Core Insights - Harley-Davidson's shares have declined approximately 19% over the past year due to weak demand for motorcycles amid a sluggish consumer spending environment [1] Company Performance - The company is facing challenges with lackluster demand for its motorcycles, which is impacting its stock performance negatively [1] Market Context - The broader economic backdrop is characterized by muted consumer spending, which is contributing to the difficulties faced by Harley-Davidson [1]

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Core Insights - Indian auto stocks are outperforming their Asian counterparts significantly this month, with expectations for continued gains due to tax cuts boosting demand [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - The Nifty Auto Index has increased by 8.5% this month, compared to a 1% gain for Asian peers and a 2.6% rise in the NSE Nifty 50 Index [2]. - Analysts from major financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and Morgan Stanley, have upgraded their recommendations for several local automakers in September [2]. Group 2: Tax Cuts and Consumer Demand - The Indian government has reduced the goods and services tax on most passenger vehicles from as high as 31% to 18%, making vehicles more affordable for consumers ahead of the festival season [3]. - The current period is viewed as the beginning of a new auto cycle, which typically lasts 24 to 36 months, with expectations for increased sales as consumer demand rises [3]. Group 3: Company Spotlight - Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, the largest carmaker in India, has seen its stock surge over 25% since August 15, following the announcement of the tax structure revamp [4]. - The market value of Maruti Suzuki has reached approximately $57 billion, positioning it close to global competitors such as General Motors and Mercedes-Benz [4].

Core Viewpoint - Harley-Davidson has appointed two new independent directors, Daniel Nova and Matt Reintjes, to its Board of Directors, effective September 15, 2025, to enhance the company's strategic direction and governance [1][2]. Group 1: New Board Appointments - Daniel Nova is a General Partner at Highland Capital Partners and has extensive experience in advising companies through growth and transition, along with a strong background in corporate governance and finance [2][4]. - Matt Reintjes has been the President and CEO of YETI Holdings since 2015, leading the company to become a prominent global outdoor brand, and brings valuable insights from his previous executive roles [4][5]. - The appointments come as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Board, which has seen four new independent members added in the last three years [6]. Group 2: Board Changes and Leadership - The retirements of directors Sara Levinson and Norman Thomas Linebarger were announced prior to the new appointments, indicating a shift in the Board's composition [5][6]. - Troy Alstead has been appointed as the Presiding Director effective July 30, 2025, and will become Chairman of the Board on October 1, 2025, further indicating leadership changes within the company [6]. Group 3: Company Background - Harley-Davidson, established in 1903, is known for its iconic brand representing freedom and adventure, focusing on motorcycles, accessories, and financial services [7]. - The company aims to maintain its status as the most desirable motorcycle brand globally and has a controlling interest in LiveWire Group, Inc., which focuses on electric motorcycles [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - Harley-Davidson, Inc. (HOG) is showing potential as a stock pick due to a recent "golden cross" event, indicating a bullish trend reversal [1][4]. Technical Analysis - A "golden cross" occurs when a short-term moving average (50-day) crosses above a long-term moving average (200-day), suggesting a potential bullish breakout [2]. - The formation of a golden cross typically follows three stages: a downtrend, the crossover of moving averages, and an upward price movement [3]. Recent Performance - HOG has experienced a rally of 21.1% over the past four weeks, indicating strong momentum [4]. - The current Zacks Rank for HOG is 3 (Hold), suggesting a stable outlook [4]. Earnings Outlook - The earnings outlook for HOG is positive, with no downward revisions in the past two months and four upward revisions, leading to an increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [4][5]. - The combination of positive earnings revisions and technical indicators suggests that HOG may continue to see gains in the near future [5].

Core Insights - Sonic Automotive, Inc. achieved record-breaking performance at the 85th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, with significant sales and engagement across its Harley-Davidson dealerships [1][2][5] - The company sold over 1,100 motorcycles during the rally, marking a peak single-day sale of 135 motorcycles, surpassing the previous record of 86 [5][8] - Sonic Powersports solidified its position as a leading retailer in the Harley-Davidson community, with Black Hills Harley-Davidson recognized as the No. 1 dealership in America for combined new and used motorcycle sales [2][3] Sales Performance - The rally attracted over 537,000 vehicles, an 11% increase over the five-year average, with total attendance estimated to exceed 800,000 [5] - Sonic Powersports' sales registered from all 50 states, with four days exceeding 100 motorcycles sold [8] - The company executed a successful retail strategy, with more than 500 team members on-site to enhance customer experiences [5][8] Community Engagement - The event featured brand-first activations, including a limited-edition Sturgis Rally motorcycle and the launch of the 85th Founders Club to celebrate rider loyalty [4] - Sonic Powersports plans to expand its presence at future rallies, aiming to enhance rider experience and community connection [6]

Group 1 - News Corporation (NWS) has been added to the Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) List, with a 10.2% downward revision in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Baldwin Insurance Group, Inc. (BWIN) is also on the Zacks Rank 5 List, experiencing a nearly 6.2% downward revision in its current year earnings estimate over the last 60 days [2] - Honda Motor Co. (HMC) has seen a nearly 5.5% downward revision in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days, and is recognized as a leading automobile manufacturer and the largest motorcycle producer globally [2]

Core Insights - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is positioned to benefit from increasing hybrid adoption and strategic partnerships, despite facing challenges from declining demand and high capital requirements [1] Group 1: Hybrid and EV Strategy - The surge in hybrid adoption is expected to boost Honda's sales, with projections of 21.3 million motorcycle sales in fiscal 2026, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 3.5% [2] - Honda aims for EVs and FCEVs to make up 100% of its global vehicle sales by 2040, with plans to reduce battery costs by over 20% in North America by 2030 and lower overall production costs by 35% [3] - The introduction of the new 0 Series EV lineup in January 2024 is pivotal for Honda's electrification efforts, with plans to launch seven models globally by 2030 [4] Group 2: Financial Performance and Shareholder Returns - Honda is committed to increasing shareholder returns through dividends and stock buybacks, with a planned repurchase of 1.1 trillion yen worth of shares and an expected annual dividend increase to 70 yen per share for fiscal 2026 [5][8] - The company's Power Products segment has faced declining revenues, with unit sales dropping 2.9% to 3,700,000 units in fiscal 2025, and further declines are anticipated [6] Group 3: Capital Expenditure and Investment - Capital expenditure for fiscal 2026 is projected to increase by 19% to 640 billion yen, with Honda investing $48 billion (7 trillion yen) through 2031 to support its electrification strategy [6]

Core Viewpoint - Canada is reversing its tariffs on approximately $21.7 billion worth of American goods in an effort to ease trade tensions with the Trump administration, while maintaining tariffs on certain sectors like steel, aluminum, and automobiles [1][4][5]. Group 1: Policy Shift - Prime Minister Mark Carney will announce the removal of 25% tariffs on a wide range of US consumer goods that comply with the North American trade agreement [1][4]. - This marks a significant change in Canada's approach, moving away from aggressive retaliation against US tariffs that characterized Carney's election campaign [2][8]. Group 2: Economic Impact - The tariff rollback will exempt American products such as orange juice, wine, clothing, and motorcycles from the previously imposed import taxes [4][17]. - Canada's earlier retaliatory measures targeted about $21.6 billion in US shipments, but the recent policy change is expected to alleviate some economic pressures without triggering inflation, as consumer prices rose only 1.7% year-over-year in July [11][19]. Group 3: Strategic Considerations - The decision to roll back tariffs is seen as a strategy to ease tensions with the White House and prepare for the upcoming review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement [6]. - Carney's administration has shown skepticism towards the effectiveness of tit-for-tat trade measures, leading to exemptions for certain US items and potential relief for automakers maintaining Canadian manufacturing [13][16].

Core Insights - The company is undergoing a rebranding initiative, changing its name to RideNow Group, Inc., relocating its corporate headquarters back to Phoenix, AZ, and changing its ticker symbol from "RMBL" to "RDNW" effective August 13, 2025 [6][10][12] - The second quarter of 2025 showed a decline in revenue and net loss compared to the same period in 2024, but there were improvements in adjusted EBITDA and SG&A expenses [4][6][19] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $299.9 million, down 11.0% from $336.8 million in Q2 2024 [4][6] - Gross profit decreased to $83.9 million, a decline of 6.7% year-over-year [4][6] - Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses were reduced to $66.7 million, down 6.6% from $71.4 million in the previous year [4][6] - The company reported a net loss of $32.2 million, compared to a net loss of $0.7 million in Q2 2024 [4][6] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $17.2 million, up 6.2% from $16.2 million in Q2 2024 [4][6] Segment Performance - In the Powersports segment, unit retail sales of new powersports vehicles decreased by 11.5% to 10,618 units, while pre-owned powersports sales increased by 10.2% to 5,283 units [7][8] - Revenue from the Powersports segment was $298.6 million, down 7.2% from $321.6 million in the previous year [7][8] - The Vehicle Transportation Services segment saw a significant decline, with revenue dropping to $1.3 million, down 91.4% from $15.2 million in Q2 2024 [8] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - As of June 30, 2025, the company had $44.7 million in unrestricted cash and $185.1 million in non-vehicle net debt [9][17] - Total available liquidity was $185.7 million, which includes cash and availability under credit facilities [9] - The company executed a term loan amendment to extend the maturity of its term loan to September 30, 2027, with a reduction in interest rates [10][19] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on a "back to our roots" strategy aimed at improving operational execution and driving growth [3] - The successful closing of a term loan amendment provides operational flexibility to execute its strategic initiatives [3][10]