Harley-Davidson Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results for 2007
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MILWAUKEE, Jan. 25, 2008 -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. 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.
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, 2006 Net 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 1,408,990 Financial 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 47,646 212,169 210,724 Corporate 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 $1,043,153 Earnings per common share: Basic $0.78 $0.98 $3.75 $3.94 Diluted $0.78 $0.97 $3.74 $3.93 Weighted-average common shares: Basic 239,390 258,138 249,205 264,453 Diluted 239,845 259,158 249,882 265,273 Cash dividends per common share $0.30 $0.21 $1.06 $0.81 Harley-Davidson, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands) (Unaudited) December 31, December 31, 2007 2006 ASSETS 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 3,550,633 Finance receivables held for investment, net 845,044 725,957 Other long-term assets 1,344,248 1,255,560 $5,656,606 $5,532,150 LIABILITIES 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 1,595,677 Finance debt 980,000 870,000 Postretirement healthcare benefits 192,531 201,126 Other long-term liabilities 203,505 108,610 Total shareholders' equity 2,375,491 2,756,737 $5,656,606 $5,532,150 Harley-Davidson, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) (Unaudited) Twelve months ended December December December 31, 2007 31, 2006 31, 2005 Net cash provided by operating activities $798,146 $761,780 $962,614 Cash 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) 193,840 Cash 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 $140,975 Net 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 $5,800,686 HARLEY-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 92,848 330,619 349,196 Motorcycle 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 92,848 330,619 349,196 BUELL UNITS Motorcycle shipments: Buell 3,137 3,355 11,513 12,460 Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Year to Date December 2007 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 15,031 Total 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 ret Only 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 Indicated 2007 2006 United States (1) (December) 516,083 542,991 Europe (2) (November) 385,589 365,889 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. 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.