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Harley-Davidson Reports 2008 Third Quarter Results

    MILWAUKEE, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harley-Davidson, Inc.
(NYSE: HOG) today announced its results for the third quarter ended
September 28, 2008. Revenue for the quarter was $1.42 billion compared to
$1.54 billion in the year ago quarter, a 7.7 percent decrease. Net income
for the quarter was $166.5 million compared to $265.0 million in the third
quarter 2007, a decrease of 37.1 percent. Third quarter diluted earnings
per share were $0.71, a 33.6 percent decrease compared to last year's
$1.07.

    "In the U.S., dealer retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in
the quarter were in line with our expectations," said Jim Ziemer, Chief
Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. "Although Harley-Davidson retail
motorcycle sales in international markets overall continued to grow double
digits in the quarter, unit sales in several European countries slowed more
than we anticipated during September as a result of deteriorating economic
conditions. We continue to carefully monitor all markets in light of the
potential impact of the current economic realities."

    For the full year 2008, the Company has narrowed its shipment
expectations to 303,500 to 306,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Company
has narrowed its expectations for diluted earnings per share for the full
year to $3.00 to $3.10 from the prior range of $3.00 to $3.18.

    "We also have been able to maintain Harley-Davidson Financial Services'
position as a stable, consistent source of financing for dealers and retail
customers during these turbulent conditions in the credit markets," Ziemer
said. "Prudent management and customer access to credit will continue to be
priorities at HDFS."

    "During the third quarter, we completed our acquisition of Italian
motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group, expanding our opportunities in Europe.
Our 105th Anniversary Celebration at the end of August drew tremendous,
highly enthusiastic crowds. And we opened the Harley-Davidson Museum(TM),
with its broad appeal to riders and non-riders alike. So even in the midst
of economic uncertainty, we continue to broaden our appeal, plant seeds for
the future and give people unparalleled experiences and reasons to ride,"
Ziemer said.

    "Going forward, we expect the global economy and consumer concerns to
continue to create challenges for Harley-Davidson through the end of the
year and in 2009. I remain confident about our future as we continue to
manage and reinvest in the business," said Ziemer.

    Motorcycles and Related Products Segment -- Third Quarter Results

    Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $1.05 billion, a decrease
of $131.7 million or 11.1 percent versus the same period last year.
Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 74,704 units, a decrease
of 11,831 units or 13.7 percent compared to last year's third quarter.

    Revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine
Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $259.0 million, an
increase of $7.5 million or 3.0 percent over the year-ago quarter. Revenue
from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothes(R) apparel and
collectibles, totaled $84.0 million, an increase of $0.8 million or 1.0
percent over the year-ago quarter.

    Gross margin for the third quarter of 2008 was 34.0 percent of revenue
compared to 38.4 percent for the third quarter last year. This decrease is
primarily due to higher product costs and the allocation of fixed costs
over fewer units than last year's third quarter. Third quarter operating
margin decreased to 16.4 percent from 23.2 percent in the third quarter of
2007. Operating margin for the third quarter of 2008 includes the impact of
a one- time $16.6 million expense related to the value of acquired
in-process research and development at MV Agusta Group.

    Motorcycle Retail Sales Data

    During the third quarter, worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson
motorcycles decreased 9.6 percent compared to the third quarter of 2007.
U.S. retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 15.5 percent for
the quarter. The heavyweight motorcycle market in the U.S. decreased 3.1
percent for the same period.

    Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 11.3 percent in the
Company's international markets during the third quarter of 2008 compared
to the third quarter of 2007. Third quarter retail sales increased 12.4
percent in Canada; the Europe Region was up 2.9 percent; the Asia Pacific
Region was up 17.5 percent; and the Latin America Region was up 41.6
percent.

    During the first nine months of 2008, worldwide retail sales of Harley-
Davidson motorcycles decreased 6.0 percent compared to the prior year. In
the U.S., Harley-Davidson motorcycle retail sales decreased 11.9 percent
for the first nine months of the year while the U.S. heavyweight market was
down 4.0 percent for the same period. International retail sales increased
by 12.6 percent for the first nine months of 2008.

    Third quarter and year-to-date data are listed in the accompanying
tables.

    MV Agusta

    On August 8, 2008, the Company completed the purchase of the privately-
held Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group. The Company acquired 100
percent of MV Agusta Group shares for total consideration of 68.3 million
euros ($105.1 million), which includes the satisfaction of existing bank
debt for 47.5 million euros ($73.2 million). As a result of the
acquisition, the Company recorded $87.9 million of goodwill and the $16.6
million one-time expense related to the value of acquired in-process
research and development. These results are included in the quarterly
financial data.

    Financial Services Segment

    Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) operating income for the
third quarter was $35.6 million, a decrease of $13.9 million or 28.0
percent compared to the year-ago quarter. The decrease is primarily due to
a $9.4 million write-down of finance receivables held for sale to fair
value. In addition, last year's third quarter included a $3.5 million
securitization gain compared to no securitization transaction during the
third quarter of 2008.

    Income Tax Rate

    The Company's third quarter effective income tax rate was 38.2 percent
compared to 35.5 percent in the same quarter last year. The third quarter
increase was due primarily to a non-deductible in-process research and
development charge for MV Agusta Group and the expiration of the federal
research and development tax credit as of December 31, 2007. In October
2008, the federal research and development tax credit was reinstated for
two years retroactive to January 1, 2008 continuing through December 31,
2009. The Company expects its full year effective income tax rate in 2008
will be approximately 35.5 percent.

    Harley-Davidson, Inc. -- Nine Month Results

    For the first nine months of 2008, revenue totaled $4.30 billion, a 0.9
percent decrease from the year-ago period. Diluted earnings per share were
$2.45, a decrease of 16.9 percent compared to the same period last year.

    Through the first nine months of this year, shipments of
Harley-Davidson motorcycles were 226,898 units, a 9.0 percent decrease
compared to last year's 249,413 units. Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue
was $3.26 billion, which is down 2.2 percent compared to last year's $3.33
billion. P&A revenue totaled $706.6 million, a 0.5 percent increase over
last year's $703.1 million. General Merchandise revenue totaled $244.8
million, a 5.5 percent increase compared to $232.0 million during the same
period in 2007.

    HDFS operating income was $107.7 million, a 38.0 percent decrease from
last year's $173.6 million.

    Cash Flow

    Cash and marketable securities totaled $504.9 million as of September
28, 2008. Cash used by operations was $221.2 million, and capital
expenditures were $153.7 million during the first nine months of 2008. For
the full year of 2008, capital expenditures are still expected to be
between $235 million and $250 million.

    Stock Repurchase

    The Company repurchased 2.5 million shares of its common stock at a
cost of $100.1 million during the third quarter of 2008. On September 28,
2008, the Company had 232.8 million shares of common stock outstanding.

    As of September 28, 2008, there were 16.7 million shares remaining on a
board-approved share repurchase authorization. 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 (HDMC), Buell Motorcycle
Company (Buell), Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) and MV Agusta
Group (MVAG). Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight
motorcycles and offers a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general
merchandise and related services. HDMC manufactures five families of
motorcycles: Touring, Dyna(R), Softail (R), Sportster (R) and VRSC(TM).
Buell produces premium sport performance motorcycles and offers a line of
motorcycle parts, accessories, and apparel. HDFS provides wholesale and
retail financing and insurance programs primarily to Harley-Davidson and
Buell dealers and customers. MVAG produces premium, high-performance sport
motorcycles sold under the MV Agusta(R) brand and lightweight sport
motorcycles sold under the Cagiva(R) brand.

    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, (vii)
continue to develop the capabilities 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 access to reliable sources of capital and
adjust to fluctuations in the cost of capital, (xi) adjust to regional and
worldwide demographic trends and economic and political conditions,
including healthcare inflation, pension reform and tax changes, (xii)
anticipate consumer confidence in the economy, (xiii) manage the credit
quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery
rates of HDFS' loan portfolio, (xiv) retain and attract talented employees,
(xv) detect any issues with our motorcycles or manufacturing processes to
avoid delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty
costs or litigation, (xvi) implement and manage enterprise-wide information
technology solutions and secure data contained in those systems, and (xvii)
successfully integrate and profitably operate MV Agusta Group.

    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. All of these risk factors are impacted
by the current turbulent capital, credit and retail markets.

    The Company's ability to sell its motorcycles and related products and
services and to meet its financial expectations also depends on the ability
of the Company's independent dealers to sell its motorcycles and related
products and services to retail customers. The Company depends on the
capability and financial capacity 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 operating their businesses
and 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 (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three months ended Nine months ended Sept. 28, Sept. 30, Sept. 28, Sept. 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Net revenue $1,422,834 $1,541,401 $4,301,716 $4,340,494 Gross profit 484,072 591,353 1,522,133 1,619,566 Operating expenses 250,046 233,068 710,420 639,512 Operating income from motorcycles & related products 234,026 358,285 811,713 980,054 Financial services income 111,966 98,471 312,095 319,964 Financial services expense 76,333 49,002 204,408 146,349 Operating income from financial services 35,633 49,469 107,687 173,615 Corporate expenses 1,657 2,292 14,482 13,763 Income from operations 268,002 405,462 904,918 1,139,906 Investment income, net 2,751 5,353 7,033 19,432 Interest expense 1,226 - 1,226 - Income before provision for income taxes 269,527 410,815 910,725 1,159,338 Provision for income taxes 102,986 145,849 333,816 411,572 Net income $166,541 $264,966 $576,909 $747,766 Earnings per common share: Basic $0.71 $1.07 $2.45 $2.96 Diluted $0.71 $1.07 $2.45 $2.95 Weighted-average common shares: Basic 233,081 247,057 235,068 252,513 Diluted 233,420 247,614 235,321 253,263 Cash dividends per common share $0.33 $0.30 $0.96 $0.76 Harley-Davidson, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Sept. 28, Dec. 31, Sept. 30, 2008 2007 2007 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $504,385 $402,854 $401,385 Marketable securities 524 2,475 55,355 Accounts receivable, net 331,388 181,217 185,208 Finance receivables held for sale 2,245,015 781,280 431,843 Finance receivables held for investment, net 1,115,035 1,575,283 1,275,590 Inventories 401,277 349,697 376,950 Other current assets 222,890 174,508 130,126 Total current assets 4,820,514 3,467,314 2,856,457 Finance receivables held for investment, net 906,244 845,044 861,138 Other long-term assets 1,472,979 1,344,248 1,253,365 $7,199,737 $5,656,606 $4,970,960 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable & accrued liabilities $1,070,770 $785,124 $962,250 Current portion of debt 1,138,982 1,119,955 250,168 Total current liabilities 2,209,752 1,905,079 1,212,418 Debt 2,033,000 980,000 980,000 Postretirement healthcare benefits 207,810 192,531 207,957 Other long-term liabilities 248,816 203,505 207,582 Total shareholders' equity 2,500,359 2,375,491 2,363,003 $7,199,737 $5,656,606 $4,970,960 Note: On January 1, 2008 the Company recorded a reduction to shareholders' equity of $18.1 million ($11.2 million, net of tax) to adopt provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132( R )" that require sponsors of defined benefit pension and postretirement plans to measure the funded status of those plans as of the date of the year-end statement of financial position. Harley-Davidson, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) (Unaudited) Nine months ended September 28, September 30, 2008 2007 Net cash (used by) provided by operating activities ($221,222) $1,368,257 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (153,687) (139,437) Finance receivables held for investment, net (111,250) (92,147) Collection of retained securitization interests 75,379 87,827 Net change in marketable securities 2,019 604,927 Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (95,224) - Other, net (1,192) 1,696 Net cash (used by) provided by investing activities (283,955) 462,866 Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of medium term notes 993,550 - Net decrease in finance-credit facilities and commercial paper (86,519) (506,938) Revolving debt 175,057 - Dividends (225,243) (189,093) Purchase of common stock for treasury (250,008) (1,000,133) Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 301 3,057 Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans 1,179 21,429 Net cash provided by (used by) financing activities 608,317 (1,671,678) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (1,609) 3,543 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 101,531 162,988 Cash and cash equivalents: At beginning of period 402,854 238,397 At end of period $504,385 $401,385 Net Revenue and Motorcycle Shipment Data (Unaudited) Three months ended Nine months ended Sept. 28, Sept. 30, Sept. 28, Sept. 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 NET REVENUE (in thousands) Harley-Davidson( R ) motorcycles $1,050,969 $1,182,628 $3,255,333 $3,328,309 Buell( R ) motorcycles 26,111 22,527 89,704 72,795 Parts & Accessories 259,033 251,499 706,640 703,107 General Merchandise 84,034 83,185 244,830 232,011 Other 2,687 1,562 5,209 4,272 $1,422,834 $1,541,401 $4,301,716 $4,340,494 HARLEY-DAVIDSON UNITS Motorcycle shipments: United States 49,953 65,756 149,228 182,447 International 24,751 20,779 77,670 66,966 Total 74,704 86,535 226,898 249,413 Motorcycle product mix: Touring 24,008 28,461 75,691 84,934 Custom 34,322 39,488 105,316 109,576 Sportster( R ) 16,374 18,586 45,891 54,903 Total 74,704 86,535 226,898 249,413 BUELL UNITS Motorcycle shipments: Buell 2,760 2,639 9,224 8,376 Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Three months ended Nine months ended Sept. 28 Sept. 30 Sept. 28, Sept. 30 2008 2007 2008 2007 North America Region United States 59,000 69,810 189,437 215,092 Canada 3,682 3,277 14,552 12,855 Total North America Region 62,682 73,087 203,989 227,947 Europe Region (Includes Middle East and Africa) Europe* 8,481 8,301 34,284 32,594 Other 1,006 920 3,483 2,675 Total Europe Region 9,487 9,221 37,767 35,269 Asia Pacific Region Japan 4,697 3,808 11,502 10,028 Other 2,310 2,156 7,722 6,816 Total Asia Pacific Region 7,007 5,964 19,224 16,844 Latin America Region 1,776 1,254 6,034 3,902 Total Worldwide Retail Sales 80,952 89,526 267,014 283,962 Data Source (subject to update) Data source for all 2007 and 2008 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( R ) 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 Market Data Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2008 2007 United States(1) 425,731 443,511 Eight months ended August 31, August 31, 2008 2007 Europe(2) 323,139 311,164 1 - United States industry data includes 651+cc models, derived from submission of motorcycle retail sales by each major manufacturer to an independent third party. 2 - 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 includes 651+cc models, derived from information provided by Giral S.A., an independent agency. Europe market data is reported on a one-month lag.
SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.




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    CONTACT:
    Financial, Amy Giuffre, +1-414-343-8002, or
    Media, Bob Klein, +1-414-343-4433, both of Harley-Davidson, Inc.