Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue in Q3 increased by 17%, driven by a 23% increase in HDMC revenue, amounting to an additional $198 million compared to the prior year [23] - Consolidated operating income for Q3 was $475 million, primarily influenced by the HDFS transaction, with an operating income margin of 35.4%, significantly up from 9.2% in the same quarter last year [24] - Earnings per share for Q3 was reported at $3.1, with a decline in global retail by 6% [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HDMC revenue rose by 23% in Q3, with motorcycle shipments up 33% to 36,500 units, while HDFS revenue decreased by 3% and LiveWire revenue increased by 16% [24][25] - LiveWire reported a consolidated operating loss of $18 million, but improved its operating loss by 30% or $8 million compared to the previous year [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global retail was down 6%, with North America down 5% and international markets down 9%, reflecting soft demand due to high interest rates and inflation concerns [25] - In North America, the Softail family saw a growth of 9%, while Adventure Touring bikes increased by 4% [25][26] - In Latin America, retail was up 16%, marking the first quarter of growth for the region since 2024 [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on improving dealer health and profitability, with immediate actions to enhance motorcycle inventory management and introduce market-responsive promotions [6][7] - The strategic partnership with KKR and PIMCO aims to transform HDFS into a capital-light model, unlocking $1.2 billion to $1.25 billion in discretionary cash through 2026 [21][22] - Future product offerings will balance aspiration with accessibility to attract new riders, with a focus on affordability and speed to market [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment in the Motor Company's results but highlighted the positive impact of the HDFS transaction [10] - The current macro environment is challenging, with high interest rates affecting consumer confidence, but there is optimism about improving dealer engagement and sales performance [25][46] - The company plans to provide more details on its strategy and expectations in the spring of next year [45] Other Important Information - Global dealer motorcycle inventories decreased by 13% compared to the end of 2024, with a commitment to further reduce inventory levels [30] - The company has returned $1.7 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends since the start of 2022 [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company plan to address demographic headwinds? - Management acknowledged the need to attract younger riders and plans to enhance the brand's image and product offerings to make them more appealing to younger demographics [50][54] Question: Can you elaborate on market-responsive customer promotions? - Management indicated that high dealer inventory levels necessitate immediate promotional actions, including local marketing initiatives and lower APR financing options to drive sales [56][60] Question: What is the expected impact of the HDFS transaction on future operating income? - Management confirmed that the transaction is expected to provide significant operating income benefits, with $275 million to $300 million anticipated in the second half of the year [65][68] Question: What are the shipment expectations for 2026? - Management indicated that while they are not providing specific guidance for 2026, they expect to continue reducing dealer inventory and improving sales performance [71][75] Question: How is the company addressing the current retail environment? - Management noted that they are seeing sequential improvements in dealer traffic and are focused on enhancing marketing strategies to drive sales [86]