grepcent public filings, reorganized for comparison

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC. (HOG) FY 2021 MD&A

Verbatim Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis from HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.'s 10-K for fiscal year 2021. Filing date: 2022-02-25. Report date: 2021-12-31. Accession: 0000793952-22-000014.

This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high.

Company profile: HOG · All MD&A years: index · Next year: FY 2022

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of the group of companies referred to as Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the "Company" include Harley-Davidson, Inc. and all its subsidiaries. The Company operates in two segments: Motorcycles and Related Products (Motorcycles) and Financial Services.

The “% Change” figures included in the Results of Operations section were calculated using unrounded dollar amounts and may differ from calculations using the rounded dollar amounts presented. Certain “% Change” deemed not meaningful (NM) have been excluded.

(1) Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this report 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,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “targets,” “intend,” "is on-track," "forecasting," 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 report. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described in close proximity to such statements or elsewhere in this report, including in Item 1A. Risk Factors and under the Cautionary Statements section in this Item 7. 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 the Overview and Guidance sections in this Item 7 are only made as of February 8, 2022 and the remaining forward-looking statements in this report are only made as of the date of the filing of this report (February 25, 2022), and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

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Overview(1)

The Company’s net income for 2021 was $650.0 million, or $4.19 per diluted share, compared to $1.3 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in 2020 driven by higher operating income in both the Motorcycles and Financial Services segments.

Motorcycles segment operating income was $408.6 million in 2021 compared to an operating loss of $186.1 million in 2020 which was adversely impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The improvement in operating results in 2021 was driven by a 29.8% increase in wholesale motorcycle shipments, favorable product mix, higher pricing and lower restructuring expenses which more than offset higher supply chain and tariff costs incurred in 2021.

Operating income from the Financial Services segment in 2021 was up $219.0 million or 111.9% compared to 2020 driven by a decrease in the provision for credit losses, lower interest expense and lower restructuring charges. The provision for credit losses declined primarily due to improved economic conditions and favorable retail credit loss performance.

Worldwide dealer retail sales of the Company's new motorcycles grew 7.8% in 2021 compared to 2020 driven by strong growth in North America. During 2021, retail sales increased 22.1% in North America compared to 2020, which was partially offset by declines in the Company's markets outside of North America. Refer to the Motorcycles Retail Sales and Registration Data section for further discussion of retail sales results.

The Company is pleased with its 2021 performance, the first year of its five-year strategic plan, The Hardwire, especially in light of the challenges the Company faced in 2021 related to supply chain, European Union (EU) tariffs and managing through the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Factors Impacting the Company

Supply Chain – During 2021, the Company experienced disruption and increased costs related to global supply chain challenges. As a result of these challenges, the Company experienced cost increases for logistics, raw materials and purchased components, as well as supply constraints related to certain components including those impacted by the current global semiconductor chip shortages. These challenges have also resulted in manufacturing disruption and higher manufacturing conversion costs. In response to the supply chain challenges, the Company imposed pricing surcharges in the U.S. during the second half of 2021, worked to optimize production schedules to prioritize more profitable models and markets and enacted tighter operating expense cost controls. The Company expects the supply chain challenges and higher costs will continue in the first half of 2022, but anticipates a moderate improvement, compared to 2021, in the second half of the year across logistics and raw materials. The Company expects semiconductor chip availability to continue to be challenged with some improvement in the second half of 2022 compared to 2021.

Additional European Union Tariffs – Beginning in 2019, the Company operated under Binding Origin Information (BOI) rulings that allowed it to supply its EU markets with certain motorcycles produced at its Thailand manufacturing facility at tariff rates of 6%. In April 2021, the Company received notification from the Economic Ministry of Belgium that, following a request from the EU, the Company would be subject to revocation of the BOI rulings, effective April 19, 2021. As a result of the revocation, all non-electric motorcycles that Harley-Davidson imported into the EU, regardless of origin, were subject to a total tariff rate of 31% beginning on April 19, 2021 that was scheduled to increase to 56% effective June 1, 2021. However, in May 2021, the EU made a decision to delay the increase initially scheduled for June 2021 to December 2021, while tariff negotiations took place between the U.S. and the EU. On October 30, 2021, the U.S. and EU announced an agreement related to the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum that were implemented in 2018 by the U.S. and the subsequent rebalancing tariff measures taken by the EU. This agreement suspended the additional tariffs initially imposed by the EU on the Company's motorcycles in 2018, reducing the total EU tariff rate on the Company’s motorcycles from 31% to 6%, effective January 1, 2022. The EU tariff rate remained at 31% through the end of 2021 rather than increasing to 56% on December 1, 2021 as previously scheduled. The lower 6% tariff rate applies to all motorcycles imported by the Company into the EU, regardless of origin, beginning in 2022. Under the agreement between the U.S. and the EU, the lower tariff rate will remain in effect until December 31, 2023. During such time, the U.S. and EU will monitor and review the operation of the agreement, seeking to conclude the negotiations on steel and aluminum tariffs by December 31, 2023. These negotiations are ongoing, and there are no assurances the U.S. and EU will reach a resolution that concludes the trade conflict on steel and aluminum tariffs beyond December 31, 2023.

To date, the Company continues to pursue its appeals of the revocation of the BOIs and the denial of its application for temporary extended reliance on the 6% tariff rate (for motorcycles produced in Thailand and ordered prior to April 19, 2021), although there is no assurance that these appeals will continue or be successful.

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COVID-19 Pandemic – The Company continues to manage through the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated variants by keeping safety and community well-being a priority. The Company continues to proactively follow protocols to keep workers safe in its manufacturing facilities, and most non-production workers continue to work remotely in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future results depends on future developments, such as the ultimate duration and scope of the pandemic including associated variants, the success of vaccination programs, the consequences of vaccine requirements, and its impact on the Company's customers, dealers, distributors, and suppliers. Future impacts and disruptions could have an adverse effect on production, supply chains, distribution, and demand for the Company's products.

Restructuring Plan Costs and Savings(1) – During 2020, the Company executed a set of actions, referred to as The Rewire. The actions included certain restructuring activities including a workforce reduction, the termination of certain current and future products, facility changes, optimizing the Company's global dealer network, exiting certain international markets, and discontinuing its sales and manufacturing operations in India. These actions included restructuring expenses related to employee termination costs, contract termination costs and non-current asset adjustments. The workforce reduction resulted in the termination of approximately 570 employees. The Company incurred $130.0 million and $3.4 million of restructuring expense in connection with these actions during 2020 and 2021, respectively. The Company expects ongoing annual gross savings resulting from these restructuring activities of approximately $115 million. The Company began to realize the savings in the second half of 2020 with 2021 being the first year of full annualized savings. Refer to Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Company's restructuring expenses.

LiveWire Transaction(1) – On December 13, 2021, the Company and AEA-Bridges Impact Corp. (ABIC), a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), announced that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement under which LiveWire, the Company's electric motorcycle division, will become a separate business of the Company and ABIC will combine with LiveWire to create a new publicly traded company. LiveWire plans to redefine motorcycling as the industry-leading, all-electric motorcycle company, with a focus on the urban market and beyond. As a strong and desirable brand with growing global recognition, LiveWire plans to develop the technology of the future and to invest in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorcycling. The parties expect that the transaction will be financed by ABIC’s $400 million cash held in trust (assuming no redemptions by ABIC’s shareholders in the context of the transaction), a $100 million cash investment from the Company, and a $100 million investment from an independent strategic investor, Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd. (KYMCO). In addition, to the extent any shares of the SPAC are redeemed, the Company will invest an additional amount equal to the dollar value of such redemptions up to a maximum of $100 million.

The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both the Company and ABIC, is expected to close in the first half of 2022. The consummation of the business combination is subject to the approval of ABIC’s shareholders as well as other conditions and regulatory approvals. Upon closing of the transaction, the Company will retain a controlling financial interest in LiveWire. The expectation is that, upon closing of the transaction, the Company will retain an equity interest in the separate public company of approximately 74%. As the controlling shareholder following the transaction, the Company will continue to consolidate LiveWire’s results, with additional adjustments to recognize non-controlling shareholder interests.

Guidance(1)

On February 8, 2022, the Company announced the following guidance for 2022:

The Company expects Motorcycles segment revenue growth, compared to 2021, between 5% and 10%. This revenue growth guidance incorporates the Company's current information and expectations for the impact of supply chain challenges including semiconductor chip availability that the industry is facing. The Company expects revenue to be positively impacted by global pricing actions as the Company works to offset cost headwinds across the supply chain. Furthermore, the Company expects revenue growth from parts and accessories and apparel and licensing, as it executes The Hardwire strategy.

The Company expects Motorcycles segment operating margin as a percent of revenue of 11% to 12%. The Company believes the anticipated positive impact from higher motorcycle volume, product mix and pricing, combined with growth in revenue from higher-margin parts and accessories and apparel, will more than offset the expected cost inflation across the supply chain. Also, the removal of the additional EU tariffs is expected to contribute over a percentage point of margin growth. Finally, the Company expects 2022 operating margin to be positively impacted by operating expense leverage, even as the Company increases investment in LiveWire.

The Company expects Financial Services operating income to decline 20% to 25% compared to 2021. This decline is largely a result of the favorable credit loss allowance reductions and lower actual credit losses in 2021 that are not expected to repeat in 2022.

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The Company expects capital investments between $190 and $220 million. The Company plans to continue to invest behind product development and capability enhancement in support of The Hardwire strategy.

The Company's capital allocation priorities are to fund growth through The Hardwire initiatives, to pay dividends, and to execute discretionary share repurchases, which the Company plans to do in 2022.

Results of Operations 2021 Compared to 2020

Consolidated Results

(in thousands, except earnings per share)20212020Increase (Decrease)
Operating income (loss) from Motorcycles and Related Products$408,625$(186,122)$594,747
Operating income from Financial Services414,814195,801219,013
Operating income823,4399,679813,760
Other income (expense), net20,076(1,848)21,924
Investment income6,6947,560(866)
Interest expense30,97231,121(149)
Income (loss) before income taxes819,237(15,730)834,967
Income tax provision (benefit)169,213(17,028)186,241
Net income$650,024$1,298$648,726
Diluted earnings per share$4.19$0.01$4.18

The Company reported operating income of $823.4 million in 2021 compared to $9.7 million in 2020. The Motorcycles segment reported operating income of $408.6 million, an improvement from an operating loss of $186.1 million in 2020. Operating income from the Financial Services segment increased $219.0 million compared to 2020. Refer to the Motorcycles and Related Products Segment and Financial Services Segment discussions for a more detailed analysis of the factors affecting operating results.

Other income (expense) in 2021 was impacted by higher non-operating income related to the Company's defined benefit plans. Investment income decreased in 2021 as compared to 2020 driven by lower income from investments in marketable securities.

The Company's effective income tax rate for 2021 was a 20.7% expense compared to a 108.3% benefit for 2020. The Company's 2021 effective tax rate was favorably impacted by discrete income tax benefits recorded during the year. During 2020, the Company recorded a pre-tax loss resulting in an income tax benefit which was further impacted by discrete income tax benefits recorded during 2020.

Diluted earnings per share was $4.19 in 2021 compared to $0.01 in 2020. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding increased from 153.9 million in 2020 to 155.0 million in 2021.

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Motorcycle Retail Sales and Registration Data

Motorcycle Retail Sales(a)

Retail unit sales of new Harley-Davidson and LiveWire motorcycles were as follows:

20212020Increase (Decrease)% Change
United States126,276103,65022,62621.8%
Canada8,1376,4771,66025.6
North America134,413110,12724,28622.1
Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA)31,10136,906(5,805)(15.7)
Asia Pacific25,09027,220(2,130)(7.8)
Latin America3,6525,995(2,343)(39.1)
194,256180,24814,0087.8%

(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.

Worldwide retail sales of new motorcycles were up 7.8% during 2021 compared to 2020 when retail sales were impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Retail sales during 2021 also reflected strategic decisions made as part of The Rewire.

The increase in retail sales in 2021 was driven by the North American market which was positively impacted by increased demand for the Company's Grand American Touring and large Cruiser motorcycles. Retail sales in 2021 also benefited from the Company's introduction of Pan America™, its new Adventure Touring motorcycles.

Retail sales outside of North America in 2021 were impacted by actions taken under The Rewire to streamline the product portfolio to reduce complexity and direct resources towards the Company's core stronghold products. This includes the Company's decision to discontinue selling Street motorcycles and legacy Sportster motorcycles in EMEA and certain countries within the Asia Pacific and Latin American markets. Latin America retail sales were also impacted during 2021 by the reduction of dealers and pricing actions executed as part of The Rewire in 2020 to restore profitability in those markets. In addition, international retail sales were adversely impacted by longer shipping times.

At the end of 2021, worldwide retail inventory was down approximately 23% compared to the end of 2020 and down a similar amount relative to the end of the third quarter of 2021 primarily due to strong demand, in particular in the U.S. market. Overall, the Company continued to observe strong pricing for both new and used motorcycles and improved dealer profitability.

The Company's U.S. market share of new 601+cc motorcycles for 2021 was 44.5%, up 2.4 percentage points compared to 2020 (Source: Motorcycle Industry Council). The Company's U.S. market share increased on stronger retail sales performance relative to the industry, as well as stronger performance in the Company's Grand American Touring and Cruiser segments.

The Company's European market share of new 601+cc motorcycles for 2021 was 5.9%, down 1.8 percentage points compared to 2020 reflecting the decline in retail sales in Europe (Source: Management Services Helwig Schmitt GmbH).

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Motorcycle Registration Data - 601+cc(a)

Industry retail registration data for new motorcycles was as follows:

20212020Increase% Change
United States(b)281,502241,79039,71216.4%
Europe(c)427,807411,99115,8163.8%

(a)Data includes on-road models with internal combustion engines with displacements greater than 600cc's and electric motorcycles with kilowatt peak power equivalents greater than 600cc's (601+cc). On-road 601+cc models include dual purpose models, three-wheeled motorcycles and autocycles. Registration data for Harley-Davidson Street® 500 motorcycles is not included in this table.

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

(c)Europe data includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Industry data is derived from information provided by Management Services Helwig Schmitt GmbH. This third-party data is subject to revision and update.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment

Motorcycle Unit Shipments

Wholesale motorcycle unit shipments were as follows:

20212020UnitUnit
UnitsMix %UnitsMix %Increase (Decrease)% Change
Motorcycle Units:
United States119,90963.6%79,73154.9%40,17850.4%
International68,58536.4%65,51545.1%3,0704.7
188,494100.0%145,246100.0%43,24829.8%
Motorcycle Units:
Grand American Touring(a)93,96149.8%61,32242.2%32,63953.2%
Cruiser(b)59,49431.6%49,97434.4%9,52019.0
Adventure Touring9,9165.3%%9,916100.0
Sportster® / Street25,12313.3%33,95023.4%(8,827)(26.0)
188,494100.0%145,246100.0%43,24829.8%

(a)Includes CVOTM and Trike

(b)Includes Softail® and LiveWireTM

During 2021, motorcycle shipments were up 29.8% from 2020 when shipments were adversely impacted by the temporary suspension of the Company's global manufacturing operations and the temporary closure of dealers in the first half of 2020 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The mix of Grand American Touring and Cruiser motorcycles shipped during 2021 increased as a percent of total shipments while the mix of Sportster/Street motorcycles decreased compared to 2020. In addition, motorcycle unit shipments during 2021 include the Company's new Pan America™ models, its first Adventure Touring motorcycles, which were launched in 2021.

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Segment Results

Condensed statements of operations for the Motorcycles segment were as follows (in thousands):

20212020Increase (Decrease)% Change
Revenue:
Motorcycles$3,477,395$2,350,407$1,126,98847.9%
Parts and accessories741,797659,63482,16312.5
Apparel228,106186,06842,03822.6
Licensing37,79029,7508,04027.0
Other55,15238,19516,95744.4
4,540,2403,264,0541,276,18639.1
Cost of goods sold3,243,2872,435,745807,54233.2
Gross profit1,296,953828,309468,64456.6
Operating expenses:
Selling & administrative expense717,053697,48319,5702.8
Engineering expense168,534197,838(29,304)(14.8)
Restructuring expense2,741119,110(116,369)(97.7)
888,3281,014,431(126,103)(12.4)%
Operating income (loss)$408,625$(186,122)$594,747NM
Operating margin9.0%(5.7)%14.7pts.

The estimated impacts of the significant factors affecting the comparability of revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2020 to 2021 were as follows (in millions):

RevenueCost of Goods SoldGross Profit
2020$3,264.1$2,435.7$828.4
Volume852.9575.5277.4
Price, net of related costs63.2(7.0)70.2
Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging56.622.833.8
Shipment mix303.4106.9196.5
Raw material prices72.2(72.2)
Manufacturing and other costs37.2(37.2)
1,276.1807.6468.5
2021$4,540.2$3,243.3$1,296.9

The following factors affected the comparability of net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2020 to 2021:

•The increase in volume was due to higher wholesale motorcycle shipments and higher parts and accessories and apparel sales.

•During 2021, revenue benefited from higher wholesale prices for motorcycles, including pricing surcharges that the Company imposed in the U.S. during the second half of 2021, and lower sales incentives.

•Revenue and gross profit were favorably impacted by stronger foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar, partially offset by unfavorable net foreign currency losses associated with hedging and balance sheet remeasurements recorded in cost of goods sold.

•Changes in the shipment mix between motorcycle families had a favorable impact on revenue and gross profit during 2021 as compared to 2020 due primarily to a higher mix of Grand American Touring and Cruiser models.

•Raw material cost increases were driven by higher prices primarily due to supply chain challenges.

•Manufacturing and other cost increases were due to higher supply chain costs and increased tariff costs, partially offset by a lower fixed cost per unit resulting from higher production volumes. The impact of additional EU tariffs was $55.5 million in 2021 compared to $18.3 million in 2020.

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Operating expenses were lower in 2021 compared to 2020 due primarily to lower restructuring costs following the Company's 2020 restructuring actions. Selling, administrative and engineering expenses benefited from cost savings resulting from the Company's 2020 restructuring actions; however, these benefits were offset by increased spending on The Hardwire initiatives. In 2020, operating expenses also benefited from cost saving efforts undertaken to preserve cash at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Refer to Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Company's restructuring expenses.

Financial Services Segment

Segment Results

Condensed statements of operations for the Financial Services segment were as follows (in thousands):

20212020(Decrease) Increase% Change
Financial Services revenue:
Interest income$671,708$682,517$(10,809)(1.6)%
Other income124,360107,80616,55415.4
796,068790,3235,7450.7
Financial Services expenses:
Interest expense192,944246,447(53,503)(21.7)
Provision for credit losses25,049181,870(156,821)(86.2)
Operating expenses162,587155,3067,2814.7
Restructuring expense67410,899(10,225)(93.8)
381,254594,522(213,268)(35.9)
Operating income$414,814$195,801$219,013111.9%

Interest income was lower in 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to lower average outstanding finance receivables, partially offset by a higher average yield. Other income increased due in part to higher insurance and licensing income. Interest expense decreased due to lower average outstanding debt and a lower cost of funds.

The provision for credit losses decreased $156.8 million compared to 2020 primarily due to improved economic conditions, favorable retail credit loss performance and the Company’s outlook on future economic conditions. However, the pace of economic recovery remains uncertain as demonstrated by unemployment levels above those experienced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, muted consumer confidence, rising inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and continuing COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges across the U.S., among other factors. As such, at the end of 2021, the Company's outlook on economic conditions and its probability weighting of its economic forecast scenarios included continued slow economic improvement in its economic scenario weighting. The Company’s expectations surrounding its economic forecasts may change in future periods as additional information becomes available.

Annual losses on the Company's retail motorcycle loans were 1.19% during 2021 compared to 1.38% in 2020. The favorable retail credit loss performance was due to elevated used motorcycle values at auction in the U.S. and continued lower than normal delinquency levels driven by benefits provided to individuals under the U.S. federal stimulus packages and COVID-19 pandemic retail payment extensions. Favorable used motorcycle values stemmed from an ongoing low number of motorcycles at auction. The 30-day delinquency rate for retail motorcycle loans at December 31, 2021 increased to 3.33% from 3.18% at December 31, 2020. Although the 30-day delinquency rate was elevated as compared to 2020, the 2021 delinquency rate remained below levels experienced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. These continued low delinquency levels were driven by benefits to individuals provided under U.S. federal stimulus packages as well as the effects of COVID-19 pandemic-related retail payment extensions. Starting in the second quarter of 2020, the Company granted COVID-19 pandemic-related extensions to help customers get through financial difficulties associated with the pandemic. During 2021, the volume of extensions declined from the levels experienced during 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but extensions did not return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels until the end of the second quarter of 2021. Extensions specific to the COVID-19 pandemic were discontinued by the Company at the beginning of the third quarter of 2021. The Company continues to grant standard payment extensions to customers in accordance with its policies. The Company expects the delinquency rate to normalize over time as it moves further away from the influx of stimulus funding.(1)

Operating expenses increased $7.3 million compared to 2020 due to higher employee-related costs and The Hardwire initiatives.

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Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables were as follows (in thousands):

20212020
Balance, beginning of period$390,936$198,581
Cumulative effect of change in accounting(a)100,604
Provision for credit losses25,049181,870
Charge-offs, net of recoveries(76,606)(90,119)
Balance, end of period$339,379$390,936

(a)On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 and increased the allowance for loan loss through retained earnings, net of income taxes, to establish an allowance that represents expected lifetime credit losses on the finance receivable portfolios at date of adoption.

At December 31, 2021, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $326.3 million for retail receivables and $13.1 million for wholesale receivables. At December 31, 2020, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $371.7 million for retail receivables and $19.2 million for wholesale receivables.

Refer to Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses on finance receivables.

Results of Operations 2020 Compared to 2019

Refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on February 23, 2021 for a detailed discussion of the results of operations for 2020 compared to 2019 and liquidity and capital resources for 2020 compared to 2019.

Other Matters

New Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

There are no new accounting standards issued but not yet adopted that are material to the Company.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The Company’s financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies, which require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. Management believes that the following are some of the more critical judgment areas in the application of accounting policies that currently affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit and Finance Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Retail Finance Receivables – On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, which requires an entity to recognize expected lifetime losses on finance receivables upon origination. The allowance for credit losses on retail finance receivables as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 represents the Company’s estimate of lifetime losses for its retail finance receivables.

The retail portfolio primarily consists of a large number of small balance, homogeneous finance receivables. The Company performs a collective evaluation of the adequacy of the retail allowance for credit losses. For periods after January 1, 2020, the Company utilizes a vintage-based loss forecast methodology that includes decompositions for probability of default, exposure at default, attrition rate, and recovery balance rate. Reasonable and supportable economic forecasts for a two-year period are incorporated into the methodology to reflect the estimated impact of changes in future economic conditions, such as unemployment rates, household obligations or other relevant factors, over the two-year reasonable and supportable period. For periods beyond the Company’s reasonable and supportable forecasts, the Company reverts to its average historical loss experience using a mean-reversion process over a three-year period. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, or term as well as other relevant factors.

Refer to Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses on finance receivables.

Product Warranty and Recalls – Estimated warranty costs are recorded at the time of sale and are based on a combination of historical claim cost data and other known factors that may affect future warranty claims. The estimated costs

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associated with voluntary recalls are recorded when the liability is both probable and estimable. The accrued cost of a recall is based on an estimate of the cost to repair each affected motorcycle and the number of motorcycles expected to be repaired based on historical data concerning the percentage of affected customers that take advantage of recall offers. In the case of both warranty and recall costs, as actual experience becomes available it is used to update the accruals.

The factors affecting actual warranty and recall costs can be volatile. As a result, actual warranty claims experience and recall costs may differ from estimates, which could lead to material changes in the Company’s accrued warranty and recall costs. The Company’s warranty and recall liabilities are discussed further in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Healthcare Benefits – The Company has a defined benefit pension plan and postretirement healthcare benefit plans, which cover certain eligible employees and retirees of the Motorcycles segment. The Company also has unfunded supplemental employee retirement plan agreements (SERPA) with certain employees.

U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) requires that companies recognize in their consolidated balance sheets a liability for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans that are underfunded or an asset for defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans that are overfunded.

Pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare obligations and costs are calculated through actuarial valuations. The valuation of benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs relies on key assumptions including discount rates, mortality, long-term expected return on plan assets, future compensation and healthcare cost trend rates.

The Company determines its discount rate assumptions by referencing high-quality long-term bond rates that are matched to the duration of its benefit obligations. Based on this analysis, the Company increased the weighted-average discount rate for pension and SERPA obligations from 2.62% as of December 31, 2020 to 2.89% as of December 31, 2021. The Company increased the weighted-average discount rate for postretirement healthcare obligations from 2.11% as of December 31, 2020 to 2.72% as of December 31, 2021. The Company determines its healthcare trend assumption for the postretirement healthcare obligation by considering factors such as estimated healthcare inflation, the utilization of healthcare benefits and changes in the health of plan participants. Based on the Company’s assessment of this data as of December 31, 2021, the Company set its healthcare cost trend rate at 6.75% as of December 31, 2021. The Company expects the healthcare cost trend rate to reach its ultimate rate of 5.00% by 2029.(1) These assumption changes were reflected immediately in the benefit obligation and will be amortized into net periodic benefit costs over future periods.

Plan assets are measured at fair value and are subject to market volatility. In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the historical returns on plan assets, adjusted to reflect the current view of the long-term investment market.

Changes in the funded status of defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans resulting from the difference between assumptions and actual results are initially recognized in other comprehensive income and amortized to expense over future periods. Sensitivity to changes in major assumptions used in the pension and postretirement healthcare obligations and costs was as follows (in thousands):

Amounts based on current assumptionsImpact of a 1% decrease in the discount rateImpact of a 1% increase in the healthcare cost trend rateImpact of a 1% decrease in the expected return on assets
2021 Net periodic benefit cost:
Pension and SERPA$21,750$32,688n/a$21,116
Postretirement healthcare$(3,593)$(956)$304$2,092
2021 Benefit obligations:
Pension and SERPA$2,174,595$333,798n/an/a
Postretirement healthcare$286,301$25,088$7,341n/a

The amounts based on current assumptions above exclude the impact of settlements and curtailments. This information should not be viewed as predictive of future amounts. The calculations of pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare obligations and costs are based on many factors in addition to those discussed here. This information should be considered in combination with the information provided in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements.

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Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes (Topic 740). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company reviews its deferred income tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred income tax asset is considered, along with any positive or negative evidence including tax law changes. Since future financial results and tax law may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary.

The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. These tax laws and regulations are complex and significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related deferred tax assets and liabilities.

In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Accruals for unrecognized tax benefits are provided for in accordance with the requirements of Topic 740. An unrecognized tax benefit represents the difference between the recognition of benefits related to items for income tax reporting purposes and financial reporting purposes. The unrecognized tax benefit is included within Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated balance sheets. The Company has a liability for interest and penalties on exposure items, if applicable, which is recorded as a component of the overall income tax provision. The Company is regularly audited by tax authorities as a normal course of business. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, the Company believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provision includes amounts sufficient to pay any assessments(1). Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.

Refer to Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the Company's income taxes.

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is subject to lawsuits and other claims related to product, commercial, employee, environmental and other matters. In determining costs to accrue related to these items, the Company carefully analyzes cases and considers the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as the potential range of possible loss. Any amounts accrued for these matters are monitored on an ongoing basis and are updated based on new developments or new information as it becomes available for each matter. Refer to Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the Company's commitments and contingencies.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Based on the Company's current outlook, for both the near and longer terms, it expects Motorcycles segment operations to continue to be funded primarily through cash flows generated by operations and Financial Services segment operations to continue to be funded with unsecured debt, unsecured commercial paper, asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities, committed unsecured bank facilities, asset-backed securitizations and brokered certificates of deposit.(1)

The Company's capital allocation priorities are to fund growth through The Hardwire initiatives, to pay dividends, and to execute discretionary share repurchases, which the Company plans to do in 2022.

The Company’s strategy is to maintain a minimum of twelve months of its projected liquidity needs through a combination of cash and cash equivalents and availability under its credit facilities. In response to liquidity concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company increased its cash and cash equivalents during 2020 through cash preservation efforts including the suspension of discretionary share repurchases and the issuance of debt. The Company's cash and cash equivalents remained higher than pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels at the end of 2021, but during 2021, the Company began to gradually reduce its cash and cash equivalents from 2020 levels.

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The Company’s cash and cash equivalents and availability under its credit and conduit facilities at December 31, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):

Cash and cash equivalents$1,874,745
Availability under credit and conduit facilities:
Credit facilities663,714
Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility(a)627,411
Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility(a)13,381
$3,179,251

(a)Includes facilities expiring in the next 12 months which the Company expects to renew prior to expiration.(1)

To access the debt capital markets, the Company relies on credit rating agencies to assign short-term and long-term credit ratings. Generally, lower credit ratings result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to debt capital markets. A credit rating agency may change or withdraw the Company’s ratings based on its assessment of the Company’s current and future ability to meet interest and principal repayment obligations. The Company’s short-term debt ratings affect its ability to issue unsecured commercial paper. The Company’s short- and long-term debt ratings as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:

Short-TermLong-TermOutlook
Moody’sP3Baa3Stable
Standard & Poor’sA3BBB-Stable
FitchF2BBB+Negative

The Company recognizes that it must continue to monitor and adjust its business to changes in the lending environment. The Company intends to continue with a diversified funding profile through a combination of short-term and long-term funding vehicles and to pursue a variety of sources to obtain cost-effective funding.(1) The Financial Services operations could be negatively affected by higher costs of funding and increased difficulty of raising, or potential unsuccessful efforts to raise, funding in the short-term and long-term capital markets.(1) These negative consequences could in turn adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations in various ways, including through higher costs of capital, reduced funds available through its Financial Services operations to provide loans to dealers and their retail customers, and dilution to existing shareholders through the use of alternative sources of capital.

Cash Flow Activity

Cash flow activities for the years ended December 31, were as follows (in thousands):

20212020
Net cash provided by operating activities$975,701$1,177,890
Net cash used by investing activities(459,447)(66,783)
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities(1,884,931)1,373,983
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(15,272)18,712
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$(1,383,949)$2,503,802

Operating Activities

The decrease in operating cash flow in 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily due to an increase in wholesale financing activity driven by higher loan originations. The Company’s sales of motorcycles and related products to dealers in the U.S. and Canada are financed through Harley-Davidson Financial Services and become finance receivables upon the sale to the dealer and become operating cash flows when the dealer repays the wholesale finance receivable. As a result, the timing of the Company's operating cash flow is impacted by the amount and duration of the wholesale financing that dealers elect to utilize.

The Company's operating cash flows were also lower than in 2020 due to changes in working capital primarily related to inventory and accounts receivable. The Company's accounts receivable balances, which relate primarily to sales outside of North America, declined during 2020 on lower sales which were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, as shipment volumes recovered in 2021, trade accounts receivable increased. The Company also experienced an increase in inventory during 2021 due primarily to a higher level of upcoming model year motorcycles in inventory, compared to 2020. The Company's inventory levels at year end are impacted by the model year change over which results in the production of

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the next model year's motorcycles at the end of the calendar year. These motorcycles are held in inventory until the new model year motorcycles are launched and shipped to dealers in January. In addition, supply chain disruptions also contributed to higher inventory levels at the end of 2021.

The Company continues to expect that it will generate sufficient cash inflows from operations to fund its ongoing operating cash requirements including those related to existing contractual commitments. The Company's purchase orders for inventory used in manufacturing generally do not become firm commitments until 90 days prior to expected delivery. The Company's material contractual operating cash commitments at December 31, 2021 relate to leases, retirement plan obligations and income taxes. The Company's long-term lease obligations and future payments are discussed further in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements. The Company’s expected future contributions and benefit payments related to its defined benefit retirement plans are discussed further in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements. As described in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements, the Company has a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $44.9 million and related accrued interest and penalties of $22.9 million as of December 31, 2021. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the period of cash settlement for either the liability for unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties.

Investing Activities

The Company’s most significant investing activities consist of capital expenditures and retail finance receivable originations and collections. Capital expenditures were $120.2 million and $131.1 million during 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company's 2022 plan includes estimated capital investments between $190 to $220 million, all of which the Company expects to fund with net cash flow generated by operations.(1)

Net cash outflows for finance receivables in 2021, which consisted primarily of retail finance receivables, were $384.2 million higher than in 2020 primarily due to higher retail finance receivable originations during 2021. The Company funds its finance receivables net lending activity through the issuance of debt and brokered certificates of deposit, discussed in the Financing Activities section.

Financing Activities

The Company’s financing activities consist primarily of dividend payments, share repurchases and debt activities.

The Company paid dividends of $0.60 per share totaling $92.4 million during 2021 and $0.44 per share totaling $68.1 million during 2020.

There were no discretionary share repurchases in 2021 or 2020. Share repurchases of common stock that employees surrendered to satisfy withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and performance shares were $11.6 million or 0.3 million shares and $8.0 million or 0.3 million shares during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, there were 18.2 million shares remaining on a board-approved share repurchase authorization.

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Financing cash flows related to debt and brokered certificates of deposit activities resulted in net cash (outflows)/inflows of $(1.78) billion and $1.45 billion in 2021 and 2020, respectively. During 2021, debt levels declined in connection with the reduction in cash and cash equivalents as the Company normalized cash balances from the higher levels held at the end of 2020, as discussed earlier in Liquidity and Capital Resources. The Company’s total outstanding debt and liability for brokered certificates of deposit consisted of the following as of December 31, (in thousands):

20212020
Outstanding debt:
Unsecured commercial paper$751,286$1,014,274
Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility85,054116,678
Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facilities272,589402,205
Asset-backed securitization debt, net1,627,1421,791,956
Medium-term notes, net3,408,6604,917,714
Senior notes, net744,668743,977
$6,889,399$8,986,804
Deposits, net$290,326$79,965

Refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for a summary of future principal payments on the Company's debt obligations. Refer to Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for a summary of future maturities on the Company's certificates of deposit.

Deposits – During 2020, Harley-Davidson Financial Services began offering brokered certificates of deposit to customers indirectly through contractual arrangements with third-party banks and/or securities brokerage firms through its bank subsidiary. The Company had $290.3 million and $80.0 million, net of fees, of interest-bearing brokered certificates of deposit outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The deposits are classified as short- and long-term liabilities based upon the term of each brokered certificate of deposit issued. Each separate brokered certificate of deposit is issued under a master certificate, and as such, all outstanding brokered certificates of deposit are considered below the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance coverage limits.

Credit Facilities – In April 2020, the Company entered into a $707.5 million five-year credit facility to replace the $765.0 million five-year credit facility that was due to mature in April 2021. The new five-year credit facility matures in April 2025. The Company also amended its $780.0 million five-year credit facility in April 2020 to $707.5 million with no change to the maturity date of April 2023. Additionally, the Company had a $350.0 million 364-day credit facility that matured in May 2021. The five-year credit facilities (together, the Global Credit Facilities) bear interest at variable rates, which may be adjusted upward or downward depending on certain criteria, such as credit ratings. The Global Credit Facilities also require the Company to pay a fee based on the average daily unused portion of the aggregate commitments. The Global Credit Facilities are committed facilities primarily used to support the Company's unsecured commercial paper program.

Unsecured Commercial Paper – Subject to limitations, the Company could issue unsecured commercial paper of up to $1.42 billion as of December 31, 2021 supported by the Global Credit Facilities, as discussed above. Outstanding unsecured commercial paper may not exceed the unused portion of the Global Credit Facilities. Maturities may range up to 365 days from the issuance date. The Company intends to repay unsecured commercial paper as it matures with additional unsecured commercial paper or through other means, such as borrowing under the Global Credit Facilities, borrowing under its asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility or through the use of operating cash flow and cash on hand.(1)

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Medium-Term Notes – The Company had the following unsecured medium-term notes issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 (in thousands):

Principal AmountRateIssue DateMaturity Date
$550,0004.05%February 2019February 2022
$400,0002.55%June 2017June 2022
$350,0003.35%February 2018February 2023
$737,302(a)4.94%May 2020May 2023
$680,586(b)3.14%November 2019November 2024
$700,0003.35%June 2020June 2025

(a)Euro denominated €650.0 million par value remeasured to U.S. dollar at December 31, 2021

(b)Euro denominated €600.0 million par value remeasured to U.S. dollar at December 31, 2021

The U.S. dollar-denominated medium-term notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and the foreign currency-denominated medium-term notes provide for annual interest payments. Principal on the medium-term notes is due at maturity. Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs on the medium-term notes reduced the outstanding balance by $9.2 million and $15.4 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Senior Notes – In July 2015, the Company issued $750.0 million of unsecured senior notes in an underwritten offering. The senior notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. $450.0 million of the senior notes mature in July 2025 and have an interest rate of 3.50%, and $300.0 million of the senior notes mature in July 2045 and have an interest rate of 4.625%. The Company used the proceeds from the debt to repurchase shares of its common stock in 2015.

On-Balance Sheet Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility – In June 2021, the Company renewed and amended its facility agreement (Canadian Conduit) with a Canadian bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit. Under the agreement, the Canadian Conduit is contractually committed, at the Company's option, to purchase eligible Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables for proceeds up to C$125.0 million. Prior to the renewal and amendment, the Canadian Conduit was contractually committed, at the Company's option, to purchase eligible Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables for proceeds up to C$220.0 million. The transferred assets are restricted as collateral for the payment of the associated debt. The terms for this debt provide for interest on the outstanding principal based on prevailing market interest rates plus a specified margin. The Canadian Conduit also provides for a program fee and an unused commitment fee based on the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of C$125.0 million. There is no amortization schedule; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. Upon expiration of the Canadian Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. The expected remaining term of the related receivables is approximately 4 years. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement between the Company and the lenders, as of December 31, 2021, the Canadian Conduit has an expiration date of June 27, 2022.

In 2021, the Company transferred $32.8 million of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit for proceeds of $27.4 million. In 2020, the Company transferred $77.9 million of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit for proceeds of $61.6 million.

On-Balance Sheet Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facilities VIE – Until November 25, 2020, the Company had two separate agreements with third-party banks and their asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduits, a $300.0 million revolving facility agreement and a $600.0 million revolving facility agreement (together, the Former U.S. Conduit Facilities). On November 25, 2020, the Company amended each revolving facility agreement by consolidating the two agreements into one $900.0 million revolving facility agreement (the U.S. Conduit Facility) with third-party banks and their asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduits. Under the revolving facility agreement, the Company may transfer U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to an SPE, which in turn may issue debt to those third-party banks and their asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduits. In addition to the $900.0 million aggregate commitment, the agreement allows for additional borrowings, at the lender’s discretion, of up to $300.0 million. On November 19, 2021, the Company renewed the U.S. Conduit Facility. Availability under the U.S. Conduit Facility is based on, among other things, the amount of eligible U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables held by the SPE as collateral.

In 2021, the Company transferred $83.5 million of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to an SPE which, in turn, issued $71.5 million of debt under the U.S. Conduit Facility. In 2020, the Company transferred $195.3 million of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to an SPE which, in turn, issued $163.6 million of debt under the Former U.S. Conduit Facilities.

The terms for this debt provide for interest on the outstanding principal based on prevailing commercial paper rates if funded by a conduit lender through the issuance of commercial paper. If not funded by a conduit lender through the issuance

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of commercial paper, the terms of the interest are based on LIBOR, with provisions for a transition to other benchmark rates, generally aligning to recommendations published by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee convened by the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Reserve Bank of New York. In each of these cases, a program fee is assessed based on the outstanding debt principal balance. The U.S. Conduit Facility also provides for an unused commitment fee based on the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment. When calculating the unused fee, the aggregate commitment does not include any unused portion of the $300.0 million additional borrowings allowed. There is no amortization schedule; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. Upon expiration of the U.S. Conduit Facility, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. The expected remaining term of the related receivables held by the SPE is approximately 5 years. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, as of December 31, 2021, the U.S. Conduit Facility has an expiration date of November 18, 2022.

Asset-Backed Securitization VIEs – For all of its asset-backed securitization transactions, the Company transfers U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to separate VIEs, which in turn issue secured notes with various maturities and interest rates to investors. All of the notes held by the VIEs are secured by future collections of the purchased U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables. The U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables included in the asset-backed securitization transactions are not available to pay other obligations or claims of the Company's creditors until the associated debt and other obligations are satisfied. Restricted cash balances held by the VIEs are used only to support the asset-backed securitizations.

The accounting treatment for asset-backed securitizations depends on the terms of the related transaction and the Company’s continuing involvement with the VIE. The Company's current outstanding asset-backed securitizations do not meet the criteria to be accounted for as a sale because, in addition to retaining servicing rights, the Company retains a financial interest in the VIE in the form of a debt security. These transactions are treated as secured borrowings, and as such, the retail motorcycle finance receivables remain on the balance sheet with a corresponding obligation reflected as debt. There is no amortization schedule for the secured notes; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related retail motorcycle finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. The secured notes currently have various contractual maturities ranging from 2024 to 2029.

In 2021, the Company transferred $1.30 billion of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to two separate SPEs which, in turn, issued $1.18 billion, or $1.17 billion net of discounts and issuance costs, of secured notes through two separate on-balance sheet asset-backed securitization transactions. In 2020, the Company transferred $2.42 billion of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to four separate SPEs which, in turn, issued $2.08 billion, or $2.06 billion net of discounts and issuance costs, of secured notes through four separate on-balance-sheet asset-backed securitization transactions.

Support Agreement – The Company has a support agreement with Harley-Davidson Financial Services whereby, if required, the Company agrees to provide Harley-Davidson Financial Services with financial support to maintain Harley-Davidson Financial Services’ fixed-charge coverage at 1.25 and minimum net worth of $40.0 million. Support may be provided at the Company’s option as capital contributions or loans. No amount has ever been provided to Harley-Davidson Financial Services under the support agreement.

Operating and Financial Covenants – Harley-Davidson Financial Services and the Company are subject to various operating and financial covenants related to the credit facilities and various operating covenants under the medium-term and senior notes and the U.S. and Canadian asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. The more significant covenants are described below.

The operating covenants limit the Company’s and Harley-Davidson Financial Services’ ability to:

•Assume or incur certain liens;

•Participate in certain mergers or consolidations; and

•Purchase or hold margin stock.

Under the current financial covenants of the Global Credit Facilities, the ratio of Harley-Davidson Financial Services’ consolidated debt, excluding secured debt, to Harley-Davidson Financial Services’ consolidated allowance for credit losses on finance receivables plus Harley-Davidson Financial Services' consolidated shareholders' equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL), cannot exceed 10.0 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. In addition, the ratio of the Company's consolidated debt to the Company's consolidated debt and consolidated shareholders’ equity (where the Company's consolidated debt in each case excludes that of Harley-Davidson Financial Services and its subsidiaries, and the Company's consolidated shareholders’ equity excludes AOCL) cannot exceed 0.7 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. No

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financial covenants are required under the medium-term or senior notes or the U.S. or Canadian asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities.

At December 31, 2021 and 2020, Harley-Davidson Financial Services and the Company remained in compliance with all of the then existing covenants.

Cautionary Statements

The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this report 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,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “targets,” “intend,” "is on-track," "forecasting," 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 report. 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 report are only made as of the date of this report, 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 following: (i) the COVID-19 pandemic, including the length and severity of the pandemic across the globe and the pace of recovery following the pandemic and (ii) the Company's ability to: (a) execute its business plans and strategies, including The Hardwire and the evolution of LiveWire as a standalone brand, including the proposed separation of LiveWire into a separate business of the Company through the combination of LiveWire with ABIC, which includes the risks noted below; (b) manage supply chain and logistic issues, including quality issues, availability of semiconductor chip components and the ability to find alternative sources of those components in a timely manner, unexpected interruptions or price increases caused by supplier volatility, raw material shortages or natural disasters, and longer shipping times and increased logistics costs, including successfully implementing pricing surcharges; (c) realize the expected business benefits from the combination of LiveWire with ABIC, which may be affected by, among other things: (I) the ability of LiveWire to: (1) execute its plans to develop, produce, market, and sell its electric vehicles; (2) achieve profitability, which is dependent on the successful development and commercial introduction and acceptance of its electric vehicles, and its services, which may not occur; (3) adequately control the costs of its operations as a new entrant into a new space; (4) develop, maintain, and strengthen its brand; (5) effectively establish and maintain cooperation from its retail partners, largely drawn from the Company's traditional motorcycle dealer network, to be able to effectively establish or maintain relationships with customers for electric vehicles; (II) competition; and (III) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the final prospectus of ABIC, including under "Risk Factors" therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by the Company, LW EV Holdings, Inc. (HoldCo) or ABIC; (d) accurately analyze, predict and react to changing market conditions and successfully adjust to shifting global consumer needs and interests; (e) successfully access the capital and/or credit markets on terms that are acceptable to the Company and within its expectations; (f) successfully carry out its global manufacturing and assembly operations; (g) develop and introduce products, services and experiences on a timely basis that the market accepts, that enable the Company to generate desired sales levels and that provide the desired financial returns, including successfully implementing and executing plans to strengthen and grow its leadership position in Grand American Touring, large Cruiser and Trike, and grow its complementary businesses; (h) perform in a manner that enables the Company to benefit from market opportunities while competing against existing and new competitors; (i) successfully appeal: (i) the revocation of the Binding Origin Information (BOI) decisions that allowed the Company to supply its European Union (EU) market with certain of its motorcycles produced at its Thailand operations at a reduced tariff rate and (ii) the denial of the Company's application for temporary relief from the effect of the revocation of the BOI decisions; (j) manage and predict the impact that new, reinstated or adjusted tariffs may have on the Company's ability to sell products internationally, and the cost of raw materials and components, including the temporary lifting of the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs and incremental tariffs on motorcycles imported into the EU from the U.S., between the U.S. and EU, which expires on December 31, 2023; (k) prevent, detect, and remediate any issues with its motorcycles or any issues associated with the manufacturing processes to avoid delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, regulatory agency investigations, increased warranty costs or litigation and adverse effects on its reputation and brand strength, and carry out any product programs or recalls within expected costs and timing; (l) manage the impact that prices for and supply of used motorcycles may have on its business, including on retail sales of new motorcycles; (m) successfully manage and reduce costs throughout the business; (n) manage through changes in general economic and business conditions, including changing capital, credit and retail markets, and the changing political environment; (o) continue to develop the capabilities of its distributors and dealers,

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effectively implement changes relating to its dealers and distribution methods and manage the risks that its dealers may have difficulty obtaining capital and managing through changing economic conditions and consumer demand; (p) continue to develop and maintain a productive relationship with Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co., Ltd. and launch related products in a timely manner; (q) maintain a productive relationship with Hero MotoCorp as a distributor and licensee of the Harley-Davidson brand name in India; (r) successfully maintain a manner in which to sell motorcycles in China and the Company's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries that does not subject its motorcycles to incremental tariffs; (s) manage its Thailand corporate and manufacturing operation in a manner that allows the Company to avail itself of preferential free trade agreements and duty rates, and sufficiently lower prices of its motorcycles in certain markets; (t) accurately estimate and adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices; (u) retain and attract talented employees, and eliminate personnel duplication, inefficiencies and complexity throughout the organization; (v) prevent a cybersecurity breach involving consumer, employee, dealer, supplier, or Company data and respond to evolving regulatory requirements regarding data security; (w) manage the credit quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of Harley-Davidson Financial Services' loan portfolio; (x) adjust to tax reform, healthcare inflation and reform and pension reform, and successfully estimate the impact of any such reform on the Company’s business; (y) manage through the effects inconsistent and unpredictable weather patterns may have on retail sales of motorcycles; (z) implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology systems, including systems at its manufacturing facilities; (aa) manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations; (bb) manage its exposure to product liability claims and commercial or contractual disputes; (cc) continue to manage the relationships and agreements that the Company has with its labor unions to help drive long-term competitiveness; (dd) achieve anticipated results with respect to the Company's pre-owned motorcycle program, Harley-Davidson Certified, and the Company's H-D1 Marketplace; (ee) accurately predict the margins of its Motorcycles and Related Products segment in light of, among other things, tariffs, the cost associated with product development initiatives and the Company's complex global supply chain; and (ff) optimize capital allocation in light of the Company's capital allocation priorities.

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, or other factors. Other factors are described in Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report. Many of these risk factors are impacted by the current changing capital, credit and retail markets and the Company's ability to manage through inconsistent economic conditions.

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, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or other factors.

In recent years, Harley-Davidson Financial Services has experienced historically low levels of retail credit losses, but there is no assurance that this will continue. The Company believes that Harley-Davidson Financial Services' retail credit losses will increase over time due among other things to factors that have contributed recently to low levels of losses, including the favorable impact of recent federal stimulus payments that will not recur.

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