Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2010

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to             

Commission file number 1-9183

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Wisconsin   39-1382325
(State of organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3700 West Juneau Avenue

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

  53208
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Registrants telephone number: (414) 342-4680

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE

  NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one).

 

Large accelerated filer     x    Accelerated filer     ¨
Non-accelerated filer     ¨    Smaller reporting company     ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 27, 2010: $5,691,839,774

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding at January 31, 2011: 235,521,693 shares

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Part III of this report incorporates information by reference from registrant’s Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of its shareholders to be held on April 30, 2011.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Form 10-K

For The Year Ended December 31, 2010

 

          Page  

Part I

  

Item 1.

   Business      3   

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      13   

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments      20   

Item 2.

   Properties      21   

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings      22   

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders      24   

Part II

  

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      25   

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data      27   

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      28   

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      56   

Item 8.

   Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      57   

Item 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      126   

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures      126   

Part III

  

Item 10.

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      127   

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation      127   

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      127   

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      128   

Item 14.

   Principal Accounting Fees and Services      128   

Part IV

  

Item 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules      129   

Signatures

     131   

 

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PART I

Note regarding forward-looking statements

The Company intends that certain matters discussed by the Company are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such by reference to this note or because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” or “estimates” or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this report. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described in close proximity to such statements or elsewhere in this report, including under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report and under “Cautionary Statements” in Item 7 of this report. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this report are made as of the date indicated or, if a date is not indicated, as of the date of the filing of this report (February 24, 2011) and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

 

Item 1. Business

Harley-Davidson, Inc. was incorporated in 1981, at which time it purchased the Harley-Davidson® motorcycle business from AMF Incorporated in a management buyout. In 1986, Harley-Davidson, Inc. became publicly held. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the “Company” include Harley-Davidson, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. The Company operates in two segments: the Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) segment and the Financial Services (Financial Services) segment. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations.

The Motorcycles segment designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale heavyweight (engine displacement of 651+cc) cruiser and touring motorcycles as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. The Company conducts business on a global basis, with sales in North America, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), Asia/Pacific and Latin America. The Motorcycles segment includes the Harley-Davidson and Buell product lines.

On October 15, 2009, the Company announced that it would exit from the Buell product line and ceased production of Buell motorcycles at the end of October 2009. The sale of remaining Buell motorcycle inventory to independent dealers and/or distributors was substantially completed during 2010. The majority of independent dealers will continue to provide ongoing service and replacement parts to Buell owners.

During 2008, the Company acquired Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta (MV). On October 15, 2009, the Company announced its intent to divest MV, and it completed the sale of MV on August 6, 2010. MV is presented as a discontinued operation for all periods. Please refer to the section titled “Overview” within Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussion.

The Motorcycles segment discussion that follows is specific to the Harley-Davidson brand unless otherwise specifically noted.

The Financial Services segment consists of Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). HDFS provides wholesale and retail financing and provides insurance and insurance-related programs primarily to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers. HDFS conducts business principally in the United States and Canada.

 

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See Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information related to the Company’s business segments.

Motorcycles and Related Products

Motorcycles – The primary business of the Motorcycles segment is to design and manufacture premium motorcycles for the heavyweight market and sell them at wholesale. The Company’s worldwide motorcycle sales generated approximately 76%, 75% and 78% of the total net revenue in the Motorcycles segment during each of the years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Harley-Davidson branded motorcycle products emphasize traditional styling, design simplicity, durability and quality. The Company manufactures five families of motorcycles: Touring, Dyna®, Softail®, Sportster®, and VRSC. The first four of these motorcycle families are powered by an air-cooled, twin-cylinder engine with a 45-degree “V” configuration. The VRSC family is powered by a liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine with a 60-degree “V” configuration. The Company’s Harley-Davidson engines range in displacement size from 883cc’s to 1803cc’s.

The total heavyweight (651+cc) motorcycle market is comprised of the following five segments:

 

   

Traditional (a basic motorcycle which usually features upright seating for one or two passengers);

 

   

Sportbike (incorporates racing technology, aerodynamic styling, low handlebars with a “sport” riding position and high performance tires);

 

   

Cruiser (emphasizes styling and individual owner customization);

 

   

Touring (incorporates features such as saddlebags, fairings, or large luggage compartments and emphasizes rider comfort and load capacity); and

 

   

Dual (designed with the capability for use on public roads as well as for off-highway recreational use).

The Company competes in the touring and cruiser segments of the heavyweight motorcycle market. The touring segment of the heavyweight market was pioneered by the Company and includes the Harley-Davidson Touring family of motorcycles, including three-wheeled motorcycles, which are generally equipped with fairings, windshields, saddlebags and/or Tour Pak® luggage carriers. The cruiser segment of the market includes motorcycles featuring the distinctive styling associated with classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and includes the Company’s Dyna, Softail, VRSC and Sportster motorcycle families.

The worldwide heavyweight motorcycle market is highly competitive. The Company’s major competitors are based outside the U.S. In addition to these larger, established competitors, the Company has competitors headquartered in the U.S. These competitors generally offer heavyweight motorcycles with traditional styling that compete directly with many of the Company’s products.

Competition in the heavyweight motorcycle market is based upon a number of factors, including price, quality, reliability, styling, product features, customer preference, warranties and availability of financing. In the U.S., suggested retail prices for the Company’s Harley-Davidson motorcycles are comparable to or moderately higher than suggested retail prices for comparable motorcycles available in the market. The Company believes that its larger-displacement products continue to command a premium price relative to comparable motorcycles and are generally the most profitable for the Company. The Company emphasizes quality, reliability and styling in its products and generally offers a two-year warranty for its motorcycles. The Company regards its support of the motorcycling lifestyle across a wide demographic range through events, rides, rallies including those sponsored by Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G. ®) as a competitive advantage. The Company also considers the availability of a line of motorcycle parts and accessories and general merchandise and the availability of financing through HDFS as competitive advantages.

 

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According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, the touring and cruiser segments accounted for approximately 85%, 83% and 84% of total heavyweight retail unit registrations in the U.S. during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. During 2010, the heavyweight portion of the market represented approximately 59% of the total U.S. motorcycle market (street legal models including both on-highway and dual purpose models and three-wheeled vehicles) in terms of new units registered.

The following chart includes U.S. retail registration data for Harley-Davidson motorcycles for the years 2008 through 2010:

U.S. Heavyweight Motorcycle Registration Data(a)(b)

(Units in thousands)

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Total new heavyweight motorcycle registrations

     259.7        304.3        480.3   

Harley-Davidson new registrations

     142.7        162.0        218.2   
     54.9     53.2     45.4

 

(a) Heavyweight data includes street legal 651+cc models. Street legal 651+cc models include on-highway, dual purpose models and three-wheeled vehicles.
(b) U.S. industry data is derived from information provided by Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). This third party data is subject to revision and update. Prior periods have been adjusted to include all dual purpose models that were previously excluded. The retail registration data for Harley-Davidson motorcycles presented in this table may differ slightly from the Harley-Davidson retail sales data presented in Item 7 of this report. The Company’s source for retail sales data in Item 7 of this report is sales and warranty registrations provided by Harley-Davidson dealers as compiled by the Company. The differences are not significant and generally relate to the timing of data submissions to the independent sources.

The European heavyweight motorcycle market (as defined below) is similar in size to the U.S. market; but customer preferences vary across the region. For example, in Europe, the sportbike segment represented nearly 41% of the total heavyweight market in 2010 while the touring segment popular in the U.S. represented 32% of the European heavyweight motorcycle market.

The following chart includes European retail registration data for Harley-Davidson for the years 2008 through 2010:

European Heavyweight Motorcycle Registration Data(a)(b)

(Units in thousands)

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Total new heavyweight motorcycle registrations

     301.3        313.6        389.7   

Harley-Davidson new registrations

     38.3        37.7        41.1   
     12.7     12.0     10.6

 

(a) Heavyweight data includes street legal 651+cc models. Street legal 651+cc models include on-highway, dual purpose models and three-wheeled vehicles.
(b) Europe data includes retail sales in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Industry retail motorcycle registration data is derived from information provided by Giral S.A., an independent agency. This third party data is subject to revision and update. The retail registration data for Harley-Davidson motorcycles presented in this table may differ slightly from the Harley-Davidson retail sales data presented in Item 7 of this report. The Company’s source for retail sales data in Item 7 of this report is sales and warranty registrations provided by Harley-Davidson dealers as compiled by the Company. The differences are not significant and generally relate to the timing of data submissions to the independent sources.

 

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During 2010, the U.S. and European regions accounted for approximately 83% of total annual independent dealer retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Company also competes in several other markets around the world. Based on Company data, the most significant of these markets in terms of retail sales volume are Canada, Japan, Australia and Brazil.

Parts & Accessories – Parts and Accessories (P&A) products are comprised of replacement parts (Genuine Motor Parts) and mechanical and cosmetic accessories (Genuine Motor Accessories). Worldwide P&A net revenue comprised 17.9%, 17.9% and 15.4% of net revenue in the Motorcycles segment in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

General Merchandise – Worldwide General Merchandise net revenue, which includes revenue from MotorClothes® apparel and riding gear, comprised 6.2%, 6.6% and 5.6% of net revenue in the Motorcycles segment in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Licensing – The Company creates an awareness of the Harley-Davidson brand among its customers and the non-riding public through a wide range of products for enthusiasts by licensing the name “Harley-Davidson” and other trademarks owned by the Company. The Company’s licensed products include t-shirts, vehicles and vehicle accessories, jewelry, small leather goods, toys and numerous other products. Although the majority of licensing activity occurs in the U.S., the Company continues to expand these activities in international markets. Royalty revenues from licensing, included in Motorcycles segment net revenue, were $39.8 million, $38.3 million and $45.4 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Harley-Davidson Museum – In 2008, the Company opened the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Museum is a unique experience that the Company believes builds and strengthens bonds between riders and the Company and enhances the brand among the public at large. The 130,000 square foot facility houses the Harley-Davidson Museum and Archives, a restaurant, café, retail store and special event space. The Museum gives the Company a new way to create memories for customers – through visiting, planning rides and hosting special events at the Museum.

Other Services – The Company also provides a variety of services to its independent dealers including service and business management training programs, customized dealer software packages and delivery of its motorcycles. Motorcycle rentals are available through the Company’s independent dealers.

International Sales – The Company’s revenue from the sale of motorcycles and related products to independent dealers and distributors located outside of the United States was approximately $1.36 billion, $1.38 billion and $1.73 billion, or approximately 33%, 32% and 31% of net revenue of the Motorcycles segment, during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Patents and Trademarks – The Company strategically manages its portfolio of patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property.

The Company and its subsidiaries own, and continue to obtain, patent rights that relate to its motorcycles and related products and processes for their production. Certain technology-related intellectual property is also protected, where appropriate, by license agreements, confidentiality agreements or other agreements with suppliers, employees and other third parties. The Company diligently protects its intellectual property, including patents and trade secrets, and its rights to innovative and proprietary technology. This protection, including enforcement, is important as the Company moves forward with investments in new products, designs and technologies. While the Company believes patents are important to its business operations and in the aggregate constitute a valuable asset, the success of the business is not dependent on any one patent or group of patents. The Company’s active patent portfolio has an average age for patents of approximately eight years. A patent review committee, which is comprised of a number of key executives, manages the patent strategy and portfolio of the Company.

 

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Trademarks are important to the Company’s motorcycle business and licensing activities. The Company has a vigorous worldwide program of trademark registration and enforcement to maintain and strengthen the value of the trademarks and prevent the unauthorized use of those trademarks. The HARLEY-DAVIDSON trademark and the Bar and Shield trademark are each highly recognizable to the public and are very valuable assets. Additionally, the Company uses numerous other trademarks, trade names and logos which are registered worldwide. The following are among the Company’s trademarks: HARLEY-DAVIDSON, H-D, HARLEY, the Bar & Shield Logo, MOTORCLOTHES, the MotorClothes Logo, RIDER’S EDGE, HARLEY OWNERS GROUP, H.O.G., the H.O.G. Logo, SOFTAIL, SPORTSTER and V-ROD. The HARLEY-DAVIDSON trademark has been used since 1903 and the Bar and Shield trademark since at least 1910. Substantially all of the Company’s trademarks are owned by H-D Michigan, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, which also manages the Company’s trademark strategy and portfolio.

Marketing – The Company is currently executing a multi-generational and multi-cultural marketing strategy; the Company measures the success of this strategy by internally monitoring market shares (where available) across its various customer definitions, as well as monitoring brand health in various markets.

U.S. retail purchasers of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles include both core and outreach customers and are diverse in terms of age, gender and ethnicity. The Company defines its U.S. core customer base as men over the age of 35 and its U.S. outreach customers as women, young adults, and ethnically diverse adults. Harley-Davidson is the market share leader in U.S. new motorcycle registrations in terms of heavyweight (street legal 651cc+) registrations within all its customer definitions including men over the age of 35, women, young adults and ethnically diverse adults. (Source: R. L. Polk & Co. 2009 motorcycle registrations)

The Company is in the process of implementing its multi-generational and multi-cultural customer marketing strategy outside of the U.S. As a result, the Company is currently establishing definitions for core and outreach customer segments outside of the U.S.

The average U.S. retail purchaser of a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle has a median household income of approximately $85,000. More than three-quarters of the U.S. retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles are to purchasers with at least one year of education beyond high school and 34% of the buyers have college/graduate degrees. (Sources: 2010 Company Studies)

The Company’s products are marketed to retail customers worldwide primarily through advertising and promotional activities via television, print, radio, direct mailings, as well as electronic advertising and social networks. Additionally, local marketing efforts are accomplished through a cooperative program with the Company’s independent dealers.

During 2010, the Company established what it calls a “Creativity Model” whereby it uses web-based crowd-sourcing as a source for its main marketing creative development. Crowd-sourcing draws on the ideas of passionate brand fans around the world to help guide the creative direction of the brand. The Company also works closely with outside experts in media, digital marketing, and product placement to expand its marketing impact.

Customer experiences have traditionally been at the center of much of the Company’s marketing. To attract customers and achieve its goals, the Company not only participates in motorcycle rallies, both large and small, around the world, but also in major motorcycle consumer shows, racing activities, music festivals, mixed martial arts activities and other special promotional and charitable events.

Since 1983, the Company has promoted its Harley-Davidson products and the related lifestyle through the Harley Owner’s Group (H.O.G.), which has approximately 1 million members worldwide and the Company believes is the industry’s largest company-sponsored motorcycle enthusiast organization. This group also sponsors many motorcycle events, including rallies and rides for Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world.

 

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In 2000, Rider’s Edge – the Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling – was formed. Rider’s Edge offers a series of rider education experiences that provide both new and experienced riders with deeper engagement in the sport of motorcycling by teaching basic and advanced motorcycling skills and knowledge. The courses are conducted by a network of select Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the U.S., enabling students to experience the Harley-Davidson lifestyle, environment, people, and products as they learn. The Company also rents its products through select dealers with its Authorized Rentals program.

The Company website (www.harley-davidson.com) is also utilized to market its products and services. The website also features an online catalog which allows retail customers to create and share product wish lists, utilize a dealer locator and place catalog orders. Internet orders are sold and fulfilled by the participating authorized Harley-Davidson dealer selected by the retail customer. Dealers also handle any after-sale services that retail customers may require.

Harley-Davidson Distribution – The Company’s products are retailed through an independent dealer network, of which the majority sells Harley-Davidson motorcycles exclusively. The Company’s independent dealerships stock and sell the Company’s motorcycles, P&A, general merchandise and licensed products, and perform service for the Company’s motorcycles. The Company’s independent dealers also sell P&A, general merchandise and licensed products through “non-traditional” retail outlets. The “non-traditional” outlets, which are extensions of the main dealership, consist of Secondary Retail Locations (SRLs), Alternate Retail Outlets (AROs), and Seasonal Retail Outlets (SROs). SRLs are satellites of the main dealership and are developed to meet additional retail and service needs of the Company’s riding customers. SRLs also provide P&A, general merchandise and licensed products and are authorized to sell and service new motorcycles. AROs are located primarily in high traffic locations such as malls, airports or popular vacation destinations and focus on selling the Company’s general merchandise and licensed products. SROs are located in similar high traffic areas, but operate on a seasonal basis out of temporary locations such as vendor kiosks. AROs and SROs are not authorized to sell new motorcycles.

The Company’s North American region consists of the United States and Canada. In the United States, the Company distributes its motorcycles and related products to a network of independently-owned full-service Harley-Davidson dealerships and the Overseas Military Sales Corporation, an entity that retails the Company’s products to members of the U.S. military. The Company distributes its motorcycles to its dealers in the U.S. based on dealer orders but subject to an allocation system that was designed to be forward-looking and market-driven to align the distribution of motorcycles with the demand in individual dealer markets. The allocation system can affect the number of units of particular models that dealers are able to order and the timing of shipments to dealers. In Canada, the Company sells its motorcycles and related products at wholesale to a single independent distributor, Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada/Fred Deeley Imports Ltd., which in turn sells to independent dealers in the Canadian market.

In the EMEA region, the Company distributes all products sold to independent dealers or distributors through its subsidiaries located in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

In the Asia Pacific region, the Company distributes all products sold to independent dealers in Australia, China, India and Japan through subsidiaries in those countries. The Company distributes all products sold to independent dealers and distributors for the remaining Asia Pacific markets in which its motorcycles are sold from its U.S. operations.

The Company distributes all products sold in the Latin America region to independent dealers in Mexico and Brazil through subsidiaries in those countries, and the Company distributes all products sold to independent dealers for the remaining Latin American markets in which its motorcycles are sold from its U.S. operations.

 

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The following table includes the number of worldwide Harley-Davidson independent dealers by geographic region as of December 31, 2010:

 

     North America Region      EMEA
Region
     Asia  Pacific
Region
    Latin  America
Region
 
     United States      Canada          

Independent Distributors

     —           1         3         —          —     

Full Service Dealerships:

     653         71         362         208        40   

Non-traditional:

             

SRL

     76         3         2         64 (a)      —     

ARO

     86         3         23         6        22   

SRO

     —           1         —           —          1   
                                           
     162         7         25         70        23   
                                           

 

(a) The Asia Pacific SRL total for 2010 includes 54 SRLs that were inadvertantly omitted from the 2009 total provided in the 2009 10-K.

Overall, the Company believes the U.S. dealer network continues to remain profitable through dealers actively managing their expense structures despite pressure from a tough U.S. economy. During 2010, 36 dealer points in the U.S. dealer network closed, and the Company expects additional dealer points to close during 2011. Outside of the U.S., the Company’s strategy calls for the international dealer network to expand by 100 to 150 dealer points from the end of 2009 through the end of 2014.

Retail Customer and Dealer Financing – The Company believes that HDFS, as well as other financial services companies, provide adequate financing to Harley-Davidson independent distributors, dealers and their retail customers. HDFS provides financing to the Company’s Canadian distributor, Harley-Davidson independent dealers and the retail customers of those dealers in the U.S. and Canada. The Company’s independent distributors, dealers and their retail customers in the Europe, Asia/Pacific and Latin America regions are not directly financed by HDFS, but have access to financing though other established financial services companies, some of which have licensing or branding agreements with the Company.

Seasonality – The timing of retail sales made by the Company’s independent dealers tracks closely with regional riding seasons. The seasonality of wholesale shipments made by the Company has been different depending on the geographic market.

The Company’s independent dealers in the U.S. and Canadian markets typically have built their inventory levels in the late fall and winter in anticipation of the spring and summer selling seasons. The availability of floor plan financing and financing assistance through HDFS has allowed dealers to manage these seasonal increases in inventory. In the U.S., seasonal financing assistance is subsidized by the Company, and in Canada, seasonal financing assistance is sponsored by the region’s single independent distributor, Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada/Fred Deeley Imports Ltd. As a result, the Company’s wholesale shipments to these markets have historically not been affected to any material extent by seasonality.

In the majority of the remaining international markets, the Company’s wholesale shipments track more closely with regional riding seasons. In general, the Company’s independent dealers and distributors in these international markets do not build inventory levels in the non-riding seasons, and as a result, the Company’s wholesale shipments to these markets are generally lower in the non-riding seasons than in the riding seasons.

The seasonality of the Company’s wholesale shipments affects its ability to produce on a level scale throughout the year. As discussed under Motorcycle Manufacturing, the Company is making efforts to increase the flexibility of its manufacturing process.

 

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Motorcycle Manufacturing – The Company’s manufacturing strategy is designed to continuously improve product quality and productivity while reducing costs and increasing flexibility to respond to ongoing changes in the marketplace.

The Company believes that flexible manufacturing processes and flexible supply chains combined with cost-competitive and flexible labor agreements are the key enablers to respond to customers in a cost effective manner. The ongoing restructuring of the Company’s U.S. manufacturing plants, which commenced in 2009, supports the Company’s efforts to become more flexible and cost competitive allowing it to get the right product at the right time to the customer.

To support the Company’s international growth initiatives, the Company has embarked on its second CKD (Complete Knock Down) assembly plant. This plant located in India follows the Company’s 1999 CKD manufacturing entry into Brazil. The CKD assembly operation in India, which is expected to be operational in the first half of 2011, will assemble motorcycles for the Indian market from component kits produced by the Company’s U.S. plants and by the Company’s suppliers.

Raw Materials and Purchased Components – The Company continues to establish and reinforce long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with its suppliers. Through these collaborative relationships, the Company gains access to technical and commercial resources for application directly to product design, development and manufacturing initiatives. This strategy has generated improved product quality, technical integrity, application of new features and innovations and faster manufacturing ramp-up of new vehicle introductions. Through a continued focus on collaboration and strong supplier relationships, the Company believes it will be positioned to achieve strategic objectives and deliver cost and quality improvement over the long-term.

The Company purchases all of its raw materials, principally steel and aluminum castings, forgings, steel sheets and bars, and certain motorcycle components, including, but not limited to, electronic fuel injection systems, batteries, tires, seats, electrical components and instruments. Given the continuing economic conditions, and related pressure on select suppliers due to difficulties in the global manufacturing arena, the Company is closely monitoring the overall viability of its supply base. However, at this time, the Company does not anticipate difficulties in obtaining raw materials or components.

Research and Development – The Company believes research and development are significant factors in its ability to lead the cruiser and touring motorcycling markets. The Company’s Harley-Davidson Product Development Center (PDC) brings employees from styling, purchasing, marketing, engineering and manufacturing together with regulatory professionals and supplier representatives to create a concurrent product and process development team. The Company incurred research and development expenses of $136.2 million, $143.1 million and $163.5 million during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Regulation – International, federal, state and local authorities have various environmental control requirements relating to air, water and noise pollution that affect the business and operations of the Company. The Company strives to ensure that its facilities and products comply with all applicable environmental regulations and standards.

The Company’s motorcycles that are sold in the United States are subject to certification by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for compliance with applicable emissions and noise standards and by the State of California Air Resources Board (CARB) with respect to CARB’s more stringent emissions standards. Company motorcycles sold in California are also subject to evaporative emissions standards that are unique to California. The Company’s motorcycle products have been designed to comply fully with all such applicable standards. The EPA has implemented tail pipe emission standards for 2010, which are harmonized with the California emissions standards. Harley-Davidson motorcycle products have been designed to comply with the new EPA standards and the Company believes it will comply with future requirements when they go into effect. Additionally, the Company’s motorcycle products must and do in fact comply with the motorcycle emissions, noise and safety standards of Canada, the European Union, Japan, Brazil and certain other foreign markets where

 

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they are sold. Because the Company expects that environmental standards will become even more stringent over time, the Company will continue to incur some level of research, development and production costs in this area for the foreseeable future.

The Company, as a manufacturer of motorcycle products, is subject to the U.S. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which is administered by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Company has certified to NHTSA that its motorcycle products comply fully with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and related regulations. The Company has from time to time initiated certain voluntary recalls. During the last three years, the Company has initiated 11 voluntary recalls related to Harley-Davidson motorcycles at a total cost of $9.3 million. The Company reserves for all estimated costs associated with recalls in the period that the recalls are announced.

Employees – As of December 31, 2010, the Motorcycles segment had approximately 6,300 employees. Unionized employees at the manufacturing facilities in Menomonee Falls and Tomahawk, Wisconsin and Kansas City, Missouri are represented by the United Steelworkers of America (USW), as well as the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM). Production workers at the motorcycle manufacturing facility in York, Pennsylvania are represented by the IAM. In September 2010, the Company’s unionized employees in Wisconsin ratified three separate new seven-year labor agreements which will take effect April 1, 2012 upon the March 31, 2012 expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement. The collective bargaining agreement with the Kansas City-USW and IAM will expire on July 29, 2012, and the collective bargaining agreement with the Pennsylvania-IAM will expire on February 2, 2017. Please refer to the Overview section of Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussion of the Company’s restructuring activities and the impact on the number of employees.

Internet Access – The Company’s internet website address is www.harley-davidson.com. The Company makes available free of charge (other than an investor’s own internet access charges) through its internet website the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes such material to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In addition, the Company makes available, through its website, the following corporate governance materials: (a) the Company’s Corporate Governance Policy; (b) Committee Charters approved by the Company’s Board of Directors for the Audit Committee, Human Resources Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; (c) the Company’s Financial Code of Ethics; (d) the Company’s Code of Business Conduct (the Code of Conduct) in eight languages including English; (e) the Conflict of Interest Process for Directors, Executive Officers and Other Employees (the Conflict Process); (f) a list of the Company’s Board of Directors; (g) the Company’s By-laws; (h) the Harley-Davidson Environmental Policy; (i) the Company’s Policy for Managing Disclosure of Material Information; (j) the Company’s Supplier Code of Conduct; (k) the Sustainability Strategy Report; and (l) the list of compensation survey participants used as market reference points for various components of compensation as reported in the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on March 19, 2010, which compensation relates to the Company’s named executive officers. This information is also available from the Company upon request. The Company satisfies the disclosure requirements under the Code of Conduct, the Conflict Process and applicable New York Stock Exchange listing requirements regarding waivers of the Code of Conduct or the Conflict Process by disclosing the information in the Company’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders or on the Company’s website. The Company is not including the information contained on or available through its website as a part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Financial Services

HDFS is engaged in the business of financing and servicing wholesale inventory receivables and retail consumer loans, primarily for the purchase of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. HDFS is an agent for certain

 

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unaffiliated insurance carriers providing property/casualty insurance and also sells extended service contracts, gap coverage and debt protection products to motorcycle owners. HDFS conducts business principally in the United States and Canada.

Wholesale Financial Services – HDFS provides wholesale financial services to Harley-Davidson dealers, including floorplan and open account financing of motorcycles and motorcycle parts and accessories. HDFS offers wholesale financial services to Harley-Davidson dealers in the United States and Canada, and during 2010 approximately 94% of such dealers utilized those services. The wholesale finance operations of HDFS are located in Plano, Texas.

Retail Financial Services – HDFS provides retail financing to consumers, including installment lending for the purchase of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles. HDFS’ retail financial services are available through most Harley-Davidson dealers in the United States and Canada. HDFS’ retail finance operations are principally located in Carson City, Nevada and Plano, Texas.

Insurance Services – HDFS is an agent for the sale of motorcycle insurance policies. In the U.S., HDFS also offers motorcycle insurance, extended service contracts, gap coverage and debt protection products through most Harley-Davidson dealers. Motorcycle insurance is also marketed on a direct basis to motorcycle riders. In Canada, HDFS primarily offers extended service contracts through most Harley-Davidson dealers. HDFS insurance operations are principally located in Carson City, Nevada and Plano, Texas.

Funding – The Company believes a diversified and cost effective funding base are important to meet HDFS’ goal of providing credit while delivering appropriate returns and profitability. Financial Services operations have been funded with unsecured debt, unsecured commercial paper, an asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility and committed unsecured bank facilities and through the term asset-backed securitization market. HDFS also has a support agreement with the Company whereby, if required, the Company agrees to provide financial support in the form of advances and/or loans. Please refer to the section titled “Liquidity and Capital Resources as of December 31, 2010” within Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussion.

Competition – The Company regards its ability to offer a package of wholesale and retail financial services in the U.S. and Canada as a significant competitive advantage. Competitors in the financial services industry compete for business based largely on price and, to a lesser extent, service. HDFS competes on convenience, service, brand association, dealer relations, industry experience, terms and price.

In the United States, HDFS financed 47.9% of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles retailed by independent dealers during 2010, as compared to 48.8% in 2009. In Canada, HDFS financed 32.2% of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles retailed by independent dealers during 2010, as compared to 33.2% in 2009. Competitors for retail motorcycle finance business are primarily banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. In the motorcycle insurance business, competition primarily comes from national insurance companies and from insurance agencies serving local or regional markets. For insurance-related products such as extended service contracts, HDFS faces competition from certain regional and national industry participants as well as dealer in-house programs.

Competition for the wholesale motorcycle finance business primarily consists of banks and other financial institutions providing wholesale financing to Harley-Davidson dealers in their local markets.

Trademarks – HDFS uses various trademarks and trade names for its financial services and products which are licensed from H-D Michigan, LLC, including HARLEY-DAVIDSON, H-D and the Bar & Shield logo.

Seasonality – In the U.S. and Canada, motorcycles are primarily used during warmer months. Accordingly, HDFS experiences seasonal variations. In general, from mid-March through August, retail financing volume

 

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increases while wholesale financing volume decreases as dealer inventories decline. From September through mid-March, there is generally a decrease in retail financing volume while dealer inventories generally build and turn over more slowly, thereby increasing wholesale finance receivables.

Regulation – The operations of HDFS (both U.S. and foreign) are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and regulation by state and federal administrative agencies and various foreign governmental authorities. Many of the statutory and regulatory requirements imposed by such entities are in place to provide consumer protection as it pertains to the selling of financial products and services. Therefore, operations may be subject to various regulations, laws and judicial and/or administrative decisions imposing requirements and restrictions, which among other things: (a) regulate credit granting activities, including establishing licensing requirements, in applicable jurisdictions; (b) establish maximum interest rates, finance charges and other charges; (c) regulate customers’ insurance coverage; (d) require disclosure of credit and insurance terms to customers; (e) govern secured transactions; (f) set collection, foreclosure, repossession and claims handling procedures and other trade practices; (g) prohibit discrimination in the extension of credit and administration of loans; (h) regulate the use and reporting of information related to a borrower; (i) require certain periodic reporting; (j) govern the use and protection of non-public personal information; (k) regulate the use of information reported to the credit reporting agencies; (l) regulate the reporting of information to the credit reporting agencies; and/or (m) regulate insurance solicitation and sales practices.

Depending on the provisions of the applicable laws and regulations, the interpretation of laws and regulations and the specific facts and circumstances involved, violations of or non-compliance with these laws may limit the ability of HDFS to collect all or part of the principal or interest on applicable loans, may entitle the borrower to rescind the loan or to obtain a refund of amounts previously paid, could subject HDFS to the payment of damages or penalties and administrative sanctions, including “cease and desist” orders, and could limit the number of loans eligible for HDFS securitization programs.

Such regulatory requirements and associated supervision could limit the discretion of HDFS in operating its business. Noncompliance with applicable statutes or regulations could result in the suspension or revocation of any charter, license or registration at issue, as well as the imposition of civil fines, criminal penalties and administrative sanctions. The Company cannot assure that the applicable laws or regulations will not be amended or construed differently, that new laws and regulations will not be adopted or that interest rates charged by HDFS will not rise to maximum levels permitted by law, the effect of any of which could be to adversely affect the business of HDFS or its results of operations.

A subsidiary of HDFS, Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB), is a Nevada state thrift chartered as an Industrial Loan Company (ILC). As such, the activities of this subsidiary are governed by federal regulations and State of Nevada banking laws and are subject to examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Nevada state bank examiners. ESB originates retail loans and sells the loans to a non-banking subsidiary of HDFS. This process allows HDFS to offer retail products with many common characteristics across the United States and to similarly service loans to U.S. retail customers.

Employees – As of December 31, 2010, the Financial Services segment had approximately 600 employees.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

An investment in Harley-Davidson, Inc. involves risks, including those discussed below. These risk factors should be considered carefully before deciding whether to invest in the Company.

 

   

The Company may not be able to successfully execute its long-term business strategy. The Company may not be able to successfully execute the long-term business strategy that the Company announced on October 15, 2009. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to drive growth to the extent desired through its focus of efforts and resources on the Harley-Davidson brand or to enhance productivity and profitability to the extent desired through continuous improvement.

 

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Expanding international sales subjects the Company to risks that may have a material adverse effect on its business. Expanding international sales is a part of the Company’s long-term business strategy. International operations and sales are subject to various risks, including political and economic instability, local labor market conditions, the imposition of foreign tariffs and other trade barriers, the impact of foreign government regulations and the effects of income and withholding taxes, governmental expropriation and differences in business practices. The Company may incur increased costs and experience delays or disruptions in product deliveries and payments in connection with international operations and sales that could cause loss of revenues and earnings. Unfavorable changes in the political, regulatory and business climate could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s net sales, financial condition, profitability or cash flows.

 

   

The Company must effectively execute the Company’s restructuring plans within expected costs. During 2009 and 2010, the Company announced a combination of restructuring actions that are designed to reduce administrative costs, eliminate excess capacity and exit non-core business operations. Effectively executing these plans within expected costs and realizing expected benefits will depend upon a number of factors, including the time required to complete planned actions, effective collaboration and agreement with the unions representing the Company’s employees, the absence of material issues associated with workforce reductions, availability of and effective use of third party service providers to assist in implementing the actions, avoidance of unexpected disruptions in production, retention of key employees involved in implementing the restructuring plans and the ability of the Company to dispose of vacated facilities in a cost effective manner.

 

   

The Company sells its products at wholesale and must rely on a network of independent dealers and distributors to manage the retail distribution of its products. The Company depends on the capability of its independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand among retail purchasers for the motorcycles and related products and services that the dealers and distributors purchase from the Company. If the Company’s independent dealers and distributors are not successful in these endeavors, then the Company will be unable to maintain or grow its revenues and meet its financial expectations. Further, independent dealers and distributors may experience difficulty in funding their day-to-day cash flow needs and paying their obligations because of weakened retail sales and tightening credit. If dealers are unsuccessful, they may exit or be forced to exit the business or, in some cases, the Company may seek to terminate relationships with certain dealerships. As a result, the Company could face additional adverse consequences related to the termination of dealer relationships. Additionally, liquidating a former dealer’s inventory of new and used motorcycles can add downward pressure on new and used motorcycle prices. Further, the unplanned loss of any of the Company’s independent dealers may lead to inadequate market coverage for retail sales of new motorcycles and for servicing previously sold motorcycles, create negative impressions of the Company with its retail customers, and adversely impact the Company’s ability to collect wholesale receivables that are associated with that dealer.

 

   

The Company’s dealers may experience a further decline in retail sales resulting from general economic conditions, tightening of credit, political events or other factors. The motorcycle industry has been affected by general economic conditions over which motorcycle manufacturers have little control. These factors have caused a weaker retail environment leading to weaker demand for discretionary purchases, and the decision to purchase a motorcycle has been and may continue to be affected by these factors. The related tightening of credit has led to more limited availability of funds from financial institutions and other lenders and sources of capital which has adversely affected and could continue to adversely affect the ability of retail consumers to obtain loans for the purchase of motorcycles from lenders, including HDFS. Should general economic conditions or motorcycle industry demand decline further, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition may be further substantially adversely affected. The motorcycle industry can also be affected by political conditions and other factors over which motorcycle manufacturers have little control.

 

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Retail sales of the Company’s independent dealers may be adversely impacted by declining prices for used motorcycles and excess supplies of new motorcycles. The Company has observed that when prices for used Harley-Davidson motorcycles have declined, it has had the effect of reducing demand among retail purchasers for new Harley-Davidson motorcycles (at or near manufacturer’s suggested retail prices). Also, while the Company has taken steps designed to balance production volumes for its new motorcycles with demand, the Company’s competitors could choose to supply new motorcycles to the market in excess of demand at reduced prices which could also have the effect of reducing demand for new Harley-Davidson motorcycles (at or near manufacturer’s suggested retail prices). Ultimately, reduced demand among retail purchasers for new Harley-Davidson motorcycles leads to reduced shipments by the Company.

 

   

The Company may not be able to successfully execute its manufacturing strategy. The Company’s manufacturing strategy is designed to continuously improve product quality and productivity, while reducing costs and increasing flexibility to respond to ongoing changes in the marketplace. The Company believes flexible manufacturing, including flexible supply chains and flexible labor agreements, is the key element to enable improvements in the Company’s ability to respond to customers in a cost effective manner. To implement this strategy, the Company must be successful in its continuous improvement efforts which are dependent on the involvement of management, production employees and suppliers. Any inability to achieve these objectives could adversely impact the profitability of the Company’s products and its ability to deliver the right product at the right time to the customer.

 

   

The Company and its independent dealers must successfully adjust to a more seasonal retail sales pattern. The Company records the wholesale sale of a motorcycle when it is shipped to the Company’s independent dealers and distributors. In the past several years, increased availability of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles has resulted in the timing of retail purchases from the Company’s independent dealers tracking more closely with regional motorcycle riding seasons. As a result, the Company and its independent dealers and distributors must be able to successfully manage changes in production rates, inventory levels and other business processes to manage costs associated with a more seasonal retail sales pattern. Failure to adjust through the implementation of a more flexible manufacturing process or through adjustments to its methods of distributing motorcycles among its independent dealers and distributors may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

 

   

The Company relies on third party suppliers to obtain raw materials and provide component parts for use in the manufacture of its motorcycles. The Company cannot be certain that it will not experience supply problems such as unfavorable pricing or untimely delivery of raw materials and components. In certain circumstances, the Company relies on a single supplier to provide the entire requirement of a specific part, and a change in this established supply relationship may cause disruption in the Company’s production schedule. In addition, the price and availability of raw materials and component parts from suppliers can be adversely affected by factors outside of the Company’s control such as the supply of a necessary raw material. Further, Company suppliers may experience difficulty in funding their day-to-day cash flow needs because of tightening credit caused by financial market disruption. In addition, adverse economic conditions and related pressure on select suppliers due to difficulties in the global manufacturing arena could adversely affect their ability to supply the Company. These supplier risks may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

 

   

The Company’s financial services operations rely on external sources to finance a significant portion of its operations. Liquidity is essential to the Company’s financial services business. Disruptions in financial markets may cause lenders and institutional investors to reduce or cease to loan money to borrowers, including financial institutions. The Company’s financial services operations may be negatively affected by the difficulty in raising capital in the long-term and short-term capital markets. These negative consequences may in turn adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations in various ways, including through higher costs of capital, reduced funds available

 

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through its financial services operations to provide loans to independent dealers and their retail customers, and dilution to existing shareholders through the use of alternative sources of capital.

 

   

The Company’s financial services operations are highly dependent on accessing capital markets to fund their operations at competitive interest rates, the Company’s access to capital and its cost of capital are highly dependent upon its credit ratings, and any negative credit rating actions will adversely affect its earnings and results of operations. The ability of the Company and its financial services operations to access unsecured capital markets is influenced by their short-term and long-term credit ratings. If the Company’s credit ratings are downgraded or its ratings outlook is negatively changed, the Company’s cost of borrowing will increase, resulting in reduced earnings and interest margins, or the Company’s access to capital may be disrupted or impaired.

 

   

The Company’s financial services operations are exposed to credit risk on its retail and wholesale receivables. Credit risk is the risk of loss arising from a failure by a customer to meet the terms of any contract with the Company’s financial services operations. Credit losses are influenced by general business and economic conditions, including unemployment rates, bankruptcy filings and other factors that negatively affect household incomes, as well as contract terms, customer credit profiles and the new and used motorcycle market. Negative changes in general business, economic or market factors may have an additional adverse impact on the Company’s financial services credit losses and future earnings. Credit losses are adversely impacted by increases in the frequency of loss and by decreases in the value of repossessed Harley-Davidson branded motorcycles. If there are adverse circumstances that involve a material decline in values of Harley-Davidson-branded motorcycles, those circumstances or any related decline in resale values for Harley-Davidson-branded motorcycles could contribute to increased delinquencies and credit losses.

 

   

The Company has a number of competitors of varying sizes that are based both inside and outside the United States, some of which have greater financial resources than the Company. Many of the Company’s competitors are more diversified than the Company, and they may compete in the automotive market or all segments of the motorcycle market. Also, the Company’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price for its motorcycles is generally higher than its competitors, and if price becomes a more important competitive factor for consumers in the heavyweight motorcycle market, the Company may be at a competitive disadvantage. In addition, the Company’s financial services operations face competition from various banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions that may have access to additional sources of capital at more competitive rates and terms, particularly for borrowers in higher credit tiers. Failure to adequately address and respond to these competitive pressures worldwide and in the U.S. may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

 

   

The Company’s marketing strategy of appealing to and growing sales to multi-generational and multi-cultural customers worldwide may not continue to be successful. The Company has been successful in marketing its products in large part by promoting the experience of motorcycling. To sustain and grow the business over the long-term, the Company must continue to be successful selling products and promoting the experience of motorcycling to both core customers and outreach customers such as women, young adults and ethnically diverse adults. The Company must also execute its multi-generational and multi-cultural strategy without adversely impacting the strength of the brand with core customers.

 

   

The Company’s success depends upon the continued strength of the Harley-Davidson brand. The Company believes that the Harley-Davidson brand has significantly contributed to the success of its business and that maintaining and enhancing the brand is critical to expanding its customer base. Failure to protect the brand from infringers or to grow the value of the Harley-Davidson brand may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

 

   

The Company’s ability to remain competitive is dependent upon its capability to develop and successfully introduce new, innovative and compliant products. The motorcycle market continues

 

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to advance in terms of cutting edge styling and new technology and, at the same time, be subject to increasing regulations related to safety and emissions. The Company must continue to distinguish its products from its competitors’ products with unique styling and new technologies and to protect its intellectual property from imitators. In addition, these new products must comply with applicable regulations worldwide and satisfy the potential demand for products that produce lower emissions. The Company must make product advancements while maintaining the classic look, sound and feel associated with Harley-Davidson products. The Company must also be able to design and manufacture these products and deliver them to the marketplace in an efficient and timely manner. There can be no assurances that the Company will be successful in these endeavors or that existing and prospective customers will like or want the Company’s new products.

 

   

The Company’s Motorcycles segment is dependent upon unionized labor. Substantially all of the hourly production employees working in the Motorcycles segment are represented by unions and covered by collective bargaining agreements. Harley-Davidson Motor Company is currently a party to five collective bargaining agreements with local affiliates of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the United Steelworkers of America. Current collective bargaining agreements with hourly employees in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Kansas City will expire in 2019, 2017 and 2012, respectively. New agreements were ratified in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in December 2009 and September 2010, respectively. Hourly production employees in Missouri are expected to vote on the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement in March 2011 (with any agreement to be effective when the current agreement expires). Collective bargaining agreements generally cover wages, healthcare benefits and retirement plans, seniority, job classes and work rules. There is no certainty that the Company will be successful in negotiating new agreements with these unions that extend beyond the current expiration dates or that these new agreements will be on terms that will allow the Company to be competitive. Failure to renew these agreements when they expire or to establish new collective bargaining agreements on terms acceptable to the Company and the unions could result in the relocation of production facilities, work stoppages or other labor disruptions which may have a material adverse effect on customer relationships and the Company’s business and results of operations.

 

   

The Company’s operations are dependent upon attracting and retaining skilled employees, including executive officers and other senior leaders. The Company’s future success depends on its continuing ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate, retain and promote skilled personnel for all areas of its organization. The Company’s current and future total compensation arrangements, which include benefits and cash bonuses, may not be successful in attracting new employees and retaining and motivating the Company’s existing employees. If the Company does not succeed in attracting new personnel, retaining existing personnel, implementing effective succession plans and motivating personnel, including executive officers, the Company may be unable to develop and distribute products and services and effectively execute its plans and strategies.

 

   

The Company incurs substantial costs with respect to employee pension and healthcare benefits. The Company’s cash funding requirements and its estimates of liabilities and expenses for pensions and healthcare benefits for both active and retired employees are based on several factors that are outside the Company’s control. These factors include funding requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the rate used to discount the future estimated liability, the rate of return on plan assets, current and projected healthcare costs, healthcare reform or legislation, retirement age and mortality. Changes in these factors can impact the expense and cash requirements associated with these benefits which could have a material adverse effect on future results of operations, liquidity or shareholders’ equity. In addition, costs associated with these benefits put the Company under significant cost pressure as compared to our competitors that may not bear the costs of similar benefit plans.

 

   

The Company manufactures products that create exposure to product liability claims and litigation. To the extent plaintiffs are successful in showing that personal injury or property damage result from defects in the design or manufacture of the Company’s products, the Company may be

 

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subject to claims for damages that are not covered by insurance. The costs associated with defending product liability claims, including frivolous lawsuits, and payment of damages could be substantial. The Company’s reputation may also be adversely affected by such claims, whether or not successful.

 

   

The Company must maintain its reputation of being a good corporate citizen and treating customers, employees, suppliers and other stakeholders fairly. The Company believes it has a history of good corporate governance. Prior to the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Act”), the Company had in place many of the corporate governance procedures and processes now mandated by the Act and related rules and regulations, such as Board Committee Charters and a Corporate Governance Policy. In 1992, the Company established a Code of Business Conduct that defines how employees interact with various Company stakeholders and addresses issues such as confidentiality, conflict of interest and fair dealing. Failure to maintain this reputation may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

 

   

The Company must invest in and successfully implement new information systems and technology. The Company is continually modifying and enhancing its systems and technology to increase productivity and efficiency. As new systems are implemented, the Company could experience unanticipated difficulties resulting in unexpected costs and adverse impacts to its manufacturing and other business processes. When implemented, the systems and technology may not provide the benefits anticipated and could add costs and complications to ongoing operations, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

 

   

The Company is and may in the future become subject to legal proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes. These are typically claims that arise in the normal course of business. The uncertainty associated with substantial unresolved claims and lawsuits may harm the Company’s business, financial condition, reputation and brand. The defense of the lawsuits may result in the expenditures of significant financial resources and the diversion of management’s time and attention away from business operations. In addition, although we are unable to determine the amount, if any, that we may be required to pay in connection with the resolution of the lawsuits by settlement or otherwise, any such payment may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations. Refer to the Company’s disclosures concerning legal proceedings in the periodic reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission for additional detail regarding lawsuits and other claims against the Company.

 

   

The Company must comply with governmental laws and regulations that are subject to change and involve significant costs. The Company’s sales and operations in areas outside the U.S. may be subject to foreign laws, regulations and the legal systems of foreign courts or tribunals. These laws and policies governing operations of foreign-based companies may result in increased costs or restrictions on the ability of the Company to sell its products in certain countries. The Company’s international sales operations may also be adversely affected by United States laws affecting foreign trade and taxation.

The Company is subject to income and non-income based taxes in the United States and in various foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide income tax liabilities and other tax liabilities. The Company believes that it complies with applicable tax law. If the governing tax authorities have a different interpretation of the applicable law or if there is a change in tax law, our financial condition and/or results of operations may be adversely affected.

The Company’s domestic sales and operations are subject to governmental policies and regulatory actions of agencies of the United States Government, including the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), SEC, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Labor and Federal Trade Commission. In addition, the Company’s sales and operations are also subject to laws and actions of state legislatures and other local regulators, including dealer statutes and licensing laws. Changes in regulations or the imposition of additional regulations may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

 

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The Company’s motorcycle products use internal combustion engines. These motorcycle products are subject to statutory and regulatory requirements governing emissions and noise, including standards imposed by the EPA, state regulatory agencies, such as California Air Resources Board, and regulatory agencies in certain foreign countries where the Company’s motorcycle products are sold. The Company is also subject to statutory and regulatory requirements governing emissions and noise in the conduct of the Company’s manufacturing operations. Any significant change to the regulatory requirements governing emissions and noise may substantially increase the cost of manufacturing the Company’s products. Further, in response to concerns about global climate changes, the Company may face greater regulatory or customer pressure to develop products that generate less emissions. This may require the Company to spend additional funds on research, product development, and implementation costs and subject the Company to the risk that the Company’s competitors may respond to these pressures in a manner that gives them a competitive advantage.

The Company’s financial services operations are governed by various foreign, federal and state laws that more specifically affect general financial and lending institutions. The financial services operations originate the majority of its consumer loans through its subsidiary, Eaglemark Savings Bank, a Nevada state thrift chartered as an industrial loan company. The U.S. Congress is currently considering several proposals that would impose additional regulation and supervision over the financial services industry. In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”) was passed into law. The Act is a sweeping piece of legislation, and the financial services industry is still assessing the impacts. Congress detailed some significant changes, but the Act leaves many details to be determined by regulation and further study. The full impact will not be fully known for months or even years, as regulations that are intended to implement the Act are adopted by the appropriate agencies, and the text of the Act is analyzed by impacted stakeholders and possibly the courts. The Act also created the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (“CFPB”), housed in the Federal Reserve. The CFPB has been granted significant rule-making authority in the area of consumer financial products and services. The direction that the CFPB will take, the regulations it will adopt, and its interpretation of existing laws and regulations are all elements that are not yet known. Failure to comply with these regulations, changes in these or other regulations, or the imposition of additional regulations, could affect HDFS’ earnings, limit its access to capital, limit the number of loans eligible for HDFS securitization programs and have a material adverse effect on HDFS’ business and results of operations.

In addition, the Company is also subject to policies and actions of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Many major competitors of the Company are not subject to the requirements of the SEC or the NYSE rules. As a result, the Company may be required to disclose certain information that may put the Company at a competitive disadvantage to its principal competitors.

 

   

Breaches of security involving consumer or employee personal data may adversely affect the Company’s reputation, revenue and earnings. The Company and certain of its third-party vendors receive and store personal information in connection with its human resources operations, financial services operations, the Harley Owners Group and other aspects of its business. Breach of the systems on which sensitive consumer or employee information is stored or other unauthorized release of consumer information may adversely affect the Company’s reputation and lead to claims against the Company.

 

   

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. The Company sells its products internationally and in most markets those sales are made in the foreign country’s local currency. The Company is also subject to risks associated with changes in prices of commodities. Earnings from the Company’s financial services business are affected by changes in interest rates. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to attempt to manage foreign currency exchange rates, commodity price and interest rate risks. Also, these transactions may expose the Company to credit risk in the event of counterparty default to the derivative financial instruments. There can be no assurance that in the future the Company will successfully manage these risks.

 

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The Company’s operations may be affected by greenhouse emissions and climate change and related regulations. In particular, climate change is receiving increasing attention worldwide. Many scientists, legislators and others attribute climate change to increased levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, which has led to significant legislative and regulatory efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions. There have been bills pending in Congress that would regulate greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, several states, including states where the Company has manufacturing plants, are considering various greenhouse gas registration and reduction programs. Energy security and availability and its related costs affect all aspects of the Company’s manufacturing operations in the United States, including the Company’s supply chain. The Company’s manufacturing plants use energy, including electricity and natural gas, and certain of the Company’s plants emit amounts of greenhouse gas that may be affected by these legislative and regulatory efforts. Greenhouse gas regulation could increase the price of the electricity the Company purchases, increase costs for use of natural gas, potentially restrict access to or the use of natural gas, require the Company to purchase allowances to offset the Company’s own emissions or result in an overall increase in costs of raw materials, any one of which could increase the Company’s costs, reduce competitiveness in a global economy or otherwise negatively affect the Company’s business, operations or financial results. Many of the Company’s suppliers face similar circumstances. While additional regulation of emissions in the future appears likely, it is too early to predict how this regulation will ultimately affect the Company’s business, operations or financial results. Physical risks to the Company’s business operations as identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and other expert bodies include scenarios such as sea level rise, extreme weather conditions and resource shortages. Extreme weather may disrupt the production and supply of natural gas, a fuel necessary for the manufacture of motorcycles. Supply disruptions would raise market rates and jeopardize the continuity of motorcycle production.

The Company disclaims any obligation to update these Risk Factors or any other forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation (and specifically disclaims any such obligation) to update these Risk Factors or any other forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or other factors affecting such forward-looking statements.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

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Item 2. Properties

The following is a summary of the principal operating properties of the Company as of December 31, 2010:

Motorcycles & Related Products Segment

 

Type of Facility

  

Location

   Approximate
Square Feet
     Status

Corporate Office

   Milwaukee, WI      515,000       Owned

Museum

   Milwaukee, WI      130,000       Owned

Airplane hangar

   Milwaukee, WI      14,600       Owned

Manufacturing(1)

   Wauwatosa, WI      430,000       Owned

Product Development Center

   Wauwatosa, WI      409,000       Owned

Distribution Center

   Franklin, WI      255,000       Owned

Data Center

   Franklin, WI      25,000       Owned

Manufacturing(2)

   Menomonee Falls, WI      881,600       Owned

Manufacturing(3)

   Tomahawk, WI      211,000       Owned

Office

   Ann Arbor, MI      3,400       Lease expiring 2014

Office

   Cleveland, OH      23,000       Lease expiring 2014

Manufacturing and Materials Velocity Center(4)

   Kansas City, MO      450,000       Owned

Warehouse

   Kansas City, MO      20,000       Lease expiring 2013

Materials Velocity Center

   Manchester, PA      191,000       Owned

Manufacturing(5)

   York, PA      1,308,000       Owned

Motorcycle Testing

   Naples, FL      82,000       Owned

Office

   Miami, FL      1,000       Lease expiring 2011

Motorcycle Testing

   Yucca, AZ      79,000       Lease expiring 2019

Office and Training Facility

   Monterrey, Mexico      8,300       Lease expiring 2014

Manufacturing and Office(6)

   Manaus, Brazil      82,000       Lease expiring 2011

Office

   Sao Paulo, Brazil      550       Lease expiring 2011

Office and Warehouse

   Oxford, England      21,000       Lease expiring 2017

Office

   Leiderdorp, The Netherlands      9,500       Lease expiring 2011

Office

   Rijswijk, The Netherlands      6,000       Lease expiring 2021

Office

   Creteil, France      8,500       Lease expiring 2016

Office

   Morfelden-Walldorf, Germany      19,900       Lease expiring 2012

Office

   Sant Cugat, Spain      3,400       Lease expiring 2017

Office

   Zurich, Switzerland      2,000       Lease expiring 2013

Office and Warehouse

   Arese, Italy      17,000       Lease expiring 2015

Office

   Prague, Czech Republic      1,900       Lease expiring 2019

Office

   Dubai, United Arab Emirates      3,600       Lease expiring 2015

Office

   Gurgaon, India      9,400       Lease expiring 2013

Manufacturing(7)

   Bawal, India      68,200       Lease expiring 2013

Office

   Moscow, Russia      2,200       Lease expiring 2013

Warehouse

   Yokohama, Japan      15,000       Lease expiring 2011

Office

   Tokyo, Japan      14,000       Lease expiring 2012

Office

   Akishima, Japan      13,000       Lease expiring 2028

Office

   Shanghai, China      3,300       Lease expiring 2011

Office

   Singapore      1,000       Lease expiring 2011

Office

   Cape Town, South Africa      3,500       Lease expiring 2012

Office

   Sydney, Australia      21,800       Lease expiring 2011

Manufacturing(8)

   Adelaide, Australia      485,000       Lease expiring 2011

 

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(1) Facility was idled during 2010 and production moved to Menomonee Falls, WI.
(2) Motorcycle powertrain production.
(3) Fiberglass/plastic parts production and painting.
(4)

Motorcycle parts fabrication, painting and Dyna, Sportster® and VRSC assembly.

(5)

Motorcycle parts fabrication, painting and Softail® and touring model assembly.

(6) Assembly of select models for the Brazilian market.
(7) Assembly of select models for the Indian market.
(8) Motorcycle wheel production.

During 2009, the Company committed to a combination of restructuring activities designed to reduce administrative costs, eliminate excess capacity and exit non-core business operations. The Company expects that the impact of these restructuring activities will have the following effects on the Company’s operating properties:

 

   

The manufacturing facility in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin was closed and operations consolidated into the manufacturing facility in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin during 2010.

 

   

The distribution facility in Franklin, Wisconsin will be closed and distribution operations consolidated through a third-party provider. The transition is expected to be finalized in early 2011.

 

   

The manufacturing campus at York, Pennsylvania will be consolidated into one facility and focused on the core areas of motorcycle assembly, metal fabrication and paint. Consolidation efforts began in 2009 and are expected to continue until 2012. In addition, certain areas of the York campus plus the materials velocity center in Manchester, Pennsylvania are expected to be sold to third-parties with the sale agreements effective in 2011. The operations of the materials velocity center will be outsourced to a third party.

 

   

In early 2009, the Company relocated its previous testing operations in Mesa, Arizona to a new facility in Yucca, Arizona as a first step towards consolidating all three of its testing sites. Beginning in 2010 and continuing into 2011, the motorcycle testing facilities in Talladega, Alabama and Naples, Florida will be consolidated into the testing facility at Yucca, Arizona.

Financial Services Segment

 

Type of Facility

  

Location

   Approximate
Square Feet
     Status

Office

   Chicago, IL      26,000       Lease expiring 2022

Office

   Plano, TX      61,500       Lease expiring 2014

Office

   Carson City, NV      100,000       Owned

Storage

   Carson City, NV      1,600       Lease expiring 2011

The Financial Services segment has three office facilities: Chicago, Illinois (corporate headquarters); Plano, Texas (wholesale, insurance and retail operations); and Carson City, Nevada (retail and insurance operations).

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to lawsuits and other claims related to environmental, product and other matters. In determining required reserves related to these items, the Company carefully analyzes cases and considers the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as the potential range of possible loss. The required reserves are monitored on an ongoing basis and are updated based on new developments or new information in each matter.

Environmental Protection Agency Notice

The Company has received formal, written requests for information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding: (i) certificates of conformity for motorcycle emissions and related designations and labels, (ii) aftermarket parts, and (iii) warranty claims on emissions related components. The

 

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Company has submitted written responses to the EPA’s inquiry and has engaged in discussions with the EPA. It is possible that a result of the EPA’s investigation will be some form of enforcement action by the EPA that will seek a fine or other relief. However, at this time the Company does not know and cannot reasonably estimate the impact of any remedies the EPA might seek.

Shareholder Lawsuits:

In re Harley-Davidson, Inc. Securities Litigation was a consolidated shareholder securities class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. On October 8, 2009, the judge granted defendants’ motion to dismiss, and the clerk of court entered judgment dismissing the consolidated lawsuit. No appeal was taken from the final judgment and the dismissal of the case became final. Subsequently, on March 18, 2010, a group of individuals who appear to be inmates in a federal correctional institution filed a motion to intervene which was immediately dismissed by the District Court because judgment had already been entered. On April 5, 2010, two of the individuals filed notices of appeal of the dismissal. On May 27, 2010, the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit dismissed the appeals for failure to pay the required docketing fees. The dismissal of the action again became final.

In 2005, three shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court on July 22, 2005 and November 16, 2005, against some or all of the following current or former directors and officers of the Company: Jeffrey L. Bleustein, James L. Ziemer, James M. Brostowitz, Barry K. Allen, Richard I. Beattie, George H. Conrades, Judson C. Green, Donald A. James, Sara L. Levinson, George L. Miles, Jr., James A. Norling, James A. McCaslin, Donna F. Zarcone, Jon R. Flickinger, Gail A. Lione, Ronald M. Hutchinson, W. Kenneth Sutton, Jr. and John A. Hevey. On November 24, 2009, all federal court derivative plaintiffs moved to voluntarily dismiss their lawsuits and all claims without prejudice. On November 30, 2009, the federal court entered orders granting the motions and dismissing the federal court derivative lawsuits without prejudice. The remaining state court shareholder state derivative action (which was a consolidation of the two lawsuits filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court) was dismissed in a hearing on November 29, 2010, and the dismissal became final on January 24, 2011.

York Environmental Matters:

The Company is involved with government agencies and groups of potentially responsible parties in various environmental matters, including a matter involving the cleanup of soil and groundwater contamination at its York, Pennsylvania facility. The York facility was formerly used by the U.S. Navy and AMF prior to the purchase of the York facility by the Company from AMF in 1981. Although the Company is not certain as to the full extent of the environmental contamination at the York facility, it has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) since 1986 in undertaking environmental investigation and remediation activities, including an ongoing site-wide remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS). In January 1995, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the Agreement) with the Navy. The Agreement calls for the Navy and the Company to contribute amounts into a trust equal to 53% and 47%, respectively, of future costs associated with environmental investigation and remediation activities at the York facility (Response Costs). The trust administers the payment of the Response Costs incurred at the York facility as covered by the Agreement.

In February 2002, the Company was advised by the EPA that it considers some of the Company’s remediation activities at the York facility to be subject to the EPA’s corrective action program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and offered the Company the option of addressing corrective action under a RCRA facility lead agreement. In July 2005, the York facility was designated as the first site in Pennsylvania to be addressed under the “One Cleanup Program.” The program provides a more streamlined and efficient oversight of voluntary remediation by both PADEP and EPA and will be carried out consistent with the Agreement with the Navy. As a result, the RCRA facility lead agreement has been superseded.

 

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Although the RI/FS is still underway and substantial uncertainty exists concerning the nature and scope of the additional environmental investigation and remediation that will ultimately be required at the York facility, the Company estimates that its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility will be approximately $5.9 million. The Company has established reserves for this amount, which are included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The estimate of the Company’s future Response Costs that will be incurred at the York facility is based on reports of independent environmental consultants retained by the Company, the actual costs incurred to date and the estimated costs to complete the necessary investigation and remediation activities. Response Costs related to the remediation of soil are expected to be incurred over a period of several years ending in 2015. Response Costs related to ground water remediation may continue for some time beyond 2015.

Product Liability Matters:

Additionally, the Company is involved in product liability suits related to the operation of its business. The Company accrues for claim exposures that are probable of occurrence and can be reasonably estimated. The Company also maintains insurance coverage for product liability exposures. The Company believes that its accruals and insurance coverage are adequate and that product liability will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Harley-Davidson, Inc. common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. The high and low market prices for the common stock, reported as New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Composite Transactions, were as follows:

 

2010

   Low      High           

2009

   Low      High  

First quarter

   $ 21.81       $ 28.98         First quarter    $ 7.99       $ 20.01   

Second quarter

   $ 23.61       $ 36.13         Second quarter    $ 12.90       $ 22.74   

Third quarter

   $ 21.26       $ 29.17         Third quarter    $ 14.99       $ 25.56   

Fourth quarter

   $ 27.79       $ 35.59         Fourth quarter    $ 20.76       $ 30.00   

The Company paid the following dividends per share:

 

     2010      2009      2008  

First quarter

   $ 0.10       $ 0.10       $ 0.30   

Second quarter

     0.10         0.10         0.33   

Third quarter

     0.10         0.10         0.33   

Fourth quarter

     0.10         0.10         0.33   
                          
   $ 0.40       $ 0.40       $ 1.29   
                          

As of January 31, 2011 there were 87,578 shareholders of record of Harley-Davidson, Inc. common stock.

The following table contains detail related to the repurchase of common stock based on the date of trade during the quarter ended December 31, 2010:

 

2010 Fiscal Month

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
     Average Price
Paid per Share
     Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
     Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
 

September 27 to October 31

     —         $  —           —           24,011,007   

November 1 to November 28

     —         $ —           —           24,022,701   

November 29 to December 31

     717       $  26         —           24,026,728   
                             

Total

     717       $ 26         —        
                             

The Company has an authorization (originally adopted in December 1997) by its Board of Directors to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock under which the cumulative number of shares repurchased, at the time of any repurchase, shall not exceed the sum of (1) the number of shares issued in connection with the exercise of stock options occurring on or after January 1, 2004 plus (2) one percent of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company on January 1 of the current year, adjusted for any stock split. The Company did not purchase shares under this authorization during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2010.

In December 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors separately authorized the Company to buy back up to 20.0 million shares of its common stock with no dollar limit or expiration date. As of December 31, 2010, 16.7 million shares remained under this authorization.

The Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (exhibit 10.5) and predecessor stock plans permit participants to satisfy all or a portion of the statutory federal, state and local withholding tax obligations arising in connection with plan awards by electing to (a) have the Company withhold Shares otherwise issuable under

 

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the award, (b) tender back shares received in connection with such award or (c) deliver other previously owned Shares, in each case having a value equal to the amount to be withheld. During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company acquired 717 shares of common stock that employees presented to the Company to satisfy withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards.

Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain information relating to the Company’s equity compensation plans.

The following information in this Item 5 is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such a filing: the SEC requires the Company to include a line graph presentation comparing cumulative five year Common Stock returns with a broad-based stock index and either a nationally recognized industry index or an index of peer companies selected by the Company. The Company has chosen to use the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index as the broad-based index and the Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index as a more specific comparison. The Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index was chosen because the Company does not believe that any other published industry or line-of-business index adequately represents the current operations of the Company. The graph assumes a beginning investment of $100 on December 31, 2005 and that all dividends are reinvested.

LOGO

 

     2005
($)
     2006
($)
     2007
($)
     2008
($)
     2009
($)
     2010
($)
 

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

     100         139         94         36         54         76   

Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index

     100         110         120         76         105         133   

Standard & Poor’s 500 Index

     100         116         122         77         97         112   

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)    2010(1)     2009(2)     2008(2)     2007      2006  
Statement of operations data:            

Revenue:

           

Motorcycles & Related Products

   $ 4,176,627      $ 4,287,130      $ 5,578,414      $ 5,726,848       $ 5,800,686   

Financial Services

     682,709        494,779        376,970        416,196         384,891   
                                         

Total revenue

   $ 4,859,336      $ 4,781,909      $ 5,955,384      $ 6,143,044       $ 6,185,577   
                                         

Income from continuing operations

   $ 259,669      $ 70,641      $ 684,235      $ 933,843       $ 1,043,153   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (113,124     (125,757     (29,517     —           —     
                                         

Net income (loss)

   $ 146,545      $ (55,116   $ 654,718      $ 933,843       $ 1,043,153   
                                         

Weighted-average common shares:

           

Basic

     233,312        232,577        234,225        249,205         264,453   

Diluted

     234,787        233,573        234,477        249,882         265,273   

Earnings per common share from continuing operations:

           

Basic

   $ 1.11      $ 0.30      $ 2.92      $ 3.75       $ 3.94   

Diluted

   $ 1.11      $ 0.30      $ 2.92      $ 3.74       $ 3.93   

Loss per common share from discontinued operations:

           

Basic

   $ (0.48   $ (0.54   $ (0.13   $ —         $ —     

Diluted

   $ (0.48   $ (0.54   $ (0.13   $ —         $ —     

Earnings (loss) per common share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.63      $ (0.24   $ 2.80      $ 3.75       $ 3.94   

Diluted

   $ 0.62      $ (0.24   $ 2.79      $ 3.74       $ 3.93   

Dividends paid per common share

   $ 0.400      $ 0.400      $ 1.290      $ 1.060       $ 0.810   
Balance sheet data:            

Total assets

   $ 9,430,740      $ 9,155,518      $ 7,828,625      $ 5,656,606       $ 5,532,150   

Total debt

   $ 5,752,356      $ 5,636,129      $ 3,914,887      $ 2,099,955       $ 1,702,491   

Total equity

   $ 2,206,866      $ 2,108,118      $ 2,115,603      $ 2,375,491       $ 2,756,737   

 

(1) 2010 data includes the effects of consolidating formerly off-balance sheet qualifying special purpose entities as required by new guidance within Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, “Consolidations” and ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing.”
(2) 2009 and 2008 total assets include assets of discontinued operations of $181.2 million and $238.7 million, respectively.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the groups of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) and Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell). HDMC produces heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycles. HDMC manufactures five families of motorcycles: Touring, Dyna®, Softail®, Sportster® and VRSC. HDFS provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs primarily to Harley-Davidson and Buell dealers and customers.

The Company operates in two business segments: Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) and Financial Services (Financial Services). The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations.

The “% Change” figures included in the “Results of Operations” section were calculated using unrounded dollar amounts and may differ from calculations using the rounded dollar amounts presented.

Overview

The Company is encouraged by 2010 results and its progress against its long-term business strategy as announced in 2009. The Company’s long-term business strategy is centered on four key pillars of growth, continuous improvement, leadership development and sustainability. Under this strategy, the Company expects to drive growth through a focus of efforts and resources on the unique strengths of the Harley-Davidson brand and to enhance productivity and profitability through continuous improvement. The strategy focuses Company resources on Harley-Davidson products and experiences, global expansion, demographic outreach and commitment to core customers. In addition, the Company will continue to expand its initiatives to enhance profitability through continuous improvement in manufacturing, product development and business operations.

During 2010, the Motorcycles segment showed improved financial performance driven by the Company’s restructuring efforts and the Financial Services segment returned to profitability. Income from continuing operations for 2010 was $259.7 million, or $1.11 per share, compared to $70.6 million, or $0.30 per share, in 2009. The Company’s operating income for 2010 was $560.6 million, an increase of $364.5 million over the prior year driven by higher operating income from Financial Services. Operating income for the Financial Services segment improved by $299.8 million primarily due to favorable net interest income, improved credit performance and two non-recurring, non-cash charges totaling $101.1 million that were incurred during 2009. Operating income for the Motorcycles segment was $64.7 million higher in 2010 compared to 2009 driven by improved gross profit and a decrease in operating expenses.

Please refer to the “Results of Operations 2010 Compared to 2009” for additional details concerning the results for 2010.

 

(1) Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this report are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such by reference to this footnote or because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” or “estimates” or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this report. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described in close proximity to such statements or elsewhere in this report, including under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and under “Cautionary Statements” in Item 7 of this report. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this report are made only as of the date of the filing of this report (February 24, 2011), and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

 

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Outlook(1)

On January 25, 2011, the Company announced its expectation to ship 221,000 to 228,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles during 2011, with 51,000 to 56,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles expected to ship in the first quarter of 2011. In addition, the Company announced its expectation for full year 2011 gross margin to be between 34.0% and 35.0%.

The Company also announced on January 25, 2011 that it expects the full year 2011 effective income tax rate to be approximately 35% for continuing operations. The Company’s capital expenditure estimates for 2011 are between $210 million to $230 million, including approximately $60 million to $75 million to support restructuring activities. The Company anticipates it will have the ability to fund all capital expenditures in 2011 with cash flows generated by operations.

Restructuring Activities(1)

The Company and the unions representing its production employees in Kansas City, Missouri began negotiations in January 2011 on a new labor agreement to replace the current contract which is set to expire in July 2012. The Company has advised the unions that the Kansas City operations must become more competitive and flexible if those operations are to remain viable. The Company expects to make a decision on the future of the Kansas City operations in early March 2011, and will provide any updated cost and savings information at such time as it discloses a final decision.

2010 Restructuring Plan

In September 2010, the Company’s unionized employees in Wisconsin ratified three separate new seven-year labor agreements which take effect in April 2012 when the current contracts expire. The new contracts are similar to the labor agreement ratified at the Company’s York, Pennsylvania facility in December 2009 and allow for similar flexibility and increased production efficiency. Once the new contracts are implemented, the production system in Wisconsin, like York, will include the addition of a flexible workforce component.

Based on the new ratified labor agreements, the Company expects to have about 700 full-time hourly unionized employees in its Milwaukee-area facilities when the contracts are implemented in 2012, about 250 fewer than would be required under the existing contract. In Tomahawk, the Company expects to have a full-time hourly unionized workforce of about 200 when the contract is implemented, about 75 fewer than would be required under the current contract.

2009 Restructuring Plan

During 2009, in response to the U.S. economic recession and worldwide slowdown in consumer demand, the Company committed to a volume reduction and a combination of restructuring actions that are expected to be completed in 2012. The actions were designed to reduce administrative costs, eliminate excess capacity and exit non-core business operations. The Company’s significant announced actions, which the Company believes are generally on schedule, include:

 

   

consolidating its two engine and transmission plants in the Milwaukee area into its facility in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin;

 

   

closing its distribution facility in Franklin, Wisconsin and consolidating Parts and Accessories and General Merchandise distribution through a third party;

 

   

discontinuing the domestic transportation fleet;

 

   

consolidating its vehicle test facilities from three locations in Alabama, Arizona and Florida into one location in Arizona;

 

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restructuring its York, Pennsylvania motorcycle production facility to focus on the core operations of motorcycle assembly, metal fabrication and paint; and

 

   

exiting the Buell product line. The Company ceased production of Buell motorcycles at the end of October 2009 and the sale of remaining Buell motorcycle inventory to independent dealers and/or distributors was substantially completed during 2010.

The 2009 restructuring plans include a reduction of approximately 2,700 to 2,900 hourly production positions and approximately 720 non-production, primarily salaried positions within the Motorcycles segment and approximately 100 salaried positions in the Financial Services segment. These headcount reductions began in 2009 and are expected to be completed during 2011.

Restructuring Costs and Savings

During 2010, the Company incurred $163.5 million in restructuring expense and other impairments related to 2010 and 2009 restructuring plan activities. This is in addition to $224.3 million in restructuring and impairment expense incurred in 2009. The Company expects total costs for 2010 and 2009 restructuring plan activities to result in one-time restructuring and impairment expenses of $495 million to $510 million from 2009 through 2012 of which approximately 30% are expected to be non-cash. In 2011, the Company expects to incur restructuring expenses of $85 million to $95 million. The Company anticipates annual ongoing total savings from restructuring of approximately $290 million to $310 million upon completion of all announced restructuring activities. In the near-term, the Company has realized or estimates that it will realize savings from these restructuring activities, measured against 2008 spending, as follows:

 

   

2009 - $91 million (91% operating expense and 9% cost of sales);

 

   

2010 - $172 million (64% operating expense and 36% cost of sales);

 

   

2011 - $210 million to $230 million (45-55% operating expense and 45-55% cost of sales);

 

   

2012 - $275 million to $295 million (35-45% operating expense and 55-65% cost of sales); and

 

   

Ongoing annually upon completion - $290 million to $310 million (30-40% operating expense and 60-70% cost of sales).

Discontinued Operations

On August 6, 2010, the Company concluded the sale of MV Agusta to a company controlled by the former owner of MV Agusta. During 2010, the Company incurred a loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $113.1 million, comprised of operating losses and impairment charges. The loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, was $125.8 million during 2009.

 

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Results of Operations 2010 Compared to 2009

Consolidated Results

 

(in thousands, except earnings per share)

   2010     2009     Increase      %
Change
 

Operating income from motorcycles & related products

   $ 378,758      $ 314,055      $ 64,703         20.6

Operating income (loss) from financial services

     181,873        (117,969     299,842         N/M   
                           

Operating income

     560,631        196,086        364,545         185.9   

Investment income

     5,442        4,254        1,188         27.9   

Interest expense

     90,357        21,680        68,677         316.8   

Loss on debt extinguishment

     85,247        —          85,247         N/M   
                           

Income before income taxes

     390,469        178,660        211,809         118.6   

Provision for income taxes

     130,800        108,019        22,781         21.1   
                           

Income from continuing operations

     259,669        70,641        189,028         267.6   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (113,124     (125,757     12,633         10.0   
                           

Net income (loss)

   $ 146,545      $ (55,116   $ 201,661         N/M   
                           

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

   $ 1.11      $ 0.30      $ 0.81         270.0

Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations

   $ (0.48   $ (0.54   $ 0.06         11.1

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.62      $ (0.24   $ 0.86         N/M   

Operating income for the Motorcycles segment was $64.7 million higher in 2010 compared to 2009 driven by improved gross profit and a decrease in operating expenses. Operating income for the Financial Services segment improved by $299.8 million primarily due to favorable net interest income, improved credit performance and two non-recurring, non-cash charges totaling $101.1 million that were incurred during 2009. The favorable net interest income was primarily due to the increase in on-balance sheet finance receivables and a lower cost of funds. As discussed below, the lower cost of funds was due in part to HDFS’ transfer in the fourth quarter of 2009 to the Company of amounts related to the Company’s $600.0 million senior unsecured notes issued in February 2009. Please refer to the “Motorcycles and Related Products Segment” and “Financial Services Segment” discussions following for a more detailed discussion of the factors affecting operating income.

Interest expense for 2010 includes $87.5 million related to the Company’s senior unsecured notes, compared to $16.2 million in 2009. During the first quarter of 2009, the Company transferred the full $600.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of the notes to HDFS to fund HDFS’ operations. As HDFS diversified its debt structure through a combination of actions during 2009, its funding profile improved and allowed HDFS to transfer the full $600.0 million of proceeds back to the Company during the fourth quarter of 2009. As a result, interest expense for 2009 includes interest on the notes only during the periods when the full $600.0 million of proceeds were held by the Company. Interest expense for the periods in which the full $600.0 million of proceeds were held by HDFS is included in financial services interest expense.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company repurchased $297.0 million of the $600.0 million senior unsecured notes at a price of $380.8 million. As a result of the transaction, the Company incurred a loss on debt extinguishment of $85.2 million which also includes $1.4 million of capitalized debt issuance costs that were written-off. The Company used cash on hand for the repurchase and the repurchased notes were cancelled. By repurchasing the notes, the Company will not incur interest expense of approximately $45.0 million per year in 2011 through 2013 and $3.7 million in 2014.

The effective income tax rate for 2010 continuing operations was 33.5% compared to 60.5% for 2009. During the first quarter of 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law. As a result of this Act, reimbursements the Company receives under Medicare Part D coverage for providing retiree prescription drug benefits would no longer be tax free beginning in 2011. At the beginning of second quarter of

 

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2010, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 delayed the impact of this change to 2013. On April 14, 2010, the SEC staff announced that the Office of the Chief Accountant would not object to a view that the two Acts should be considered together for accounting purposes. The Company accounted for both Acts in the first quarter of 2010 and recorded income tax expense of $13.3 million associated with this change. Also impacting the effective income tax rate for 2010 were a favorable impact from a domestic manufacturing benefit and the favorable conclusion of an Internal Revenue Service audit in 2010 and, in connection with the audit settlement, an adjustment to income taxes payable. The effective income tax rate for 2009 was impacted by a $28.4 million non-deductible goodwill charge incurred during the second quarter of 2009 as well as an unanticipated change in Wisconsin tax law during the first quarter of 2009 which resulted in the Company establishing a valuation allowance of $22.5 million related to net operating loss carryforwards.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales

Worldwide independent dealer retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 8.5% during 2010 compared to 2009. Retail sales continued to be impacted on a global basis by difficult economic conditions. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased by 11.7% in the United States and 1.9% internationally during 2010 compared to 2009. On an industry-wide basis, the heavyweight (651+cc) portion of the market was down 14.6% in the United States and down 3.9% in Europe when compared to 2009. The following table includes retail unit sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles:

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales(a)

Heavyweight (651+cc)

 

     2010      2009      (Decrease)
Increase
    %
Change
 
North America Region           

United States

     143,391         162,385         (18,994     (11.7 )% 

Canada

     10,376         11,406         (1,030     (9.0
                            

Total North America Region

     153,767         173,791         (20,024     (11.5
Europe Region (Includes Middle East and Africa)           

Europe(b)

     37,378         36,444         934        2.6   

Other

     3,810         3,560         250        7.0   
                            

Total Europe Region

     41,188         40,004         1,184        3.0   

Asia Pacific Region

          

Japan

     11,405         13,105         (1,700     (13.0

Other

     9,582         9,884         (302     (3.1
                            

Total Asia Pacific Region

     20,987         22,989         (2,002     (8.7

Latin America Region

     6,168         5,850         318        5.4   
                            

Total Worldwide Retail Sales

     222,110         242,634         (20,524     (8.5 )% 
                            

 

(a) Data source for retail sales figures shown above is new sales warranty and registration information provided by Harley-Davidson dealers and compiled by the Company. The Company must rely on information that its dealers supply concerning retail sales and this information is subject to revision. Only Harley-Davidson motorcycles are included in the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales data.
(b) Data for Europe include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

 

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The following table includes industry retail motorcycle registration data:

Heavyweight Motorcycle Registration Data(a)

 

     2010      2009      Decrease     %
Change
 

United States(b)

     259,733         304,304         (44,571     (14.6 )% 

Europe(c)

     301,321         313,569         (12,248     (3.9 )% 

 

(a) Heavyweight data includes street legal 651+cc models. Street legal 651+cc models include on-highway, dual purpose models and three-wheeled vehicles.
(b) U.S. industry data is derived from information provided by Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). This third party data is subject to revision and update. Prior periods have been adjusted to include all dual purpose models that were previously excluded.
(c) Europe data includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Industry retail motorcycle registration data includes 651+cc models derived from information provided by Giral S.A., an independent agency. This third party data is subject to revision and update.

Motorcycle Unit Shipments

The following table includes wholesale motorcycle unit shipments for the Motorcycles segment:

 

     2010     2009     (Decrease)
Increase
    %
Change
 

United States

     131,636         62.5     144,464         64.8     (12,828     (8.9 )% 

International

     78,858         37.5     78,559         35.2     299        0.4   
                                            

Harley-Davidson motorcycle units

     210,494         100.0     223,023         100.0     (12,529     (5.6 )% 
                                            

Touring motorcycle units

     81,927         38.9     84,104         37.7     (2,177     (2.6 )% 

Custom motorcycle units(a)

     87,158         41.4     91,650         41.1     (4,492     (4.9

Sportster motorcycle units

     41,409         19.7     47,269         21.2     (5,860     (12.4
                                            

Harley-Davidson motorcycle units

     210,494         100.0     223,023         100.0     (12,529     (5.6 )% 
                                            

Buell motorcycle units

     2,614           9,572           (6,958     (72.7 )% 
                                

 

(a) Custom motorcycle units, as used in this table, include Dyna, Softail, VRSC and CVO models.

During 2010, the Company shipped 210,494 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a decrease of 12,529 motorcycles, or 5.6%, from last year. The Company’s 2010 shipment volume was in line with Company expectations and resulted in lower U.S. dealer inventory of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles at the end of 2010 compared to the end of 2009. On January 25, 2011, the Company announced that it expects full year 2011 shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycle units to be between 221,000 to 228,000, an increase of 5% to 8% from 2010 shipments.(1) The Company expects that its 2011 shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles to independent dealers in the U.S. will exceed their retail sales for 2011 as dealers increase their retail inventory levels. The Company believes that stronger than expected fourth quarter 2010 retail sales resulted in the aggregate U.S. dealer inventory dipping below what the Company believes is an appropriate level at the end of 2010.(1) The Company remains committed to balancing supply in line with demand for its Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

 

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Segment Results

The following table includes the condensed statement of operations for the Motorcycles segment (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      (Decrease)
Increase
    %
Change
 

Revenue:

          

Harley-Davidson motorcycles

   $ 3,136,987       $ 3,174,810       $ (37,823     (1.2 )% 

Buell motorcycles

     16,280         46,514         (30,234     (65.0

Parts & Accessories

     749,240         767,275         (18,035     (2.4

General Merchandise

     259,125         282,210         (23,085     (8.2

Other

     14,995         16,321         (1,326     (8.1
                            

Total revenue

     4,176,627         4,287,130         (110,503     (2.6

Cost of goods sold

     2,749,224         2,900,934         (151,710     (5.2
                            

Gross profit

     1,427,403         1,386,196         41,207        3.0   

Selling & administrative expense

     756,177         702,854         53,323        7.6   

Engineering expense

     128,960         148,311         (19,351     (13.0

Restructuring expense and other impairments

     163,508         220,976         (57,468     (26.0
                            

Operating expense

     1,048,645         1,072,141         (23,496     (2.2
                            

Operating income from motorcycles

   $ 378,758       $ 314,055       $ 64,703        20.6
                            

The following table includes the estimated impact of the significant factors affecting the comparability of net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2009 to 2010 (in millions):

 

     Net
Revenue
    Cost of
Goods Sold
    Gross
Profit
 

2009

   $ 4,287      $ 2,901      $ 1,386   

Volume

     (282     (201     (81

Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging

     17        17        —     

Product mix

     126        10        116   

Raw material prices

     —          11        (11

Manufacturing costs

     —          27        (27

Buell exit costs

     29        (16     45   
                        

Total

     (110     (152     42   
                        

2010

   $ 4,177      $ 2,749      $ 1,428   
                        

 

   

Volume decreases were primarily the result of the 5.6% decrease in wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycle units as well as lower volumes for Parts & Accessories and General Merchandise.

 

   

Foreign currency exchange rates during 2010 relative to 2009 resulted in a positive impact on net revenue. Gains and losses associated with the revaluation of foreign-denominated assets and liabilities and foreign currency hedging (included in cost of goods sold) were unfavorable when compared to the same period last year which offset the positive impact of currency included in net revenue.

 

   

Product mix benefited revenue and gross profit due to a higher mix of the Company’s higher margin touring motorcycles and changes in product mix within the Company’s motorcycle families. Product mix changes were also impacted by motorcycle option offerings, shipment location and related products.

 

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Raw material prices were higher in 2010 relative to 2009 due to unfavorability in steel and aluminum prices.

 

   

Manufacturing costs increased partially as the result of a higher fixed cost per unit due to allocating fixed costs across fewer units. Higher manufacturing costs were also the result of increasing product cost associated with new models and increased product content. Finally, manufacturing costs were also higher due to temporary inefficiencies associated with the Company’s transition to outsourcing non-core operations at its York, Pennsylvania facility. These increased costs were partially offset by productivity gains.

 

   

In 2009, the Company incurred Buell exit costs consisting of sales incentives to independent dealers and inventory write-downs. The sales incentives lowered 2009 revenue while the inventory write-downs increased 2009 cost of sales.

The increase in selling and administrative expense was primarily due to increased expense associated with the Company’s variable incentive compensation programs and increased spending on growth initiatives partially offset by savings from the Company’s restructuring efforts and lower warranty and recall charges. During 2010, the Company accrued for a payout of variable incentive compensation programs; no accrual was made during 2009 due to the Company’s determination that plan targets would not be met. Increased spending on growth initiatives during 2010 included approximately $19 million of costs associated with the Company’s efforts to expand its presence in Brazil. As part of these expansion efforts, Harley-Davidson recently reached an agreement with the previous dealer in Brazil that permits the Company to develop a new network of independent dealers as it expands its presence in that market. The decrease in engineering expense was primarily due to savings from the Company’s restructuring efforts. The Company’s announced restructuring plans are further discussed in Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial Services Segment

Segment Results

The following table includes the condensed statements of operations for the Financial Services segment (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009     Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 

Interest income

   $ 635,207       $ 434,152      $ 201,055        46.3

Loss from securitizations

     —           (13,676     13,676        N/M   

Other income

     47,502         74,303        (26,801     (36.1
                           

Financial services revenue

     682,709         494,779        187,930        38.0   

Interest expense

     272,484         283,634        (11,150     (3.9

Provision for credit losses

     93,118         169,206        (76,088     (45.0

Operating expenses

     135,234         128,219        7,015        5.5   

Goodwill impairment

     —           28,387        (28,387     N/M   

Restructuring expense

     —           3,302        (3,302     N/M   
                           

Financial services expense

     500,836         612,748        (111,912     (18.3
                           

Operating income (loss) from financial services

   $ 181,873       $ (117,969   $ 299,842        N/M   
                           

On January 1, 2010, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (codified within ASC Topic 860), and SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (codified in ASC Topic 810). As a result of the adoption of the new accounting guidance, the Company consolidated the assets and

 

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liabilities of its formerly unconsolidated Qualifying Special Purpose Entities (QSPEs) on January 1, 2010. Beginning on January 1, 2010, the Company began recognizing interest income and credit losses on the previously unconsolidated securitized receivables and interest expense on the related debt within its statement of operations. The Company’s statement of operations no longer includes income from securitizations, including the initial gain or loss previously recorded on off-balance sheet securitizations, income on the investment in retained securitization interests and servicer fees. In addition, the Company no longer incurs charges related to other-than-temporary impairments on its investment in retained securitization interests as that asset has been derecognized.

Interest income during 2010 benefited primarily from higher average retail finance receivables, which was driven by the consolidation of formerly off-balance sheet QSPEs. Interest expense decreased by $11.2 million compared to 2009 due to more favorable cost of funds, partially offset by increased borrowings related to the newly consolidated securitization trusts.

There was no income or loss from securitizations during 2010 due to the elimination of the investment in retained securitization interests. During 2009, HDFS recorded a $45.4 million other-than-temporary impairment of certain retained securitization interests due to higher actual and anticipated credit losses partially offset by a slowing in actual and expected prepayment speeds. Partially offsetting the other-than-temporary impairment was $31.7 million of income earned from the investment in the retained securitization interests.

Other income decreased during 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to no servicer fee income partially offset by the benefit of no lower of cost or market valuation adjustment for finance receivables held for sale. As a result of the consolidation of the formerly off-balance sheet securitization trusts, the Company no longer records servicer fee income from servicing off-balance sheet finance receivables. During 2009, the Company earned $25.5 million of servicer fee income. The Company recognized a $5.9 million charge to earnings for a lower of cost or market valuation adjustment related to its finance receivables held for sale during 2009. The charge, which was the result of the determination that the cost exceeded the fair value of the finance receivables held for sale, was due to higher projected credit losses partially offset by lower funding costs. HDFS used discounted cash flow methodologies to estimate the fair value of finance receivables held for sale that incorporated appropriate assumptions for discount rate, funding costs and credit enhancement, as well as estimates concerning credit losses and prepayments that, in management’s judgment, reflected assumptions that market participants would use.

The provision for credit losses related to retail and wholesale receivables decreased by $68.5 million and $7.9 million, respectively, in 2010 compared to 2009. The decrease in the provision for retail credit losses was primarily driven by the second quarter 2009 reclassification of $3.14 billion of finance receivables held for sale to finance receivables held for investment. The reclassification resulted in a $72.7 million increase in the allowance for finance credit losses during 2009. The provision for wholesale credit losses was $7.9 million lower during 2010 versus 2009 due to a reduction in wholesale finance receivables outstanding from prior year and lower specific reserve needs in 2010 as a number of dealer credit situations were resolved.

As part of the January 1, 2010 adoption of the new accounting guidance within ASC Topic 810 and ASC Topic 860, the Company established an initial allowance for credit losses of $49.4 million related to the previously unconsolidated securitized finance receivables through an adjustment to retained earnings. Subsequent changes in the provision are included in the statement of operations.

Annual losses on HDFS’ managed retail motorcycle finance receivables were 2.11% in 2010 compared to 2.86% for 2009. The 30-day delinquency rate for managed retail motorcycle finance receivables at December 31, 2010 decreased to 5.07% from 6.51% at December 31, 2009. At December 31, 2010, managed retail finance receivables were comprised of all finance receivables held by HDFS, including those that were consolidated beginning January 1, 2010. Prior to January 1, 2010, managed retail finance receivables included finance receivables held by HDFS and those sold through off-balance sheet securitization transactions. The decrease in credit losses from 2009 was due to a lower frequency of loss and a modest improvement in the recovery values of repossessed motorcycles.

 

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Changes in the allowance for finance credit losses on finance receivables were as follows (in millions):

 

     2010     2009  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 150,082      $ 40,068   

Allowance related to newly consolidated finance receivables(a)

     49,424        —     

Provision for finance credit losses

     93,118        169,206   

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

     (119,035     (59,192
                

Balance, end of period

   $ 173,589      $ 150,082   
                

 

(a) As part of the required consolidation of formerly off-balance sheet securitization trusts, the Company established a $49.4 million allowance for credit losses related to the newly consolidated finance receivables.

At December 31, 2010, the allowance for finance credit losses on finance receivables was $15.8 million for wholesale receivables and $157.8 million for retail receivables, which includes $103.8 million related to finance receivables held by consolidated variable interest entities, (VIEs). See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the Company’s VIEs. The allowance for finance credit losses on finance receivables was $133.3 million for retail receivables and $16.8 million for wholesale receivables at December 31, 2009.

HDFS’ periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for finance credit losses on finance receivables is generally based on HDFS’ past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, current economic conditions and the estimated value of any underlying collateral. Please refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for finance credit losses on finance receivables.

As discussed in Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $28.4 million during 2009 related to the goodwill associated with HDFS.

Results of Operations 2009 Compared to 2008

Consolidated Results

 

(in thousands, except earnings per share)

   2009     2008     (Decrease)
Increase
    %
Change
 

Operating income from motorcycles & related products

   $ 314,055      $ 976,402      $ (662,347     (67.8 )% 

Operating (loss) income from financial services

     (117,969     82,765        (200,734     (242.5)   
                          

Operating income

     196,086        1,059,167        (863,081     (81.5)   

Investment income

     4,254        11,296        (7,042     (62.3)   

Interest expense

     21,680        4,542        17,138        377.3   
                          

Income before income taxes

     178,660        1,065,921        (887,261     (83.2)   

Provision for income taxes

     108,019        381,686        (273,667     (71.7)   
                          

Income from continuing operations

     70,641        684,235        (613,594     (89.7)   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (125,757     (29,517     (96,240     326.0   
                          

Net (loss) income

   $ (55,116   $ 654,718      $ (709,834     (108.4 )% 
                          

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

   $ 0.30      $ 2.92      $ (2.62     (89.7 )% 

Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations

   $ (0.54   $ (0.13   $ (0.41     315.4

Diluted (loss) earnings per share

   $ (0.24   $ 2.79      $ (3.03     (108.6 )% 

Operating results for both of the Company’s segments was impacted by the difficult economic environment. Motorcycles operating income fell 67.8% during 2009 driven by a decrease in shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and restructuring charges. Financial Services operating loss was driven primarily by increased

 

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provision for credit losses and a goodwill impairment. Please refer to the “Motorcycles and Related Products Segment” and “Financial Services Segment” discussions following for a more detailed discussion of the factors affecting operating income.

Interest expense of $21.7 million included a portion of interest expense related to the Company’s $600.0 million senior unsecured notes issued in February 2009. During the first quarter of 2009, the Company transferred the full $600.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of the notes to HDFS to fund HDFS’ operations. As HDFS diversified its debt structure through a combination of actions during 2009, its funding profile improved and allowed HDFS to transfer the full $600.0 million of proceeds back to the Company during the fourth quarter of 2009. As a result, interest expense for 2009 includes interest on the notes only during the periods when the full $600.0 million of proceeds were held by the Company. Interest expense for the periods in which the full $600.0 million of proceeds were held by HDFS is included in financial services interest expense.

The effective income tax rate for 2009 continuing operations was 60.5% compared to 35.8% for 2008. The increase in the effective income tax rate was due to a one-time charge for a change in Wisconsin tax law, the nondeductible goodwill impairment charge at HDFS and the impact of reduced earnings.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales

Worldwide independent dealer retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 22.7% during 2009 compared to 2008. Retail sales continued to be impacted on a global basis by difficult economic conditions. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased by 25.8% in the United States and 15.4% internationally during 2009 compared to 2008. On an industry-wide basis, the heavyweight (651+cc) portion of the market was down 36.6% in the United States and down 19.5% in Europe when compared to 2008. The following table includes retail unit sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles:

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales(a)

Heavyweight (651+cc)

 

     2009      2008      Decrease     %
Change
 

North America Region

          

United States

     162,385         218,939         (56,554     (25.8 )% 

Canada

     11,406         16,502         (5,096     (30.9)   
                            

Total North America Region

     173,791         235,441         (61,650     (26.2)   

Europe Region (Includes Middle East and Africa)

          

Europe(b)

     36,444         40,725         (4,281     (10.5)   

Other

     3,560         4,317         (757     (17.5)   
                            

Total Europe Region

     40,004         45,042         (5,038     (11.2)   

Asia Pacific Region

          

Japan

     13,105         14,654         (1,549     (10.6)   

Other

     9,884         10,595         (711     (6.7)   
                            

Total Asia Pacific Region

     22,989         25,249         (2,260     (9.0)   

Latin America Region

     5,850         8,037         (2,187     (27.2)   
                            

Total Worldwide Retail Sales

     242,634         313,769         (71,135     (22.7 )% 
                            

 

(a) Data source for retail sales figures shown above is new sales warranty and registration information provided by Harley-Davidson dealers and compiled by the Company. The Company must rely on information that its dealers supply concerning retail sales and this information is subject to revision. Only Harley-Davidson motorcycles are included in the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales data.
(b) Data for Europe include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

 

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The following table includes industry retail motorcycle registration data:

Heavyweight Motorcycle Registration Data(a)

 

     2009      2008      Decrease     %
Change
 

United States(b)

     304,304         480,313         (176,009     (36.6 )% 

Europe(c)

     313,569         389,691         (76,122     (19.5 )% 

 

(a) Heavyweight data includes street legal 651+cc models. Street legal 651+cc models include on-highway, dual purpose models and three-wheeled vehicles.
(b) U.S. industry data is derived from information provided by Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). This third party data is subject to revision and update. Prior periods have been adjusted to include all dual purpose models that were previously excluded.
(c) Europe data includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Industry retail motorcycle registration data is derived from information provided by Giral S.A., an independent agency. This third party data is subject to revision and update.

Motorcycle Unit Shipments

The following table includes wholesale motorcycle unit shipments for the Motorcycles segment:

 

     2009     2008     Decrease     %
Change
 

United States

     144,464         64.8     206,309         68.0     (61,845     (30.0 )% 

International

     78,559         35.2     97,170         32.0     (18,611     (19.2)   
                                            

Harley-Davidson motorcycle units

     223,023         100.0     303,479         100.0     (80,456     (26.5 )% 
                                            

Touring motorcycle units

     84,104         37.7     101,887         33.6     (17,783     (17.5)   

Custom motorcycle units(a)

     91,650         41.1     140,908         46.4     (49,258     (35.0)   

Sportster motorcycle units

     47,269         21.2     60,684         20.0     (13,415     (22.1)   
                                            

Harley-Davidson motorcycle units

     223,023         100.0     303,479         100.0     (80,456     (26.5 )% 
                                            

Buell motorcycle units

     9,572           13,119           (3,547     (27.0 )% 
                                

 

(a) Custom motorcycle units, as used in this table, include Dyna, Softail, VRSC and CVO models.

During 2009, the Company shipped 223,023 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a decrease of 80,456 motorcycles, or 26.5%, from last year. The Company’s shipments in 2009 were negatively impacted by the challenging economic environment.

 

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Segment Results

The following table includes the condensed statement of operations for the Motorcycles segment (in thousands):

 

     2009      2008      (Decrease)
Increase
    %
Change
 

Revenue:

          

Harley-Davidson motorcycles

   $ 3,174,810       $ 4,244,587       $ (1,069,777     (25.2 )% 

Buell motorcycles

     46,514         123,085         (76,571     (62.2)   

Parts & Accessories

     767,275         858,748         (91,473     (10.7)   

General Merchandise

     282,210         313,838         (31,628     (10.1)   

Other

     16,321         38,156         (21,835     (57.2)   
                            

Total revenue

     4,287,130         5,578,414         (1,291,284     (23.1)   

Cost of goods sold

     2,900,934         3,647,270         (746,336     (20.5)   
                            

Gross profit

     1,386,196         1,931,144         (544,948     (28.2)   

Selling & administrative expense

     702,854         774,135         (71,281     (9.2)   

Engineering expense

     148,311         168,132         (19,821     (11.8)   

Restructuring expense and other impairments

     220,976         12,475         208,501        N/M   
                            

Operating expense

     1,072,141         954,742         117,399        12.3   
                            

Operating income from motorcycles

   $ 314,055       $ 976,402       $ (662,347     (67.8 )% 
                            

The following table includes the estimated impact of the significant factors affecting the comparability of net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2008 to 2009 (in millions):

 

     Net
Revenue
    Cost of
Goods Sold
    Gross
Profit
 

2008

   $ 5,578      $ 3,647      $ 1,931   

Volume

     (1,276     (773     (503

Price

     (2     —          (2

Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging

     (51     (25     (26

Product mix

     67        54        13   

Raw material prices

     —          (65     65   

Manufacturing costs

     —          47        (47

Buell exit costs

     (29     16        (45
                        

Total

     (1,291     (746     (545
                        

2009

   $ 4,287      $ 2,901      $ 1,386   
                        

 

   

Volume decreases were primarily the result of the 26.5% decrease in wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycle units.

 

   

Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging were affected by a weakening Euro and Australian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar during 2009.

 

   

Product mix benefited revenue and gross profit due to a shift towards the Company’s higher margin touring motorcycles.

 

   

Manufacturing costs increased partially as the result of a higher fixed cost per unit due to allocating fixed costs across fewer units. Additionally, higher manufacturing costs were the result of increasing product cost associated with new models and increased product content. These increased costs were partially offset by productivity gains.

 

   

Buell exit costs consisted of sales incentives to independent dealers and inventory write-downs. The sales incentives lowered revenue while the inventory write-downs increased cost of sales.

 

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The net increase in operating expense was primarily due the Company’s previously announced restructuring activities and asset impairments partially offset by cost reduction initiatives. For further information regarding the Company’s previously announced restructuring activities and asset impairments, refer to Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial Services Segment

Segment Results

The following table includes the condensed statements of operations for the Financial Services segment (in thousands):

 

     2009     2008      Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 

Interest income

   $ 434,152      $ 290,083       $ 144,069        49.7

(Loss) income from securitizations

     (13,676     13,439         (27,115     (201.8

Other income

     74,303        73,448         855        1.2   
                           

Financial services revenue

     494,779        376,970         117,809        31.3   

Interest expense

     283,634        136,763         146,871        107.4   

Provision for credit losses

     169,206        39,555         129,651        327.8   

Operating expenses

     128,219        117,887         10,332        8.8   

Restructuring expense

     3,302        —           3,302        N/M   

Goodwill impairment

     28,387        —           28,387        N/M   
                           

Financial services expense

     612,748        294,205         318,543        108.3   
                           

Operating (loss) income from financial services

   $ (117,969   $ 82,765       $ (200,734     (242.5 )% 
                           

Interest income benefited from higher average retail and wholesale finance receivables outstanding, partially offset by lower wholesale lending rates. The increase in retail finance receivables outstanding was driven by a reduction in off-balance sheet term asset-backed securitization activity throughout 2008 due to capital market volatility and the utilization of on-balance sheet term asset-backed securitization structures during 2009. The increase in wholesale outstanding finance receivables resulted from an increased use of floorplan financing combined with a higher number of average days financed. Interest expense was higher in 2009 due primarily to increased borrowings to support the higher average outstanding retail and wholesale finance receivables as well as an increased cost of borrowing as compared to 2008.

During 2009, HDFS recorded a loss from securitizations compared to income from securitizations during 2008. The change from 2008 was due to reduced income earned from the investment in retained securitization interests and a larger other-than-temporary write down of certain retained securitization interests in 2009 compared to 2008. Income earned from the investment in retained securitization interests was $28.5 million lower due to a reduction in outstanding off-balance sheet term asset-backed securitization transactions. There were no off-balance sheet term asset-backed securitization transactions completed during 2009 while the Company completed one off-balance sheet term asset-backed securitization transaction during 2008. For the 2008 off-balance sheet term-asset backed securitization transaction, the Company recognized a $5.4 million loss. In addition, HDFS recognized a $45.4 million write down of certain retained securitization interests during 2009 due to higher actual and anticipated credit losses partially offset by a slowing in actual and expected prepayment speeds. This compares to an other-than-temporary impairment of $41.4 million in 2008.

HDFS reviewed its assumptions for determining the fair value of the investment in retained securitization interests each quarter. Key assumptions included expected losses, prepayment speed and discount rate. HDFS determined these assumptions by reviewing historical trends and current economic conditions. Given the

 

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challenging U.S. economy, credit losses on HDFS’ retail finance receivables have increased, and as a result, the fair value of retained securitization interests has declined, and in some cases this decline is other-than-temporary. A write-down in the retained securitization interest generally represents a non-cash charge in the period in which it is recorded, but ultimately represents a reduction in the residual cash flow that HDFS expects to receive from its investment in retained securitization interests. The fair value of the investment in retained securitization interests was $245.4 million at December 31, 2009.

Other income remained relatively flat in 2009 compared to 2008. During 2009, the Company recognized a $5.9 million charge to earnings for the lower of cost or market valuation adjustment of its finance receivables held for sale prior to the reclassification to finance receivables held for investment as discussed below. This compares to a lower of cost or market valuation charge of $37.8 million in 2008. This change was partially offset by a $16.3 million decrease in servicing fee income resulting from fewer outstanding off-balance sheet term asset-backed securitization transactions and lower insurance commissions in 2009 compared to 2008.

The increase in the provision for credit losses during 2009 primarily resulted from the reclassification of $3.14 billion of finance receivables held for sale to finance receivables held for investment at the end of the second quarter of 2009. The reclassification was due to the structure of the Company’s May 2009 term asset-backed securitization transaction and management’s intent to structure subsequent securitization transactions in a manner that would not meet the requirements of accounting sale treatment. The reclassification resulted in an additional provision for credit losses of $72.7 million. In addition, the provisions for credit losses related to retail receivables and wholesale receivables increased by $51.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively, over 2008. The increase was primarily the result of higher expected incidence of loss, lower expected recovery values on repossessed motorcycles, and an increase in the finance receivables held for investment.

Annual losses on HDFS’ managed retail motorcycle finance receivables were 2.86% in 2009 compared to 2.30% for 2008. The 30-day delinquency rate for managed retail motorcycle finance receivables at December 31, 2009 increased to 6.51% from 6.29% at December 31, 2008. Managed retail finance receivables included finance receivables held by HDFS as well as those sold through off-balance sheet term asset-backed securitization transactions. The year-over-year increase in credit losses was driven by a higher frequency of loss and higher average loss per motorcycle resulting from pressure on values for repossessed motorcycles.

Changes in the allowance for finance credit losses on finance receivables held for investment were as follows (in millions):

 

     2009     2008  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 40,068      $ 30,295   

Provision for finance credit losses

     169,206        39,555   

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

     (59,192     (29,782
                

Balance, end of period

   $ 150,082      $ 40,068   
                

At December 31, 2009, the allowance for finance credit losses on finance receivables held for investment was $133.3 million for retail finance receivables and $16.8 million for wholesale finance receivables. The allowance for finance credit losses on finance receivables held for investment was $28.4 million for retail finance receivables and $11.7 million for wholesale finance receivables at December 31, 2008.

HDFS’ periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for finance credit losses on finance receivables held for investment is generally based on HDFS’ past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, current economic conditions and the estimated value of any underlying collateral.

Operating expenses were also impacted by a restructuring charge of $3.3 million in 2009 as detailed in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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As discussed in Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, during 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $28.4 million related to the goodwill associated with HDFS. As a result of the Company’s lower retail sales volume projections and the decline in operating performance at HDFS during 2009 due to significant write-downs of its finance receivable portfolio and investment in retained securitization interests, the Company performed an impairment test of the goodwill balance associated with HDFS as of June 28, 2009. The results of the impairment test indicated the current fair value of HDFS had declined below its carrying value.

Other Matters

Critical Accounting Estimates

The Company’s financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies, which require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. Management believes that the following are some of the more critical judgment areas in the application of accounting policies that currently affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Goodwill – The Company reviews its goodwill for impairment, based on financial data related to the reporting unit to which it has been assigned, at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit associated with the goodwill to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill must be adjusted to its implied fair value. In determining the fair value of a reporting unit, the Company utilizes widely accepted techniques such as discounted cash flow methodologies which require the Company to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate macro economic factors, industry economic factors and the future profitability of current business strategies. Changes in these factors can have a significant impact on the impairment evaluation.

Asset Groups to Be Disposed of by Sale – Asset groups (assets and liabilities to be disposed of together as a group in a single transaction) classified as “held for sale” are measured at the lower of carrying amount or “fair value less cost to sell” and a loss should be recognized for any initial adjustment required to reduce the carrying amount to the “fair value less cost to sell” in the period the “held for sale” criteria are met. The “fair value less cost to sell” must be assessed each reporting period the asset group remains classified as “held for sale.” Gains or losses not previously recognized resulting from the sale of an asset group will be recognized on the date of sale. In determining the fair value of an asset group representing a business, the Company utilizes widely accepted techniques such as discounted cash flow methodologies which require the Company to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate macro economic factors, industry economic factors and the future profitability of current business strategies. Changes in these factors can have a significant impact on the impairment evaluation. In addition, the determination of fair value for an asset group held for sale may be influenced by information received from market participants (interested buyers) having appropriate knowledge of the asset group. The appropriate level of knowledge may not be obtainable solely from public observations, but could be obtained in the course of a normal due diligence process.

Off-Balance Sheet Finance Receivable Securitizations – Prior to 2009, the Company sold retail motorcycle finance receivables through securitization transactions utilizing QSPEs that qualified for accounting sale treatment under prior U.S. GAAP. Upon sale of retail finance receivables in a securitization transaction, HDFS received cash and retained an interest in excess cash flows, subordinated securities, and cash reserve account deposits, all of which were collectively referred to as retained interests in the securitized receivables. Retained interests were carried at fair value and were periodically reviewed for impairment. Market value quotes of fair value are generally not available for retained interests. Therefore, fair value was measured using discounted cash flow methodologies that incorporated management’s best estimate of key assumptions that, in management’s

 

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judgment, reflected the assumptions marketplace participants would use. The impact of changes to key assumptions is shown in Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. HDFS retained servicing rights under retail finance receivables that it sold to the securitization trust and received a servicing fee. The servicing fee paid to HDFS was considered adequate compensation for the services provided and was included in financial services revenue as earned. As discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company adopted new accounting guidance within ASC topic 810 and ASC topic 860 as of January 1, 2010 that ultimately required the Company to consolidate these formerly off-balance sheet QSPEs.

Gains or losses on securitizations from the sale of retail finance receivables were recorded as a component of financial services revenue and were based in part on certain assumptions including expected credit losses, prepayment speed and discount rates. Gains or losses on sales of retail finance receivables also depended on the original carrying amount of the retail finance receivables, which were allocated between the assets sold and the retained interests based on their relative fair value at the date of transfer.

Valuation of Finance Receivables Held for Sale – Finance receivables held for sale in the aggregate were carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. HDFS used discounted cash flow methodologies to estimate the fair value of finance receivables held for sale that incorporated appropriate assumptions for discount rate, funding costs and credit enhancement, as well as estimates concerning credit losses and prepayments that, in management’s judgment, reflected assumptions marketplace participants would use. Any amount by which cost exceeded fair value was accounted for as a valuation adjustment with an offset to other income.

Allowance for Finance Credit Losses on Finance Receivables – The allowance for uncollectible accounts is maintained at a level management believes is adequate to cover the losses of principal in the existing finance receivables portfolio. HDFS performs a periodic and systematic collective evaluation of the adequacy of the retail allowance. HDFS utilizes loss forecast models which consider a variety of factors including, but not limited to, historical loss trends, origination or vintage analysis, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral, recovery rates and current economic conditions including items such as unemployment rates.

The wholesale portfolio is primarily composed of large balance, non-homogeneous finance receivables. HDFS’ wholesale allowance evaluation is first based on a loan-by-loan review. A specific allowance is established for wholesale finance receivables determined to be individually impaired when management concludes that the borrower will not be able to make full payment of contractual amounts due based on the original terms of the loan agreement. The impairment is determined based on the cash that the Company expects to receive discounted at the loan’s original interest rate or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral-dependent. In establishing the allowance, management considers a number of factors including the specific borrower’s financial performance as well as ability to repay. Finance receivables in the wholesale portfolio that are not considered impaired on an individual basis are segregated, based on similar risk characteristics, according to the Company’s internal risk rating system and collectively evaluated for impairment. The related allowance is based on factors such as the Company’s past loan loss experience, current economic conditions as well as the value of the underlying collateral.

Product Warranty – Estimated warranty costs are reserved for each motorcycle at the time of sale. The warranty reserve is an estimated cost per unit sold based upon historical Company claim data used in combination with other known factors that may affect future warranty claims. The Company updates its warranty estimates quarterly to ensure that the warranty reserves are based on the most current information available.

The Company believes that past claim experience is indicative of future claims; however, the factors affecting actual claims can be volatile. As a result, actual claims experience may differ from estimated which could lead to material changes in the Company’s warranty provision and related reserves. The Company’s warranty liability is discussed further in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Pensions and Other Postretirement Healthcare Benefits – The Company has several defined benefit pension plans and several postretirement healthcare benefit plans, which cover substantially all employees of the Motorcycles segment. The Company also has unfunded supplemental employee retirement plan agreements (SERPA) with certain employees which were instituted to replace benefits lost under the Tax Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. Pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare obligations and costs are calculated through actuarial valuations. The valuation of benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs relies on key assumptions including discount rates, long-term expected return on plan assets, future compensation and healthcare cost trend rates.

The Company determines its discount rate assumptions by referencing high-quality long-term bond rates that are matched to the duration of its own benefit obligations. Based on this analysis, the discount rate for pension and SERPA obligations was decreased from 6.0% as of December 31, 2009 to 5.79% as of December 31, 2010. The discount rate for postretirement healthcare obligations was decreased from 5.65% to 5.28%. The Company determines its healthcare trend assumption for the postretirement healthcare obligation by considering factors such as estimated healthcare inflation, the utilization of healthcare benefits and changes in the health of plan participants. Based on the Company’s assessment of this data as of December 31, 2010, the Company increased its healthcare cost trend rate to 8.5% from 7.5% as of December 31, 2009. The Company expects the healthcare cost trend rate to reach its ultimate rate of 5% beginning in 2019.(1) These assumption changes were reflected immediately in the benefit obligation and will be amortized into net periodic benefit costs over future periods.

The following information is provided to illustrate the sensitivity of pension and postretirement healthcare obligations and costs to changes in these major assumptions (in thousands):

 

      Amounts based
on current
assumptions
     Impact of a 1%
decrease in the
discount rate
     Impact of a 1%
increase in the
healthcare cost
trend rate
 

2010 Net periodic benefit costs

        

Pension and SERPA

   $ 71,945       $ 21,474         n/a   

Postretirement healthcare

   $ 39,073       $ 2,289       $ 1,296   

2010 Benefit obligations

        

Pension and SERPA

   $ 1,390,374       $ 216,223         n/a   

Postretirement healthcare

   $ 378,341       $ 35,368       $ 15,100   

This information should not be viewed as predictive of future amounts. The calculation of pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare obligations and costs is based on many factors in addition to those discussed here. This information should be considered in combination with the information provided in Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stock Compensation Costs – The total cost of the Company’s share-based awards is equal to the grant date fair value per award multiplied by the number of awards granted (adjusted for forfeitures). This cost is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the service periods of the awards. Forfeitures are initially estimated based on historical Company information and subsequently updated over the life of the awards to ultimately reflect actual forfeitures. As a result, changes in forfeiture activity can influence the amount of stock compensation cost recognized from period to period.

The Company estimates the fair value of option awards as of the grant date using a lattice-based option valuation model which utilizes ranges of assumptions over the expected term of the options, including stock price volatility, dividend yield and risk free interest rate.

The valuation model uses historical data to estimate option exercise behavior and employee terminations. The expected term of options granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding.

 

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The Company uses a weighted-average of historical and implied volatility to determine the expected volatility of its stock. The implied volatility is derived from options that are actively traded and the market prices of both the traded options and underlying shares are measured at a similar point in time to each other and on a date reasonably close to the grant date of the employee stock options. In addition, the traded options have exercise prices that are both (a) near-the-money and (b) close to the exercise price of the employee stock options. Finally, the remaining maturities of the traded options on which the estimate is based are at least one year.

Dividend yield was based on the Company’s expected dividend payments and the risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

Changes in the valuation assumptions could result in a significant change to the cost of an individual option. However, the total cost of an award is also a function of the number of awards granted, and as result, the Company has the ability to control the cost of its equity awards by adjusting the number of awards granted.

Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related deferred tax assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Accruals for unrecognized tax benefits are provided for in accordance with the requirements of ASC Topic 740. An unrecognized tax benefit represents the difference between the recognition of benefits related to exposure items for income tax reporting purposes and financial reporting purposes. The unrecognized tax benefit is included within other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has a reserve for interest and penalties on exposure items, if applicable, which is recorded as a component of the overall income tax provision. The Company is regularly under audit by tax authorities. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, management believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provision includes amounts sufficient to pay any assessments. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.

Contractual Obligations

A summary of the Company’s expected payments for significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2010 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2011      2012 - 2013      2014 - 2015      Thereafter      Total  

Principal payments on debt

   $ 1,484,264       $ 2,146,577       $ 1,084,849       $ 1,036,665       $ 5,752,355   

Interest payments on debt

     245,554         366,236         175,766         167,381         954,937   

Operating lease payments

     11,399         16,089         10,877         8,414         46,779   
                                            
   $ 1,741,217       $ 2,528,902       $ 1,271,492       $ 1,212,460       $ 6,754,071   
                                            

As described in Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company classified $315.9 million related to its unsecured commercial paper and its Global Credit Facilities (as defined in “Liquidity and Capital Resources”) as long-term debt as of December 31, 2010. This amount is classified as long term because it is supported by the Global Credit Facilities and is expected to remain outstanding for an uninterrupted period extending beyond one year; accordingly, the Company has assumed that this amount will be repaid in 2012.

 

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Interest obligations include the impact of interest rate hedges outstanding as of December 31, 2010. Interest for floating rate instruments, as calculated above, assumes December 31, 2010 rates remain constant.

As of December 31, 2010, the Company had no material purchase obligations other than those created in the ordinary course of business related to inventory and property, plant and equipment which generally have terms of less than 90 days.

The Company has long-term obligations related to its pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans at December 31, 2010. During 2009, the Company contributed $233.2 million to its pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans. No additional contributions were required during 2010 beyond current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans. In January 2011, the Company contributed $200.0 million to further fund its pension plans. The Company will evaluate additional contributions to further fund its pension plans even though no additional pension plan contributions are required in 2011. The Company expects it will continue to make on-going contributions related to current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans. The Company’s expected future contributions to these plans are provided in Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

As described in Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has unrecognized tax benefits of $69.8 million and accrued interest and penalties of $26.2 million as of December 31, 2010. However, the Company cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate for the period of cash settlement for either the $69.8 million of liability for unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties of $26.2 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As part of its term asset-backed securitization program prior to 2009, HDFS transferred retail motorcycle finance receivables to a special purpose bankruptcy-remote wholly-owned subsidiary. The subsidiary sold the retail finance receivables to a securitization trust in exchange for the proceeds from term asset-backed securities issued by the securitization trust. The term asset-backed securities, usually notes with various maturities and interest rates, were secured by future collections of the purchased retail installment finance receivables. Activities of the securitization trust were limited to acquiring retail finance receivables, issuing term asset-backed securities and making payments on securities to investors. Due to the nature of the assets held by the securitization trust and the limited nature of its activities, the securitization trusts were considered QSPEs as defined under prior U.S. GAAP. In accordance with prior U.S. GAAP, assets and liabilities of the QSPEs were not consolidated in the financial statements of the Company (see update below).

HDFS did not guarantee payments on the securities issued by the securitization trusts or the projected cash flows from the related finance receivables purchased from HDFS. The Company’s retained securitization interests, excluding servicing rights, were subordinate to the interests of securitization trust investors. Such investors had priority interests in the cash collections on the retail finance receivables sold to the securitization trust (after payment of servicing fees) and in the cash reserve account deposits. Investors do not have recourse to assets of HDFS for failure of the obligors on the retail finance receivables to pay when due. Total investment in retained securitization interests at December 31, 2009 was $245.4 million. The securitization trusts have a limited life and generally terminate upon final distribution of amounts owed to the investors in the term asset-backed securities. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of HDFS’ term asset-backed securitization program.

As discussed in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company was required to adopt new guidance within ASC Topics 810 and 860 as of January 1, 2010 requiring the consolidation of qualifying special purpose entities previously utilized for its off-balance sheet term asset-backed securitization transactions.

 

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Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is subject to lawsuits and other claims related to environmental, product and other matters. In determining required reserves related to these items, the Company carefully analyzes cases and considers the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as the potential range of possible loss. The required reserves are monitored on an ongoing basis and are updated based on new developments or new information in each matter.

Environmental Protection Agency Notice

The Company has received formal, written requests for information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding: (i) certificates of conformity for motorcycle emissions and related designations and labels, (ii) aftermarket parts, and (iii) warranty claims on emissions related components. The Company has submitted written responses to the EPA’s inquiry and has engaged in discussions with the EPA. It is possible that a result of the EPA’s investigation will be some form of enforcement action by the EPA that will seek a fine or other relief. However, at this time the Company does not know and cannot reasonably estimate the impact of any remedies the EPA might seek.

Shareholder Lawsuits:

In re Harley-Davidson, Inc. Securities Litigation was a consolidated shareholder securities class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. On October 8, 2009, the judge granted defendants’ motion to dismiss, and the clerk of court entered judgment dismissing the consolidated lawsuit. No appeal was taken from the final judgment and the dismissal of the case became final. Subsequently, on March 18, 2010, a group of individuals who appear to be inmates in a federal correctional institution filed a motion to intervene which was immediately dismissed by the District Court because judgment had already been entered. On April 5, 2010, two of the individuals filed notices of appeal of the dismissal. On May 27, 2010, the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit dismissed the appeals for failure to pay the required docketing fees. The dismissal of the action again became final.

In 2005, three shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court on July 22, 2005 and November 16, 2005, against some or all of the following current or former directors and officers of the Company: Jeffrey L. Bleustein, James L. Ziemer, James M. Brostowitz, Barry K. Allen, Richard I. Beattie, George H. Conrades, Judson C. Green, Donald A. James, Sara L. Levinson, George L. Miles, Jr., James A. Norling, James A. McCaslin, Donna F. Zarcone, Jon R. Flickinger, Gail A. Lione, Ronald M. Hutchinson, W. Kenneth Sutton, Jr. and John A. Hevey. On November 24, 2009, all federal court derivative plaintiffs moved to voluntarily dismiss their lawsuits and all claims without prejudice. On November 30, 2009, the federal court entered orders granting the motions and dismissing the federal court derivative lawsuits without prejudice. The remaining state court shareholder state derivative action (which was a consolidation of the two lawsuits filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court) was dismissed in a hearing on November 29, 2010, and the dismissal became final on January 24, 2011.

York Environmental Matters:

The Company is involved with government agencies and groups of potentially responsible parties in various environmental matters, including a matter involving the cleanup of soil and groundwater contamination at its York, Pennsylvania facility. The York facility was formerly used by the U.S. Navy and AMF prior to the purchase of the York facility by the Company from AMF in 1981. Although the Company is not certain as to the full extent of the environmental contamination at the York facility, it has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) since 1986 in undertaking environmental investigation and remediation activities, including an ongoing site-wide remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS). In January 1995, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the Agreement) with the Navy. The Agreement calls for

 

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the Navy and the Company to contribute amounts into a trust equal to 53% and 47%, respectively, of future costs associated with environmental investigation and remediation activities at the York facility (Response Costs). The trust administers the payment of the Response Costs incurred at the York facility as covered by the Agreement.

In February 2002, the Company was advised by the EPA that it considers some of the Company’s remediation activities at the York facility to be subject to the EPA’s corrective action program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and offered the Company the option of addressing corrective action under a RCRA facility lead agreement. In July 2005, the York facility was designated as the first site in Pennsylvania to be addressed under the “One Cleanup Program.” The program provides a more streamlined and efficient oversight of voluntary remediation by both PADEP and EPA and will be carried out consistent with the Agreement with the Navy. As a result, the RCRA facility lead agreement has been superseded.

Although the RI/FS is still underway and substantial uncertainty exists concerning the nature and scope of the additional environmental investigation and remediation that will ultimately be required at the York facility, the Company estimates that its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility will be approximately $5.9 million. The Company has established reserves for this amount, which are included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The estimate of the Company’s future Response Costs that will be incurred at the York facility is based on reports of independent environmental consultants retained by the Company, the actual costs incurred to date and the estimated costs to complete the necessary investigation and remediation activities. Response Costs related to the remediation of soil are expected to be incurred over a period of several years ending in 2015. Response Costs related to ground water remediation may continue for some time beyond 2015.

Product Liability Matters:

Additionally, the Company is involved in product liability suits related to the operation of its business. The Company accrues for claim exposures that are probable of occurrence and can be reasonably estimated. The Company also maintains insurance coverage for product liability exposures. The Company believes that its accruals and insurance coverage are adequate and that product liability will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources as of December 31, 2010

Over the long-term, the Company expects that its business model will continue to generate cash that will allow it to invest in the business, fund future growth opportunities and return value to shareholders.(1) The Company believes the Motorcycles operations will continue to be primarily funded through cash flows generated by operations. The Company’s Financial Services operations have been funded with unsecured debt, unsecured commercial paper, an asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility, committed unsecured bank facilities and through the term asset-backed securitization market.

 

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The Company’s strategy is to maintain a minimum of twelve months of its projected liquidity needs through a combination of cash and marketable securities and availability under credit facilities. The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and marketable securities and availability under credit facilities as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,021,933   

Marketable securities

     140,118   
        

Total cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities

     1,162,051   

Global credit facilities(a)

     553,656   

Asset-backed conduit facility(b)

     600,000   
        

Total availability under credit facilities

     1,153,656   
        

Total

   $ 2,315,707   
        

 

(a) $675.0 million of the Company’s total credit facilities is set to expire in April, 2011.
(b) The conduit facility is set to expire in September, 2011.

Although the Company believes it has obtained the funding necessary to support HDFS’ operations for 2011(1), the Company recognizes that it must continue to adjust its business to changes in the lending environment. The Company intends to continue with a diversified funding profile through a combination of short-term and long-term funding vehicles and to pursue a variety of sources to obtain cost-effective funding. The Financial Services operations could be negatively affected by higher costs of funding and the increased difficulty of raising, or potential unsuccessful efforts to raise, funding in the short-term and long-term capital markets.(1) These negative consequences could in turn adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations in various ways, including through higher costs of capital, reduced funds available through its Financial Services operations to provide loans to independent dealers and their retail customers, and dilution to existing shareholders through the use of alternative sources of capital.

The Company has long-term obligations related to its pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans at December 31, 2010. During 2009, the Company contributed $233.2 million to its pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans. No additional contributions were required during 2010 beyond current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans. In January 2011, the Company contributed $200.0 million to further fund its pension plans. The Company will evaluate additional contributions to further fund its pension plans even though no additional pension plan contributions are required in 2011. The Company expects it will continue to make on-going contributions related to current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans. The Company’s expected future contributions to these plans are provided in Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cash Flow Activity

The following table summarizes the cash flow activity of continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Net cash provided by (used by) operating activities

   $ 1,163,418      $ 609,010      $ (608,029

Net cash provided by (used by) investing activities

     145,437        (863,487     (294,875

Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities

     (1,856,090     1,381,937        1,293,390   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     4,940        6,789        (20,352
                        

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations

   $ (542,295   $ 1,134,249      $ 370,134   
                        

 

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Operating Activities

The increase in operating cash flow for 2010 compared to 2009 was due primarily to the classification of the Company’s retail lending activities and favorable movements in working capital.

U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables originated prior to June 28, 2009 were classified as held-for-sale based on the Company’s intent to securitize these U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables in off-balance sheet securitization transactions under prior U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the origination and collection of these retail finance receivables were components of operating cash flows. The Company has not conducted an off-balance sheet securitization since the first quarter of 2008. At the end of the second quarter of 2009, the Company made a decision to structure subsequent securitization transactions in a manner that would require “on-balance sheet” accounting (i.e., the Company no longer had intent to sell at the date of origination). As a result of that decision, the cash flows related to post-June 2009 retail lending activity are included within the investing cash flow section of the statement of cash flows.

Investing Activities

The Company’s investing activities consist primarily of capital expenditures, net changes in finance receivables and short-term investment activity. Capital expenditures were $170.8 million and $116.7 million during 2010 and 2009, respectively. Net changes in finance receivables held for investment in 2010 reflect the incremental cash flows from finance receivables held by securitization trusts that were not consolidated prior to January 1, 2010. The effects of consolidating formerly off-balance sheet QSPEs are discussed further in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financing Activities

The Company’s financing activities consist primarily of debt activity, dividend payments and share repurchases. As of December 31, 2010, there were 16.7 million shares remaining on a board-approved share repurchase authorization. An additional board-approved share repurchase authorization is in place to offset option exercises.

The Company paid dividends of $0.40 per share totaling $94.1 million and $93.8 million during 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The Company’s total outstanding debt consisted of the following as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Global credit facilities

   $ 213,772       $ 448,049       $ 390,932   

Unsecured commercial paper

     582,572         325,099         1,416,449   

Medium-term notes

     1,897,778         2,103,396         1,607,506   

Senior unsecured notes

     303,000         600,000         —     
                          
     2,997,122         3,476,544         3,414,887   

Asset-backed conduit facility

     —           —           500,000   

Term asset-backed securitization debt

     2,755,234         2,159,585         —     
                          

Debt held by variable interest entities

     2,755,234         2,159,585         500,000   
                          

Total debt

   $ 5,752,356       $ 5,636,129       $ 3,914,887   
                          

In order to access the debt capital markets, the Company relies on credit rating agencies to assign short-term and long-term credit ratings. Generally, lower credit ratings result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to debt capital markets. A credit rating agency may change or withdraw the Company’s ratings based on its

 

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assessment of the Company’s current and future ability to meet interest and principal repayment obligations. The Company’s short-term debt ratings affect its ability to issue unsecured commercial paper. The Company’s short- and long-term debt ratings as of December 31, 2010 were as follows:

 

     Short-Term      Long-Term    Outlook

Moody’s

     P2       Baa1    Negative

Standard & Poor’s

     A2       BBB    Stable

Fitch

     F2       BBB+    Stable

Global Credit Facilities – On April 29, 2010, the Company and HDFS entered into a new $675.0 million 364-day credit facility (2010 364-Day Credit Facility) to refinance and replace a $625.0 million 364-day credit facility, which matured in April 2010. The 2010 364-Day Credit Facility matures in April 2011. In connection with the 2010 364-Day Credit Facility, the Company and HDFS also entered into a new $675.0 million three-year credit facility agreement to refinance and replace a $950.0 million three-year credit facility agreement, which was set to mature in July 2011. The new three-year credit facility matures in April 2013. The 2010 364-Day Credit Facility and the new three-year credit facility agreement (together, the Global Credit Facilities) bear interest at variable interest rates, which may be adjusted upward or downward depending on certain criteria, such as credit ratings. The Global Credit Facilities also require the Company to pay a fee based upon the average daily unused portion of the aggregate commitments under the Global Credit Facilities. The Global Credit Facilities are committed facilities and primarily used to support HDFS’ unsecured commercial paper program.

At the end of 2009, the Company had $205.0 million of credit facilities debt related to the MV acquisition and subsequent working capital advances. In conjunction with the sale of MV, the Company repaid all outstanding credit facility debt associated with MV.

Unsecured Commercial Paper – Subject to limitations, HDFS could issue unsecured commercial paper of up to $1.35 billion as of December 31, 2010. Outstanding unsecured commercial paper may not exceed the unused portion of the Global Credit Facilities. Maturities may range up to 365 days from the issuance date. HDFS intends to finance the repayment of unsecured commercial paper as it matures by issuing additional unsecured commercial paper or through other means, such as borrowing under the Global Credit Facilities, borrowing under its asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility and term asset-backed securitizations.(1)

Medium-Term Notes – The Company has the following medium-term notes (collectively, the Notes) issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

Principal Amount

               Rate                  Issue Date    Maturity Date

$   400,000

     5.25   December 2007    December 2012

$   500,000

     5.75   November 2009    December 2014

$1,000,000

     6.80   May 2008    June 2018

The Notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. At December 31, 2009, HDFS had $200.0 million of 5.00% medium-term notes outstanding which were due in December 2010. In December 2010, the notes matured and the principal and accrued interest were paid in full. As a result, the Notes no longer include a fair value adjustment as the interest rate swaps were related to that particular medium-term note. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Notes included a fair value adjustment increasing the balance by $6.1 million and $9.7 million, respectively, due to interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges. The effect of the interest rate swap agreements is to convert the interest rate on a portion of the Notes from a fixed to a floating rate, which is based on 3-month LIBOR. Unamortized discounts on the Notes reduced the balance by $2.2 million, $2.7 million and $2.2 million at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Senior Unsecured Notes – In February 2009, the Company issued $600.0 million of senior unsecured notes in an underwritten offering. The senior unsecured notes mature in February 2014 and have an annual interest rate

 

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of 15%. The senior unsecured notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. During the first quarter of 2009, the Company transferred the full $600.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of the notes to HDFS to fund HDFS’ operations. As HDFS diversified its debt structure through a combination of actions during 2009, its funding profile improved and allowed HDFS to transfer the full $600.0 million of proceeds back to the Company during the fourth quarter of 2009.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company repurchased $297.0 million of the $600.0 million senior unsecured notes at a price of $380.8 million. As a result of the transaction, the Company incurred a loss on debt extinguishment of $85.2 million which also includes $1.4 million of capitalized debt issuance costs that were written-off. The Company used cash on hand for the repurchase and the repurchased notes were cancelled. By repurchasing the notes, the Company will not incur interest expense of approximately $45.0 million per year in 2011 through 2013 and $3.7 million in 2014.

Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Conduit Facility – On September 10, 2010, the Company amended and restated its revolving asset-backed conduit facility which provides for a total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. At December 31, 2010, HDFS had no outstanding borrowings under the conduit facility.

This debt provides for interest on outstanding principal based on prevailing commercial paper rates, or LIBOR plus a specified margin to the extent the advance is not funded by a conduit lender through the issuance of commercial paper. The conduit facility also provides for an unused commitment fee based on the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. There is no amortization schedule; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related finance receivable collateral are applied to outstanding principal. Upon expiration of the conduit facility, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of HDFS and the lenders, as of December 31, 2010, the conduit facility expires on September 9, 2011.

Term Asset-Backed Securitization Debt – On January 1, 2010, the Company adopted new guidance within ASC Topics 810 and 860 for consolidating VIEs. As a result, the Company consolidated the securitized U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables, resulting in secured borrowings, and other related assets and liabilities related to the formerly unconsolidated QSPEs in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The consolidation of the secured notes related to these VIEs resulted in a $1.89 billion increase in securitization debt on January 1, 2010, the effective date of adoption.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company issued $600.0 million of secured notes through a term asset-backed securitization transaction. During 2009, the Company issued $2.46 billion of secured notes through four separate term asset-backed securitization transactions that were consolidated in the Company’s financial statements due to the structure of those transactions at the time of issuance.

For all of the term asset-backed securitization transactions, the Company transferred U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to separate VIEs, which in turn issued secured notes, with various maturities and interest rates to investors. All of the notes held by VIEs are secured by future collections of the purchased U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables. The U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables included in the term asset-backed securitization transactions are not available to pay other obligations or claims of the Company’s creditors until the associated debt and other obligations are satisfied. Cash and cash equivalent balances held by the VIEs are used only to support the securitizations. There is no amortization schedule for the secured notes; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. The secured notes’ contractual lives have various maturities ranging from 2011 to 2018.

As of December 31, 2010, the assets of the VIEs totaled $3.65 billion, of which $3.36 billion of finance receivables and $287.3 of cash were restricted as collateral for the payment of $2.76 billion secured notes. Approximately $751.3 million of the obligations under the secured notes were classified as current at December 31, 2010, based on the contractual maturities of the restricted finance receivables.

 

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Intercompany Borrowing – HDFS has a revolving credit line with the Company whereby HDFS may borrow up to $210.0 million from the Company at a market interest rate. As of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, HDFS had no outstanding borrowings owed to the Company under this agreement.

The Company has a support agreement with HDFS whereby, if required, the Company agrees to provide HDFS with financial support in order to maintain HDFS’ fixed-charge coverage at 1.25 and minimum net worth of $40.0 million. Support may be provided at the Company’s option as capital contributions or loans. Accordingly, certain debt covenants may restrict the Company’s ability to withdraw funds from HDFS outside the normal course of business. No amount has ever been provided to HDFS under the support agreement.

Operating and Financial Covenants – HDFS and the Company are subject to various operating and financial covenants related to the Global Credit Facilities and the asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility and various operating covenants under the Notes. The more significant covenants are described below.

The covenants limit the Company’s and HDFS’ ability to:

 

   

incur certain additional indebtedness;

 

   

assume or incur certain liens;

 

   

participate in a merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution; and

 

   

purchase or hold margin stock.

Under the financial covenants of the Global Credit Facilities and the asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility, the debt to equity ratio of HDFS and its consolidated subsidiaries cannot exceed 10.0 to 1.0 and HDFS must maintain a consolidated tangible net worth of not less than $500.0 million. In addition, the Company must maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.25 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010 and 2.5 to 1.0 for each fiscal quarter thereafter. No financial covenants are required under the Notes or the Company’s senior unsecured notes.

At December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, HDFS and the Company remained in compliance with all of the existing covenants.

Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations

Cash flows from discontinued operations consist of the operating and investing activities of MV. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, cash flows from discontinued operations were a net cash outflow of $72.3 million, $91.3 million and $179.4 million, respectively.

Cautionary Statements

The Company’s ability to meet the targets and expectations noted depends upon, among other factors, the Company’s ability to:

 

  (i) execute its business strategy;

 

  (ii) effectively execute the Company’s restructuring plans within expected costs and timing;

 

  (iii) successfully achieve with the Company’s labor unions flexible and cost-effective agreements to accomplish restructuring goals and long-term competitiveness;

 

  (iv) manage the risks that the Company’s independent dealers may have difficulty obtaining capital, and managing through unfavorable economic conditions and consumer demand;

 

  (v) manage supply chain issues;

 

  (vi) anticipate the level of consumer confidence in the economy;

 

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  (vii) continue to have access to reliable sources of capital funding and adjust to fluctuations in the cost of capital;

 

  (viii) manage the credit quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of HDFS’ loan portfolio;

 

  (ix) continue to realize production efficiencies at its production facilities and manage operating costs including materials, labor and overhead;

 

  (x) manage production capacity and production changes;

 

  (xi) provide products, services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace;

 

  (xii) develop and implement sales and marketing plans that retain existing retail customers and attract new retail customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace;

 

  (xiii) sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services to its independent dealers;

 

  (xiv) continue to develop the capabilities of its distributor and dealer network;

 

  (xv) manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations;

 

  (xvi) adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices;

 

  (xvii) adjust to healthcare inflation and reform, pension reform and tax changes;

 

  (xviii) retain and attract talented employees;

 

  (xix) detect any issues with the Company’s motorcycles or manufacturing processes to avoid delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation; and

 

  (xx) implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology solutions and secure data contained in those systems.

In addition, the Company could experience delays or disruptions in its operations as a result of work stoppages, strikes, natural causes, terrorism or other factors. Other factors are described in “Risk Factors under Item 1A which includes a discussion of additional risk factors and a more complete discussion of some of the cautionary statements noted above. Many of these risk factors are impacted by the current turbulent capital, credit and retail markets and the Company’s ability to adjust to them.

The Company’s ability to sell its motorcycles and related products and services and to meet its financial expectations also depends on the ability of the Company’s independent dealers to sell its motorcycles and related products and services to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability and financial capacity of its independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand for the motorcycles and related products and services they purchase from the Company.

In addition, the Company’s independent dealers and distributors may experience difficulties in operating their businesses and selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products and services as a result of weather, economic conditions or other factors.

 

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. To reduce such risks, the Company selectively uses derivative financial instruments. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to regularly reviewed policies and procedures, which prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. Sensitivity analysis is used to manage and monitor foreign exchange and interest rate risk.

The Company sells its products internationally and in most markets those sales are made in the foreign country’s local currency. As a result, the Company’s earnings can be affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currency. The Company’s most significant foreign currency risk relates to the Euro, the Australian dollar and the Japanese yen. The Company utilizes foreign currency contracts to mitigate the effect of the Euro, the Australian dollar and the Japanese yen fluctuations on earnings. The foreign currency contracts are entered into with banks and allow the Company to exchange a specified amount of foreign currency for U.S. dollars at a future date, based on a fixed exchange rate. At December 31, 2010, the notional U.S. dollar value of outstanding Euro, Australian dollar and Japanese yen foreign currency contracts was $270.9 million. The Company estimates that a uniform 10% weakening in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the currencies underlying these contracts would result in a decrease in the fair value of the contracts of approximately $30.8 million as of December 31, 2010. Further disclosure relating to the fair value of derivative financial instruments is included in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company’s earnings are affected by changes in interest rates. HDFS utilizes interest rate swaps to reduce the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on its debt and securitization transactions. HDFS also entered into derivative contracts to facilitate its first quarter 2008 securitization. These derivatives, which hedge assets held by a VIE, do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in current period earnings within other income. As of December 31, 2010, HDFS had interest rate swaps outstanding with a notional value of $173.2 million. HDFS estimates that a 10% decrease in interest rates would result in a $0.5 million decrease in the fair value of the agreements.

 

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Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

     Page  

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     58   

Report of the Audit Committee

     59   

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     60   

Consolidated statements of operations

     62   

Consolidated balance sheets

     63   

Consolidated statements of cash flows

     64   

Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity

     65   

Notes to consolidated financial statements

     67   

Supplementary data

  

Quarterly financial data (unaudited)

     124   

 

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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on management’s evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010. Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of its audit, has issued an attestation report, included herein, on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

February 10, 2011

 

Keith E. Wandell    John A. Olin
President and Chief Executive Officer    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the Company’s financial reporting process and the audit process. All of the Audit Committee members are independent in accordance with the Audit Committee requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed with management its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control system over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. Management has concluded that the internal control system was effective. Additionally, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 was audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2010 fiscal year. The audited financial statements of the Company for the 2010 fiscal year were also reviewed and discussed with management as well as with representatives of Ernst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee has also discussed with Ernst & Young LLP, the matters required to be discussed by AU Section 380 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Auditing Standards, other professional standards and regulatory requirements currently in effect. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by Rule 3526 of the PCAOB, as currently in effect, and has discussed with representatives of Ernst & Young LLP the independence of Ernst & Young LLP. Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the 2010 fiscal year be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2010 fiscal year.

February 10, 2011

Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

 

Richard I. Beattie    Judson C. Green
N. Thomas Linebarger    George L. Miles, Jr.
James A. Norling, Chairman   

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Harley-Davidson, Inc.:

We have audited Harley-Davidson, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Harley-Davidson, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Harley-Davidson, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Harley-Davidson, Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and our report dated February 24, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

February 24, 2011

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Harley-Davidson, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Harley-Davidson, Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Harley-Davidson, Inc. at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2010, the Company changed its method of accounting for variable interest entities, including qualifying special-purpose entities, to conform with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810 and Accounting Standards Codification Topic 860.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Harley-Davidson, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 24, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

February 24, 2011

 

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Revenue:

      

Motorcycles and related products

   $ 4,176,627      $ 4,287,130      $ 5,578,414   

Financial services

     682,709        494,779        376,970   
                        

Total revenue

     4,859,336        4,781,909        5,955,384   

Costs and expenses:

      

Motorcycles and related products cost of goods sold

     2,749,224        2,900,934        3,647,270   

Financial services interest expense

     272,484        283,634        136,763   

Financial services provision for credit losses

     93,118        169,206        39,555   

Selling, administrative and engineering expense

     1,020,371        979,384        1,060,154   

Restructuring expense and asset impairment

     163,508        224,278        12,475   

Goodwill impairment

     —          28,387        —     
                        

Total costs and expenses

     4,298,705        4,585,823        4,896,217   
                        

Operating income

     560,631        196,086        1,059,167   

Investment income

     5,442        4,254        11,296   

Interest expense

     90,357        21,680        4,542   

Loss on debt extinguishment

     85,247        —          —     
                        

Income before provision for income taxes

     390,469        178,660        1,065,921   

Provision for income taxes

     130,800        108,019        381,686   
                        

Income from continuing operations

     259,669        70,641        684,235   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (113,124     (125,757     (29,517
                        

Net income (loss)

   $ 146,545      $ (55,116   $ 654,718   
                        

Earnings per common share from continuing operations:

      

Basic

   $ 1.11      $ 0.30      $ 2.92   

Diluted

   $ 1.11      $ 0.30      $ 2.92   

Loss per common share from discontinued operations:

      

Basic

   $ (0.48   $ (0.54   $ (0.13

Diluted

   $ (0.48   $ (0.54   $ (0.13

Earnings (loss) per common share:

      

Basic

   $ 0.63      $ (0.24   $ 2.80   

Diluted

   $ 0.62      $ (0.24   $ 2.79   

Cash dividends per common share

   $ 0.40      $ 0.40      $ 1.29   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2010 and 2009

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

     2010     2009  

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,021,933      $ 1,630,433   

Marketable securities

     140,118        39,685   

Accounts receivable, net

     262,382        269,371   

Finance receivables held for investment, net

     1,080,432        1,436,114   

Restricted finance receivables held by variable interest entities, net

     699,026        —     

Inventories

     326,446        323,029   

Assets of discontinued operations

     —          181,211   

Restricted cash held by variable interest entities

     288,887        —     

Deferred income taxes

     146,411        179,685   

Other current assets

     100,991        282,421   
                

Total current assets

     4,066,626        4,341,949   

Finance receivables held for investment, net

     1,553,781        3,621,048   

Restricted finance receivables held by variable interest entities, net

     2,684,330        —     

Property, plant and equipment, net

     815,112        906,906   

Goodwill

     29,590        31,400   

Deferred income taxes

     213,989        177,504   

Other long-term assets

     67,312        76,711   
                
   $ 9,430,740      $ 9,155,518   
                

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 225,346      $ 162,515   

Accrued liabilities

     556,671        514,084   

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     —          69,535   

Short-term debt

     480,472        189,999   

Current portion of long-term debt

     —          1,332,091   

Current portion of long-term debt held by variable interest entities

     751,293        —     
                

Total current liabilities

     2,013,782        2,268,224   

Long-term debt

     2,516,650        4,114,039   

Long-term debt held by variable interest entities

     2,003,941        —     

Pension liability

     282,085        245,332   

Postretirement healthcare liability

     254,762        264,472   

Other long-term liabilities

     152,654        155,333   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)

    

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Series A Junior participating preferred stock, none issued

     —          —     

Common stock, 338,260,456 and 336,800,970 shares issued in 2010 and 2009, respectively

     3,382        3,368   

Additional paid-in-capital

     908,055        871,100   

Retained earnings

     6,336,077        6,324,268   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (366,222     (417,898
                
     6,881,292        6,780,838   

Less:

    

Treasury stock (102,739,587 and 102,487,275 shares in 2010 and 2009, respectively), at cost

     (4,674,426     (4,672,720
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     2,206,866        2,108,118   
                
   $ 9,430,740      $ 9,155,518   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands)

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Net cash provided by (used by) operating activities of continuing operations (Note 2)

   $ 1,163,418      $ 609,010      $ (608,029

Cash flows from investing activities of continuing operations:

      

Capital expenditures

     (170,845     (116,748     (228,959

Originations of finance receivables

     (2,252,532     (1,378,226     (608,621

Collections on finance receivables

     2,668,962        607,168        448,990   

Collection of retained securitization interests

     —          61,170        93,747   

Purchases of marketable securities

     (184,365     (39,685     —     

Sales and redemptions of marketable securities

     84,217        —          2,543   

Other, net

     —          2,834        (2,575
                        

Net cash provided by (used by) investing activities of continuing operations

     145,437        (863,487     (294,875

Cash flows from financing activities of continuing operations:

      

Proceeds from issuance of medium term notes

     —          496,514        993,550   

Repayment of medium term notes

     (200,000     —          (400,000

Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes

     —          595,026        —     

Repayment of senior unsecured notes

     (380,757     —          —     

Proceeds from securitization debt

     598,187        2,413,192        —     

Repayments of securitization debt

     (1,896,665     (263,083     —     

Net increase (decrease) in credit facilities and unsecured commercial paper

     30,575        (1,083,331     761,065   

Net change in asset-backed commercial paper

     (845     (513,168     490,000   

Net change in restricted cash

     77,654        (167,667     —     

Dividends

     (94,145     (93,807     (302,314

Purchase of common stock for treasury

     (1,706     (1,920     (250,410

Excess tax benefits from share-based payments

     3,767        170        320   

Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans

     7,845        11        1,179   
                        

Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities of continuing operations

     (1,856,090     1,381,937        1,293,390   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations

     4,940        6,789        (20,352

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations

     (542,295     1,134,249        370,134   

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

      

Cash flows from operating activities of discontinued operations

     (71,073     (71,298     (75,028

Cash flows from investing activities of discontinued operations

     —          (18,805     (99,963

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations

     (1,195     (1,208     (4,439
                        
     (72,268     (91,311     (179,430
                        

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (614,563   $ 1,042,938      $ 190,704   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents:

      

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period

   $ 1,630,433      $ 568,894      $ 402,854   

Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations – beginning of period

     6,063        24,664        —     

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (614,563     1,042,938        190,704   

Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations – end of period

     —          (6,063     (24,664
                        

Cash and cash equivalents – end of period

   $ 1,021,933      $ 1,630,433      $ 568,894   
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

    Common Stock     Additional
paid-in
capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Treasury
Balance
    Total  
    Issued
Shares
    Balance            

Balance December 31, 2007

    335,211,201      $ 3,352      $ 812,224      $ 6,117,567      $ (137,258   $ (4,420,394   $ 2,375,491   

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

    —          —          —          654,718        —          —          654,718   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

             

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    —          —          —          —          (44,012     —          (44,012

Amortization of net prior service cost, net of taxes of ($1,919)

    —          —          —          —          3,116        —          3,116   

Amortization of actuarial loss, net of taxes of ($4,539)

    —          —          —          —          7,376        —          7,376   

Pension and post-retirement plan funded status adjustment, net of taxes of ($203,485)

    —          —          —          —          (347,165     —          (347,165

Change in net unrealized gains (losses):

             

Investment in retained securitization interests, net of tax benefit of $10,252

    —          —          —          —          (18,838     —          (18,838

Derivative financial instruments, net of taxes of ($7,464)

    —