EX-99.1 2 cmw2506a.htm PRESS RELEASE

HARLEY-DAVIDSON REPORTS REVENUE AND EARNINGS GROWTH FOR 2006
Annual Worldwide Retail Sales Increase 8.5 Percent

        Milwaukee, Wis., January 18, 2007 — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2006. Revenue for the quarter was $1.50 billion compared to $1.34 billion in the year-ago quarter, an 11.9 percent increase. Net income for the quarter was $252.4 million compared to $230.0 million, an increase of 9.7 percent over the fourth quarter of 2005. Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.97, a 15.5 percent increase compared to last year’s $0.84.

        Revenue for the full year was $5.80 billion, compared with $5.34 billion in 2005, an 8.6 percent increase. Wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles were 349,196 units for the year, a 6.1 percent increase compared to 2005. Net income for the year was $1.04 billion, an 8.7 percent increase versus last year’s $959.6 million. Diluted EPS for the full year were $3.93, a 15.2 percent increase compared with $3.41 in 2005.

        “After more than two decades of uninterrupted growth at Harley-Davidson, our dedicated employees and passionate dealers have once again delivered excellent results,” said Jim Ziemer, Chief Executive Officer. “I couldn’t ask for a more committed workforce and dealer network.”

        “In 2006, the Company’s revenue and earnings surpassed 2005 results demonstrating continued growth. At the same time, our dealers achieved impressive Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales volumes. The enthusiastic worldwide response to the changes in our 2007 models contributed to an 8.5 percent increase in retail sales during the year,” said Ziemer.

        “Furthermore, the Company continued to return significant value to shareholders in 2006. We increased dividend payments by 22.5 percent over the prior year and repurchased 19.3 million shares of our common stock during 2006 at a cost of $1.06 billion.”

        “As we look to the future, we believe Harley-Davidson will deliver EPS growth in the range of 11 – 17 percent each year through 2009. On an annual basis we expect solid revenue growth, margin improvement, and the benefits of strong free cash flow to drive this earnings growth,” said Ziemer.

        The Company also expects to ship between 82,000 and 84,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles for the first quarter of 2007.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment – Fourth Quarter Results

        Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $1.22 billion, an increase of $135.6 million or 12.5 percent over the same period last year. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 92,848 units, an increase of 5,260 units or 6.0 percent over last year’s fourth quarter.

        Revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $179.2 million, an increase of $9.3 million or 5.5 percent over the year-ago quarter. Revenue from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothes® apparel and collectibles, totaled $70.6 million, an increase of $10.1 million or 16.7 percent over the year-ago quarter.

        Gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2006 was 38.0 percent of revenue compared to 38.3 percent for the fourth quarter last year. Fourth quarter operating margin decreased to 22.8 percent from 23.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2005.

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Motorcycle Retail Sales Data

                    During the fourth quarter, worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 6.4 percent over the prior year quarter.  In the U.S., retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 0.3 percent for the quarter while the heavyweight motorcycle industry in the U.S. decreased 1.7 percent.  Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 29.4 percent in international markets during the fourth quarter of 2006 compared to the fourth quarter of 2005.  Fourth quarter retail sales increased 31.2 percent in Europe; Japan was up 19.6 percent; Canada was up 37.4 percent and all other international markets combined were up 34.0 percent.

                    Worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 8.5 percent in 2006 compared to 2005.  In the U.S., retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 5.9 percent while the U.S. heavyweight motorcycle market was up 4.9 percent for the same period.  In our international markets, Harley-Davidson retail sales for the full year grew 18.6 percent.  Retail sales in Europe increased 14.6 percent; Japan was up 16.3 percent; Canada was up 15.9 percent and all other international markets combined were up 34.3 percent.

                    Data is listed in the accompanying tables.

Financial Services Segment

        Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) reported fourth quarter operating income of $47.6 million, an increase of $8.1 million or 20.7 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase is primarily due to higher wholesale and retail net interest income.

Income Tax Rate

        The Company’s fourth quarter effective income tax rate was 35.1 percent compared to 35.5 percent in the same quarter last year.  This decrease primarily reflects the retroactive reinstatement of the federal research and development tax credit. The Company’s full year effective tax rate in 2006 was 35.8 percent.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. — Twelve Month Results

        For the fiscal year ended 2006, revenue totaled $5.80 billion, an 8.6 percent increase over 2005. EPS were $3.93, an increase of 15.2 percent compared to 2005.

        Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were 349,196 units in 2006, a 6.1 percent increase compared to last year’s 329,017 units. Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue was $4.55 billion, up 8.8 percent compared to last year’s $4.18 billion. P&A revenue totaled $862.3 million, a 5.7 percent increase over last year’s $815.7 million. General Merchandise revenue totaled $277.5 million, a 12.0 percent increase compared to $247.9 million during 2005.

        Motorcycle segment gross margin for the full year was 38.5 percent of revenue compared to 38.2 percent for 2005. Full year 2006 operating margin increased to 24.4 percent from 24.3 percent compared to the prior year.

        HDFS operating income was $210.7 million, a 10.0 percent increase over last year’s $191.6 million.

Cash Flow

        Cash and marketable securities totaled $896.5 million as of December 31, 2006. Cash flow from operations was $761.8 billion and capital expenditures were $219.6 million during 2006. In 2007, capital expenditures are expected to be between $300 million and $325 million.

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Stock Repurchase

        The Company repurchased 2.1 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $151.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2006. For the full year of 2006, the Company repurchased 19.3 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $1.06 billion. On December 31, 2006, the Company had 258,052,356 shares of common stock outstanding.

        As of December 31, 2006, there are 22.8 million shares remaining on two 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 distributors, (vii) continue to develop the capacity 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 regional and worldwide demographic trends and economic and political conditions, including healthcare inflation, pension reform and tax changes (xi) manage the credit quality and recovery rates of HDFS’s loan portfolio, (xii) retain and attract talented employees and (xiii) detect any defects in our motorcycles to minimize delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation. 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.

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        The Company’s ability to sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services also depends on the ability of the Company’s independent dealer network to sell them to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability 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.

TABLES FOLLOW











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Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Three months ended
Twelve months ended
December 31,
2006

December 31,
2005

December 31,
2006

December 31,
2005


Net revenue
    $ 1,502,633   $ 1,342,335   $ 5,800,686   $ 5,342,214  
Gross profit    571,052    514,510    2,232,847    2,040,499  
Operating expenses    227,987    199,854    818,490    740,634  




  Operating income from motorcycles & related products    343,065    314,656    1,414,357    1,299,865  

Financial services income
    93,079    76,060    384,891    331,618  
Financial services expense    45,433    36,595    174,167    139,998  




Operating income from financial services    47,646    39,465    210,724    191,620  

Corporate expenses
    5,838    3,473    22,561    21,474  




Total operating income    384,873    350,648    1,602,520    1,470,011  
Investment income and other, net    3,859    6,009    21,720    17,748  




Income before provision for income taxes    388,732    356,657    1,624,240    1,487,759  
Provision for income taxes    136,306    126,613    581,087    528,155  




Net income   $ 252,426   $ 230,044   $ 1,043,153   $ 959,604  





Earnings per common share:
  
  Basic   $ 0.98   $ 0.84   $ 3.94   $ 3.42  
  Diluted   $ 0.97   $ 0.84   $ 3.93   $ 3.41  

Weighted-average common shares:
  
  Basic    258,138    274,182    264,453    280,303  
  Diluted    259,158    274,837    265,273    281,035  

Cash dividends per common share
   $ 0.21   $ 0.18   $ 0.81   $ 0.625  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

(Unaudited)
December 31,
2006

December 31,
2005


ASSETS
           
Current Assets:  
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 238,397   $ 140,975  
    Marketable securities    658,133    905,197  
    Accounts receivable, net    143,049    122,087  
    Finance receivables held for sale    547,106    299,373  
    Finance receivables held for investment, net    1,554,260    1,342,393  
    Inventories    287,798    221,418  
    Other current assets    121,890    113,794  


Total current assets    3,550,633    3,145,237  

Finance receivables held for investment, net
    725,957    600,831  
Other long-term assets    1,255,560    1,509,141  


    $ 5,532,150   $ 5,255,209  



LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  
Current liabilities:  
    Accounts payable & accrued expenses   $ 763,186   $ 668,139  
    Current portion of finance debt    832,491    204,973  


Total current liabilities    1,595,677    873,112  

Finance debt
    870,000    1,000,000  
Postretirement healthcare benefits    201,126    60,975  
Other long-term liabilities    108,610    237,517  

Total shareholders’ equity *
    2,756,737    3,083,605  


    $ 5,532,150   $ 5,255,209  



* The Company’s adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158 (effective 12/31/06 ) resulted in a $253.9 million after-tax reduction to shareholders’ equity.


Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

(Unaudited)
Twelve months ended
December 31,
2006

December 31,
2005

December 31,
2004


Net cash provided by operating activities
    $ 761,780   $ 962,614   $ 835,831  

Cash flows from investing activities:
  
  Capital expenditures    (219,602 )  (198,389 )  (213,550 )
  Finance receivables held for investment, net    (151,624 )  (156,438 )  (134,571 )
  Collection of retained securitization interests    101,641    115,346    125,732  
  Net change in marketable securities    253,512    431,075    (349,042 )
  Other, net    (19,186 )  2,246    (6,561 )



Net cash (used) provided by investing activities    (35,259 )  193,840    (577,992 )

Cash flows from financing activities:
  
  Proceeds from issuance of medium term notes    --    199,974    --  
  Net increase (decrease) in finance-credit  
    facilities and commercial paper    493,125    (280,694 )  305,047  
  Dividends    (212,914 )  (173,785 )  (119,232 )
  Purchase of common stock for treasury    (1,061,968 )  (1,054,615 )  (564,132 )
  Excess tax benefits from share-based payments    18,933    6,065    --  
  Issuance of common stock under employee  
    stock option plans    125,801    31,264    62,171  



Net cash used by financing activities    (637,023 )  (1,271,791 )  (316,146 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
  
  and cash equivalents    7,924    (18,847 )  4,137  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    97,422    (134,184 )  (54,170 )

Cash and cash equivalents:
  
  At beginning of period    140,975    275,159    329,329  



  At end of period   $ 238,397   $ 140,975   $ 275,159  




Net Revenue and Motorcycle
Shipment Data

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Three months ended
Twelve months ended
December 31,
2006

December 31,
2005

December 31,
2006

December 31,
2005

NET REVENUE (in thousands)                    
Harley-Davidson® motorcycles   $ 1,223,861   $ 1,088,286   $ 4,553,561   $ 4,183,515  
Buell® motorcycles    27,401    21,828    102,227    93,069  
Parts & Accessories    179,151    169,859    862,251    815,678  
General Merchandise    70,617    60,486    277,490    247,861  
Other    1,603    1,876    5,157    2,091  




    $ 1,502,633   $ 1,342,335   $ 5,800,686   $ 5,342,214  





HARLEY-DAVIDSON UNITS
  
Motorcycle shipments:  
  United States    74,492    74,383    273,212    266,507  
  Export    18,356    13,205    75,984    62,510  




Total    92,848    87,588    349,196    329,017  





Motorcycle product mix:
  
  Touring    32,530    29,090    123,444    110,193  
  Custom    44,591    38,233    161,195    148,609  
  Sportster®    15,727    20,265    64,557    70,215  




Total    92,848    87,588    349,196    329,017  





BUELL UNITS
  
Motorcycle shipments:  
  Buell    3,355    2,716    12,460    11,166  





Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Year to Date December 31, 2006

2006
2005
United States      268,366    253,414  
Europe*    33,786    29,482  
Japan    13,284    11,420  
Canada    13,514    11,660  
All other markets    15,031    11,193  

Total Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
    343,981    317,169  

Data Source (subject to update)
Data source for all 2005 and 2006 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® 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 (651+ cc) Market Data
Data Through Month Indicated

2006
2005

United States (December)
     542,991    517,562  
Europe* (November)    365,889    340,485  

Data Source
United States: Motorcycle Industry Council
Europe: Giral S.A.

*Data for Europe include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom