Core Viewpoint - Harley-Davidson emphasizes the importance of its Board's skills and experience in selecting the next CEO and driving future growth, while criticizing H Partners' campaign as harmful and disingenuous, potentially jeopardizing shareholder value [1][3][4]. Group 1: Board and Management - The Board and management are dedicated to preserving Harley-Davidson's legacy and are actively transforming the business to enhance shareholder value [2]. - Each Director nominee possesses critical skills and institutional knowledge necessary for selecting a strong CEO, with experience in leadership, manufacturing, and successful business transformations [6][9]. - The current Board has a well-defined CEO search process and is committed to governance best practices, ensuring a smooth leadership transition [19][30]. Group 2: H Partners' Campaign - H Partners has been accused of launching a misleading campaign that undermines the Board's efforts and shareholder interests, particularly after their preferred CEO candidate did not gain majority support [4][19]. - The campaign is characterized as lacking constructive solutions and primarily aimed at gaining control over the Board rather than benefiting shareholders [15][19]. - H Partners previously supported the current CEO and Board decisions, raising questions about the motivations behind their recent actions [3][19]. Group 3: Company Performance - Despite facing one of the most challenging operating environments in its history, Harley-Davidson has outperformed its peers, with operating margins of 13% and free cash flow as a percentage of EBITDA at 70% [19][30]. - Recent product upgrades have led to a 12% increase in retail sales for certain models through the first nine months of 2023, indicating successful management execution [20].

Core Viewpoint - Harley-Davidson has suspended its full-year financial forecast for 2025 due to uncertainties surrounding global tariffs and macroeconomic conditions [1][3]. Financial Performance - The company reported a 21% decline in global motorcycle sales compared to the previous year, attributed to a volatile macroeconomic environment and consumer uncertainty [3]. - Retail sales in the US were softer than expected, with motorcycle shipments dropping to 24,865 in Q1 from 41,577 in the same period last year [4]. - Revenue fell by 23% in the first quarter to $1.33 billion compared to the previous year [4]. Tariff Impact - Harley-Davidson estimates its tariff bill could reach $175 million this year, primarily due to imports from China facing a 145% tariff, despite most suppliers being based in the US [1][8]. Strategic Focus - The company is concentrating on cost productivity measures, supply chain mitigation, controlling operating expenses, and reducing dealer inventory, as stated by CEO Jochen Zeitz [4]. Market Reaction - Shares in Harley-Davidson increased by 3.4% around midday [5]. Economic Context - Recent data indicated that the US economy unexpectedly shrank as companies rushed to import goods ahead of tariffs, while consumer sentiment fell to its lowest level since October 2011 [6]. Leadership Changes - Harley-Davidson is searching for a new CEO as Jochen Zeitz plans to retire [6]. - Investment firm H Partners is attempting to remove Zeitz and two other directors from the board, citing poor performance and cultural issues [7].

Core Insights - Harley-Davidson reported a revenue of $1.08 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a decline of 26.8% year-over-year and a surprise of -3.24% compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12 billion [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) was $1.07, down from $1.72 in the same quarter last year, with an EPS surprise of +33.75% against the consensus estimate of $0.80 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Harley-Davidson's worldwide retail motorcycle sales totaled 31,010 units, falling short of the average estimate of 36,821 units [4] - Total worldwide motorcycle shipments were 38,601, compared to the average estimate of 40,365 [4] - Revenue from motorcycles and related products was $863.86 million, slightly above the average estimate of $861.54 million, but still down 29.3% year-over-year [4] - Revenue from licensing was reported at $3.06 million, significantly below the average estimate of $8.03 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 65.8% [4] - Revenue from Live Wire was $2.74 million, compared to the estimated $6.64 million, marking a 41.7% decrease year-over-year [4] - Apparel revenue was $57.32 million, below the average estimate of $63.92 million [4] - Parts & Accessories revenue was $143.43 million, compared to the average estimate of $163.70 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 13.7% [4] - Financial services revenue was $244.96 million, slightly below the average estimate of $249.71 million, with a year-over-year change of -1.5% [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Harley-Davidson shares have returned -12.4%, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting potential for outperformance in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Harley-Davidson's consolidated revenue in Q1 2025 decreased by 23%, with operating income at $160 million, a decline of 51% at HDMC, partially offset by a 19% increase in HDFS operating income [20][28] - The consolidated operating income margin for Q1 was 12.1%, down from 15.2% in the previous year, primarily due to lower volume impacting dealer inventory [20][25] - Earnings per share for Q1 was reported at $1.7, reflecting the overall decline in revenue and operating income [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HDMC revenue decreased by 27% in Q1, driven by a 33% decline in motorcycle shipments, totaling 39,000 units compared to 58,000 units in the prior year [22][23] - HDFS revenue was $245 million, a decrease of 2%, while operating income increased by 19% to $64 million due to lower provisions for credit losses [27][28] - LiveWire segment reported an operating loss of $20 million, with revenue decreasing due to lower unit sales of electric motorcycles [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global retail sales were down 21% in Q1, with a 24% decline in North America, attributed to low consumer confidence [5][6] - EMEA region saw a retail decline of just 2%, while APAC experienced a 28% decline, primarily due to softness in China and Japan [7] - LATAM reported a 6% decline in retail sales year-over-year [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a significant marketing development fund to support dealer networks and product launches closer to the riding season [6][10] - Harley-Davidson plans to introduce new entry-level products and expand its cruiser offerings, aiming for affordability and profitability [11][88] - The company is evaluating its investment in LiveWire due to challenges in the EV market, including slower adoption rates and regulatory hurdles [12][97] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns over the uncertain macroeconomic environment and its impact on consumer confidence, leading to the withdrawal of previous 2025 guidance [13][34] - There is cautious optimism regarding potential trade deals that may mitigate tariff impacts, although the situation remains fluid [14][59] - Sequential improvement in retail sales was noted from February to April, indicating a slight recovery in consumer demand [66] Other Important Information - The company achieved $142 million in operating cash flow, an increase of $38 million from the prior period, with total cash and cash equivalents at $1.9 billion [31][32] - Harley-Davidson repurchased 3.4 million shares for $87 million in Q1 2025 as part of its capital allocation strategy [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: What might the economics of a long-term strategic partnership look like for Harley Davidson? - Management emphasized the importance of demonstrating the premium value of HDFS and maintaining attractive offers for customers and dealers [39][40] Question: What has changed regarding the strategic value of HDFS? - The focus is on ensuring a market-based view of HDFS's value while still recognizing its strategic importance to the company [42] Question: Can you provide insight into the tariff impacts and anti-American sentiment? - Management noted that while tariffs pose challenges, the company has a strong U.S.-centric manufacturing base, and there has not been significant negative sentiment affecting sales [56][64] Question: How is the retail environment evolving, especially in April? - Sequential improvement was observed in retail sales from February to April, with management noting that April showed signs of recovery compared to March [66] Question: What led to the decision to bring back entry-level bikes? - The company aims to capitalize on the opportunity to create profitable entry-level models, having previously focused on core business investments [88] Question: How are cost savings being tracked for LiveWire? - LiveWire is projected to reduce operating losses significantly, with ongoing efforts to drive cost savings and achieve a sustainable business model [97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Harley Davidson's consolidated revenue in Q1 2025 decreased by 23% compared to the previous year, with operating income down 51% at HDMC, partially offset by a 19% increase in operating income at HDFS [18][19][26] - The consolidated operating income margin for Q1 was 12.1%, down from 15.2% in the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower volume and dealer inventory management [19][32] - Earnings per share for Q1 was reported at $1.07 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HDMC revenue decreased by 27% in Q1, driven by a 33% decline in motorcycle shipments, totaling 39,000 units compared to 58,000 units in the prior year [21][22] - HDFS revenue was $245 million, a decrease of 2%, while operating income increased by 19% to $64 million due to lower provisions for credit losses [26][27] - LiveWire segment reported an operating loss of $20 million, which was an improvement from a $29 million loss in the prior year [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global retail sales were down 21% in Q1, with a 24% decline in North America, attributed to low consumer confidence [5][6] - EMEA region saw a retail decline of just 2%, while APAC experienced a 28% decline, primarily due to softness in China and Japan [7] - LATAM reported a 6% decline in retail sales year over year [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a significant marketing development fund to support dealer networks and product launches closer to the riding season [6][10] - Harley Davidson plans to introduce new entry-level products and expand its cruiser offerings, aiming for affordability and profitability [10][11] - The company is evaluating its investment in LiveWire due to challenges in the EV segment and plans to drive cost savings to achieve a sustainable business model [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns over the uncertain macroeconomic environment and its impact on consumer confidence, leading to the withdrawal of previous 2025 guidance [12][32] - There is cautious optimism regarding trade deals that may mitigate tariff impacts, although the situation remains fluid [13][56] - Sequential improvement in retail sales was noted from February to April, indicating potential recovery [65][66] Other Important Information - The company achieved $142 million in operating cash flow, an increase from the prior period, and ended Q1 with $1.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents [31][32] - Harley Davidson repurchased 3.4 million shares for $87 million in Q1 as part of its capital allocation strategy [31][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: What might the economics of a long-term strategic partnership look like for Harley Davidson? - Management emphasized the importance of demonstrating the premium value of HDFS and maintaining long-term funding optionality [36][38] Question: Is it fair to say that the genesis of the HDFS sale consideration is due to not receiving full value in stock? - Management confirmed the strategic nature of HDFS and the need to ensure its value is recognized [44][45] Question: Can you provide color on the various tariff sources and their impacts? - Management discussed the significant impact of tariffs, particularly from China, and the proactive measures taken to mitigate these effects [51][57] Question: How has the retail environment changed recently? - Management noted sequential improvement in retail sales from February to April, with expectations for easier comparisons in the second half of the year [65][66] Question: What led to the decision to bring back entry-level bikes? - The decision was based on a strategic focus on selective expansion and the belief that new entry-level models can be competitive and profitable [88][90] Question: What are the annual cost savings targets for LiveWire? - LiveWire is targeting reduced operating losses and cash burn, with significant cost-saving measures in place [98][99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Harley-Davidson's consolidated revenue in Q1 2025 decreased by 23% compared to the previous year, with operating income down 51% at HDMC, partially offset by a 19% increase in operating income at HDFS [18][20][26] - The consolidated operating income margin for Q1 was 12.1%, down from 15.2% in the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower volume and efforts to reduce dealer inventory [18][22] - Earnings per share for Q1 was reported at $1.07 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HDMC revenue decreased by 27% in Q1, driven by a 33% decline in motorcycle shipments, totaling 39,000 units compared to 58,000 units in the prior year [20][21] - HDFS revenue was $245 million, a decrease of 2%, while operating income increased by 19% to $64 million due to lower provisions for credit losses [26][27] - LiveWire segment reported an operating loss of $20 million, which was an improvement from a $29 million loss in the prior year [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global retail sales were down 21% in Q1, with a 24% decline in North America, attributed to low consumer confidence [4][5] - EMEA region saw a retail decline of just 2%, while APAC experienced a 28% decline, primarily due to softness in China and Japan [6] - LATAM reported a 6% decline in retail sales year over year [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a selective expansion strategy, planning to introduce new entry-level products and an iconic classic motorcycle starting next year [9][88] - A significant marketing development fund is being allocated to support dealer networks closer to the riding season [5][14] - The company is evaluating its investment in LiveWire due to challenges in the EV segment and plans to drive cost savings to achieve a sustainable business model [10][11][96] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns over the uncertain macroeconomic environment and its impact on consumer confidence, leading to the withdrawal of the 2025 financial guidance [11][31] - There is cautious optimism regarding potential trade deals that may mitigate tariff impacts [12][56] - Sequential improvement in retail sales was noted from February to April, indicating a slight recovery in consumer demand [64][65] Other Important Information - The company achieved $142 million in operating cash flow, an increase of $38 million from the prior year, and ended Q1 with $1.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents [30][31] - Harley-Davidson repurchased 3.4 million shares for $87 million in Q1 as part of its capital allocation strategy [30][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: What might the economics of a long-term strategic partnership look like for Harley Davidson? - Management emphasized the importance of demonstrating the premium value of HDFS and maintaining long-term funding optionality [36][38] Question: Is it fair to say that the strategic nature of HDFS is being reconsidered due to stock valuation? - Management confirmed that while HDFS remains strategic, they are exploring options to ensure its value is recognized in the market [44][46] Question: Can you provide insight into the tariff impacts and anti-American sentiment? - Management clarified that while tariffs pose challenges, the majority of their products are manufactured in the U.S., and they have a U.S.-centric sourcing strategy [50][54] Question: How has the retail environment changed in April compared to previous months? - Management reported sequential improvement in retail sales from February to April, indicating a positive trend [64][65] Question: What led to the decision to bring back entry-level bikes? - The company believes it can now offer competitive entry-level models that are profitable, following significant investments in core business areas [88][89]

▪ Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO ▪ Jonathan Root, Chief Financial Officer and President, Commercial ▪ Karim Donnez, CEO – LiveWire (NYSE: LVWR) ▪ Shawn Collins, Director Investor Relations Q1 2025 PERFORMANCE HEADLINES 3 ▪ Delivered diluted EPS of $1.07 ▪ HDMC operating income margin of 10.8 percent ▪ HDFS operating income margin of 26.1 percent ▪ Global motorcycle retail sales down 21 percent year-over-year, driven by a volatile macro environment and overall consumer uncertainty ▪ HDMC revenue d ...

Group 1 - Harley-Davidson, Inc. will release its first quarter 2025 financial results before market hours on May 1, 2025 [1] - An audio webcast is scheduled for May 1, 2025, from 8-9 a.m. CT, where senior management will discuss financial results and business developments [1] - A slide presentation supporting the discussion will be available prior to the audio webcast [1] Group 2 - Participants should log on and register at least 10 minutes before the start time for the webcast [2] - A replay of the audio webcast will be available approximately two hours after the call concludes [2] Group 3 - Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services [3]

Core Viewpoint - A major shareholder, H Partners Management, is advocating for significant changes to Harley-Davidson's board, specifically calling for the removal of CEO Jochen Zeitz and two other long-standing board members due to dissatisfaction with the company's performance and governance [1][4][6]. Group 1: Shareholder Actions - H Partners Management holds approximately 9.1% of Harley-Davidson's shares and is urging other shareholders to vote "withhold" at the upcoming shareholder meeting in May regarding the re-election of Zeitz and two board members [2][4]. - The firm believes that voting to "withhold" would send a strong message of dissatisfaction with the current board and the need for meaningful change [4]. Group 2: Performance Concerns - H Partners has criticized the company's performance, attributing it to an "inability to course-correct," which they partly blame on CEO Zeitz and board member Thomas Linebarger [6][8]. - The company has experienced a significant decline in share value, with a drop of over 24% since the beginning of the year and a 42.7% decline over the past 12 months [9]. Group 3: Financial Overview - Harley-Davidson reported a revenue of $4.12 billion for 2024, reflecting a 14.9% decline year-over-year, with annual net income falling to $455.36 million [11]. - The company's forecast for 2025 indicates that revenue is expected to be "flat, to down 5%" [14]. Group 4: Leadership and Strategic Direction - H Partners is advocating for the immediate removal of Zeitz and the appointment of an interim CEO until a permanent replacement is found, expressing concerns that the current board cannot be trusted to oversee crucial decisions, including CEO succession [5][8]. - The firm emphasizes the need for a leader who can repair relationships with dealers, engage with riders, and restore the company's brand and culture [10].

hapabapa Listen below or on the go on Apple Podcasts and Spotify U.S. government informs Nvidia (NVDA) it requires license to export H20 hardware to China. (00:22) Bagged and dragged: Vera Bradley (VRA) sets new lows as rebranding falls flat. (01:39) Major shareholder seeks Harley-Davidson (HOG) board shakeup, calls for CEO to step down - report. (03:00) This is an abridged transcript. Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) received a notice from the U.S. government that it needs a special license to ship its H20 graphic pro ...