Company Snapshot: HOG  Print This Story  Email This Story  Save this Link View PR Newswire's RSS Feed  Blogs Discussing this News Release  Search Blogs that Mention this News Release  Click this link to view linked Bookmarking Services Click this link to view linked Blogging Services


Harley-Davidson Sets Record for Quarterly Revenue and Earnings

          Worldwide Retail Sales of Motorcycles Climb 8.9 Percent
                  New Share Repurchase Program Authorized

    MILWAUKEE, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harley-Davidson, Inc.
(NYSE: HOG) today announced record revenue and earnings per share for its
third quarter ended September 24, 2006. Revenue for the quarter was $1.64
billion compared to $1.43 billion in the year-ago quarter, a 14.3 percent
increase. Net income for the quarter was $312.7 million compared to $265.0
million, an increase of 18.0 percent over the third quarter of 2005. Third
quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $1.20, a 25.0 percent
increase compared to last year's $0.96.
    "Harley-Davidson delivered record results for both revenue and earnings
per share during the third quarter," said Jim Ziemer, Chief Executive
Officer, Harley-Davidson, Inc. "In addition, worldwide retail sales of
Harley- Davidson(R) motorcycles grew 8.9 percent during the quarter. With
four new models and an all-new Twin Cam 96(TM) engine with 6-speed
transmission on Big Twin motorcycles, the 2007 model line has been a big
hit with customers," he said.
    For the first nine months of 2006, the Company's worldwide wholesale
shipments were 256,348 Harley-Davidson motorcycles. For the full year, the
Company now expects to ship between 349,000 and 351,000 units.
    During the first nine months of 2006, the Company repurchased 17.2
million shares of its common stock at a cost of $911.0 million. On October
11, 2006, the board of directors of Harley-Davidson, Inc. authorized a new
share repurchase program for up to 20 million additional shares.
    "As we look to the future, the Company believes it will continue to
deliver EPS growth in the range of 11 - 17 % annually through 2009. We
expect earnings growth to be driven by solid revenue growth, margin
improvement and the benefits of strong free cash flow," said Ziemer.
    Motorcycles and Related Products Segment - Third Quarter Results
    Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $1.29 billion, an increase
of $183.2 million or 16.5 percent over the same period last year. Shipments
of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 97,046 units, an increase of 9,461
units or 10.8 percent over last year's third quarter.
    Revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine
Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $248.4 million, an
increase of $17.3 million or 7.5 percent over the year-ago quarter. Revenue
from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothes(R) apparel and
collectibles, totaled $71.3 million, an increase of $6.7 million or 10.5
percent over the year-ago quarter.
    Gross margin for the third quarter of 2006 was 39.9 percent of revenue
compared to 39.2 percent gross margin for the third quarter last year.
Third quarter operating margin increased to 26.5 percent from 25.6 percent
in the third quarter of 2005.
    Motorcycle Retail Sales Data
    During the third quarter, worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson
motorcycles increased 8.9 percent over the prior year quarter. In the U.S.,
retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 6.7 percent for the
quarter. The heavyweight motorcycle industry in the U.S. increased 0.2
percent for the same period.
    Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 18.7 percent in
international markets during the third quarter of 2006 compared to the
third quarter of 2005. Third quarter retail sales increased 13.7 percent in
Japan; Europe was up 9.9 percent; Canada was up 30.2 percent and all other
international markets combined were up 35.4 percent.
    During the first nine months of 2006, worldwide retail sales of Harley-
Davidson motorcycles increased 8.9 percent compared to the same period in
2005.
    Data is listed in the accompanying tables.
    Financial Services Segment
    Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) reported third quarter
operating income of $55.2 million, an increase of $7.6 million or 16.0
percent compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase is primarily due to
higher net interest income and a higher securitization gain compared to the
prior year.
    Income Tax Rate
    The Company's third quarter effective income tax rate was 36.0 percent
compared to 35.5 percent in the same quarter last year. This increase was
due to the expiration of the federal research and development tax credit as
of December 31, 2005. Assuming the retroactive reinstatement of this tax
credit, the Company expects its full year effective tax rate in 2006 will
be 35.5 percent.
    Harley-Davidson, Inc. - Nine Month Results
    For the first nine months of 2006, revenue totaled $4.30 billion, a 7.5
percent increase over the year-ago period. EPS were $2.96, an increase of
15.2 percent compared to the same period last year.
    Through the first nine months of this year, shipments of
Harley-Davidson motorcycles were 256,348 units, a 6.2 percent increase
compared to last year's 241,429 units. Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue
was $3.33 billion, up 7.6 percent compared to last year's $3.10 billion.
P&A revenue totaled $683.1 million, a 5.8 percent increase over last year's
$645.8 million. General Merchandise revenue totaled $206.9 million, a 10.4
percent increase compared to $187.4 million during the same period in 2005.
    HDFS operating income was $163.1 million, a 7.2 percent increase over
last year's $152.2 million.
    Cash Flow
    Cash and marketable securities totaled $952.7 million as of September
24, 2006. Cash flow from operations was $1.29 billion and capital
expenditures were $137.5 million during the first nine months of 2006.
    Stock Repurchase
    The Company repurchased 7.4 million shares of its common stock at a
cost of $411.4 million during the third quarter of 2006. For the first nine
months of 2006, the Company has repurchased 17.2 million shares of its
common stock at a cost of $911.0 million. On October 11, 2006, the board of
directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to 20 million
shares, in addition to the 2.8 million shares outstanding under the
previous authorization.
    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) adjust to worldwide economic and
political conditions, including changes in fuel prices, (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



                            Harley-Davidson, Inc.
                 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
                                 (Unaudited)
                   (In thousands, except per share amounts)

                                 Three months ended      Nine months ended
                                Sept 24,    Sept 25,    Sept 24,    Sept 25,
                                  2006        2005        2006        2005

    Net revenue                $1,635,916  $1,431,151  $4,298,053  $3,999,879
    Gross profit                  652,255     561,272   1,661,795   1,525,989
    Operating expenses            218,243     194,270     590,503     540,780
      Operating income from
       motorcycles & related
       products                   434,012     367,002   1,071,292     985,209

    Financial services income      97,344      81,444     291,812     255,558
    Financial services expense     42,154      33,869     128,734     103,403
    Operating income from
     financial services            55,190      47,575     163,078     152,155

    Corporate expenses              5,215       3,715      16,723      18,001
    Total operating income        483,987     410,862   1,217,647   1,119,363
    Investment income and
     other, net                     4,659         (79)     17,861      11,739
    Income before provision
     for income taxes             488,646     410,783   1,235,508   1,131,102
    Provision for income taxes    175,912     145,829     444,781     401,542
    Net income                   $312,734    $264,954    $790,727    $729,560

    Earnings per common share:
      Basic                         $1.20       $0.97       $2.96       $2.58
      Diluted                       $1.20       $0.96       $2.96       $2.57

    Weighted-average common
     shares:
      Basic                       260,270     274,415     266,772     282,519
      Diluted                     261,229     275,460     267,525     283,406

    Cash dividends per common
     share                          $0.21       $0.16       $0.60      $0.445



                            Harley-Davidson, Inc.
                    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                (In thousands)

                                         (Unaudited)             (Unaudited)
                                           Sept 24,  December 31,  Sept 25,
                                             2006        2005        2005

    ASSETS
    Current Assets:
        Cash and cash equivalents           $506,139    $140,975    $437,007
        Marketable securities                446,543     905,197     580,826
        Accounts receivable, net             149,951     122,087     139,759
        Finance receivables held for sale    100,109     299,373     223,758
        Finance receivables held for
         investment, net                   1,273,841   1,342,393   1,135,001
        Inventories                          281,536     221,418     232,240
        Other current assets                 124,837     113,794     114,568
    Total current assets                   2,882,956   3,145,237   2,863,159

    Finance receivables held for
     investment, net                         706,695     600,831     587,315
    Other long-term assets                 1,443,411   1,509,141   1,243,994
                                          $5,033,062  $5,255,209  $4,694,468

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Current liabilities:
        Accounts payable & accrued
         expenses                           $880,294    $668,139    $863,210
        Current portion of finance debt       96,374     204,973           0
    Total current liabilities                976,668     873,112     863,210

    Finance debt                             900,000   1,000,000     776,626
    Postretirement healthcare benefits        70,571      60,975      57,732
    Other long-term liabilities              239,452     237,517     134,786

    Total shareholders' equity             2,846,371   3,083,605   2,862,114
                                          $5,033,062  $5,255,209  $4,694,468



                            Harley-Davidson, Inc.
               Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                 (Unaudited)
                                (In thousands)

                                                     Nine months ended
                                                 Sept 24,          Sept 25,
                                                   2006              2005

    Net cash provided by operating
     activities                                 $1,286,474        $1,186,903

    Cash flows from investing activities:
      Capital expenditures                        (137,468)         (122,128)
      Finance receivables held for
       investment, net                             (75,710)         (112,398)
      Collection of retained
       securitization interests                     73,974            84,766
      Net change in marketable securities          464,641           755,268
      Other, net                                     2,512           (10,586)
    Net cash provided by investing
     activities                                    327,949           594,922

    Cash flows from financing activities:
      Net decrease in finance-credit
       facilities and commercial paper            (208,996)         (510,720)
      Dividends                                   (158,738)         (124,330)
      Purchase of common stock for
       treasury                                   (910,957)       (1,014,645)
      Excess tax benefits from share-
       based payments                                3,550             5,319
      Issuance of common stock under
       employee stock option plans                  25,882            24,399
    Net cash used by financing activities       (1,249,259)       (1,619,977)

    Net increase in cash and cash
     equivalents                                   365,164           161,848

    Cash and cash equivalents:
      At beginning of period                       140,975           275,159
      At end of period                            $506,139          $437,007



                          Net Revenue and Motorcycle
                                Shipment Data
                                 (unaudited)

                           Three Months Ended          Nine Months Ended
                       September 24, September 25, September 24, September 25,
                            2006         2005          2006         2005
    NET REVENUE
     (in thousands)
    Harley-Davidson(R)
     motorcycles        $1,293,358   $1,110,173   $3,329,700   $3,095,229
    Buell(R) motorcycles    21,423       25,267       74,826       71,241
    Parts & Accessories    248,448      231,161      683,100      645,819
    General Merchandise     71,251       64,506      206,873      187,375
    Other                    1,436           44        3,554          215
                        $1,635,916   $1,431,151   $4,298,053   $3,999,879


    HARLEY-DAVIDSON UNITS
    Motorcycle shipments:
      United States         80,398       72,249      198,720      192,124
      Export                16,648       15,336       57,628       49,305
    Total                   97,046       87,585      256,348      241,429


    Motorcycle product mix:
      Touring               36,041       29,492       90,914       81,103
      Custom                44,096       40,730      116,604      110,376
      Sportster(R)          16,909       17,363       48,830       49,950
    Total                   97,046       87,585      256,348      241,429

    BUELL UNITS
    Motorcycle shipments:
      Buell                  2,529        2,914        9,105        8,450



                 Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
                      Year to Date (September 30, 2006)

                                                               2006     2005

    United States                                            225,623  210,790
    Europe*                                                   28,131   25,172
    Japan                                                      9,707    8,428
    Canada                                                    12,195   10,700
    All other markets                                         10,989    8,177

    Total Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles        286,645  263,267


    Data Source (subject to update)
    Data source for all 2005 and 2006 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.


    *Data for Europe include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
    Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
    Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

    Only Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycles are included in the Harley-Davidson
    Motorcycle Sales data.



                      Heavyweight (651+ cc) Market Data
                        Data Through Month Indicated

                                                               2006     2005

    United States (September)                                463,940  437,575
    Europe* (August)                                         306,334  290,239


    *Data for Europe include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
    Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
    Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.


SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.




Back to Topback to top

Related links:
  • http://www.harley-davidson.com
    CONTACT:
    Financial, Mark Van Genderen,
    +1-414-343-8002, or Media, Bob Klein, +1-414-343-4433, both of
    Harley-Davidson, Inc.