The Economy

Harley-Davidson Reports Solid Q2 Numbers

Aug. 2, 2012

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.

Josh Cable

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."

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.