MILWAUKEE, April 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) first quarter 2016 diluted earnings per share increased 7.1 percent to $1.36 compared to diluted EPS of $1.27 in the same period in 2015. Net income was $250.5 million on consolidated revenue of $1.75 billion compared to net income of $269.9 million on consolidated revenue of $1.67 billion in last year's first quarter.

"I am pleased with how our first quarter results demonstrate the progress we're making in both driving demand and delivering business performance in a highly competitive environment," said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Harley-Davidson worldwide retail motorcycle sales in the first quarter were up 1.4 percent, driven by a 4.5 percent increase in international markets. Although retail motorcycle sales in the U.S. were down slightly compared to the year-ago quarter, retail sales trends have significantly improved over previous quarters. Worldwide retail sales were driven, in part, by increased investments in marketing and new product introductions.

In 2016, the company is increasing its marketing and product development investments to drive demand. The increased investments are focused in four areas: increasing product and brand awareness; growing new ridership in the U.S.; increasing and enhancing brand access; and accelerating the cadence and impact of new products.

"The increased marketing and new product investments are beginning to take hold and we anticipate continued progress across our focus areas as we dial in and ramp-up our approach," said Levatich.

Retail Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Sales



                                1st Quarter
                                -----------

                2016                         2015 Change
                ----                         ---- ------

    Americas Region
    ---------------

       U.S.                                35,326        35,488  (0.5)%
       ----                                ------        ------   -----

       Canada                               2,470         2,123   16.3%
       ------                               -----         -----    ----

       Latin America                        1,886         2,565 (26.5)%
       -------------                        -----         -----  ------

    Europe, Middle East, Africa
     (EMEA) Region                         10,210         9,388    8.8%
    ---------------------------            ------         -----     ---

    Asia Pacific Region                     7,566         7,097    6.6%
    -------------------                     -----         -----     ---

    Worldwide Total                        57,458        56,661    1.4%
    ---------------                        ------        ------     ---

In the first quarter, retail sales in EMEA were up 8.8 percent, demonstrating the power of the brand amid strong competition. Asia Pacific had its best first quarter ever, with retail sales up 6.6 percent, driven by strong demand across the region. Canada grew 16.3 percent versus the year-ago period as a result of the company's transition to direct distribution. U.S. sales were down slightly due to increased competitive discounting and continued weakness in areas of the country that are dependent on the oil industry. U.S. market share for the first quarter was 50.9 percent.

Harley-Davidson began shipping two new powerful cruisers in March - the Low Rider(®) S and the CVO(TM) Pro Street Breakout(®) - and yesterday unveiled the new Harley-Davidson(®) Roadster(TM) model, which will begin shipping in May.

Also in March, the company launched its Live Your Legend integrated marketing campaign. The campaign debuted in the U.S. during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and will continue rolling out globally through 2016. Follow this link to view the latest spot featuring the Roadster (h-d.com > Motorcycles).

"The Live Your Legend message is a rallying cry to inspire new generations of riders to invest now in experiences that define their legacy," said Levatich. "It's one example of how we are creating powerful connections with new riders and strengthening our bond with our existing riders."

In line with its strategic objectives, Harley-Davidson continues to bring new riders into the sport of motorcycling while also broadening brand appeal demographically. In 2015, one-third of Harley-Davidson new motorcycle purchasers in the U.S. had not owned a motorcycle previously.* In the U.S. for the eighth straight year, Harley-Davidson was the number-one seller of new on-road motorcycles of all displacements to young adults ages 18-34, women, African Americans and Hispanics, as well as Caucasian men ages 35 plus.*

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment Results



                      $ in thousands            1st Quarter
                      --------------            -----------

                  2016                     2015       Change
                  ----                     ----       ------

    Motorcycle Shipments (vehicles)      83,036          79,589        4.3%
    ------------------------------       ------          ------         ---

    Revenue
    -------

       Motorcycles                   $1,317,578      $1,255,121        5.0%
       -----------                   ----------      ----------         ---

       Parts & Accessories             $183,705        $183,872      (0.1)%
       -------------------             --------        --------       -----

       General Merchandise              $70,618         $66,428        6.3%
       -------------------              -------         -------         ---

    Gross Margin Percent                  37.4%          39.1%  (1.7) pts
    --------------------                   ----            ----   ---------

    Operating Income                   $332,457        $345,454      (3.8)%
    ----------------                   --------        --------       -----

    Operating Margin Percent              21.1%          22.9%  (1.8) pts
    ------------------------               ----            ----   ---------

Revenue from motorcycles and related products was up versus the prior quarter behind increased motorcycle shipments. Operating margin as a percent of revenue decreased versus the prior year as a result of lower gross margin.

Financial Services Segment Results



                   $ in thousands                 1st Quarter
                   --------------                 -----------

                 2016                       2015       Change
                 ----                       ----       ------

    Revenue                             $173,358       $162,375         6.8%
    -------                             --------       --------          ---

    Operating Income                     $56,371        $64,664      (12.8)%
    ----------------                     -------        -------       ------

Financial services operating income was lower in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the year-ago period as a result of a higher provision for retail credit loan losses.

* Data are based on Harley-Davidson's analysis of Polk U.S. new motorcycle registration data from IHS Automotive for CY2008-2015.

Guidance
Harley-Davidson continues to expect it will ship 269,000 to 274,000 motorcycles in 2016, an approximate 1 to 3 percent increase from 2015. In the second quarter of 2016, the company expects to ship 82,500 to 87,500 motorcycles compared to 85,172 motorcycles shipped in the year-ago period. The company continues to expect full-year 2016 operating margin of approximately 16 to 17 percent for the Motorcycles segment. The company continues to expect 2016 capital expenditures for Harley-Davidson, Inc. of $255 million to $275 million.

Income Tax Rate
For the first quarter of 2016, Harley-Davidson's effective tax rate was 34.5 percent compared to 34.4 percent in 2015. The company continues to expect its full-year 2016 effective tax rate will be approximately 34.5 percent.

Cash Flow
Cash and marketable securities totaled $739.1 million at the end of the first quarter, compared to $1.23 billion in the year-ago quarter. In the first quarter of 2016, Harley-Davidson generated $41.1 million of cash from operating activities compared to $174.7 million in the first quarter of 2015. The company paid a cash dividend of $0.35 per share for the first quarter, an increase of 12.9 percent compared to the fourth-quarter 2015 dividend of $0.31 per share. On a discretionary basis, the company repurchased 3.4 million shares of Harley-Davidson common stock during the first quarter of 2016 for $144.6 million. In the first quarter of 2016, there were approximately 184.2 million weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding, compared to approximately 211.8 million shares in the year-ago quarter. At the end of the first quarter, 25.6 million shares remained on board-approved share repurchase authorizations.

Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom with custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles, riding experiences and events and a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides wholesale and retail financing, insurance, extended service and other protection plans and credit card programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and riders in the U.S., Canada and other select international markets. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

Conference Call and Webcast Presentation
Harley-Davidson will discuss first-quarter results on a Webcast at 8:00 a.m. CT today. The supporting slides will be posted prior to the call and can be accessed at http://investor.harley-davidson.com under "Events and Presentations." The audio portion of today's call will also be posted beginning approximately two hours after the call concludes.

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, unfavorably or favorably, 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) execute its business strategy, (ii) manage through changes in general economic conditions, including changing capital, credit and retail markets, and political events, (iii) accurately estimate and adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices, (iv) prevent a cybersecurity breach involving consumer, employee, dealer, supplier, or company data and respond to evolving regulatory requirements regarding data security, (v) drive demand by executing its marketing strategy of appealing to and growing sales to multi-generational and multi-cultural customers worldwide in an increasingly competitive marketplace, (vi) implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology systems, including systems at its manufacturing facilities, (vii) manage the credit quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of HDFS' loan portfolio, (viii) develop and introduce products, services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace, (ix) balance production volumes for its new motorcycles with consumer demand, including in circumstances where competitors may be supplying new motorcycles to the market in excess of demand at reduced prices, (x) manage the impact that prices for and supply of used motorcycles may have on its business, including on retail sales of new motorcycles, (xi) continue to develop the capabilities of its distributors and dealers and manage the risks that its independent dealers may have difficulty obtaining capital and managing through changing economic conditions and consumer demand, (xii) manage risks that arise through expanding international manufacturing, operations and sales, (xiii) manage through the effects inconsistent and unpredictable weather patterns may have on retail sales of motorcycles, (xiv) manage supply chain issues, including quality issues and any unexpected interruptions or price increases caused by raw material shortages or natural disasters, (xv) prevent and detect any issues with its motorcycles or any associated manufacturing processes to avoid delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation and adverse effects on its reputation and brand strength, (xvi) manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations, (xvii) manage its exposure to product liability claims and commercial or contractual disputes, (xviii) execute its flexible production strategy, (xix) adjust to healthcare inflation and reform, pension reform and tax changes, (xx) retain and attract talented employees, (xxi) successfully access the capital and/or credit markets on terms (including interest rates) that are acceptable to the company and within its expectations, and (xxii) continue to manage the relationships and agreements that the company has with its labor unions to help drive long-term competitiveness.

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 operating their businesses and 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)

                                    Three months ended

                                         March 27,                         March 29,

                                                        2016                               2015
                                                        ----                               ----


    Motorcycles and related
     products revenue                             $1,576,610                         $1,510,570

    Gross profit                                     590,280                            590,275

    Selling, administrative
     and engineering expense                         257,823                            244,821

      Operating income from
       motorcycles & related
       products                                      332,457                            345,454


    Financial services
     revenue                                         173,358                            162,375

    Financial services
     expense                                         116,987                             97,711

      Operating income from
       financial services                             56,371                             64,664
                                                      ------                             ------


    Operating income                                 388,828                            410,118

    Investment income                                    766                              1,322

    Interest expense                                   7,168                                  9

    Income before income
     taxes                                           382,426                            411,431

    Provision for income
     taxes                                           131,937                            141,577

    Net income                                      $250,489                           $269,854
                                                    ========                           ========


    Earnings per common
     share:

      Basic                                            $1.37                              $1.28

      Diluted                                          $1.36                              $1.27


    Weighted-average common
     shares:

      Basic                                          183,429                            210,629

      Diluted                                        184,204                            211,788


    Cash dividends per common
     share                                             $0.35                              $0.31




                                              Harley-Davidson, Inc.

                                     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets(1)

                                                  (In thousands)


                                       (Unaudited)                                                 (Unaudited)

                                        March 27,                             December 31,          March 29,

                                                       2016                                   2015                   2015
                                                       ----                                   ----                   ----


    ASSETS
    ------

    Current assets:

        Cash and cash equivalents                  $694,013                               $722,209             $1,168,724

        Marketable securities                        45,122                                 45,192                 57,219

        Accounts receivable, net                    311,960                                247,405                280,497

        Finance receivables, net                  2,564,608                              2,053,582              2,357,993

        Inventories                                 553,750                                585,907                480,941

        Restricted cash                              93,192                                 88,267                120,428

        Other current assets                        229,105                                235,321                241,693

    Total current assets                          4,491,750                              3,977,883              4,707,495


    Finance receivables, net                      4,811,958                              4,814,571              4,490,599

    Other long-term assets                        1,163,963                              1,180,523              1,049,766

                                                $10,467,671                             $9,972,977            $10,247,860
                                                ===========                             ==========            ===========


    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
     EQUITY
    -----------------------------

    Current liabilities:

        Accounts payable & accrued
         liabilities                               $935,793                               $707,578               $937,947

        Short-term debt                             870,073                              1,201,380                 70,329

        Current portion of long-term
         debt, net                                  782,140                                838,349              1,494,301

    Total current liabilities                     2,588,006                              2,747,307              2,502,577


    Long-term debt, net                           5,460,553                              4,832,469              4,347,884

    Pension and postretirement
     healthcare liabilities                         326,383                                358,547                270,908

    Other long-term liabilities                     199,909                                195,000                190,651


    Total shareholders' equity                    1,892,820                              1,839,654              2,935,840

                                                $10,467,671                             $9,972,977            $10,247,860
                                                ===========                             ==========            ===========


    (1)              ASU 2015-03 Interest - Imputation
                     of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)
                     Simplifying the Presentation of
                     Debt Issuance Costs was adopted
                     retrospectively on January 1, 2016.
                     Debt issuance costs in Other
                     current assets and Other long-term
                     assets have been reclassified to
                     Current-portion of long-term
                     debt, net and Long-term debt, net
                     for 2015 balances to reflect the
                     adoption of the new guidance.



                                              Harley-Davidson, Inc.

                                 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                                                  (In thousands)


                                            (Unaudited)                          (Unaudited)

                                        Three months ended

                                             March 27,                            March 29,

                                                            2016                                  2015
                                                            ----                                  ----


    Net cash provided by
     operating activities                                $41,131                              $174,700


    Cash flows from investing
     activities:

      Capital expenditures                              (39,011)                             (38,069)

      Finance receivables, net                          (43,787)                             (22,738)

      Other                                                   95                                     9

    Net cash used by investing
     activities                                         (82,703)                             (60,798)


    Cash flows from financing
     activities:

      Proceeds from issuance of
       medium-term notes                               1,193,396                               595,386

      Repayments of medium-term
       notes                                           (450,000)                                    -

      Proceeds from
       securitization debt                                     -                              697,591

      Repayments of
       securitization debt                             (173,363)                            (200,695)

      Net decrease in credit
       facilities and unsecured
       commercial paper                                (331,090)                            (661,241)

      Borrowings of asset-
       backed commercial paper                             5,814                                16,798

      Repayments of asset-
       backed commercial paper                          (15,740)                             (15,744)

      Net change in restricted
       cash                                              (4,282)                             (28,579)

      Dividends paid                                    (64,457)                             (65,467)

      Purchase of common stock
       for treasury                                    (150,369)                            (192,700)

      Excess tax benefits from
       share-based payments                                  110                                 2,207

      Issuance of common stock
       under employee stock
       option plans                                          276                                 9,605

    Net cash provided by
     financing activities                                 10,295                               157,161


    Effect of exchange rate
     changes on cash and cash
     equivalents                                           3,081                               (9,019)


    Net (decrease) increase in
     cash and cash equivalents                         $(28,196)                             $262,044
                                                        ========                              ========


    Cash and cash equivalents:

      Cash and cash equivalents
       -beginning of period                             $722,209                              $906,680

      Net (decrease) increase in
       cash and cash equivalents                        (28,196)                              262,044

      Cash and cash equivalents
       -end of period                                   $694,013                            $1,168,724
                                                        ========                            ==========




                              Motorcycles and Related Products Revenue and

                                        Motorcycle Shipment Data


                                           (Unaudited)                     (Unaudited)

                                       Three months ended

                                            March 27,                       March 29,

                                                           2016                             2015
                                                           ----                             ----

    MOTORCYCLES AND RELATED
     PRODUCTS REVENUE (in
     thousands)

      Motorcycles                                    $1,317,578                       $1,255,121

      Parts & Accessories                               183,705                          183,872

      General Merchandise                                70,618                           66,428

      Other                                               4,709                            5,149

                                                     $1,576,610                       $1,510,570
                                                     ==========                       ==========


    MOTORCYCLE SHIPMENTS:

        United States                                    57,635                           56,664

        International                                    25,401                           22,925

          Total                                          83,036                           79,589
                                                         ======                           ======


    MOTORCYCLE PRODUCT MIX:

        Touring                                          38,497                           38,797

        Cruiser(1)                                       26,929                           23,396

        Sportster(R) / Street                            17,610                           17,396

          Total                                          83,036                           79,589
                                                         ======                           ======


    (1)              Category previously referred
                     to as "Custom" motorcycle
                     units, as used in this
                     table, include Dyna(R),
                     Softail(R), V-Rod(R) and
                     CVO models.




                       Worldwide Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles(1)


                                         Three months ended

                                              March 31,                       March 31,

                                                        2016                             2015
                                                        ----                             ----

     Americas
     Region

       United
       States                                         35,326                           35,488

      Canada                                           2,470                            2,123

       Latin
       America                                         1,886                            2,565

         Total
         Americas
         Region                                       39,682                           40,176


     Europe,
     Middle
     East
     and
     Africa
     Region
     (EMEA)

      Europe(2)                                        8,595                            8,129

      Other                                            1,615                            1,259

         Total
         EMEA
         Region                                       10,210                            9,388


     Asia
     Pacific
     Region

      Japan                                            2,106                            1,972

      Other                                            5,460                            5,125

         Total
         Asia
         Pacific
         Region                                        7,566                            7,097


         Total
         Worldwide
         Retail
         Sales                                        57,458                           56,661
                                                      ======                           ======


         Total
         International
         Retail
         Sales                                        22,132                           21,173


    (1)              Data source for retail sales
                     figures shown above is new
                     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
                     new retail sales, and this
                     information is subject to
                     revision.


    (2)              Europe data includes Austria,
                     Belgium, Denmark, Finland,
                     France, Germany, Greece, Italy,
                     Luxembourg, Netherlands,
                     Norway, Portugal, Spain,
                     Sweden, Switzerland, and the
                     United Kingdom.




                     Motorcycle Registration Data(1)


                             Three months ended

                                  March 31,          March 31,

                                            2016                2015
                                            ----                ----

    United States(2)                      68,305              67,791

    Europe(3)                             95,480              91,221


    (1)              Data includes on-road 601+cc
                     models. On-road 601+cc models
                     include dual purpose models,
                     three-wheeled motorcycles and
                     autocycles.

    (2)              United States data is derived from
                     information provided by Motorcycle
                     Industry Council (MIC). This third
                     party data is subject to revision
                     and update.

    (3)              Europe data includes Austria,
                     Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
                     Germany, Greece, Italy,
                     Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway,
                     Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
                     Switzerland, and the United
                     Kingdom. Industry retail
                     motorcycle registration data
                     includes 601+cc models derived
                     from information provided by
                     Association des Constructeurs
                     Europeens de Motocycles (ACEM), an
                     independent agency. This third-
                     party data is subject to revision
                     and update.

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SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.