HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC. (HOG) FY 2024 MD&A
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.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Harley-Davidson, Inc. operates in three segments: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), LiveWire, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the "Company" include Harley-Davidson, Inc. and all its subsidiaries.
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,” “intends,” "forecasts," "sees," "commits," "assumes," "envisions," 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. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 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 the Overview and Guidance sections in this Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are only made as of February 5, 2025 and the remaining forward-looking statements in this report are only made as of the date of the filing of this report
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(February 26, 2025), and the Company disclaims any obligations to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Overview(1)
During 2024, a challenging economic environment, including high-interest rates, adversely impacted consumer demand for premium discretionary products including the Company's motorcycles. Net income attributable to Harley-Davidson, Inc. for 2024 was $455.4 million, or $3.44 per diluted share, down from $706.6 million, or $4.87 per diluted share, in 2023. Consolidated operating income in 2024 decreased $362.5 million compared to 2023 due to lower operating income in the HDMC segment, partially offset by higher operating income in the HDFS segment and lower operating losses in the LiveWire segment.
HDMC segment operating income was $277.8 million in 2024 compared to operating income of $661.2 million in 2023. The reduction in operating income in 2024 was due primarily to lower motorcycle shipments, which fell in response to a decline in worldwide retail motorcycle sales. Operating income was also unfavorably impacted by changes in pricing, shipment mix, foreign currency rates and manufacturing expenses, partially offset by lower raw material costs compared to 2023.
LiveWire segment operating loss was $109.6 million in 2024 compared to an operating loss of $116.8 million in 2023. The decrease in operating loss in 2024 was due primarily to lower operating expenses, partially offset by a decrease in revenue from electric balance bikes and electric motorcycles.
HDFS segment operating income was $248.4 million in 2024 compared to operating income of $234.7 million in 2023. The increase in operating income was due primarily to higher interest income, partially offset by higher interest expense, an increase in the provision for credit losses and higher operating expenses.
Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles declined during 2024 as they were negatively impacted by a continued challenging macroeconomic environment. Worldwide dealer retail unit sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 7.1% in 2024 compared to 2023. During 2024, retail sales decreased 3.6% and 12.4% in U.S. and international markets, respectively, compared to 2023. Refer to the Harley-Davidson Retail Sales section for further discussion of retail sales results.
Key Factors Impacting the Company
Supply Matters – During the second quarter of 2022, the Company received information from a Tier 2 supplier, Proterial Cable America, Inc. ("PCA" f/k/a Hitachi Cable America, Inc.), concerning a potential regulatory compliance matter relating to PCA's brake hose assemblies. As a result, out of an abundance of caution, the Company suspended all vehicle assembly and shipments for approximately two weeks during the second quarter of 2022. Since then, the Company has been working through the regulatory compliance matter with PCA, the Company’s relevant Tier-1 suppliers, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency responsible for brake hose assembly compliance in the United States.
In connection with this matter, in July 2022, PCA notified NHTSA of a population of brake hose assemblies manufactured between May and July of 2022 that were non-compliant with select NHTSA laboratory test standards. Based on that filing, in August 2022, the Company notified NHTSA of the corresponding population of Harley-Davidson motorcycles containing those brake hose assemblies. In October 2022, PCA amended its original notification, expanding its population of non-compliant brake hose assemblies to include units produced by PCA for use in Harley-Davidson motorcycles beginning as early as model year 2008. In December 2022, the Company amended its August notification, expanding the population to also include Harley-Davidson motorcycles that contained PCA's newly identified brake hose assemblies. In March 2023, PCA again amended its NHTSA notification, identifying additional compliance issues with the previously identified brake hose assemblies. The Company followed PCA's March amendment with a derivative amended notification to NHTSA in May 2023.
In June 2023, the Company received a letter from PCA advising that PCA was investigating a new, separate potential quality issue with brake hose assemblies produced by PCA after the Company’s 2022 production suspension. Due to this issue, the Company was forced to suspend production of most of the motorcycles manufactured at its York facility and run limited motorcycle manufacturing operations there for approximately two weeks. The Company continued to manufacture, among other motorcycles, the 2023 CVO Road Glide and Street Glide, which do not use PCA's brake hose assemblies. It also continued its normal motorcycle manufacturing operations at its international facilities. In connection with this matter, in late June 2023, PCA filed a new and separate NHTSA notification, identifying certain brake hose assemblies produced between June of 2022 and June of 2023 as noncompliant with select NHTSA laboratory test standards. The Company followed PCA’s June 2023 notification by filing a derivative notification with NHTSA in early July 2023.
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As permitted by federal law, both PCA and the Company have utilized NHTSA’s standard process to petition the agency to determine that these compliance issues are inconsequential to motor vehicle safety ("Inconsequentiality Determinations"). If NHTSA makes the Inconsequentiality Determinations requested, the Company will be exempt from conducting a field action or recall of its motorcycles related to these matters.
In its inconsequentiality petitions, the Company has presented NHTSA with: (1) extensive independent, third-party and internal testing demonstrating that the brake hose assemblies at issue are robust to extreme conditions - which far exceed maximum expected motorcycle lifetime demands - with no impact to brake performance; and (2) real-world field safety data showing no documented crashes or injuries attributable to the identified compliance issues for the relevant affected populations. The Company believes its petitions are closely comparable to inconsequentiality petitions that have resulted in successful inconsequentiality determinations in the past. The Company is also confident that its position that the compliance issues are inconsequential to motor vehicle safety is strong and, therefore, no field action or recall will be necessary.
Based on its expectation that NHTSA will make Inconsequentiality Determinations, the Company does not expect that these regulatory noncompliance matters will result in material costs in the future, and no costs have been accrued to date. However, it is possible that a field action or recall could be required that could cause the Company to incur material costs. There are several variables and uncertainties associated with any potential field action or recall that are not yet fully known including, but not limited to, the population of brake hose assemblies and motorcycles, the specific field action or recall required, the complexity and cost of the required repair, the need for and availability of replacement parts, the suppliers of replacement parts and the number of motorcycle owners that would participate. The Company estimates, based on its available information and assumptions, that the cost of a potential field action or recall in the aggregate, if any were to occur, could range from approximately $140 million to $450 million. The Company continues to evaluate and update its estimates as it learns more about these regulatory matters, including the variables and uncertainties discussed above. During 2024, the Company adjusted the estimated range to reflect changes in the estimated cost of replacement parts and labor. The estimated population of potentially impacted brake lines and motorcycles remains unchanged. The Company also continues to maintain its expectation that NHTSA will make the requested Inconsequentiality Determinations and that these regulatory matters will not result in any material field action or recall costs. If a material field action or recall were to result, the Company would seek full recovery of those amounts from its suppliers.
Interest Rates - Interest rates remained heightened during much of 2024 and started to decline in the latter part of 2024. This follows a significant increase during 2022 and into 2023 as central banks attempted to reduce inflation. The current higher interest rate environment has adversely impacted HDFS' interest income margin due to a higher cost of funds that is only partially offset by increased interest rates on financing products sold by HDFS. Additionally, higher interest rates have adversely impacted consumer discretionary purchases, like the Company's motorcycles, as higher borrowing costs made these purchases less affordable or impacted the consumer's ability to obtain financing.
Incremental U.S. and Foreign Tariffs – In January 2025, the global tariff landscape began to quickly change with the U.S. implementing tariffs on various foreign countries, either generally or with respect to certain products, and certain of those foreign countries implementing rebalancing tariffs on the U.S., either generally or with respect to certain products. In certain circumstances the U.S. and certain foreign countries temporarily suspended tariffs they had recently implemented, either in whole or in part. The U.S. continues to implement new, reinstated or adjusted tariffs, and the Company expects that it will continue with this practice. Foreign countries subject to these U.S. tariffs continue to implement new, reinstated or adjusted rebalancing tariffs, and the Company expects that foreign countries will continue with that practice. The U.S. and foreign countries may also amend, suspend or withdraw their respective recently enacted tariffs at any time. If the recently enacted tariffs are not amended, suspended or withdrawn, it is likely to negatively impact the Company’s ability to sell products domestically and internationally at or near current prices as tariffs impact the cost of raw materials, components and motorcycles.
For example, on February 10, 2025, the U.S. announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imported into the U.S.; these tariffs are set to take effect on March 12, 2025. These tariffs are similar to tariffs the U.S. implemented in 2018 on steel and aluminum imported into the U.S. from the EU. In response to those 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs, the EU implemented incremental rebalancing tariffs of 25% on certain products imported into the EU from the U.S., including non-electric motorcycles. In April 2021, the EU’s 25% incremental rebalancing tariff started to apply to the Company’s motorcycles imported into the EU from its manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Thailand. On October 21, 2021, the U.S. and EU agreed to suspend these tariffs, with the EU suspension of its incremental tariffs now set to expire on March 31, 2025. If the EU tariff suspension expires without changes, all of the Company’s motorcycles imported into the EU would be subject to a total 56% tariff.
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Based in part on the history of the 2018 incremental rebalancing tariffs implemented by the EU, the Company expects foreign countries, including the EU, to implement rebalancing tariffs in response to the steel and aluminum tariffs announced by the U.S. on February 10, 2025. As the rebalancing tariffs implemented by the EU in 2018 applied to the Company’s motorcycles, it is possible that rebalancing tariffs that may be implemented by the EU or other countries in response to the 2025 steel and aluminum tariffs could apply to the Company’s motorcycles. It is also possible that the EU will reinstate the 2018 rebalancing tariffs when they are set to expire on March 31, 2025, or sooner, subjecting the Company’s motorcycles imported into the EU to a 56% tariff. The U.S. tariffs and rebalancing tariffs that were recently enacted or that may be enacted, in addition to impacting the cost of motorcycles, could increase the cost of components and materials used to make the Company’s motorcycles and other products. Higher production costs could make the Company’s motorcycles and other products less affordable for consumers, both in the U.S. and in foreign countries, and negatively impact consumer demand.
Additionally, in November 2024, the European Court of Justice denied the Company's appeal of the revocation in 2021 of Binding Origin Information (BOI) decisions. Prior to the revocation, the BOI decisions allowed the Company to supply its EU markets with certain motorcycles produced at its Thailand manufacturing facility at tariff rates of 6%. As a result of the revocation, products supplied by the Company's Thailand manufacturing facility to its EU markets are subject to the same tariff rates as products supplied by the Company's U.S. manufacturing facility to EU markets. The Company continues to pursue its appeal of 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 the appeal will continue or be successful.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the current global tariff landscape, the Company’s forward-looking guidance does not incorporate the impact of tariffs that have been or may be implemented, reinstated or adjusted in 2025. The Company plans to provide more information concerning tariffs and their impact in its earnings disclosures for the first quarter of 2025. The Company believes it has taken and it will continue to take all actions that it believes are appropriate to mitigate the potential impact of tariffs, and it plans to continue to take precautionary measures that it believes are appropriate. As it relates to tariffs that may be levied on imports into the U.S., the Company does not have production in Canada or Mexico, and all of the motorcycles in its core product families (Grand American Touring, Trike and Cruiser) sold in the U.S. are manufactured in the U.S. Additionally, the motorcycles manufactured in the U.S. in partnership with the Company's skilled union workforce account for the vast majority of its profit in North America, and most of its sourcing is also U.S. centric.
Guidance(1)
On February 5, 2025, the Company announced the following expectations for 2025:
The Company expects HDMC revenue to be flat to down 5% in 2025 compared to 2024 in line with its expectation that wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles to dealers will be flat to down 5% compared to 2024. In addition, the Company expects revenue in 2025 to be positively impacted by pricing, partially offset by a negative impact from foreign currency exchange rates. The Company also expects HDMC revenue in 2025 to exhibit a different seasonal cadence compared to 2024, when wholesale shipments in the first half of the year were favorably impacted by the introductory shipments of its all-new Grand American Touring motorcycles. As a result, the Company expects wholesale shipments in the first half of 2025 to be down double-digits on a percentage basis compared to the first half of 2024.
The Company expects worldwide dealer retail unit sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in 2025 to be flat compared to 2024. As a result, assuming 2025 wholesale shipments are in the middle of the Company's expected range, the Company expects a reduction of more than 10% in 2025 year-end dealer inventory of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles as compared to the end of 2024. The Company expects the reduction in dealer inventory levels to be most evident in the first half of 2025 when dealer inventory is expected to be down by more than 30% at the end of the first half of 2025 compared to the end of the first half of 2024.
The Company expects HDMC operating income margin as a percent of revenue to be 7.0% to 8.0% in 2025. The Company believes operating income margin in 2025 will be favorably impacted by pricing and lower operating expenses driven by lower headcount and anticipated savings related to warranty. The Company expects these favorable impacts to be partially offset by the unfavorable impacts of lower wholesale unit volumes and the resulting impact of higher costs per unit, unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates and unfavorable changes in shipment mix driven by the introduction of new model year Cruiser motorcycles, as compared to 2024.
The Company expects LiveWire motorcycle sales of 1,000 to 1,500 units and a LiveWire operating loss of $70 million to $80 million in 2025. This range represents approximately 35% improvement in operating results from 2024 while selling between 60% and 145% more motorcycle units. In addition, in 2025 the Company expects cash used by operating activities
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related to the LiveWire segment to decrease approximately $45 million or 48% compared to 2024 and cash used by investing activities related to the LiveWire segment to increase approximately $2 million or 30% compared to 2024.
The Company expects HDFS operating income to be down 10% to 15% in 2025 compared to 2024. The Company expects HDFS interest income to be impacted by lower finance receivables as wholesale finance receivables are impacted by lower dealer inventory levels, which are expected to drive wholesale finance receivables down, and lower retail finance receivables due to lower retail originations in recent years. Additionally, the Company expects HDFS to incur higher borrowing costs compared to 2024 as it refinances a portion of its debt portfolio at higher interest rates given the expected interest rate environment in 2025. The Company also expects HDFS's provision for credit losses to stabilize as consumers adapt to the macroeconomic environment and the Company's mix of retail finance receivables, which is expected to include a higher mix of prime originations compared to 2024.
The Company expects diluted earnings per share to be flat to down 5% in 2025 compared to 2024. The Company expects diluted earnings per share to be impacted by operating results from its segments as noted above, lower other non-operating income related to pension plans and LiveWire warrants, lower investment income and a higher effective income tax rate given the benefit of certain discrete tax adjustments in 2024 not expected to recur in 2025. Additionally, the Company expects diluted earnings per share in 2025 to be favorably impacted by lower weighted average shares outstanding.
In 2022, the Company set a cost productivity target to eliminate $400 million of incremental cost incurred since 2020 by 2025. The Company's efforts are focused on production efficiency, logistics network optimization and supplier cost optimization. This target originally included a positive impact from manufacturing leverage of approximately $50 million to $70 million based on an anticipated reduction in the fixed cost per motorcycle associated with increasing production volumes. Given the decrease in production volumes in 2023 and 2024, the Company adjusted the target in 2024 by removing the impact of manufacturing leverage and increasing productivity objectives in other areas to maintain the original target. Excluding the impact of manufacturing leverage, the Company achieved approximately $24 million in productivity savings in 2022 and approximately $123 million in 2023. The previously reported productivity savings, which included the impact of manufacturing leverage (whether positive or negative), were approximately $50 million and $70 million in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Company achieved approximately $110 million of cost productivity savings in 2024, resulting in total productivity savings of $257 million since the beginning of 2022. The Company expects to achieve $100 million in productivity savings in 2025 resulting in total estimated productivity savings of $357 million by the end of 2025, below its target of $400 million. The Company expects continued efforts in 2026 will result in $100 million of productivity savings in 2026, resulting in more than $400 million in total productivity savings by the end of 2026.
The Company expects capital investments in 2025 of between $225 and $250 million. The Company plans to continue to invest in product development and capability enhancements that support The Hardwire strategy. The Company's focus remains on core product innovation, investments in manufacturing to automate and reduce costs to improve productivity as well as planned investments for LiveWire.
The Company's capital allocation priorities are to fund profitable growth through The Hardwire initiatives, to pay dividends, and to execute share repurchases on a discretionary basis. The Company plans to repurchase approximately $1 billion of shares on a discretionary basis in aggregate from the third quarter of 2024 through the end of 2026. The Company purchased $250 million shares on a discretionary basis during the third and fourth quarters of 2024 and plans to repurchase $350 million shares on a discretionary basis in 2025.
Longer term, assuming some improvement in macroeconomic conditions in 2026, the Company expects to deliver solid HDMC operating income margin improvement in 2026. Based on actions the Company took in 2024 and its expectations for 2025, the Company expects to align production, wholesale shipment and retail sales volumes in 2026. The Company expects this will allow it to deliver low double-digit HDMC operating income margin in 2026 increasing to 15% in the years following 2026, based on a combination of factors, including expected slight volume growth supported by exciting product portfolio launches every year. This is a change from the Company's previous plan to deliver a 15% HDMC operating income margin by the end of 2025 which it would sustain for the full year 2026.
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Results of Operations 2024 Compared to 2023
Consolidated Results
| (in thousands, except earnings per share) | 2024 | 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating income - HDMC | $ | 277,844 | $ | 661,151 | $ | (383,307) | ||||
| Operating loss - LiveWire | (109,639) | (116,809) | 7,170 | |||||||
| Operating income - HDFS | 248,422 | 234,742 | 13,680 | |||||||
| Operating income | 416,627 | 779,084 | (362,457) | |||||||
| Other income, net | 72,295 | 71,808 | 487 | |||||||
| Investment income | 58,964 | 46,771 | 12,193 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 30,748 | 30,787 | (39) | |||||||
| Income before income taxes | 517,138 | 866,876 | (349,738) | |||||||
| Income tax provision | 71,963 | 171,830 | (99,867) | |||||||
| Net income | 445,175 | 695,046 | (249,871) | |||||||
| Less: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 10,182 | 11,540 | (1,358) | |||||||
| Net income attributable to Harley-Davidson, Inc. | $ | 455,357 | $ | 706,586 | $ | (251,229) | ||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 3.44 | $ | 4.87 | $ | (1.43) |
The Company reported lower operating income of $416.6 million in 2024 compared to $779.1 million in 2023 due to lower operating income at the HDMC segment partially offset by improved operating results at the HDFS and LiveWire segments. The HDMC segment reported operating income of $277.8 million compared to $661.2 million in 2023. Operating loss from the LiveWire segment decreased $7.2 million compared to 2023. Operating income from the HDFS segment increased $13.7 million compared to 2023. Refer to the HDMC segment, LiveWire segment and HDFS segment discussions for a more detailed analysis of the factors affecting operating results.
Other income, net in 2024 was impacted by income related to a decrease in the fair value of LiveWire's warrant liabilities in 2024 compared to an increase in 2023, partially offset by lower non-operating income related to the Company's defined benefit plans. Investment income increased in 2024 as compared to 2023 driven by higher income from cash equivalents.
The Company's effective income tax rate for 2024 was a 13.9% expense compared to a 19.8% expense for 2023. The Company's 2024 effective tax rate was favorably impacted by the mix of earnings from certain non-US jurisdictions that have a lower statutory tax rate or have beneficial tax holidays and tax benefits related to continued investment in research and development. Refer to Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s effective tax rate.
Diluted earnings per share was $3.44 in 2024 compared to $4.87 in 2023 with the decrease due to lower net income partially offset by the benefit of lower weighted average shares outstanding as compared to 2023. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased from 145.1 million in 2023 to 132.3 million in 2024 primarily due to repurchases of common stock.
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Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales and Registration Data
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales(a)
Retail unit sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles were as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | % Change | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 94,930 | 98,468 | (3,538) | (3.6) | % | ||||||
| Canada | 7,093 | 7,422 | (329) | (4.4) | |||||||
| North America | 102,023 | 105,890 | (3,867) | (3.7) | |||||||
| Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) | 24,082 | 27,005 | (2,923) | (10.8) | |||||||
| Asia Pacific | 22,213 | 26,953 | (4,740) | (17.6) | |||||||
| Latin America | 2,911 | 2,923 | (12) | (0.4) | |||||||
| 151,229 | 162,771 | (11,542) | (7.1) | % |
(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 Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 7.1% during 2024 compared to 2023 driven primarily by declines in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
The decline in North American retail sales was driven by lower retail sales in the United States, which were negatively impacted by a continued challenging macroeconomic environment that included high interest rates adversely impacting consumer discretionary spending. Retail sales in Asia Pacific and Europe were soft also primarily due to challenging macroeconomic conditions. In Asia Pacific, the decline in retail sales was primarily due to lower sales in Japan and China, while lower retail unit sales in Europe were driven by declines in Germany and the surrounding region.
Despite the overall decline in retail sales, North America retail sales of Grand American Touring motorcycles, including Trike motorcycles, increased more than 8% in 2024 compared to 2023 as the Company introduced updated Grand American Touring motorcycles and continued to focus on its most profitable products.
Worldwide retail inventory of new motorcycles was approximately 48,000 units at the end of 2024, which is down approximately 5% from the end of 2023. Retail inventory of new motorcycles is based on dealer inventory units at the end of each period.
Motorcycle Registration Data - 601+cc(a)(d)
The Company's Harley-Davidson motorcycle U.S. market share of new 601+cc motorcycle registrations for 2024 was 37.3%, down 0.6 percentage points compared to 2023 (Source: Motorcycle Industry Council). The Company's Harley-Davidson motorcycle European market share of new 601+cc motorcycle registrations for 2024 was 5.0%, up 0.2 percentage points compared to 2023 (Source: Management Services Helwig Schmitt GmbH). Refer to Item 1. Business for additional market share information.
Industry registration data for new motorcycles was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | Increase | % Change | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States(b) | 253,156 | 256,710 | (3,554) | (1.4) | % | ||||||
| Europe(c) | 516,260 | 473,486 | 42,774 | 9.0 | % |
(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.
(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.
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(d)New motorcycle registrations for the industry and Harley-Davidson are provided by or derived from third-party sources. New motorcycle registrations include consumer registrations (retail registrations) and to a lesser extent manufacturer, distributor and dealer registrations (non-retail registrations), for example, to register demonstration fleets. In the later part of 2024, manufacturers (including the Company), distributors and dealers registered some motorcycles through non-retail registrations to qualify the motorcycles under the new Euro 5+ emissions standard to allow for subsequent retail sale after December 31, 2024. As a result, Harley-Davidson new motorcycle registrations for Europe in 2024 included a higher proportion of non-retail registrations in 2024 compared to 2023 and 2022. While the Company believes industry registrations for Europe in 2024 were impacted in a similar manner, it does not have access to information necessary to confirm this.
HDMC Segment
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Unit Shipments
Wholesale motorcycle unit shipments were as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | Unit | Unit | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units | Mix % | Units | Mix % | Increase (Decrease) | % Change | ||||||||||||
| Motorcycle Units: | |||||||||||||||||
| United States | 94,075 | 63.2 | % | 113,867 | 63.3 | % | (19,792) | (17.4) | % | ||||||||
| International | 54,787 | 36.8 | % | 66,117 | 36.7 | % | (11,330) | (17.1) | |||||||||
| 148,862 | 100.0 | % | 179,984 | 100.0 | % | (31,122) | (17.3) | % | |||||||||
| Motorcycle Units: | |||||||||||||||||
| Grand American Touring(a) | 85,757 | 57.6 | % | 92,683 | 51.6 | % | (6,926) | (7.5) | % | ||||||||
| Cruiser | 46,235 | 31.1 | % | 63,945 | 35.5 | % | (17,710) | (27.7) | |||||||||
| Sport and Lightweight | 12,335 | 8.3 | % | 18,228 | 10.1 | % | (5,893) | (32.3) | |||||||||
| Adventure Touring | 4,535 | 3.0 | % | 5,128 | 2.8 | % | (593) | (11.6) | |||||||||
| 148,862 | 100.0 | % | 179,984 | 100.0 | % | (31,122) | (17.3) | % |
(a)Includes Trike
HDMC shipped 148,862 motorcycles worldwide during 2024, which was 17.3% lower than during 2023. The reduction in shipments was consistent with the Company's plan for 2024, which included aligning wholesale and retail sales as dealers and the Company acted to adjust dealer inventory levels for the current retail environment.
The motorcycles shipped during 2024 compared to 2023 included a higher mix of Grand American Touring motorcycles as a percent of total shipments to improve availability of models most desired by customers following the introduction of all-new Grand American Touring motorcycles.
Segment Results
Condensed statements of operations for the HDMC segment were as follows (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | % Change | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue: | ||||||||||||||
| Motorcycles | $ | 3,137,331 | $ | 3,798,977 | $ | (661,646) | (17.4) | % | ||||||
| Parts and accessories | 651,964 | 698,095 | (46,131) | (6.6) | ||||||||||
| Apparel | 237,270 | 244,333 | (7,063) | (2.9) | ||||||||||
| Licensing | 22,748 | 28,599 | (5,851) | (20.5) | ||||||||||
| Other | 72,593 | 74,590 | (1,997) | (2.7) | ||||||||||
| 4,121,906 | 4,844,594 | (722,688) | (14.9) | |||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 2,967,068 | 3,278,052 | (310,984) | (9.5) | ||||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,154,838 | 1,566,542 | (411,704) | (26.3) | ||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 876,994 | 905,391 | (28,397) | (3.1) | % | |||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 277,844 | $ | 661,151 | $ | (383,307) | (58.0) | % | ||||||
| Operating margin | 6.7 | % | 13.6 | % | (6.9) | pts. |
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The estimated impacts of the significant factors affecting the changes in revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2023 to 2024 were as follows (in millions):
| Revenue | Cost of Goods Sold | Gross Profit | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $ | 4,844.6 | $ | 3,278.1 | $ | 1,566.5 | ||||
| Volume | (736.5) | (495.7) | (240.8) | |||||||
| Price | (33.1) | — | (33.1) | |||||||
| Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging | (17.5) | (0.8) | (16.7) | |||||||
| Shipment mix | 64.4 | 73.4 | (9.0) | |||||||
| Raw material prices | — | (14.4) | 14.4 | |||||||
| Manufacturing and other costs | — | 126.5 | (126.5) | |||||||
| (722.7) | (311.0) | (411.7) | ||||||||
| 2024 | $ | 4,121.9 | $ | 2,967.1 | $ | 1,154.8 |
The following factors affected the changes in net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2023 to 2024:
•The decrease in volume was primarily due to lower wholesale motorcycle shipments.
•Revenue was adversely impacted by the elimination of the pricing surcharge late in 2023 and a fine-tuned pricing strategy for 2024 partially offset by higher promotional costs in the fourth quarter of 2023 that did not recur in 2024.
•Revenue and gross profit were negatively impacted by weaker foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar as well as less favorable net foreign currency impacts associated with balance sheet remeasurements recorded in cost of goods sold.
•Changes in the shipment mix of motorcycles had a favorable impact on revenue due primarily to a shift away from Cruiser models to higher priced Grand American Touring models during 2024 compared to 2023. The impact of shipment mix on gross profit was adversely impacted by incremental costs primarily within the Grand American Touring motorcycle family related to new product features and upgrades included on the Company's model year 2024 motorcycles. Shipment mix was also negatively impacted by unfavorable changes in mix within apparel and licensing.
•Raw material costs were lower than in the prior year.
•Manufacturing and other costs were negatively impacted by unfavorable manufacturing leverage related to higher fixed costs per unit resulting from lower production volumes, continued moderate inflation and payment of a ratification bonus related to new collective bargaining agreements with hourly employees in Wisconsin. These negative impacts were partially offset by supply-chain productivity gains.
Operating expenses were lower in 2024 compared to 2023 due to lower people costs, including the cost of compensation and benefits, and decreases in other discretionary spending as the Company continued to focus on cost discipline and increased productivity.
LiveWire Segment
Segment Results
Condensed statements of operations for the LiveWire segment were as follows (in thousands, except unit shipments):
| 2024 | 2023 | (Decrease) Increase | % Change | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 26,358 | 38,298 | (11,940) | (31.2) | ||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 38,872 | 44,254 | (5,382) | (12.2) | ||||||||||
| Gross profit | (12,514) | (5,956) | (6,558) | 110.1 | ||||||||||
| Selling, administrative and engineering expense | 97,125 | 110,853 | (13,728) | (12.4) | ||||||||||
| Operating loss | $ | (109,639) | $ | (116,809) | $ | 7,170 | (6.1) | % | ||||||
| LiveWire motorcycle unit shipments | 612 | 660 | (48) | (7.3) | % |
During 2024, revenue decreased by $11.9 million, or 31.2%, compared to 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower volumes of electric balance bikes and electric motorcycles as well as a lower average prices on electric motorcycles. Cost of
36
sales decreased by $5.4 million, or 12.2%, during 2024 compared to 2023 on lower volumes of electric balance bikes and electric motorcycles.
During 2024, selling, administrative and engineering expense decreased $13.7 million, or 12.4%, compared to 2023 largely as a result of lower product development costs and cost reduction initiatives.
HDFS Segment
Segment Results
Condensed statements of operations for the HDFS segment were as follows (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | (Decrease) Increase | % Change | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFS revenue: | ||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 890,836 | $ | 802,078 | $ | 88,758 | 11.1 | % | ||||||
| Other income | 147,702 | 151,508 | (3,806) | (2.5) | ||||||||||
| 1,038,538 | 953,586 | 84,952 | 8.9 | |||||||||||
| HDFS expenses: | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 371,766 | 332,380 | 39,386 | 11.8 | ||||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 247,225 | 227,158 | 20,067 | 8.8 | ||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 171,125 | 159,306 | 11,819 | 7.4 | ||||||||||
| 790,116 | 718,844 | 71,272 | 9.9 | |||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 248,422 | $ | 234,742 | $ | 13,680 | 5.8 | % |
Interest income was higher in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to higher average outstanding finance receivables at a higher average yield. Other income decreased largely due to lower licensing revenue partially offset by higher insurance-related income. Interest expense increased due to higher average interest rates on higher outstanding debt and deposits.
The provision for credit losses increased $20.1 million compared to 2023 due to higher actual retail and wholesale credit losses partially offset by a favorable change in the allowance for credit losses. The favorable change in the allowance for credit losses was largely due to a decrease in retail receivables, partially offset by a larger increase in the wholesale reserve on increased portfolio risk, as compared to 2023. The allowance for credit losses considers current economic conditions and the Company's outlook on future conditions. At the end of 2024, the Company's outlook on economic conditions and its probability weighting of its economic forecast scenarios was weighted toward more pessimistic scenarios given continued challenging macro-economic conditions, including a persistently high interest rate environment and muted consumer confidence. The Company's expectations surrounding its economic forecasts may change in future periods as additional information becomes available.
Annual retail credit losses on the Company's retail motorcycle loans were 3.31% during 2024 compared to 3.00% in 2023. The 30-day delinquency rate for retail motorcycle loans at December 31, 2024 increased to 5.34% from 5.09% at December 31, 2023. The unfavorable retail credit loss and delinquency performance were driven by several factors connected to the macro-economic environment and the related customer and industry dynamics, including the impact of higher motorcycle payments and general inflationary pressures on retail customers. Additionally, the Company continues to experience downward pressure on recovery values at auction. Wholesale credit losses were $1.5 million higher than 2023 driven by the charge-off of finance receivables related to two troubled dealers.
Operating expenses were higher in 2024 compared to 2023 due in part to increased repossession costs, insurance-related expenses, and foreign currency losses, partially offset by lower employee-related costs.
37
Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables were as follows (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | 381,966 | $ | 358,711 | ||
| Provision for credit losses | 247,225 | 227,158 | ||||
| Charge-offs, net of recoveries | (228,008) | (203,903) | ||||
| Balance, end of period | $ | 401,183 | $ | 381,966 |
At December 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $378.4 million for retail receivables and $22.8 million for wholesale receivables. At December 31, 2023, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $367.0 million for retail receivables and $14.9 million for wholesale receivables.
Refer to Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses on finance receivables.
Results of Operations 2023 Compared to 2022
Consolidated Results
| (in thousands, except earnings per share) | 2023 | 2022 | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating income - HDMC | $ | 661,151 | $ | 677,087 | $ | (15,936) | ||||
| Operating loss - LiveWire | (116,809) | (85,315) | (31,494) | |||||||
| Operating income - HDFS | 234,742 | 317,506 | (82,764) | |||||||
| Operating income | 779,084 | 909,278 | (130,194) | |||||||
| Other income, net | 71,808 | 48,652 | 23,156 | |||||||
| Investment income | 46,771 | 4,538 | 42,233 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 30,787 | 31,235 | (448) | |||||||
| Income before income taxes | 866,876 | 931,233 | (64,357) | |||||||
| Income tax provision | 171,830 | 192,019 | (20,189) | |||||||
| Net income | 695,046 | 739,214 | (44,168) | |||||||
| Less: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 11,540 | 2,194 | 9,346 | |||||||
| Net income attributable to Harley-Davidson, Inc. | $ | 706,586 | $ | 741,408 | $ | (34,822) | ||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 4.87 | $ | 4.96 | $ | (0.09) |
The Company reported operating income of $779.1 million in 2023 compared to $909.3 million in 2022. The HDMC segment reported operating income of $661.2 million compared to $677.1 million in 2022. Operating loss from the LiveWire segment increased $31.5 million compared to 2022. Operating income from the HDFS segment decreased $82.8 million compared to 2022. Refer to the HDMC Segment, LiveWire Segment and HDFS Segment discussions for a more detailed analysis of the factors affecting operating results.
Other income, net in 2023 was impacted by higher non-operating income related to the Company's defined benefit plans, partially offset by a loss related to an increase in the fair value of LiveWire's warrants. Investment income increased in 2023 as compared to 2022 driven by higher income from cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities.
The Company's effective income tax rate for 2023 was a 19.8% expense compared to a 20.6% expense for 2022. The Company's 2023 effective tax rate was favorably impacted by discrete income tax benefits recorded during the year. Refer to Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s effective tax rate.
Diluted earnings per share was $4.87 in 2023 compared to $4.96 in 2022. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased from 149.4 million in 2022 to 145.1 million in 2023 primarily due to repurchases of common stock, which benefited diluted earnings per share.
38
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales and Registration Data
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales(a)
Retail unit sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles were as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | Increase (Decrease) | % Change | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 98,468 | 109,190 | (10,722) | (9.8) | % | ||||||
| Canada | 7,422 | 7,924 | (502) | (6.3) | |||||||
| North America | 105,890 | 117,114 | (11,224) | (9.6) | |||||||
| Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) | 27,005 | 30,510 | (3,505) | (11.5) | |||||||
| Asia Pacific | 26,953 | 27,905 | (952) | (3.4) | |||||||
| Latin America | 2,923 | 2,922 | 1 | — | |||||||
| 162,771 | 178,451 | (15,680) | (8.8) | % |
(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 decreased 8.8% during 2023 compared to 2022 driven primarily by a decline in North America.
North America retail sales were adversely impacted by macro-economic conditions and changes in product as the Company focused on more profitable models. During 2023, the Company believes high interest rates continued to impact consumer discretionary purchases. Additionally, retail sales were impacted by the discontinuation of legacy Sportster models at the end of 2022 as the Company shifted to the more profitable Sport models in 2023. The decline in EMEA was primarily driven by challenging economic conditions and a planned unit mix shift towards more profitable core motorcycle models. In Asia Pacific, retail sales growth was strong in the first half of the year, but slowed in the second half of the year, with modest annual growth in Japan offset by a decline in Australia and South Korea.
Worldwide retail inventory of new motorcycles was up approximately 55% at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the end of the fourth quarter of 2022, but remained nearly 15% lower than levels experienced at the end of the fourth quarter of 2019. Changes in retail inventory of new motorcycles are calculated based on units at the end of each quarter.
The Company's Harley-Davidson motorcycle U.S. market share of new 601+cc motorcycles for 2023 was 37.9%, down 3.3 percentage points compared to 2022 (Source: Motorcycle Industry Council). The Company's Harley-Davidson motorcycle European market share of new 601+cc motorcycles for 2023 was 4.8%, down 1.3 percentage points compared to 2022 (Source: Management Services Helwig Schmitt GmbH).
Motorcycle Registration Data - 601+cc(a)
Industry registration data for new motorcycles was as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | Increase | % Change | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States(b) | 256,710 | 264,367 | (7,657) | (2.9) | % | ||||||
| Europe(c) | 473,486 | 406,145 | 67,341 | 16.6 | % |
(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.
(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.
39
HDMC Segment
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Unit Shipments
Wholesale motorcycle unit shipments were as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | Unit | Unit | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units | Mix % | Units | Mix % | Increase (Decrease) | % Change | ||||||||||||
| Motorcycle Units: | |||||||||||||||||
| United States | 113,867 | 63.3 | % | 118,836 | 61.4 | % | (4,969) | (4.2) | % | ||||||||
| International | 66,117 | 36.7 | % | 74,691 | 38.6 | % | (8,574) | (11.5) | |||||||||
| 179,984 | 100.0 | % | 193,527 | 100.0 | % | (13,543) | (7.0) | % | |||||||||
| Motorcycle Units: | |||||||||||||||||
| Grand American Touring(a) | 92,683 | 51.6 | % | 89,849 | 46.4 | % | 2,834 | 3.2 | % | ||||||||
| Cruiser | 63,945 | 35.5 | % | 59,010 | 30.5 | % | 4,935 | 8.4 | |||||||||
| Sport and Lightweight | 18,228 | 10.1 | % | 33,894 | 17.5 | % | (15,666) | (46.2) | |||||||||
| Adventure Touring | 5,128 | 2.8 | % | 10,774 | 5.6 | % | (5,646) | (52.4) | |||||||||
| 179,984 | 100.0 | % | 193,527 | 100.0 | % | (13,543) | (7.0) | % |
(a)Includes CVOTM and Trike
HDMC shipped 179,984 motorcycles worldwide during 2023, which was 7.0% lower than during 2022 and in line with the decrease in retail sales during 2023. HDMC's shipments during 2023 were adversely impacted by market conditions and the discontinuation of legacy Sportster models in North America at the end of 2022 as the Company shifted to more profitable Sport models in 2023.
The motorcycles shipped during 2023 compared to 2022 included a higher mix of Grand American Touring and Cruiser motorcycles as a percent of total shipments and a lower mix of Sport and Lightweight and Adventure Touring motorcycles reflecting the Company's focus on more profitable models. A limited number of select model year 2024 motorcycles, representing approximately 2% of total 2023 shipments, were shipped in late 2023 to better position Harley-Davidson dealers for the launch of the new 2024 model year motorcycles.
Segment Results
Condensed statements of operations for the HDMC segment were as follows (in thousands):
| 2023 | 2022 | Increase (Decrease) | % Change | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue: | ||||||||||||||
| Motorcycles | $ | 3,798,977 | $ | 3,787,484 | $ | 11,493 | 0.3 | % | ||||||
| Parts and accessories | 698,095 | $ | 731,645 | (33,550) | (4.6) | |||||||||
| Apparel | 244,333 | $ | 271,107 | (26,774) | (9.9) | |||||||||
| Licensing | 28,599 | $ | 39,423 | (10,824) | (27.5) | |||||||||
| Other | 74,590 | $ | 58,013 | 16,577 | 28.6 | |||||||||
| 4,844,594 | $ | 4,887,672 | (43,078) | (0.9) | ||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 3,278,052 | $ | 3,359,799 | (81,747) | (2.4) | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,566,542 | $ | 1,527,873 | 38,669 | 2.5 | |||||||||
| Operating expenses | 905,391 | $ | 850,786 | 54,605 | 6.4 | % | ||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 661,151 | $ | 677,087 | $ | (15,936) | (2.4) | % | ||||||
| Operating margin | 13.6 | % | 13.9 | % | (0.3) | pts. |
40
The estimated impacts of the significant factors affecting the change in revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2022 to 2023 were as follows (in millions):
| Revenue | Cost of Goods Sold | Gross Profit | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $ | 4,887.7 | $ | 3,359.8 | $ | 1,527.9 | ||||
| Volume | (364.0) | (232.8) | (131.2) | |||||||
| Price | 139.0 | — | 139.0 | |||||||
| Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging | (26.7) | 27.3 | (54.0) | |||||||
| Shipment mix | 208.6 | 75.6 | 133.0 | |||||||
| Raw material prices | — | (38.2) | 38.2 | |||||||
| Manufacturing and other costs | — | 86.4 | (86.4) | |||||||
| (43.1) | (81.7) | 38.6 | ||||||||
| 2023 | $ | 4,844.6 | $ | 3,278.1 | $ | 1,566.5 |
The following factors affected the change in net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2022 to 2023:
•The decrease in volume was primarily due to lower wholesale motorcycle shipments.
•Revenue benefited from higher prices on new model year 2023 motorcycles partially offset by higher promotional costs in the fourth quarter of 2023. A portion of these promotional costs involved promotions that will continue into calendar year 2024 to promote the sale of model year 2023 carryover inventory at dealers.
•Revenue and gross profit were negatively impacted by weaker foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar as well as less favorable net foreign currency impacts associated with hedging and balance sheet remeasurements recorded in cost of goods sold.
•Changes in the shipment mix had a favorable impact on gross profit.
•Raw material costs benefited from a decline in prices, primarily related to metals.
•Manufacturing and other costs were negatively impacted by continued moderate inflation, higher costs associated with producing fewer units than in 2022 and supply challenges, partially offset by productivity savings, including a reduced reliance on expedited modes of freight.
Operating expenses were higher in 2023 compared to 2022 as the Company continued to execute Hardware strategic priorities and included higher spending related to marketing and advertising and employee-related costs.
LiveWire Segment
Segment Results
Condensed statements of operations for the LiveWire segment were as follows (in thousands, except unit shipments):
| 2023 | 2022 | (Decrease) Increase | % Change | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 38,298 | 46,833 | (8,535) | (18.2) | ||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 44,254 | 43,929 | 325 | 0.7 | ||||||||
| Gross profit | (5,956) | 2,904 | (8,860) | (305.1) | ||||||||
| Selling, administrative and engineering expense | 110,853 | 88,219 | 22,634 | 25.7 | ||||||||
| Operating loss | (116,809) | (85,315) | $ | (31,494) | 36.9 | % | ||||||
| LiveWire motorcycle unit shipments | 660 | 597 | 63 | 10.6 | % |
During 2023, revenue decreased by $8.5 million, or 18.2%, compared to 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower volumes of electric balance bikes and lower average prices on electric motorcycles, partially offset by higher volumes of electric motorcycles. Cost of sales increased by $0.3 million, or 0.7%, during 2023 compared to 2022 on higher volumes of electric motorcycles.
During 2023, selling, administrative and engineering expense increased $22.6 million, or 25.7%, compared to 2022 driven by higher product development costs as well as higher costs associated with standing up the new organization.
41
HDFS Segment
Segment Results
Condensed statements of operations for the HDFS segment were as follows (in thousands):
| 2023 | 2022 | (Decrease) Increase | % Change | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFS revenue: | ||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 802,078 | $ | 693,615 | $ | 108,463 | 15.6 | % | ||||||
| Other income | 151,508 | 127,010 | 24,498 | 19.3 | ||||||||||
| 953,586 | 820,625 | 132,961 | 16.2 | |||||||||||
| HDFS expenses: | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 332,380 | 217,653 | 114,727 | 52.7 | ||||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 227,158 | 145,133 | 82,025 | 56.5 | ||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 159,306 | 140,333 | 18,973 | 13.5 | ||||||||||
| 718,844 | 503,119 | 215,725 | 42.9 | |||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 234,742 | $ | 317,506 | $ | (82,764) | (26.1) | % |
Interest income was higher in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily due to higher average outstanding finance receivables at a higher average yield. Other income increased largely driven by higher investment and licensing income, partially offset by unfavorable insurance revenue. Interest expense increased due to higher average outstanding debt at higher average interest rates.
The provision for credit losses increased $82.0 million compared to 2022 on higher actual retail credit losses and an increase in the allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses increased on a higher reserve rate resulting from unfavorable loss performance and the Company’s outlook on economic conditions, partially offset by lower receivables growth. The Company’s probability weighting of its economic forecast scenarios was weighted towards a near-term recession given continued challenging macro-economic conditions including a persistently high interest rate environment, ongoing elevated inflation levels and muted consumer confidence. 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 3.00% during 2023 compared to 1.88% in 2022. The 30-day delinquency rate for retail motorcycle loans at December 31, 2023 increased to 5.09% from 4.50% at December 31, 2022. The unfavorable retail credit loss and delinquency performance were driven by several factors connected to the macro-economic environment and the related customer and industry dynamics, including the impact of higher motorcycle payments and general inflationary pressures on customers. Additionally, the Company continued to experience downward pressure on recovery values at auction.
Operating expenses were higher in 2023 compared to 2022 due in part to higher employee-related and repossession costs combined with a loss resulting from a change in value of a securitization interest rate cap derivative.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables were as follows (in thousands):
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | 358,711 | $ | 339,379 | ||
| Provision for credit losses | 227,158 | 145,133 | ||||
| Charge-offs, net of recoveries | (203,903) | (125,801) | ||||
| Balance, end of period | $ | 381,966 | $ | 358,711 |
At December 31, 2023, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $367.0 million for retail receivables and $14.9 million for wholesale receivables. At December 31, 2022, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $345.3 million for retail receivables and $13.4 million for wholesale receivables.
Refer to Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses on finance receivables.
42
Other Matters
New Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for a discussion of new accounting standards that will become effective for the Company in the future.
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 the 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 – The allowance for credit losses on retail finance receivables 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. 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 6 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses on finance receivables.
Product Recalls – The estimated costs 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. As actual experience becomes available it is used to update the accruals.
The factors affecting actual recall costs can be volatile. As a result, actual recall costs may differ from estimates, which could lead to material changes in the Company’s accrued recall costs. The Company’s recall liabilities are discussed further in Note 13 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. 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.
43
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 5.31% as of December 31, 2023 to 5.65% as of December 31, 2024. The Company increased the weighted-average discount rate for postretirement healthcare obligations from 5.36% as of December 31, 2023 to 5.63% as of December 31, 2024. 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, 2024, the Company set its healthcare cost trend rate for the upcoming year at 6.89% as of December 31, 2024. The Company expects the healthcare cost trend rate to reach its ultimate rate of 5.00% by 2033.(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 or income 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 assumptions | Impact of a 1% decrease in the discount rate | Impact of a 1% increase in the healthcare cost trend rate | Impact of a 1% decrease in the expected return on assets | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Net periodic benefit cost (income): | ||||||||||||||
| Pension and SERPA | $ | (47,297) | $ | (771) | n/a | $ | 21,390 | |||||||
| Postretirement healthcare | $ | (8,433) | $ | 58 | $ | 635 | $ | 2,374 | ||||||
| 2024 Benefit obligations: | ||||||||||||||
| Pension and SERPA | $ | 1,506,747 | $ | 166,071 | n/a | n/a | ||||||||
| Postretirement healthcare | $ | 191,747 | $ | 14,424 | $ | 4,720 | n/a |
The impact of a 1% decrease in the discount rate on net periodic benefit income includes a favorable impact on interest cost, an unfavorable impact on service cost and an unfavorable impact on the amortization of unrecognized net actuarial losses. 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 14 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements.
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
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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 3 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 15 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the Company's commitments and contingencies.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
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. The Company believes its current cash, cash equivalents and availability under its credit facilities are sufficient to meet its liquidity requirements, consistent with this strategy.
The Company expects to fund its on-going operations (excluding the origination of finance receivables) and its capital allocation priorities including capital expenditures, dividends and discretionary share repurchases primarily with cash flows from operating activities and cash and cash equivalents on hand.(1) The Company expects to fund the origination of finance receivables primarily 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 cash and cash equivalents and availability under its credit and conduit facilities at December 31, 2024 were as follows (in thousands):
| Cash and cash equivalents(a) | $ | 1,589,608 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. commercial paper conduit facility: | |||
| Committed asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility(b) | 1,500,000 | ||
| Borrowings against committed facility | (431,846) | ||
| Net asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit committed facility availability | 1,068,154 | ||
| Availability under credit and conduit facilities: | |||
| Credit facilities | 1,420,000 | ||
| Commercial paper outstanding | (640,204) | ||
| Net credit facility availability | 779,796 | ||
| $ | 3,437,558 |
(a)Includes $64.4 million of cash and cash equivalents held by LiveWire Group, Inc.
(b)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, 2024 were as follows:
| Short-Term | Long-Term | Outlook | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moody’s | P3 | Baa3 | Stable | ||
| Standard & Poor’s | A3 | BBB- | Stable | ||
| Fitch | F2 | BBB+ | Stable |
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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 HDFS segment results 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 HDFS 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):
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,063,833 | $ | 754,887 | ||
| Net cash used by investing activities | (383,330) | (512,304) | ||||
| Net cash used by financing activities | (572,315) | (174,646) | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (16,145) | 1,697 | ||||
| Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 92,043 | $ | 69,634 |
Operating Activities
The increase in operating cash flow in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to cash inflows related to the net change in wholesale finance receivables in 2024 compared to net cash outflows in 2023 as well as favorable changes in working capital driven by the reduction in inventory during 2024, partially offset by lower net income in 2024 compared to 2023.
Changes in wholesale finance receivables were driven by an increase in wholesale finance receivables from the end of 2022 to the end of 2023 as compared to a decrease in wholesale finance receivables from the end of 2023 to the end of 2024. The increase in wholesale receivables during 2023 was driven by shipments in late 2023 and the rate of dealer inventory turnover during 2023. The decrease in wholesale receivables during 2024 was driven by lower wholesale shipments compared to the prior year.
Changes in working capital were driven by a reduction in inventory from the end of 2023 to the end of 2024. The Company focused on reducing its inventory levels to align with expected demand.
The Company's ongoing operating cash requirements include those related to existing contractual commitments which it expects to fund with cash inflows from operating activities. 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, 2024 relate to leases, retirement plan obligations and income taxes. The Company's long-term lease obligations and future payments are discussed further in Note 9 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 14 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements. As described in Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements, the Company has a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $16.2 million and related accrued interest and penalties of $7.1 million as of December 31, 2024. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the period of cash settlement for either the liability for unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties. The Company continues to expect that it will fund its ongoing operating cash requirements related to the origination of finance receivables with the issuance of debt.
Investing Activities
The Company’s most significant investing activities consist of capital expenditures and retail finance receivable originations and collections. Capital expenditures were $196.6 million and $207.4 million during 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company's 2024 plan includes estimated capital investments between $225 to $250 million, all of which the Company expects to fund with net cash flow generated by operations.(1)
Net cash outflows for finance receivables in 2024, which consisted primarily of retail finance receivables, were $103.8 million lower than in 2023 primarily due to lower retail finance receivable originations, partially offset by lower collections of finance receivables, during 2024. The Company funds its finance receivables net lending activity through the issuance of debt and brokered certificates of deposit as discussed in the Financing Activities section.
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Financing Activities
The Company’s financing activities consist primarily of dividend payments, share repurchases, deposits and debt activities.
The Company paid dividends of $0.69 per share totaling $91.2 million during 2024 and $0.66 per share totaling $96.3 million during 2023.
Cash outflows for shares repurchased on a discretionary basis were $450.0 million in 2024 and $350.0 million in 2023. 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 $9.8 million or 0.3 million shares and $14.0 million or 0.3 million shares during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, there were 21.5 million shares remaining on a board-approved share repurchase authorization.
On September 26, 2022, the Company's electric motorcycle subsidiary completed a merger with AEA-Bridges Impact Corp. (ABIC), a special purpose acquisition company, to create a new publicly traded company, LiveWire Group, Inc. LiveWire Group, Inc. received net proceeds of approximately $294 million, including a $180 million investment from the Company, net of transaction expenses, a $100 million investment from an independent investor, and a $14 million investment from ABIC.
Financing cash flows related to debt and brokered certificates of deposit activities resulted in net cash outflows of $21.3 million and inflows of $283.7 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company’s total outstanding debt and liability for brokered certificates of deposit consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding debt: | ||||||
| Unsecured commercial paper | $ | 640,204 | $ | 878,935 | ||
| Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility | 77,381 | 70,742 | ||||
| Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility | 431,846 | 233,258 | ||||
| Asset-backed securitization debt, net | 1,950,138 | 1,877,368 | ||||
| Medium-term notes, net | 3,114,013 | 3,319,138 | ||||
| Senior notes, net | 746,800 | 746,079 | ||||
| $ | 6,960,382 | $ | 7,125,520 | |||
| Deposits, net | $ | 550,586 | $ | 447,782 |
Refer to Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for a summary of future principal payments on the Company's debt obligations. Refer to Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for a summary of future maturities on the Company's certificates of deposit.
Deposits – HDFS offers 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 $550.6 million and $447.8 million, net of fees, of interest-bearing brokered certificates of deposit outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 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 2024, the Company extended its existing $710.0 million five-year credit facility that was due to mature in April 2025 so that it now matures in April 2029 and amended the language of its existing $710.0 million five-year credit facility that matures in April 2027 so that it conforms in all respects to the April 2029 credit facility other than maturity date. 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, 2024 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
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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.
Medium-Term Notes – The Company had the following unsecured medium-term notes issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 (in thousands):
| Principal Amount | Rate | Issue Date | Maturity Date | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $700,000 | 3.35% | June 2020 | June 2025 | |||
| $727,104(a) | 6.36% | April 2023 | April 2026 | |||
| $500,000 | 3.05% | February 2022 | February 2027 | |||
| $700,000 | 6.50% | March 2023 | March 2028 | |||
| $500,000 | 5.95% | June 2024 | June 2029 |
(a) €700.0 million par value remeasured to U.S. dollar at December 31, 2024
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 $13.1 million and $15.7 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, 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 2024, the Company renewed and amended its revolving facility agreement (Canadian Conduit) with a Canadian bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit. Under the renewed and amended 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$165.0 million which was a C$40.0 million increase in the total commitment. Availability under the Canadian Conduit is based on, among other things, the amount and credit performance of eligible Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables held as collateral.
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. 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, 2024, the Canadian Conduit had an expiration date of June 30, 2025. Subsequent to the end of 2024, as a result of elevated credit losses on the Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables held as collateral, the Company has been unable to draw on the Canadian Conduit. Access to the facility will resume once credit losses return to levels required by the Canadian Conduit. The Company plans to fund Canadian retail motorcycle originations with other existing funding sources until access resumes.
In 2024, the Company transferred $73.4 million of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian conduit for proceeds of $60.2 million. In 2023, the Company transferred $51.4 million of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit for proceeds of $42.4 million.
On-Balance Sheet Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facilities VIE – In November 2024, the Company renewed its $1.50 billion 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. From November 2020 through November 2022, the U.S. Conduit Facility allowed for uncommitted additional borrowings of up to $300.0 million at the lenders' discretion. The Company drew against the uncommitted additional borrowings in 2022 and during 2023, the remaining balance of these uncommitted additional borrowings was paid in full. Availability under the U.S. Conduit Facility is based on, among other things, the amount and credit performance of eligible U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables held by the SPE as collateral.
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. The interest rate on all borrowings, if not funded by a conduit lender through the issuance of commercial paper, is based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), with
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provisions for a transition to other benchmark rates in the future, if necessary. In addition to interest, 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. Prior to November 2022, when calculating the unused fee, the aggregate commitment did not include any unused portion of the $300.0 million uncommitted 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, 2024, the U.S. Conduit Facility has an expiration date of November 21, 2025.
In 2024, the Company transferred $472.3 million of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to an SPE which, in turn, issued $409.8 million of debt under the U.S. Conduit Facility. In 2023, there were no finance receivable transfers under the U.S. Conduit Facility.
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 2025 to 2032.
In 2024, the Company transferred $1.27 billion of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to two separate SPEs which, in turn, issued $1.15 billion, or $1.14 billion net of discount and issuance costs, of secured notes through two separate on-balance sheet asset- backed securitization transactions. In 2023, the Company transferred $1.20 billion of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to two separate SPEs which, in turn, issued $1.05 billion, or $1.04 billion net of discount and issuance costs, of secured notes through two separate on-balance sheet asset-backed securitization transactions.
Intercompany Agreements – On January 27, 2023, Harley-Davidson, Inc. entered into a revolving line of credit with Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. whereby Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. could borrow up to $200.0 million at market interest rates. There were no borrowings by Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. during the life of the agreement, which expired on July 27, 2024.
Harley Davidson, Inc. also has a support agreement with Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc. whereby, if required, Harley-Davidson, Inc. agrees to provide Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc. with financial support to maintain Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc.’s fixed-charge coverage at 1.25 and minimum net worth of $40.0 million. Support may be provided at Harley-Davidson, Inc.'s option as capital contributions or loans. No amount has ever been provided to Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc. under the support agreement.
On February 14, 2024, Harley-Davidson, Inc. entered into a Convertible Delayed Draw Term Loan Agreement (the “Convertible Term Loan”) with LiveWire Group, Inc. and a wholly-owned subsidiary of LiveWire Group, Inc. whereby LiveWire may obtain term loans in one or more advances up to an aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million. The outstanding principal under the Convertible Term Loan bears interest at a floating rate per annum, as calculated on the date of each advance and as of each June 1 and December 1 thereafter. The interest rate is calculated based on the sum of (i) the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR for a six-month interest period, plus (ii) 4.00%. The Convertible Term Loan does not include affirmative covenants impacting the operations of LiveWire. The Convertible Term Loan includes negative covenants restricting the ability of LiveWire to incur indebtedness, create liens, sell assets, make investments, make fundamental changes, make dividends or other restricted payments and enter into affiliate transactions. The Convertible Term Loan has a maturity date of the earlier of (i) 24 months from the date of the first draw on the loan or (ii) October 31, 2026. In the event that the Convertible Term Loan cannot be settled in cash by LiveWire at maturity, unless otherwise agreed between Harley-Davidson, Inc. and LiveWire, the Convertible Term Loan will be converted to equity of LiveWire Group, Inc. at a conversion price per share of LiveWire Group, Inc. common stock equal to 90% of the volume weighted average price per share of
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common stock for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date. As of December 31, 2024, there had been no draws and there was no outstanding balance under the Convertible Term Loan.
Operating and Financial Covenants – Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc. 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 Inc.’s 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 Inc.’s consolidated debt, excluding secured debt, to Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc.’s consolidated allowance for credit losses on finance receivables plus Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc.’s 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 Inc. 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 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, 2024 and 2023, Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc. 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,” “intends,” "forecasts," "sees," "feels," "commits," "assumes," "envisions," 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 Company's ability to: (a) execute its business plans and strategies, including The Hardwire, each of the pillars, and the evolution of LiveWire as a standalone brand, which includes the risks noted below; (b) manage supply chain and logistics issues, including quality issues, unexpected interruptions or price increases caused by supplier volatility, raw material shortages, inflation, war or other hostilities, including the conflict in Ukraine and the Red Sea conflict, or natural disasters and longer shipping times and increased logistics costs; (c) manage and predict the impact that new, reinstated or adjusted tariffs may have on the Company’s ability to sell products domestically and internationally, and the cost of raw materials and components, including tariffs recently imposed or that may be imposed by the U.S. on foreign goods or rebalancing or other tariffs recently imposed or that may be imposed by foreign countries on U.S. goods; (d) accurately analyze, predict and react to changing market conditions, interest rates, and geopolitical environments, and successfully adjust to shifting global consumer needs and interests; (e) accurately predict the margins of its segments in light of, among other things, tariffs, rebalancing trade measures, inflation, foreign currency exchange rates, the cost associated with product development initiatives and the Company's complex global supply chain; (f) maintain and enhance the value of the Harley-Davidson brand, including detecting and mitigating or remediating the impact of activist collective actions, such as calls for boycotts and other brand-damaging behaviors that could harm the Company's brand or business; (g) manage through changes in general economic and business conditions, including changing capital, credit and retail markets, and the changing domestic and international political environments, including as a result of the conflict in Ukraine and the Red Sea conflict; (h) successfully access the capital and/or credit markets on terms that are acceptable to the
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Company and within its expectations; (i) successfully carry out its global manufacturing and assembly operations; (j) 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; (k) perform in a manner that enables the Company to benefit from market opportunities while competing against existing and new competitors; (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) 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; (n) successfully manage and reduce costs throughout the business; (o) continue to develop the capabilities of its distributors and dealers, effectively implement changes relating to its dealers and distribution methods, including the Company's dealer footprint, and manage the risks that its dealers may have difficulty obtaining capital and managing through changing economic conditions and consumer demand; (p) realize the expected business benefits from LiveWire operating as a separate public company, which may be affected by, among other things: (i) the ability of LiveWire to execute its plans to develop, produce, market and sell its electric vehicles; (ii) the demand for and consumer willingness to adopt two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles; and (iii) other risks and uncertainties indicated in documents filed with the SEC by the Company or LiveWire Group, Inc., including those risks and uncertainties noted in Risk Factors under Item 1.A of LiveWire Group Inc.'s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K; (q) manage the quality and regulatory non-compliance issues relating to the brake hose assemblies provided to the Company by Proterial Cable America, Inc. in a manner that avoids future quality or non-compliance issues and additional costs or recall expenses that are material; (r) maintain a productive relationship with Hero MotoCorp as a distributor and licensee of the Harley-Davidson brand name in India; (s) successfully maintain or achieve a manner in which to sell motorcycles in Europe, China, and the Company's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries that does not subject its motorcycles to incremental tariffs; (t) 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; (u) retain and attract talented employees, and eliminate personnel duplication, inefficiencies and complexity throughout the organization; (v) accurately estimate and adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices; (w) manage the credit quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of Harley-Davidson Financial Services' loan portfolio; (x) prevent a ransomware attack or cybersecurity breach involving consumer, employee, dealer, supplier, or Company data and respond to evolving regulatory requirements regarding cybersecurity and data privacy; (y) 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; (z) manage through the effects inconsistent and unpredictable weather patterns may have on retail sales of motorcycles; (aa) implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology systems, including systems at its manufacturing facilities; (bb) manage changes, prepare for, and respond to evolving requirements in legislative and regulatory environments related to its products, services and operations, including increased environmental, safety, emissions or other regulations; (cc) manage risks related to a pandemic (like COVID-19), epidemic, disease outbreak or other public health crises, such as supply chain disruptions, its ability to carry out business as usual, and government actions and restrictive measures implemented in response; (dd) manage its exposure to product liability claims in a manner that avoids or successfully mitigates the impact of substantial jury verdicts, including the successful resolution or appeal of the verdict in the product lawsuit against the Company in which, in August 2024, a jury awarded approximately $288 million in damages to the plaintiffs, which was subsequently reduced to $81 million, and manage exposure in commercial or contractual disputes; (ee) continue to manage the relationships and agreements that the Company has with its labor unions to help drive long-term competitiveness; (ff) achieve anticipated results with respect to the Company's preowned motorcycle program, Harley-Davidson Certified, the Company's H-D1 Marketplace, and Apparel and Licensing; and (gg) optimize capital allocation in light of the Company's capital allocation priorities.
The Company’s ability to sell its motorcycles and related products and services and to meet its financial expectations also depends on the ability of the Company’s dealers to sell its motorcycles and related products and services to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability and financial capacity of its dealers to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand for the motorcycles and related products and services they purchase from the Company. In addition, the Company’s dealers and distributors may experience difficulties in operating their businesses and selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products and services as a result of weather, economic conditions, or other factors.
HDFS’ retail credit losses have normalized in recent quarters to higher levels after a period of historically low levels of credit losses. Further, the Company believes that HDFS's retail credit losses will continue to change over time due to changing consumer credit behavior, macroeconomic conditions including the impact of inflation and HDFS's efforts to increase prudently structured loan approvals to sub-prime borrowers. In addition, HDFS’s efforts to adjust underwriting criteria based on market and economic conditions and the actions that the Company has taken and could take that impact motorcycle values may impact HDFS's retail credit losses.
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The Company's operations, demand for its products, and its liquidity could be adversely impacted by tariff impacts, inflation, work stoppages, facility closures, strikes, natural causes, widespread infectious disease, terrorism, war or other hostilities, including the conflict in Ukraine and the Red Sea conflict, or other factors. Refer to “Risk Factors” under Item 1.A of this report for a discussion of additional risk factors and a more complete discussion of some of the cautionary statements noted above.