Where are Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Manufactured?

By: John Parker

Harley-Davidson motorcycles

Previously in this series, we looked at the role of motorsports in the successful history of Harley-Davidson. It’s also important for investors to know where a company manufactures its motor vehicles because it may affect the profitability of an automaker.
Where Are Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Manufactured?

Manufacturing plants

Most of Harley-Davidson’s (HOG) manufacturing and assembly plants are located in the US. The company’s York, Pennsylvania, plant was established in 1973. The company assembles its touring, trike, and soft tail motorcycle models at this plant. Also, manufacturing operations such as fabrication, welding, polishing, and painting are done here. Some of Harley-Davidson’s limited production and factory-custom motorcycles are also assembled at the York facility. Notably, the production at this plant accounts for more than 60% of total motorcycles produced by the company.
Apart from this major manufacturing facility in York, Harley-Davidson also manufactures and assembles its motor vehicles and spare parts in Kansas City, Tomahawk, and Menomonee Falls in the US.

International operations

Outside the US, Harley-Davidson owns two major manufacturing and assembly plants in Brazil and India. Operations at the Manaus assembly plant began in 1999. Since then, the company has assembled the majority of the motorcycles it sells in the Brazilian market at this plant.
Harley-Davidson owns its second international facility in Bawal, India. This facility was established in 2011 to improve its production flexibility, market responsiveness, and operations in the Indian market. Apart from the Indian market, the company also began manufacturing its street motorcycle models for other markets including Italy, Spain, and Portugal at this plant since 2014.
Some mainstream automakers (VCR) such as General Motors (GM), Ford (F), and Toyota (TM) also have been trying to localize their vehicle production outside their home country to minimize their cost production.

Product development center

Harley-Davidson owns a dedicated product development center in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The product development center was set up in 1997. This facility is important for the company, as it brings together the original equipment engineering, styling, and developmental purchasing groups in a centralized location. Functions such as new product development, testing, styling, and developmental purchasing for Harley-Davidson motorcycles take place here.
Continue to the next article to find out what kind of financial services Harley-Davidson offers customers.

Harley-Davidson Financial Services

Previously, we discussed how Harley-Davidson manufactures more than 60% of its motor vehicles in the US. To financially support customers in purchasing these expensive motorcycles, Harley-Davidson provides retail consumer loans and financing options through HDFS, its financing arm. In this article of the series, we’ll take a closer look at the role of Harley-Davidson Financial Services (or HDFS). How Harley-Davidson's Financial Services Complement Its Core Business

Importance of HDFS

Harley-Davidson (HOG) is the most popular motorcycle brand among motorsport enthusiasts globally. The company’s motorcycles are typically sold at higher prices than motorbikes from other motorcycle manufacturers. Thus, HDFS complements the company’s core business and is an important arm of its business. Now, let’s take a look at key functions of the financing arm.

Retail financial services

Under its retail financial services, HDFS primarily provides installment lending for the purchase of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Currently, retail financial services are available only through the company’s dealers located in the US and Canada. In 2015, 62.2% of Harley-Davidson motorcycle buyers used this service in the US.

Wholesale financial services

Harley-Davidson’s wholesale financial services are primarily aimed at providing financial assistance to its dealers. This includes financing of floorplan along with open account financing of motorcycles, motorcycle parts, and accessories. Currently, wholesale financial services are also available for Harley-Davidson dealers in the US and Canada. According to the company, 100% of these dealers utilized these services at some point during 2015, which reflects the importance of HDFS for the company’s dealers.

Insurance services

HDFS also acts as an agent for selected unaffiliated insurance companies to offer point-of-sale protection products to its customers. Also, Harley-Davidson dealers can avail of a comprehensive package of business insurance coverages and services. Major automakers (FXD) such as General Motors (GM), Toyota (TM), Ford (F), and Volkswagen (VLKAY) also provide financing facilities to their customers with their own financial services arms. Continue to the next article to learn about the various categories of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

BP’s fourth-quarter results

BP (BP) is expected to post its earnings results for the first quarter of 2019 on April 30, 2019. Before we proceed with BP’s first-quarter earnings estimates, let’s look at how the company performed compared to estimates in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Do Analysts Expect BP to Post Lower Q1 Earnings?
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BP’s fourth-quarter revenue stood at $75.7 billion, surpassing Wall Street analysts' consensus estimate by ~2%. Its adjusted earnings per American depositary share stood at $1.02, which exceeded analysts' estimate of $0.84. BP's adjusted EPS rose 55% YoY (year-over-year) in the fourth quarter.

BP’s first-quarter estimates

As per Wall Street analysts, BP is expected to post EPS of $0.69 in the first quarter of 2019, 12% lower than its adjusted EPS in the first quarter of 2018 and 32% lower than its adjusted EPS in the fourth quarter of 2018. BP’s revenue is expected to be ~$60.6 billion in the first quarter, ~12% lower than its revenue in the first quarter of 2018.
In the first quarter, average crude oil prices were lower YoY, which could result in lower upstream realizations and earnings for BP. BP's downstream earnings could also fall, as indicated by the weaker global refining marker margins in the first quarter of 2019 over the first quarter of 2018.

Peers' estimates

BP’s peers are also expected to put up dull performances in the first quarter of 2019 over the first quarter of 2018. Chevron (CVX), ExxonMobil (XOM), and Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) are expected to post YoY falls of 26%, 30%, and 17%, respectively, in their EPS in the quarter. Total (TOT) is expected to see a 12% YoY fall in its earnings in the quarter. Suncor Energy’s (SU) EPS are expected to fall 21% YoY in the same period.

Article by MarketRealists 

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