Harleys new leadership
#24
06-11-2011 | 04:01 PM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,409
Likes: 387
From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
IMO When HD began losing $ in '09 they did what most companies do... they focused more and more on credit financing. Harley financial services is the principle reason they creeped back into profitability. A bit disconcerting when you cant make money on your primary products (bikes) but make all your $ on lending. You remove all the merchandizing and credit services the HD motorcycle business is seriously upside down.
In 2009 they still managed to eek out a profit...
Quoted from Market Watch.
"The Milwaukee-based company posted a profit of $26.48 million, or 11 cents a share, an 84% retreat from $166.54 million, or 71 cents a share in the year-ago period"
#27
06-11-2011 | 05:02 PM
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,575
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA
Has everyone heard about harleys new leadership and what he's doing? 1) closing 40% of dealerships just like GM did. Just got back from a ride to chicago and my dealer in chicago i grew up with was closed along with one more plus two more may be on chopping block. another area (cannnot say) is currently on edge because they make be cut (they have not found out yet) York plant was forced to cut 700 Union jobs and Union was told to accept it or we will move company to kentucky. PARTS- all going up right now a HD battery is $170.00 last time I paid $96.00 and i thought that was high. another thing ,if you use after market parts on your HD to enhance perf HD will VOID warranty. The power programer was used as demonstration. I am glad I sold my Harley stock. Thats all for now, check with your dealer to make sure they ain,t on chopping block. right now I have to travel 100 or 200 miles to nearest dealer and if they close these then I guess I'll be sht out of luck and have to go aftermarket with everything or buy a differant brand
#28
06-11-2011 | 05:03 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: Eaton, OH
Companies are in business to make money, that's all. If HD makes a profit selling new bikes, selling parts/accessories/clothing, or by financing, good for them.
If strategic decisions negatively affect profits such as dropping profitable product lines, then that would be a mistake and would probably be reflected in changes to the upper management or the board of directors.
If profits go up under new management, then they must be doing something right. Sounds like a good time to buy stock in them, not sell it.
If strategic decisions negatively affect profits such as dropping profitable product lines, then that would be a mistake and would probably be reflected in changes to the upper management or the board of directors.
If profits go up under new management, then they must be doing something right. Sounds like a good time to buy stock in them, not sell it.
#30
06-11-2011 | 05:32 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,503
Likes: 5,842
From: Oxford, Nc
Build a better mousetrap, sometimes you get a better mouse!