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. Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the groups of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). The Company operates in two reportable segments: the Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) reportable segment and the Financial Services reportable segment. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations.
The Motorcycles reportable segment consists of HDMC which designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale street-legal Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. The Company’s products are sold to retail customers through a network of independent dealers. The Company conducts business on a global basis, with sales in the following regions: North America, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
The Financial Services reportable segment consists of HDFS which provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance and insurance-related programs primarily to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers. HDFS conducts business principally in the United States and Canada.
See Note 19 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, manufacture and sell at wholesale street-legal Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. The Company’s worldwide motorcycle sales generated approximately 79%, 77% and 76% of the total net revenue in the Motorcycles segment during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles feature classic styling, innovative design, distinctive sound, and superior quality with the ability to customize. The Company manufactures six platforms of motorcycles: Touring, Dyna®, Softail®, Sportster®, V-Rod® and Street. The first four of these motorcycle platforms are powered by air-cooled, or combination air-and liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engines with a 45-degree "V" configuration. The V-Rod® and Street platforms are powered by liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engines with a 60-degree "V" configuration. The Company primarily competes in the market segment consisting of street-legal motorcycles with engine displacements of 601cc and greater. The Company's engines currently range in displacement from 494cc to 1802cc.
The street-legal motorcycle market is comprised of the following categories:
•
Standard (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 owner customization);
•
Touring (emphasizes rider comfort and load capacity and incorporates features such as saddlebags, fairings, or large luggage compartments); and
•
Dual (designed with the capability for use on public roads as well as for some off-highway recreational use).
In 2014, the Company revealed Project LiveWireTM, an electric motorcycle, and began offering demonstration rides in the U.S. which the Company plans to expand to Europe and Canada in 2015.(1) The Company is collecting the demonstration riders' feedback to gain insight into what customers are looking for in this type of motorcycle. The Company has made no commitment to launch Project LiveWireTM commercially.
The Company competes in the touring and cruiser categories of the motorcycle market. The touring category of the market was pioneered by the Company and includes the Harley-Davidson Touring platform of motorcycles, including three-wheeled motorcycles, which are generally equipped with fairings, windshields, saddlebags and/or Tour Pak® luggage carriers. The cruiser category of the market includes motorcycles featuring the distinctive styling associated with classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and includes the Company’s Dyna®, Softail®, V-Rod®, Sportster® and Street motorcycle platforms.
Competition in the motorcycle markets in which the Company competes is based upon a number of factors, including product capabilities and features, styling, price, quality, reliability, warranty, availability of financing, and quality of dealer network. The Company believes its motorcycle products continue to generally command a premium price at retail relative to competitors’ motorcycles. The Company emphasizes remarkable styling, customization, innovation, sound, quality, and reliability in its products and generally offers a two-year warranty for its motorcycles. The Company promotes a comprehensive motorcycling experience across a wide demographic range through events, rides, and rallies including those sponsored by Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®). The Company considers the availability of a line of motorcycle parts and accessories and general merchandise and the availability of financing through HDFS offered by a global network of premium dealers as competitive advantages.
In 2014, the U.S. and European markets accounted for approximately 78% of the total annual independent dealer retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Company also competes in other markets around the world. The most significant other markets for the Company, based on the Company's retail sales data, are Japan, Canada, Australia and Brazil.
Harley-Davidson has been the historical market share leader in the U.S. 601+cc motorcycle market. Competitors in the U.S. 601+cc market offer motorcycles in all categories of the market including products that compete directly with the Company's offerings in the touring and cruiser categories.
According to the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), the touring and cruiser categories accounted for approximately 77%, of total 2014 601+cc retail unit registrations in the U.S. while the sportbike category accounted for approximately 10% of U.S. 601+cc motorcycle registrations. During 2014, the 601+cc portion of the market represented approximately 82% 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 601+cc motorcycles for the years 2012 through 2014:
U.S. Motorcycle Registration Data(a)(b)
601+cc (Units in thousands)
(a)
Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include on-highway and 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. The retail registration data for Harley-Davidson motorcycles presented in this table will differ 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 retail sales data in Item 7 includes sales of Street 500 motorcycles which are excluded from the 601+cc units included in the retail registration data in this table. In addition, small differences may arise related to the timing of data submissions to the independent sources.
The European 601+cc motorcycle market is slightly larger than the U.S. market and customer preferences differ from those of U.S. customers. For example, the sportbike category represented nearly 38% of the European 601+cc market in 2014 while the touring category represented 26% of the European 601+cc motorcycle market.
The following chart includes European retail registration data for 601+cc motorcycles for the years 2012 through 2014:
European Motorcycle Registration Data(a)(b)
601+cc (Units in thousands)
(a)
Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include on-highway and dual purpose models and three-wheeled vehicles.
(b)
Europe data includes retail sales in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Industry retail motorcycle registration data is derived from information provided by Association des Constructeurs Europeens de Motocycles (ACEM), 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 will differ 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 retail sales data in Item 7 includes sales of Street 500 motorcycles which are excluded from the 601+cc units included in the retail registration data in this table. In addition, small differences may arise related to the timing of data submissions to the independent sources.
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 15.7%, 16.6% and 17.4% of net revenue in the Motorcycles segment in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
General Merchandise - Worldwide General Merchandise net revenue, which includes revenue from MotorClothes® apparel and riding gear, comprised 5.1%, 5.6% and 6.1% of net revenue in the Motorcycles segment in 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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, eyewear, vehicle accessories, jewelry, leather goods, toys, footwear and numerous other products. The majority of licensing activity currently occurs in the U.S. Royalty revenues from licensing, included in Motorcycles segment net revenue, were $47.1 million, $58.9 million and $49.1 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Harley-Davidson Museum - The Company operates the Harley-Davidson Museum (Museum) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Museum is a unique destination 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 campus houses the Museum and archives, a restaurant, café, retail store and several special event spaces.
Other Services - The Company also provides a variety of services to its independent dealers including motorcycle service and business management training programs and customized dealer software packages. Motorcycle rentals are available through many of the Company’s independent dealers under the Company’s Authorized Rentals Program. Motorcycle rider training is available through the Company's Harley-DavidsonTM Riding Academy.
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 $1.79 billion, $1.70 billion and $1.58 billion, or approximately 32%, 32% and 32% of net revenue of the Motorcycles segment, during 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 and designs. 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 seven and a half years. A patent review committee, which is comprised of a number of key executives, manages the patent strategy and portfolio of the Company.
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, 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 U.S.A., LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, which also manages the Company’s trademark strategy and portfolio.
Marketing - The Company is executing a multi-generational and multi-cultural, global marketing strategy. The Company measures the success of this strategy by 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 Caucasian men over the age of 35 and its U.S. outreach customers as women (Caucasian, age 35+), young adults (ages 18-34), African-American adults (age 35+), and Latino adults (age 35+). In 2013 (which is the most recent data available), for the sixth straight year the Company was the market share leader in U.S. new motorcycle registrations (all cc's) within the core-customer segment and in each outreach customer segment. (Source: R. L. Polk & Co. 2013 motorcycle registration data from IHS Automotive)
In 2014, the average U.S. retail purchaser of a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle had a median household income of approximately $92,800. More than three-quarters of the U.S. retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles were to purchasers with at least one year of education beyond high school, and 34% of the buyers had college/graduate degrees. (Sources: 2014 Company Studies)
Outside of the U.S., the Company's definition of core and outreach customers varies depending on the profile of its customers in each market. In general, the Company defines it core customers outside the U.S. as men over the age of 35 and its outreach customers outside the U.S. as women and young adults.
The Company’s products are marketed to retail customers worldwide primarily through advertising and promotional activities via various broadcast, print and electronic channels. Additionally, local marketing efforts are accomplished through a cooperative program with the Company’s independent dealers.
Customer experiences have traditionally been at the center of much of the Company’s marketing. To attract customers and achieve its goals, the Company participates in motorcycle rallies around the world and also in major motorcycle consumer shows, racing activities, music festivals, mixed martial arts activities and other special promotional events.
The Company promotes its Harley-Davidson products and the related lifestyle through the Harley Owners 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. H.O.G.® also sponsors many motorcycle events, including rallies and rides for Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world.
The Company's Harley-DavidsonTM Riding Academy 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. Since its inception, the program has trained more than 400,000 riders. The courses are conducted by a network of select Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the U.S., South Africa, China and Mexico, enabling students to experience the Harley-Davidson lifestyle, environment, people, and products as they learn.
The Company offers Harley-Davidson riders the opportunity to experience riding opportunities worldwide through its global Harley-Davidson Authorized Tours Program. Riders can also rent Harley-Davidson motorcycles worldwide from participating dealers through the Company’s Authorized Rentals Program.
Distribution - The Company’s products are retailed through a network of independent dealers, of which the majority sell 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 on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Company’s independent dealers may also have secondary retail locations (SRLs) to meet additional retail and service needs of retail customers. SRLs also provide P&A, general merchandise and licensed products and are authorized to sell and service new 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 Alternate Retail Outlets (AROs) and Seasonal Retail Outlets (SROs). 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.
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 and government contractors. The Company distributes its motorcycles to its dealers in the U.S. based on dealer orders but subject to an allocation system that the Company 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.
The Company facilitates its independent dealers' sale of certain Parts and Accessories, General Merchandise and licensed products in the U.S. through its online eCommerce channel. The Company's eCommerce model provides an online storefront, product merchandising, digital marketing, inventory management and order fulfillment, returns processing, and customer care. Retail internet orders are fulfilled and shipped by the Company, which acts as an agent for participating authorized Harley-Davidson dealers who sell the products to customers. Dealers handle any after sale services that the customer may require.
The Company’s operations in the EMEA region are managed out of its Oxford, United Kingdom regional headquarters. In the EMEA region, the Company distributes its motorcycles and related products to a network of independent dealers located in approximately 49 countries in the region.
The Company’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region are managed out of its Singapore regional headquarters. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Company distributes its motorcycles and related products to a network of independent dealers located in approximately 17 countries in the region.
The Company’s operations in the Latin America region are managed out of its Miami, Florida regional headquarters. In the Latin America region, the Company distributes its motorcycles and related products to a network of independent dealers located in approximately 26 countries in the region.
The following table includes the number of worldwide Harley-Davidson independent dealerships by geographic region as of December 31, 2014:
In 2009, the Company announced a strategic goal to open 100 to 150 new international dealerships from the end of 2009 through the end of 2014. Through December 31, 2014, the Company added 136 new international dealers. This excludes international dealers closed in the normal course of business.
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 Harley-Davidson independent dealers and the retail customers of those dealers in the U.S. and Canada. HDFS also provides financing to the Company’s Canadian distributor. The Company’s independent distributors, dealers and their retail customers in the EMEA, Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions are not directly financed by HDFS, but have access to financing through 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 Company implemented surge manufacturing capabilities at its York, Pennsylvania facility in the first half of 2013 and at its Kansas City, Missouri facility in the first half of 2014. Surge manufacturing capabilities provide the Company the flexibility to increase production of motorcycles ahead of and during the peak selling season in the North America region. As a result of this flexible manufacturing capability, the Company's motorcycle production and wholesale shipments now correlate more closely to the retail selling season in the North America region. Prior to 2013, the Company historically produced and shipped motorcycles at wholesale to its North America region dealers at approximately the same level throughout the year. Consequently, the Company’s independent dealers in the North America region typically built their inventory levels in the late fall and winter in anticipation of the spring and summer retail selling season.
In markets outside of the North America region, the Company typically distributes motorcycles through regional warehouses. Consequently, independent dealers and distributors in markets outside of the North America region typically do not build significant inventory levels in the non-riding season, and as a result, the Company’s wholesale shipments to these markets are generally lower in the non-riding season than in the riding season.
Motorcycle Manufacturing - The Company’s manufacturing strategy is based on the disciplined execution of the Company's Continuous Improvement System (CIS). The focus of CIS is to align people, process and technology to drive world-class manufacturing capability across its global facilities. The Company believes CIS provides the framework to drive the highest levels of safety and quality, increase efficiency and reduce costs, and more effectively respond to changing customer demands and expectations.(1)
Critical aspects of this manufacturing strategy include flexible manufacturing processes and supply chains, coupled with cost-competitive and flexible labor agreements, which the Company believes will help ensure it is well positioned to meet customer demand in a timely and cost-effective manner.(1) The Company implemented surge manufacturing capabilities at its York, Pennsylvania facility in the first half of 2013 and at its Kansas City, Missouri facility in the first half of 2014. This provides the Company the flexibility to increase the production of motorcycles ahead of and during the peak retail selling season allowing the Company to more closely correlate the timing of production and wholesale shipments to the retail selling season.
The Company operates a CKD (Complete Knock Down) assembly facility in Brazil, which assembles motorcycles sold in Brazil from component kits sourced from the Company’s U.S. plants and its suppliers. The Company also operates a manufacturing facility in India, which includes both CKD assembly of certain motorcycles for sale in India, and, beginning in 2014, production of the Company’s Street motorcycles for distribution to markets outside of North America. Like its U.S. manufacturing facilities, the Company’s Brazil and India operations are focused on driving world-class performance through the execution of CIS, with flexible production processes to meet customer demands at reduced lead times.
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(1).
The Company's principal raw materials that are purchased include steel and aluminum castings, forgings, steel sheets and bars. The Company also purchases certain motorcycle components, including, but not limited to, electronic fuel injection systems, batteries, certain wheels, tires, seats, electrical components and instruments. The Company closely monitors the overall viability of its supply base. At this time, the Company does not anticipate difficulties in obtaining raw materials or components(1).
The Company operates a manufacturing facility in Australia for the purpose of producing certain complex, high-finish wheels.
Research and Development - The objective of the Company's product development strategy is to ensure that the Company delivers relevant products for an increasingly diverse customer base while reducing cost and time to market. The strategy is supported by a product development methodology and organizational structure that support innovation, flexibility, capacity and a focus on consumer insights. The Company incurred research and development expenses of $138.3 million, $152.2 million and $137.3 million during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Regulation - International, federal, state and local authorities have various environmental control requirements relating to air, water and noise 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) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for compliance with applicable emissions and noise standards. Harley-Davidson motorcycle products are designed to comply with EPA and CARB standards and the Company believes it will comply with future requirements when they go into effect(1). Additionally, the Company’s motorcycle products must comply with the motorcycle emissions, noise and safety standards of Canada, the European Union, Japan, Brazil and certain other foreign markets where they are sold, and the Company believes its products currently comply with those standards. Because the Company expects that environmental standards will become more stringent over time, the Company will continue to incur research, development and production costs in this area for the foreseeable future(1).
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 24 voluntary recalls related to Harley-Davidson motorcycles at a total cost of $30.0 million. The Company reserves for all estimated costs associated with recalls in the period that the recalls are announced.
Employees - As of December 31, 2014, the Motorcycles segment had approximately 5,900 employees.
Approximately 2,600 unionized employees at the manufacturing facilities are represented as follows:
•
York, Pennsylvania - represented by International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the collective bargaining agreement will expire on February 2, 2017
•
Kansas City, Missouri - represented by United Steelworkers of America (USW) and IAM and the respective collective bargaining agreements will expire on July 31, 2018
•
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin - represented by USW and IAM and the respective collective bargaining agreements will expire on March 31, 2019
•
Tomahawk, Wisconsin - represented by USW and the collective bargaining agreement will expire on March 31, 2019
Please refer to the Note 3 of Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further discussion of the Company’s restructuring activities.
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 any 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, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Sustainability Committee; (c) the Company’s Financial Code of Ethics; (d) the Company’s Code of Business Conduct (the Code of Conduct) in nine 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 Company’s 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; (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 17, 2014, which compensation relates to the Company’s named executive officers; (m) the California Transparency in Supply Chain Act Disclosure; (n) Statement on Conflict Minerals; (o) Political Engagement and Contributions 2012-2014; and (p) the Company's Clawback Policy. 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 unaffiliated insurance companies providing motorcycle insurance and protection products to motorcycle owners. HDFS conducts business principally in the United States and Canada, and primarily through certain subsidiaries such as Harley-Davidson Credit Corp., Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB), Harley-Davidson Insurance Services, Inc., and Harley-Davidson Financial Services Canada, Inc. The Company’s independent distributors, dealers and their retail customers in the EMEA, Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions are not financed by HDFS, but have access to financing through other third-party financial institutions, some of which have licensing or branding agreements with the Company or HDFS.
Wholesale Financial Services - HDFS provides wholesale financial services to Harley-Davidson dealers and distributors, 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 2014, 100% of such dealers utilized those services at some point during the year. HDFS also offers financial services to the Harley-Davidson distributor in Canada. The wholesale finance operations of HDFS are located in Plano, Texas.
Retail Financial Services - HDFS provides retail financing to consumers, consisting primarily of 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 operates as an agent for certain unaffiliated insurance companies offering point-of-sale protection products through most Harley-Davidson dealers in both the U.S. and Canada, including motorcycle insurance, extended service contracts, credit protection and motorcycle maintenance protection. HDFS also direct-markets motorcycle insurance and extended service contracts to owners of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In addition, HDFS markets a comprehensive package of business insurance coverages and services to owners of Harley-Davidson dealerships. The HDFS insurance operations are located in Carson City, Nevada and Chicago, Illinois.
Licensing - HDFS has licensing arrangements with third-party financial institutions that issue credit cards bearing the Harley-Davidson brand. Internationally, HDFS licenses the Harley-Davidson brand to local third-party financial institutions that offer products to the Company’s retail customers such as financing and insurance.
Funding - The Company believes a diversified and cost effective funding strategy is 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, asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities, committed unsecured bank facilities, term asset-backed securitizations and intercompany borrowings.
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 56.8% of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles retailed by independent dealers during 2014, compared to 54.5% in 2013. In Canada, HDFS financed 34.0% of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles retailed by independent dealers during 2014, compared to 31.8% in 2013. 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 U.S.A., 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 retail financing activities based on the timing of regional riding seasons. In general, from mid-March through August, retail financing volume is greatest. HDFS wholesale financing volume is affected by inventory levels at Harley-Davidson dealers and distributors. As discussed under "Motorcycle and Related Products - Seasonality", the Company implemented flexible production capabilities in 2013 and 2014 which has reduced the seasonality of dealer inventory levels for new motorcycles. Although to a lesser extent than in years prior to the implementation of flexible production, dealers
generally have higher inventory levels of new and used motorcycles in the late fall and winter than during the spring and summer riding season. As a result, wholesale financing volume is higher during fall and winter as compared to the rest of the year.
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 and ongoing servicing 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. In addition, these violations or non-compliance 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 in ways that are adverse to HDFS, that new laws or regulations will not be adopted in the future, or that laws or regulations will not attempt to limit the interest rates charged by HDFS, any of which may 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 laws and regulations as well as State of Nevada banking laws, and are subject to examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Nevada state bank examiners. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which was passed into law in 2010, granted the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) significant supervisory, enforcement, and rule-making authority in the area of consumer financial products and services. While direct supervision of ESB will remain with the FDIC and the State of Nevada, certain CFPB regulations, when finalized, will directly impact HDFS and its operations. The CFPB staff recently proposed a rule that will expand the scope of its supervisory authority to include non-bank larger participants in the vehicle financing market. This proposed rule was published by the CFPB on October 8, 2014, and if this rule is finalized as proposed, the larger participant threshold set by the CFPB would include Harley-Davidson Credit Corp. or other Harley-Davidson entities, which would result in CFBP supervision and periodic examinations of those entities.
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, 2014, the Financial Services segment had approximately 600 employees.
Item 1A.
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. 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 its long-term business strategy and the Harley-Davidson brand or to enhance productivity and profitability to the extent desired through pricing and continuous improvement.
•
Changes in general economic conditions, tightening of credit, political events or other factors may adversely impact dealers’ retail sales. The motorcycle industry is impacted by general economic conditions over which motorcycle manufacturers have little control. These factors can weaken the retail environment and lead to weaker demand for discretionary purchases such as motorcycles. Tightening of credit can limit the availability of funds from financial institutions and other lenders and sources of capital which could 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, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition may be substantially adversely affected. The motorcycle industry can also be affected by political conditions and other factors over which motorcycle manufacturers have little control.
•
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. Shifting foreign exchange rates can adversely affect the Company's revenue and margin, and cause volatility in results of operations. 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. Although the Company uses derivative financial instruments to some extent to attempt to manage a portion of its exposure to foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices, the Company does not attempt to manage its entire expected exposure, and these instruments generally do not extend beyond one year and 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.
•
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 resulting from adverse business conditions such as weakened retail sales and tightened 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.
•
A cybersecurity breach involving digital 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 digital personal information in connection with its human resources operations, financial services operations, e-commerce, the Harley Owners Group and other aspects of its business. Any system failure, accident or security breach could result in disruptions to the Company's operations. To the extent that any disruptions or security breach results in a loss or damage to the Company's data, or in inappropriate disclosure of confidential information, it could cause significant damage to the Company's reputation, affect its relationships with customers, lead to claims against the Company and ultimately harm the Company's business. In addition, the Company may be required to incur significant costs to protect against damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches in the future.
•
Expanding international sales and operations subjects the Company to risks that may have a material adverse effect on its business. Expanding international sales and operations is a part of the Company’s long-term business strategy. To support that strategy, the Company must increase its presence outside the U.S., including additional employees and investment in business infrastructure and operations. 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.
•
Retail sales of the Company's independent dealers may be impacted by weather. The Company has observed that abnormally cold and/or wet conditions in a region could have the effect of reducing demand or changing the timing for purchases of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Reduced demand for new Harley-Davidson motorcycles ultimately leads to reduced shipments by 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 U.S. laws affecting foreign trade and taxation.
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.
Tax - The Company is subject to income and non-income based taxes in the U.S. and in various foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company's 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, the Company's financial condition and/or results of operations may be adversely affected.
Environmental - 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. If the Company fails to meet existing or new requirements, then the Company may be unable to sell certain products or may be subject to fines or penalties. Further, in response to concerns about global climate changes and related changes in consumer preferences, 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.
Financial Services - 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. Congress has previously considered and may in the future impose additional regulation and supervision over the financial services industry.
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 obtain a refund of amounts previously paid, could subject HDFS to payment of damages or penalties and administrative sanctions, including "cease and desist" orders, and could limit the number of loans eligible for HDFS securitizations 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 in ways that are adverse to HDFS, that new laws and regulations will not be adopted in the future, or that laws and regulations will not attempt to limit the interest rates charged by HDFS, any of which may adversely affect the business of HDFS or its results of operations.
In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) was passed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act is a sweeping piece of legislation, and the financial services industry is still assessing the impacts. Congress detailed some significant changes, but the Dodd-Frank Act leaves many details to be determined by
regulation and further study. The full impact will not be fully known for years, as regulations that are intended to implement the Dodd-Frank Act are adopted by the appropriate agencies, and the text of the Dodd-Frank Act is analyzed by impacted stakeholders and possibly the courts. The Dodd-Frank Act also created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), housed in the Federal Reserve. The CFPB has been granted significant enforcement and 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. Compliance with the law may be costly and could affect operating results as the implementation of new forms, processes, procedures and controls and infrastructure may be required to comply with the regulations. Compliance may create operational constraints and place limits on pricing. 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. The CFPB staff recently proposed a rule that would expand the scope of its supervisory authority to include non-bank larger participants in the vehicle financing market. The CFPB published this proposed rule on October 8, 2014, and if this rule is finalized as proposed, the larger participant threshold set by the CFPB would include Harley-Davidson Credit Corp. and other Harley-Davidson entities, which would result in CFBP supervision and periodic examinations of those entities.
U.S. Public Company - The Company is also subject to policies and actions of the SEC and 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.
•
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 may experience supply problems relating to raw materials and components such as unfavorable pricing, poor quality, or untimely delivery. 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 or natural disasters. 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 must prevent and detect issues with its products, components purchased from suppliers, and its and its suppliers’ manufacturing processes to reduce the risk of recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation, increased product liability claims or litigation, delays in new model launches, and inquiries or investigations by regulatory agencies. The Company must also complete any recall campaigns within cost expectations. The Company must continually improve and adhere to product development and manufacturing processes, and ensure that its suppliers and their sub-tier suppliers adhere to product development and manufacturing processes, to ensure high quality products are sold to retail customers. If product designs or manufacturing processes are defective, the Company could experience delays in new model launches, product recalls, inquiries or investigations from regulatory agencies, warranty claims, and product liability claims, which may involve purported class actions. While the Company uses reasonable methods to estimate the cost of warranty, recall and product liability costs and appropriately reflects those in its financial statements, there is a risk the actual costs could exceed estimates. Further, selling products with poor quality and the announcement of recalls may also adversely affect the Company’s reputation and brand strength.
•
The Company relies on third parties to perform certain operating and administrative functions for the Company. Similar to suppliers of raw materials and components, the Company may experience problems with outsourced services, such as unfavorable pricing, untimely delivery of services, or poor quality. Also, these suppliers may experience adverse economic conditions due to difficulties in the global economy that could lead to difficulties supporting the Company's operations. In light of the amount and types of functions that the Company has outsourced, these service provider risks may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.
•
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 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 is and may in the future become subject to legal proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes. 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 the Company is unable to determine the amount, if any, that it 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 (SEC) for additional detail regarding lawsuits and other claims against the Company.
•
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 Harley-Davidson 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 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. The Company has several large, strategic information system projects in process. As new systems and technologies (and related strategies) 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 must maintain stakeholder confidence in its operating ethics and corporate governance practices. The Company believes it has a history of good corporate governance. Prior to the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company had in place many of the corporate governance procedures and processes now mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley 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 its reputation for good corporate governance 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 to change in terms of styling preferences and advances in 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. As the Company incorporates new and different features and technology into its products, the Company must protect its intellectual property from imitators and ensure its products do not infringe the intellectual property of other companies. In addition, these new products must comply with applicable regulations worldwide and satisfy the potential demand for products that produce lower emissions and achieve better fuel economy. 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 a global 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 may not be able to successfully execute its manufacturing strategy. The Company’s manufacturing strategy is designed to continuously improve product quality and increase 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 execute 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 accommodate a seasonal retail motorcycle sales pattern. The Company records the wholesale sale of a motorcycle when it is shipped to the Company’s independent dealers and distributors. Prior to 2013, the Company historically produced and shipped motorcycles at wholesale to its North America region dealers at approximately the same level throughout the year. The Company implemented flexible production at its York, Pennsylvania facility in the first half of 2013 and began flexible production at its Kansas City, Missouri facility in the first half of 2014. As a result of this capability, the Company's motorcycle production and wholesale shipments now correlate more closely to the retail selling season in the North America region. Any difficulties in executing flexible production could result in lost production or sales. The Company and its independent dealers and distributors must be able to successfully manage changes in production rates, inventory levels and other business processes associated with flexible production. Failure by the Company and its independent dealers to make such adjustments may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.
•
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 can have the effect of reducing demand among retail purchasers for new Harley-Davidson motorcycles (at or near manufacturer’s suggested retail prices). Further, introduction of new motorcycle models with significantly different functionality, technology or other customer satisfiers can result in lower customer demand for used motorcycles, resulting in declining prices for those used motorcycles, and prior model-year new motorcycles. Also, while the Company has taken steps designed to balance production volumes for its new motorcycles with demand, those steps may not be effective, or 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’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 Pennsylvania, Missouri and Wisconsin will expire in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. 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 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, liabilities 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 its competitors that may not bear the costs of similar benefit plans. Furthermore, costs associated with complying with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may produce additional cost pressure on the Company and its health care plans.
•
The ability of the Company to expand international sales may be impacted by existing or new laws and regulations that impose motorcycle licensing restrictions and limit access to roads and highways. Expanding international sales is a part of the Company’s long-term business strategy. A number of countries have tiered motorcycle licensing requirements that limit the ability of new and younger riders to obtain licenses to operate the Company’s motorcycles, and many countries are considering the implementation of such requirements. These requirements only allow new and/or younger riders to operate smaller motorcycles for certain periods of time. Riders typically are only permitted to obtain a license to ride larger motorcycles upon reaching certain ages and/or having been licensed to ride smaller motorcycles for a certain period of time, and only after passing additional tests and paying additional fees. These requirements pose obstacles to large displacement motorcycle ownership. Other countries have laws and regulations that prohibit motorcycles from being operated on certain roads and highways. These types of laws and regulations could adversely impact the Company’s plans to expand international sales.
•
The Company has a number of competitors, 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 all segments of the motorcycle market, other powersports markets and/or the automotive 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 markets in which the Company competes, 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. The Company's responses to these competitive pressures, or its failure to adequately address and respond to these competitive pressures, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.
•
The Company’s operations are dependent upon attracting and retaining skilled employees, including skilled labor, 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 incentive awards, may not be successful in attracting new employees and retaining and motivating the Company’s existing employees. In addition, the Company must cultivate and sustain a work environment where employees are engaged and energized in their jobs to maximize their performance. If the Company does not succeed in attracting new personnel, retaining existing personnel, implementing effective succession plans and motivating and engaging 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’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 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 through its financial services operations to provide loans to independent dealers and their retail customers, and dilution to existing share value 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 could 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, including the Company's independent dealers and distributors, 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. While HDFS experienced
historically low levels of retail credit losses during 2013 and 2014, the Company believes HDFS' retail credit losses may continue to increase over time due to changing consumer credit behavior and HDFS' efforts to increase prudently structured loan approvals in the sub-prime lending environment. Increases in the frequency of loss and decreases in the value of repossessed Harley-Davidson branded motorcycles also adversely impact credit losses. 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’s operations may be affected by greenhouse emissions and climate change and related regulations. 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. Congress has previously considered and may in the future implement restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, several states, including states where the Company has manufacturing plants, have previously considered and may in the future implement 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. 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 component parts or other items such as natural gas, a fuel necessary for the manufacture of motorcycles and their components. Supply disruptions would raise market rates and jeopardize the continuity of motorcycle production.
•
Regulations related to conflict minerals will cause the Company to incur additional expenses and may have other adverse consequences. The SEC adopted inquiry, diligence and additional disclosure requirements related to certain minerals sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding countries, or "conflict minerals", that are necessary to the functionality of a product manufactured, or contracted to be manufactured, by an SEC reporting company. The minerals that the rules cover are commonly referred to as "3TG" and include tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold. These rules impose a requirement for public companies to make certain disclosures relating to activities with conflict minerals. Compliance with the disclosure requirements could affect the sourcing and availability of some of the minerals that the Company uses in the manufacturing of its products. The Company's supply chain is complex, and if it is not able to determine the source and chain of custody for all conflict minerals used in its products that are sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding countries or determine that its products are "conflict free", then the Company may face reputational challenges with customers, investors or others. Additionally, as there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering "conflict free" minerals, if the Company chooses to use only conflict minerals that are "conflict free", the Company cannot be sure that it will be able to obtain necessary materials from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Accordingly, the Company could incur significant costs related to the compliance process, including potential difficulty or added costs in satisfying the disclosure requirements.
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.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
The following is a summary of the principal operating properties of the Company as of December 31, 2014:
Motorcycles & Related Products Segment
(1)
Motorcycle powertrain production.
(2)
Facility was idled during 2010 and production moved to Menomonee Falls, WI.
(3)
Plastic parts production and painting.
(4)
Motorcycle parts fabrication, painting and Softail® and touring model assembly.
(5)
Motorcycle parts fabrication, painting and Dyna®, Sportster®, Softail®, V-Rod® and Street platform assembly.
(6)
Assembly of select models for the Brazilian market.
(7)
Assembly of select models for the Indian market and production of the Street platform for non-North American markets.
(8)
Motorcycle wheel production.
Financial Services Segment
The Financial Services segment has three office facilities: Chicago, Illinois (corporate headquarters); Plano, Texas (wholesale and retail operations); and Carson City, Nevada (retail and insurance operations).
Item 3.
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
In December 2009, the Company 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 promptly submitted written responses to the EPA’s inquiry and has engaged in discussions with the EPA. Since that time, the EPA has delivered various additional requests for information to which the Company has responded. It is probable that a result of the EPA’s investigation will be some form of enforcement action by the EPA that will seek a fine and/or other relief. The Company has a reserve associated with this matter which is included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. However, given the uncertainty that still exists concerning the resolution of this matter, there is a possibility that the actual loss incurred may be materially different than the Company’s current reserve. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact of any remedies the EPA might seek beyond the Company's current reserve for this matter, if any.
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, and the parties amended the Agreement in 2013 to address ordnance and explosive waste.
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.
The Company has a reserve for its estimate of its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility which is included in accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As noted above, the RI/FS is still underway and given the uncertainty that exists concerning the nature and scope of additional environmental investigation and remediation that may ultimately be required under the RI/FS or otherwise at the York facility, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of those additional costs, if any, that may result.
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 are expected to be paid over the next several years.
Product Liability Matters:
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 suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase 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:
The Company paid the following dividends per share:
As of January 30, 2015, there were 78,014 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, 2014:
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 made discretionary share repurchases of 0.3 million shares during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014 under this authorization. As of December 31, 2014, there were no shares available under this 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. The Company repurchased 3.1 million shares during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014 under this authorization. As of December 31, 2014, 0.9 million shares remained under this authorization.
In February 2014, the Company's Board authorized the Company to repurchase up to 20.0 million shares of its common stock with no dollar limit or expiration date. This board authorization is in addition to existing share repurchase authorizations. No shares were repurchased by the Company during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014 under this authorization. As of December 31, 2014, 20.0 million shares remained under this authorization.
Under the share repurchase authorizations, the Company’s common stock may be purchased through any one or more of a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan and discretionary purchases on the open market, block trades, accelerated share repurchases or privately negotiated transactions. The number of shares repurchased, if any, and the timing of repurchases will depend on a number of factors, including share price, trading volume and general market conditions, as well as on working capital
requirements, general business conditions and other factors. The repurchase authority has no expiration date but may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time.
The Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 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 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 2014, the Company acquired 581 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, 2009 and that all dividends are reinvested.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
(1)
The Company began consolidating formerly off-balance sheet qualifying special purpose entities as required by the new guidance within Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, “Consolidations” and ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing” in 2010.
Item 7.
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) and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the "Company" includes Harley-Davidson, Inc. and all its subsidiaries. The Company operates in two business segments: Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) and Financial Services. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations.
The Motorcycles segment consists of HDMC which designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale street-legal Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. The Company's products are sold to retail customers through a network of independent dealers. The Company conducts business on a global basis, with sales in North America, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
The Financial Services segment consists of HDFS which provides wholesale and retail financing and provides insurance-related programs primarily to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers. HDFS conducts business primarily in the United States and Canada.
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
During 2014, the Company generated strong financial results as it continued to execute against its strategic goals. During 2014, the Company introduced seven new Project RushmoreTM models, including the reintroduction of Road Glide motorcycles, began distribution of its all-new Street 750 and 500 motorcycles, and completed its implementation of flexible surge production capabilities at its production facilities. The Company’s net income for 2014 was $844.6 million, or $3.88 per diluted share, compared to $734.0 million, or $3.28 per diluted share, in 2013. The increase in 2014 net income was driven by strong financial performance at the Motorcycles segment. Operating income from the Motorcycles segment was up $132.5 million over 2013 led by a 3.9% increase in wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In addition, Motorcycles operating income benefited during 2014 from model-year price increases, a stronger product mix and lower manufacturing costs. These positive impacts were partially offset by an adverse change in foreign currency exchange rates during 2014 and higher selling, administrative and engineering expenses as the Company continued to invest in its strategic initiatives. Operating income from the Financial Services segment was down slightly from the prior year, falling $5.3 million, or 1.9%, due to a higher provision for credit losses partially offset by higher revenues.
Worldwide independent dealer retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 2.7% compared to 2013 despite challenging U.S. weather conditions in the first half of 2014 and the absence of Road Glide models for most of 2014. Retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 1.3% in the U.S. and 5.4% in international markets. As the Company looks forward to 2015, it believes the Harley-Davidson brand and core demand fundamentals remain strong.(1) In 2015, the Company expects continued momentum behind its model-year 2015 motorcycles including increased worldwide distribution of its Street motorcycles.(1)
Please refer to the “Results of Operations 2014 Compared to 2013” for additional details concerning the results for 2014.
(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 19, 2015), and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Outlook(1)
On January 29, 2015 the Company announced the following expectations for 2015.
The Company expects to ship 282,000 to 287,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles during 2015, up approximately 4% to 6% over 2014. This includes 79,000 to 84,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles that it expects to ship in the first quarter of 2015, down approximately 2% at the low end of the range to up 4% at the high end of the range over the first quarter of 2014. The Company believes the underlying worldwide demand fundamentals for Harley-Davidson motorcycles are strong and expects that motorcycle shipment growth in 2015 will be driven by:
•
The strong appeal of the Harley-Davidson brand
•
Great model-year 2015 and 2016 motorcycles
•
Full-year Road Glide availability
•
Improving availability and expanding distribution of the new Street motorcycles
•
Continuing outreach momentum in the United States
•
International expansion
The Company expects the 2015 operating margin percent for the Motorcycles segment to be between 18% and 19% compared to 18% in 2014. The Company believes the operating margin percent will benefit from a modest increase in gross margin, as well as lower selling, administrative and engineering expenses as a percent of revenue. The Company expects that the 2015 gross margin percent will be up modestly, benefited by motorcycle pricing, incremental margin driven by higher motorcycle production and strong productivity gains. The Company also expects these positive impacts to be offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange, increased pension expense and unfavorable product mix. If foreign currency exchange rates on January 28, 2015 remained constant throughout 2015, the Company estimates the adverse impact to its expected Motorcycle segment revenue from currency exchange in 2015 would be approximately 3.25%. Although the Company has a significant portion of its 2015 foreign currency exposure hedged at favorable rates, it expects that about half of the unfavorable revenue impact would translate into lower gross profit. The Company's 2015 pension expense will increase as a result of a lower discount rate and changes in mortality assumptions. The Company believes changes in product mix will adversely impact gross profit as Street continues to increase as a percent of total shipments. The Company expects selling, administrative and engineering expenses to increase in 2015 as it continues to invest in future growth opportunities, but will decrease as a percent of revenue as the Company leverages its current spending.
The Company expects operating income for the Financial Services segment to be down modestly in 2015 as compared to 2014. Going forward, the Company continues to expect pressure on Financial Services operating income as a result of higher credit losses, and tightening net interest margins due to increasing competition and higher borrowing costs.
The Company’s capital expenditure estimates for 2015 are between $240 million and $260 million. The Company anticipates it will have the ability to fund all capital expenditures in 2015 with cash flows generated by operations.
The Company also announced on January 29, 2015 that it expects the full year 2015 effective income tax rate to be approximately 35.5%, which does not include the U.S. Federal Research and Development tax credits as it expired at the end of 2014. This guidance excludes the effect of any potential future adjustments such as changes in tax legislation or audit settlements which are recorded as discrete items in the period in which they are settled.
Results of Operations 2014 Compared to 2013
Consolidated Results
Consolidated operating income was up 11.0% in 2014 led by an increase in operating income from the Motorcycles segment which improved by $132.5 million compared to 2013. Operating income for the Financial Services segment decreased by $5.3 million during 2014 as compared to 2013. 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 was lower in 2014 compared to 2013 due to the retirement of $303 million of senior unsecured long-term debt in February 2014.
The effective income tax rate for 2014 was 34.2% compared to 34.1% for 2013. The Company's 2014 and 2013 effective tax rate included U.S. Federal Research and Development tax credits that were reinstated by the American Taxpayer Relief Act. The effective tax rate for 2013 also included the full-impact of the 2012 U.S. Federal Research and Development tax credit due to the timing of the enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act.
Diluted earnings per share were $3.88 in 2014, up 18.3% over 2013. The increase in diluted earnings per share was driven primarily by the 15.1% increase in net income, but also benefited from lower diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased from 224.1 million in 2013 to 217.7 million in 2014 driven by the Company's repurchases of common stock. Please refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for additional information concerning the Company's share repurchase activity.
Motorcycle Retail Sales and Registration Data
Worldwide independent dealer retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 2.7% during 2014 compared to 2013. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 1.3% in the United States and 5.4% internationally in 2014.
The Company believes U.S. retail sales for 2014 benefited from strong sales of Rushmore and Street motorcycles that were partially offset by adverse impacts that resulted from the absence of Road Glide motorcycles for most of the year and very difficult weather conditions in the first half of the year.
International retail sales growth during 2014 in the Asia Pacific region, Latin America region and EMEA region was partially offset by a decline in Canada. Retail sales in the Asia Pacific region were driven by growth in emerging markets, especially India and China. The retail sales growth in the Latin America region was driven by Mexico. The EMEA region retail sales growth was driven by growth in nearly all countries throughout the region. International retail sales as a percent of total retail sales in 2014 were 36.2% of total retail sales compared to 35.3% in 2013.
The Company is encouraged by the 2014 performance of retail sales in international markets, but remains concerned with ongoing economic challenges in several markets. Going forward, the Company will continue to focus on factors it can control which include building its brand experience across the world and expanding its distribution network in emerging markets.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales(a)
The following table includes retail unit sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles:
(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.
(b)
Data for Europe include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Motorcycle Registration Data - 601+cc(a)
The following table includes industry retail motorcycle registration data:
(a)
Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include on-highway and dual purpose models and three-wheeled vehicles.
(b)
United States 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, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Industry retail motorcycle registration data includes 601+cc models derived from information provided by Association des Constructeurs Europeens de Motocycles (ACEM), an independent agency. This third-party data is subject to revision and update.
Motorcycles and Related Products Segment
Motorcycle Unit Shipments
The following table includes wholesale motorcycle unit shipments for the Motorcycles segment:
(a)
Custom motorcycle units, as used in this table, include Dyna®, Softail®, V-Rod® and CVO models.
(b)
Initial shipments of Street motorcycle units began during the first quarter of 2014.
During 2014, wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were up 3.9% compared to the prior year and within the Company’s most recent expected shipment range of 270,000 to 275,000 motorcycles. International shipments as a percentage of the total were down slightly in 2014 as compared to 2013. The Company remains committed to investing in international growth and continues to believe that international retail sales will grow at a faster rate than the rate of growth of domestic retail sales(1). In addition, shipments of touring motorcycles and Sportster® / Street motorcycles as a percentage of total shipments increased in 2014 compared to the prior year while shipments of custom motorcycles as a percentage of total shipments declined. The Company believes the increase in touring motorcycle shipments, as a percentage of total shipments, was driven by continued demand for model-year 2014 Rushmore motorcycles and demand for model-year 2015 Rushmore motorcycles. Also, the shipment mix of Sportster® / Street increased as a result of Street shipments which began in 2014 and totaled approximately 9,900 motorcycles. The Company believes the shipment mix of Sportster® / Street will be higher in 2015 as a result of increased Street shipments(1). As expected, retail inventory in the U.S. at the end of 2014 was approximately 2,900 units higher than at the end of 2013 largely due to the initial dealer fill of Street models for retail. The Company believes the U.S. year-end 2014 dealer retail inventory level was appropriate going into 2015(1).
Segment Results
The following table includes the condensed statement of operations for the Motorcycles segment (in thousands):
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 2013 to 2014 (in millions):
The following factors affected the comparability of net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2013 to 2014:
•
Volume increases were driven by the increase in wholesale motorcycle shipments and parts and accessories sales, partially offset by lower sales volumes for general merchandise. General merchandise revenue was adversely impacted in 2014 by a SKU reduction plan across the apparel offering focused on transforming the retail customer experience with a more targeted assortment of popular styles.
•
On average, wholesale prices on the Company’s 2014 and 2015 model-year motorcycles are higher than the preceding model-year resulting in the favorable impact on revenue during the period. The revenue favorability resulting from model-year price increases was partially offset by an increase in cost related to the significant additional content added to the 2014 and 2015 model-year motorcycles.
•
Net revenue and gross profit were negatively impacted by a devaluation in the Company's key foreign currencies compared to the U.S. dollar, primarily the Euro, Japanese yen, Brazilian real and Australian dollar, which together declined approximately 3% on a weighted-average basis in 2014 compared to 2013.
•
Shipment mix changes between motorcycle families positively impacted net revenue and gross profit as a result of a higher mix of Touring motorcycles which was partially offset by an increase in Street motorcycle shipments. Shipment mix also benefited from favorable model mix within motorcycle families, as well as, favorable mix within the parts and accessories and general merchandise product lines. For the first quarter of 2015, the Company expects mix to adversely impact margin driven by an expected increase in Street motorcycle shipments(1).
•
Raw material prices were slightly higher in 2014 relative to 2013.
•
Manufacturing costs for 2014 benefited from increased year-over-year production, restructuring savings, lower temporary inefficiencies and lower pension costs compared to 2013. The manufacturing cost benefits were partially offset by start-up costs of approximately $15.3 million associated with the launch of the Street platform of motorcycles.
The net increase in operating expense was primarily due to higher selling and administrative expenses and the absence of the restructuring benefit recorded in 2013, partially offset by lower engineering expense. The higher selling and administrative expenses were primarily due to higher spending in support of the Company's growth initiatives and higher recall costs. In 2013, the Company completed work related to its various restructuring activities that were initiated during 2009 through 2011. For further information regarding the Company’s previously announced restructuring activities, refer to Note 3 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Services Segment
Segment Results
The following table includes the condensed statements of operations for the Financial Services segment (in thousands):
Interest income was favorable due to higher retail and wholesale outstanding finance receivables, partially offset by lower yields primarily on retail finance receivables due to increased competition. Other income was favorable primarily due to increased credit card licensing and insurance revenue. Interest expense benefited from a more favorable cost of funds and a lower loss on the extinguishment of a portion of the Company's 6.80% medium-term notes than in 2013, partially offset by higher average outstanding debt.
The provision for credit losses increased $20.9 million compared to 2013 primarily due to an increase in the provision for retail credit losses. The retail motorcycle provision increased $20.0 million during 2014 as a result of higher credit losses, an increase in the retail motorcycle reserve rate, and portfolio growth. Credit losses were impacted by lower recovery values of repossessed motorcycles, the impact of changing consumer behavior, and lower recoveries as a result of fewer charge-offs in prior periods.
Annual losses on the Company's retail motorcycle loans were 1.22% during 2014 compared to 1.09% in 2013. The 30-day delinquency rate for retail motorcycle loans at December 31, 2014 decreased to 3.61% from 3.71% at December 31, 2013.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables were as follows (in thousands):
At December 31, 2014, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $122.0 million for retail receivables and $5.3 million for wholesale receivables. At December 31, 2013, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $106.1 million for retail receivables and $4.6 million for wholesale receivables.
The Company's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables is generally based on the Company's 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 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses on finance receivables.
Results of Operations 2013 Compared to 2012
Consolidated Results
Consolidated operating income was up 15.3% in 2013 led by an increase in operating income from the Motorcycles segment which improved by $155.1 million compared to 2012. Operating income for the Financial Services segment decreased by $1.6 million during 2013 as compared to 2012. 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.
The effective income tax rate for 2013 was 34.1% compared to 35.1% for 2012. The Company's 2013 effective tax rate was favorably impacted by the reinstatement of the U.S. Federal Research and Development tax credit with the enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 at the beginning of 2013. During 2013, the Company recorded the benefits of the Research and Development tax credit for the full year of 2012, as well as, the full year of 2013.
Diluted earnings per share were $3.28 in 2013, up 20.6% over 2012. The increase in diluted earnings per share was driven primarily by the 17.6% increase in net income, but also benefited from lower diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased from 229.2 million in 2012 to 224.1 million in 2013 driven by the Company's repurchases of common stock. Please refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for additional information concerning the Company's share repurchase activity.
Motorcycles Retail Sales and Registration Data
Worldwide independent dealer retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 4.4% during 2013 compared to 2012. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 4.4% in the United States and 4.3% internationally in 2013. The Company believes U.S. retail sales for 2013 were positively impacted by the launch of its 2014 model-year motorcycles and improved availability of motorcycles which more than offset the adverse impact of weather experienced in the first half of 2013. The Company also believes that the U.S. retail sales in 2013 were adversely impacted in the fourth quarter by the absence of its popular Road Glide models from the 2014 model-year. Road Glide models were discontinued for the 2014 model-year, and were reintroduced in the 2015 model-year with upgraded with Rushmore features. International retail sales growth during 2013 in the Asia Pacific region, Latin America region and Canada were offset by a decline in the EMEA region. Retail sales in the Asia Pacific region were driven by growth in emerging markets, especially India and China. The retail sales growth in the Latin America region was driven by Brazil and Mexico. The EMEA region was adversely impacted by that region's difficult economic environment. The International retail sales as a percent of total retail sales were consistent compared to 2012 with international retail sales representing 35.3% of total retail sales in both 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales(a)
The following table includes retail unit sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles:
(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.
(b)
Data for Europe include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Motorcycle Registration Data - 601+cc(a)
The following table includes industry retail motorcycle registration data:
(a)
Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include on-highway and dual purpose models and three-wheeled vehicles.
(b)
United States 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, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Industry retail motorcycle registration data includes 601+cc models derived from information provided by Association des Constructeurs Europeens de Motocycles (ACEM), an independent agency. This third-party data is subject to revision and update.
Motorcycles and Related Products Segment
Motorcycle Unit Shipments
The following table includes wholesale motorcycle unit shipments for the Motorcycles & Related Products segment:
(a)
Custom motorcycle units, as used in this table, include Dyna®, Softail®, V-Rod® and CVO models.
During 2013, wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were up 5.2% compared to the prior year. International shipments as a percentage of the total were up slightly in 2013 as compared to 2012. In addition, shipments of touring motorcycles and custom motorcycles as a percentage of total shipments increased in 2013 compared to the prior year while shipments of Sportster® motorcycles as a percentage of total shipments declined. The Company believes the increase in touring motorcycle shipments, as a percentage of total shipments, was driven by demand for model-year 2014 motorcycles. Also, as expected, wholesale motorcycle shipments in the fourth quarter of 2013 were down compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 in advance of the launch of seasonal surge manufacturing at the Company's Kansas City facility in early 2014. Consequently, retail inventory in the U.S. was approximately 1,850 units lower than at the end of 2012.
Segment Results
The following table includes the condensed statement of operations for the Motorcycles & Related Products segment (in thousands):
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 2012 to 2013 (in millions):
The following factors affected the comparability of net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2012 to 2013:
•
Volume increases were driven by the increase in wholesale shipments of motorcycle units as well as higher sales volumes for Parts & Accessories partially offset by lower General Merchandise sales volumes.
•
On average, wholesale prices on the Company’s 2013 and 2014 model-year motorcycles were higher than the preceding model-years resulting in the favorable impact on revenue and gross profit during the period. The impact of revenue favorability resulting from model-year price increases was partially offset by an increase in cost related to the significant additional content added to the 2014 model-year motorcycles.
•
Foreign currency exchange rates during 2013 resulted in a negative impact on net revenue and gross profit primarily as a result of devaluation in the Japanese yen, Australian dollar and Brazilian real.
•
Shipment mix changes resulted primarily from favorable product mix changes between motorcycle platforms.
•
Raw material prices were lower in 2013 relative to 2012 primarily due to lower metal costs.
•
Manufacturing costs for 2013 benefited from savings related to restructuring initiatives, lower temporary inefficiencies and increased year-over-year production, partially offset by approximately $7 million of higher start-up costs for the new model-year driven by the significant level of content added to the new models. Temporary inefficiencies associated with the Company’s restructuring activities were $15 million in 2013 compared to $33 million in 2012. With the completion of the restructuring activities, the Company has significantly reduced its fixed cost structure, and therefore improved the overall profitability of the Company. At the start of restructuring, motorcycle fixed costs were in the range of 20% to 25% of total motorcycle manufacturing costs.
The net decrease in operating expense was primarily due to lower restructuring charges and variable employee compensation costs, partially offset by incremental investments to support the Company’s international growth and product development initiatives and increases in the Company's global information systems costs. In 2013, the Company completed work related to its various restructuring activities that were initiated during 2009 through 2011. For further information regarding the Company’s previously announced restructuring activities, refer to Note 3 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Services Segment
Segment Results
The following table includes the condensed statements of operations for the Financial Services segment (in thousands):
Other income was favorable primarily due to higher fee income, increased credit card licensing revenue and increased insurance revenue. Interest expense benefited from a more favorable cost of funds, partially offset by higher debt levels related to higher average finance receivables outstanding.
The provision for credit losses was unfavorable compared to 2012 due to an increase in the provision for retail credit losses. Retail motorcycle credit losses increased $15.8 million in 2013 as compared to 2012 due to lower year-over-year recoveries as well as a higher frequency of loss. As a result, the 2013 retail motorcycle provision increased $36.8 million. Additionally, 2012 benefited from approximately $17.0 million in allowance releases.
Annual losses on the Company's retail motorcycle loans were 1.09% during 2013 compared to 0.79% in 2012. The 30-day delinquency rate for retail motorcycle loans at December 31, 2013 decreased to 3.71% from 3.94% at December 31, 2012.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables were as follows (in thousands):
At December 31, 2013, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $106.1 million for retail receivables and $4.6 million for wholesale receivables. At December 31, 2012, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $101.4 million for retail receivables and $6.2 million for wholesale receivables.
The Company's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables is generally based on the Company's 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 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses on finance receivables.
Other Matters
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU No. 2014-09). ASU No. 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is required to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption.
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.
Allowance for 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. The Company performs a periodic and systematic collective evaluation of the adequacy of the retail allowance. The Company 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. 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. Finance receivables in the wholesale portfolio that are not individually evaluated for impairment 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 motorcycles, motorcycle parts and motorcycle accessories at the time of sale. The warranty reserve is 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.
Pensions and Other Postretirement Healthcare Benefits - The Company has a defined benefit pension plan and several postretirement healthcare benefit plans, which cover 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.
U.S. GAAP requires that companies recognize in their statement of financial position a liability for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans that are underfunded or an asset for defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans that are overfunded.
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, mortality, 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 Company decreased the discount rate for pension and
SERPA obligations from 5.08% as of December 31, 2013 to 4.21% as of December 31, 2014. The Company decreased the discount rate for postretirement healthcare obligations from 4.70% to 3.99%. 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, 2014, the Company set its healthcare cost trend rate at 8.0% as of December 31, 2014. The Company expects the healthcare cost trend rate to reach its ultimate rate of 5.0% by 2021.(1) These assumption changes were reflected immediately in the benefit obligation and will be amortized into net periodic benefit costs over future periods.
In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) issued new mortality tables (RP-2014 and MP-2014). The Company’s base mortality assumption, used in measuring the 2014 retirement plan benefit obligations, was developed using the RP 2014 table with weighted adjustments for the Company’s own credibility-adjusted mortality experience. In addition, after reviewing the SOA’s new MP-2014 table, the Company changed its long-term mortality projections to reflect longer anticipated life expectancies. The current assumptions represent the Company’s best estimate of mortality for its plan participants. The change in mortality assumptions at the end of 2014 resulted in an increase to the Company’s projected benefit obligation for pension plans of $64 million. The change did not have a meaningful impact on the accumulated benefit obligation for postretirement healthcare plans. These changes are considered actuarial losses and will be amortized to net periodic benefit cost along with other actuarial gains and losses. The Company will continue to review, and when necessary, adjust its mortality assumptions in connection with the measurement of its retirement program obligations.
Plan assets are measured at fair value and are subject to market volatility. In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the historical returns on plan assets, adjusted to reflect the current view of the long-term investment market.
Changes in the funded status of defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans resulting from the difference between assumptions and actual results are initially recognized in other comprehensive income and amortized to expense 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):
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 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Stock Compensation Costs - The total cost of the Company’s share-based equity 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.
The Company uses 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 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 audited by tax authorities as a normal course of business. 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, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
Interest for floating rate instruments assumes December 31, 2014 rates remain constant.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company generally had no significant purchase obligations, other than those created in the ordinary course of business. Purchase orders issued for inventory and supplies used in product manufacturing generally do not become firm commitments until 90 days prior to expected delivery and can be modified to a certain extent until 30 days prior to expected delivery.
The Company has long-term obligations related to its pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans at December 31, 2014. During 2014, the Company contributed $29.7 million to its pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans. No additional contributions were required during 2014 beyond current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans. The Company does not expect to make any additional qualified pension plan contributions in 2015.(1) Also, the Company expects it will continue to make on-going contributions related to current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans.(1) The Company’s expected future contributions to these plans are provided in Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
As described in Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has unrecognized tax benefits of $64.2 million and accrued interest and penalties of $25.3 million as of December 31, 2014. However, the Company cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate for the period of cash settlement for either the liability for unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties.
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
In December 2009, the Company 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 promptly submitted written responses to the EPA’s inquiry and has engaged in discussions with the EPA. Since that time, the EPA has delivered various additional requests for information to which the Company has responded. It is probable that a result of the EPA’s investigation will be some form of enforcement action by the EPA that will seek a fine and/or other relief. The Company has a reserve associated with this matter which is included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. However, given the uncertainty that still exists concerning the resolution of this matter, there is a possibility that the actual loss incurred may be materially different than the Company’s current reserve. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact of any remedies the EPA might seek beyond the Company's current reserve for this matter, if any.
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, and the parties amended the Agreement in 2013 to address ordnance and explosive waste. 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.
The Company has a reserve for its estimate of its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility which is included in accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.(1) As noted above, the RI/FS is still underway and given the uncertainty that exists concerning the nature and scope of additional environmental investigation and remediation that may ultimately be required under the RI/FS or otherwise at the York facility, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of those additional costs, if any, that may result.
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 are expected to be paid primarily over a period of several years ending in 2017 although certain Response Costs may continue for some time beyond 2017.
Product Liability Matters:
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 suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.(1)
Liquidity and Capital Resources as of December 31, 2014
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.(1) The Company’s Financial Services operations have been funded with unsecured debt, unsecured commercial paper, asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities, committed unsecured bank facilities, term asset-backed securitizations and intercompany borrowings.
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 (in thousands):
(a)
The U.S. commercial paper conduit facility expires on October 30, 2015. The Company anticipates that it will renew this facility prior to expiration(1).
(b)
The Canadian commercial paper conduit facility expires on June 30, 2015 and is limited to Canadian denominated borrowings. The Company anticipates that it will renew this facility prior to expiration.(1).
Although the Company believes it has obtained the funding necessary to support Financial Services' operations for 2015(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.
Cash Flow Activity
The following table summarizes the cash flow activity of continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
Operating Activities
The increase in operating cash flow in 2014 compared to 2013 was due primarily to increased earnings, favorable changes in working capital and lower pension contributions, partially offset by higher wholesale finance originations.
During 2014, the Company contributed $29.7 million to its qualified pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans compared to $204.8 million in 2013, which included a $175.0 million voluntary contribution to its qualified pension plan. The Company does not expect to make any contributions to its qualified pension plan in 2015.(1) 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 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The increase in operating cash flow in 2013 compared to 2012 was due primarily to increased earnings and favorable changes in working capital. The favorable changes in working capital were in part due to the utilization of a prepaid income tax balance in 2013 that was established in 2012.
Investing Activities
The Company’s investing activities consist primarily of capital expenditures, net changes in retail finance receivables and short-term investment activity. Capital expenditures were $232.3 million, $208.3 million and $189.0 million during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Net cash flows from finance receivables for 2014, which consisted primarily of retail finance receivables, were $143.2 million lower than 2013 as a result of an increase in retail motorcycle loan originations during 2014. Net cash flows from finance receivables for 2013, which consisted primarily of retail finance receivables, were $321.4 million lower than in 2012 as a result of an increase in retail motorcycle loan originations during 2013.
Changes in the Company’s investment in marketable securities resulted in cash inflows of $41.0 million, $35.1 million and $18.3 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively,
Financing Activities
The Company’s financing activities consist primarily of dividend payments, share repurchases and debt activity.
The Company paid dividends of $1.10 per share totaling $238.3 million during 2014, $0.84 per share totaling $187.7 million during 2013 and $0.62 per share totaling $141.7 million in 2012.
Cash outflows from share repurchases were $615.6 million, $479.2 million and $311.6 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Share repurchases during 2014, 2013 and 2012 included 9.3 million, 8.2 million and 6.7 million shares of common stock, respectively, related to discretionary share repurchases and shares of common stock that employees surrendered to satisfy withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards. On February 5, 2014, the Company announced that the Company's Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to 20 million shares of its common stock. In total at December 31, 2014, the Company had board approved authorizations to repurchase 20.9 million shares of its common stock.
The Company’s total outstanding debt consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
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 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, 2014 were as follows:
Global Credit Facilities - On April 7, 2014, the Company entered into a new $675.0 million five-year credit facility to refinance and replace a $675.0 million four-year credit facility that was due to mature in April 2015. The new five-year credit facility matures in April 2019. The Company also has a $675.0 million five-year credit facility which matures in April 2017. The new five-year credit facility and the existing five-year credit facility (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 the Company's unsecured commercial paper program.
Unsecured Commercial Paper - Subject to limitations, the Company could issue unsecured commercial paper of up to $1.35 billion as of December 31, 2014 supported by the Global Credit Facilities. 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. The Company intends to repay unsecured commercial paper as it matures with additional unsecured commercial paper or through other means, such as borrowing under the Global Credit Facilities, borrowing under its asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility or through the use of operating cash flow and cash on hand.(1)
Medium-Term Notes - The Company has the following medium-term notes (collectively, the Notes) issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
The Notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. Unamortized discounts on the Notes reduced the balance by $3.6 million, $1.5 million, and $2.2 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
In September 2014, the Company issued $600.0 million of medium-term notes which mature in September 2019 and have an annual interest rate of 2.40%. In November 2014, the Company issued $400.0 million of medium-term notes which mature in November 2017 and have an annual interest rate of 1.55%. There were no medium-term note issuances during 2013.
During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company repurchased an aggregate $22.6 million, $23.0 million, and $16.6 million, respectively, of its 6.80% medium-term notes which mature in June 2018. As a result, the Company recognized in financial services interest expense $3.9 million, $4.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively, for losses on the extinguishment of debt, which included unamortized discounts and fees. During December 2014, $500.0 million of 5.75% medium-term notes matured, and the principal and accrued interest were paid in full.
Senior Unsecured Notes - In February 2009, the Company issued $600.0 million of senior unsecured notes in an underwritten offering. The senior unsecured notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. 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. The senior unsecured notes matured in February 2014 and the Company repaid the remaining senior unsecured notes outstanding.
Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility - The Company has a revolving facility agreement (Canadian Conduit) with a Canadian bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit. Under the agreement, the Canadian Conduit is contractually committed, at the Company's option, to purchase from the Company eligible Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables for proceeds up to C$200 million. The transferred assets are restricted as collateral for the payment of the debt. The terms for this facility provide for interest on the outstanding principal based on prevailing market interest rates plus a specified margin. The Canadian Conduit also provides for a program fee and an unused commitment fee based on the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of C$200 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 Canadian Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, as of December 31, 2014, the Canadian Conduit has an expiration date of June 30, 2015. The contractual maturity of the debt is approximately 5 years.
During 2014 and 2013, the Company transferred $97.1 million and $101.1 million, respectively, of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit for proceeds of $85.0 million and $88.6 million, respectively.
Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility Variable Interest Entity (VIE) - In September 2014, the Company amended and restated its revolving facility (U.S. Conduit) with an asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit which provides for a total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. At December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the U.S. Conduit.
This debt provides for interest on outstanding principal based generally on prevailing commercial paper rates plus a program fee based on outstanding principal, 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 U.S Conduit 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 U.S. Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, as of December 31, 2014, the U.S. Conduit expires October 30, 2015.
Term Asset-Backed Securitization VIEs - For all of its 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 the 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. Restricted cash 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 retail motorcycle finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. The secured notes’ contractual lives have various maturities ranging from 2015 to 2021.
During 2014, the Company issued $850.0 million of secured notes through one term asset-backed securitization transaction. During 2013, the Company issued $650.0 million of secured notes through one term asset-backed securitization transaction.
Intercompany Borrowings - Prior to the first quarter of 2013, HDFS had a revolving credit line with the Company whereby HDFS could have borrowed up to $210.0 million from the Company at a market interest rate. This agreement was terminated during the first quarter of 2013.
During 2014, HDFS and the Company had in effect the following term loan agreements under which HDFS borrowed from the Company (in thousands):
During 2013, HDFS and the Company had in effect the following term loan agreements under which HDFS borrowed from the Company (in thousands):
* This loan was repaid on or before the maturity date.
** $50.0 million of this loan was repaid in November 2014
The term loans provide for monthly interest based on the prevailing commercial paper rates and principal due at maturity or upon demand by the Company. The outstanding intercompany term loan balance was $250.0 million and $450.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The term loan balances and related interest are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Support 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 various operating covenants under the Notes and the U.S. and Canadian asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. The more significant covenants are described below.
The operational covenants limit the Company’s and HDFS’ ability to:
•
assume or incur certain liens;
•
participate in certain mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions; and
•
purchase or hold margin stock.
Under the current financial covenants of the Global Credit Facilities, the consolidated debt to equity ratio of HDFS cannot exceed 10.0 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. In addition, the ratio of the Company's consolidated debt to the Company's consolidated debt and equity, in each case excluding the debt of HDFS and its subsidiaries, cannot exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. No financial covenants are required under the Notes or the U.S. or Canadian asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities.
At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, HDFS and the Company remained in compliance with all of the existing covenants.
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)
manage through changes in general economic conditions, including changing capital, credit and retail markets, and political events,
(iii)
adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices,
(iv)
continue to develop the capabilities of its distributors and dealers and manage the risks that our independent dealers may have difficulty obtaining capital and managing through changing economic conditions and consumer demand,
(v)
manage risks that arise through expanding international manufacturing, operations and sales,
(vi)
manage through the effects inconsistent and unpredictable weather patterns may have on retail sales of motorcycles,
(vii)
manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations,
(viii)
manage supply chain issues, including any unexpected interruptions or price increases caused by raw material shortages or natural disasters,
(ix)
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,
(x)
develop and implement sales and marketing plans that retain existing retail customers and attract new retail customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace,
(xi)
implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology solutions, including solutions at its manufacturing facilities, and secure data contained in those systems,
(xii)
develop and introduce products, services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace,
(xiii)
continue to realize production efficiencies at its production facilities and manage operating costs including materials, labor and overhead,
(xiv)
execute its flexible production strategy,
(xv)
balance production volumes for its new motorcycles with consumer demand,
(xvi)
continue to manage the relationships and agreements that it has with its labor unions to help drive long-term competitiveness,
(xvii)
adjust to healthcare inflation and reform, pension reform and tax changes,
(xviii)
retain and attract talented employees,
(xix)
continue to have access to reliable sources of capital funding and adjust to fluctuations in the cost of capital, and
(xx)
manage the credit quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of HDFS’ loan portfolio.
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.
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.
In recent years, HDFS has experienced historically low levels of retail credit losses, but there is no assurance that this will continue. The Company believes that HDFS' retail credit losses may increase over time due to changing consumer credit behavior and HDFS' efforts to increase prudently structured loan approvals in the sub-prime lending environment.
Item 7A.
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, the Japanese yen and the Brazilian real. The Company utilizes foreign currency contracts to mitigate the effect of certain 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. At December 31, 2014, the notional U.S. dollar value of outstanding Euro, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, and Brazilian real foreign currency contracts was $339.1 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, 2014. Further disclosure relating to the fair value of derivative financial instruments is included in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 8.
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Page
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of the Audit Committee
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated statements of income
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income
Consolidated balance sheets
Consolidated statements of cash flows
Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity
Notes to consolidated financial statements
Supplementary data
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
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 the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013 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, 2014. 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.
Keith E. Wandell
John A. Olin
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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, 2014. Management has concluded that the internal control system was effective. Additionally, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 was audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2014 fiscal year. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company for the 2014 fiscal year with management as well as with representatives of Ernst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee has also discussed with Ernst & Young LLP matters required to be discussed under Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) No. 16, Communications with Audit Committees. The Audit Committee has received written disclosures from Ernst & Young LLP regarding their independence as required by PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, 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 2014 fiscal year be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2014 fiscal year.
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
Richard I. Beattie
George L. Miles, Jr.
N. Thomas Linebarger
James A. Norling, Chairman
Jochen Zeitz
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, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (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, 2014, 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, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and our report dated February 19, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 19, 2015
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, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. 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, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, 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.
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, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 19, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 19, 2015
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2014 and 2013
(In thousands, except share amounts)
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
December 31, 2014 and 2013
(In thousands, except share amounts)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(In thousands, except share amounts)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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) and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). 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 revenues and expenses have been translated using average exchange rates for the period.
The Company operates in two principal reportable segments: Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) and Financial Services.
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 at December 31 (in thousands):
The Company’s available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses reported in other comprehensive income. During 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized gross unrealized losses of $0.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively, or losses of $0.4 million and $1.0 million, net of tax, respectively, to adjust amortized cost to fair value. The marketable securities have contractual maturities that generally come due over the next 3 to 28 months.
The Company's trading securities relate to investments held by the Company to fund certain deferred compensation obligations. The trading securities are carried at fair value with gains and losses recorded in net income and investments are included in other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
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 $3.5 million and $5.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 in the consolidated balance sheets.
Finance Receivables, Net - Finance receivables include both retail and wholesale finance receivables, net, including amounts held by VIEs. Finance receivables are recorded in the financial statements at amortized 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 credit losses at a level that is adequate to cover estimated losses of principal inherent in the existing portfolio. Portions of the allowance for credit losses 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. The Company performs a periodic and systematic collective evaluation of the adequacy of the retail allowance for credit losses. The
Company 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 loans. The Company’s wholesale allowance evaluation is first based on a loan-by-loan review. A specific allowance for credit losses 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 below in the Financial Services Revenue Recognition policy, 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 individually evaluated for impairment 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 representing recovered collateral on impaired finance receivables is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. In the period during which the collateral is repossessed, the related finance receivable is adjusted to the fair value of the collateral through a charge to the allowance for credit losses and reclassified to repossessed inventory. Repossessed inventory is included in other current assets and was $13.4 million and $13.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Asset-Backed Financing - The Company participates in asset-backed financing both through term asset-backed securitization transactions and through asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. The Company treats these transactions as secured borrowing because either they are transferred to consolidated VIEs or the Company maintains effective control over the assets and does not meet the accounting sale requirements under ASC Topic 860, "Transfers and Servicing." In the Company's asset-backed financing programs, the Company transfers retail motorcycle finance receivables to special purpose entities (SPE), which are considered VIEs under U.S. GAAP. Each SPE then converts those assets into cash, through the issuance of debt.
The Company 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. The Company is considered to have the power over the significant activities of its term asset-backed securitization and asset-backed U.S. 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, the Company retains a residual interest in the VIEs in the form of a debt security, which gives the Company the right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. Therefore, the Company is the primary beneficiary and consolidates all of these VIEs within its consolidated financial statements.
The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility VIE; therefore, the Company does not consolidate the VIE. However, the Company treats the conduit facility as a secured borrowing as it maintains effective control over the assets transferred to the VIE and therefore does not meet the requirements for sale accounting under ASC Topic 860. As such, the Company retains the transferred assets and the related debt within its Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Servicing fees paid by VIEs to the Company are eliminated in consolidation and therefore are not recorded on a consolidated basis. The Company 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.
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 $232.8 million at December 31, 2014 and $210.7 million at December 31, 2013 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 years; building equipment and land improvements - 7 years; machinery and equipment - 3 to 10 years; furniture and fixtures - 5 years; and software - 3 to 7 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 2014 and 2013, the Company tested its goodwill balances for impairment and no adjustments were recorded to goodwill as a result of those reviews.
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. In addition, the Company started offering a one-year warranty for Parts & Accessories (P&A) in 2012. The warranty coverage for the retail customer generally begins when the product is sold to a retail customer. The Company maintains reserves for future warranty claims which are 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.
Changes in the Company’s warranty and safety recall liability were as follows (in thousands):
The liability for safety recall campaigns was $9.8 million, $4.0 million and $4.6 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 7). 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 9 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 when the receivable is 120 days or more delinquent, the related asset is repossessed or the receivable is otherwise deemed uncollectible. All retail finance receivables accrue interest until either collected or charged-off. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, all retail finance receivables are accounted for as interest-earning receivables.
Wholesale finance receivables are delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the contractual due date. Wholesale finance receivables are written down once management determines that the specific borrower does not have the ability to repay the loan in full. Interest continues to accrue on past due finance receivables until the date the finance receivable becomes uncollectible and the finance receivable is placed on non-accrual status. The Company 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.
Insurance and protection product commissions as well as commissions on the sale of extended service contracts are recognized when contractually earned. Deferred revenue related to extended service contracts was $5.7 million and $6.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 income. Research and development expenses were $138.3 million, $152.2 million and $137.3 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred $107.4 million, $90.7 million and $80.7 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 income. 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 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $37.9 million, $41.2 million and $40.8 million, respectively, or $23.9 million, $26.0 million and $25.7 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
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU No. 2014-09). ASU No. 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is required to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption.
Accounting Standards Recently Adopted
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11 Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (ASU No. 2013-11). ASU No. 2013-11 amends the guidance within Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 740, "Income Taxes", to require entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The Company adopted ASU No. 2013-11 on January 1, 2014. There were no material presentation changes resulting from the adoption of ASU No. 2013-11.
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):
Inventory obsolescence reserves deducted from FIFO cost were $17.8 million and $17.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Property, plant and equipment, at cost (in thousands):
Accrued liabilities (in thousands):
Cash Flow Information:
The reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations is as follows (in thousands):
Cash paid during the period for interest and income taxes (in thousands):
Interest paid represents interest payments of HDFS (included in financial services interest expense) and interest payments of the Company (included in interest expense).
3. Restructuring Expense and Other Impairments
In 2013, the Company completed the activities related to its 2009, 2010, and 2011 Restructuring Plans.
2011 Restructuring Plans
In December 2011, the Company made a decision to cease operations at New Castalloy, its Australian subsidiary and producer of cast motorcycle wheels and wheel hubs, and source those components through other existing suppliers by the end of 2013 (2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan). Since 2011, the Company has successfully transitioned a significant amount of wheel production to other existing suppliers. However, during 2013, the Company made a decision to retain limited operations at New Castalloy focused on the production of certain complex, high-finish wheels in a cost-effective and competitive manner. The Company also entered into a new agreement with the unionized labor force at New Castalloy.
In connection with the modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan, the New Castalloy workforce was reduced by approximately 100 employees, leaving approximately 100 remaining employees to support ongoing operations. The original plan would have resulted in a workforce reduction of approximately 200 employees.
Under the modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and termination costs, accelerated depreciation and other related costs. On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $22.1 million of restructuring expenses under the modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan, of which 35% was non-cash. This includes a benefit related to restructuring reserves released in the second quarter of 2013 in connection with the decision to retain a limited operation at the New Castalloy facility, as described above.
In February 2011, the Company’s unionized employees at its facility in Kansas City, Missouri ratified a new seven-year labor agreement. The new agreement took effect on August 1, 2011. The new contract is similar to the labor agreements ratified at the Company’s Wisconsin facilities in September 2010 and its York, Pennsylvania production facility in December 2009, and allows for similar flexibility, increased production efficiency and the addition of a flexible workforce component.
The actions to implement the new ratified labor agreement (2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan) resulted in approximately 145 fewer full-time hourly unionized employees in its Kansas City facility than would have been required under the previous contract.
Under the 2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and termination costs and other related costs. On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $6.0 million of restructuring expenses under the 2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan, of which approximately 10% was non-cash.
The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment’s 2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan and modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances as recorded in accrued liabilities for the year ended December 31 (in thousands):
2010 Restructuring Plan
In September 2010, the Company’s unionized employees in Wisconsin ratified three separate new seven-year labor agreements which took effect in April 2012 when the prior contracts expired. The new contracts are similar to the labor agreement ratified at the Company’s York, Pennsylvania production facility in December 2009 and allow for similar flexibility and increased production efficiency and the addition of a flexible workforce component.
The actions to implement the new ratified labor agreements (2010 Restructuring Plan) resulted in approximately 250 fewer full-time hourly unionized employees in its Milwaukee-area facilities than would have been required under the previous contract and approximately 75 fewer full-time hourly unionized employees in its Tomahawk, Wisconsin facility than would have been required under the previous contract.
Under the 2010 Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and termination costs and other related costs. On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $59.2 million of restructuring expenses under the 2010 Restructuring Plan, of which approximately 45% was non-cash.
The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment’s 2010 Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances as recorded in accrued liabilities for the following years ended December 31 (in thousands):
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 Plan) that were completed at various dates between 2009 and 2013. The actions were designed to reduce administrative costs, eliminate excess capacity and exit non-core business operations. The Company’s actions included the restructuring and transformation of its York, Pennsylvania production facility including the implementation of a new more flexible unionized labor agreement which allows for the addition of a flexible workforce component; consolidation of facilities related to engine and transmission production; outsourcing of certain distribution and transportation activities and exiting the Buell product line. In addition, the Company completed projects under this plan involving the outsourcing of select information technology activities and the consolidation of an administrative office in Michigan into its corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The 2009 restructuring plan resulted in a reduction of approximately 2,900 hourly production positions and approximately 800 non-production, primarily salaried positions within the Motorcycles segment and approximately 100 salaried positions in the Financial Services segment.
Under the 2009 Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and termination costs, accelerated depreciation on the long-lived assets that were exited as part of the 2009 Restructuring Plan and other related costs. On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $393.8 million of restructuring and impairment expense under the 2009 Restructuring Plan, of which approximately 30% was non-cash.
The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment’s 2009 Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances as recorded in accrued liabilities for the following years ended December 31 (in thousands):
Other restructuring costs include items such as the exit costs for terminating supply contracts, lease termination costs and moving costs.
4. Goodwill
The following table summarizes changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in the Motorcycles segment for the following years ended December 31 (in thousands):
The Financial Services segment did not have a goodwill balance.
5. Finance Receivables
Finance receivables, net at December 31 for the past five years were as follows (in thousands):
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.
HDFS provides retail financial services to customers of the Company’s independent dealers in the U.S. 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, 2014 and 2013, approximately 12% of gross outstanding finance receivables were originated in Texas; there were no other state that accounted for more than 10%.
Unused lines of credit extended to the Company's wholesale finance customers totaled $1.01 billion at both December 31, 2014 and 2013. Approved but unfunded retail finance loans totaled $168.7 million and $149.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014, contractual maturities of finance receivables were as follows (in thousands):
The allowance for credit losses on finance receivables is comprised of individual components relating to wholesale and retail finance receivables. Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables by portfolio for the year ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
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 were as follows (in thousands):
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 specifically impaired finance receivables. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no wholesale finance receivables that were on non-accrual status or individually deemed to be impaired under ASC Topic 310, “Receivables”.
An analysis of the aging of past due finance receivables at December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
The recorded investment of retail and wholesale finance receivables, excluding non-accrual status finance receivables, that were contractually past due 90 days or more at December 31 for the past five years was as follows (in thousands):
A significant part of managing the Company's finance receivable portfolios includes the assessment of credit risk associated with each borrower. As the credit risk varies between the retail and wholesale portfolios, the Company utilizes different credit risk indicators for each portfolio.
The Company manages retail credit risk through its credit approval policy and ongoing collection efforts. The Company uses FICO scores, a standard credit rating measurement, 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 was as follows (in thousands):
The Company's 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 patterns, the wholesale portfolio exposures are less consistent. The Company utilizes an internal credit risk rating system to manage credit risk exposure consistently across wholesale borrowers and individually evaluates credit risk factors for each borrower. The Company uses the following internal credit quality indicators, based on an 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 borrower's 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 was as follows (in thousands):
6. Asset-Backed Financing
The Company participates in asset-backed financing through both term asset-backed securitization transactions and through asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. The Company treats these transactions as secured borrowings because assets are either transferred to consolidated VIEs or the Company maintains effective control over the assets and does not meet the accounting sale requirements under ASC Topic 860. See Note 1 for more information on the Company's accounting for asset-backed financings and VIEs.
The following table shows the assets and liabilities related to the Company's asset-backed financings that were included in its financial statements at December 31 (in thousands):
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 purchased U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables. 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. 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. Restricted cash balances held by the SPEs are used only to support the securitizations.
In 2014 and 2013, the Company transferred $924.9 million and $680.6 million, respectively, of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to two separate SPEs. The SPEs in turn issued $850.0 million and $650.0 million, respectively, of secured notes. At December 31, 2014, the Company's consolidated balance sheet included outstanding balances related to the following secured notes with the related maturity dates and interest rates (in thousands):
In addition to the above transactions, during 2012 the Company issued $89.5 million of secured notes through the sale of notes that had been previously retained as part of the December 2009, August 2011 and November 2011 term asset-backed securitization transactions. These notes were sold at a premium. During 2013, the notes related to the December 2009 term asset-backed securitization transaction were repaid. The August 2011 and November 2011 notes have contractual maturities ranging from January 2019 to April 2019.
Outstanding balances related to the following secured notes were included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 and the Company completed repayment of those balances during 2014 (in thousands):
For the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the SPEs recorded interest expense on the secured notes of $13.5 million and $14.5 million, respectively, which is included in financial services interest expense. The weighted average interest rate of the outstanding term asset-backed securitization transactions was 0.94% and 0.99% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility VIE
In September 2014, the Company amended and restated its facility (U.S. Conduit) with a third-party bank sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit, which provides 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. Under the facility, the Company may transfer U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to a SPE, which in turn may issue debt to third-party bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduits.
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 plus a program fee based on outstanding principal, 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 U.S. Conduit 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 U.S. Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, the U.S. Conduit has an expiration date of October 30, 2015.
The SPE had no borrowings outstanding under the U.S. Conduit at December 31, 2014 or 2013; therefore, these assets are restricted as collateral for the payment of fees associated with the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million.
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the SPE recorded interest expense of $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, related to the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. Interest expense on the U.S. Conduit is included in financial services interest expense. There was no weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2014 or 2013 as the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the U.S. Conduit during 2014 or 2013.
Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility
In June 2014, the Company amended its revolving facility agreement (Canadian Conduit) with a Canadian bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit. Under the agreement, the Canadian Conduit is contractually committed, at the Company's option, to purchase eligible Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables from the Company for proceeds up to C$200 million. The terms for this debt provide for interest on the outstanding principal based on prevailing market interest rates plus a specified margin. The Canadian Conduit also provides for a program fee and an unused commitment fee based on the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of C$200 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 Canadian Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, the Canadian Conduit expires on June 30, 2015. The contractual maturity of the debt is approximately 5 years.
During 2014 and 2013, the Company transferred $97.1 million and $101.1 million, respectively, of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables for proceeds of $85.0 million and $88.6 million, respectively. This transaction is treated as a secured borrowing, and the transferred assets are restricted as collateral for payment of the debt.
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded interest expense of $3.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively, on the secured notes. Interest expense on the Canadian Conduit is included in financial services interest expense. The weighted average interest rate of the outstanding Canadian Conduit was 2.03% at both December 31, 2014 and 2013.
As the Company participates in and does not consolidate the Canadian bank-sponsored, multi-seller conduit VIE, the maximum exposure to loss associated with this VIE, which would only be incurred in the unlikely event that all the finance receivables and underlying collateral have no residual value, is $27.5 million at December 31, 2014. The maximum exposure is not an indication of the Company's expected loss exposure.
7. 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 required by particular events or circumstances. In determining the 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. The Company uses the market approach to derive the fair value for its level 2 fair value measurements. Foreign currency exchange contracts are valued using publicly quoted spot and forward prices; commodity contracts are valued using publicly quoted prices, where available, or dealer quotes; interest rate swaps are valued using publicized swap curves; and investments in marketable securities and cash equivalents are valued using publicly quoted prices.
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 (in thousands):
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
Repossessed inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value through a nonrecurring fair value measurement. The nonrecurring fair value measurement represents the loss recognized to adjust the related finance receivable to the fair value of the repossessed inventory. Repossessed inventory was $13.4 million and $13.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, for which the fair value adjustment was $5.0 million and $6.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Fair value is estimated using level 2 inputs based on the recent market values of repossessed inventory.
8. 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 9). 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 (in thousands):
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Accounts Receivable, Net and Accounts Payable - With the exception of certain cash equivalents, the carrying value of these items in the financial statements is based on 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. Fair value is based on Level 1 or Level 2 inputs.
Marketable Securities - The carrying value of marketable securities in the financial statements is based on fair value. The fair value of marketable securities is determined primarily based quoted prices for identical instruments or on quoted market prices of similar financial assets. Fair value is based on Level 1 or Level 2 inputs.
Finance Receivables, Net - The carrying value of retail and wholesale finance receivables in the financial statements is amortized cost less an allowance for 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. Fair value is determined based on Level 3 inputs. The amortized 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.
Derivatives - Foreign currency exchange contracts and commodity contracts are derivative financial instruments and are carried at fair value on the balance sheet. The fair value of foreign currency exchange and commodity contracts is determined using publicly quoted prices. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
Debt - The carrying value of debt in the financial statements is generally amortized cost. The carrying value of unsecured commercial paper approximates fair value due to its short maturity. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
The carrying value of debt provided under the Canadian Conduit approximates fair value since the interest rates charged under the facility are tied directly to market rates and fluctuate as market rates change. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
The fair values of the medium-term notes are estimated based upon rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
The fair value of the senior unsecured notes is estimated based upon rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
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. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.
9. 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 8). 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.
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, Japanese yen and the Brazilian real. The Company utilizes foreign currency contracts to mitigate the effect of fluctuations in these currencies 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 commodity contracts to hedge portions of the cost of certain commodities consumed in the Company’s motorcycle production and distribution operations.
The Company’s foreign currency contracts and commodity contracts generally have maturities of less than one year.
The Company’s earnings are affected by changes in interest rates. The Company utilized 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. The interest rate swaps expired during the second quarter of 2013, and as of December 31, 2013, there were no interest rate swaps outstanding.
The following tables summarize the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments at December 31 (in thousands):
(a)
Included in other current assets
(b)
Included in accrued liabilities
(c)
Derivative designated as a cash flow hedge
The following tables summarize the amount of gains and losses for the following years ended December 31 related to derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges (in thousands):
(a)
Gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) to income is included in cost of goods sold.
(b)
Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to income is included in financial services interest expense.
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 table summarizes the amount of gains and losses for the years ended December 31 related to derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments (in thousands):
(a)
Gain/(loss) recognized in income is included in cost of goods sold.
10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
(a)
Amounts reclassified to net income are included in motorcycles and related products cost of goods sold.
(b)
Amounts reclassified to net income are presented in financial services interest expense.
(c)
Amounts reclassified are included in the computation of net periodic cost. See Note 13 for information related to pension and postretirement benefit plans.
11. 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):
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):
Commercial paper maturities may range up to 365 days from the issuance date. The weighted-average interest rate of outstanding commercial paper balances was 0.30% and 0.23% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
On April 7, 2014, the Company entered into a new $675.0 million five-year credit facility to refinance and replace a $675 million four-year credit facility that was due to mature in April 2015. The new five-year credit facility matures in April 2019. The Company also has a $675.0 million five-year credit facility which matures in April 2017. The new five-year credit facility and the existing five-year credit facility (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 the Company's unsecured commercial paper program. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Global Credit Facilities.
In September 2014, the Company amended and restated its revolving facility (U.S. Conduit) with an asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit which provides for a total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the U.S. Conduit. Refer to Note 6 for further discussion on the U.S. Conduit.
In June 2014, the Company amended its revolving facility agreement (Canadian Conduit) with a Canadian bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit. Under the agreement, the Canadian Conduit is contractually committed, at the Company's option, to purchase from the Company eligible Canadian retail motorcycle financial receivables for proceeds up to C$200 million. During 2014 and 2013, the Company transferred $97.1 million and $101.1 million, respectively, of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables for proceeds of $85.0 million and $88.6 million, respectively. Approximately $44.6 million and $38.6 million of the debt was classified as current portion of long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Refer to Note 6 for further discussion on the Canadian Conduit.
During 2014, the Company issued $850.0 million of secured notes through one term asset-backed securitization transaction. During 2013, the Company issued $650.0 million of secured notes through one term asset-backed securitization transaction. Additionally, during 2012, the Company issued $89.5 million of secured notes through the sale of notes that had been previously retained as part of the December 2009, August 2011, and November 2011 term asset-backed securitization transactions. These notes were sold at a premium, and at December 31, 2014 and 2013, the unaccreted premium associated with these notes was $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Approximately $366.9 million and $334.6 million of the obligations under the secured notes were classified as current at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, based on the contractual maturities of the restricted finance receivables. The term-asset backed securitization transactions are further discussed in Note 6.
In September 2014, the Company issued $600 million of medium-term notes which mature in September 2019 and have an annual interest rate of 2.40%. In November 2014, the Company issued $400 million of medium-term notes which mature in November 2017 and have an annual interest rate of 1.55%. There were no medium-term note issuances during 2013. All of the Company's medium-term notes (collectively, the Notes) provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. Unamortized discounts on the Notes reduced the balance by $3.6 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
During 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company repurchased an aggregate of $22.6 million, $23.0 million, and $16.6 million respectively, of its 6.80% medium-term notes which mature in June 2018. As a result, the Company recognized in financial services interest expense $3.9 million, $4.9 million, and $4.3 million of loss on extinguishment of debt, respectively, which included unamortized discounts and fees. During December 2014, $500.0 million of 5.75% medium-term notes matured, and the principal and accrued interest were paid in full. During December 2013, $400.0 million of the 5.25% medium-term notes matured, and the principal and accrued interest were paid in full.
In February 2009, the Company issued $600.0 million of senior unsecured notes in an underwritten offering. The senior unsecured notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. The senior unsecured notes mature in February 2014 and had an annual interest rate of 15%. During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company repurchased $297.0 million of the $600.0 million senior unsecured notes and the remaining $303.0 million was repaid at maturity in February 2014.
HDFS and the Company are subject to various operating and financial covenants related to the Global Credit Facilities and various operating covenants under the Notes and the U.S. and Canadian asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. The more significant covenants are described below.
The operational covenants limit the Company’s and HDFS’ ability to:
•
assume or incur certain liens;
•
participate in certain mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions; and
•
purchase or hold margin stock.
Under the current financial covenants of the Global Credit Facilities, the consolidated debt to equity ratio of HDFS cannot exceed 10.0 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. In addition, the ratio of the Company's consolidated debt to the Company's consolidated debt and equity, in each case excluding the debt of HDFS and its subsidiaries, cannot exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. No financial covenants are required under the Notes or the U.S. or Canadian asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, HDFS and the Company remained in compliance with all of these covenants.
12. Income Taxes
Provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of the following (in thousands):
The components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
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:
The principal components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 include the following (in thousands):
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, 2014, the Company had approximately $365.0 million state net operating loss carry-forwards expiring in 2031. At December 31, 2014 the Company also had Wisconsin research and development credit carryforwards of $13.7 million expiring in 2028. The Company had a deferred tax asset of $27.8 million as of December 31, 2014 for the benefit of these losses and credits. A valuation allowance of $4.8 million has been established against the deferred tax asset.
The Company has foreign net operating losses (NOL) totaling $14.2 million as of December 31, 2014. It has a valuation allowance of $20.7 million against the NOLs as well as other associated deferred tax assets.
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):
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $48.7 million.
The total gross amount of expense related to interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits recognized during 2014 in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income was $0.9 million.
The total gross amount of interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits recognized at December 31, 2014 in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets was $25.3 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 ending December 31, 2015. 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 2010 or for United States federal income taxes before 2012.
13. Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company has a qualified defined benefit pension plan and several postretirement healthcare benefit plans, which cover 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. During 2012, the Company consolidated four qualified defined benefit pension plans into its current single qualified pension plan. The consolidation had no impact on participant benefits.
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.
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, 2014 and 2013 measurement dates (in thousands):
Benefit Costs:
Components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
Net periodic benefit costs are allocated among selling, administrative and engineering expense, cost of goods sold and inventory.
The expected return on plan assets is calculated based on the market-related value of plan assets. The market-related value of plan assets is different from the fair value in that asset gains/losses are smoothed over a five year period.
Unrecognized gains and losses related to plan obligations and assets are initially recorded in other comprehensive income and result from actual experience that differs from assumed or expected results, and the impacts of changes in assumptions. Unrecognized plan asset gains and losses not yet reflected in the market-related value of plan assets are not subject to amortization. Remaining unrecognized gains and losses that exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets are amortized to earnings over the estimated future service period of active plan participants. The impacts of plan amendments, if any, are amortized over the estimated future service period of plan participants at the time of the amendment.
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, at December 31, 2014 which have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in thousands):
Amounts expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax, during the year ended December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
Assumptions:
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost at December 31 were as follows:
Pension and SERPA Accumulated Benefit Obligation:
The Company’s pension and SERPA plans have 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 $1.92 billion and $1.60 billion as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The Company pension plan did not have a PBO in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2013. The following table summarizes information related to Company pension plan with a PBO in excess of the fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2014 (in billions):
The Company pension plan did not have an ABO in excess of fair value at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The Company’s SERPA plans, which can only be funded as claims are paid, had projected and accumulated benefit obligations of $46.6 million and $33.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and $38.9 million and $25.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.
Plan Assets:
Pension Plan Assets - The Company’s investment objective is to ensure assets are sufficient to pay benefits while mitigating the volatility of retirement plan assets or liabilities recorded in the balance sheet. The Company mitigates volatility through asset diversification and partial asset/liability matching. The investment portfolio for the Company's pension plan assets contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. The Company’s current overall targeted asset allocation as a percentage of total market value was approximately 65% equities and 35% fixed-income. Assets are rebalanced regularly to keep the actual allocation in line with targets. 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 other 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 equivalent 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.
Postretirement Healthcare Plan Assets - The Company's investment objective is to maximize the return on assets to help pay the benefits by prudently investing in equities, fixed income and alternative assets. The Company's current overall targeted asset allocation as a percentage of total market value was approximately 69% equities and 31% fixed-income. Equity holdings primarily include investments in small-, medium-, and large-cap companies in the U.S., 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 equivalent 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.
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 7.
The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
Included in the pension plan assets are 1,273,592 shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $83.9 million at December 31, 2014.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
The fair values of the Company’s postretirement healthcare plan assets as of December 31, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
Included in the pension plan assets are 1,273,592 shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $88.2 million at December 31, 2013.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
The fair values of the Company’s postretirement healthcare plan assets, which did not contain any Level 3 assets, as of December 31, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
No plan assets are expected to be returned to the Company during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.
For 2015, the Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return is 7.75% for pension assets and 7.70% for postretirement healthcare plan assets. 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:
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):
Future Contributions and Benefit Payments:
No pension plan contributions are required in 2015. The Company expects it will continue to make on-going contributions related to current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans in 2015(1).
The expected benefit payments and Medicare subsidy receipts for the next five years and thereafter were as follows (in thousands):
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 $18.1 million, $14.9 million and $15.3 million for Company contributions during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
14. 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 $12.0 million, $12.5 million and $13.5 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Future minimum operating lease payments at December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
15. 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
In December 2009, the Company 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 promptly submitted written responses to the EPA’s inquiry and has engaged in discussions with the EPA. Since that time, the EPA has delivered various additional requests for information to which the Company has responded. It is probable that a result of the EPA’s investigation will be some form of enforcement action by the EPA that will seek a fine and/or other relief. The Company has a reserve associated with this matter which is included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. However, given the uncertainty that still exists concerning the resolution of this matter, there is a possibility that the actual loss incurred may be materially different than the Company’s current reserve. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact of any remedies the EPA might seek beyond the Company's current reserve for this matter, if any.
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, and the parties amended the Agreement in 2013 to address ordnance and explosive waste.
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.
The Company has a reserve for its estimate of its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility which is included in accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.(1) As noted above, the RI/FS is still underway and given the uncertainty that exists concerning the nature and scope of additional environmental investigation and remediation that may ultimately be required under the RI/FS or otherwise at the York facility, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of those additional costs, if any, that may result.
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 are expected to be paid primarily over a period of several years ending in 2017 although certain Response Costs may continue for some time beyond 2017.
Product Liability Matters:
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 suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
16. Capital Stock
Common Stock:
The Company is authorized to issue 800,000,000 shares of common stock of $0.01 par value. There were 211.9 million and 220.0 million common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
During 2014, the Company repurchased 9.3 million shares of its common stock at a weighted-average price of $66. This includes 0.2 million shares of common stock that were repurchased from employees that surrendered stock to satisfy withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards. The remaining repurchases were made pursuant to the following authorizations (in millions of shares):
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.
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.
2014 Authorization - In February 2014, 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.
Preferred Stock:
The Company is authorized to issue 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock of $1.00 par value, none of which is outstanding.
17. Share-Based Awards
The Company has a share-based compensation plan which was approved by its Shareholders in April 2014 (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 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 granted under the Plan 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, 2014, there were 9.5 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. Prior to 2013, the Company used a weighted-average of implied and historical volatility to determine the expected volatility of its stock. Beginning with awards granted in 2013, the Company uses implied 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.
Assumptions used in calculating the lattice-based fair value of options granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
The following table summarizes the stock option transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands except for per share amounts):
The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $14, $12 and $14, respectively.
As of December 31, 2014, there was $3.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 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):
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 16.
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014 (options in thousands):
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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
The following table summarizes the SAR transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands except for per share amounts):
The weighted-average fair value of SARs granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $14, $12 and $14, respectively.
Restricted Stock Awards Settled in Stock:
Beginning in 2014, the Company granted certain eligible U.S. employees restricted stock units (RSUs) that settle in Company stock. Prior to 2014, the Company granted restricted, nonvested, stock. The fair value of RSUs settled in stock and restricted stock is determined based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The following table summarizes the RSUs settled in stock and restricted stock transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands except for per share amounts):
As of December 31, 2014, there was $21.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs settled in stock and restricted stock that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
Restricted Stock Awards Settled in Cash
Restricted stock units, granted to certain eligible non-U.S. employees (RSUIs) vest under the same terms and conditions as RSUs settled in stock and restricted stock; however, they are settled in cash equal to their settlement date fair value. As a result, RSUIs are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a liability until the date of vesting.
The fair value of RSUIs is determined based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The following table summarizes the RSUI transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands except for per share amounts):
18. Earnings Per Share
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):
Options to purchase 0.5 million, 0.9 million and 2.1 million weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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.
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
19. Reportable Segments and Geographic Information
Reportable Segments:
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the groups of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). The Company operates in two segments: the Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) segment and the Financial Services segment. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations.
The Motorcycle reportable segment consists of HDMC which designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale street-legal Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. The Company's products are sold to retail customers through a network of independent dealers. The Company conducts business on a global basis, with sales in North America, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
The Financial Services reportable segment consists of HDFS which 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 segment is set forth below for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
Financial Services revenue includes $8.1 million, $10.4 million and $11.5 million of interest that HDMC paid to HDFS on wholesale finance receivables in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The offsetting cost of these interest incentives was recorded as a reduction to Motorcycles revenue.
Information by segment is set forth below as of December 31 (in thousands):
Geographic Information:
Included in the consolidated financial statements are the following amounts relating to geographic locations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
(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.
20. 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 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $194.8 million, $204.8 million and $187.1 million, respectively, and had finance receivables balances due from Deeley Imports of $7.4 million, $11.5 million and $9.2 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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.
21. 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.
22. Subsequent Events
On January 22, 2015, HDFS issued $700.0 million of secured notes through a term asset-backed securitization transaction at a weighted average interest rate of 1.19%.
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
(In millions, except per share data)
(a)
Operating income for the Motorcycles segment includes restructuring expense (benefit) as discussed in Note 3 for the following periods (in millions):
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
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 Chairman, 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 Chairman, 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 Chairman, 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, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information to be included in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed on or about March 16, 2015 (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,” “Proposal I - Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Audit Committee Report,” and “Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters - 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 finance 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.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information 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.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information 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, 2014:
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. 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.
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 shares of common 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 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 September 2012. The Ownership Guidelines stipulate that all Directors hold 15,000 shares of Common Stock and senior executives hold from 15,000 to 200,000 shares of the common stock, or certain rights to acquire 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 common stock. Restricted stock, restricted stock units, shares held in 401(k) accounts, vested unexercised stock options and stock appreciation rights, and shares of common stock held directly count toward satisfying the guidelines for common stock ownership.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information 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.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information 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.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statements
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K:
Reference is made to the separate Index to Exhibits contained on pages 114 through 117 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.
Schedule II
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(In thousands)
(a)
Inventory obsolescence reserves deducted from cost determined on first-in first-out (FIFO) basis, before deductions for last-in, first-out (LIFO) valuation reserves.
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 19, 2015.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
By:
/S/ Keith E. Wandell
Keith E. Wandell
Chairman, 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 19, 2015.
Name
Title
/S/ Keith E. Wandell
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Keith E. Wandell
(Principal executive officer)
/S/ Matthew S. Levatich
Director, HDMC President and Chief Operating Officer
Matthew S. Levatich
/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
Director
Barry K. Allen
/S/ R. John Anderson
Director
R. John Anderson
/S/ Richard I. Beattie
Presiding Director
Richard I. Beattie
/S/ Michael J. Cave
Director
Michael J. Cave
/S/ George H. Conrades
Director
George H. Conrades
/S/ Donald A. James
Director
Donald A. James
/S/ Sara L. Levinson
Director
Sara L. Levinson
/S/ N. Thomas Linebarger
Director
N. Thomas Linebarger
/S/ George L. Miles, Jr.
Director
George L. Miles, Jr.
/S/ James A. Norling
Director
James A. Norling
/S/ Jochen Zeitz
Director
Jochen Zeitz
Various instruments relating to the Company’s long-term debt described in this report need not be filed herewith pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. The registrant, by signing this report, agrees to furnish the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its request, with a copy of any such instrument.
*
Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.
*
Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.
*
Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.
Various instruments relating to the Company’s long-term debt described in this report need not be filed herewith pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. The registrant, by signing this report, agrees to furnish the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its request, with a copy of any such instrument.
*
Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.