Harley-Davidson Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results for 2007
MILWAUKEE, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) today announced its results for the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2007. Revenue for the quarter was $1.39 billion compared to $1.50 billion in the year-ago quarter, a 7.7 percent decline. Net income for the quarter was $186.1 million compared to $252.4 million, down 26.3 percent versus the fourth quarter of 2006. Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share were $0.78, a 19.6 percent decrease compared to $0.97 in the fourth quarter of last year. During the fourth quarter the Company repurchased $153.3 million of its common stock.
Revenue for the full year 2007 was $5.73 billion compared to $5.80 billion in 2006, a 1.3 percent decline. For the full year, wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycles were 330,619 units, a 5.3 percent decrease compared to 2006. Diluted earnings per share were $3.74, declining 4.8 percent compared to 2006.
“Harley-Davidson managed through a weak U.S. economy during 2007,” said Jim Ziemer, Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “As we announced in September, we reduced our wholesale motorcycle shipment plan for the fourth quarter, fulfilling our commitment to our dealers to ship fewer Harley-Davidson motorcycles than we expected our dealers worldwide to sell at retail during 2007,” said Ziemer.
“While these are challenging times in the U.S., our international dealer network delivered double digit retail sales growth in the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2007. And our customers around the world have a lot to look forward to this year with the new motorcycles we are bringing to market, the opening of the Harley-Davidson Museum, and hundreds of rides and events leading up to our 105th Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee this summer,” he said.
For 2008, the Company once again plans to ship fewer Harley-Davidson motorcycles than it expects its worldwide dealer network to sell. The Company also expects moderate revenue growth, lower operating margin, and a diluted earnings per share growth rate of 4 to 7 percent compared to 2007. For the first quarter, it expects to ship between 68,000 and 72,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which compares to 67,761 units in the first quarter of 2007.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to manage the Company to generate long-term sustainable shareholder value while protecting the brand. We expect the U.S. economy to continue to be very challenging in 2008, and we will closely monitor the retail environment and regularly assess our wholesale shipments throughout the year,” said Ziemer.
Motorcycles and Related Products Segment — Fourth Quarter Results
Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $1.12 billion, a decrease of $105.5 million or 8.6 percent versus the same period last year. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 81,206 units, a decrease of 11,642 units or 12.5 percent compared to last year’s fourth quarter.
Revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $165.2 million, a decrease of $14.0 million or 7.8 percent from the year-ago quarter. Revenue from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothes(R) apparel and collectibles, totaled $73.4 million, an increase of $2.8 million or 4.0 percent over the year-ago quarter.
Gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2007 was 35.7 percent of revenue compared to 38.0 percent for the fourth quarter last year. Fourth quarter operating margin decreased to 18.1 percent from 22.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006.
Motorcycle Retail Sales Data
During the fourth quarter, worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 6.1 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2006. U.S. retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 14.2 percent for the quarter. The heavyweight motorcycle market in the U.S. decreased 9.0 percent for the same period.
Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 17.4 percent in the Company’s international markets during the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to the fourth quarter of 2006. Fourth quarter retail sales increased 10.9 percent in Europe; Canada was up 45.9 percent; and Japan was up 4.5 percent. All other international markets combined were up 28.6 percent.
For the full year of 2007, worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 1.8 percent compared to the prior year. In the U.S., Harley-Davidson dealer retail sales decreased 6.2 percent for the full year; international retail sales increased by 13.7 percent. The U.S. heavyweight motorcycle market was down 5.0 percent for the full year of 2007.
Additional data is listed in the accompanying tables.Financial Services Segment
Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) reported fourth quarter operating income of $38.6 million, a decrease of $9.1 million or 19.1 percent compared to the year ago quarter. The decrease is primarily due to a $6.4 million write-down of retained securitization interests.
Income Tax Rate
The Company’s fourth quarter effective income tax rate was 35.5 percent compared to 35.1 percent in the same quarter last year. Fourth quarter 2006 effective income tax rate was lower primarily due to the retroactive reinstatement of the federal research and development tax credit.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. — Twelve Month Results
For the full year 2007, Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue was $4.45 billion, a decrease of $106.9 million compared to 2006. P&A revenue totaled $868.3 million, a 0.7 percent increase over last year’s $862.3 million. General Merchandise revenue totaled $305.4 million, a 10.1 percent increase compared to $277.5 million during 2006.
HDFS operating income was $212.2 million, a 0.7 percent increase over last year’s $210.7 million.
Cash Flow
Cash and marketable securities totaled $405.3 million as of December 31, 2007. Cash flow from operations was $798.1 million, and capital expenditures were $242.1 million during the full year of 2007. In 2008, capital expenditures are expected to be between $240 and $260 million.
Stock Repurchase
The Company repurchased 3.2 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $153.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2007. For the full year 2007, the Company repurchased 20.4 million shares at a total cost of $1.15 billion. On December 31, 2007, the Company had 238.5 million shares of common stock outstanding.
As of December 31, 2007, there are 23.1 million shares remaining on 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, (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) manage 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 and (xvi) 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.
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 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) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Three months ended Twelve months ended
December December December December
31, 2007 31, 2006 31, 2007 31, 2006Net revenue $1,386,354 $1,502,633 $5,726,848 $5,800,686
Gross profit 494,534 571,052 2,114,100 2,232,847
Operating expenses 243,945 233,073 883,457 823,857
Operating income from
motorcycles & related
products 250,589 337,979 1,230,643 1,408,990Financial services income 96,232 93,079 416,196 384,891
Financial services expense 57,678 45,433 204,027 174,167
Operating income from
financial services 38,554 47,646 212,169 210,724Corporate expenses 3,488 5,838 17,251 22,561
Income from operations 285,655 379,787 1,425,561 1,597,153
Investment income, net 2,826 8,945 22,258 27,087
Income before provision
for income taxes 288,481 388,732 1,447,819 1,624,240
Provision for income taxes 102,404 136,306 513,976 581,087
Net income $186,077 $252,426 $933,843 $1,043,153Earnings per common share:
Basic $0.78 $0.98 $3.75 $3.94
Diluted $0.78 $0.97 $3.74 $3.93Weighted-average common shares:
Basic 239,390 258,138 249,205 264,453
Diluted 239,845 259,158 249,882 265,273Cash dividends per
common share $0.30 $0.21 $1.06 $0.81Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)(Unaudited)
December 31, December 31,
2007 2006ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $402,854 $238,397
Marketable securities 2,475 658,133
Accounts receivable, net 181,217 143,049
Finance receivables held for sale 781,280 547,106
Finance receivables held for
investment, net 1,575,283 1,554,260
Inventories 349,697 287,798
Other current assets 174,508 121,890
Total current assets 3,467,314 3,550,633Finance receivables held for
investment, net 845,044 725,957
Other long-term assets 1,344,248 1,255,560
$5,656,606 $5,532,150LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable & accrued liabilities $785,124 $763,186
Current portion of finance debt 1,119,955 832,491
Total current liabilities 1,905,079 1,595,677Finance debt 980,000 870,000
Postretirement healthcare benefits 192,531 201,126
Other long-term liabilities 203,505 108,610Total shareholders’ equity 2,375,491 2,756,737
$5,656,606 $5,532,150Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)(Unaudited)
Twelve months ended
December December December
31, 2007 31, 2006 31, 2005Net cash provided by operating
activities $798,146 $761,780 $962,614Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (242,113) (219,602) (198,389)
Finance receivables held for
investment, net (145,381) (151,624) (156,438)
Collection of retained
securitization interests 118,175 101,641 115,346
Net change in marketable securities 657,735 253,512 431,075
Other, net 2,789 (19,186) 2,246
Net cash provided by (used by)
investing activities 391,205 (35,259) 193,840Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of medium
term notes 398,144 – 199,974
Net (decrease) increase in
finance-credit facilities
and commercial paper (16,247) 493,125 (280,694)
Repayment of senior subordinated
debt (30,000) – –
Dividends (260,805) (212,914) (173,785)
Purchase of common stock for
treasury (1,153,439) (1,061,968) (1,054,615)
Excess tax benefits from
share-based payments 3,066 18,933 6,065
Issuance of common stock under
employee stock option plans 21,478 125,801 31,264
Net cash used by financing activities (1,037,803) (637,023) (1,271,791)Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash and cash equivalents 12,909 7,924 (18,847)Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents 164,457 97,422 (134,184)Cash and cash equivalents:
At beginning of period 238,397 140,975 275,159
At end of period $402,854 $238,397 $140,975Net Revenue and Motorcycle
Shipment Data(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Three months ended Twelve months ended
December December December December
31, 2007 31, 2006 31, 2007 31, 2006
NET REVENUE (in thousands)
Harley-Davidson(R)
motorcycles $1,118,328 $1,223,861 $4,446,637 $4,553,561
Buell(R) motorcycles 27,739 27,401 100,534 102,227
Parts & Accessories 165,190 179,151 868,297 862,251
General Merchandise 73,424 70,617 305,435 277,490
Other 1,673 1,603 5,945 5,157
$1,386,354 $1,502,633 $5,726,848 $5,800,686HARLEY-DAVIDSON UNITS
Motorcycle shipments:
United States 59,092 74,492 241,539 273,212
Export 22,114 18,356 89,080 75,984
Total 81,206 92,848 330,619 349,196Motorcycle product mix:
Touring 29,142 32,530 114,076 123,444
Custom 34,931 44,591 144,507 161,195
Sportster(R) 17,133 15,727 72,036 64,557
Total 81,206 92,848 330,619 349,196BUELL UNITS
Motorcycle shipments:
Buell 3,137 3,355 11,513 12,460Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Year to Date December2007 2006
United States 251,772 268,366
Europe* 38,866 33,786
Japan 13,765 13,284
Canada 14,779 13,514
All other markets 18,592 15,031Total Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles 337,774 343,981
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 retOnly Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycles are included in the Harley-Davidson
Motorcycle Sales data.*Data for Europe includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.Heavyweight Market Data
Data Through Month Indicated2007 2006
United States (1) (December) 516,083 542,991
Europe (2) (November) 385,589 365,8891 – 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.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: travis.thatcher@harley-davidson.com
Source: Harley-Davidson, Inc.
