Harley-Davidson Delivers First Quarter Financial Results
- Harley-Davidson reported a 6% retail growth in North America for the first quarter of 2024, driven by sales of new Touring motorcycles.
- The company's revenue decreased by 3% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
- Operating income for Harley-Davidson was down by 29% in the first quarter of 2024.
- Net income attributable to HDI decreased by 23% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023.
- Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) reported an 8% decline in operating income in the first quarter of 2024.
- LiveWire, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, launched its 3rd electric motorcycle, S2 Mulholland, and became the market leader in the U.S. for on-road electric motorcycles.
- Despite positive retail performance in North America, Harley-Davidson's revenue, operating income, and net income saw declines in the first quarter of 2024.
- Harley-Davidson repurchased $98 million of shares in the first quarter of 2024 on a discretionary basis.
- The full-year 2024 outlook for Harley-Davidson includes flat to down 9% revenue for HDMC, flat to up 5% operating income for HDFS, and improved operating loss for LiveWire.
- Harley-Davidson's revenue decreased by 3% in the first quarter of 2024.
- Operating income for Harley-Davidson was down by 29% in the first quarter of 2024.
- Net income attributable to HDI decreased by 23% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023.
- Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) reported an 8% decline in operating income in the first quarter of 2024.
- LiveWire's revenue decreased by 39% in the first quarter of 2024.
- The company's LiveWire segment reported an operating loss of $29 million in the first quarter of 2024.
Insights
Harley-Davidson's first quarter financials reveal mixed signals for investors. The 6% retail growth in North America is a positive indication of the brand's enduring appeal, especially in light of the new Touring motorcycles driving this growth. However, the 5% decline in HDMC revenue and the 8% decrease in HDFS operating income suggest that the overall financial health is not without its challenges.
Investors should note that while share repurchases can signal confidence from management, the
Regarding the revised full-year financial outlook, the reaffirmation of previous guidance on revenue and operating income shows stability in forecasts. The improved outlook for LiveWire's operating loss, shaving up to
The market response to Harley-Davidson's earnings will likely be influenced by the contrast between regional sales performances. North America's 6% growth juxtaposed with the declines in EMEA and APAC highlights the company's regional dependencies and potential vulnerabilities to international market fluctuations.
Additionally, the motorcycle industry is undergoing significant transformation with the adoption of electric vehicles. LiveWire's positioning as a market leader in the U.S. for on-road electric motorcycles is a significant strategic development; however, the segment's operating loss and 39% revenue decline underscores the challenges in the EV space.
Harley-Davidson's results must be interpreted within the broader context of the automotive industry's current state. The mix of increased motorcycle sales in North America against global shipment declines indicates a strategic move to prioritize profitability over volume. The emphasis on new product launches, such as the S2 Mulholland, illustrates the company's commitment to innovation amidst an industry shift towards electric mobility.
As an investor, understanding the intricacies of manufacturing costs, the impact of international market weakness, particularly in China and the efforts to expand in the electric motorcycle segment, is paramount. These factors will determine Harley-Davidson's ability to remain competitive and adapt to an increasingly electric future.
"Harley-Davidson delivered a good start to the year with a six percent retail growth in
First Quarter 2024 Highlights and Results
- Delivered diluted EPS of
$1.72 - HDMC operating income margin of 16.2 percent
North America motorcycle retail up 6 percent, driven by sales of new Touring motorcycles, introduced at the end of January- HDMC revenue down 5 percent, primarily due to planned decrease in motorcycle shipments
- HDFS operating income down 8 percent, while revenue was up 12 percent
- Repurchased
of shares (2.5 million shares) on a discretionary basis$98 million - LiveWire successfully launched its 3rd electric motorcycle, S2 Mulholland, and became market leader in the
U.S. for on-road electric motorcycles - Company updates its full-year 2024 financial outlook
First Quarter 2024 Results
Harley-Davidson, Inc. Consolidated Financial Results
$ in millions (except EPS) | 1st quarter | ||
2024 | 2023 | Change | |
Revenue | -3 % | ||
Operating Income | -29 % | ||
Net Income Attributable to HDI | -23 % | ||
Diluted EPS | -16 % |
Consolidated revenue in the first quarter was down 3 percent driven by an HDMC revenue decrease of 5 percent, partially offset by HDFS revenue growth of 12 percent.
Consolidated operating income in the first quarter was down 29 percent, resulting from declines of 29 percent at HDMC and 8 percent at HDFS respectively, and an operating loss of
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) – Results
$ in millions | 1st quarter | ||
2024 | 2023 | Change | |
Motorcycle Shipments (thousands) | 57.7 | 62.2 | -7 % |
Revenue | -5 % | ||
Motorcycles | -6 % | ||
Parts & Accessories | -1 % | ||
Apparel | -10 % | ||
Licensing | 44 % | ||
Other | 51 % | ||
Gross Margin | 31.2 % | 35.8 % | -4.5 pts. |
Operating Income | -29 % | ||
Operating Margin | 16.2 % | 21.6 % | -5.4 pts. |
First quarter global motorcycle shipments decreased 7 percent, in-line with our expectations. Revenue was down 5 percent driven by the decrease in wholesale shipments and lower global pricing, partially offset by favorable mix. Parts & Accessories revenue was down 1 percent, while Apparel revenue was down 10 percent, as the prior period included anniversary product apparel.
First quarter gross margin was down 4.5 points due to the impacts of pricing and sales incentives, lower volume, and higher manufacturing costs. First quarter operating income margin was down 5.4 points due to the factors above, where operating expenses were roughly flat in the quarter.
Harley-Davidson Retail Motorcycle Sales
Motorcycles (thousands) | 1st quarter | ||
2024 | 2023 | Change | |
27.5 | 26.0 | 6 % | |
EMEA | 5.3 | 5.9 | -11 % |
6.0 | 6.9 | -12 % | |
0.6 | 0.6 | 2 % | |
Worldwide Total | 39.4 | 39.4 | 0 % |
Global retail motorcycle sales in the first quarter were flat versus prior year.
Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) – Results
$ in millions | 1st quarter | ||
2024 | 2023 | Change | |
Revenue | 12 % | ||
Operating Income | -8 % |
HDFS' operating income declined by
LiveWire – Results
$ in millions | 1st quarter | ||
2024 | 2023 | Change | |
Electric Motorcycle Unit Sales | 117 | 63 | 86 % |
Revenue | -39 % | ||
Operating Loss | ( | ( | NM |
NM – not meaningful |
LiveWire revenue for the first quarter decreased by 39 percent. The revenue decline was due to a decrease in STACYC electric balance bike volumes and electric motorcycle product mix. Electric motorcycle unit sales increased, driven by new product launches, including the launch of the new S2 Mulholland model in the first quarter 2024. LiveWire's operating loss of
Harley-Davidson, Inc. Other Results – First Quarter 2024
- Generated
of cash from operating activities$104 million - Effective tax rate was 20 percent
- Paid cash dividends of
$24 million - Repurchased
of shares (2.5 million shares) on a discretionary basis$98 million - Cash and cash equivalents of
at the end of the quarter$1.5 billion
2024 Financial Outlook
For the full year 2024, the Company reaffirms the following guidance and continues to expect:
- HDMC: revenue flat to down 9 percent and operating income margin of 12.6 to 13.6 percent
- HDFS: operating income flat to up 5 percent
- LiveWire: electric motorcycle unit sales of 1,000 to 1,500
- Harley-Davidson, Inc: capital investments of
to$225 $250 million
For the full year 2024, the Company is revising its LiveWire operating loss guidance and now expects:
- LiveWire: improved operating loss of
to$105 , from previous guidance of an operating loss of$115 million to$115 $125 million
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 and our associated comments 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," "may," "will," "estimates," "targets," "intends," "forecasts," "is on track," "sees," "feels," 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 The Hardwire, each of the pillars, and the evolution of LiveWire as a standalone brand, which includes the risks noted below; (b) manage supply chain and logistics issues, including 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 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, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
HDMC revenue | $ 1,476,106 | $ 1,557,829 | ||||||
Gross profit | 461,070 | 557,026 | ||||||
Selling, administrative and engineering expense | 222,625 | 221,290 | ||||||
Operating income from HDMC | 238,445 | 335,736 | ||||||
LiveWire revenue | 4,704 | 7,762 | ||||||
Gross (loss) profit | (3,941) | 1,264 | ||||||
Selling, administrative and engineering expense | 25,300 | 25,811 | ||||||
Operating loss from Livewire | (29,241) | (24,547) | ||||||
HDFS revenue | 248,797 | 223,095 | ||||||
HDFS expense | 194,922 | 164,675 | ||||||
Operating income from HDFS | 53,875 | 58,420 | ||||||
Operating income | 263,079 | 369,609 | ||||||
Other income, net | 20,564 | 20,096 | ||||||
Investment income | 14,404 | 10,025 | ||||||
Interest expense | (7,679) | (7,720) | ||||||
Income before income taxes | 290,368 | 392,010 | ||||||
Income tax provision | 58,135 | 90,181 | ||||||
Net income | $ 232,233 | $ 301,829 | ||||||
Less: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 2,708 | 2,261 | ||||||
Net income attributable to Harley-Davidson, Inc. | $ 234,941 | $ 304,090 | ||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||
Basic | $ 1.73 | $ 2.08 | ||||||
Diluted | $ 1.72 | $ 2.04 | ||||||
Weighted-average shares: | ||||||||
Basic | 136,109 | 146,048 | ||||||
Diluted | 136,921 | 148,931 | ||||||
Cash dividends per share: | $ 0.1725 | $ 0.1650 | ||||||
LiveWire results presented in the Company's financial statements represent the LiveWire reportable segment as determined in accordance with Financial |
Harley-Davidson, Inc. | ||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | ||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2023 | ||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 1,464,614 | $ 1,533,806 | $ 1,561,200 | |||||
Accounts receivable, net | 305,991 | 267,200 | 333,533 | |||||
Finance receivables, net | 2,523,250 | 2,113,729 | 2,245,628 | |||||
Inventories, net | 779,575 | 929,951 | 830,521 | |||||
Restricted cash | 129,745 | 104,642 | 164,965 | |||||
Other current assets | 182,730 | 214,401 | 154,660 | |||||
5,385,905 | 5,163,729 | 5,290,507 | ||||||
Finance receivables, net | 5,382,772 | 5,384,536 | 5,328,095 | |||||
Other long-term assets | 1,566,243 | 1,592,289 | 1,410,983 | |||||
$ 12,334,920 | $ 12,140,554 | $ 12,029,585 | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ 1,030,320 | $ 996,021 | $ 1,029,710 | |||||
Short-term deposits, net | 240,445 | 253,309 | 144,854 | |||||
Short-term debt | 938,719 | 878,935 | 501,243 | |||||
Current portion of long-term debt, net | 1,281,840 | 1,255,999 | 1,408,777 | |||||
3,491,324 | 3,384,264 | 3,084,584 | ||||||
Long-term debt, net | 4,988,891 | 4,990,586 | 5,275,169 | |||||
Other long-term liabilities | 518,619 | 513,409 | 573,983 | |||||
Shareholders' equity | 3,336,086 | 3,252,295 | 3,095,849 | |||||
$ 12,334,920 | $ 12,140,554 | $ 12,029,585 |
Harley-Davidson, Inc. | ||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ 103,997 | $ 46,677 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Capital expenditures | (46,356) | (45,114) | ||||||
Finance receivables, net | (65,855) | (26,293) | ||||||
Other investing activities | (289) | 821 | ||||||
Net cash used by investing activities | (112,500) | (70,586) | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes | - | 693,276 | ||||||
Repayments of medium-term notes | - | (350,000) | ||||||
Proceeds from securitization debt | - | 547,706 | ||||||
Repayments of securitization debt | (234,178) | (310,640) | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in unsecured commercial paper | 58,794 | (270,119) | ||||||
Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper | 334,561 | - | ||||||
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper | (46,154) | (62,634) | ||||||
Net (decrease) increase in deposits | (6,758) | 51,822 | ||||||
Dividends paid | (24,385) | (24,123) | ||||||
Repurchase of common stock | (107,812) | (96,767) | ||||||
Other financing activities | 7 | 69 | ||||||
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities | (25,925) | 178,590 | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (7,020) | 3,820 | ||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ (41,448) | $ 158,501 | ||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash: | ||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | $ 1,648,811 | $ 1,579,177 | ||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (41,448) | 158,501 | ||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ 1,607,363 | $ 1,737,678 | ||||||
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the Consolidated balance | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 1,464,614 | $ 1,561,200 | ||||||
Restricted cash | 129,745 | 164,965 | ||||||
Restricted cash included in Other long-term assets | 13,004 | 11,513 | ||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per the Consolidated statements of cash flows | $ 1,607,363 | $ 1,737,678 |
HDMC Revenue and Motorcycle Shipment Data | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
HDMC REVENUE (in thousands) | ||||||||
Motorcycles | $ 1,221,540 | $ 1,302,378 | ||||||
Parts and accessories | 166,193 | 167,671 | ||||||
Apparel | 64,112 | 71,391 | ||||||
Licensing | 8,930 | 6,210 | ||||||
Other | 15,331 | 10,179 | ||||||
$ 1,476,106 | $ 1,557,829 | |||||||
HDMC | 41,577 | 42,588 | ||||||
HDMC WORLDWIDE MOTORCYCLE SHIPMENTS | ||||||||
Grand American Touring(a) | 35,356 | 32,219 | ||||||
Cruiser | 15,691 | 21,258 | ||||||
Sport and Lightweight | 4,963 | 6,585 | ||||||
Adventure Touring | 1,662 | 2,175 | ||||||
57,672 | 62,237 | |||||||
(a) Includes Trike | ||||||||
LiveWire Motorcycle Shipments | 117 | 63 |
HDMC Gross Profit | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
The estimated impact of significant factors affecting the comparability of gross profit from the first quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024 were | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
2023 gross profit | $ 557 | |||||||
Volume | (31) | |||||||
Price and sales incentives | (47) | |||||||
Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging | (4) | |||||||
Shipment mix | 7 | |||||||
Raw material prices | 1 | |||||||
Manufacturing and other costs | (22) | |||||||
(96) | ||||||||
2024 gross profit | $ 461 |
HDFS Finance Receivables Allowance for Credit Losses | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ 381,966 | $ 358,711 | ||||||
Provision for credit losses | 61,010 | 52,364 | ||||||
Charge-offs, net of recoveries | (62,615) | (52,644) | ||||||
Balance, end of period | $ 380,361 | $ 358,431 |
Worldwide Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles(a) | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
25,726 | 24,277 | |||||||
1,760 | 1,744 | |||||||
Total | 27,486 | 26,021 | ||||||
EMEA | 5,264 | 5,917 | ||||||
6,034 | 6,881 | |||||||
621 | 606 | |||||||
Total worldwide retail sales | 39,405 | 39,425 |
(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. |
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SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.
FAQ
What was the retail growth in North America for Harley-Davidson in the first quarter of 2024?
How much did Harley-Davidson's revenue decrease by in the first quarter of 2024?
What was the operating income change for Harley-Davidson in the first quarter of 2024?
What was the net income change for Harley-Davidson in the first quarter of 2024?
How did Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) perform in the first quarter of 2024?
What was the revenue change for LiveWire in the first quarter of 2024?
What was the operating loss for LiveWire in the first quarter of 2024?
What is Harley-Davidson's full-year 2024 outlook for HDMC revenue?
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