Core Insights - The company is focused on stabilizing its business by restoring dealer confidence and aligning wholesale activity with retail demand, aiming for sustainable growth in the future [1][3] - Immediate priorities include improving dealer profitability, reigniting brand momentum, and reducing costs, with a commitment to these goals remaining unchanged [1][5] - The company is optimistic about early signs of improvement, particularly in North American retail sales, which have shown growth [2][11] Inventory Management - The company has taken intentional actions to address elevated dealer inventory, particularly in North America, resulting in a 16% decline in dealer inventory relative to year-end 2024 levels [11][33] - Global dealer inventory was down 17% over the same period, exceeding the target of a 10% reduction, indicating solid progress [11][33] - The focus on inventory discipline is central to the company's strategy, with targeted promotional support for touring models and disciplined quarterly planning [10][12] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, consolidated revenue decreased by 28%, driven by a 10% decline in HDMC revenue and a 59% drop in HDFS revenue [26][28] - The operating loss for Q4 was $361 million, compared to a loss of $193 million in 2024, with significant losses attributed to both HDMC and HDFS [26][27] - For the full year 2025, consolidated revenue was $4.5 billion, a 14% decrease compared to the previous year, with earnings per share dropping from $3.44 to $2.78 [28][29] Retail Sales Performance - North American retail sales of new motorcycles increased by 5% in Q4, while international sales decreased by 10%, leading to a global retail sales decline of 1% [28][30] - The company experienced strength in lower-priced sport motorcycle models, which were up 33%, while the Grand American touring product saw a 6% increase [30][32] - EMEA retail sales declined by 24% in Q4, reflecting ongoing macroeconomic challenges, while Asia Pacific retail sales were down 1% [30][31] Strategic Initiatives - The company is committed to restoring relationships with dealers, improving inventory management, and enhancing customer focus through a refined product portfolio [5][6] - A new e-commerce strategy is being implemented to drive dealership traffic and support motorcycle sales, addressing previous issues of customer confusion and excessive discounting [8][9] - The company plans to announce a new strategic plan in May, which is expected to outline further initiatives for growth and stability [3][24] Future Outlook - The company anticipates 2026 to be a transition year, with expectations for improved dealer health and a return to long-term earnings power [12][53] - Projected retail units for 2026 are between 130,000 to 135,000, with a similar expectation for wholesale units, indicating a balanced approach to inventory management [54][55] - The company expects to face increased costs from tariffs in 2026, forecasting between $75 million to $105 million based on current levels [55][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue in Q4 2025 was down 28%, with HDMC revenue down 10% and HDFS revenue down 59% [23] - Consolidated operating income for Q4 was a loss of $361 million, compared to a loss of $193 million in Q4 2024 [23] - For the full year 2025, consolidated revenue was $4.5 billion, a 14% decrease compared to the previous year, with earnings per share at $2.78, down from $3.44 in 2024 [25][44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HDMC retail sales in Q4 increased by 5% in North America but decreased by 10% internationally, leading to a global retail sales decline of 1% [25] - For the full year 2025, North American retail sales were down 13%, while EMEA retail sales were down 11% [26][28] - HDMC revenue for the full year decreased by 13% to $3.6 billion, driven by a 16% decrease in wholesale volumes [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American dealer inventory declined by 16% year-over-year, while global dealer inventory was down 17%, exceeding the 10% reduction target [10][30] - In Latin America, Q4 retail sales increased by 10%, with both Brazil and Mexico showing growth [29] - Asia Pacific retail sales were down 15% for the full year, with significant weakness in China [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on stabilizing the business by restoring dealer confidence and aligning wholesale activity with retail demand [5] - Immediate priorities include improving dealer profitability, reigniting brand momentum, and reducing costs [6] - A strategic plan announcement is expected in May 2026, aiming for sustainable growth [4][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management views 2026 as a transition year to reset the business and finalize the new strategy, with expectations of operating margin pressure due to lower production runs [11][48] - The company anticipates a cost of $75 million to $105 million in new or increased tariffs for 2026, compared to $67 million in 2025 [48] - Management is optimistic about the brand's potential and is committed to rebuilding trust and long-term earnings power [21] Other Important Information - The HDFS transaction is expected to transform the financial services model into a capital-light, de-risked business [22] - The company plans to conduct a rigorous review of its cost base and operating expenses, targeting at least $150 million in annual run rate savings starting in 2027 [18][73] - LiveWire is focusing on launching new products and expanding its network while managing costs [42] Q&A Session Summary Question: HDFS operating income expectations - Analyst inquired about the HDFS operating income expectations, which were lower than initially anticipated, and sought clarification on the long-term profitability of the business [52] - Management explained that HDFS is expected to stabilize and potentially triple its income over the next few years, but current volume levels are lower than expected [53][55] Question: Wholesale guidance and inventory levels - Analyst asked about the cadence of wholesale shipments and inventory levels for 2026 [58] - Management indicated that Q1 2026 wholesale shipments would be lower than the previous year, with an expected increase in Q2, while emphasizing the importance of healthy inventory levels [59][63] Question: Retail expectations and LiveWire investment - Analyst questioned the expectations for global retail sales and the willingness to invest in LiveWire despite potential losses [64] - Management expressed optimism about new product launches and the potential for retail sales growth, while confirming continued investment in LiveWire [66][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue in Q4 2025 was down 28%, with HDMC revenue down 10% and HDFS revenue down 59% [25] - Consolidated operating income for Q4 was a loss of $361 million, compared to a loss of $193 million in Q4 2024 [25] - For the full year 2025, consolidated revenue was $4.5 billion, a 14% decrease compared to the previous year, and earnings per share was $2.78, down from $3.44 in 2024 [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HDMC retail sales in Q4 increased by 5% in North America, while international retail sales decreased by 10%, leading to a global retail sales decline of 1% [27] - For the full year 2025, North American retail sales were down 13%, while EMEA retail sales were down 11% [28][29] - HDFS revenue for Q4 was $106 million, down from $257 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower retail and wholesale finance receivables [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American dealer inventory declined by 16% relative to year-end 2024 levels, while global dealer inventory was down 17%, exceeding the 10% reduction target [11][31] - In Latin America, Q4 retail sales increased by 10%, with both Brazil and Mexico showing growth [30] - Asia Pacific retail sales declined by 1% in Q4, with significant weakness in China [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on stabilizing the business by restoring dealer confidence and aligning wholesale activity with retail demand [6][12] - Immediate priorities include improving dealer profitability, reigniting brand momentum, and reducing costs [7] - A strategic plan is expected to be announced in May 2026, with a focus on sustainable growth and optimizing inventory management [4][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that 2025 was a challenging year, with macro-driven pressures and internal challenges [4] - The company expects margins to be under pressure in the near term due to production levels running below wholesale [13] - 2026 is viewed as a transition year to reset the business and finalize the new strategy, with expectations for improved dealer health and financial results [12][16] Other Important Information - The HDFS transaction is expected to transform the business into a capital-light model, with a significant reduction in debt and improved financial flexibility [24][38] - The company plans to conduct a rigorous review of its cost base and operating expenses, targeting at least $150 million in annual run rate savings starting in 2027 [20][21] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Inquiry about HDFS operating income expectations - Management indicated that HDFS operating income is expected to be between $45 million and $60 million for 2026, with a long-term view of tripling that income over the next few years [55][56] Question: Wholesale guidance and inventory levels - Management noted that Q1 2026 wholesale shipments are expected to be down slightly compared to the previous year, with a gradual increase anticipated in Q2 [60][62] Question: Retail sales expectations and LiveWire investment - Management expressed optimism about retail sales growth in 2026, driven by new model introductions and a focus on supporting dealers [70][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue in Q4 2025 decreased by 28%, with HDMC revenue down 10% and HDFS revenue down 59% [25] - Consolidated operating income for Q4 was a loss of $361 million, compared to a loss of $193 million in Q4 2024 [26] - For the full year 2025, consolidated revenue was $4.5 billion, a 14% decrease compared to the previous year, and operating income was $387 million, down from $417 million in 2024 [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HDMC retail performance saw North American retail sales of new motorcycles up 5% in Q4, while international retail sales were down 10% [27] - For the full year 2025, global retail sales of new motorcycles were down 12%, with North America and international markets performing similarly [30] - HDFS revenue for Q4 was $106 million, down from $257 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower retail and wholesale finance receivables [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American retail sales for Q4 were up 5%, while EMEA retail sales declined by 24% due to macroeconomic conditions [28][29] - In Asia-Pacific, Q4 retail sales declined by 1%, with significant weakness in China [29] - Latin American retail sales increased by 10% in Q4, with both Brazil and Mexico showing growth [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on stabilizing the business by restoring dealer confidence and aligning wholesale activity with retail demand [6] - Immediate priorities include improving dealer profitability, reigniting brand momentum, and reducing costs [7] - A strategic plan is expected to be announced in May 2026, with a focus on sustainable growth and optimizing inventory management [4][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that 2025 was a challenging year, with macro-driven pressures and internal challenges [4] - The company expects 2026 to be a transition year as it resets the business and finalizes its new strategy [12] - Margins are expected to be under pressure in the near term due to production runs being below wholesale [13] Other Important Information - Dealer inventory at the end of Q4 was down 17% compared to the previous year, exceeding the target reduction of 10% [30] - The HDFS transaction is expected to transform the business into a capital-light, de-risked model, with a significant reduction in debt [25][37] - The company plans to conduct a rigorous review of its cost base and operating expenses to align with current demand levels [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about HDFS operating income expectations - Management indicated that HDFS operating income for 2026 is expected to be between $45 million and $60 million, with long-term profitability projected to be significantly higher [51][52] Question: Wholesale guidance and inventory levels - Management noted that Q1 2026 wholesale shipments are expected to be down slightly compared to the previous year, with a gradual increase anticipated in Q2 [57][60] Question: Expectations for global retail sales - Management expressed optimism about U.S. retail sales, particularly with the introduction of new models, while being cautious about overall retail performance [64][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue in Q4 2025 decreased by 28%, with HDMC revenue down 10% and HDFS revenue down 59% [25] - Consolidated operating income for Q4 was a loss of $361 million, compared to a loss of $193 million in Q4 2024 [26] - For the full year 2025, consolidated revenue was $4.5 billion, a 14% decrease compared to the previous year, and operating income was $387 million, down from $417 million in 2024 [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HDMC retail performance saw North American sales of new motorcycles increase by 5% in Q4, while international sales decreased by 10%, leading to a global retail sales decline of 1% [27][28] - HDFS revenue for Q4 was $106 million, down from $257 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower retail and wholesale finance receivables [38] - LiveWire's consolidated revenue increased by 9% in Q4, driven by a 61% increase in electric motorcycle units [42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American retail sales for the full year 2025 were down 13%, while EMEA retail sales declined by 11% [28][30] - In Latin America, Q4 retail sales increased by 10%, with both Brazil and Mexico showing growth [30] - Asia-Pacific retail sales were down 15% for the full year, with significant weakness in China [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on stabilizing the business by restoring dealer confidence and aligning wholesale activity with retail demand [6][12] - Immediate priorities include improving dealer profitability, reigniting brand momentum, and reducing costs [7] - A strategic plan is expected to be announced in May 2026, aiming for sustainable growth and improved dealer relationships [4][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that 2025 was a challenging year, with macro-driven pressures and internal challenges [4] - The company expects 2026 to be a transition year as it resets the business and finalizes its new strategy [12] - Margins are anticipated to be under pressure in the near term due to production runs being below wholesale [13] Other Important Information - Dealer inventory at the end of Q4 was down 17% compared to the previous year, exceeding the target reduction of 10% [30] - The company is conducting a thorough review of its cost base and operating expenses to align with current demand [20] - A dividend of $1 billion was facilitated from HDFS to HDI in Q4, with further dividends expected [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about HDFS operating income expectations - Management indicated that HDFS operating income for 2026 is expected to be between $45 million and $60 million, with a long-term view of potentially tripling that figure [53][54] Question: Wholesale guidance and inventory levels - Management noted that Q1 2026 wholesale shipments are expected to be down slightly, with a potential increase in Q2 as dealers are positioned for the season [60][63] Question: Retail sales expectations and LiveWire investment - Management expressed optimism about retail sales growth in 2026, particularly with new model introductions, while also confirming continued investment in LiveWire despite potential losses [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue in Q4 2025 decreased by 28%, with HDMC revenue down 10% and HDFS revenue down 59% [24] - Consolidated operating income for Q4 was a loss of $361 million, compared to a loss of $193 million in Q4 2024 [25] - Full year 2025 consolidated revenue was $4.5 billion, a 14% decrease compared to the previous year, with operating income of $387 million, down from $417 million in 2024 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HDMC retail sales in Q4 increased by 5% in North America but decreased by 10% internationally, leading to a global retail sales decline of 1% [26] - For the full year 2025, HDMC revenue decreased by 13% to $3.6 billion, driven by a 16% drop in wholesale volumes [31] - HDFS revenue for Q4 was $106 million, down from $257 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower retail and wholesale finance receivables [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American retail sales were up 5% in Q4, while EMEA retail sales declined by 24% due to adverse macroeconomic conditions [27][28] - Asia-Pacific retail sales decreased by 1% in Q4, with significant weakness in China, while Latin America saw a 10% increase in Q4 [29] - Global retail sales of new motorcycles were down 12% for the full year 2025 [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on stabilizing the business by restoring dealer confidence and aligning wholesale activity with retail demand [5] - Immediate priorities include improving dealer profitability, reigniting brand momentum, and reducing costs [6] - A strategic plan announcement is expected in May 2026, with a focus on sustainable growth and optimizing inventory management [4][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management views 2026 as a transition year to reset the business and expects margins to be under pressure due to production running below wholesale [12] - The company anticipates a cost of $75 million to $105 million in new or increased tariffs for 2026, which will impact operating margins [46] - Management is optimistic about returning to long-term earnings and free cash flow levels, emphasizing the importance of dealer health and inventory management [12][23] Other Important Information - The HDFS transaction is expected to transform the business into a capital-light, de-risked model, with a significant reduction in HDFS debt [24][36] - The company plans to conduct a rigorous review of its cost base and operating expenses to align with current demand levels [19] - A total of $150 million in annual run rate savings is anticipated starting in 2027, excluding LiveWire [70] Q&A Session Summary Question: HDFS operating income expectations - Management indicated that HDFS operating income for 2026 is expected to be between $45 million and $60 million, with a long-term view of potentially tripling that figure [50][52] Question: Wholesale guidance and inventory levels - Management expects Q1 2026 wholesale shipments to be slightly down compared to the previous year, with an increase anticipated in Q2 [56][58] Question: Global retail expectations - Management is optimistic about U.S. retail sales, particularly with new model introductions, and expects some upside in 2026 compared to 2025 [63][66] Question: Annual run rate savings distribution - The $150 million in annual run rate savings will not include LiveWire and is expected to be realized starting in the back half of 2026 [70][71] Question: Bridging wholesale growth to operating income - Management acknowledged the challenges in achieving operating income amidst tariff impacts and production versus wholesale dynamics [74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue in Q3 2025 increased by 17%, driven by a 23% increase in HDMC revenue, which rose by $198 million compared to the prior year [16][20] - Consolidated operating income for Q3 was $475 million, primarily influenced by HDFS operating income, which was positively impacted by the HDFS transaction [16][22] - Earnings per share for Q3 was $3.10, with global retail down 6% [17][30] - HDFS revenue decreased by 3%, while LiveWire revenue increased by 16% [16][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HDMC's operating income decreased by 2% year-over-year, while LiveWire reported an operating loss of $18 million [16][30] - HDMC gross margin was 26.4%, down from 30.1% in the prior year, due to unfavorable operating leverage and increased tariffs [21][22] - HDFS's operating income increased by 472% year-over-year, driven by a lower provision for credit losses and higher other income [26][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global retail was down 6%, with North America down 5% and international markets down 9% [17][30] - In North America, the Softail family saw a 9% increase, while Adventure Touring bikes were up 4% [18][19] - EMEA retail was down 17%, but non-core segments like Adventure Touring and Nightster motorcycles showed strong growth [19][20] - In Latin America, retail was up 16%, marking the first quarter of growth since Q3 2024 [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving dealer health and profitability, with immediate actions to enhance motorcycle inventory management and introduce market-responsive promotions [5][6] - The HDFS transaction aims to transform the business into a capital-light model, unlocking $1.2 to $1.25 billion in discretionary cash [14][15] - Future strategies include enhancing product accessibility, improving speed to market, and focusing on cost and capital efficiency [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment in Q3 results but highlighted the strategic value of the HDFS transaction [6][16] - The current macro environment is challenging, with high interest rates and inflation impacting consumer confidence [17][30] - Management is optimistic about future product launches and the potential to attract younger riders through new offerings [36][38] Other Important Information - The company plans to use proceeds from the HDFS transaction for debt reduction, share buybacks, and organic growth initiatives [32][31] - Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q3 were $1.8 billion, down $469 million from the previous year [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on demographic headwinds facing Harley-Davidson - Management acknowledged the need to attract younger riders and emphasized the importance of a fun and welcoming dealership experience [36][37] Question: Elaboration on market-responsive promotions - Management indicated that high dealer inventory levels necessitate promotional activities to drive sales, particularly for Touring models [39][40] Question: Impact of the HDFS transaction on operating income - Management confirmed that the transaction is expected to provide a $275-$300 million operating income benefit in the second half of the year [44][46] Question: Expectations for fourth quarter retail performance - Management noted improvements in dealer traffic but refrained from providing specific guidance due to market uncertainties [57][58] Question: Shipment expectations for 2026 - Management indicated that inventory levels are being managed carefully, with a focus on reducing Touring inventory while preparing for new model launches [52][54]

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]