating income 289,412 359,186  
Investment income and other, net 8,744 7,317  
Income before provision for income taxes 298,156 366,503  
Provision for income taxes 105,846 131,940  
Net income $192,310 $234,563  
       
Earnings per common share:      
  Basic $0.75 $0.86  
  Diluted $0.74 $0.86  
       
Weighted-average common shares:      
  Basic
257,326
 272,966
 
  Diluted
258,158
273,623
 
       
Cash dividends per common share $0.21 $0.18  
       
       
Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
       
 
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
 
April 1,
December 31,
March 26,
 
2007
2006
2006
       
ASSETS      
Current Assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $310,010 $238,397 $196,464
    Marketable securities 618,502 658,133 915,434
    Accounts receivable, net 147,732 143,049 148,561
    Finance receivables held for sale 297,885 547,106 131,389
    Finance receivables held for investment, net 1,550,001 1,554,260 1,546,417
    Inventories 369,418 287,798 256,788
    Other current assets 122,627 121,890 103,953
Total current assets 3,416,175 3,550,633 3,299,006
       
Finance receivables held for investment, net 767,529 725,957 625,664
Other long-term assets 1,262,794 1,255,560 1,475,177
  $5,446,498 $5,532,150 $5,399,847
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY      
Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable & accrued liabilities $854,464 $763,186 $841,676
    Current portion of finance debt 463,530 832,491 93,610
Total current liabilities 1,317,994 1,595,677 935,286
       
Finance debt 890,000 870,000 1,000,000
Postretirement healthcare benefits 203,514 201,126 64,573
Other long-term liabilities 199,503 108,610 235,400
       
Total shareholders' equity 2,835,487 2,756,737 3,164,588
   $5,446,498 $5,532,150 $5,399,847
       
* The Company's adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48) effective 1/1/07 resulted in a decrease to shareholders' equity of $16.1 million.
       
Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 (In thousands)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
April 1,
March 26,
2007
2006
       
Net cash provided by operating activities $519,624 $365,714  
       
Cash flows from investing activities:      
  Capital expenditures (40,775) (36,017)  
  Finance receivables held for investment, net (12,940) (19,837)  
  Collection of retained securitization interests 14,493 6,960  
  Net change in marketable securities 40,622 (9,626)  
  Other, net 4,545 4,373  
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities 5,945 (54,147)  
       
Cash flows from financing activities:      
  Proceeds from issuance of medium term notes                    -                    -  
  Net decrease in finance-credit      
facilities and commercial paper (353,540) (105,707)  
  Dividends (54,103) (48,955)  
  Purchase of common stock for treasury (61,251) (107,065)  
  Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 1,157 1,098  
  Issuance of common stock under employee      
    stock option plans 12,953 5,064  
Net cash used by financing activities (454,784) (255,565)  
       
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash      
  and cash equivalents 828 (513)  
       
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 71,613 55,489  
       
Cash and cash equivalents:      
  At beginning of period 238,397 140,975  
  At end of period $310,010 $196,464  
       
       
Net Revenue and Motorcycle 
Shipment Data
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
April 1,
March 26,
2007
2006
NET REVENUE (in thousands)      
Harley-Davidson® motorcycles  $ 891,518  $1,008,542  
Buell® motorcycles
21,655
24,056
 
Parts & Accessories
188,235
182,949
 
General Merchandise
76,112
68,551
 
Other
1,355
992
 
 
$1,178,875
$1,285,090
 
       
       
HARLEY-DAVIDSON UNITS      
Motorcycle shipments:      
  United States
48,740
60,270
 
  Export
19,021
19,236
 
Total  
67,761
79,506
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycle product mix:
 
  Touring
21,802
27,537
 
  Custom
30,768
35,794
 
  Sportster®
15,191
16,175
 
Total
67,761
79,506
 
 
 
BUELL UNITS
 
Motorcycle shipments:
 
  Buell
2,558
3,037
 
       
       
Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Year to Date (March 31)
       
  2007 2006  
       
United States
53,426
56,805
 
Europe*
8,686
6,910
 
Japan
2,292
2,482
 
Canada
2,047
1,796
 
All other markets 4,082 3,497  
       
Total Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles 70,533 71,490  
       
Data Source (subject to update)
Data source for all 2006 and 2007 retail sales figures shown above is sales warranty and registration information provided by Harley-Davidson dealers and compiled by the Company.  The Company must rely on information that its dealers supply concerning retail sales, and this information is subject to revision.
       
Only Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are included in the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Sales data.
       
*Data for Europe include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
       
       
Heavyweight (651+ cc) Market Data
Data Through Month Indicated
       
       
  2007 2006  
       
United States (March)
108,337
109,141
 
Europe* (February)
39,785
34,742
 
       
Data Source
United States: Motorcycle Industry Council
Europe: Giral S.A.
       
*Europe data includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.  Industry retail motorcycle registration data is derived from information provided by Giral S.A., an independent agency.  Data for 2006 has been adjusted to include competitor motorcycles that had previously not been included by the Company.  The previously reported amount for 2006 was 33,278.

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