Graph Of The Week. Harley-Davidson Retail Sales And Unit Shipments.

HDGraphIn 2014, Harley-Davidson total retail sales hit 267,999, up 2.7% from a year ago. In 2013, Harley sold 260,839 motorcycles or 4.4% more than it did in 2012, which had seen 6.2% higher sales than the preceding year. In short, the growth rate has slowed down a lot. Whether it was the 260,000 bikes sold or the 270,000 shipped, its numbers remain down some 20% from the peak reached in 2006, when the company shipped almost 349,000 bikes and sold 344,000 of them. While Harley has certainly picked itself up after the 2007-2009 recession, that sales growth rate going down in 2014 worries some analysts and investors. As of yesterday Wall Street close Monday February 2, 2015, HOG stock is down – 6.42% versus – 1.76% for the S&P 500.(data. Harley-Davidson annual SEC filing)

16 Responses to “Graph Of The Week. Harley-Davidson Retail Sales And Unit Shipments.”


  1. 1 TJ Martin Feb 3rd, 2015 at 9:24 am

    OK ! ” Hang on Sloopy ” [ pop culture reference intended ]

    The chart says sales went down in 2014 over 2013 [ fairly significantly in fact ] both in units sold and units shipped .

    The text says they went up . They can’t both be right so….

    Which is correct ? Up ? Or down ?

    My assumption is the text is out of context with the chart . I’m guessing the text is quoting total [ reported ] Retail sales … which includes everything from bikes to bandanas …

    Whereas the chart is strictly dealing with the sales and shipment of motorcycles

    Context . Without it charts and figures such as these are even more meaningless than they already are

  2. 2 Shifter Feb 3rd, 2015 at 9:45 am

    TJ Martin. As far as I know, a growth rate going from 4.4% to 2.7% is a growth rate going down, not up. Cyril is right. The data also clearly states that they are retail sales and shipments of motorcycles. What is your IQ, TJ Martin?

  3. 3 Brett Feb 3rd, 2015 at 9:47 am

    Advice to all readers, don’t read any comments from TJ Martin. His facts and assumptions are always false. Ha, ha,

  4. 4 BobS Feb 3rd, 2015 at 9:49 am

    Uh oh….maybe Harley’s board and bean counters are lying to investors and none of those numbers mean anything!!! Lol, just having some fun TJ. Nothing went down, the graph isn’t showing sales, it’s showing percent increase (or decrease) as compared to prior year. Last year sales were up 4.4%. This year 2.7% growth. A 1.7% decline in the growth rate. Still more motorcycles.

  5. 5 P. Hamilton Feb 3rd, 2015 at 9:51 am

    Very interesting chart for those who understand a chart (wink, wink TJ Martin)

  6. 6 Taco Feb 3rd, 2015 at 9:52 am

    This is a good chart. Shows they are shipping close to what they are selling vs. stuffing the channel (dealer) with inventory; Example 2011. This equals sales and discounts to unload it at the dealer level. Back in 05, 06′ they were selling more than was being produced. Analysts are right to be concerned Keith can only “CUT COSTS” so long to keep the books looking good.

  7. 7 Greeko Feb 3rd, 2015 at 9:53 am

    Taco. You are exactly right.

  8. 8 Bo Davenport Feb 3rd, 2015 at 10:00 am

    Harley is selling less and less in the US, more abroad. Not enough to compensate the loss in America. Add a stronger US dollar, and the profits from abroad are probably going to be lower in 2015. As Taco mentioned, Harley is going to compensate with cutting costs…and quality of bikes? At this point I will not enter HOG in my portfolio, except if the stock sells at a sharp discount, just to get the dividend.

  9. 9 TJ Martin Feb 3rd, 2015 at 10:28 am

    ” Cutting costs ”

    Hmmmn . Lets see now . How does the Dictionary of Business Phrases translate that ? [ flip flip flip ]

    Here it is !

    Cutting costs = Lower wages – Lower benefits – More outsourcing – and a Lower level of customer service

    Brilliant !

  10. 10 nicker Feb 3rd, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    Doubt the decline is HD’s fault.
    Couldn’t it just be that this “heralded recovery” doesn’t appear to be so…???
    (ya think)

    -nicker-

  11. 11 nicker Feb 3rd, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    RE:
    “…strong dollar…”

    Looked at your grocery bill lately….???

    -nicker-

  12. 12 John Prat Feb 4th, 2015 at 7:23 am

    A graph from SEC data filing doesn’t lie. Thanks Cyril.

  13. 13 richards Feb 4th, 2015 at 2:31 pm

    HD 268,000 bikes shipped in 2014. I’m wondering how many bikes did Victory, Indian ship last year. Robert Padaya (spelling?) can you help?

  14. 14 Blackmax Feb 4th, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    Agree with John Prat
    Seems like the Mo-Co is doing alright
    Market share abroad increasing
    U.S. market holding steady, with core customers aging
    Leader in heavyweight cycles
    For Now ??

  15. 15 Fanfare Ends Feb 9th, 2015 at 11:30 am

    Nicker “Doubt the decline is HD’s fault.
    Couldn’t it just be that this “heralded recovery” doesn’t appear to be so…???”

    Report to reeducation camp, pronto!
    Must have your thinking corrected before next election of Obama II.

  16. 16 ChopChop Feb 9th, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    Fanfare Ends. And to who do you think Indian Motorcycle sold Indians? I give you the answer. To people who could have bought a Harley…Yes, the recovery is there since 2010, too slow to some, but great for many. Electing Bush #3? You are kidding, I hope.

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Cyril Huze