Retail Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Sales Decline Moderates from 2nd
Quarter Operating Loss at Finance Unit Impacts Profit Strategy
Focuses on Extending Harley-Davidson Brand, Emphasizes Productivity
and Strengthening Core Business Company to Discontinue Buell
Product Line, Divest MV Agusta MILWAUKEE, Oct. 15
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG)
announced decreased revenue, net income and earnings per share for
the third quarter of 2009 compared to the year-ago period, while
reporting a moderation in the decline of retail new Harley-Davidson
motorcycle sales compared to the second quarter. Worldwide retail
sales of new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles declined 21.3 percent in
the third quarter compared to last year's third quarter, an
improvement from the 30.1 percent decline in this year's second
quarter. An 84.1 percent decline in net income and an 84.5 percent
decline in diluted earnings per share from the year-ago quarter
reflected lower motorcycle shipments and the effects of the economy
on retail and wholesale loan performance at Harley-Davidson
Financial Services. Harley-Davidson also unveiled major elements of
its go-forward business strategy to drive growth through a
single-minded focus of efforts and resources on the unique
strengths of the Harley-Davidson brand, and to enhance productivity
and profitability through continuous improvement. As approved
yesterday by Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors, the Company will
discontinue its Buell product line and divest its MV Agusta unit as
part of this strategy. "While the environment remains challenging
for us, we are mildly encouraged by the moderation in the decline
of dealer retail Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales," said Keith
Wandell, Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. "And
moving forward, our strategy is designed to strengthen
Harley-Davidson for long-term growth and deliver results through
increased focus. "As our announcement regarding Buell and MV Agusta
indicates, we are moving with the speed and decisiveness required
to bring our business strategy to life," said Wandell. "The fact is
we must focus both our effort and our investment on the
Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an optimal path
to sustained, meaningful, long-term growth." Third Quarter and
Nine-Month Results Net income for the third quarter was $26.5
million, compared to $166.5 million in the third quarter of 2008,
on revenue of $1.12 billion, compared to $1.42 billion in the
year-ago period. Diluted earnings per share were $0.11 for the
third quarter of 2009 and $0.71 in the year-ago period. Through
nine months, Harley-Davidson, Inc. reported net income of $163.6
million, down 71.6 percent and diluted earnings per share of $0.70,
down 71.4 percent from the year-ago period. Revenue through nine
months was $3.57 billion, down 17.1 percent from the same period
last year. "Delivering Results Through Focus" Strategy A key
element of the Company's go-forward strategy is to focus on
extending the Harley-Davidson brand by leveraging unique
Harley-Davidson strengths. The strategy focuses company resources
on Harley-Davidson products and experiences, global expansion,
demographic outreach and commitment to core customers. In addition,
the Company will continue to expand its initiatives to enhance
profitability through continuous improvement in manufacturing,
product development and business operations. "We are refocusing our
business with the expectation that we can provide growth that is
both profitable and sustainable over the long term," said Wandell.
"We believe we can create a bright long-term future for our
stakeholders through a single-minded focus on the Harley-Davidson
brand." The Company said it would share additional details about
the strategy during its investor conference call today. Details of
Buell and MV Agusta Actions The Company will discontinue production
of Buell motorcycles. Remaining inventories of Buell motorcycles,
accessories and apparel, while they last, will continue to be sold
through authorized dealerships. Warranty coverage will continue as
normal for Buell motorcycles and the Company will provide
replacement parts and service through dealerships. The decision
will result in a reduction over time of about 80 hourly production
positions and about 100 salaried positions at Buell. Employment
will end for a majority of Buell employees Dec. 18, 2009.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. expects to incur approximately $125 million
in one-time costs related to the discontinuation of the Buell
product line. The Company expects to incur approximately $115
million of that amount this year. Relative to MV Agusta, the
Company will immediately commence efforts to sell the business,
which is based in Varese, Italy. In the third quarter,
Harley-Davidson, Inc. recorded a one-time fixed-asset impairment
charge of $14.2 million related to Buell and a goodwill impairment
charge of $18.9 million related to MV Agusta. "Buell and MV Agusta
are great companies, with proud brands, high-quality exciting
products and passionate enthusiasm for the motorcycle business.
Buell has introduced many innovative advancements in motorcycle
design and technology over the years and MV Agusta is known in
Europe for its premium, high-performance sport motorcycles.
However, our strategy to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand
reflects the fact that we believe our investments in that brand are
a better utilization of overall company resources," said Wandell.
Motorcycles and Related Products Segment Third Quarter. Revenue
from Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the third quarter of 2009
was $803.3 million, down 22.1 percent compared to the year-ago
period. The Company shipped 54,236 Harley-Davidson motorcycles to
dealers and distributors worldwide, down 27.4 percent from the
third quarter of 2008 but in line with previous guidance of 52,000
to 57,000 units. Revenue from Parts and Accessories totaled $221.8
million during the quarter, down 14.4 percent and revenue from
General Merchandise was $70.7 million during the quarter, down 15.9
percent compared to the year-ago period. Gross margin was 33.1
percent of revenue for the quarter compared to 34.0 percent in the
year-ago quarter. Operating margin was 9.5 percent compared to 16.4
percent in the third quarter of 2008. Operating margin was affected
largely by lower gross margin, restructuring charges and impairment
charges. Nine Months. Through nine months, revenue from
Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $2.62 billion compared to $3.23
billion in 2008 on shipments of 187,085 Harley-Davidson
motorcycles, compared to 226,898 motorcycles in 2008. Revenue from
Parts and Accessories totaled $623.1 million during the first nine
months, down 11.8 percent and revenue from General Merchandise was
$215.5 million during the nine-month period, down 12.0 percent
compared to the year-ago period. Gross margin was 34.6 percent and
operating margin was 14.1 percent, compared to 35.4 percent and
18.9 percent respectively in the year-ago period. Retail Motorcycle
Sales. During the third quarter, retail sales of Harley-Davidson
motorcycles decreased 21.3 percent worldwide, 24.3 percent in the
U.S. and 13.1 percent in international markets, compared to the
prior-year quarter. Industry-wide U.S. retail heavyweight (651cc+)
motorcycle sales declined 35.9 percent during the quarter, compared
to the year-ago period. For 2009 compared to 2008 through nine
months, retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 22.9
percent worldwide, 25.5 percent in the U.S. and 16.5 percent in
international markets. Industry-wide U.S. retail heavyweight
motorcycle sales declined 38.7 percent year to date in 2009,
compared to 2008. Harley-Davidson Financial Services
Harley-Davidson Financial Services recorded an operating loss of
$31.5 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared to an
operating profit of $35.6 million in the third quarter of 2008.
This decrease of $67.2 million was due to a higher provision for
credit losses in both the retail and wholesale portfolios as well
as increased interest expense. Year to date through the third
quarter, HDFS reported an operating loss of $110.8 million,
compared to operating income of $107.7 million for the prior year
period. The nine-month operating loss includes two non-cash charges
recorded in the second quarter of 2009: a $72.7 million credit loss
provision for a one-time reclassification of motorcycle loan
receivables; and a one-time $28.4 million charge to write off
goodwill associated with HDFS. HDFS continues to successfully
access the credit markets to fund its lending activities. On
October 9, HDFS completed a $700 million term securitization
transaction with a weighted average interest rate of 1.2 percent.
Update on Restructuring Activities On a combined basis, the Company
expects previously announced restructuring activities, together
with the discontinuation of Buell operations, to result in one-time
charges of $215 million to $245 million over 2009 and 2010, or an
increase of $55 million from the estimate provided July 16, 2009.
The Company estimates annual ongoing savings from restructuring of
approximately $140 million to $150 million. The Company continues
to pursue its previously announced "two path" study to determine
whether additional major restructuring at York, Pa. facility can
make those operations competitive and sustainable long term, or
alternatively, whether the Company will relocate those operations
to another U.S. location. As part of the restructuring analysis,
the Company has begun contract talks with the union representing
employees at York and expects to make a final decision on the
status of the York operations by the end of this year. Income Tax
Rate The Company's third-quarter effective income tax rate was 61.8
percent compared to 38.2 percent in the same quarter last year.
This increase was due primarily to the tax implications of MV
Agusta, including the non-deductible write down of goodwill, and
the impact of reduced Company earnings. The Company expects its
full-year 2009 effective tax rate on continuing operations,
excluding MV Agusta, to be approximately 59 percent due to the
previously reported one-time charges for the Wisconsin tax law
change and the non-deductible goodwill write-off for
Harley-Davidson Financial Services, as well as the impact of
reduced earnings for the remainder of the year. Cash Flow Cash and
cash equivalents totaled $1.52 billion as of Sept. 27, 2009,
compared to $504.4 million at the end of the year-ago period. Cash
provided by operations was $511.1 million and capital expenditures
were $89.4 million during the first nine months of 2009. For the
full year, capital expenditures are now expected to be $125 million
to $145 million, including $15 million to $25 million related to
restructuring activities. Guidance The Company is narrowing its
guidance for full-year 2009 shipments, and now expects to ship
222,000 to 227,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles to dealers,
including 35,000 to 40,000 during the fourth quarter. The Company
continues to expect full-year gross margins to be between 30.5
percent and 31.5 percent. 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), MV Agusta and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS).
Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, touring
and cruiser motorcycles. Buell produces American sport performance
motorcycles. MV Agusta produces premium, high-performance sport
motorcycles sold under the MV Agusta® brand and lightweight sport
motorcycles sold under the Cagiva® brand. HDFS provides wholesale
and retail financing and insurance programs primarily to
Harley-Davidson and Buell dealers and 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) execute its strategy and successfully exit certain
product lines and divest certain company assets (ii) effectively
execute the Company's restructuring plans within expected costs and
timing, (iii) successfully achieve with our labor union partners
flexible and cost-effective agreements to accomplish restructuring
goals and long-term competitiveness, (iv) manage the risks that our
independent dealers may have difficulty obtaining capital, and
adjusting to the recession and slowdown in consumer demand, (v)
manage supply chain issues, (vi) anticipate the level of consumer
confidence in the economy, (vii) continue to have access to
reliable sources of capital funding and adjust to fluctuations in
the cost of capital, (viii) manage the credit quality, the loan
servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of
HDFS' loan portfolio, (ix) continue to realize production
efficiencies at its production facilities and manage operating
costs including materials, labor and overhead, (x) manage
production capacity and production changes, (xi) provide products,
services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace,
(xii) develop and implement sales and marketing plans that retain
existing retail customers and attract new retail customers in an
increasingly competitive marketplace, (xiii) sell all of its
motorcycles and related products and services to its independent
dealers, (xiv) continue to develop the capabilities of its
distributor and dealer network, (xv) manage changes and prepare for
requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its
products, services and operations, (xvi) adjust to fluctuations in
foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity
prices, (xvii) adjust to healthcare inflation, pension reform and
tax changes, (xviii) retain and attract talented employees, (xix)
detect any issues with our motorcycles or manufacturing processes
to avoid delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased
warranty costs or litigation, and (xx) implement and manage
enterprise-wide information technology solutions and secure data
contained in those systems. 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. Many of these risk factors are
impacted by the current turbulent capital, credit and retail
markets and our ability to adjust to the recession. 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.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three months
ended Nine months ended September 27, September 28, September 27,
September 28, 2009 2008 2009 2008 ---- ---- ---- ---- Net revenue
$1,121,275 $1,422,834 $3,565,568 $4,301,716 Gross profit 371,086
484,072 1,234,147 1,522,133 Selling, administrative and engineering
expense 194,973 249,120 611,864 697,945 Restructuring expense and
other impairments 50,745 926 100,738 12,475 Goodwill impairment
18,888 - 18,888 - ------ --- ------ --- Operating income from
motorcycles & related products 106,480 234,026 502,657 811,713
Financial services income 136,993 111,966 365,627 312,095 Financial
services expense 167,333 76,333 446,881 204,408 Restructuring
expense 1,204 - 1,204 - Goodwill impairment - - 28,387 - --- ---
------ --- Operating (loss) income from financial services (31,544)
35,633 (110,845) 107,687 Corporate expense 5,288 1,657 19,370
14,482 ----- ----- ------ ------ Income from operations 69,648
268,002 372,442 904,918 Investment income 947 2,751 3,217 7,033
Interest expense (1) 1,312 1,226 13,110 1,226 ----- ----- ------
----- Income before provision for income taxes 69,283 269,527
362,549 910,725 Provision for income taxes 42,800 102,986 198,969
333,816 ------ ------- ------- ------- Net income $26,483 $166,541
$163,580 $576,909 ======= ======== ======== ======== Earnings per
common share: Basic $0.11 $0.71 $0.70 $2.45 Diluted $0.11 $0.71
$0.70 $2.45 Weighted-average common shares: Basic 232,677 233,081
232,527 235,068 Diluted 233,875 233,420 233,357 235,321 Cash
dividends per common share $0.10 $0.33 $0.30 $0.96 (1) Interest
expense for the nine months ended September 27, 2009 includes $8.0
million related to the Company's $600.0 million senior unsecured
notes (Notes) issued in February 2009. This interest expense
represents a portion of the total interest incurred on the Notes
during the first quarter and corresponds to the initial temporary
investment of proceeds at corporate. Prior to the end of the first
quarter, the full proceeds were transferred to HDFS and, as a
result, the balance of interest expense on the Notes for the period
has been included in financial services expense. Harley-Davidson,
Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands)
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) September 27, December 31, September 28,
2009 2008 2008 ---- ---- ---- ASSETS ------ Current assets: Cash
and cash equivalents $1,524,382 $593,558 $504,385 Marketable
securities - - 524 Accounts receivable, net 339,163 296,258 331,388
Finance receivables held for sale (2) - 2,443,965 2,245,015 Finance
receivables held for investment, net 1,525,164 1,378,461 1,115,035
Inventories 432,691 400,908 401,277 Other current assets 423,684
264,731 222,890 ------- ------- ------- Total current assets
4,245,084 5,377,881 4,820,514 Finance receivables held for
investment, net 3,652,987 817,102 906,244 Other long-term assets
1,454,997 1,633,642 1,472,979 --------- --------- ---------
9,353,068 7,828,625 7,199,737 ========= ========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------ Current liabilities: Accounts
payable & accrued liabilities 953,112 865,108 1,070,770
Short-term debt 1,325,303 1,738,649 737,886 Current portion of
long-term debt 668,205 - 401,096 ------- --- ------- Total current
liabilities 2,946,620 2,603,757 2,209,752 Long-term debt 3,176,648
2,176,238 2,033,000 Pension liability and postretirement healthcare
benefits 768,474 758,411 275,959 Other long-term liabilities
171,354 174,616 180,667 Total shareholders' equity 2,289,972
2,115,603 2,500,359 --------- --------- --------- $9,353,068
$7,828,625 $7,199,737 ========== ========== ========== (2) During
the second quarter of 2009, the Company reclassified its finance
receivables held for sale to finance receivables held for
investment, net due to a change in the Company's intent to
structure future securitization transactions in a manner that does
not qualify for accounting sale treatment under the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, "Accounting
for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment
of Liabilities." Harley-Davidson, Inc. Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) (Unaudited) Nine months
ended September 27, September 28, 2009 2008 ---- ---- Net cash
provided by (used by) operating activities $511,052 $(221,222) Cash
flows from Investing activities: Capital expenditures (89,411)
(153,687) Finance receivables held for investment, net (519,916)
(111,250) Collection of retained securitization interests 45,843
75,379 Net change in marketable securities - 2,019 Acquisition of
business, net of cash acquired - (95,224) Other, net (4,566)
(1,192) ------ ------ Net cash used by investing activities
(568,050) (283,955) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds
from issuance of medium term notes - 993,550 Proceeds from issuance
of senior unsecured notes 589,030 - Net borrowings of
securitization debt 1,088,779 - Net (decrease) increase in credit
facilities and unsecured commercial paper (556,101) 88,538 Net
borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper 56,691 - Net change in
restricted cash (127,462) - Dividends (70,329) (225,243) Purchase
of common stock for treasury (296) (250,008) Excess tax benefits
from share-based payments 148 301 Issuance of common stock under
employee stock option plans 11 1,179 -- ----- Net cash provided by
financing activities 980,471 608,317 Effect of exchange rate
changes on cash and cash equivalents 7,351 (1,609) Net increase in
cash and cash equivalents 930,824 101,531 Cash and cash
equivalents: At beginning of period 593,558 402,854 ------- -------
At end of period $1,524,382 $504,385 ========== ======== Net
Revenue and Motorcycle Shipment Data (Unaudited) Three months ended
Nine months ended September 27, September 28, September 27,
September 28, 2009 2008 2009 2008 ---- ---- ---- ---- NET REVENUE
(in thousands) Harley-Davidson( R ) motorcycles $803,256 $1,031,247
$2,622,774 $3,229,085 Buell( R ) & MV Agusta( R ) motorcycles
21,800 26,111 92,999 89,704 Parts & Accessories 221,832 259,033
623,058 706,640 General Merchandise 70,671 84,034 215,463 244,830
Other 3,716 22,409 11,274 31,457 ----- ------ ------ ------
$1,121,275 $1,422,834 $3,565,568 $4,301,716 ========== ==========
========== ========== MOTORCYCLE SHIPMENTS: Harley-Davidson United
States 36,524 49,953 124,428 149,228 International 17,712 24,751
62,657 77,670 ------ ------ ------ ------ Total Harley- Davidson
54,236 74,704 187,085 226,898 ====== ====== ======= ======= Buell
& MV Agusta 1,853 2,760 8,753 9,224 ===== ===== ===== =====
MOTORCYCLE PRODUCT MIX: Harley-Davidson Touring 22,360 24,008
69,324 75,691 Custom 20,969 34,322 75,133 105,316 Sportster( R )
10,907 16,374 42,628 45,891 ------ ------ ------ ------ Total
Harley- Davidson 54,236 74,704 187,085 226,898 ====== ======
======= ======= Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Three
months ended Nine months ended September 27, September 28,
September 27, September 28, 2009 2008 2009 2008 ---- ---- ---- ----
North America Region -------------------- United States 44,650
59,000 141,101 189,437 Canada 3,494 3,682 10,376 14,552 ----- -----
------ ------ Total North America Region 48,144 62,682 151,477
203,989 Europe Region (Includes Middle East and Africa)
----------------------------------------------- Europe* 5,058 8,481
27,952 34,284 Other 2,941 1,006 4,733 3,483 ----- ----- ----- -----
Total Europe Region 7,999 9,487 32,685 37,767 Asia Pacific Region
------------------- Japan 3,948 4,697 10,240 11,502 Other 2,184
2,310 7,235 7,722 ----- ----- ----- ----- Total Asia Pacific Region
6,132 7,007 17,475 19,224 Latin America Region 1,454 1,776 4,243
6,034 ------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total Worldwide Retail
Sales 63,729 80,952 205,880 267,014 ====== ====== ======= =======
Data Source (subject to update) -------------------------------
Data source for all 2008 and 2009 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
27, September 28, 2009 2008 ---- ---- United States(1) 260,842
425,732 Eight months ended August 31, August 31, 2009 2008 ----
---- Europe(2) 253,694 317,065 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. This data is subject to revision and update. As of the
second quarter 2009, industry data includes three-wheeled vehicles
retroactive to 2008. 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. This data is subject to revision and update. DATASOURCE:
Harley-Davidson, Inc. CONTACT: Media, U.S., Bob Klein,
+1-414-343-4433, Europe, Matt Knott, +44 (0) 7990 591350; Media
Line, + 44 (0) 8709 905444, or Financial, Amy Giuffre,
+1-414-343-8002, all of Harley-Davidson, Inc. Web Site:
http://www.harley-davidson.com/
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