Harley-Davidson Reports Solid Q2 Numbers

Buoyed by a 2.8% uptick in worldwide motorcycle sales, Harley-Davidson Inc. (IW 500/192) reported year-over-year increases in revenue and earnings for the second quarter.

Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson said its income from continuing operations was $247.3 million, or $1.07 per share, on consolidated revenue of $1.73 billion for second-quarter 2012.

In second-quarter 2011, the company reported income from continuing operations of $190.6 million, or $0.81 per share, on consolidated revenue of $1.51 billion.

"We continue to see the results of our focus on the effective implementation of our business strategy," said Harley-Davidson CEO Keith Wandell.

"Harley-Davidson's strategy provides the roadmap for success over the long-term through exceptional product development, manufacturing and retail capabilities. We're working hard every day to unleash the full potential of Harley-Davidson and our iconic brand, and our employees, dealers and suppliers are doing a truly outstanding job."

Through the first half of 2012, the company's income from continuing operations was up 35.3% year-over-year to $419.3 million, or $1.81 per share.

First-half consolidated revenue was $3.16 billion, up from $2.73 billion in the first half of 2011.

Through the first six months, dealers sold 145,391 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles worldwide, a 9.3% increase year-over-year.

Looking ahead, though, Wandell said the company remains "cautious in our expectations for retail sales globally in an environment of greater economic uncertainty, including in Europe where sales are clearly being affected by the challenging Eurozone economy."