Harley-Davidson Delivers First Quarter Financial Results
Rhea-AI Summary
Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) reported Q1 2026 results on May 5, 2026: consolidated revenue $1,173M (-12% YoY), diluted EPS $0.22 (-79% YoY), and consolidated operating income $23M (-85% YoY). Global retail motorcycle sales rose 8% to 33,507 units while dealer inventories fell 22% year-over-year.
The company repurchased $128M of shares, incurred $15M of restructuring costs, and reaffirmed 2026 guidance for HDMC retail/wholesale shipments of 130k–135k units and capex of $175M–$200M.
Positive
- Global retail sales +8% (33,507 units)
- North America retail +14% (23,803 units)
- Dealer inventories -22% vs. Q1 2025
- Share repurchase $128 million completed
Negative
- Consolidated revenue -12% YoY ($1,173M)
- Consolidated operating income -85% YoY ($23M)
- HDFS revenue -54% YoY ($112M)
- Diluted EPS -79% YoY ($0.22)
- Net finance receivables -67% YoY ($2.4B)
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
HOG fell 5.19% alongside notable drops in peers like LCII -7.74%, THO -6.94%, BC -6.76%, and PII -4.46%, suggesting broader recreational vehicle pressure even though momentum scanners did not flag a coordinated sector move.
Previous Earnings Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10 | Q4/FY results | Negative | +4.0% | Reported weaker 2025 EPS and revenue while outlining 2026 guidance and capital plans. |
| Nov 04 | Q3 results | Positive | -6.5% | Strong Q3 2025 EPS and revenue helped by a large HDFS transaction and cash unlock. |
| Jul 30 | Q2 results & deal | Negative | +13.4% | Weak Q2 2025 figures offset by major HDFS deal unlocking significant cash proceeds. |
| May 01 | Q1 results | Negative | +2.8% | Challenging Q1 2025 with broad declines in sales, revenue and earnings across segments. |
| Feb 05 | Q4/FY results | Negative | -1.6% | Difficult 2024 results with lower EPS and shipments amid macro and rate headwinds. |
Recent earnings releases have often been challenging operationally, with share price reactions mixed and slightly more tilted toward divergence than alignment.
Over the past year, Harley-Davidson’s earnings reports have highlighted cyclical and structural pressures, including revenue declines, margin compression and the transformative HDFS transaction with KKR and PIMCO. Several quarters showed weaker HDMC metrics while financial engineering and cash returns—such as a $1B HDFS dividend and sizeable buybacks—featured prominently. Retail demand trends and guidance have remained focal points. Today’s Q1 2026 release continues this theme of soft earnings alongside improving retail sales and reaffirmed guidance.
Historical Comparison
In the past year, HOG’s earnings headlines saw an average move of 2.42%. Today’s -5.19% reaction to Q1 2026 stands out as a larger-than-typical downside move versus prior earnings days.
Earnings updates show a shift from broad 2024–2025 margin and demand pressure toward a restructured HDFS model, significant cash returns, and 2026 guidance focused on stabilizing HDMC volumes and profitability.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement shows improving retail momentum but materially softer Q1 2026 financials, including a 12% revenue decline and EPS of $0.22. HDFS revenue fell sharply, while LiveWire posted strong percentage growth from a small base. Compared with prior earnings, investors may weigh the benefits of lower dealer inventories and reaffirmed 2026 guidance against compressed margins and restructuring costs. Key metrics to watch include HDMC operating income, HDFS earnings and execution on the new growth strategy.
Key Terms
net finance receivables financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
"We're pleased with our first quarter results, which reflect actions we've taken to drive demand and improve dealer health. We saw a
First Quarter 2026 Highlights and Results
- North American retail motorcycle sales of 23,803 units, up
14% vs. prior year - Global retail motorcycle sales of 33,507 units, up
8% vs. prior year - Global dealer inventory levels of new motorcycles ended Q1 '26 down
22% vs. end Q1 '25 - HDMC global motorcycle shipments of 37,295, down
3% vs. prior year - HDMC revenue of
, down$1.1 billion 2% vs. prior year - HDFS operating income margin of
19.9% - Delivered diluted EPS of
$0.22 - Repurchased
of shares (6.6 million shares) on a discretionary basis$128 million - Incurred
of costs related to strategic changes, including termination benefits and other restructuring charges$15 million
First Quarter 2026 Results
Harley-Davidson, Inc. Consolidated Financial Results
$ in millions (except EPS) | 1st quarter | ||
2026 | 2025 | Change | |
Revenue | -12 % | ||
Operating Income | -85 % | ||
Net Income Attributable to HDI | -81 % | ||
Diluted EPS | -79 % | ||
Consolidated revenue in the first quarter was down 12 percent, driven largely by an HDFS revenue decrease of 54 percent.
Consolidated operating income in the first quarter was down 85 percent, driven by a decline of 84 percent at HDMC and a decline of 65 percent at HDFS. At the LiveWire segment, the operating loss improved by
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) – Results
$ in millions | 1st quarter | ||
2026 | 2025 | Change | |
Motorcycle Shipments (thousands) | 37.3 | 38.6 | -3 % |
Revenue | -2 % | ||
Motorcycles | -3 % | ||
Parts & Accessories | -1 % | ||
Apparel | 0 % | ||
Licensing | 98 % | ||
Other | -2 % | ||
Gross Margin | 25.3 % | 29.1 % | -3.9 pts. |
Operating Income | -84 % | ||
Operating Margin | 1.8 % | 10.8 % | -9.0 pts. |
First quarter global motorcycle shipments decreased 3 percent, in-line with the Company's expectations. Revenue was down 2 percent, driven by the decrease in wholesale shipments and the unfavorable net effect of global pricing and sales incentives, partially offset by favorable foreign currency. Parts & Accessories revenue was down 1 percent and Apparel revenue was flat.
First quarter gross margin was down 3.9 points due to the cost of new or increased tariffs, the net effect of global pricing and sales incentives, and unfavorable product mix. These factors were partially offset by a favorable court judgement resulting in a tariff refund in the EU and favorable foreign currency. First quarter operating income margin was down 9.0 points due to the factors above, while operating expense was
Harley-Davidson Retail Motorcycle Sales
Motorcycles (thousands) | 1st quarter | ||
2026 | 2025 | Change | |
23.8 | 20.9 | 14 % | |
EMEA | 5.0 | 5.2 | -3 % |
4.0 | 4.4 | -9 % | |
0.7 | 0.6 | 21 % | |
Worldwide Total | 33.5 | 31.0 | 8 % |
Global retail motorcycle sales in the first quarter were up 8 percent versus the prior year, reflecting strong year-over-year results in
Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) – Results
$ in millions | 1st quarter | ||
2026 | 2025 | Change | |
Revenue | -54 % | ||
Operating Income | -65 % | ||
In the first quarter, HDFS revenue was down 54 percent from prior year, driven by lower retail and wholesale finance receivables at lower yields. The decline in retail receivables was due to the sale of loan assets as part of the HDFS transaction, which took place in the second half of 2025. Other income within HDFS revenue was favorable year-over-year due to new servicing fees, investment income, and new gains on third party loan sales.
HDFS' operating income decreased by
LiveWire – Results
$ in millions | 1st quarter | ||
2026 | 2025 | Change | |
Revenue | 87 % | ||
Operating Loss | ( | ( | -11 % |
LiveWire revenue for the first quarter increased by 87 percent. The revenue increase was due to higher electric motorcycle unit sales and higher STACYC electric bike sales. LiveWire's operating loss of
Harley-Davidson, Inc. Other Results – First Quarter 2026
- Net cash use of
from operating activities$228 million - Effective tax rate was
43% - Paid cash dividends of
$22 million - Repurchased
of shares (6.6 million shares) on a discretionary basis, which included 3.1 million shares (valued at$128 million based on share price at delivery) pursuant to the accelerated share repurchase agreement entered into in Q4 '25 with no additional cash outflow in Q1 '26 and 3.5 million shares repurchased on a discretionary basis with an associated cash outflow of$65 million in Q1 '26$63 million - Cash and cash equivalents of
at the end of the quarter$1.8 billion
2026 Financial Outlook
For the full year 2026, the Company reaffirms its guidance and continues to expect:
- HDMC global motorcycle retail sales of 130,000 to 135,000 units
- HDMC global motorcycle wholesale shipments of 130,000 to 135,000 units
- HDMC operating income of a
loss to a$40 million profit$10 million - HDFS operating income of
to$45 $60 million - LiveWire operating loss of
to$70 $80 million - Harley-Davidson, Inc. capital investments of
to$175 $200 million
Company Background
Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, parts & accessories, experiences, riding gear and apparel. What We Make: The World's Best Motorcycles. Period. Who We Serve: Motorcycle Riders Worldwide. Why We Do It: To Protect and Grow Motorcycle Culture. What We Stand For: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and has a controlling interest in Harley-Davidson Financial Services and LiveWire Group, Inc. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road. LiveWire is committed to developing the technology of the future and investing in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorsports. Learn more at harley-davidson.com.
Webcast
Harley-Davidson will discuss its financial results and outlook on an audio webcast at 8:00 a.m. CDT today. The webcast login and supporting slides can be accessed at http://investor.harley-davidson.com/news-and-events/events-and-presentations. The audio replay will be available by approximately 10:00 a.m. CDT.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this press release 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," "projects," "may," "will," "estimates," "targets," "intends," "forecasts," "seeks," "sees," "should," "feels," "commits," "assumes," "envisions," or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe or refer to future expectations, future plans, strategies, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance, commitments 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, unfavorably or favorably, from those anticipated as of the date of this press release. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Important factors that could affect future results and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the Company's ability to: (a) execute its business plans and strategies, including the Company's new strategic plan announced in the second quarter of 2026, successfully execute its approach to a full enterprise economic model, and strengthen its existing businesses while allowing for growth; (b) manage supply chain and logistics issues, including without limitation quality issues, unexpected interruptions or price increases caused by supplier volatility, raw material shortages, inflation, war or other hostilities, including the conflict in
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 dealers to sell its motorcycles and related products and services to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability and financial capacity of its dealers 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 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.
Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.'s retail credit losses will continue to change over time due to changing consumer credit behavior, macroeconomic conditions including the impact of inflation and Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.'s efforts to increase prudently structured loan approvals to sub-prime borrowers. In addition, Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.'s efforts to adjust underwriting criteria based on market and economic conditions, and actions that the Company has taken and could take that impact motorcycle values, may impact Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.'s retail credit losses.
The Company's operations, demand for its products, and its liquidity could be adversely impacted by changes in tariffs, inflation, work stoppages, facility closures, strikes, natural causes, widespread infectious disease, terrorism, war or other hostilities, including the conflict in
### (HOG-Earnings)
Harley-Davidson, Inc. | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||
(Unaudited) | ||||
Three months ended | ||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | |||
HDMC revenue | $ 1,055,471 | $ 1,081,505 | ||
Gross profit | 266,989 | 315,244 | ||
Selling, administrative and engineering expense | 248,064 | 198,972 | ||
Operating income from HDMC | 18,925 | 116,272 | ||
LiveWire revenue | 5,116 | 2,743 | ||
Gross loss | (535) | (1,781) | ||
Selling, administrative and engineering expense | 17,136 | 18,028 | ||
Operating loss from Livewire | (17,671) | (19,809) | ||
HDFS revenue | 111,944 | 244,961 | ||
HDFS expense | 89,704 | 180,925 | ||
Operating income from HDFS | 22,240 | 64,036 | ||
Operating income | 23,494 | 160,499 | ||
Other income, net | 13,477 | 16,273 | ||
Investment income | 8,696 | 8,941 | ||
Interest expense | (3,570) | (7,686) | ||
Income before income taxes | 42,097 | 178,027 | ||
Income tax provision | 17,974 | 47,230 | ||
Net income | $ 24,123 | $ 130,797 | ||
Less: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 650 | 2,307 | ||
Net income attributable to Harley-Davidson, Inc. | $ 24,773 | $ 133,104 | ||
Earnings per share: | ||||
Basic | $ 0.23 | $ 1.07 | ||
Diluted | $ 0.22 | $ 1.07 | ||
Weighted-average shares: | ||||
Basic | 110,016 | 123,947 | ||
Diluted | 110,768 | 124,724 | ||
Cash dividends per share: | $ 0.1875 | $ 0.1800 | ||
LiveWire results presented in the Company's financial statements represent the LiveWire reportable segment as determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280 Segment Reporting which may differ from LiveWire Group, Inc. results. |
Harley-Davidson, Inc. | ||||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | ||||
2026 | 2025 | 2025 | ||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Current assets: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,805,068 | 3,091,744 | 1,931,175 | |||
Accounts receivable, net | 285,786 | 225,760 | 313,334 | |||
Finance receivables held for sale, net | 426,792 | 264,238 | - | |||
Finance receivables held for investment, net | 1,187,550 | 981,926 | 2,286,672 | |||
Inventories, net | 622,189 | 730,898 | 712,312 | |||
Restricted cash | - | - | 150,132 | |||
Other current assets | 415,301 | 292,383 | 253,687 | |||
4,742,686 | 5,586,949 | 5,647,312 | ||||
Finance receivables held for investment, net | 827,061 | 719,060 | 5,112,935 | |||
Other long-term assets | 1,675,914 | 1,738,806 | 1,622,134 | |||
$ 7,245,661 | $ 8,044,815 | $ 12,382,381 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ 1,232,554 | $ 1,061,194 | $ 1,105,802 | |||
Short-term deposits, net | 248,642 | 280,095 | 178,376 | |||
Short-term debt | 498,685 | 497,776 | 498,500 | |||
Current portion of long-term debt, net | 498,246 | 819,629 | 1,839,100 | |||
2,478,127 | 2,658,694 | 3,621,778 | ||||
Long-term debt, net | 1,134,865 | 1,649,612 | 4,963,261 | |||
Other long-term liabilities | 552,534 | 579,659 | 623,652 | |||
Shareholders' equity | 3,080,135 | 3,156,850 | 3,173,690 | |||
$ 7,245,661 | $ 8,044,815 | $ 12,382,381 | ||||
Harley-Davidson, Inc. | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||
(In thousands) | ||||
(Unaudited) | ||||
Three months ended | ||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | |||
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities | $ (228,021) | $ 141,534 | ||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||
Capital expenditures | (31,792) | (29,973) | ||
Finance receivables held for investment, net | (122,138) | 91,197 | ||
Collection from retained securitization beneficial interests | 10,261 | - | ||
Proceeds from derivative instruments | 51,574 | - | ||
Other investing activities | 91 | 171 | ||
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities | (92,004) | 61,395 | ||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||
Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes | - | 647,088 | ||
Repayments of medium-term notes | (810,950) | - | ||
Repayments of securitization debt | - | (292,671) | ||
Net increase (decrease) in unsecured commercial paper | 2,364 | (140,778) | ||
Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper | - | 155,000 | ||
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper | - | (65,004) | ||
Net decrease in deposits | (59,193) | (37,439) | ||
Dividends paid | (21,540) | (22,921) | ||
Repurchase of common stock | (70,018) | (93,095) | ||
Other financing activities | - | 5 | ||
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities | (959,337) | 150,185 | ||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (7,314) | 3,299 | ||
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ (1,286,676) | $ 356,413 | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash: | ||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | $ 3,091,744 | $ 1,740,854 | ||
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (1,286,676) | 356,413 | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ 1,805,068 | $ 2,097,267 | ||
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the Consolidated balance sheets to the Consolidated statements of cash flows: | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 1,805,068 | $ 1,931,175 | ||
Restricted cash | - | 150,132 | ||
Restricted cash included in Other long-term assets | - | 15,960 | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per the Consolidated statements of cash flows | $ 1,805,068 | $ 2,097,267 | ||
HDMC Revenue and Motorcycle Shipment Data | ||||
(Unaudited) | ||||
Three months ended | ||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | |||
HDMC REVENUE (in thousands) | ||||
Motorcycles | $ 836,294 | $ 863,863 | ||
Parts and accessories | 142,243 | 143,433 | ||
Apparel | 57,313 | 57,322 | ||
Licensing | 6,048 | 3,058 | ||
Other | 13,573 | 13,829 | ||
$ 1,055,471 | $ 1,081,505 | |||
HDMC | 23,884 | 24,865 | ||
HDMC WORLDWIDE MOTORCYCLE SHIPMENTS | ||||
Grand American Touring(a) | 21,520 | 23,678 | ||
Cruiser | 10,659 | 11,860 | ||
Sport and Lightweight | 3,731 | 2,108 | ||
Adventure Touring | 1,385 | 955 | ||
37,295 | 38,601 | |||
(a) Includes Trike | ||||
LiveWire Motorcycle Shipments | 91 | 33 | ||
HDMC Gross Profit | ||
(Unaudited) | ||
The estimated impact of significant factors affecting the comparability of gross profit from the first quarter of 2025 to the | ||
2025 gross profit | $ 315 | |
Volume | (10) | |
Price and sales incentives | (22) | |
Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging | 14 | |
Shipment mix | (21) | |
Raw material prices | 1 | |
Manufacturing and other costs | (10) | |
(48) | ||
2026 gross profit | $ 267 | |
HDFS Finance Receivables Allowance for Credit Losses | ||||
(Unaudited) | ||||
Three months ended | ||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | |||
Balance, beginning of period | $ 2,235 | $ 401,183 | ||
Provision for credit losses | 13,153 | 53,334 | ||
Charge-offs, net of recoveries | 6,208 | (61,339) | ||
Balance, end of period | $ 21,596 | $ 393,178 | ||
Worldwide Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles(a) | ||||
(Unaudited) | ||||
Three months ended | ||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | |||
22,245 | 19,207 | |||
1,558 | 1,685 | |||
Total | 23,803 | 20,892 | ||
EMEA | 5,034 | 5,175 | ||
3,967 | 4,362 | |||
703 | 581 | |||
Total worldwide retail sales | 33,507 | 31,010 | ||
(a) Data source for retail sales figures shown above is new sales warranty and registration information provided by dealers and compiled by the Company. The Company must rely on information that its dealers supply concerning new retail sales, and the Company does not regularly verify the information that its dealers supply. This information is subject to revision. |
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SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.
