Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue in Q3 2025 increased by 17%, driven by a 23% increase in HDMC revenue, which was up $198 million compared to the prior year [16][22] - Consolidated operating income for Q3 was $475 million, primarily influenced by the HDFS transaction, while HDMC operating income decreased by 2% year-over-year [16][17] - Earnings per share for Q3 was $3.10, with a consolidated operating income margin of 35.4%, significantly up from 9.2% in the same quarter last year [17][23] 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% [16][22] - LiveWire revenue increased by 16%, but the segment reported an operating loss of $18 million [16][30] - HDFS's operating income surged by 472% year-over-year, primarily due to the HDFS transaction, with a significant benefit from the reversal of the allowance for credit losses [27][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global retail sales were down 6%, with North America down 5% and international markets down 9%, reflecting soft demand amid high interest rates and inflation concerns [17][18] - In North America, the Softail family saw a 9% increase in sales, while Adventure Touring bikes were up 4% [18][20] - Latin America experienced a 16% increase in retail sales, 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 including better inventory management and market-responsive promotions [5][6] - There is a commitment to enhancing the product portfolio to balance aspiration with accessibility, particularly in light of the current interest rate environment [9][10] - The HDFS transaction aims to transform the business into a capital-light model, unlocking $1.2-$1.25 billion in discretionary cash through Q1 2026 [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment with the motor company's results but highlighted the positive impact of the HDFS transaction [6][16] - The CEO emphasized the need to attract younger riders and make the brand more accessible and fun [40][42] - The company plans to continue focusing on cost and capital efficiency while enhancing the dealer network's health [9][10][37] Other Important Information - The company has committed to returning capital to shareholders, having repurchased 6.8 million shares for $187 million year-to-date [32][33] - The global tariff environment remains uncertain, with an estimated full-year impact from tariffs expected to be between $55-$75 million [26][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company plan to address demographic headwinds? - The CEO noted the need to make the brand more fun and accessible, with plans to introduce lighter and more affordable bikes to attract younger riders [40][42] Question: Can you elaborate on market-responsive promotions? - Management indicated that high dealer inventory levels necessitate promotional activities to drive sales, particularly for touring models [43][44] Question: What is the expected impact of the HDFS transaction on future earnings? - The company confirmed that the transaction is expected to provide a $275-$300 million operating income benefit in the second half of the year [50][54] 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 dynamics [56][61] Question: How is the company addressing inventory levels? - The company has seen a significant reduction in dealer inventory, with expectations to continue this trend into the next year [57][63]