Harley-Davidson 3rd Quarter 2017 Results. Lower Retail Sales. Revenue And Margin Down Due To Weak Industry Conditions.

Harley-Davidson worldwide retail motorcycle sales were down 6.9 percent in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2016. Harley-Davidson U.S. retail motorcycle sales were down 8.1 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, with the overall U.S. industry down 9.2 percent for the same period. Harley-Davidson’s U.S. market share for the quarter was 53.1 percent in the 601cc-plus segment, up compared to the same quarter in 2016. Harley-Davidson’s international retail motorcycle sales decreased 4.6 percent compared to the third quarter in 2016.

“The continued weakness in the U.S. motorcycle industry only heightens our resolve and the intensity we are bringing to the quest to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders,” said Matt Levatich, president and CEO, Harley-Davidson, Inc. “Launching one hundred new high-impact motorcycles is a critical part of our 10-year journey, and the all new Softail line-up is a significant statement of our commitment.”

“As the motorcycle industry leader – with dealer strength and rider passion and loyalty like no other – we believe we are uniquely positioned to build ridership and strengthen the sport of motorcycling. Not just in the U.S. but around the world. Our investments in new product and marketing are targeted to drive ridership growth. We have the strategies, plans and people to make it happen,” added Levatich.

Harley-Davidson Retail Motorcycle Sales

Harley-Davidson new retail motorcycle sales in the U.S. were down in the third quarter compared to the third quarter of 2016, primarily driven by weak industry conditions including the impacts of hurricanes in the southeast and Texas. International new retail motorcycle sales were also down in the quarter compared to the same period in 2016, driven by weak performance in Japan, Australia and Mexico.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment Results

Revenue from the Motorcycles and Related Products segment was down in the third quarter of 2017 versus prior year largely due to decreased motorcycle shipments. Operating margin was down in the quarter versus prior year due to lower shipments, unfavorable mix and higher manufacturing costs.

Motorcycles and Related Products Revenue and Motorcycle Shipment Data

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) third quarter 2017 diluted EPS decreased to $0.40 from $0.64 in the third quarter of 2016. Third quarter net income was $68.2 million on consolidated revenue of $1.15 billion versus net income of $114.1 million on consolidated revenue of $1.27 billion in the third quarter of 2016.

Through nine months, Harley-Davidson 2017 diluted EPS was $2.95, down 16.9 percent from $3.55 in the year-ago period. Harley-Davidson 2017 net income was $513.4 million on consolidated revenue of $4.42 billion compared to nine-month 2016 net income of $645.0 million on consolidated

11 Responses to “Harley-Davidson 3rd Quarter 2017 Results. Lower Retail Sales. Revenue And Margin Down Due To Weak Industry Conditions.”


  1. 1 Ghost of HST Oct 17th, 2017 at 12:30 pm

    Such is the reality of today’a M/C industry across the board . The one saving grace being the Motor Company is still #1 in heavyweight cruiser sales by a country mile and a half .

  2. 2 Nate Oct 17th, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    Maybe… just maybe they should address the things I will list below and watch how the industry begins to change:

    – Better customer service across all dealers.
    – Ridiculous prices on the new motorcycles specially when the economy is in such a fragile state.
    – Build better motors with less recalls and problems because they want to buy reliability.
    – Don’t kill the models that people love (DYNAS).

  3. 3 Brandon Oct 17th, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    I predict a steady decline of the US mc industry for the next 3 years. Harley main objective will be to remain the leader of the US heavyweight market. To survive will mean to steal sales to the competition.

  4. 4 highrpm Oct 17th, 2017 at 5:31 pm

    matty boy always spouts the usual wall street b.s.

    maybe…just maybe they should address
    – ridiculous executive compensations. how about parity with the proletariat. these schmuks at the top are not making h-d a winner in any sane relation to their compensation packages.

  5. 5 P. Massara Oct 17th, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    I agree that the business game is now to take market shares to the competition. Those strong enough, products/distribution/advertising are going to make a killing.The so/so companies are going to disappear, very fast…

  6. 6 Rick Dorfmeyer Oct 18th, 2017 at 7:01 am

    HD is in an interesting position. It got its spot on top in America by appealing to the customer.
    I applaud their new rider initiative. They along with the MIC have taken on the challenge to help create new riders. More manufacturers distributors,and dealers should join in the effort. Perhaps we should all be more involve in getting new riders?

    I am not sure how the current models from HD will attract the younger crowd. $15/$2 k sof tails probably wont do it. Perhaps there is a new and exciting XG in the works.

  7. 7 SIGFREED Oct 18th, 2017 at 7:17 am

    I do not pretend to understand the global mc market that the MoCo pursues and/or the market they are targeting (and even if it is the right one – or the correct strategy).

    I only see what is in front of me and in the parts of Europe that I frequent, ie the eastern side of the Netherlands and the western side of Germany, HD looks to get stronger each passing year. The gatherings/rallies grow larger exponentially (I will admit that good marketing may just attract more people and not necessarily because of new cruiser/HD motorcycle sales).

    On the other hand, I would not be surprised if HD has turned a bit of a corner, over the next year (or two), with the new M8-Softails coming into circulation. I remember Ducati being in a similar situation (eg declining y.o.y. sales), until the 1099 replaced the 999, then the pendulum started swinging.

    Just my 2c…

  8. 8 Joe Oct 18th, 2017 at 9:32 am

    This isn’t an H-D problem, this is an industry problem. The industry needs to work together to fix itself. We all need a strong, vibrant H-D to help the industry overall.

  9. 9 Guzzigreg Oct 19th, 2017 at 6:37 am

    I bought an Indian because I wanted an American made motorcycle.Only 47% of HD is American content.HD still hasn’t figured out the quality issue,still on the bottom for heavyweights. Build bikes for the masses ie.dual sport,sport,standard & stop slapping the HD logo on foreign built Honda knock offs.

  10. 10 hark Oct 23rd, 2017 at 9:52 am

    Before you can bring on a new generation of riders…maybe you should think about taking care of the old generation that got you where you are.

  11. 11 takehikes Oct 23rd, 2017 at 3:22 pm

    Clearly they need new t-shirt designers.

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Cyril Huze