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)

    —          —          —          —          11,556        —          11,556   

Marketable securities, net of taxes of ($45)

    —          —          —          —          76        —          76   
                   

Comprehensive income

                266,827   

Adjustment to apply measurement date provisions of SFAS No. 158, net of taxes of ($6,887)

    —          —          —          (11,193     2,623        —          (8,570

Dividends

    —          —          —          (302,314     —          —          (302,314

Repurchase of common stock

    —          —          —          —          —          (250,410     (250,410

401(k) match made with Treasury shares

    —          —          9,166        —          —          2        9,168   

Share-based compensation

    —          —          24,021        —          —          —          24,021   

Issuance of nonvested stock

    384,761        4        (4     —          —          —          —     

Exercise of stock options

    57,615        1        1,178        —          —          —          1,179   

Tax benefit of stock options

    —          —          211        —          —          —          211   
                                                       

Balance December 31, 2008

    335,653,577      $ 3,357      $ 846,796      $ 6,458,778      $ (522,526   $ (4,670,802   $ 2,115,603   
                                                       

Comprehensive income:

             

Net loss

    —          —          —          (55,116     —          —          (55,116

Other comprehensive income (loss):

             

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    —          —          —          —          30,932        —          30,932   

Amortization of net prior service cost, net of taxes of ($1,576)

    —          —          —          —          2,679        —          2,679   

Amortization of actuarial loss, net of taxes of ($6,919)

    —          —          —          —          11,761        —          11,761   

Pension and post-retirement plan funded status adjustment, net of taxes of ($17,126)

    —          —          —          —          29,111        —          29,111   

Pension and post-retirement plan settlement and curtailment, net of taxes of ($18,942)

    —          —          —          —          32,197        —          32,197   

Change in net unrealized gains (losses):

             

Investment in retained securitization interests, net of taxes ($7,619)

    —          —          —          —          13,600        —          13,600   

Derivative financial instruments, net of tax benefit of $1,184

    —          —          —          —          (1,239     —          (1,239
                   

Comprehensive income

                63,925   

Adjustment to apply measurement date provisions of FSP 115-2, net of taxes of ($8,108)

    —          —          —          14,413        (14,413     —          —     

Dividends

    —          —          —          (93,807     —          —          (93,807

Repurchase of common stock

    —          —          —          —          —          (1,920     (1,920

401(k) match made with Treasury shares

    —          —          11,066        —          —          2        11,068   

Share-based compensation

    —          —          16,297        —          —          —          16,297   

Issuance of nonvested stock

    1,147,393        11        (11     —          —          —          —     

Tax benefit of stock options

    —          —          (3,048     —          —          —          (3,048
                                                       

 

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

 

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

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, 2009

    336,800,970      $  3,368      $  871,100      $ 6,324,268      $ (417,898   $ (4,672,720   $  2,108,118   
                                                       

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

    —          —          —          146,545        —          —          146,545   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

             

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    —          —          —          —          9,449        —          9,449   

Amortization of net prior service cost, net of taxes of ($544)

    —          —          —          —          925        —          925   

Amortization of actuarial loss, net of taxes of ($12,322)

    —          —          —          —          20,944        —          20,944   

Pension and post-retirement plan funded status adjustment, net of taxes of ($7,056)

    —          —          —          —          18,431        —          18,431   

Pension and post-retirement plan settlement and curtailment, net of taxes of ($911)

    —          —          —          —          1,549        —          1,549   

Change in net unrealized gains (losses):

             

Derivative financial instruments, net of tax benefit of $1,761

    —          —          —          —          (2,972     —          (2,972

Marketable securities, net of tax benefit of $78

    —          —          —          —          (133     —          (133
                   

Comprehensive income

                194,738   

Adjustment for consolidation of QSPEs under ASC Topics 810 and 860

    —          —          —          (40,591     3,483        —          (37,108

Dividends

    —          —          —          (94,145     —          —          (94,145

Repurchase of common stock

    —          —          —          —          —          (1,706     (1,706

Share-based compensation

    —          —          26,961        —          —          —          26,961   

Issuance of nonvested stock

    823,594        8        (8     —          —          —          —     

Exercise of stock options

    635,892        6        7,839        —          —          —          7,845   

Tax benefit of stock options

    —          —          2,163        —          —          —          2,163   
                                                       

Balance December 31, 2010

    338,260,456      $ 3,382      $ 908,055      $ 6,336,077      $ (366,222   $ (4,674,426   $ 2,206,866   
                                                       

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

 

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company), including the accounts of the groups of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) and Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell). In addition, certain variable interest entities (VIEs) related to secured financing are consolidated as the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

All of the Company’s subsidiaries are wholly owned and are included in the consolidated financial statements. Substantially all of the Company’s international subsidiaries use their respective local currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries have been translated at period-end exchange rates, and income and expenses have been translated using average exchange rates for the period.

The Company operates in two principal business segments: Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) and Financial Services (Financial Services).

During 2008, the Company acquired Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta (MV). On October 15, 2009, the Company announced its intent to divest MV and completed the sale of MV on August 6, 2010. MV is presented as a discontinued operation for all periods.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Marketable Securities – The Company’s marketable securities consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Available-for-sale:

     

Corporate bonds

   $ 50,231       $ 39,685   

U.S. Treasuries

     89,887         —     
                 
   $ 140,118       $ 39,685   
                 

The Company’s available-for-sale securities have maturities of less than one year and are carried at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses reported in other comprehensive income. During 2010, the Company recognized gross unrealized losses of $0.2 million, or $0.1 million net of tax, to adjust amortized cost to fair value. As of December 31, 2009, fair value approximated carrying value and as such no adjustment was required.

Accounts Receivable – The Company’s motorcycles and related products are sold to independent dealers and distributors outside the U.S. and Canada generally on open account and the resulting receivables are included in accounts receivable in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The allowance for doubtful accounts deducted from total accounts receivable was $10.4 million and $11.4 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Accounts receivable are written down once management determines that the specific customer does not have the ability to repay the balance in full. The Company’s sales of motorcycles and related products in the U.S. and Canada are financed by the purchasing dealers or distributors through HDFS and the related receivables are included in finance receivables held for investment in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Finance Receivables, Net – Finance receivables include both retail and wholesale finance receivables held for investment, net and restricted finance receivables held by VIEs, net. Finance receivables are recorded in the financial statements at historical cost net of an allowance for credit losses. The provision for credit losses on finance receivables is charged to earnings in amounts sufficient to maintain the allowance for uncollectible accounts at a level that is adequate to cover losses of principal inherent in the existing portfolio. Portions of the allowance for uncollectible accounts are specified to cover estimated losses on finance receivables specifically identified for impairment. The unspecified portion of the allowance covers estimated losses on finance receivables which are collectively reviewed for impairment. Finance receivables are considered impaired when management determines it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the loan agreement.

The retail portfolio primarily consists of a large number of small balance, homogeneous finance receivables. 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. Retail finance receivables are not evaluated individually for impairment prior to charge-off and therefore are not reported as impaired loans.

The wholesale portfolio is primarily composed of large balance, non-homogeneous finance receivables. The Company’s 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. As described in Financial Services Revenue Recognition, the accrual of interest on such finance receivables is discontinued when the collection of the account becomes doubtful. While a finance receivable is considered impaired, all cash received is applied to principal or interest as appropriate.

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.

Impaired finance receivables also include loans that have been modified in troubled debt restructurings as a concession to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Generally, it is the Company’s policy not to change the terms and conditions of finance receivables. However, to minimize the economic loss the Company may modify certain impaired finance receivables in troubled debt restructurings. Total restructured finance receivables are not significant.

Repossessed inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value and is reclassified from finance receivables to other current assets with any related loss recognized in the period during which the asset was transferred. Repossessed inventory was $26.5 million and $19.1 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Finance Receivables Held for Sale – Prior to the second quarter of 2009, U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables intended for securitization at origination were classified as finance receivables held for sale. These finance receivables held for sale in the aggregate were carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. Any amount by which cost exceeded fair value was accounted for as a valuation adjustment with an offset to other income. Cash flows related to finance receivables held for sale were included in cash flows from operating activities.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Finance Receivables Securitizations – Prior to 2009, HDFS sold U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables through securitization transactions that qualified for accounting sale treatment under prior U.S. GAAP. Under the terms of securitization transactions, HDFS sold U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to a securitization trust utilizing the two-step process described below. The securitization trust issued notes to investors, with various maturities and interest rates, secured by future collections of purchased U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables. The proceeds from the issuance of the term asset-backed securities were utilized by the securitization trust to purchase U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables from HDFS.

Upon sale of the U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to the securitization trust, HDFS received cash, recorded a gain or loss on the transaction and also retained an interest in excess cash flows, subordinated securities, and the right to receive cash reserve account deposits in the future, collectively referred to as “investment in retained securitization interests.” The investment in retained securitization interests was included with finance receivables held for investment in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s continuing involvement in the securitized U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables was limited to its investment in retained securitization interests and servicing rights.

The interest in excess cash flows reflected the expected cash flows arising from U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables sold to the securitization trust less expected servicing fees, credit losses and contracted payment obligations owed to securitization trust investors. Key assumptions in determining the present value of projected excess cash flows were prepayments, credit losses and discount rate. The fair value of the interest in excess cash flows was $77.4 million at December 31, 2009.

As part of the first quarter 2008 securitization transaction, HDFS retained $54.0 million of the subordinated securities issued by the securitization trust. These securities had a stated principal and fixed interest rate and were subordinated to the senior securities within the securitization trust. Fair value was determined using discounted cash flow methodologies. The fair value of the retained subordinated securities was $53.1 million as of December 31, 2009. Unrealized gains on the subordinated securities recorded in other comprehensive income were $0.05 million, or $0.03 million net of taxes, as of December 31, 2009.

Reserve account deposits represented interest-earning cash deposits which collateralized the trust securities. The funds were not available for use by HDFS until the reserve account balances exceeded thresholds specified in the securitization agreements. The fair value of the reserve account deposits was $114.8 million at December 31, 2009.

HDFS retained servicing rights on the U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables that it had 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. HDFS earned $42.0 million and $55.1 million from contractually specified servicing fees, late fees, and ancillary fees during 2009 and 2008, respectively. These fees were recorded in financial services revenue.

Gains or losses on off-balance sheet term asset-backed securitizations of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables were recognized in the period in which the sale occurred. The amount of the gain or loss depended on the proceeds received and the original carrying amount of the transferred U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables, allocated between the assets sold and the retained interests based on their relative fair values at the date of transfer.

The investment in retained securitization interests was measured in the same manner as an investment in debt securities that is classified as available-for-sale as defined by ASC Topic 320, “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities” (ASC Topic 320). As such, the investment in retained securitization interests was recorded at fair value and periodically reviewed for impairment. Market quotes of fair value are generally not available for retained interests; therefore, HDFS estimated fair value based on the present value of future expected cash flows using HDFS’ best estimates of key assumptions for credit losses, prepayments and discount rates that, in

 

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management’s judgment, reflected the assumptions marketplace participants would use. If the fair value of the investment in retained securitization interests was less than the amortized cost, an unrealized loss existed which indicated that the investment was other-than-temporarily impaired.

HDFS utilized a two-step process to transfer U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to a securitization trust. U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables were initially transferred to a special purpose, bankruptcy remote, wholly-owned subsidiary which in turn sold the U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to the securitization trust. The securitization trust was funded with cash obtained through the issuance of the term asset-backed securities. HDFS surrendered control of retail finance receivables sold to the securitization trust. Securitization transactions were structured such that: (1) transferred assets were isolated from HDFS by being put presumptively beyond the reach of HDFS and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership; (2) each holder of a beneficial interest in the securitization trust had the right to pledge or exchange their interest; and (3) HDFS did not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through either (a) an agreement that both entitled and obligated HDFS to repurchase or redeem the transferred assets before their maturity other than for breaches of certain representations, warranties and covenants relating to the transferred assets, or (b) the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets, other than through a customary cleanup call.

Activities of the securitization trust were limited to acquiring U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables, issuing term asset-backed securities, making payments on securities to investors and other activities permissible under prior U.S. GAAP. Securitization trusts had a limited life and generally terminated upon final distribution of amounts owed to the investors in the term asset-backed securities. Historically, the life of securitization trusts that purchased U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables from HDFS approximated four years.

HDFS did not guarantee payments on the securities issued by the securitization trusts or the projected cash flows from the U.S. retail motorcycle 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 U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables sold to the securitization trust (after payment of servicing fees) and in the cash reserve account deposits. Investors also did not have recourse to the assets of HDFS for failure of the obligors on the retail finance receivables to pay when due.

Due to the overall structure of the securitization transaction, the nature of the assets held by the securitization trust and the limited nature of its activities, the securitization trusts were considered qualifying special purpose entities (QSPEs). Accordingly, gain or loss on sale was recognized upon transfer of retail finance receivables to a QSPE and the assets and liabilities of the QSPEs were not consolidated in the financial statements of HDFS. See Note 7 for further discussion of HDFS’ securitization program.

As discussed later under New Accounting Standards, the Company was required to adopt new guidance regarding the consolidation of off-balance sheet QSPEs.

Asset-Backed Financing – HDFS participates in asset-backed financing through both term asset-backed securitization transactions and its asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility. In both types of asset-backed financing programs, HDFS transfers U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to a consolidated special purpose entity (SPE) while retaining the servicing rights. Each SPE then converts those assets into cash, through the issuance of debt. These SPEs are considered VIEs under U.S. GAAP. HDFS is required to consolidate any VIEs in which it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary through having power over the significant activities of the entity and having an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE which are potentially significant to the VIE.

HDFS is considered to have the power over the significant activities of its term asset-backed securitization and asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility VIEs due to its role as servicer. Servicing fees are typically not considered potentially significant variable interests in a VIE. However, HDFS retains a residual interest in the VIEs in the form of a debt security, which gives HDFS the right to receive benefits that could be potentially

 

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significant to the VIE. Therefore, the Company is the primary beneficiary and consolidates all of its VIEs within its consolidated financial statements. Servicing fees paid by VIEs to HDFS are eliminated in consolidation and therefore no longer recorded on a consolidated basis.

HDFS is not required, and does not currently intend, to provide any additional financial support to its VIEs. Investors and creditors only have recourse to the assets held by the VIEs.

The Company’s VIEs have been aggregated on the balance sheet due to the similarity of the nature of the assets involved as well as the purpose and design of the VIEs.

Inventories – Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Substantially all inventories located in the United States are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Other inventories totaling $153.4 million at December 31, 2010 and $141.9 million at December 31, 2009 are valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is determined on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The following useful lives are used to depreciate the various classes of property, plant and equipment: buildings – 30 to 40 years; building equipment and land improvements – 7 to 10 years; and machinery and equipment – 3 to 10 years. Accelerated methods of depreciation are used for income tax purposes.

Goodwill – Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets purchased. Goodwill is tested for impairment, based on financial data related to the reporting unit to which it has been assigned, at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The impairment test involves comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit associated with the goodwill to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill must be adjusted to its implied fair value. During 2010, the Company tested its goodwill balances for impairment and no adjustments were recorded to goodwill as a result of those reviews. During 2009, the Company tested its goodwill balances for impairment; see Note 5 for additional discussion.

Long-lived Assets – The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used when events and circumstances warrant such review. If the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset for assets to be held and used. The Company also reviews the useful life of its long-lived assets when events and circumstances indicate that the actual useful life may be shorter than originally estimated. In the event that the actual useful life is deemed to be shorter than the original useful life, depreciation is adjusted prospectively so that the remaining book value is depreciated over the revised useful life.

Asset groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, and a loss is 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.

Product Warranty and Safety Recall Campaigns – The Company currently provides a standard two-year limited warranty on all new motorcycles sold worldwide, except for Japan, where the Company provides a standard three-year limited warranty on all new motorcycles sold. The warranty coverage for the retail customer includes parts and labor and generally begins when the motorcycle is sold to a retail customer. The Company maintains reserves for future warranty claims using an estimated cost per unit sold, which is based primarily on historical Company claim information. Additionally, the Company has from time to time initiated certain voluntary safety recall campaigns. The Company reserves for all estimated costs associated with safety recalls in the period that the safety recalls are announced.

 

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Changes in the Company’s warranty and safety recall liability were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 68,044      $ 64,543      $ 70,523   

Warranties issued during the period

     36,785        51,336        52,645   

Settlements made during the period

     (58,067     (74,022     (71,737

Recalls and changes to pre-existing warranty liabilities

     7,372        26,187        13,112   
                        

Balance, end of period

   $ 54,134      $ 68,044      $ 64,543   
                        

The liability for safety recall campaigns was $3.2 million, $6.7 million and $4.6 million at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments – The Company is exposed to certain risks such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and commodity price risk. To reduce its exposure to such risks, the Company selectively uses derivative financial instruments. All derivative transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to regularly reviewed policies and procedures, which prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

All derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value (see Note 9). In accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges, along with the gain or loss on the hedged item, are recorded in current period earnings. For derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of gains and losses that result from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments is initially recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged item affects income. The Company assesses, at both the inception of each hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are used in its hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. Any ineffective portion is immediately recognized in earnings. No component of a hedging derivative instrument’s gain or loss is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recorded at fair value and any changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings. Refer to Note 11 for a detailed description of the Company’s derivative instruments.

Motorcycles and Related Products Revenue Recognition – Sales are recorded when products are shipped to wholesale customers (independent dealers and distributors) and ownership is transferred. The Company may offer sales incentive programs to both wholesale and retail customers designed to promote the sale of motorcycles and related products. The total costs of these programs are generally recognized as revenue reductions and are accrued at the later of the date the related sales are recorded or the date the incentive program is both approved and communicated.

Financial Services Revenue Recognition – Interest income on finance receivables is recorded as earned and is based on the average outstanding daily balance for wholesale and retail receivables. Accrued and uncollected interest is classified with finance receivables. Certain loan origination costs related to finance receivables, including payments made to dealers for certain retail loans, are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the contract.

Retail finance receivables are contractually delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the specified due date. Retail finance receivables are generally charged-off at 120 days contractually past due. All retail finance receivables accrue interest until either collected or charged-off. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, all retail finance receivables are accounted for as interest-earning receivables.

 

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Wholesale finance receivables are delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the contractual due date. Interest continues to accrue on past due finance receivables until the date the finance receivable becomes doubtful and the finance receivable is placed on non-accrual status. HDFS will resume accruing interest on these accounts when payments are current according to the terms of the loans and future payments are reasonably assured. While on non-accrual status, all cash received is applied to principal or interest as appropriate. Wholesale finance receivables are written down once management determines that the specific borrower does not have the ability to repay the loan in full.

Insurance commissions and commissions on the sale of extended service contracts are recognized when contractually earned. Deferred revenue related to extended service contracts was $13.7 million and $14.6 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Research and Development Expenses – Expenditures for research activities relating to product development and improvement are charged against income as incurred and included within selling, administrative and engineering expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. Research and development expenses were $136.2 million, $143.1 million and $163.5 million for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Advertising Costs – The Company expenses the production cost of advertising the first time the advertising takes place. Advertising costs relate to the Company’s efforts to promote its products and brands through the use of media. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company incurred $75.8 million, $80.2 million and $89.2 million in advertising costs, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs – The Company classifies shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of goods sold.

Share-Based Award Compensation Costs – The Company recognizes the cost of its share-based awards in its statement of operations. The total cost of the Company’s equity awards is equal to their grant date fair value and is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the service periods of the awards. The total cost of the Company’s liability for cash-settled awards is equal to their settlement date fair value. The liability for cash-settled awards is revalued each period based on a recalculated fair value adjusted for vested awards. Total share-based award compensation expense recognized by the Company during 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $30.4 million, $17.6 million and $24.5 million, respectively, or $19.2 million, $11.0 million and $15.3 million net of taxes, respectively.

Income Tax Expense – The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.

New Accounting Standards

Additional Finance Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses Disclosures

In July 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-20, “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses.” ASU No. 2010-20 amends the guidance with ASC Topic 310, “Receivables” to facilitate financial statement users’ evaluation of (1) the nature of credit risk inherent in the entity’s portfolio of financing receivables; (2) how that risk is analyzed and assessed in arriving at the allowance for credit losses; and (3) the changes and reasons for those changes in the allowance for credit losses. The amendments in ASU No. 2010-20 also require an entity to provide additional disclosures such as a rollforward schedule of the allowance for credit losses on a portfolio segment basis, credit quality indicators of financing receivables and the aging of past due financing receivables. The Company was required to adopt a portion of ASU No. 2010-20 as of December 31, 2010 with the remainder as of January 1, 2011; please refer to Note 6 for further discussion.

 

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Consolidation of Off-Balance Sheet Special Purpose Entities

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140.” SFAS No. 166 amended the guidance within Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” primarily by removing the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity as well as removing the exception from applying FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” Upon the effective adoption date, former QSPEs as defined under prior U.S. GAAP had to be evaluated for consolidation within an entity’s financial statements. Additionally, the guidance within ASC Topic 860 requires enhanced disclosures about the transfer of financial assets as well as an entity’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. In connection with term asset-backed securitization transactions prior to 2009, HDFS utilized QSPEs as defined under prior U.S. GAAP which were not subject to consolidation in the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R).” SFAS No. 167 amended the guidance within ASC Topic 810, “Consolidations,” by adding formerly off-balance sheet QSPEs to its scope (the concept of these entities was eliminated by SFAS No. 166). In addition, companies must perform an analysis to determine whether the company’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (VIE). Companies must also reassess on an ongoing basis whether they are the primary beneficiary of a VIE.

Effects of Adoption on January 1, 2010

The Company was required to adopt the new guidance within ASC Topic 810 and ASC Topic 860 as of January 1, 2010. The Company determined that the formerly unconsolidated QSPEs that HDFS utilized were VIEs, of which the Company was the primary beneficiary, and consolidated them into the Company’s financial statements beginning January 1, 2010. In accordance with ASC Topic 810, the Company measured the initial carrying values of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs by determining what those values would have been on January 1, 2010 as if the new guidance had been in effect when the Company first met the conditions as the primary beneficiary. The Company’s VIEs are discussed in further detail in Note 7.

The initial adoption of the new accounting guidance within ASC Topic 810 and ASC Topic 860 did not impact the Company’s statement of operations. The following table summarizes the effects on the Company’s balance sheet of adopting the new guidance within ASC Topic 810 and ASC Topic 860 on January 1, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     As of
December 31, 2009
    Effect of
consolidation
    As of
January 1, 2010
 

Finance receivables held for investment(1)

   $ 4,961,894      $ 1,922,833      $ 6,884,727   

Allowance for finance credit losses(1)

   $ (150,082   $ (49,424   $ (199,506

Investment in retained securitization interests(1)

   $ 245,350      $ (245,350   $ —     

Restricted cash held by variable interest entities(2)

   $ —        $ 198,874      $ 198,874   

Other current assets(2)

   $ 462,106      $ 40,224      $ 502,330   

Accrued liabilities

   $ (514,084   $ (11,952   $ (526,036

Long-term debt

   $ (5,446,130   $ (1,892,313   $ (7,338,443

Retained earnings

   $ (6,324,268   $ 40,591      $ (6,283,677

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ 417,898      $ (3,483   $ 414,415   

 

(1) These three lines items were reported together as finance receivables held for investment, net prior to January 1, 2010.
(2) At December 31, 2009, the Company had $167.7 million of restricted cash related to its 2009 on-balance sheet term-asset backed securitization transactions and its asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility. These amounts were reported within Other current assets as of December 31, 2009.

 

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Financial Statement Comparability to Prior Periods

The new accounting guidance within ASC Topic 810 and ASC Topic 860 is adopted on a prospective basis. Prior periods have not been restated and therefore will not be comparable to the current period as discussed below.

Under the new accounting guidance, the Company’s securitization transactions are considered secured borrowings rather than asset sales. Beginning in 2010, the Company recognizes interest income and credit losses on the previously unconsolidated securitized receivables and interest expense on the related debt. The Company’s statement of operations no longer includes income from securitizations which consisted of an initial gain or loss on new securitization transactions, 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.

Finance receivables consolidated as part of the adoption of the new accounting guidance, as well as finance receivables securitized as part of the Company’s 2009 on-balance sheet securitization transactions and finance receivables restricted as collateral under the Company’s asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility, are reported on the Company’s balance sheet as restricted finance receivables held for investment by VIEs. Prior to the adoption of the new accounting guidance, finance receivables held by VIEs were included in finance receivables held for investment. In addition, finance receivable securitization debt is now reported as debt held by VIEs.

Historically, U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables intended for securitization through off-balance sheet securitization transactions were initially classified as finance receivables held for sale. Accordingly, all of the related cash flows were classified as operating cash flows in the statement of cash flows. After the adoption of the new guidance within ASC Topic 810 and ASC Topic 860, all retail finance receivables are considered held for investment, as the Company has the intent and ability to hold the finance receivables for the foreseeable future, or until maturity. The adoption guidance within ASC Topic 810 and ASC Topic 860 requires the Company to apply the standards on a prospective basis as if they had always been in effect. Therefore, the Company has classified post-January 1, 2010 cash flows related to all of its retail motorcycle finance receivables as investing cash flows in the statement of cash flows.

2.    Additional Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Information

The following information represents additional detail for selected line items included in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31 and the statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31.

Balance Sheet Information:

Inventories, net (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009  

Components at the lower of FIFO cost or market

    

Raw materials and work in process

   $ 100,082      $ 104,641   

Motorcycle finished goods

     158,425        168,002   

Parts and accessories and general merchandise

     101,975        84,823   
                

Inventory at lower of FIFO cost or market

     360,482        357,466   

Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost

     (34,036     (34,437
                
   $ 326,446      $ 323,029   
                

Inventory obsolescence reserves deducted from FIFO cost were $34.2 million and $34.7 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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Property, plant and equipment, at cost (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009  

Land and related improvements

   $ 59,613      $ 59,922   

Buildings and related improvements

     477,935        474,891   

Machinery and equipment

     2,068,842        2,311,779   

Construction in progress

     165,548        112,498   
                
     2,771,938        2,959,090   

Accumulated depreciation

     (1,956,826     (2,052,184
                
   $ 815,112      $ 906,906   
                

Accrued liabilities (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009  

Payroll, performance incentives and related expenses

   $ 199,408       $ 137,523   

Restructuring reserves

     35,234         67,711   

Warranty and recalls

     54,134         68,044   

Sales incentive programs

     35,762         62,206   

Tax-related accruals

     63,115         16,038   

Fair value of derivative financial instruments

     20,083         16,293   

Other

     148,935         146,269   
                 
   $ 556,671       $ 514,084   
                 

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009  

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

   $ 55,551      $ 46,102   

Unrealized loss on investment in retained securitization interest

     —          (3,483

Unrealized net loss on derivative financial instruments

     (11,912     (8,940

Unrealized net loss on marketable securities

     (133     —     

Unrecognized pension and postretirement healthcare liabilities

     (409,728     (451,577
                
   $ (366,222   $ (417,898
                

 

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Cash Flow Information:

The reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used by) operating activities of continuing operations is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income (loss)

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

Loss from discontinued operations

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

Income from continuing operations

     259,669        70,641        684,235   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation

     255,171        246,344        220,755   

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

     87,223        66,779        38,222   

Amortization of financing origination fees

     19,618        27,145        4,517   

Provision for employee long-term benefits

     79,630        80,387        76,426   

Contributions to pension and postretirement plans

     (39,391     (233,224     (19,517

Stock compensation expense

     30,431        17,576        24,473   

Loss on off-balance sheet securitizations

     —          —          5,370   

Net change in wholesale finance receivables

     81,527        332,167        99,373   

Origination of retail finance receivables held for sale

     —          (1,180,467     (2,788,463

Collections on retail finance receivables held for sale

     —          919,201        507,106   

Proceeds from securitization of retail finance receivables

     —          —          467,722   

Impairment of retained securitization interests

     —          45,370        41,403   

Lower of cost or fair market value adjustment on finance receivables held for sale

     —          5,895        37,764   

Provision for credit losses

     93,118        169,206        39,555   

Loss on debt extinguishment

     85,247        —          —     

Pension and postretirement healthcare plan curtailment and settlement expense

     31,824        37,814        —     

Goodwill and other impairments

     —          46,411        —     

Deferred income taxes

     (17,591     6,931        (46,729

Foreign currency adjustments

     (21,480     (22,234     2,892   

Other, net

     11,910        9,665        15,756   

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable, net

     2,905        8,809        2,710   

Finance receivables – accrued interest and other

     10,083        (3,360     (7,149

Inventories

     2,516        85,472        (42,263

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     215,013        (201,195     45,998   

Restructuring reserves

     (32,477     65,988        2,149   

Derivative instruments

     5,339        4,711        (11,962

Other

     3,133        2,978        (8,372
                        

Total adjustments

     903,749        538,369        (1,292,264
                        

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

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

Cash paid during the period for interest and income taxes (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Interest

   $ 346,855       $ 336,453       $ 128,006   

Income taxes

   $ 47,084       $ 123,232       $ 413,998   

 

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Interest paid represents interest payments of HDFS (included in financial services interest expense) and interest payments of the Company (included in interest expense).

Non-cash investing activity during the period (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Investment in retained securitization interests received in connection with securitizations during the year

   $ —         $ —         $ 87,171   

3.    Discontinued Operations

In August 2008, the Company purchased privately-held Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta (MV). The Company acquired 100 percent of MV shares for total consideration of €68.3 million ($105.1 million), which included the satisfaction of existing bank debt for €47.5 million ($73.2 million).

In October 2009, the Company unveiled a new business strategy 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 Company’s Board of Directors approved and the Company committed to the divestiture of MV as part of this strategy. The Company engaged a third party investment bank to assist with the marketing and sale of MV.

On August 6, 2010, the Company concluded its sale of MV to MV Augusta Motor Holding S.r.l., a company controlled by the former owner of MV. Under the agreement relating to the sale, (1) the Company received nominal consideration in return for the transfer of MV and related assets; (2) the parties waived their respective rights under the stock purchase agreement and other documents related to the Company’s purchase of MV in 2008, which included a waiver of the former owner’s right to contingent earn-out consideration; and (3) the Company contributed 20.0 million Euros to MV as operating capital.

The following table summarizes the net revenue, pre-tax loss, net loss and loss per common share from discontinued operations for the periods noted (in thousands except per share amounts):

 

      Twelve months ended     August 8, 2008  -
December 31, 2008
 
     December 31, 2010     December 31, 2009    

Revenue

   $ 48,563      $ 56,729      $ 15,893   

Loss before income taxes

   $ (131,034   $ (165,383   $ (31,944

Net loss

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

Loss per common share

   $ (0.48   $ (0.54   $ (0.13

During 2010, the Company incurred a $131.0 million pre-tax loss from discontinued operations, or $113.1 million net of tax. Included in the 2010 operating loss were impairment charges of $111.8 million, or $90.2 million net of tax, which represented the excess of net book value of the held-for-sale assets over the fair value less selling costs. The impairment charges consisted of $32.3 million accounts receivable valuation allowance; $25.2 million inventory valuation allowance; $26.9 million fixed asset impairment; $15.8 million intangible asset impairment; $2.6 million other asset valuation allowance; and $9.0 million of currency translation adjustment. As a result of these impairment charges, the Company only incurred an immaterial loss on the date of sale, which is included in loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, during the year ended December 31, 2010.

During 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $115.4 million which represented the excess of net book value of the held-for sale assets over the fair value less selling costs. The impairment charge is included in loss from discontinued operations and consisted of $85.5 million goodwill impairment, $19.8 million fixed asset impairment and $10.1 million intangible asset impairment.

 

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The effective tax rate for discontinued operations during 2010, 2009 and 2008 was 13.7%, 24.0% and 7.3%, respectively. At December 31, 2010, the Company had a reserve of $43.5 million related to uncertain tax benefits associated with discontinued operations that was included within accrued liabilities. At December 31, 2009, the reserve related to uncertain tax benefits associated with discontinued operations amount was $26.0 million.

As of August 6, 2010, assets of discontinued operations that were sold consisted of $0.6 million of accounts receivable, net; $3.6 million of inventories; and $14.3 million of other assets. As of August 6, 2010, liabilities of discontinued operations that were sold consisted $41.7 million of accounts payable and accrued liabilities and $16.6 million of other liabilities.

4.    Restructuring Expense and Other Impairments

2010 Restructuring Plan

In September 2010, the Company’s unionized employees at its facilities in Milwaukee and Tomahawk, 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.

After taking actions to implement the new ratified labor agreements (2010 Restructuring Plan), the Company expects to have about 700 full-time hourly unionized employees in its Milwaukee 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.

Under the 2010 Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consist of employee severance and termination costs and other related costs. The Company expects to incur approximately $78 million in restructuring expenses (compared to previous expected total costs of approximately $85 million) related to the new contracts through 2012, of which approximately 35% are expected to be non-cash. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded a $44.4 million restructuring charge related to the 2010 Restructuring Plan.

The following table summarizes the Company’s 2010 Restructuring Plan reserve recorded in accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Motorcycles & Related Products  
     Employee Severance and
Termination Costs
 

Restructuring expense

   $ 44,383   

Utilized – cash

     (7,557

Utilized – noncash

     (28,174
        

Balance December 31, 2010

   $ 8,652   
        

For the year ended December 31, 2010, restructuring expense included $28.2 million of noncash curtailment losses related to the Company’s pension and postretirement healthcare plans that cover employees of the affected facilities in Milwaukee and Tomahawk, Wisconsin.

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 (2009 Restructuring

 

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Plan) in the Motorcycles and Financial Services segments which are expected to be completed by 2012. The 2009 Restructuring Plan was designed to reduce administrative costs, eliminate excess capacity and exit non-core business operations. The Company’s significant announced actions 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;

 

   

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 Plan includes 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 reductions began in 2009 and are expected to be completed during 2011.

Under the 2009 Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consist of employee severance and termination costs, accelerated depreciation on the long-lived assets that will be exited as part of the 2009 Restructuring Plan and other related costs. The Company expects total costs related to the 2009 Restructuring Plan to result in restructuring and impairment expenses of approximately $417 million to $432 million from 2009 to 2012 (compared to previous expected total costs of approximately $420 million to $450 million), of which approximately 30% are expected to be non-cash. On a cumulative basis, the Company has incurred $343.4 million of restructuring and impairment expense under the 2009 Restructuring Plan as of December 31, 2010, of which $119.1 million was incurred during the year ended December 31, 2010. Approximately 2,600 employees have left the Company under the 2009 Restructuring Plan as of December 31, 2010.

 

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The following table summarizes the Company’s 2009 Restructuring Plan reserve recorded in accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

    Motorcycles & Related Products     Financial Services  
    Employee
Severance
and

Termination
Costs
    Accelerated
Depreciation
    Asset
Impairment
    Other     Total     Employee
Severance
and

Termination
Costs
    Other     Total     Consolidated
Total
 

Restructuring expense

  $ 103,769      $ 26,905      $ 18,024      $ 72,278      $ 220,976      $ 1,679      $ 1,623      $ 3,302      $ 224,278   

Utilized – cash

    (29,885     —          —          (40,856     (70,741     (1,460     (1,197     (2,657     (73,398

Utilized – noncash

    (37,814     (26,905     (18,024     —          (82,743     —          (426     (426     (83,169
                                                                       

Balance, December 31, 2009

  $ 36,070      $ —        $ —        $ 31,422      $ 67,492      $ 219      $ —        $ 219      $ 67,711   

Restructuring expense

    31,119        47,923        —          40,083        119,125        —          —          —          119,125   

Utilized – cash

    (44,394     —          —          (61,514     (105,908     (44     —          (44     (105,952

Utilized – noncash

    1,023        (47,923     —          (3,406     (50,306     (175     —          (175     (50,481

Noncash reserve release

    —          —          —          (3,821     (3,821     —          —          —          (3,821
                                                                       

Balance, December 31, 2010

  $ 23,818      $ —        $ —        $ 2,764      $ 26,582      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 26,582   
                                                                       

During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company determined that an evaluation of the carrying value of the Buell fixed assets was necessary in accordance with its announcement that it was exiting the Buell product line. As a result, the Company recorded a fixed asset impairment charge of $18.0 million in 2009.

Other restructuring costs include items such as the exit costs for terminating supply contracts, lease termination costs and moving costs. During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company released $3.8 million of its 2009 Restructuring Plan reserve related to exiting the Buell product line as these costs are no longer expected to be incurred.

2008 Restructuring Plan

During the second quarter of 2008, the Company finalized a plan to ship fewer motorcycles to its worldwide dealer network in 2008 than it shipped in 2007. The Company executed this reduction through temporary plant shutdowns, adjusted daily production rates and a workforce reduction involving approximately 730 positions. As a result of the workforce reduction plan, the Company recorded a $12.4 million charge during 2008. The total restructuring charge consisted of $7.6 million of employee severance benefits and $4.8 million of special retiree benefits for those individuals eligible to receive benefits. All employees and contract workers affected by the 2008 Restructuring Plan departed from the Company during 2008.

The following table summarizes the Company’s 2008 Restructuring Plan reserve activity during 2008 and 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Employee Severance and
Termination Costs
 

Restructuring expense

   $ 7,594   

Utilized – cash

     (5,445
        

Balance, December 31, 2008

   $ 2,149   

Utilized – cash

     (2,149
        

Balance, December 31, 2009

   $ —     
        

 

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5.    Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s reporting segments for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Motorcycles     Financial
Services
    Total  

December 31, 2008

   $ 31,291      $ 28,840      $ 60,131   

Impairment

     —          (28,387     (28,387

Currency translation

     609        —          609   

Other

     (500     (453     (953
                        

December 31, 2009

   $ 31,400      $ —        $ 31,400   

Currency translation

     (1,810     —          (1,810
                        

December 31, 2010

   $ 29,590      $ —        $ 29,590   
                        

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 loan 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 at that time had declined below its carrying value and as such the Company recorded an impairment charge of $28.4 million during 2009.

6.    Finance Receivables

Finance receivables, net at December 31 for the past five years were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  

Wholesale

          

United States

   $ 735,481      $ 787,891      $ 1,074,377      $ 1,132,748      $ 1,206,753   

Europe

     —          —          —          86,947        66,421   

Canada

     78,516        82,110        89,859        108,756        65,538   
                                        

Total wholesale

     813,997        870,001        1,164,236        1,328,451        1,338,712   

Retail

          

United States

     5,126,699        3,835,235        514,637        485,579        409,788   

Canada

     250,462        256,658        226,084        228,850        174,894   
                                        

Total retail

     5,377,161        4,091,893        740,721        714,429        584,682   
                                        
     6,191,158        4,961,894        1,904,957        2,042,880        1,923,394   

Allowance for credit losses

     (173,589     (150,082     (40,068     (30,295     (27,283
                                        
     6,017,569        4,811,812        1,864,889        2,012,585        1,896,111   

Investment in retained securitization interests

     —          245,350        330,674        407,742        384,106   
                                        
   $ 6,017,569      $ 5,057,162      $ 2,195,563      $ 2,420,327      $ 2,280,217   
                                        

Finance receivables held for sale at December 31 for the past five years were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008      2007      2006  

Retail

              

United States

   $ —         $ —         $ 2,443,965       $ 781,280       $ 547,106   

 

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HDFS offers wholesale financing to the Company’s independent dealers. Wholesale loans to dealers are generally secured by financed inventory or property and are originated in the U.S. and Canada. Effective January 1, 2008, the finance receivables and related assets of the international wholesale operations located in Oxford, England were transferred at book value to Harley-Davidson Europe Ltd., a subsidiary of HDMC. Beginning in 2008, HDMC assumed responsibility for the collection of all wholesale receivables in Europe.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, unused lines of credit extended to HDFS’ wholesale finance customers totaled $1.04 billion and $1.16 billion, respectively. Approved but unfunded retail finance loans totaled $96.5 million and $123.9 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

HDFS provides retail financial services to customers of the Company’s independent dealers in the United States and Canada. The origination of retail loans is a separate and distinct transaction between HDFS and the retail customer, unrelated to the Company’s sale of product to its dealers. Retail finance receivables consist of secured promissory notes and installment loans. HDFS holds either titles or liens on titles to vehicles financed by promissory notes and installment loans. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, approximately 11% of gross outstanding finance receivables were originated in Texas.

During the second quarter of 2009, the Company reclassified $3.14 billion of finance receivables held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value to finance receivables held for investment due to the Company’s intent to structure subsequent securitization transactions in a manner that did not qualify for accounting sale treatment under prior U.S. GAAP. As a result of the reclassification, the Company recorded a $72.7 million increase to the allowance for credit losses during the second quarter of 2009 in order to establish the initial reserve for the reclassified receivables. Included in finance receivables held for sale at December 31, 2008 is a lower of cost or market adjustment of $31.7 million. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet included finance receivables of $3.38 billion and $2.81 billion, respectively, which were restricted as collateral for the payment of debt held by VIEs and other related obligations as discussed in Note 8.

HDFS has cross-border outstandings in Canada which total $88.7 million, $77.1 million and $75.8 million as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Wholesale finance receivables are related primarily to motorcycles and related parts and accessories sales to independent Harley-Davidson dealers and are generally contractually due within one year. Retail finance receivables are primarily related to sales of motorcycles to the dealers’ customers. On December 31, 2010, contractual maturities of finance receivables were as follows (in thousands):

 

     United
States
     Canada      Total  

2011

   $ 1,700,390       $ 123,521       $ 1,823,911   

2012

     1,048,786         48,423         1,097,209   

2013

     1,187,411         53,901         1,241,312   

2014

     1,344,399         60,000         1,404,399   

2015

     425,494         43,133         468,627   

Thereafter

     155,700         —           155,700   
                          

Total

   $ 5,862,180       $ 328,978       $ 6,191,158   
                          

As of December 31, 2010, all finance receivables due after one year were at fixed interest rates.

 

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The allowance for finance credit losses on finance receivables is comprised of individual components relating to wholesale and retail finance receivables. Changes in the allowance for finance credit losses on finance receivables for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 150,082      $ 40,068      $ 30,295   

Allowance related to newly consolidated finance receivables(a)

     49,424        —          —     

Provision for finance credit losses

     93,118        169,206        39,555   

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

     (119,035     (59,192     (29,782
                        

Balance, end of period

   $ 173,589      $ 150,082      $ 40,068   
                        

 

(a) As part of the required consolidation of formerly off-balance sheet securitization trusts, the Company established a $49.4 million allowance for finance credit losses related to the newly consolidated finance receivables as discussed in Note 1.

The allowance for credit losses and finance receivables by portfolio, segregated by those amounts that are individually evaluated for impairment and those that are collectively evaluated for impairment, at December 31, 2010 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Retail      Wholesale      Total  

Allowance for credit losses, ending balance:

        

Individually evaluated for impairment

   $ —         $ 3,566       $ 3,566   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

     157,791         12,232         170,023   
                          

Total allowance for credit losses

   $ 157,791       $ 15,798       $ 173,589   
                          

Finance receivables, ending balance:

        

Individually evaluated for impairment

   $ —         $ 5,423       $ 5,423   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

     5,377,161         808,574         6,185,735   
                          

Total finance receivables

   $ 5,377,161       $ 813,997       $ 6,191,158   
                          

Finance receivables are considered impaired when management determines it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the loan agreement. As retail finance receivables are collectively and not individually reviewed for impairment, this portfolio does not have finance receivables specifically impaired. A specific allowance is established for wholesale finance receivables determined to be individually impaired in accordance with the applicable accounting standards when management concludes that the borrower will not be able to make full payment of the contractual amounts due based on the original terms of the loan agreements. 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. The following table only includes finance receivables that are individually deemed to be impaired under ASC Topic 310, “Receivables” at December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 

Wholesale:

              

No related allowance recorded

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —     

Related allowance recorded

     5,423         5,358         3,566         5,577         —     
                                            

Total impaired wholesale finance receivables

   $ 5,423       $ 5,358       $ 3,566       $ 5,577       $ —     
                                            

Retail finance receivables accrue interest until either collected or charged-off. Interest continues to accrue on past due wholesale finance receivables until the date the collection of the finance receivables becomes

 

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doubtful, at which time the finance receivable is placed on non-accrual status. The Company will resume accruing interest on these wholesale finance receivables when payments are current according to the terms of the loan agreements and future payments are reasonably assured. The recorded investment of non-accrual status wholesale finance receivables at December 31, 2010 was $5.4 million.

An analysis of the aging of past due finance receivables, which includes non-accrual status finance receivables, at December 31, 2010 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Current      31-60 Days
Past Due
     61-90 Days
Past Due
     Greater than
90 Days

Past Due
     Total
Past Due
     Total
Finance
Receivables
 

Retail

   $ 5,144,910       $ 147,564       $ 50,550       $ 34,137       $ 232,251       $ 5,377,161   

Wholesale

     809,058         2,178         934         1,827         4,939         813,997   
                                                     

Total

   $ 5,953,968       $ 149,742       $ 51,484       $ 35,964       $ 237,190       $ 6,191,158   
                                                     

The recorded investment of retail and wholesale finance receivables, which excludes non-accrual status finance receivables and are contractually past due 90 days or more at December 31 for the past five years were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008      2007      2006  

United States

   $ 34,391       $ 24,629       $ 23,678       $ 6,205       $ 4,476   

Canada

     1,351         2,161         1,275         1,759         1,561   

Europe

     —           —           —           386         452   
                                            

Total

   $ 35,742       $ 26,790       $ 24,953       $ 8,350       $ 6,489   
                                            

Included in the $35.7 million of finance receivables which are accruing interest and are contractually past due 90 days or more are $34.1 million of retail finance receivables and $1.6 million of wholesale finance receivables.

A significant part of managing HDFS’ finance receivable portfolios includes the assessment of credit risk associated with each borrower. As the credit risk varies between the retail and wholesale portfolios, HDFS utilizes different credit risk indicators for each portfolio.

HDFS manages retail credit risk through its credit approval policy and ongoing collection efforts. HDFS uses FICO scores to differentiate the expected default rates of retail credit applicants enabling the Company to better evaluate credit applicants for approval and to tailor pricing according to this assessment. Retail loans with a FICO score of 640 or above at origination are considered prime, and loans with a FICO score below 640 are considered sub-prime. These credit quality indicators are determined at the time of loan origination and are not updated subsequent to the loan origination date.

The recorded investment of retail finance receivables, by credit quality indicator, at December 31, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010  

Prime

   $ 4,303,050   

Sub-prime

     1,074,111   
        

Total

   $ 5,377,161   
        

HDFS’ credit risk on the wholesale portfolio is different from that of the retail portfolio. Whereas the retail portfolio represents a relatively homogeneous pool of retail finance receivables that exhibit more consistent loss

 

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patterns, the wholesale portfolio exposures are less consistent. HDFS utilizes an internal credit risk rating system to manage credit risk exposure consistently across wholesale borrowers and capture credit risk factors for each borrower.

HDFS uses the following internal credit quality indicators, based on the Company’s internal risk rating system, listed from highest level of risk to lowest level of risk for the wholesale portfolio: Doubtful, Substandard, Special Mention, Medium Risk and Low Risk. Based upon management’s review, the dealers classified in the Doubtful category are the dealers with the greatest likelihood of being charged-off, while the dealers classified as Low Risk are least likely to be charged-off. The internal rating system considers factors such as the specific borrowers’ ability to repay and the estimated value of any collateral. Dealer risk rating classifications are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis.

The recorded investment of wholesale finance receivables, by internal credit quality indicator, at December 31, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010  

Doubtful

   $ 23,570   

Substandard

     7,139   

Special Mention

     18,330   

Medium

     16,766   

Low

     748,192   
        

Total

   $ 813,997   
        

7.    Off-Balance Sheet Finance Receivable Securitization Transactions

The following disclosures apply to the Company’s term asset-backed securitization activities prior to 2009, when pre-2009 term asset-backed securitization transactions utilized off-balance sheet QSPEs that qualified for accounting sale treatment under prior U.S. GAAP. As discussed in Note 1, 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.

During 2008 the Company sold $540.0 million of retail motorcycle finance receivables through securitization transactions utilizing QSPEs (see Note 1). This sale resulted in cash proceeds of $467.7 million during 2008. There were no off-balance sheet securitization transactions during 2009. The Company retained an interest in excess cash flows, subordinated securities and cash reserve account deposits, collectively referred to as investment in retained securitization interests (a component of finance receivables held for investment in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets). The Company retained servicing rights and received annual servicing fees approximating 1% of the outstanding securitized retail motorcycle finance receivables. HDFS serviced $1.89 billion of securitized retail motorcycle finance receivables as of December 31, 2009. The total investment in retained securitization interests received in connection with securitizations during the year for the last three years is disclosed under non-cash investing activities in Note 2. In conjunction with sales prior to 2009, HDFS had investments in retained securitization interests of $245.4 million at December 31, 2009.

The Company’s investment in retained securitization interests, excluding servicing rights, was subordinate to the interests of securitization trust investors. Such investors had priority interests in the cash collections on the retail motorcycle finance receivables sold to the securitization trust (after payment of servicing fees) and in the cash reserve account deposits. Investors did not have recourse to the assets of HDFS for failure of the obligors on the retail motorcycle finance receivables to pay when due. The investment in retained securitization interests was recorded at fair value. Key assumptions in the valuation of the investment in retained securitization interests and in calculating the gain or loss on current year securitizations were credit losses, prepayments and discount rate.

 

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On March 30, 2009, the Company adopted new guidance codified within ASC Topic 320. In accordance with this guidance, if management has no intent to sell the other-than-temporarily impaired investment and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell, only the credit loss component of the impairment is recognized in earnings, while the rest of the impairment is recognized as an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining life of the investment as projected using assumptions for credit losses, prepayments and discounts rates as discussed below. Upon adoption the Company recorded an increase to the opening balance of retained earnings of $22.5 million ($14.4 million, net of tax) and a decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income of $22.5 million ($14.4 million, net of tax) to reclassify the non-credit component of $52.2 million of previously recognized impairments on its investment in retained securitization interests. The credit component of previously recognized impairments on its investment in retained securitization interests was $29.7 million. The fair value of the investment in retained securitization interests did not change.

During the nine months from the date of adoption to December 31, 2009, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairments related to its investment in retained securitization interests. The impairments were due to higher actual and anticipated credit losses partially offset by a slowing in actual and expected prepayment speeds on certain securitization portfolios. As prescribed by the new guidance within ASC Topic 320, the Company recognized the credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment in earnings and the non-credit component in other comprehensive income as the Company did not intend to sell the investment and it is more likely than not that the Company would not be required to sell it prior to recovery of its cost basis. The components of the impairment were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Nine months ended
December 31, 2009
 

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses

   $ 22,240   

Portion of loss reclassified from other comprehensive income

     6,000   
        

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

   $ 28,240   
        

The following activity only applied to other-than-temporary impairments on investment in retained securitization interests for which a component of the impairment was recognized in earnings and a component was recognized in other comprehensive income. The total credit component of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings for all investment in retained securitization interests held as of December 31, 2009 was as follows (in thousands):

 

     Nine months ended
December 31, 2009
 

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 29,686   

Credit component recognized in earnings during the period

     28,240   

Reductions due to sale/repurchase(a)

     (954
        

Balance, end of period

   $ 56,972   
        

 

(a)    The Company exercised its 10% clean up call repurchase option for certain securitization trusts.

  

Prior to March 30, 2009, if an impairment existed and management deemed it to be other-than-temporary, the entire impairment was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. During the three months ended March 29, 2009, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $17.1 million related to its investment in retained securitization interests which included both the credit and non-credit components.

During 2008, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $41.4 million related to its investment in retained securitization interests. The decline in fair value below amortized cost was due to higher actual and anticipated credit losses on certain securitization portfolios, and an increased discount rate in the fourth quarter of 2008 from 12% to 18%. This charge was recorded as a reduction of financial services revenue.

 

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The following table summarizes the amortized cost, fair value and gross unrealized gains and losses of the investment in retained securitization interests (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2009  
     Total Investment in
Retained
Securitization Interests
    Investment in Retained
Securitization Interests
Currently in a Loss Position
for less than 12 Months
    Investment in Retained
Securitization Interests
Currently in a Gain Position
 

Amortized cost

   $ 250,793      $ 161,857      $ 88,936   

Gross unrealized gains

     1,645        —          1,645   

Gross unrealized losses

     (7,088     (7,088     —     
                        

Fair value

   $ 245,350      $ 154,769      $ 90,581   
                        

The unrealized loss position was primarily due to a difference between the discount rate used to calculate fair value at December 31, 2009 and the initial rate used to value the retained securitization interests at their inception. The discount rate used at December 31, 2009 to calculate fair value was 15%. A discount rate of 12% was used to calculate the portion of unrealized gain/loss on the securitization and the initial value of the investment in retained securitization interests. None of the investments in retained securitization interests were in a continuous loss position for more than twelve months.

The investment in retained securitization interests had no stated contractual maturity date. Historically, the investment in retained securitization interests had a life of approximately four years.

As of December 31, 2009, the following weighted-average key assumptions were used to value the investment in retained securitization interests:

 

     2009  

Prepayment speed (Single Monthly Mortality)

     1.71

Weighted-average life (in years)

     2.07   

Expected cumulative net credit losses

     5.70

Residual cash flows discount rate

     14.79

Expected cumulative net credit losses were a key assumption in the valuation of the investment in retained securitization interests. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, weighted-average expected net credit losses for all active securitizations were 5.70% and 4.63%. The table below summarizes, as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, expected weighted-average cumulative net credit losses by year of securitization, expressed as a percentage of the original balance of loans securitized for all securitizations completed during the years noted.

 

Expected weighted-average cumulative net credit losses (%) as of:

   2008     2007     2006  

December 31, 2009

     5.75     6.12     5.32

December 31, 2008

     4.50     4.66     4.78

 

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The sensitivity of the fair value to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in the weighted-average key assumptions for the investment in retained securitization interests at December 31, 2009 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     2009  

Carrying amount/fair value of retained interests

   $ 245,350   

Weighted-average life (in years)

     2.07   

Prepayment speed assumption (monthly rate)

     1.71

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   $ (2,400

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   $ (4,600

Expected cumulative net credit losses

     5.70

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   $ (36,400

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   $ (72,200

Residual cash flows discount rate (annual)

     14.79

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   $ (4,500

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   $ (9,000

These sensitivities are hypothetical and should not be considered to be predictive of future performance. Changes in fair value generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of change in assumption to change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest is calculated independently from any change in another assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may contribute to changes in another, which may magnify or counteract the sensitivities. Furthermore, the estimated fair values as disclosed should not be considered indicative of future earnings on these assets.

The following table provides information regarding certain cash flows received from and paid to all motorcycle loan securitization trusts during the years ended December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

     2009  

Proceeds from new securitizations

   $ —     

Servicing fees received

   $ 26,693   

Other cash flows received on retained interests

   $ 69,418   

10% clean-up call repurchase option

   $ (161,390

Prior to the adoption of the new accounting guidance discussed in Note 1, managed retail motorcycle finance receivables consisted of all retail motorcycle finance receivables serviced by HDFS including those held by off-balance sheet securitization trusts and those held by HDFS. As of December 31, 2009, managed retail motorcycle finance receivables totaled $5.59 billion, of which $1.89 billion were securitized in off-balance sheet term asset-backed securitization transactions. The principal amount of managed retail motorcycle finance receivables 30 days or more past due was $324.1 million at December 31, 2009. The principal amount of securitized retail motorcycle finance receivables 30 days or more past due was $183.7 million at December 31, 2009. Managed finance receivables 30 days or more past due exclude finance receivables reclassified as repossessed inventory. Credit losses, net of recoveries, of the managed retail motorcycle finance receivables were $167.4 million and $138.7 million during 2009 and 2008, respectively. Securitized retail motorcycle finance receivables credit losses, net of recoveries, were $94.6 million and $107.9 million during 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

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8.    Asset-Backed Financing

Term Asset-Backed Securitization VIEs

The Company transfers U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to SPEs which in turn issue secured notes to investors, with various maturities and interest rates, secured by future collections of the transferred U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables.

In 2010 and 2009, HDFS transferred $670.8 million and $3.08 billion, respectively, of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to five separate SPEs. The SPEs in turn issued the following secured notes with the related maturity dates and interest rates (dollars in thousands):

 

Issue Date

   Principal
Amount
     Weighted-Average
Rate at Date of
Issuance
    Maturity Dates

November 2010

   $ 600,000         1.05   December 2011 - April 2018

December 2009

   $ 562,499         1.55   December 2010 - June 2017

October 2009

   $ 700,000         1.16   October 2010 - April 2017

July 2009

   $ 700,000         2.11   July 2010 - February 2017

May 2009

   $ 500,000         2.77   May 2010 - January 2017

As discussed in Note 1, 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 its formerly off-balance sheet QSPEs discussed in Note 7. As a result, the following secured notes, which were issued by the former QSPEs, are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

Issue Date

   Principal
Amount
     Weighted-Average
Rate at Date of
Issuance
    Maturity Dates

February 2008

   $ 486,000         3.94   February 2009 - December 2013

August 2007

   $ 782,000         5.50   September 2008 - May 2015

May 2007

   $ 950,000         5.20   May 2008 - August 2015

January 2007

   $ 800,000         5.27   February 2008 - April 2015

August 2006

   $ 800,000         5.31   September 2007 - November 2014

May 2006

   $ 800,000         5.37   October 2010 - August 2014

February 2006

   $ 730,000         5.06   June 2010 - November 2013

Each term asset-backed securitization SPE is a separate legal entity and the U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables included in the term asset-backed securitizations are only available for payment of the secured debt and other obligations arising from the term asset-backed securitization transactions and are not available to pay other obligations or claims of the Company’s creditors until the associated secured debt and other obligations are satisfied. Cash and cash equivalent balances held by the SPEs are used only to support the securitizations. There are no amortization schedules 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.

At December 31, 2010, the assets of the consolidated term asset-backed securitization SPEs totaled $3.65 billion and were primarily included in restricted finance receivables held by VIEs, net and restricted cash held by VIEs in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The SPEs held U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables of $3.36 billion restricted as collateral for the payment of $2.76 billion of obligations under the secured notes at December 31, 2010. The SPEs also held $287.3 million of cash restricted for payment on the secured notes at December 31, 2010.

At December 31, 2009, the assets of the consolidated term asset-backed securitization SPEs totaled $2.93 billion and were primarily included in finance receivables held for investment and other current assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The SPEs held U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables of $2.75

 

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billion restricted as collateral for the payment of $2.16 billion of obligations under the secured notes at December 31, 2009. The SPEs also held $164.1 million of cash restricted for payment on the outstanding debt at December 31, 2009.

For the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the SPEs recorded interest expense on the secured notes of $106.3 million and $17.3 million, respectively, which is included in financial services interest expense. The weighted average interest rate of the outstanding term asset-backed securitization transactions was 3.11% and 1.90% at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Conduit Facility VIE

In December 2008, HDFS transferred U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to a SPE, which in turn issued debt to third-party bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduits. The SPE funded the purchase of the finance receivables from HDFS primarily with cash obtained through the issuance of the debt. In April 2009, HDFS replaced its December 2008 asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility agreement with a new agreement.

On September 10, 2010, the Company amended and restated its April 2009 third-party bank sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility to provide for a total aggregate commitment of up to $600.0 million based on, among other things, the amount of eligible U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables held by the SPE as collateral. The assets of the SPE are restricted as collateral for the payment of the debt or other obligations arising in the transaction and are not available to pay other obligations or claims of the Company’s creditors. The terms for this debt provide for interest on the 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 receivables 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, the conduit facility has an expiration date of September 9, 2011.

At December 31, 2010, HDFS had no borrowings outstanding under the conduit facility. The SPE held $28.0 million of finance receivables and $1.6 million of cash collections restricted as collateral for the payment of fees associated with the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. The assets of the SPE totaled $30.6 million at December 31, 2010, and were primarily included in restricted finance receivables held by VIEs, net and restricted cash held by VIEs in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

At December 31, 2009, HDFS had no borrowings outstanding under the conduit facility. The SPE held $55.2 million of finance receivables and $3.6 million of cash collections restricted as collateral for the payment of fees associated with the unused portion of the then total aggregate commitment of $1.20 billion. The assets of the SPE totaled $73.0 million at December 31, 2009, and were primarily included in finance receivables and other current assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the SPE recorded interest expense of $9.3 million related to the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the SPE recorded interest expense of $41.1 million related to both the outstanding borrowings and the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of $1.20 billion. Interest expense on the conduit facility is included in financial services interest expense. There was no weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2010 as HDFS had no outstanding borrowings under the conduit facility. The weighted average interest rate of the outstanding asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility, which includes the impact of the interest rate swap agreements, was 8.33% at December 31, 2009.

 

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9.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade receivables, finance receivables, net, trade payables, debt, foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaps (derivative instruments are discussed further in Note 11). Under U.S. GAAP certain of these items are required to be recorded in the financial statements at fair value, while others are required to be recorded at historical cost.

The following table summarizes the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009  
     Fair Value      Carrying Value      Fair Value      Carrying Value  

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,021,933       $ 1,021,933       $ 1,630,433       $ 1,630,433   

Marketable securities

   $ 140,118       $ 140,118       $ 39,685       $ 39,685   

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 262,382       $ 262,382       $ 269,371       $ 269,371   

Derivatives

   $ 37       $ 37       $ 13,678       $ 13,678   

Finance receivables, net

   $ 6,120,682       $ 6,017,569       $ 4,802,322       $ 4,811,812   

Investment in retained securitization interests

   $ —         $ —         $ 245,350       $ 245,350   

Restricted cash held by variable interest entities

   $ 288,887       $ 288,887       $ 167,667       $ 167,667   

Liabilities:

           

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 761,934       $ 761,934       $ 660,306       $ 660,306   

Derivatives

   $ 20,083       $ 20,083       $ 16,293       $ 16,293   

Unsecured commercial paper

   $ 582,572       $ 582,572       $ 325,099       $ 325,099   

Credit facilities

   $ 213,772       $ 213,772       $ 448,049       $ 448,049   

Medium-term notes

   $ 2,018,429       $ 1,897,778       $ 2,152,612       $ 2,103,396   

Senior unsecured notes

   $ 395,384       $ 303,000       $ 816,998       $ 600,000   

Term asset-backed securitization debt

   $ 2,805,954       $ 2,755,234       $ 2,166,056       $ 2,159,585   

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Accounts Receivable, Net and Accounts Payable – With the exception of certain money-market investments, these items are recorded in the financial statements at historical cost. The historical cost basis for these amounts is estimated to approximate their respective fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments.

Marketable Securities – Marketable securities are recorded in the financial statements at fair value. The fair value of marketable securities is based primarily on quoted market prices. Changes in fair value are recorded, net of tax, as other comprehensive income and included as a component of shareholders’ equity.

Finance Receivables, Net – Finance receivables, net includes finance receivables held for investment, net and restricted finance receivables held by VIEs, net. Retail and wholesale finance receivables are recorded in the financial statements at historical cost less an allowance for finance credit losses. The fair value of retail finance receivables is generally calculated by discounting future cash flows using an estimated discount rate that reflects current credit, interest rate and prepayment risks associated with similar types of instruments. The historical cost basis of wholesale finance receivables approximates fair value because they either are short-term or have interest rates that adjust with changes in market interest rates.

The investment in retained securitization interests, which was a component of finance receivables held for investment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, was recorded in the financial statements at fair value and was estimated based on the present value of future expected cash flows using management’s best estimates of the key assumptions.

Debt – Debt is generally recorded in the financial statements at historical cost. The carrying value of debt provided under credit facilities approximates fair value since the interest rates charged under the facilities are tied directly to market rates and fluctuate as market rates change. The carrying value of unsecured commercial paper approximates fair value due to its short maturity.

 

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The fair values of the medium-term notes maturing in December 2012, December 2014 and June 2018 are estimated based upon rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. The medium-term notes that matured in December 2010 were carried at fair value and included a fair value adjustment due to the interest rate swap agreement, designated as a fair value hedge, which effectively converted a portion of the note from a fixed to a floating rate.

The fair value of the senior unsecured notes is estimated based upon rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

The fair value of the debt related to term asset-backed securitization transactions is estimated based on pricing currently available for transactions with similar terms and maturities.

10.    Fair Value Measurements

Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value in the financial statements; some of these are measured on a recurring basis while others are measured on a non-recurring basis. Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value each time a financial statement is prepared. Assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value when a significant event occurs. In determining fair value of assets and liabilities, the Company uses various valuation techniques. The availability of inputs observable in the market varies from instrument to instrument and depends on a variety of factors including the type of instrument, whether the instrument is actively traded, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. For many financial instruments, pricing inputs are readily observable in the market, the valuation methodology used is widely accepted by market participants, and the valuation does not require significant management discretion. For other financial instruments, pricing inputs are less observable in the market and may require management judgment.

The Company assesses the inputs used to measure fair value using a three-tier hierarchy. The hierarchy indicates the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Level 1 inputs include quoted prices for identical instruments and are the most observable. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity rates and yield curves. Level 3 inputs are not observable in the market and include management’s judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The use of observable and unobservable inputs is reflected in the hierarchy assessment disclosed in the following tables.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Balance as of
December 31, 2010
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

Cash equivalents

   $ 763,885       $ 763,885       $ —         $ —     

Marketable securities

     140,118         89,887         50,231         —     

Derivatives

     37         —           37         —     
                                   
   $ 904,040       $ 853,772       $ 50,268       $ —     
                                   

Liabilities:

           

Derivatives

   $ 20,083       $ —         $ 20,083       $ —     
                                   

 

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     Balance as of
December 31, 2009
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

Cash equivalents

   $ 1,298,254       $ 1,298,254       $ —         $ —     

Marketable securities

     39,685         —           39,685         —     

Derivatives

     13,678         —           13,678         —     

Investment in retained securitization interests

     245,350         —           —           245,350   
                                   
   $ 1,596,967       $ 1,298,254       $ 53,363       $ 245,350   
                                   

Liabilities:

           

Derivatives

   $ 16,293       $ —         $ 16,293       $ —     
                                   

The investment in retained securitization interests was valued using discounted cash flow methodologies incorporating assumptions that, in management’s judgment, reflect assumptions marketplace participants would use at December 31, 2009. The following table presents additional information about the investment in retained securitization interests which was measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands):

 

     2009  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 330,674   

Net realized losses included in financial services income(a)

     (13,683

Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income(b)

     21,219   

Sales, repurchases and settlements, net

     (92,860
        

Balance, end of period

   $ 245,350   
        

 

(a) As discussed in Note 7, net realized losses includes an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $45.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.
(b) For the year ended December 31, 2009, $6.0 million of net unrealized losses were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into financial services income.

As discussed in Note 1, upon adoption of the new guidance within ASC Topic 810 and ASC Topic 860, the Company derecognized its investment in retained securitization interests on January 1, 2010. The carrying value of the investment in retained securitization interests that was derecognized on that date was $245.4 million.

11.    Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to certain risks such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and commodity price risk. To reduce its exposure to such risks, the Company selectively uses derivative financial instruments. All derivative transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to regularly reviewed policies and procedures, which prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

All derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value (see Note 9). In accordance with ASC Topic 815, the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges, along with the gain or loss on the hedged item, are recorded in current period earnings. For derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of gains and losses that result from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments is initially recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged item affects income. The Company assesses, at both the inception of each hedge and

 

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on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are used in its hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. Any ineffective portion is immediately recognized in earnings. No component of a hedging derivative instrument’s gain or loss is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Derivative instruments which do not qualify for hedge accounting are recorded at fair value and any changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings.

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 these currencies’ 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.

The Company utilizes natural gas contracts to hedge portions of the cost of natural gas consumed in the Company’s motorcycle production operations.

The Company’s foreign currency contracts and natural gas contracts generally have maturities of less than one year.

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 unsecured commercial paper by converting a portion from a floating rate basis to a fixed rate basis. In addition, HDFS utilized interest rate swaps with its medium-term notes which matured in December 2010; however, the impact was to convert from a fixed rate basis to a floating rate basis. HDFS also entered into derivative contracts to facilitate its first quarter 2008 term asset-backed securitization transaction as well as its third quarter 2007 term asset-backed securitization transaction. These derivatives, which hedge assets held by VIEs, do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. During 2010, the derivative contracts related to the third quarter 2007 term asset-backed securitization expired. Additionally, to facilitate asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility agreements that the Company entered into April 2009, HDFS entered into derivative contracts which did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. These derivative contracts were terminated in 2010.

The following tables summarize the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2010      December 31, 2009  

Derivatives Designated As Hedging
Instruments Under ASC Topic 815

   Notional
Value
     Asset
Fair  Value(a)
     Liability
Fair  Value(b)
     Notional
Value
     Asset
Fair  Value(a)
     Liability
Fair  Value(b)
 

Foreign currency contracts(c)

   $ 270,931       $ —         $ 12,369       $ 144,805       $ —         $ 6,599   

Natural gas contracts(c)

     1,704         —           246         3,312         51         —     

Interest rate swaps – unsecured commercial paper(c)

     135,100         —           7,431         177,800         —           9,694   

Interest rate swaps – medium-term notes(d)

     —           —           —           150,000         6,072         —     
                                                     

Total

   $ 407,735       $ —         $ 20,046       $ 475,917       $ 6,123       $ 16,293   
                                                     

 

     December 31, 2010      December 31, 2009  

Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging
Instruments Under ASC Topic 815

   Notional
Value
     Asset
Fair  Value(a)
     Liability
Fair  Value(b)
     Notional
Value
     Asset
Fair  Value(a)
     Liability
Fair  Value(b)
 

Derivatives – securitization transactions

   $ 38,113       $ 37       $ 37       $ 254,904       $ 352       $ —     

Derivatives – conduit facility

     —           —           —           575,164         7,203         —     
                                                     
   $ 38,113       $ 37       $ 37       $ 830,068       $ 7,555       $ —     
                                                     

 

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(a) Included in other current assets
(b) Included in accrued liabilities
(c) Derivative designated as a cash flow hedge
(d) Derivative designated as a fair value hedge

The following tables summarize the amount of gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 related to derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges (in thousands):

 

     Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in OCI
 

Cash Flow Hedges

       2010             2009      

Foreign currency contracts

   $ (6,896   $ (4,402

Natural gas contracts

     (1,164     (1,329

Interest rate swaps – unsecured commercial paper

     (4,318     (1,299

Interest rate swaps – conduit facility

     —          (1,447
                

Total

   $ (12,378   $ (8,477
                

 

     Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI into Income
 

Cash Flow Hedges

   2010     2009     Expected to be Reclassified
Over the Next Twelve  Months
 

Foreign currency contracts(a)

   $ (312   $ 13,520      $ (11,271

Natural gas contracts(a)

     (867     (2,713     (246

Interest rate swaps – unsecured commercial paper(b)

     (6,466     (8,817     (4,992

Interest rate swaps – conduit facility(b)

     —          (6,452     —     
                        

Total

   $ (7,645   $ (4,462   $ (16,509
                        

 

(a) Gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to income is included in cost of goods sold.
(b) Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCI to income is included in financial services interest expense.

For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the cash flow hedges were highly effective and, as a result, the amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not material. No amounts were excluded from effectiveness testing.

The following tables summarize the amount of gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 related to derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges (in thousands):

 

     Amount of Loss
Recognized in Income on Derivative
 

Fair Value Hedges

   2010     2009  

Interest rate swaps – medium-term notes(a)

   $ (6,072   $ (3,626
     Amount of Gain
Recognized in Income on Hedged Debt
 

Fair Value Hedges

   2010     2009  

Interest rate swaps – medium-term notes(a)

   $ 6,072      $ 3,626   

 

(a) Gain/(loss) recognized in income is included in financial services interest expense.

 

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The following table summarizes the amount of gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 related to derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments (in thousands):

 

     Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative
 

Derivatives not Designated as Hedges

       2010             2009      

Derivatives – securitization transactions(a)

   $ (8   $ 1,177   

Derivatives – conduit facility(a)

     (6,343     (2,101
                
   $ (6,351   $ (924
                

 

(a) Gain/(loss) recognized in income is included in financial services revenue.

12.    Comprehensive Income

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of net income (loss) to comprehensive income for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

    2010     2009     2008  

Net income (loss)

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

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

           

Foreign currency translation adjustment

      9,449          30,932          (44,012

Investment in retained securitization interest:

           

Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period

    —            9,760          (18,838  

Less: net losses reclassified into net income

    —          —          (3,840     13,600        —          (18,838
                             

Derivative financial instruments:

           

Unrealized net losses arising during period

    (7,852       (4,242       (6,060  

Less: net losses reclassified into net income

    (4,880     (2,972     (3,003     (1,239     (17,616     11,556   
                             

Marketable securities

           

Unrealized losses on marketable securities

    (133       —            —       

Less: net losses reclassified into net income

    —          (133     —          —          (76     76   
                             

Pension and postretirement healthcare plans:

           

Amortization of net prior service cost

    925          2,679          3,116     

Amortization of actuarial loss

    20,944          11,761          7,376     

Pension and postretirement healthcare funded status adjustment

    18,431          37,504          (347,165  

Less: actuarial loss reclassified into net income due to settlement

    (2,942       (884       —       

Less: net prior service credit (cost) reclassified into net income due to curtailment

    1,393        41,849        (22,920     75,748        —          (336,673
                                               

Comprehensive income

    $ 194,738        $ 63,925        $ 266,827   
                             

13.    Debt

Debt with contractual terms less than one year is generally classified as short-term debt and consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009  

Unsecured commercial paper

   $ 480,472       $ 189,999   

 

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Debt with a contractual term greater than one year is generally classified as long-term debt and consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009  

Unsecured commercial paper

   $ 102,100      $ 135,100   

Bank borrowings

    

Credit facilities

     213,772        448,049   

Secured debt

    

Term asset-backed securitization debt

     2,755,234        2,159,585   

Unsecured notes

    

5.00% Medium-term notes due in 2010 ($200.0 million par value)

     —          206,065   

5.25% Medium-term notes due in 2012 ($400.0 million par value)

     399,825        399,734   

5.75% Medium-term notes due in 2014 ($500.0 million par value)

     499,383        499,222   

6.80% Medium-term notes due in 2018 ($1,000.0 million par value)

     998,570        998,375   

15.00% senior unsecured notes due in 2014 ($600.0 million par value)

     303,000        600,000   
                

Gross long-term debt

     5,271,884        5,446,130   

Less: current portion of long-term debt

     (751,293     (1,332,091
                

Long-term debt

   $ 4,520,591      $ 4,114,039   
                

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.

The Company has classified $315.9 million and $378.2 million related to its unsecured commercial paper and its Global Credit Facilities as long-term debt as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. This amount has been excluded from current liabilities because it is supported by the Global Credit Facilities and is expected to remain outstanding for an uninterrupted period extending beyond one year from the balance sheet date.

Commercial paper maturities may range up to 365 days from the issuance date. The weighted-average interest rate of outstanding commercial paper balances was 1.38% and 2.87% at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The December 31, 2010 and 2009 weighted-average interest rates include the impact of interest rate swap agreements.

On April 29, 2010, the Company and HDFS entered into a 2010 $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 various 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. HDFS may issue unsecured commercial paper in the aggregate equal to the unused portion of the Global Credit Facilities.

As discussed in Note 8, 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 and 2009, HDFS had no outstanding borrowings under the conduit facility.

 

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As discussed in Note 8, during 2010, the Company issued $600.0 million of secured notes through one term asset-backed securitization transaction. During 2009, $2.46 billion of secured notes were issued through four separate term asset-backed securitization transactions. The SPEs in turn issued $600.0 million and $2.46 billion of secured notes in 2010 and 2009, respectively, with various maturities and interest rates to investors in term asset-backed sheet securitization transactions. The term-asset backed securitization transactions are further discussed in Note 8. As discussed in Note 1, the Company consolidated formerly off-balance sheet term asset-backed securitization trusts.

HDFS’ medium-term notes (collectively the Notes) provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. During December 2010, the $200.0 million medium-term note matured and the principal and accrued interest was paid in full. As a result, the Notes no longer include a fair value adjustment as the interest rate swaps related to the $200.0 million medium-term note only. At December 31, 2009, the Notes included a fair value adjustment increasing the balance by $6.1 million due to interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges. The effect of the interest rate swap agreements was 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 and $2.7 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

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.

HDFS has a revolving credit line with the Company whereby HDFS may borrow up to $210.0 million at market rates of interest. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, HDFS had no borrowings owed to the Company under the revolving credit 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.

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 and 2009, HDFS and the Company remained in compliance with all of these covenants.

 

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14.    Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 138,221      $ 94,984      $ 376,796   

State

     6,919        5,201        21,174   

Foreign

     4,486        1,395        29,044   
                        
     149,626        101,580        427,014   

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (18,428     (10,665     (36,368

State

     (1,361     22,690        (2,225

Foreign

     963        (5,586     (6,735
                        
     (18,826     6,439        (45,328
                        

Total

   $ 130,800      $ 108,019      $ 381,686   
                        

The components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009     2008  

Domestic

   $ 377,416       $ 185,435      $ 992,796   

Foreign

     13,053         (6,775     73,125   
                         
   $ 390,469       $ 178,660      $ 1,065,921   
                         

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount that would be provided by applying the statutory U.S. corporate income tax rate due to the following items for the years ended December 31:

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Provision at statutory rate

     35.0     35.0     35.0

State taxes, net of federal benefit

     1.0        2.7        1.5   

Domestic manufacturing deduction

     (3.2     —          (1.0

Research and development credit

     (1.0     (1.7     (0.5

Unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties

     (0.2     2.3        1.1   

Valuation allowance adjustments

     0.7        12.4        —     

Goodwill impairment

     —          5.6        —     

Medicare Part D

     3.4        —          —     

Tax audit settlements

     (0.4     3.6        —     

Investments in low-income housing partnerships

     0.6        2.6        —     

Adjustments for previously accrued taxes

     (2.8     0.5        —     

Other

     0.4        (2.5     (0.3
                        

Provision for income taxes

     33.5     60.5     35.8
                        

 

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The principal components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 include the following (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Accruals not yet tax deductible

   $ 106,601      $ 125,393   

Pension and postretirement benefit plan obligations

     201,206        202,332   

Stock compensation

     29,156        24,103   

Net operating loss carryforward

     27,048        22,170   

Valuation allowance

     (27,048     (22,170

Other, net

     58,278        81,464   
                
     395,241        433,292   

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Depreciation, tax in excess of book

     (34,841     (70,018

Other, net

     —          (6,085
                
     (34,841     (76,103
    

Total

   $ 360,400      $ 357,189   
                

The Company reviews its deferred tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset is considered, along with any positive or negative evidence such as tax law changes. Since future financial results and tax law may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary.

At December 31, 2010, the Company had approximately $431.7 million state net operating loss carry-forwards expiring between 2013 and 2024. At December 31, 2010 the Company also had Wisconsin research and development credit carryforwards of $3.6 million expiring in 2025. The Company had a deferred tax asset of $24.5 million as of December 31, 2010 for the benefit of these losses and credits. A valuation allowance of $24.5 million has been established against the deferred tax asset due to a change in Wisconsin state law in the early part of 2009.

At December 31, 2010, the Company had $6.9 million federal capital loss carry forwards expiring between 2011 and 2013. The Company had a deferred tax asset of $2.5 million as of December 31, 2010 for the benefit of these losses. A valuation allowance of $2.5 million has been established against the deferred tax asset for these losses.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. Changes in the Company’s gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009  

Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period

   $ 77,846      $ 79,027   

Increase in unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken in a prior period

     5,927        2,050   

Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken in a prior period

     (10,223     (2,715

Increase in unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken in the current period

     4,448        2,079   

Statute lapses

     (647     —     

Settlements with taxing authorities

     (7,546     (2,595
                

Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period

   $ 69,805      $ 77,846   
                

 

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The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2010 that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $68.2 million.

The total gross amount of income related to interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits recognized during 2010 in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations was $0.7 million due to favorable settlements and statute lapses.

The total gross amount of interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits recognized at December 31, 2010 in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets was $26.2 million.

The Company does not expect a significant increase or decrease to the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits related to continuing operations during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. However, the Company is under regular audit by tax authorities. The Company 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.

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the United States federal and Wisconsin state jurisdictions and various other state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations for Wisconsin state income taxes before 1998 or for United States federal income taxes before 2005.

15.    Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement 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 benefits are based primarily on years of service and, for certain plans, levels of compensation. Employees are eligible to receive postretirement healthcare benefits upon attaining age 55 after rendering at least 10 years of service to the Company. Some of the plans require employee contributions to partially offset benefit costs.

 

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Obligations and Funded Status:

The following table provides the changes in the benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and funded status of the Company’s pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans as of the Company’s December 31, 2010 and 2009 measurement dates (in thousands):

 

     Pension and SERPA Benefits     Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Change in benefit obligation

        

Benefit obligation, beginning of period

   $ 1,284,722      $ 1,178,283      $ 377,283      $ 372,631   

Service cost

     42,889        47,308        9,957        11,390   

Interest cost

     77,996        74,578        20,774        22,449   

Plan amendments

     1,855        620        (22,282     (9,559

Actuarial losses (gains)

     46,035        12,774        (231     (7,279

Plan participant contributions

     3,840        5,593        1,431        991   

Benefits paid, net of Medicare Part D subsidy

     (81,188     (52,224     (23,729     (18,341

Net curtailments and settlements

     14,225        17,790        15,138        5,001   
                                

Benefit obligation, end of period

     1,390,374        1,284,722        378,341        377,283   

Change in plan assets:

        

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period

     1,026,124        690,558        109,143        96,606   

Actual return on plan assets

     136,711        159,153        15,151        21,166   

Company contributions

     20,000        223,044        19,957        10,180   

Plan participant contributions

     3,840        5,593        1,431        991   

Benefits paid

     (81,188     (52,224     (24,618     (19,800
                                

Fair value of plan assets, end of period

     1,105,487        1,026,124        121,064        109,143   
                                

Funded status of the plans, December 31

   $ (284,887   $ (258,598   $ (257,277   $ (268,140
                                

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31:

        

Accrued benefit liability (other current liabilities)

   $ (2,802   $ (13,266   $ (2,515   $ (3,668

Accrued benefit liability (other long-term liabilities)

     (282,085     (245,332     (254,762     (264,472
                                

Net amount recognized

   $ (284,887   $ (258,598   $ (257,277   $ (268,140
                                

Benefit Costs:

Components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

     Pension and
SERPA Benefits
    Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
 
     2010     2009     2008     2010     2009     2008  

Service cost

   $ 42,889      $ 47,308      $ 51,363      $ 9,957      $ 11,390      $ 13,078   

Interest cost

     77,996        74,578        68,592        20,774        22,449        21,640   

Expected return on plan assets

     (97,376     (86,225     (88,061     (9,781     (11,175     (11,232

Amortization of unrecognized:

            

Prior service cost (credit)

     4,383        5,553        6,158        (2,914     (1,299     (1,123

Net loss

     23,872        12,755        6,414        9,394        5,924        5,501   

Net curtailment loss

     15,508        29,390        —          11,643        7,014        —     

Settlement loss

     4,673        1,411        —          —          —          —     

Special retiree benefits

     —          —          —          —          —          4,881   
                                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 71,945      $ 84,770      $ 44,466      $ 39,073      $ 34,303      $ 32,745   
                                                

 

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As discussed in Note 4, the Company recorded restructuring expense of $163.5 million during 2010. The restructuring actions resulted in a pension and postretirement healthcare plan net curtailment loss of $27.1 million, which is included in the $163.5 million restructuring expense. The net curtailment loss of $27.1 million consists of a $28.2 million curtailment loss related to the 2010 Restructuring Plan and a $1.1 million curtailment gain related to the 2009 Restructuring Plan. During 2009, the Company recorded a curtailment charge of $36.4 million on its pension and post-retirement healthcare plans in connection with the 2009 Restructuring Plan.

During 2010, the Company incurred a $4.7 million settlement loss on its SERPA plans compared to a $1.4 million settlement loss on its SERPA plans during 2009. The settlement losses were the result of benefit payments made to former executives who departed the Company during 2009 and 2010.

As discussed in Note 4, the Company recorded a restructuring reserve of $4.8 million in 2008 related to postretirement healthcare benefits which is included as special retiree benefits in the table above.

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, at December 31, 2010 which have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Pension and
SERPA Benefits
     Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
    Total  

Prior service cost (credit)

   $ 7,229       $ (20,789   $ (13,560

Net actuarial loss

     339,251         84,037        423,288   
                         
   $ 346,480       $ 63,248      $ 409,728   
                         

Amounts expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax, during the year ended December 31, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Pension and
SERPA Benefits
     Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
    Total  

Prior service cost (credit)

   $ 1,877       $ (2,442   $ (565

Net actuarial loss

     19,050         4,528        23,578   
                         
   $ 20,927       $ 2,086      $ 23,013   
                         

Assumptions:

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost as of December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

     Pension and
SERPA Benefits
    Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
 
     2010     2009     2008     2010     2009     2008  

Assumptions for benefit obligations:

            

Discount rate

     5.79     6.00     6.10     5.28     5.65     6.10

Rate of compensation

     3.49     3.66     3.66     n/a        n/a        n/a   

Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost:

            

Discount rate

     6.00     6.10     6.30     5.65     6.10     6.30

Expected return on plan assets

     8.25     8.25     8.50     8.25     8.25     8.50

Rate of compensation increase

     3.66     3.66     4.00     n/a        n/a        n/a   

 

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Pension and SERPA Accumulated Benefit Obligation:

Each of the Company’s pension and SERPA plans has a separately determined accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) and plan asset value. The ABO is the actuarial present value of benefits based on service rendered and current and past compensation levels. This differs from the projected benefit obligation (PBO) in that it includes no assumption about future compensation levels. The total ABO for all the Company’s pension and SERPA plans combined was $1.31 billion and $1.21 billion as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The following table summarizes information related to Company pension plans with a PBO in excess of the fair value of plan assets (in millions):

 

     December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Pension plans with PBOs in excess of fair value of plan assets:

     

PBO

   $ 1,351.6       $ 1,234.9   

Fair value of plan assets

   $ 1,105.5       $ 1,026.1   

Number of plans

     4         4   

The following table summarizes information related to Company pension plans with an ABO in excess of the fair value of plan assets (in millions):

 

     December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Pension plans with ABOs in excess of fair value of plan assets:

     

ABO

   $ 1,280.8       $ 1,174.3   

Fair value of plan assets

   $ 1,105.5       $ 1,026.1   

Number of plans

     4         4   

The Company’s SERPA plans, which can only be funded as claims are paid, had projected and accumulated benefit obligations of $38.7 million and $27.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2010 and $49.8 million and $38.9 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2009.

Plan Assets:

The Company employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed-income investments is used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income. The Company’s overall targeted asset allocation range at December 31, 2010 as a percentage of total market value was approximately 75% equity and 25% fixed-income. Equity holdings primarily include investments in small-, medium- and large-cap companies in the U.S. (including Company stock), investments in developed and emerging foreign markets and alternative investments such as private equity and real estate. Fixed-income holdings consist of U.S. government and agency securities, state and municipal bonds, corporate bonds from diversified industries and foreign obligations. In addition, cash balances are maintained at levels adequate to meet near-term plan expenses and benefit payments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews.

 

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The following tables present the fair values of the plan assets related to the Company’s pension and postretirement healthcare plans within the fair value hierarchy as defined in Note 10.

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Balance as of
December 31, 2010
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets

(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 29,402       $ —         $ 29,402       $ —     

Equity holdings:

           

U.S. companies

     509,976         508,304         1,672         —     

Foreign companies

     56,133         56,133         —           —     

Harley-Davidson common stock

     44,155         44,155         —           —     

Pooled equity funds

     136,693         136,693         —           —     

Limited partnership interests

     40,421         —           —           40,421   

Other

     2,211         —           —           2,211   
                                   

Total equity holdings

     789,589         745,285         1,672         42,632   

Fixed-income holdings:

           

U.S. Treasuries

     35,239         35,239         —           —     

Federal agencies

     48,166         —           48,166         —     

Corporate bonds

     86,783         —           86,783         —     

Pooled fixed income funds

     107,084         107,084         —           —     

Foreign bonds

     8,853         —           8,853         —     

Municipal bonds

     371         —           371         —     
                                   

Total fixed-income holdings

     286,496         142,323         144,173         —     
                                   

Total pension plan assets

   $ 1,105,487       $ 887,608       $ 175,247       $ 42,632   
                                   

Included in the pension plan assets are 1,273,592 shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $44.2 million at December 31, 2010.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Total      Limited Partnership
Interests
     Other  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 32,814       $ 30,332       $ 2,482   

Actual return on plan assets:

        

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

     4,227         4,086         141   

Purchases, sales and settlements

     5,591         6,003         (412
                          

Balance, end of period

   $ 42,632       $ 40,421       $ 2,211   
                          

 

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The fair values of the Company’s postretirement healthcare plan assets, which did not contain any Level 3 assets, as of December 31, 2010, are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Balance as of
December 31, 2010
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 

Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,404       $ —         $ 14,404   

Equity holdings:

        

U.S. companies

     80,915         80,577         338   

Foreign companies

     9,365         9,365         —     
                          

Total equity holdings

     90,280         89,942         338   

Fixed-income holdings:

        

U.S. Treasuries

     3,507         3,507         —     

Federal agencies

     6,116         —           6,116   

Corporate bonds

     6,158         —           6,158   

Foreign bonds

     459         —           459   

Municipal bonds

     140         —           140   
                          

Total fixed-income holdings

     16,380         3,507         12,873   
                          

Total postretirement healthcare plan assets

   $ 121,064       $ 93,449       $ 27,615   
                          

No plan assets are expected to be returned to the Company during the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2011.

For 2011, the Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return on assets is 8.0%. The expected long-term rate of return is based on the portfolio as a whole and not on the sum of the returns on individual asset categories. The return is based on historical returns adjusted to reflect the current view of the long-term investment market.

Postretirement Healthcare Cost:

The weighted-average healthcare cost trend rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of the healthcare plans was as follows:

 

     2010     2009  

Healthcare cost trend rate for next year

     8.5     7.5

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate rate)

     5.0     5.0

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

     2019        2014   

This healthcare cost trend rate assumption can have a significant effect on the amounts reported. A one- percentage-point change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would have the following effects (in thousands):

 

     One
Percent
Increase
     One
Percent
Decrease
 

Total of service and interest cost components in 2010

   $ 490       $ (510

Accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2010

   $ 15,100       $ (14,041

 

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Future Contributions and Benefit Payments:

Due to significant declines in worldwide financial market conditions during 2008, the funded status of the Company’s pension and postretirement healthcare plans was adversely affected. 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 expected benefit payments and Medicare subsidy receipts for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Pension
Benefits
     SERPA
Benefits
     Postretirement
Healthcare
Benefits
     Medicare
Subsidy
Receipts
 

2011

   $ 63,656       $ 2,801       $ 28,923       $ 961   

2012

   $ 64,401       $ 1,939       $ 31,978       $ 1,154   

2013

   $ 65,391       $ 2,109       $ 32,562       $ 1,345   

2014

   $ 66,898       $ 3,404       $ 32,948       $ 1,553   

2015

   $ 68,830       $ 1,693       $ 33,317       $ 1,747   

2016-2020

   $ 401,029       $ 10,820       $ 165,474       $ 12,063   

Defined Contribution Plans:

The Company has various defined contribution benefit plans that in total cover substantially all full-time employees. Employees can make voluntary contributions in accordance with the provisions of their respective plan, which includes a 401(k) tax deferral option. The Company expensed $12.6 million, $3.4 million and $14.4 million for Company contributions during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

16.     Leases

The Company operates certain administrative, manufacturing, warehouse and testing facilities and equipment under lease arrangements that are accounted for as operating leases. Total rental expense was $11.0 million, $10.1 million and $11.1 million for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Future minimum operating lease payments at December 31, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):

 

2011

   $  11,399   

2012

     8,564   

2013

     7,525   

2014

     5,973   

2015

     4,904   

After 2015

     8,414   
        

Total operating lease payments

   $ 46,779   
        

17.     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.

 

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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 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

 

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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.

18.    Capital Stock

Common Stock:

The Company is authorized to issue 800,000,000 shares of common stock of $.01 par value. There were 235.5 million and 234.3 million common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

No share repurchases were made during 2010 and 2009. During 2008, the Company repurchased 6.4 million shares of its common stock at a weighted-average price of $40. These repurchases were made pursuant to the following authorizations (in millions of shares):

 

     Shares Repurchased      Authorization  Remaining
at December 31, 2010
 

Board of Directors’ Authorization

   2010      2009      2008     

1997 Authorization

     —           —           —           7.3   

2006 Authorization

     —           —           3.1         —     

2007 Authorization

     —           —           3.3         16.7   
                                   

Total

     —           —           6.4         24.0   
                                   

1997 Authorization – The Company has an authorization from its Board of Directors (originally adopted December 1997) 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) 1% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company on January 1 of the current year, adjusted for any stock split.

2006 Authorization – In October 2006, 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. This authorization was exhausted during 2008.

 

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2007 Authorization – 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. There are 16.7 million shares remaining under this authorization at December 31, 2010.

Preferred Stock:

The Company is authorized to issue 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock of $1.00 par value. The Company has designated 500,000 of the 2,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock as Series A Junior Participating preferred stock (Preferred Stock). Each share of Preferred Stock, none of which is outstanding, is entitled to 10,000 votes per share (subject to adjustment) and other rights such that the value of a one ten-thousandth interest in a share of Preferred Stock should approximate the value of one share of common stock.

Prior to August 20, 2010, Preferred Stock was reserved for issuance in connection with the Company’s outstanding Preferred Stock purchase rights (Rights). The Rights expired at the close of business on August 20, 2010.

19.     Share-Based Awards

The Company has a share-based compensation plan which was approved by its Shareholders in April 2009 (Plan) under which the Board of Directors may grant to employees share-based awards including nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs). The options and SARs granted under the Plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and, prior to 2010, generally vested ratably over a four-year period with the first 25% becoming exercisable one year after the date of grant. Beginning with awards granted in 2010, options and SARs granted under the Plan will vest ratably over a three-year period with the first one-third of the grant becoming exercisable one year after the date of grant. The options and SARs expire 10 years from the date of grant. Shares of restricted stock and RSUs that were issued under the Plan prior to 2010 generally vested over periods ranging from 2 to 5 years with certain of the shares and RSUs subject to accelerated vesting should the Company meet certain performance conditions. Beginning with awards granted in 2010, shares of restricted stock and RSUs granted under the Plan will vest ratably over a three-year period with the first one-third of the grant vesting one year after the date of grant. Dividends are paid on shares of restricted stock and dividend equivalents are paid on RSUs. At December 31, 2010, there were 14.0 million shares of common stock available for future awards under the Plan.

Stock Options:

The Company estimates the grant date fair value of its option awards granted using a lattice-based option valuation model. The Company believes that the lattice-based option valuation model provides a more precise estimate of fair value than the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Lattice-based option valuation models utilize ranges of assumptions over the expected term of the options. The Company uses a weighted-average of implied and historical volatility to determine the expected volatility of its stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination within the valuation model. 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. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

 

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Assumptions used in calculating the lattice-based fair value of options granted during 2010, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

         2010              2009              2008      

Expected average term (in years)

     6.9            7.5            5.9      

Expected volatility

     42% - 60%         53% - 79%         37% - 44%   

Weighted average volatility

     48%         56%         39%   

Expected dividend yield

     1.8%         3.3%         2.0%   

Risk-free interest rate

     0.1% - 3.7%         0.3% - 2.8%         1.9% - 3.7%   

The following table summarizes the stock option transactions for the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands except for per share amounts):

 

     Options     Weighted-
Average
Price
 

Options outstanding, beginning of period

     7,673      $ 35   

Options granted

     868      $ 23   

Options exercised

     (636   $ 12   

Options forfeited

     (927   $ 33   
          

Options outstanding, end of period

     6,978      $ 36   
          

Exercisable, end of period

     3,964      $ 47   
          

The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $8, $5 and $10, respectively.

As of December 31, 2010, there was $14.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.

The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value related to options outstanding, exercisable and exercised as of and for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

      2010      2009      2008  

Exercised

   $ 12,710       $ —         $ 1,044   

Outstanding

   $ 53,249       $ 35,713       $ 11   

Exercisable

   $ 8,545       $ 5,183       $ —     

The Company’s policy is to issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of employee stock options. The Company has a continuing authorization from its Board of Directors to repurchase shares to offset dilution caused by the exercise of stock options which is discussed in Note 18.

Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2010 (options in thousands):

 

Price Range

   Weighted-Average
Contractual Life
     Options      Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 

$10.01 to $20

     8.1         1,782       $ 12   

$20.01 to $30

     8.9         1,137       $ 23   

$30.01 to $40

     6.9         1,056       $ 39   

$40.01 to $50

     1.8         712       $ 43   

$50.01 to $60

     3.4         1,305       $ 52   

$60.01 to $70

     5.1         986       $ 65   
              

Options outstanding

     6.1         6,978       $ 36   
              

Options exercisable

     4.5         3,964       $ 47   
              

 

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Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)

SARs vest under the same terms and conditions as options; however, they are settled in cash equal to their settlement date fair value. As a result, SARs are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a liability until the date of exercise.

The fair value of each SAR award is estimated using a lattice-based valuation model. In accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Stock Compensation”, the fair value of each SAR award is recalculated at the end of each reporting period and the liability and expense adjusted based on the new fair value and the percent vested.

The assumptions used to determine the fair value of the SAR awards at December 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

     2010      2009  

Expected average term (in years)

     5.4            6.1      

Expected volatility

     32% - 40%         40% - 47%   

Expected dividend yield

     1.2%         1.6%   

Risk-free interest rate

     0.1% - 3.4%         0.04% - 3.85%   

The following table summarizes the SAR transactions for the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands except for per share amounts):

 

     SARs     Weighted-
Average
Price
 

Outstanding, beginning of period

     364      $ 30   

Granted

     25      $ 23   

Exercised

     (19   $ 12   

Forfeited

     (61   $ 28   
          

Outstanding, end of period

     309      $ 31   
          

Exercisable, end of period

     77      $ 25   
          

The weighted-average fair value of SARs granted during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $8, $5 and $10, respectively.

Restricted (Nonvested) Stock:

The fair value of restricted shares is determined based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The following table summarizes the restricted share transactions for the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands except for per share amounts):

 

     Restricted
Shares
    Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
 

Nonvested, beginning of period

     1,605      $ 35   

Granted

     832      $ 23   

Vested

     (181   $ 25   

Forfeited

     (195   $ 29   
          

Nonvested, end of period

     2,061      $ 31   
          

As of December 31, 2010, there was $22.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.

 

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Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted stock units vest under the same terms and conditions as restricted stock; however, they are settled in cash equal to their settlement date fair value. As a result, RSUs are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a liability until the date of vesting.

The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The following table summarizes the restricted share transactions for the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands except for per share amounts):

 

     Restricted
Stock Unit
    Weighted-Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
Per Share
 

Nonvested, beginning of period

     134      $ 27   

Granted

     106      $ 23   

Vested

     (7   $ 24   

Forfeited

     (24   $ 27   
          

Nonvested, end of period

     209      $ 25   
          

20.     Earnings Per Share

The Company has a share-based compensation plan under which employees may be granted share-based awards including shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs). Non-forfeitable dividends are paid on unvested shares of restricted stock and non-forfeitable dividend equivalents are paid on unvested RSUs. As such, shares of restricted stock and RSUs are considered participating securities under the two-class method of calculating earnings per share as described in ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share.” The two-class method of calculating earnings per share did not have a material impact on the Company’s earnings per share calculation as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands except per share amounts):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Numerator:

        

Income from continuing operations used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share

   $ 259,669       $ 70,641       $ 684,235   
                          

Denominator:

        

Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted-average common shares

     233,312         232,577         234,225   

Effect of dilutive securities – employee stock compensation plan

     1,475         996         252   
                          

Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding

     234,787         233,573         234,477   
                          

Earnings per common share from continuing operations:

        

Basic

   $ 1.11       $ 0.30       $ 2.92   

Diluted

   $ 1.11       $ 0.30       $ 2.92   

Options to purchase 4.2 million, 5.0 million and 5.2 million weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were not included in the Company’s computation of dilutive securities because the exercise price was greater than the market price and therefore the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

 

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21.     Business Segments and Foreign Operations

Business Segments:

The Company operates in two business segments: Motorcycles and 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 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 Financial Services segment 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.

Information by industry segment is set forth below for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009     2008  

Motorcycles net revenue

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

Gross profit

     1,427,403         1,386,196        1,931,144   

Selling, administrative and engineering expense

     885,137         851,165        942,267   

Restructuring expense and other impairments

     163,508         220,976        12,475   
                         

Operating income from Motorcycles

   $ 378,758       $ 314,055      $ 976,402   
                         

Financial services revenue

   $ 682,709       $ 494,779      $ 376,970   

Financial services expense

     500,836         581,059        294,205   

Goodwill impairment

     —           28,387        —     

Restructuring expense

     —           3,302        —     
                         

Operating income (loss) from Financial Services(a)(b)(c)

   $ 181,873       $ (117,969   $ 82,765   
                         

 

(a) Financial Services operating income for 2010 includes the effects of consolidating formerly unconsolidated QSPEs (see Note 1).
(b) Financial Services operating (loss) income for 2009 and 2008 includes a lower of cost or market adjustment of $5.9 million and $37.8 million, respectively (see Note 10).
(c) Financial Services operating (loss) income for 2009 and 2008 includes an impairment of retained securitzation interests of $45.4 million and $41.4 million respectively (see Note 7).

Financial Services revenue includes $9.2 million, $14.7 million and $18.0 million of interest that HDMC paid to HDFS on wholesale finance receivables in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This interest was paid on behalf of HDMC’s independent dealers as a way to enable dealers to manage seasonal increases in inventory. The offsetting cost of these interest incentives was recorded as a reduction to Motorcycles revenue.

 

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Information by industry segment is set forth below as of December 31 (in thousands):

 

     Motorcycles      Financial
Services
     Consolidated  

2010

        

Total assets

   $ 2,701,965       $ 6,728,775       $ 9,430,740   

Depreciation

   $ 248,246       $ 6,925       $ 255,171   

Capital expenditures

   $ 167,730       $ 3,115       $ 170,845   
2009         

Total assets(a)

   $ 3,277,925       $ 5,877,593       $ 9,155,518   

Depreciation

   $ 238,276       $ 8,068       $ 246,344   

Capital expenditures

   $ 111,316       $ 5,432       $ 116,748   
2008         

Total assets(b)

   $ 2,743,856       $ 5,084,769       $ 7,828,625   

Depreciation

   $ 212,915       $ 7,840       $ 220,755   

Capital expenditures

   $ 224,623       $ 4,336       $ 228,959   

 

(a) 2009 total assets for the Motorcycles segment includes assets of discontinued operations of $181.2 million.
(b) 2008 total assets for the Motorcycles segment includes assets of discontinued operations of $238.7 million.

Geographic Information:

Included in the consolidated financial statements are the following amounts relating to geographic locations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Revenue from Motorcycles(a):

        

United States

   $ 2,818,032       $ 2,910,094       $ 3,844,053   

Europe

     699,492         700,882         888,020   

Japan

     234,247         255,901         279,369   

Canada

     157,606         175,964         256,640   

Australia

     136,172         137,626         168,122   

Other foreign countries

     131,078         106,663         142,210   
                          
   $ 4,176,627       $ 4,287,130       $ 5,578,414   
                          

Revenue from Financial Services(a):

        

United States

   $ 652,849       $ 466,161       $ 348,461   

Europe

     3,497         3,164         3,166   

Canada

     26,363         25,454         25,343   
                          
   $ 682,709       $ 494,779       $ 376,970   
                          

Long-lived assets(b):

        

United States

   $ 842,461       $ 918,659       $ 1,100,858   

International

     62,192         65,412         63,040   
                          
   $ 904,653       $ 984,071       $ 1,163,898   
                          

 

(a) Revenue is attributed to geographic regions based on location of customer.
(b) Long-lived assets include all long-term assets except those specifically excluded under ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” such as deferred income taxes and finance receivables.

 

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22.    Related Party Transactions

The Company has the following material related party transactions. A director of the Company is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and an equity owner of Fred Deeley Imports Ltd. (Deeley Imports), the exclusive distributor of the Company’s motorcycles in Canada. The Company recorded motorcycles and related products revenue and financial services revenue from Deeley Imports during 2010, 2009 and 2008 of $158.7 million, $177.2 million and $258.3 million, respectively, and had finance receivables balances due from Deeley Imports of $21.0 million and $13.9 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. All such products were provided in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions that the Company believes are the same as those that would result from arm’s-length negotiations between unrelated parties.

23.    Supplemental Consolidating Data

The supplemental consolidating data for the periods noted is presented for informational purposes. The supplemental consolidating data may be different than segment information presented elsewhere due to the allocation of intercompany eliminations to reporting segments. All supplemental data is presented in thousands.

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2010  
     Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations
    Financial
Services Operations
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue:

         

Motorcycles and related products

   $ 4,176,627      $ —         $ —        $ 4,176,627   

Financial services

     —          683,329         (620     682,709   
                                 

Total revenue

     4,176,627        683,329         (620     4,859,336   

Costs and expenses:

         

Motorcycles and related products cost of goods sold

     2,749,224        —           —          2,749,224   

Financial services interest expense

     —          272,484         —          272,484   

Financial services provision for credit losses

     —          93,118         —          93,118   

Selling, administrative and engineering expense

     881,888        139,103         (620     1,020,371   

Restructuring expense and other impairments

     163,508        —           —          163,508   
                                 

Total costs and expenses

     3,794,620        504,705         (620     4,298,705   
                                 

Operating income

     382,007        178,624         —          560,631   

Investment income

     5,442        —           —          5,442   

Interest expense

     90,357        —           —          90,357   

Loss on debt extinguishment

     85,247        —           —          85,247   
                                 

Income before provision for income taxes

     211,845        178,624         —          390,469   

Provision for income taxes

     66,495        64,305         —          130,800   
                                 

Income from continuing operations

     145,350        114,319         —          259,669   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (113,124     —           —          (113,124
                                 

Net income

   $ 32,226      $ 114,319       $ —        $ 146,545   
                                 

 

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     Year Ended December 31, 2009  
     Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations
    Financial Services
Operations
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue:

        

Motorcycles and related products

   $ 4,287,130      $ —        $ —        $ 4,287,130   

Financial services

     —          495,687        (908     494,779   
                                

Total revenue

     4,287,130        495,687        (908     4,781,909   

Costs and expenses:

        

Motorcycles and related products cost of goods sold

     2,900,934        —          —          2,900,934   

Financial services interest expense

     —          283,634        —          283,634   

Financial services provision for credit losses

     —          169,206        —          169,206   

Selling, administrative and engineering expense

     852,073        128,219        (908     979,384   

Restructuring expense and other impairments

     220,976        3,302        —          224,278   

Goodwill impairment

     —          28,387        —          28,387   
                                

Total costs and expenses

     3,973,983        612,748        (908     4,585,823   
                                

Operating income (loss)

     313,147        (117,061     —          196,086   

Investment income

     4,254        —          —          4,254   

Interest expense

     21,680        —          —          21,680   
                                

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     295,721        (117,061     —          178,660   

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     140,565        (32,546     —          108,019   
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     155,156        (84,515     —          70,641   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (125,757     —          —          (125,757
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ 29,399      $ (84,515   $ —        $ (55,116
                                

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2008  
     Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations
    Financial
Services Operations
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue:

         

Motorcycles and related products

   $ 5,583,343      $ —         $ (4,929   $ 5,578,414   

Financial services

     —          377,542         (572     376,970   
                                 

Total revenue

     5,583,343        377,542         (5,501     5,955,384   

Costs and expenses:

         

Motorcycles and related products cost of goods sold

     3,647,270        —           —          3,647,270   

Financial services interest expense

     —          136,763         —          136,763   

Financial services provision for credit losses

     —          39,555         —          39,555   

Selling, administrative and engineering expense

     942,839        122,816         (5,501     1,060,154   

Restructuring expense and other impairments

     12,475        —           —          12,475   
                                 

Total costs and expenses

     4,602,584        299,134         (5,501     4,896,217   
                                 

Operating income

     980,759        78,408         —          1,059,167   

Investment income

     11,296        —           —          11,296   

Interest expense

     4,542        —           —          4,542   
                                 

Income before provision for income taxes

     987,513        78,408         —          1,065,921   

Provision for income taxes

     353,641        28,045         —          381,686   
                                 

Income from continuing operations

     633,872        50,363         —          684,235   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (29,517     —           —          (29,517
                                 

Net income

   $ 604,355      $ 50,363       $ —        $ 654,718   
                                 

 

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     December 31, 2010  
     Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations
     Financial
Services Operations
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

ASSETS

          

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 791,791       $ 230,142       $ —        $ 1,021,933   

Marketable securities

     140,118         —           —          140,118   

Accounts receivable, net

     454,311         —           (191,929     262,382   

Finance receivables held for investment, net

     —           1,080,432         —          1,080,432   

Restricted finance receivables held by variable interest entities, net

     —           699,026         —          699,026   

Inventories

     326,446         —           —          326,446   

Restricted cash held by variable interest entities

     —           288,887         —          288,887   

Deferred income taxes

     101,423         44,988         —          146,411   

Other current assets

     57,269         91,297         (47,575     100,991   
                                  

Total current assets

     1,871,358         2,434,772         (239,504     4,066,626   

Finance receivables held for investment, net

     —           1,553,781         —          1,553,781   

Restricted finance receivables held by variable interest entities, net

     —           2,684,330         —          2,684,330   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     785,139         29,973         —          815,112   

Goodwill

     29,590         —           —          29,590   

Deferred income taxes

     206,179         11,035         (3,225     213,989   

Other long-term assets

     118,571         14,884         (66,143     67,312   
                                  
   $ 3,010,837       $ 6,728,775       $ (308,872   $ 9,430,740   
                                  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          

Current liabilities:

          

Accounts payable

   $ 195,642       $ 253,794       $ (224,090   $ 225,346   

Accrued liabilities

     501,741         73,569         (18,639     556,671   

Short-term debt

     —           480,472         —          480,472   

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

     —           751,293         —          751,293   
                                  

Total current liabilities

     697,383         1,559,128         (242,729     2,013,782   

Long-term debt

     303,000         2,213,650         —          2,516,650   

Long-term debt held by variable interest entities

     —           2,003,941         —          2,003,941   

Pension liability

     282,085         —           —          282,085   

Postretirement healthcare liability

     254,762         —           —          254,762   

Other long-term liabilities

     140,804         11,850         —          152,654   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)

          

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,332,803         940,206         (66,143     2,206,866   
                                  
   $ 3,010,837       $ 6,728,775       $ (308,872   $ 9,430,740   
                                  

 

119


Table of Contents
     December 31, 2009  
     Motorcycles & Related
Products Operations
     Financial
Services Operations
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

ASSETS

          

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,141,862       $ 488,571       $ —        $ 1,630,433   

Marketable securities

     39,685         —           —          39,685   

Accounts receivable, net

     356,932         —           (87,561     269,371   

Finance receivables held for investment, net

     —           1,436,114         —          1,436,114   

Inventories

     323,029         —           —          323,029   

Assets of discontinued operations

     181,211         —           —          181,211   

Deferred income taxes

     130,884         48,801         —          179,685   

Other current assets

     60,864         221,557         —          282,421   
                                  

Total current assets

     2,234,467         2,195,043         (87,561     4,341,949   

Finance receivables held for investment, net

     —           3,621,048         —          3,621,048   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     872,336         34,570         —          906,906   

Goodwill

     31,400         —           —          31,400   

Deferred income taxes

     169,843         10,242         (2,581     177,504   

Other long-term assets

     123,838         16,690         (63,817     76,711   
                                  
   $ 3,431,884       $ 5,877,593       $ (153,959   $ 9,155,518   
                                  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          

Current liabilities:

          

Accounts payable

   $ 141,097       $ 108,979       $ (87,561   $ 162,515   

Accrued liabilities

     447,021         69,644         (2,581     514,084   

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     69,535         —           —          69,535   

Short-term debt

     —           189,999         —          189,999   

Current portion of long-term debt

     204,959         1,127,132         —          1,332,091   
                                  

Total current liabilities

     862,612         1,495,754         (90,142     2,268,224   

Long-term debt

     600,000         3,514,039         —          4,114,039   

Pension liability

     245,332         —           —          245,332   

Postretirement healthcare liability

     264,472         —           —          264,472   

Other long-term liabilities

     143,905         11,428         —          155,333   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)

          

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,315,563         856,372         (63,817     2,108,118   
                                  
   $ 3,431,884       $ 5,877,593       $ (153,959   $ 9,155,518   
                                  

 

120


Table of Contents
    Year ended December 31, 2010  
    Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations
    Financial
Services
Operations
    Eliminations
&
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

       

Net income

  $ 32,226      $ 114,319      $ —        $ 146,545   

Loss from discontinued operations

    (113,124     —          —          (113,124
                               

Income from continuing operations

    145,350        114,319        —          259,669   

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:

       

Depreciation

    248,246        6,925        —          255,171   

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

    —          87,223        —          87,223   

Amortization of financing origination fees

    878        18,740        —          19,618   

Provision for employee long-term benefits

    78,812        818        —          79,630   

Contributions to pension and postretirement plans

    (39,391     —          —          (39,391

Stock compensation expense

    28,105        2,326        —          30,431   

Net change in wholesale finance receivables

    —          —          81,527        81,527   

Provision for credit losses

    —          93,118        —          93,118   

Loss on debt extinguishment

    85,247        —          —          85,247   

Pension and postretirement healthcare plan curtailment and settlement expense

    31,824        —          —          31,824   

Deferred income taxes

    (16,774     (817     —          (17,591

Foreign currency adjustments

    (21,480     —          —          (21,480

Other, net

    13,178        (1,268     —          11,910   

Change in current assets and current liabilities:

       

Accounts receivable

    (101,462     —          104,367        2,905   

Finance receivables – accrued interest and other

    —          10,083        —          10,083   

Inventories

    2,516        —          —          2,516   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    196,155        170,832        (151,974     215,013   

Restructuring reserves

    (32,258     (219     —          (32,477

Derivative instruments

    (813     6,152        —          5,339   

Other

    3,888        (48,330     47,575        3,133   
                               

Total adjustments

    476,671        345,583        81,495        903,749   
                               

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

    622,021        459,902        81,495        1,163,418   
                               

Cash flows from investing activities of continuing operations:

       

Capital expenditures

    (167,730     (3,115     —          (170,845

Origination of finance receivables

    —          (5,319,738     3,067,206        (2,252,532

Collections of finance receivables

    —          5,817,695        (3,148,733     2,668,962   

Purchases of marketable securities

    (184,365     —          —          (184,365

Sales and redemptions of marketable securities

    84,217        —          —          84,217   
                               

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

    (267,878     494,842        (81,527     145,437   
                               

Cash flows from financing activities of continuing operations:

       

Repayment of medium-term notes

    —          (200,000     —          (200,000

Repayment of senior unsecured notes

    (380,757     —          —          (380,757

Proceeds from securitization debt

    —          598,187        —          598,187   

Repayments of securitization debt

    —          (1,896,665     —          (1,896,665

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

    (178,292     208,867        —          30,575   

Net repayments of asset-backed commercial paper

    —          (845     —          (845

Net change in restricted cash

    —          77,654        —          77,654   

Dividends paid

    (94,145     —          —          (94,145

Purchase of common stock for treasury

    (1,706     —          —          (1,706

Excess tax benefits from share based payments

    3,767        —          —          3,767   

Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans

    7,845        —          —          7,845   
                               

Net cash used by financing activities of continuing operations

    (643,288     (1,212,802     —          (1,856,090

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

    5,279        (371     32        4,940   

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations

    (283,866     (258,429     —          (542,295

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

       

Cash flows from operating activities of discontinued operations

    (71,073     —          —          (71,073

Cash flows from investing activities of discontinued operations

    —          —          —          —     

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

    (1,195     —          —          (1,195
                               
    (72,268     —          —          (72,268
                               

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  $ (356,134   $ (258,429   $ —        $ (614,563
                               

Cash and cash equivalents:

       

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period

  $ 1,141,862      $ 488,571      $ —        $ 1,630,433   

Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations – beginning of period

    6,063        —          —          6,063   

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (356,134     (258,429     —          (614,563

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

    —          —          —          —     
                               

Cash and cash equivalents – end of period

  $ 791,791      $ 230,142      $ —        $ 1,021,933   
                               

 

121


Table of Contents
    Year ended December 31, 2009  
    Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations
    Financial
Services
Operations
    Eliminations
&
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

       

Net income (loss)

  $ 29,399      $ (84,515   $ —        $ (55,116

Loss from discontinued operations

    (125,757     —          —          (125,757
                               

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    155,156        (84,515     —          70,641   

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:

       

Depreciation

    238,276        8,068        —          246,344   

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

    —          66,779        —          66,779   

Amortization of financing origination fees

    872        26,273        —          27,145   

Provision for employee long-term benefits

    80,387        —          —          80,387   

Contributions to pension and postretirement plans

    (233,224     —          —          (233,224

Stock compensation expense

    16,326        1,250        —          17,576   

Net change in wholesale finance receivables

    —          —          332,167        332,167   

Origination of retail finance receivables held for sale

    —          (1,180,467     —          (1,180,467

Collections of retail finance receivables held for sale

    —          919,201        —          919,201   

Impairment of investment in retained securitization interests

    —          45,370        —          45,370   

Lower of cost or FMV adj. on finance receivables HFS

    —          5,895        —          5,895   

Goodwill and other impairments

    18,024        28,387        —          46,411   

Pension and postretirement healthcare plan curtailment and settlement expense

    37,814        —          —          37,814   

Provision for credit losses

    —          169,206        —          169,206   

Deferred income taxes

    26,914        (19,983     —          6,931   

Foreign currency adjustments

    (22,234     —          —          (22,234

Other, net

    8,827        838        —          9,665   

Change in current assets and current liabilities:

       

Accounts receivable

    226,334        —          (217,525     8,809   

Finance receivables – accrued interest and other

    —          (3,360     —          (3,360

Inventories

    85,472        —          —          85,472   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    (175,936     (242,784     217,525        (201,195

Restructuring reserves

    65,346        642        —          65,988   

Derivative instruments

    10,591        (5,880     —          4,711   

Other

    1,133        1,845        —          2,978   
                               

Total adjustments

    384,922        (178,720     332,167        538,369   
                               

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

    540,078        (263,235     332,167        609,010   
                               

Cash flows from investing activities of continuing operations:

       

Capital expenditures

    (111,316     (5,432     —          (116,748

Origination of finance receivables held for investment

    —          (4,569,104     3,190,878        (1,378,226

Collections of finance receivables held for investment

    —          4,130,213        (3,523,045     607,168   

Collection of retained securitization interests

    —          61,170        —          61,170   

Purchase of marketable securities

    (39,685     —          —          (39,685

Other – net

    2,834        —          —          2,834   
                               

Net cash used by investing activities of continuing operations

    (148,167     (383,153     (332,167     (863,487
                               

Cash flows from financing activities of continuing operations:

       

Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes

    —          496,514        —          496,514   

Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes

    595,026        —          —          595,026   

Proceeds from securitization debt

    —          2,413,192        —          2,413,192   

Repayments of securitization debt

    —          (263,083     —          (263,083

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

    20,476        (1,103,807     —          (1,083,331

Net repayments of asset-backed commercial paper

    —          (513,168     —          (513,168

Net change in restricted cash

    —          (167,667     —          (167,667

Dividends paid

    (93,807     —          —          (93,807

Purchase of common stock for treasury

    (1,920     —          —          (1,920

Excess tax benefits from share based payments

    170        —          —          170   

Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans

    11        —          —          11   
                               

Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations

    519,956        861,981        —          1,381,937   

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

    7,193        (404     —          6,789   

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations

    919,060        215,189        —          1,134,249   

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

       

Cash flows from operating activities of discontinued operations

    (71,298     —          —          (71,298

Cash flows from investing activities of discontinued operations

    (18,805     —          —          (18,805

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

    (1,208     —          —          (1,208
                               
    (91,311     —          —          (91,311
                               

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

  $ 827,749      $ 215,189      $ —        $ 1,042,938   
                               

Cash and cash equivalents:

       

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period

  $ 295,512      $ 273,382      $ —        $ 568,894   

Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations – beginning of period

    24,664        —          —          24,664   

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

    827,749        215,189        —          1,042,938   

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

    (6,063     —          —          (6,063
                               

Cash and cash equivalents – end of period

  $ 1,141,862      $ 488,571      $ —        $ 1,630,433   
                               

 

122


Table of Contents
    Year ended December 31, 2008  
    Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations
    Financial
Services
Operations
    Eliminations
&
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

       

Net income

  $ 604,355      $ 50,363      $ —        $ 654,718   

Loss from discontinued operations

    (29,517     —          —          (29,517
                               

Income from continuing operations

    633,872        50,363        —          684,235   

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:

       

Depreciation

    212,915        7,840        —          220,755   

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

    —          38,222        —          38,222   

Amortization of financing origination fees

    —          4,517        —          4,517   

Provision for employee long-term benefits

    76,426        —          —          76,426   

Contributions to pension and postretirement plans

    (19,517     —          —          (19,517

Stock compensation expense

    22,391        2,082        —          24,473   

Loss on current year securitizations

    —          5,370        —          5,370   

Net change in wholesale finance receivables

    —          —          99,373        99,373   

Origination of retail finance receivables held for sale

    —          (2,788,463     —          (2,788,463

Collections of retail finance receivables held for sale

    —          507,106        —          507,106   

Proceeds from securitization of retail finance receivables

    —          467,722        —          467,722   

Impairment of investment in retained securitization interests

    —          41,403        —          41,403   

Lower of cost or FMV adj. on finance receivables HFS

    —          37,764        —          37,764   

Provision for credit losses

    —          39,555        —          39,555   

Deferred income taxes

    (36,103     (10,626     —          (46,729

Foreign currency adjustments

    2,892        —          —          2,892   

Other, net

    16,723        (967     —          15,756   

Change in current assets and current liabilities:

       

Accounts receivable

    (155,130     —          157,840        2,710   

Finance receivables – accrued interest and other

    —          (7,149     —          (7,149

Inventories

    (42,263     —          —          (42,263

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    30,220        106,626        (90,848     45,998   

Restructuring reserves

    2,149        —          —          2,149   

Derivative instruments

    (9,829     (2,133     —          (11,962

Other

    (6,546     (1,826     —          (8,372
                               

Total adjustments

    94,328        (1,552,957     166,365        (1,292,264
                               

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

    728,200        (1,502,594     166,365        (608,029
                               

Cash flows from investing activities:

       

Capital expenditures

    (224,623     (4,336     —          (228,959

Origination of finance receivables held for investment

    —          (4,934,387     4,325,766        (608,621

Collections of finance receivables held for investment

    —          4,875,060        (4,426,070     448,990   

Collection of retained securitization interests

    —          93,747        —          93,747   

Proceeds from transfer of finance receivables from HDFSE to HDE

    —          65,961        (65,961     —     

Sales and redemptions of marketable securities

    2,543        —          —          2,543   

Other – net

    (2,575     —          —          (2,575
                               

Net cash (used by) provided by investing activities

    (224,655     96,045        (166,265     (294,875
                               

Cash flows from financing activities:

       

Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes

    —          993,550        —          993,550   

Repayment of medium-term note

    —          (400,000     —          (400,000

Net increase in credit facilities and unsecured commercial paper

    193,749        567,316        —          761,065   

Net borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper

    —          490,000        —          490,000   

Dividends paid

    (302,314     —          —          (302,314

Purchase of common stock for treasury

    (250,410     —          —          (250,410

Excess tax benefits from share based payments

    320        —          —          320   

Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans

    1,179        —          —          1,179   
                               

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

    (357,476     1,650,866        —          1,293,390   

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

    (15,814     (4,438     (100     (20,352

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations

    130,255        239,879        —          370,134   

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

       

Cash flows from operating activities of discontinued operations

    (75,028     —          —          (75,028

Cash flows from investing activities of discontinued operations

    (99,963     —          —          (99,963

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

    (4,439     —          —          (4,439
                               
    (179,430     —          —          (179,430
                               

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

  $ (49,175   $ 239,879      $ —        $ 190,704   
                               

Cash and cash equivalents:

       

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period

  $ 369,351      $ 33,503      $ —        $ 402,854   

Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations – beginning of period

    —          —          —          —     

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (49,175     239,879        —          190,704   

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

    (24,664     —          —          (24,664
                               

Cash and cash equivalents – end of period

  $ 295,512      $ 273,382      $ —        $ 568,894   
                               

 

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24.    Subsequent Event

In January 2011, the Company contributed $200.0 million to further fund its pension plans.

SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Quarterly financial data (unaudited)

(In millions, except per share data)

 

    1st Quarter     2nd Quarter     3rd Quarter     4th Quarter  
    Mar 28,
2010
    Mar 29,
2009
    June 27,
2010
    June 28,
2009
    Sep 26,
2010
    Sep 27,
2009
    Dec 31,
2010
    Dec 31,
2009
 

Motorcycles:

               

Revenue

  $ 1,037.3      $ 1,278.4      $ 1,135.1      $ 1,135.7      $ 1,087.1      $ 1,108.5      $ 917.1      $ 764.5   

Operating income (loss)(a)(b)

  $ 126.1      $ 231.0      $ 157.9      $ 174.2      $ 101.5      $ 130.7      $ (6.8   $ (221.8

Financial Services:

               

Revenue

  $ 169.8      $ 104.7      $ 173.7      $ 124.0      $ 172.8      $ 137.0      $ 166.3      $ 129.2   

Operating income (loss)(c)(d)

  $ 26.7      $ 11.2      $ 60.8      $ (90.5   $ 50.9      $ (31.5   $ 43.5      $ (7.1

Consolidated:

               

Income (loss) before taxes(e)

  $ 130.2      $ 234.4      $ 196.7      $ 83.2      $ 130.5      $ 99.2      $ (67.0   $ (238.1

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $ 68.7      $ 128.1      $ 139.3      $ 33.4      $ 93.7      $ 56.4      $ (42.1   $ (147.2

Loss from discontinued operations(f)

  $ (35.4   $ (10.7   $ (68.1   $ (13.6   $ (4.9   $ (29.9   $ (4.7   $ (71.5
                                                               

Net income (loss)

  $ 33.3      $ 117.4      $ 71.2      $ 19.8      $ 88.8      $ 26.5      $ (46.8   $ (218.7
                                                               

Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations:

               

Basic

  $ 0.30      $ 0.55      $ 0.60      $ 0.14      $ 0.40      $ 0.24      $ (0.18   $ (0.63

Diluted

  $ 0.29      $ 0.55      $ 0.59      $ 0.14      $ 0.40      $ 0.24      $ (0.18   $ (0.63

Loss per common share from discontinued operations:

               

Basic

  $ (0.15   $ (0.05   $ (0.29   $ (0.06   $ (0.02   $ (0.13   $ (0.02   $ (0.31

Diluted

  $ (0.15   $ (0.05   $ (0.29   $ (0.06   $ (0.02   $ (0.13   $ (0.02   $ (0.31

Earnings (loss) per common share:

               

Basic

  $ 0.14      $ 0.51      $ 0.30      $ 0.08      $ 0.38      $ 0.11      $ (0.20   $ (0.94

Diluted

  $ 0.14      $ 0.50      $ 0.30      $ 0.08      $ 0.38      $ 0.11      $ (0.20   $ (0.94

 

(a) Operating income (loss) for the Motorcycles segment includes restructuring expense and other impairments as discussed in Note 4 for the following periods (in millions):

 

    1st Quarter     2nd Quarter     3rd Quarter     4th Quarter  
    Mar 28,
2010
    Mar 29,
2009
    June 27,
2010
    June 28,
2009
    Sep 26,
2010
    Sep 27,
2009
    Dec 31,
2010
    Dec 31,
2009
 

Motorcycles:

               

Restructuring expense

  $ 49.3      $ 30.4      $ 30.1      $ 15.1      $ 39.3      $ 36.6      $ 17.7      $ 83.1   

Asset impairment

    —          —          —          —          —          14.2        —          3.8   

Pension and postretirement healthcare plan curtailment

    (1.0     4.5        —          —          28.2        —          —          33.3   
                                                               

Total restructuring expense and other impairments

  $ 48.3      $ 34.9      $ 30.1      $ 15.1      $ 67.5      $ 50.8      $ 17.7      $ 120.2   
                                                               

 

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(b) Operating income (loss) for the Motorcycles segment includes approximately $19 million of costs associated with the Company’s efforts to expand its presence in Brazil as discussed in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
(c) Operating income (loss) for the Financial Services segment includes restructuring expense as discussed in Note 4 for the quarters ended September 27, 2009 and December 31, 2009 of $1.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively.
(d) Operating income (loss) for the Financial Services segment includes a goodwill impairment charge as discussed in Note 5 for the quarter ended June 28, 2009 of $28.4 million.
(e) Income (loss) before taxes includes a loss on debt extinguishment as discussed in Note 13 for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 of $85.2 million.
(f) Loss from discontinued operations includes pre-tax impairment charges as discussed in Note 3 for the following periods (in millions):

 

     1st Quarter      2nd Quarter      3rd Quarter      4th Quarter  
     Mar 28,
2010
     Mar 29,
2009
     June 27,
2010
     June 28,
2009
     Sep 26,
2010
     Sep 27,
2009
     Dec 31,
2010
     Dec 31,
2009
 

Loss from discontinued operations:

                       

Impairment charges (pre-tax)

   $ 35.0       $ —         $ 76.8       $ —         $ —         $ 18.9       $       $ 96.5   

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its President and Chief Executive Officer and its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The report of management required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The attestation report required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information included or to be included in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed on or about March 15, 2011 (the Proxy Statement), under the captions “Questions and Answers about the Company – Who are our executive officers for SEC purposes?,” “Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters – Audit Committee,” “Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Audit Committee Report,” and “Independence of Directors” is incorporated by reference herein.

The Company has adopted the Harley-Davidson, Inc. Financial Code of Ethics applicable to the Company’s chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, the principal accounting officer and the controller and other persons performing similar functions. The Company has posted a copy of the Harley-Davidson, Inc. Financial Code of Ethics on the Company’s website at www.harley-davidson.com. The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Current Report on Form 8-K regarding amendments to, or waivers from, the Harley-Davidson, Inc. Financial Code of Ethics by posting such information on its website at www.harley-davidson.com. 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.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information included or to be included in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Human Resources Committee Report on Executive Compensation” is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information included or to be included in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Common Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” is incorporated by reference herein.

The following table provides information about the Company’s equity compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) as of December 31, 2010:

 

Plan Category

   Number of securities
to be issued upon the
exercise of
outstanding options
     Weighted-
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options
     Numbr of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
the first column)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders:

        

Management employees

     6,925,409       $ 36.01         14,035,816   

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders:

        

Union employees:

        

Kansas City, MO

     —         $ —           26,718   

York, PA

     38,470       $ 38.88         58,300   

Non employees:

        

Board of Directors

     13,800       $ 51.22         282,727   
                    
     52,270       $ 42.14         367,745   
                    

Total all plans

     6,977,679       $ 36.06         14,403,561   
                    

 

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Plan documents for each of the Company’s equity compensation plans have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on a timely basis and are included in the list of exhibits to this annual report on Form 10-K. Equity compensation plans not submitted to shareholders for approval were adopted prior to current regulations requiring such approval and have not been materially altered since adoption.

The material features of the union employees’ stock option awards are the same as those of the management employees’ stock option awards. Under the Company’s management and union plans, stock options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. Beginning with awards granted in 2010, stock options vest ratably over a three-year period with the first one-third of the grant becoming exercisable one year after the date of grant. Awards granted prior to 2010 generally vested ratably over a four-year period, with the first 25 percent becoming exercisable one year after the date of grant.

Effective December 31, 2002, non-employee directors of the Company’s Board of Directors were no longer eligible to receive stock options. Prior to December 31, 2002, under the Board of Directors’ plan, each non-employee director who served as a member of the Board immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders was automatically granted an immediately exercisable stock option for the purchase of such number of shares of Common Stock equal to three times the annual retainer fee for directors divided by the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the day of grant (rounded up to the nearest multiple of 100). Board of Directors’ stock options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant.

The Director Compensation Policy provides non-employee Directors with compensation that includes an annual retainer as well as a grant of share units. The payment of share units is deferred until a director ceases to serve as a director and the share units are payable at that time in actual Company stock. The Director Compensation Policy also provides that a non-employee Director may elect to receive 50% or 100% of the annual retainer to be paid in each calendar year in the form of Common Stock based upon the fair market value of the Common Stock at the time of the annual meeting of shareholders. Each Director must receive a minimum of one-half of his or her annual retainer in Company Common Stock until the Director reaches the Director stock ownership guidelines defined below.

In August 2002, the Board approved “Director and Senior Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines” (Ownership Guidelines) which were most recently revised in February 2011. The Ownership Guidelines stipulate that all Directors hold 15,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock and senior executives hold from 15,000 to 200,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock depending on their level. The Directors and senior executives have five years from the date they are elected a Director or promoted to a senior executive to accumulate the appropriate number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information included or to be included in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Certain Transactions” and “Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters – Independence of Directors” is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information included or to be included in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Fees Paid to Ernst & Young LLP” is incorporated by reference herein.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K:

 

        (1)

   Financial Statements   
           Consolidated statements of operations for each of the three years in the period ended December  31, 2010      62   
           Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009      63   
           Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December  31, 2010      64   
            Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010      65   
           Notes to consolidated financial statements      67   

        (2)

   Financial Statement Schedule   
           Schedule II – Valuation and qualifying accounts      130   

        (3)

   Exhibits      133   

Reference is made to the separate Index to Exhibits contained on pages 134 through 138 filed herewith

All other schedules are omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules.

 

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Schedule II

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

(In thousands)

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Accounts receivable – allowance for doubtful accounts

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 11,409      $ 6,240      $ 9,016   

Provision charged to expense

     3,216        7,715        3,061   

Reserve adjustments

     (3,837     (674     146   

Write-offs, net of recoveries

     (431     (1,872     (5,983
                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 10,357      $ 11,409      $ 6,240   
                        

Finance receivables – allowance for credit losses

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 150,082      $ 40,068      $ 30,295   

Allowance related to newly consolidated finance receivables(a)

     49,424        —          —     

Provision for finance credit losses

     93,118        169,206        39,555   

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

     (119,035     (59,192     (29,782
      

Balance, end of period

   $ 173,589      $ 150,082      $ 40,068   
                        

Inventories – allowance for obsolescence(b)

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 34,745      $ 24,091      $ 16,307   

Provision charged to expense

     17,142        36,476        33,033   

Reserve adjustments

     636        (206     (286

Write-offs, net of recoveries

     (18,343     (25,616     (24,963
                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 34,180      $ 34,745      $ 24,091   
                        

Deferred tax assets – valuation allowance

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 22,170      $ —        $ —     

Allowance for operating loss and credit carryforwards

     4,878        22,170        —     
                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 27,048      $ 22,170      $ —     
                        

 

(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.
(b) Inventory obsolescence reserves deducted from cost determined on first-in first-out (FIFO) basis, before deductions for last-in, first-out (LIFO) valuation reserves.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on February 24, 2011.

 

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.

By:

 

/S/ Keith E. Wandell

  Keith E. Wandell
  President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 24, 2011.

 

Name

  

Title

/S/ Keith E. Wandell

   President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Keith E. Wandell    (Principal executive officer)

/S/ John A. Olin

   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John A. Olin    (Principal financial officer)

/S/ Mark R. Kornetzke

   Chief Accounting Officer
Mark R. Kornetzke    (Principal accounting officer)

/S/ Barry K. Allen

   Chairman and Director
Barry K. Allen   

/S/ Richard I. Beattie

   Director
Richard I. Beattie   

/S/ Martha F. Brooks

   Director
Martha F. Brooks   

/S/ George H. Conrades

   Director
George H. Conrades   

/S/ Judson C. Green

   Director
Judson C. Green   

/S/ Donald A. James

   Director
Donald A. James   

/S/ Sara L. Levinson

   Director
Sara L. Levinson   

/S/ N. Thomas Linebarger

   Director
N. Thomas Linebarger   

 

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Name

  

Title

/S/ George L. Miles, Jr.

   Director
George L. Miles, Jr.   

/S/ James A. Norling

   Director
James A. Norling   

/S/ Jochen Zeitz

   Director
Jochen Zeitz   

/S/ R. John Anderson

   Director
R. John Anderson   

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]

 

Exhibit No

  

Description

  2.1    Sale and Purchase Agreement among Harley-Davidson, Inc. and related parties and MV Agusta Holding S.r.l. and Claudio Castiglioni, dated July 31, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 6, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  3.1    Composite of Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended through April 26, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  3.2    Harley-Davidson, Inc. By-Laws, as amended through February 10, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2011 (File No. 1-9183))
  4.1    Indenture to provide for the issuance of indebtedness dated as of November 21, 2003 between Harley-Davidson Funding Corp., Issuer, Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. and Harley-Davidson Credit Corp., Guarantors, to BNY Midwest Trust Company, Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-9183))
  4.2    3-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2010, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the financial institutions parties thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as global administrative agent and global swing line lender (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  4.3    364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2010, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the financial institutions parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as global administrative agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  4.4    Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Servicing Agreement dated as of April 29, 2010 by and among certain subsidiaries of the Company, various institutions parties thereto as lenders and agents and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as, among other things, Program Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  4.5    Amendment No. 2 to Loan and Servicing Agreement dated as of July 27, 2010 by and among certain subsidiaries of the Company, various institutions parties thereto as lenders and agents and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as, among other things, Program Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 27, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  4.6    Amended and Restated Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2009, by and between certain subsidiaries of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 30, 2009, as amended on August 17, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
  4.7    Letter Agreement dated as of April 29, 2010 by and among certain subsidiaries of the Company, various institutions party thereto as lenders and agents and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as, among other things, and Administrative Agent, relating to Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Servicing Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]

 

Exhibit No

  

Description

  4.8    Trust Agreement dated as of April 15, 2009 between Harley-Davidson Customer Funding Corp. (“HDCFC”) and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 12, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
  4.9    Indenture dated as of May 1, 2009 between the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Trust 2009-1 (the “Trust”) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (the “Indenture Trustee”) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 12, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
10.1*    Harley-Davidson, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan as amended through April 28, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 (File No. 1-9183))
10.2    Harley-Davidson, Inc. 1998 Non-Exempt Employee Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-75347))
10.3    2001 York Hourly-Paid Employees Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (File No. 1-9183))
10.4*    Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan as amended through April 28, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 (File No. 1-9183))
10.5*    Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 25, 2009 filed on April 3, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
10.6*    Amended and Restated Harley-Davidson, Inc. Director Stock Plan as amended and restated effective April 24, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix C to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 24, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
10.7*    Director Compensation Policy effective April 25, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
10.8*    Deferred Compensation Plan for Nonemployee Directors as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 1-9183))
10.9*    Harley-Davidson Management Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 and further amended March 2, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
10.10*    Harley-Davidson, Inc. Employee Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 24, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

 

 

* Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]

 

Exhibit No

  

Description

10.11*    Harley-Davidson Pension Benefit Restoration Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 1-9183))
10.12*    Harley-Davidson Retiree Insurance Allowance Plan, effective January 1, 2009, together with amendments adopted through May 31, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
10.13*    Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report of Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
10.14*    Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
10.15*    Form of Notice of Special Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
10.16*    Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
10.17*    Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
10.18*    Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
10.19*    Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
10.20*    Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

 

 

* Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.

 

135


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]

 

Exhibit No

  

Description

10.21*    Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (International) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
10.22*    Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan to each of Messrs. Hund, Levatich, Olin and Wandell (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 1, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
10.23*    Form of Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan to each of Messrs. Hund and Wandell (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
10.24*    Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan and the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-9183))
10.25*    Form of Notice of Special Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan and the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-9183))
10.26*    Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report of Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
10.27*    Form of Notice of Special Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report of Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 (File No. 1-9183))
10.28*    Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 1-9183))
10.29*    Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Unit and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 (File No. 1-9183))
10.30*    Form of Amended and Restated Severance Benefits Agreement as amended through April 25, 2008 between the Registrant and Mr. Richer (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2008 (File No. 1-9183))

 

 

* Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.

 

136


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]

 

Exhibit No

  

Description

10.31*    Form of Severance Benefits Agreement between the Registrant and each of Messrs. Hund, Jones, Levatich, Olin and Wandell (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
10.32*    Form of Transition Agreement between the Registrant and each of Messrs. Levatich, Olin and Wandell (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
10.33*    Transition Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Hund (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
10.34*    Employment Transition Agreement between the Registrant and Gail A. Lione dated February 8, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
21    List of Subsidiaries
23    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1    Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2    Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
32    Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350
101    Financial statements from the annual report on Form 10-K of Harley-Davidson, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed on February 24, 2011 formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements furnished herewith.

 

 

* Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.

 

137