Harley-Davidson Delivers First Quarter Financial Results
- HDFS operating income increased 19% to $64 million
- LiveWire's operating loss improved by 32% to $20 million
- $87 million in share repurchases completed
- Operating expenses reduced by $24 million year-over-year
- Strong cash position with $1.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents
- Global motorcycle retail sales declined 21% year-over-year
- Revenue decreased 23% to $1.329 billion
- Operating income fell 39% to $160 million
- Motorcycle shipments dropped 33%
- Diluted EPS decreased 38% to $1.07
- Gross margin declined 2.1 points to 29.1%
- Full-year 2025 financial outlook withdrawn due to uncertainties
Insights
Harley-Davidson reports substantial Q1 declines with 43% drop in net income, 33% fewer shipments, and withdrawn guidance amid economic headwinds.
Harley-Davidson's Q1 2025 financials reveal pronounced deterioration across core metrics. Net income plummeted 43% to
Profitability metrics show significant erosion—HDMC operating margin contracted
The Financial Services segment provides the sole bright spot with operating income increasing
The withdrawal of full-year 2025 guidance signals substantial uncertainty regarding macroeconomic conditions and tariff impacts. Nonetheless, the company maintained capital returns with
Harley-Davidson faces severe 21% global sales decline with motorcycle shipments down 33% amid high interest rates and economic uncertainty.
Harley-Davidson's Q1 results reveal widespread market weakness for premium motorcycles. Global retail sales fell 21%, with North America—Harley's largest market—dropping a concerning
The motorcycle shipment reduction of
Consumer pullback extends beyond motorcycles—Parts & Accessories revenue fell
The LiveWire electric motorcycle division faces particularly acute challenges with unit sales collapsing
Management's response focuses on cost discipline, inventory control, and "increased marketing initiatives" entering riding season. However, the decision to withdraw full-year guidance underscores the severity and unpredictability of current market conditions, particularly regarding tariffs that could further pressure margins.
"Our first quarter results were ahead of our expectations in many areas, while retail sales in the
First Quarter 2025 Highlights and Results
- Delivered diluted EPS of
$1.07 - HDMC operating income margin of 10.8 percent
- HDFS operating income margin of 26.1 percent
- Global motorcycle retail sales down 21 percent year-over-year, driven by a volatile macroeconomic environment and overall consumer uncertainty
- HDMC revenue down 27 percent year-over-year, primarily due to a planned decrease in motorcycle shipments
- Repurchased
of shares (3.4 million shares) on a discretionary basis$87 million
First Quarter 2025 Results
Harley-Davidson, Inc. Consolidated Financial Results
$ in millions (except EPS) | 1st quarter | ||
2025 | 2024 | Change | |
Revenue | -23 % | ||
Operating Income | -39 % | ||
Net Income Attributable to HDI | -43 % | ||
Diluted EPS | -38 % |
Consolidated revenue in the first quarter was down 23 percent, driven largely by an HDMC revenue decrease of 27 percent.
Consolidated operating income in the first quarter was down 39 percent, driven by a decline of 51 percent at HDMC, partially offset by an increase of 19 percent at HDFS. At the LiveWire segment, the operating loss improved by
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) – Results
$ in millions | 1st quarter | ||
2025 | 2024 | Change | |
Motorcycle Shipments (thousands) | 38.6 | 57.7 | -33 % |
Revenue | -27 % | ||
Motorcycles | -29 % | ||
Parts & Accessories | -14 % | ||
Apparel | -11 % | ||
Licensing | -66 % | ||
Other | -10 % | ||
Gross Margin | 29.1 % | 31.2 % | -2.1 pts. |
Operating Income | -51 % | ||
Operating Margin | 10.8 % | 16.2 % | -5.4 pts. |
First quarter global motorcycle shipments decreased 33 percent, which was mostly expected but also reflects the softer than expected demand environment. Revenue was down 27 percent driven primarily by the planned decrease in wholesale shipments and unfavorable foreign currency, partially offset by favorable mix and favorable global pricing and net incentives. Parts & Accessories revenue was down 14 percent and Apparel revenue was down 11 percent, due to lower customer traffic at dealer stores.
First quarter gross margin was down 2.1 points due to the negative impact of lower volume on operating leverage, partially offset by favorable pricing. First quarter operating income margin was down 5.4 points due to the factors above, while operating expense was
Harley-Davidson Retail Motorcycle Sales
Motorcycles (thousands) | 1st quarter | ||
2025 | 2024 | Change | |
20.9 | 27.5 | -24 % | |
EMEA | 5.2 | 5.3 | -2 % |
4.4 | 6.0 | -28 % | |
0.6 | 0.6 | -6 % | |
Worldwide Total | 31.0 | 39.4 | -21 % |
Global retail motorcycle sales in the first quarter were down 21 percent versus the prior year, reflecting weak demand due to a high interest rate environment and an uncertain economic outlook, which has led to unfavorable consumer confidence.
APAC retail performance was down 28 percent, with significant weakness in
Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) – Results
$ in millions | 1st quarter | ||
2025 | 2024 | Change | |
Revenue | -2 % | ||
Operating Income | 19 % |
HDFS' operating income increased by
LiveWire – Results
$ in millions | 1st quarter | ||
2025 | 2024 | Change | |
Electric Motorcycle Unit Sales | 33 | 117 | -72 % |
Revenue | -42 % | ||
Operating Loss | ( | ( | 32 % |
LiveWire revenue for the first quarter decreased by 42 percent. The revenue decline was due to lower electric motorcycle unit sales and lower STACYC electric bike sales. LiveWire's operating loss of
Harley-Davidson, Inc. Other Results – First Quarter 2025
- Generated
of cash from operating activities$142 million - Effective tax rate was 27 percent
- Paid cash dividends of
$23 million - Repurchased
of shares (3.4 million shares) on a discretionary basis$87 million - Cash and cash equivalents of
at the end of the quarter$1.9 billion
2025 Financial Outlook
Due to the uncertain global tariff situation and macroeconomic conditions, we are withdrawing our full year 2025 financial outlook from February 5, 2025.
Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to maintain our place as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road. Harley-Davidson also has a controlling interest in LiveWire Group, Inc., the first publicly traded all-electric motorcycle company in
Webcast
Harley-Davidson will discuss its financial results and outlook on an audio webcast at 8:00 a.m. CDT today. The webcast login and supporting slides can be accessed at http://investor.harley-davidson.com/news-and-events/events-and-presentations. The audio replay will be available by approximately 10:00 a.m. CDT.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this press 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 by reference to this footnote or because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "projects," "may," "will," "estimates," "targets," "intends," "forecasts," "seeks," "sees," "should," "feels," "commits," "assumes," "envisions," or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe or refer to future expectations, future plans, strategies, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance, commitments 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, unfavorably or favorably, from those anticipated as of the date of this press 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 are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Important factors that could affect future results and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the Company's ability to: (a) execute its business plans and strategies, including without limitation the Hardwire strategic plan, each of the pillars, and the evolution of LiveWire as a standalone brand; (b) manage supply chain and logistics issues, including without limitation quality issues, unexpected interruptions or price increases caused by supplier volatility, raw material shortages, inflation, war or other hostilities, including the conflict in
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 dealers to sell its motorcycles and related products and services to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability and financial capacity of its dealers 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 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.
HDFS' retail credit losses have normalized in recent quarters to higher levels after a period of historically low levels of credit losses. Further, the Company believes that HDFS's retail credit losses will continue to change over time due to changing consumer credit behavior, macroeconomic conditions, including the impact of inflation and HDFS's efforts to increase prudently structured loan approvals to sub-prime borrowers. In addition, HDFS's efforts to adjust underwriting criteria based on market and economic conditions and the actions that the Company has taken and could take that impact motorcycle values may impact HDFS's retail credit losses.
The Company's operations, demand for its products, and its liquidity could be adversely impacted by tariff impacts, inflation, work stoppages, facility closures, strikes, natural causes, widespread infectious disease, terrorism, war or other hostilities, including the conflict in
### (HOG-Earnings)
Harley-Davidson, Inc. | ||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2025 | 2024 | |||||||
HDMC revenue | $ 1,081,505 | $ 1,476,106 | ||||||
Gross profit | 315,244 | 461,070 | ||||||
Selling, administrative and engineering expense | 198,972 | 222,625 | ||||||
Operating income from HDMC | 116,272 | 238,445 | ||||||
LiveWire revenue | 2,743 | 4,704 | ||||||
Gross loss | (1,781) | (3,941) | ||||||
Selling, administrative and engineering expense | 18,028 | 25,300 | ||||||
Operating loss from Livewire | (19,809) | (29,241) | ||||||
HDFS revenue | 244,961 | 248,797 | ||||||
HDFS expense | 180,925 | 194,922 | ||||||
Operating income from HDFS | 64,036 | 53,875 | ||||||
Operating income | 160,499 | 263,079 | ||||||
Other income, net | 16,273 | 20,564 | ||||||
Investment income | 8,941 | 14,404 | ||||||
Interest expense | (7,686) | (7,679) | ||||||
Income before income taxes | 178,027 | 290,368 | ||||||
Income tax provision | 47,230 | 58,135 | ||||||
Net income | $ 130,797 | $ 232,233 | ||||||
Less: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 2,307 | 2,708 | ||||||
Net income attributable to Harley-Davidson, Inc. | $ 133,104 | $ 234,941 | ||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||
Basic | $ 1.07 | $ 1.73 | ||||||
Diluted | $ 1.07 | $ 1.72 | ||||||
Weighted-average shares: | ||||||||
Basic | 123,947 | 136,109 | ||||||
Diluted | 124,724 | 136,921 | ||||||
Cash dividends per share: | $ 0.1800 | $ 0.1725 |
LiveWire results presented in the Company's financial statements represent the LiveWire reportable segment as determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280 Segment Reporting which may differ from LiveWire Group, Inc. results. |
Harley-Davidson, Inc. | ||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | ||||||
2025 | 2024 | 2024 | ||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,931,175 | 1,589,608 | 1,464,614 | |||||
Accounts receivable, net | 313,334 | 234,315 | 305,991 | |||||
Finance receivables, net | 2,286,672 | 2,031,496 | 2,523,250 | |||||
Inventories, net | 712,312 | 745,793 | 779,575 | |||||
Restricted cash | 150,132 | 135,661 | 129,745 | |||||
Other current assets | 253,687 | 259,764 | 182,730 | |||||
5,647,312 | 4,996,637 | 5,385,905 | ||||||
Finance receivables, net | 5,112,935 | 5,256,798 | 5,382,772 | |||||
Other long-term assets | 1,622,134 | 1,628,144 | 1,566,243 | |||||
$ 12,382,381 | $ 11,881,579 | $ 12,334,920 | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ 1,105,802 | $ 892,678 | $ 1,030,320 | |||||
Short-term deposits, net | 178,376 | 173,099 | 240,445 | |||||
Short-term debt | 498,500 | 640,204 | 938,719 | |||||
Current portion of long-term debt, net | 1,839,100 | 1,851,513 | 1,281,840 | |||||
3,621,778 | 3,557,494 | 3,491,324 | ||||||
Long-term debt, net | 4,963,261 | 4,468,665 | 4,988,891 | |||||
Other long-term liabilities | 623,652 | 696,920 | 518,619 | |||||
Shareholders' equity | 3,173,690 | 3,158,500 | 3,336,086 | |||||
$ 12,382,381 | $ 11,881,579 | $ 12,334,920 |
Harley-Davidson, Inc. | ||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2025 | 2024 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ 141,534 | $ 103,997 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Capital expenditures | (29,973) | (46,356) | ||||||
Finance receivables, net | 91,197 | (65,855) | ||||||
Other investing activities | 171 | (289) | ||||||
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities | 61,395 | (112,500) | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes | 647,088 | - | ||||||
Repayments of securitization debt | (292,671) | (234,178) | ||||||
Net (decrease) increase in unsecured commercial paper | (140,778) | 58,794 | ||||||
Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper | 155,000 | 334,561 | ||||||
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper | (65,004) | (46,154) | ||||||
Net decrease in deposits | (37,439) | (6,758) | ||||||
Dividends paid | (22,921) | (24,385) | ||||||
Repurchase of common stock | (93,095) | (107,812) | ||||||
Other financing activities | 5 | 7 | ||||||
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | 150,185 | (25,925) | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 3,299 | (7,020) | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ 356,413 | $ (41,448) | ||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash: | ||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | $ 1,740,854 | $ 1,648,811 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 356,413 | (41,448) | ||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ 2,097,267 | $ 1,607,363 | ||||||
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the Consolidated balance sheets to the Consolidated statements of cash flows: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 1,931,175 | $ 1,464,614 | ||||||
Restricted cash | 150,132 | 129,745 | ||||||
Restricted cash included in Other long-term assets | 15,960 | 13,004 | ||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per the Consolidated statements of cash flows | $ 2,097,267 | $ 1,607,363 |
HDMC Revenue and Motorcycle Shipment Data | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2025 | 2024 | |||||||
HDMC REVENUE (in thousands) | ||||||||
Motorcycles | $ 863,863 | $ 1,221,540 | ||||||
Parts and accessories | 143,433 | 166,193 | ||||||
Apparel | 57,322 | 64,112 | ||||||
Licensing | 3,058 | 8,930 | ||||||
Other | 13,829 | 15,331 | ||||||
$ 1,081,505 | $ 1,476,106 | |||||||
HDMC | 24,865 | 41,577 | ||||||
HDMC WORLDWIDE MOTORCYCLE SHIPMENTS | ||||||||
Grand American Touring(a) | 23,678 | 35,356 | ||||||
Cruiser | 11,860 | 15,691 | ||||||
Sport and Lightweight | 2,108 | 4,963 | ||||||
Adventure Touring | 955 | 1,662 | ||||||
38,601 | 57,672 | |||||||
(a) Includes Trike | ||||||||
LiveWire Motorcycle Shipments | 33 | 117 |
HDMC Gross Profit | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
The estimated impact of significant factors affecting the comparability of gross profit from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025 were as follows (in millions): | ||||||||
2024 gross profit | $ 461 | |||||||
Volume | (140) | |||||||
Price and sales incentives | 23 | |||||||
Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging | - | |||||||
Shipment mix | 12 | |||||||
Raw material prices | (1) | |||||||
Manufacturing and other costs | (40) | |||||||
(146) | ||||||||
2025 gross profit | $ 315 |
HDFS Finance Receivables Allowance for Credit Losses | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2025 | 2024 | |||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ 401,183 | $ 381,966 | ||||||
Provision for credit losses | 53,334 | 61,010 | ||||||
Charge-offs, net of recoveries | (61,339) | (62,615) | ||||||
Balance, end of period | $ 393,178 | $ 380,361 |
Worldwide Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles(a) | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2025 | 2024 | |||||||
19,207 | 25,726 | |||||||
1,685 | 1,760 | |||||||
Total | 20,892 | 27,486 | ||||||
EMEA | 5,175 | 5,264 | ||||||
4,362 | 6,034 | |||||||
581 | 621 | |||||||
Total worldwide retail sales | 31,010 | 39,405 |
(a) Data source for retail sales figures shown above is new sales warranty and registration information provided by dealers and compiled by the Company. The Company must rely on information that its dealers supply concerning new retail sales, and the Company does not regularly verify the information that its dealers supply. This information is subject to revision. |
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harley-davidson-delivers-first-quarter-financial-results-302443817.html
SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.