Harley Davidson Shows Increase In Sales For 2021 Q2


A view of the Harley Davidson emblem on smoked steel

Since the release of the H-D Pan America and their sister brand ‘LiveWire,’ Harley Davidson has continued to lean on the details of their Hardwire Strategy, placed into effect in July of last year. The Strategy outlines a ‘restructuring’ of the company, resulting in a leaner, meaner company function, with a special focus on the demands of a newer generation. 

A view of the police edition of the H-D Pan America
Credit: CycleWorld

Jochen Zeitz, CEO of H-D, states that Included in the multi-point breakdown of the Hardwire Strategy goal was to create “…target-increased profitability and low double-digit EPS growth through 2025” (See the press release from H-D here). 

A view of H-D president Jochen Zeitz next to the Pan America
Credit: BizTimes

…Well it’s not even 2022 yet, and already H-D has seen a Q2 GAAP diluted EPS (earnings per share) of $1.33. That’s up a full $1.93 from the big dip in Q2 2020, a scant year ago.

Zeitz also has released total revenue success numbers (compering them again to Q2 2020), with the company boasting a 77% increase in revenue, 43% of which is American sales.

A view of Scarlett Johansen riding the H-D LiveWire One
Scarlett Johansen (Black Widow) riding the H-D LiveWire One in the action flick, “Avengers: Age of Ultron”

That operating income growth of $90 million is, according to RoadRacing World, driven by a lower provision for credit losses (or PCL) which in turn is treated as an expense on the company’s financial statements. 

(For those of you wondering what that means, H-D essentially has far less expected losses from bad debt or other credit that is likely to default or become unrecoverable.)

A view of H-D Dealership workers unwrapping new Harley Davidson bikes
Credit: The NY Times

 July 21st of this year is when Jochen shared his company’s excitement with the world, albeit with a note of cautious optimism:

“I’m pleased with the pace of improvements and with the strong quarter that we have delivered,” says the President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. 

A view of H-D CEO Jochen Zeitz in a field
Jochen Zeitz, CEO of H-D. Credit: The Independent

“We are starting to see the initial proof points as we execute our Hardwire Strategy, as demonstrated by the positive financial results today.”

“We are encouraged by the signs of consumer positivity in the market; however, we remain mindful of the significant supply chain challenges that we expect to continue to impact the sector.”

A view of a Harley Davidson in the Swiss mountains
Credit: Pinterest

Time will tell how Harley Davidson’s directive continues. For an American manufacturer that has a reputation for being a fickle pickle, they’ve stayed surprisingly steady…at least for now. 

All musings aside, what do our fans in the stands think of Harley Davidson’s current state? Make sure to leave a thought or two below, and as always – stay safe on the twisties.

1 Comment

  1. CylinderBill
    September 17, 2021
    Reply

    Good. Plan is to buy a Pan America next year so very happy to see not only the good reviews but the sell-out of the 2021s.

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