Harley-Davidson dealers worldwide sold 90,218 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the second quarter of 2014 compared to 90,193 motorcycles in the year-ago quarter.
In the U.S., dealers sold 58,225 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the quarter, compared to sales of 58,241 motorcycles in the year-ago period. The Company believes second-quarter U.S. retail sales were adversely affected by prolonged poor weather across parts of the U.S. and soft Sportster motorcycle sales ahead of the highly anticipated arrival of Street motorcycles in dealer showrooms.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell said that "U.S. retail Harley-Davidson sales fell short of our expectations in the second quarter.
"Because we are committed to managing supply in line with demand, we are reducing our full-year shipment plan and now expect shipment growth of approximately 3.5 to 5.5 percent over last year." The Company previously had forecast full-year shipment growth of approximately 7 to 9 percent.
"We believe the underlying demand fundamentals of the business remain intact," said Wandell. "We continue to see a strong response to the new Rushmore models as well as great interest in the Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 500, which began to hit dealer showrooms in late June."
Through the first six months of 2014, dealers sold 147,633 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles worldwide, compared to 144,447 motorcycles in the year-ago period, with retail unit sales up 1.1 percent in the U.S., 10.1 percent in the Asia Pacific Region and 7.5 percent in the EMEA Region, and down 2.1 percent in the Latin America Region and 13.5 percent in Canada, compared to the year-ago period.
In financial terms net income rose 30.3 percent ($354.2 million) for the quarter on consolidated revenue of $2 billion ($271.7 million on $1.79 billion in second quarter of 2013), with diluted earnings per share growing by $1.62 (33.9 percent) year-over-year
'sales up 7 percent in Europe'
Through six months, Harley-Davidson 2014 net income was $620.1 million on consolidated revenue of $3.73 billion, compared to six-month 2013 net income of $495.9 million on consolidated revenue of $3.37 billion. Six-month 2014 diluted earnings per share were $2.82, up 28.2 percent from EPS of $2.20 in the year-ago period.
"Harley-Davidson's second-quarter results reflect the financial strength of the Company and brand, including the benefits of continuous improvement throughout our operation," said Wandell. "As a customer-led organization, our employees, dealers in 90 countries and suppliers are focused every day on providing outstanding products and experiences for customers around the world."
Operating income from motorcycles and related products grew 32.3 percent to $473.3 million, compared to operating income of $357.7 million in the year-ago period. Operating income in the quarter benefited from higher motorcycle shipments and higher gross margin compared to the prior-year period.
Revenue from motorcycles grew 16.2 percent to $1.48 billion, compared to revenue of $1.27 billion in the year-ago period. The Company shipped 92,217 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide during the quarter, in line with guidance and a 9.0 percent increase compared to shipments of 84,606 motorcycles in the year-ago period.
Revenue from motorcycle parts and accessories was $271.6 million during the quarter, up 0.7 percent, and revenue from general merchandise, which includes MotorClothes apparel and accessories, was $76.4 million, down 6.5 percent, compared to the year-ago period.
Through six months the Company shipped 172,899 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide, an 8.2 percent increase compared to the year-ago period. Six-month revenue from motorcycles grew 14.7 percent to $2.79 billion, revenue from parts and accessories increased 3.5 percent to $469.7 million and revenue from general merchandise decreased 8.7 percent to $140.5 million, compared to the first six months of 2013. Gross margin through six months was 38.6 percent and operating margin was 24.1 percent, compared to 36.8 percent and 20.8 percent respectively in the year-ago period.
Operating income from financial services was $74.4 million in the second quarter of 2014, a 0.4 percent increase compared to operating income of $74.2 million in last year's second quarter. Second-quarter financial services results reflect improved net interest income, partially offset by a higher provision for credit losses. Through six months, operating income from financial services was $137.6 million, compared to operating income of $145.7 million through six months of 2013.