News
Thanks to:
Kim Peterson
MSN Money
The motorcycle manufacturer's sales hit a wall this spring, deepening the gloom enveloping the iconic American company.
Spring
is the most important time of the year for Harley-Davidson (HOG, news,
msgs). It sells about a third of its bikes in April, May and June,
analysts say, as the weather warms up and bikers itch to hit the road.
After
the horrible year Harley has had, I can only imagine the company was
hopeful for a miracle this spring. But that didn't happen. Analysts at
UBS say retail sales at Harley plummeted 35% in April and May,
according to Barron's.
Tell us: Would you buy a Harley?
And so
Harley's problems continue. Americans still love their motorcycles,
they just don't love brand-new Harleys. Here are the biggest problems
the company faces:
The used motorcycle market does a brisk business.
Harley buyers are getting older. Only 12% of buyers are under 35.
Harley
offered no-money-down financing to subprime buyers who either couldn't
or wouldn't repay their loans. As a result, its financing arm is in
trouble with delinquent loans and credit rating concerns.
The
company has cut back shipments to retailers in hopes of bringing down
inventory. Harley also had to close plants, lay off employees and cut
production this year.
The share price has been sliding since the beginning of May.
Last year at this time, the share price was nearly $40. It plunged
below $9 in March, bounced back above $20 in May, and these days is
lingering in the $15 to $17 range.
Friday, Citigroup cut its rating on Harley to sell. Barron's thinks the stock may have topped out in May.
