Harley-Davidson(HOG) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]