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HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC. - Annual Report: 2018 (Form 10-K)



 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2018
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from             to             
Commission file number 1-9183
Harley-Davidson, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Wisconsin
 
39-1382325
(State of organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3700 West Juneau Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
 
53208
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number: (414) 342-4680
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE
 
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  ¨   No  ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act
Large accelerated filer
 
ý
 
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
Emerging growth company
 
o
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨
 
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
 
 
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  ¨    No  ý
Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at July 1, 2018: $6,987,984,229
Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding at February 1, 2019: 159,543,955 shares
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Part III of this report incorporates information by reference from registrant’s Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of its shareholders to be held on May 9, 2019
 



Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Form 10-K
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
Part I
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
Part II
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
 
 
 
Part III
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
 
 
 
Part IV
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15.
Item 16.
 
 


2



PART I
(1) Note regarding forward-looking statements
The Company intends that certain matters discussed by the Company 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 because the context statement will include words such as the Company “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “estimates,” or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this report. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described in close proximity to such statements or elsewhere in this report, including under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report and under “Cautionary Statements” in Item 7 of this report. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in the Overview and Outlook section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are only made as of January 29, 2019 and the remaining forward-looking statements in this report are made as of the date indicated or, if a date is not indicated, as of the date of the filing of this report (February 28, 2019), and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. 
Item 1.        Business
General
Harley-Davidson Motor Company was founded in 1903. 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 has two reportable segments: the Motorcycles and Related Products (Motorcycles) segment and the Financial Services segment.
Strategy
The Company's long-term strategy, announced in 2017, is to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders globally and includes the following 2027 objectives:

•
Build two million new Harley-Davidson riders in the U.S.
•
Grow the Harley-Davidson international business to 50 percent of its total annual volume
•
Launch 100 new, high-impact Harley-Davidson motorcycles
•
Deliver superior return on invested capital for HDMC that falls within the top quartile of the S&P 500
•
Grow the business without growing its environmental impact

On July 30, 2018, the Company disclosed its “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” plan to accelerate the Company's strategy to build the next generation of riders globally. The More Roads to Harley-Davidson plan through 2022 includes three growth catalysts:

•
New products - keep current riders engaged and inspire new riders by extending heavyweight leadership and expanding into new markets and segments
•
Broader access - meet customers where they are and how they want to engage with a multi-channel retail experience
•
Stronger dealers - drive a performance framework to improve dealer financial strength and the Harley-Davidson customer experience
Motorcycles and Related Products Segment
The Motorcycles segment consists of HDMC, which designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale on-road Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. The Company conducts business on a global basis, with sales in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific.

3


The following table includes Motorcycles segment revenue by product line as a percent of total revenue for the last three fiscal years(a):
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Motorcycles
 
78.1
%
 
76.6
%
 
76.9
%
Parts & Accessories
 
15.2
%
 
16.3
%
 
15.9
%
General Merchandise
 
4.9
%
 
5.3
%
 
5.4
%
Licensing
 
0.8
%
 
0.8
%
 
0.8
%
Other
 
1.0
%
 
1.0
%
 
1.0
%
 
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
(a)
In connection with the adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Company has changed its presentation of disaggregated Motorcycles segment revenue and the prior period has been recast to reflect the new presentation.
Motorcycles - The Company's current Harley-Davidson motorcycle offerings include cruiser and touring models that feature unique styling, innovative design, distinctive sound, and superior quality with the ability to customize. These Harley-Davidson motorcycles generally have engines with displacements that are greater than 601cc's, up to a maximum displacement of approximately 1900cc's.
The total on-road motorcycle market is comprised of the following segments:
•
Cruiser (emphasizes styling and owner customization);
•
Touring (emphasizes rider comfort and load capacity and incorporates features such as fairings and luggage compartments);
•
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); and
•
Dual (designed with the capability for use on public roads as well as for some off-highway recreational use).
The Company's current lineup of motorcycles competes primarily in the cruiser and touring segments of the market. Competition in the segments of the motorcycle market in which the Company currently competes is based upon a number of factors including product capabilities and features, styling, price, quality, reliability, warranty, availability of financing, and quality of the dealer network that sells the product. The Company believes its motorcycles 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 considers the availability of a line of motorcycle parts & accessories and general merchandise, the availability of financing through HDFS and its global network of independent dealers to be competitive advantages.
Under the More Roads to Harley-Davidson plan, the Company intends to introduce new products including electric motorcycles; a new middle-weight platform of motorcycles that includes adventure touring, custom and streetfighter models with engine displacements ranging from 500cc's to 1250cc's; and smaller displacement motorcycles for emerging markets. The Company plans to introduce these new motorcycles between 2019 and 2022, starting with a new electric motorcycle, LiveWireTM, in the second half of 2019.
Motorcycle Industry Data - In 2018, the U.S. and European markets accounted for approximately 76% of the total annual independent dealer retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The most significant other markets for the Company, based on the Company's 2018 retail sales data, were Japan, Australia, and Canada.
In the U.S., the 601+cc portion of the motorcycle market represented approximately 77% of the total motorcycle market in 2018, based on new units registered. The cruiser and touring segments accounted for approximately 70% of the U.S. 601+cc market in 2018. Harley-Davidson has been the historical market share leader in the U.S. 601+cc portion of the motorcycle market (U.S. industry data source: Motorcycle Industry Council).

4


The following chart includes U.S. retail registration data for 601+cc motorcycles for the years 2016 through 2018:
U.S. Motorcycle Registration Data(a)(b) 
601+cc (Units in thousands)
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Total new motorcycle registrations
 
263.8

 
288.8

 
311.7

Harley-Davidson new registrations
 
131.1

 
146.5

 
159.5

 
 
49.7
%
 
50.7
%
 
51.2
%

(a)
Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include dual purpose models, three-wheeled vehicles and autocycles. Registration data for Harley-Davidson Street® 500 motorcycles is not included in this table.
(b)
U.S. industry data is derived from information provided by the 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 Harley-Davidson 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 larger than the U.S. market and customer preferences differ from those of U.S. customers. The touring and cruiser segments represented approximately 51% of the European 601+cc market in 2018 compared to approximately 70% of the 601+ cc market in the U.S.
The following chart includes European retail registration data for 601+cc motorcycles for the years 2016 through 2018:
European Motorcycle Registration Data(a)(b) 
601+cc (Units in thousands)
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Total new motorcycle registrations
 
397.7

 
390.6

 
391.9

Harley-Davidson new registrations
 
40.9

 
38.1

 
42.3

 
 
10.3
%
 
9.8
%
 
10.8
%
 
(a)
On-road 601+cc models include dual purpose models, three-wheeled vehicles and autocycles. Registration data for Harley-Davidson Street® 500 motorcycles is not included in this table.
(b)
Europe data includes retail sales in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Industry retail motorcycle registration data is derived from information provided by the 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 Harley-Davidson Street® 500 motorcycles which are excluded from the 601+cc units included in the retail registration data in this table. In addition, some differences may arise related to the timing of data submissions to the independent sources.
Parts & Accessories (P&A) and General Merchandise – The Company offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson P&A and General Merchandise. P&A products are comprised of replacement parts (Genuine Motor Parts) and mechanical and cosmetic accessories (Genuine Motor Accessories). General Merchandise includes MotorClothes® apparel and riding gear.
Licensing – The Company creates an awareness of the Harley-Davidson brand among its customers and the non-riding public by licensing the name “Harley-Davidson” and other trademarks owned by the Company for use on a wide range of products for enthusiasts and others.
Patents and Trademarks – The Company strategically manages its portfolio of patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property.

5


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 years. A patent review committee 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, the Willie G Skull Logo, HARLEY OWNERS GROUP, H.O.G., the H.O.G. Logo, SOFTAIL and SPORTSTER. 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 global trademark strategy and portfolio.
Marketing and Customer Experiences – The Company’s products are marketed to retail customers worldwide primarily through digital and experiential activities as well as through more traditional promotional and advertising activities. Additionally, the Company's independent dealers engage in a wide range of local marketing and experiential activities in part supported by cooperative programs with the Company.
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 and special motorcycle events around the world, racing activities, music festivals, sports events and other special events.
The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.®) promotes Harley-Davidson products and the related lifestyle and sponsors motorcycle events, including rallies and rides for Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world.
The Company's Harley-Davidson® 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. The courses are conducted by a network of participating Harley-Davidson dealerships in the U.S., China, Mexico and Colombia, enabling students to experience the Harley-Davidson lifestyle, environment, people and products as they learn.
Through the Company's agreement with EagleRider, riders in the U.S. can rent Harley-Davidson motorcycles and participate in motorcycle tours. EagleRider is the exclusive provider of Harley-Davidson touring and cruiser motorcycle rentals and has locations throughout the U.S., including at select Harley-Davidson dealerships. Outside the U.S., riders can rent Harley-Davidson motorcycles from participating dealers through the Company's Authorized Rental Program and participate in tours through the Company's Harley-Davidson Authorized Tours Program.
The Company's Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a unique destination that the Company believes builds and strengthens bonds between riders and Harley-Davidson and enhances the Harley-Davidson brand among the public at large.
Distribution – The Company’s products are retailed primarily through a network of independent dealers, of which the majority sell Harley-Davidson motorcycles exclusively. These dealerships stock and sell the Company’s motorcycles, P&A, general merchandise and licensed products, and perform service on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Company believes the quality retail experience that its independent dealers provide is a differentiating and strategic advantage for the Company.

6


The Company distributes its motorcycles and related products to a network of independent dealers located in approximately 100 countries worldwide. The following table includes the number of worldwide Harley-Davidson independent dealerships by geographic location as of December 31, 2018:
 
 
United States
 
Canada
 
Latin America
 
EMEA
 
Asia Pacific
 
Total
Dealerships
 
691

 
69

 
64

 
412

 
299

 
1,535

P&A, general merchandise and licensed products are also retailed through eCommerce channels in certain markets. In the U.S., the Company operates an eCommerce site that offers products sold through participating authorized U.S. Harley-Davidson dealers and also sells directly to consumers through a well-known third-party eCommerce site. The Company also utilizes third-party eCommerce sites in select international markets.
Retail Customer and Dealer Financing – The Company believes that HDFS, as well as other third-party financial institutions, provide access to financing for Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers. HDFS provides financing to Harley-Davidson independent dealers and retail customers of independent dealers in the U.S. and Canada. The Company’s independent dealers and their retail customers in EMEA, Asia Pacific and Latin America 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 HDFS.
Seasonality – The timing of retail sales made by the Company’s independent dealers tracks closely with regional riding seasons. The seasonality of the Company’s wholesale motorcycle shipments primarily correlates with the timing of retail sales. The Company utilizes flexible or surge manufacturing capabilities to help align the production and wholesale shipment of motorcycles with the retail selling season. This provides the Company the ability to reduce the impact of seasonality on inventory levels in the U.S. and Canada. In EMEA, Asia Pacific and Latin America, the Company utilizes a distribution process whereby Company-owned inventory is maintained locally at a level sufficient to fulfill dealer orders as needed.
Motorcycle Manufacturing – The Company has a flexible manufacturing process designed to help ensure it is well-positioned to meet customer demand in a timely and cost-effective manner.(1) This flexible or surge manufacturing capability allows the Company to increase the production of motorcycles ahead of and during the peak retail selling season to more closely correlate the timing of production and wholesale shipments to the retail selling season. It also allows the Company to respond to the desired model mix to meet customer demand.
The majority of the Company's motorcycles are manufactured at facilities located in the U.S. The Company's U.S. manufacturing facilities supply the U.S. market as well as certain international markets. Additionally, the Company operates facilities in Thailand, Brazil, India and Australia. The Company began producing at its new facility in Thailand in 2018, which currently manufactures motorcycles for certain Asian markets. In Brazil, the Company operates a Complete Knock Down (CKD) assembly facility, which assembles motorcycles sold in Brazil from component kits sourced from the Company’s U.S. plants and suppliers. In India, the Company operates a manufacturing facility that includes both CKD assembly of certain motorcycles for sale in India and production of the Company’s Street 750® motorcycles for distribution to markets outside of North America. Like its U.S. manufacturing facilities, the Company’s Thailand, Brazil and India operations are focused on driving world-class performance. The motorcycles assembled at the Company's international facilities have the same authentic look, sound, feel and quality of a motorcycle manufactured by the Company's U.S. facilities. These international facilities enable the Company to be close to the customer, provide quality products at a competitive price and grow its overall international business. In early 2019, the Company will cease operation of its manufacturing facility in Australia, which had produced a portion of its wheels for its motorcycles. These wheels will be sourced from other current suppliers.
Raw Materials and Purchased Components – The Company continues to establish and reinforce long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with its suppliers. Through these collaborative relationships, the Company gains access to technical and commercial resources for application directly to product design, development and manufacturing initiatives. In addition, 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 improvements over the long-term.(1) 
The Company's principal raw materials that are purchased include steel and aluminum castings, forgings, steel sheet and bar. The Company also purchases certain motorcycle components including, but not limited to, electronic fuel injection systems, batteries, tires, seats, electrical components, instruments and wheels. 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) 
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.

7


The Company’s motorcycles and certain other products 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. Certain Harley-Davidson 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, certain of the Company’s 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 certain of 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 accrued $110.0 million associated with 9 voluntary recalls related to Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Employees – As of December 31, 2018, the Motorcycles segment had approximately 5,300 employees.

Approximately 2,200 unionized employees at the U.S. manufacturing facilities are represented as follows:
•
York, Pennsylvania - International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM), collective bargaining agreement will expire on October 15, 2022
•
Kansas City, Missouri - United Steelworkers of America (USW) and IAM, collective bargaining agreement will expire on December 31, 2019
•
Milwaukee, Wisconsin - USW and IAM, collective bargaining agreements will expire on March 31, 2019
•
Tomahawk, Wisconsin - USW, collective bargaining agreement will expire on March 31, 2019
Financial Services Segment
The Financial Services segment consists of HDFS which 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 also works with certain unaffiliated insurance companies to provide motorcycle insurance and protection products to motorcycle owners. HDFS conducts business principally in the U.S. and Canada. The Company’s independent dealers and their retail customers in EMEA, Asia Pacific and Latin America 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, 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 2018, all of such dealers utilized those services at some point during the year.
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 dealerships in the United States and Canada.
Insurance Services – HDFS works with certain unaffiliated insurance companies which offer point-of-sale protection products through most Harley-Davidson dealers in both the U.S. and Canada, including motorcycle insurance, extended service contracts 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.
Licensing – HDFS has licensing arrangements with third-party financial institutions that issue credit cards bearing the Harley-Davidson brand in U.S. and international markets. 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 and asset-backed securitizations.
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

8


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 64.9% of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles retailed by independent dealers during 2018, compared to 61.2% in 2017. In Canada, HDFS financed 39.9% of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles retailed by independent dealers during 2018, compared to 41.9% in 2017. 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 – HDFS experiences seasonal variations in retail financing activities based on the timing of regional riding seasons in the U.S. and Canada. 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. Dealers generally have higher inventory in the first half of the year. As a result, outstanding wholesale finance receivables are generally higher during the same period.
Regulation – 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 requirements imposed by such entities are in place to provide consumer protection as it pertains to the selling and servicing of financial products and services. Therefore, HDFS operations may be subject to limitations imposed by regulations, laws and judicial and/or administrative decisions. In the U.S. for example, applicable laws include the federal Truth-in-Lending Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Depending on the specific facts and circumstances involved, non-compliance with these laws may result in consequences such as limiting the ability of HDFS to collect all or part of the principal or interest on applicable loans, entitling the borrower to rescind the loan or to obtain a refund of amounts previously paid, or 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.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act granted the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the Bureau) significant supervisory, enforcement, and rule-making authority in the area of consumer financial products and services. Certain Bureau actions and regulations will directly impact HDFS and its operations. For example, the Bureau has supervisory authority over non-bank larger participants in the vehicle financing market, which includes a non-bank subsidiary of HDFS.
Such regulatory requirements and associated supervision also 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.
A subsidiary of HDFS, Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB), is a Nevada state thrift chartered as an Industrial Loan Company (ILC). 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. 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, 2018, the Financial Services segment had approximately 600 employees.
Internet Access
The Company’s website address for investor relations is http://investor.harley-davidson.com/.
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, are available on its website free of charge 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

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Audit and Finance 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); (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 Bylaws; (h) the Company’s Environmental and Energy Policy; (i) the Company’s Policy for Managing Disclosure of Material Information; (j) the Company’s Supplier Code of Conduct in four languages including English; (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 29, 2018, 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 2017-2018; and (p) the Company's Clawback Policy. The Company's Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC on or about March 29, 2019, which will include information related to the compensation of the Company's named executive officers, will be made available through its website.
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.
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.

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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 and increase ridership 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.

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The Company’s strategy to grow ridership may not 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 grow the sport of motorcycling and continue to be successful selling products and promoting the experience of motorcycling to new customers, including new riders, competitive riders and those who have motorcycle licenses but do not currently ride. The Company’s efforts toward building two million riders in the U.S. between 2017 and 2027 and growing ridership internationally may not be successful, and achieving such growth in ridership may still not adequately meet the desired result of driving unit sales growth. Further, growing ridership in the U.S. may be challenging because the motorcycle market in the U.S. has been stagnant or declining, and the Company expects those conditions to continue. Failure to successfully drive demand for the Company's products may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.

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Changes in trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs, their enforcement, and downstream consequences, may continue to have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and outlook. Tariffs and/or other developments with respect to trade policies, trade agreements, and government regulations could have a material adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. To date, the European Union has placed a 25% incremental tariff (31% total tariff) on motorcycles imported into the European Union from the U.S., and that is scheduled to increase to a 50% incremental tariff (56% total tariff) effective June 1, 2021. Shipments of motorcycles to the European Union are a significant and growing portion of the Company’s total motorcycle sales. The China tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles exported from the U.S. increased from 30% to 55%, effective August 23, 2018, and are set to remain in place indefinitely. In addition, the U.S government has imposed tariffs of 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminum imports from certain countries, which has resulted in increased costs to the Company for these materials.

Without limitation, (i) tariffs currently in place, (ii) the imposition by the U.S. government of new tariffs on imports to the U.S. and/or (iii) the imposition by foreign countries of tariffs on U.S. products, including tariffs imposed in response to U.S. tariffs, could materially increase: (a) the cost of our products that we are offering for sale in relevant countries, (b) the cost of certain products that we source from foreign manufacturers, and (c) certain raw materials that we utilize, the prices of which tariffs may impact. We may not be able to pass such increased costs on to our dealers or their customers, and we may not be able to secure sources of certain products and materials that are not subject to

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tariffs on a timely basis. Such developments could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Company previously disclosed plans to mitigate the impact of the current incremental European Union and China tariffs by the end of 2019. The Company is pursuing regulatory approvals for motorcycles sourced in Thailand to receive lower tariff treatment, but it is uncertain whether the Company will succeed in obtaining these regulatory approvals. As a result, the Company is considering multiple other options to serve the EU market should they be required. Options other than assembling motorcycles in Thailand would likely not result in mitigating the full impact of the current incremental European Union tariffs by the end of 2019.

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The Company must effectively execute its manufacturing optimization plan within expected costs and timing. In January 2018, the Company announced a multi-year manufacturing optimization plan anchored by the consolidation of its final assembly plant in Kansas City, Missouri, into its York, Pennsylvania plant, and the closure of its wheel operations in Australia. These actions are designed to eliminate excess capacity and reduce production costs and component supply costs. Effectively executing these plans within expected costs and realizing expected benefits will depend upon a number of factors, including the time required to complete planned actions and effective collaboration with the unions representing the Company’s employees, the absence of material issues associated with workforce reductions, availability of and effective use of third-party service providers to assist in implementing the actions, the ability and effectiveness of current suppliers to take on additional component production volume, avoidance of unexpected disruptions in production, retention of key employees involved in implementing the restructuring plans and the ability of the Company to dispose of vacated facilities in a cost effective manner.

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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, it is 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. The Company may not be able to achieve its goal of introducing 100 new, high-impact motorcycle models between 2017 and 2027, and introducing those models may still not lead to the desired result of driving unit sales growth. 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 to respond to changing consumer preferences and market demands while maintaining the unique look, sound and feel associated with Harley-Davidson products, and development of electric vehicles will present challenges to the Company’s ability to maintain such look, sound and feel. 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 and at prices that are attractive to customers. 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.

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Increased supply of and/or declining prices for used motorcycles and excess supply of new motorcycles may adversely impact retail sales of new motorcycles by the Company’s independent dealers. The Company has observed that when the supply of used motorcycles increases or the prices for used Harley-Davidson motorcycles decline, there can be reduced demand among retail purchasers for new Harley-Davidson motorcycles (at or near manufacturer’s suggested retail prices). Further, the Company and its independent dealers can and do take actions that influence the markets for new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles. For example, introduction of new motorcycle models with significantly different functionality, technology or other customer satisfiers can result in increased supply of used motorcycles, which could result in declining prices for 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.

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The motorcycle industry has become increasingly competitive. 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. Certain competitors appear to be increasing their investment in products that compete with the Company's products. Also, the Company’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price for its motorcycles is generally higher than its competitors, and as price becomes a more important competitive factor for consumers in

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the markets in which the Company competes, the Company may be at a competitive disadvantage. Furthermore, many competitors headquartered outside the U.S. experience a financial benefit from a strengthening in the U.S. dollar relative to their home currency that can enable them to reduce prices to U.S. consumers. 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.

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Changes in general economic and business conditions, tightening of credit and retail markets, 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. Weakened economic conditions in certain business sectors and geographic areas can also result in reduced demand for the Company's products. 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.

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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, particularly in light of the U.S. market conditions. There is no assurance that the Company will accomplish this successfully. Further, 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 laws and regulations and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to international operations, 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. This includes, for example, the uncertainty related to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (commonly known as “Brexit”). Business practices that may be accepted in other countries can violate U.S. or other laws that apply to the Company. Violations of laws that apply to the Company's foreign operations, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, could result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, could disrupt the Company's business and result in an adverse effect on the Company's reputation, business and results of operations.

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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. Based on the Company’s strategy, the Company may, from time to time, open, close, expand, contract or restructure one or more of its manufacturing facilities. 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 implementation of facility changes and in its continuous improvement efforts, all of 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.

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The Company must prevent and detect issues with its products, components purchased from suppliers, 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, field actions such as product programs and 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

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warranty, recall and product liability costs and appropriately reflects those in its financial statements, there is a risk the actual costs could exceed estimates and result in damages that are not covered by insurance. Further, selling products with poor quality, the announcement of recalls, and the filing of product liability claims (whether or not successful), may also adversely affect the Company’s reputation and brand strength.

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A cybersecurity breach may adversely affect the Company’s reputation, revenue and earnings. The Company and certain of its third-party service providers and vendors receive, store, and transmit digital personal information in connection with the Company’s human resources operations, financial services operations, e-commerce, the Harley Owners Group, dealer management, mobile applications, planned connected vehicle services offerings and other aspects of its business. The Company’s information systems, and those of its third-party service providers and vendors, are vulnerable to the continually evolving cybersecurity risks. The Company's plan to offer connected vehicle services will heighten these risks. Unauthorized parties have attempted to and may attempt in the future to gain access to these systems or the information the Company and its third-party service providers and vendors maintain and use through fraud or other means of deceiving our employees and third-party service providers and vendors. Hardware, software or applications the Company develops or obtains from third-parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security and/or the Company’s operations. The methods used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems are constantly evolving and may be difficult to anticipate or detect. The Company has implemented and regularly reviews and updates processes and procedures to protect against unauthorized access to or use of secured data and to prevent data loss. However, the ever-evolving threats mean the Company and third-party service providers and vendors must continually evaluate and adapt systems and processes, and there is no guarantee that they will be adequate to safeguard against all data security breaches or misuses of data. The Company has experienced information security attacks, but to date they have not materially compromised the Company’s computing environment or resulted in a material impact on the Company’s business or operations or the release of confidential information about employees, customers, dealers, suppliers or other third parties. Any future significant compromise or breach of the Company’s data security, whether external or internal, or misuse of customer, employee, dealer, supplier or Company data could result in disruption to the Company’s operations, significant costs, lost sales, fines and lawsuits, and/or damage to the Company’s reputation. In addition, as the regulatory environment related to information security, data collection and use, and privacy becomes increasingly rigorous, with new and evolving requirements, compliance could also result in the Company being required to incur additional costs.

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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. As a result, a weakening in those foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar can adversely affect the Company's revenue and margin, and cause volatility in results of operations. Furthermore, many competitors headquartered outside the U.S. experience a financial benefit from a strengthening in the U.S. dollar relative to their home currency that can enable them to reduce prices to U.S. consumers. 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.

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The 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, 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 and customer credit profiles. Credit losses are also influenced by the markets for new and used motorcycles, and the Company and its independent dealers can and do take actions that impact those markets. For example, the introduction of new models by the Company that represent significant upgrades on previous models may result in increased supply or decreased demand in the market for used Harley-Davidson branded motorcycles, including those motorcycles that serve as collateral or security for credit that HDFS has extended. This in turn could adversely impact the prices at which those motorcycles may be sold, which may lead to increased credit losses for HDFS. 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. 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 to sub-prime borrowers, as well as actions that the Company has taken and could take that impact motorcycle values. Increases in the frequency of loss and decreases in

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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.

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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.

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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, and to effectively execute reorganization actions within expected costs and realize the expected benefits of those actions. 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, and the Company must effectively execute reorganization actions. 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.
 
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The Company sells its products at wholesale and must rely on a network of independent dealers to manage the retail distribution of its products. The Company depends on the capability of its independent dealers 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 purchase from the Company. If the Company’s independent dealers 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 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.

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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 and to mitigate failure risks from older/aged technologies currently in its portfolio. 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 and older technologies may fail, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations. In the case of the Company's planned electronic vehicle services offering, these risks are heightened because these services are dependent on (1) the successful implementation of complex third-party cloud solutions, (2) the ability of a rider's motorcycle and mobile application to successfully connect to each other, and (3) the support of cellular carriers.

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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. U.S. laws and policies affecting foreign trade and taxation may also adversely affect the Company's international sales operations.

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

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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 including the impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017 Tax Act). 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. To the extent there are considerable changes to tax laws, the Company may need to readjust its tax strategy, and may not be able to take full advantage of such changes.
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 the 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 a wide range of foreign, federal and state laws that regulate financial and lending institutions, and financial services activities. In the U.S. for example, these laws include the federal Truth-in-Lending Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Fair Credit Reporting Act. 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. Federal and state bodies may in the future impose additional laws, regulation and supervision over the financial services industry.
Violations of, or non-compliance with, relevant laws and regulations 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, civil fines, or criminal penalties and administrative sanctions and could limit the number of loans eligible for HDFS securitizations programs. Such regulatory requirements and associated supervision also could limit the discretion of HDFS in operating its business, such as through the suspension or revocation of any charter, license or registration at issue, as well as the imposition of administrative sanctions, including "cease and desist" orders. 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.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) is a sweeping piece of legislation impacting financial services and the full effect will not be fully known for years, as regulations that are intended to implement the Dodd-Frank Act are adopted, and the text of the Dodd-Frank Act is analyzed by stakeholders and possibly the courts. The Dodd-Frank Act also created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the Bureau). The Bureau has significant enforcement and rule-making authority in the area of consumer financial products and services. The direction that the Bureau will take, the regulations it will adopt, and its interpretation of existing laws and regulations are all elements that are not yet fully known. Compliance may be costly and could affect operating results as the implementation of new forms, processes, procedures and controls and infrastructure may be required. Compliance may create operational constraints and place limits on pricing. Failure to comply, as well as changes to laws and regulations, or the imposition of additional laws and 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 Bureau also has supervisory authority over certain non-bank larger participants in the vehicle financing market, which includes a non-bank subsidiary of HDFS, allowing the Bureau to conduct comprehensive and rigorous on-site examinations that could result in enforcement actions, fines, changes to processes and procedures, product-related changes or consumer refunds, or other actions.

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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.

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Weather may impact retail sales by the Company's independent dealers. The Company has observed that abnormally cold and/or wet conditions in a region, including impacts from hurricanes or unusual storms, 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.

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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. Changes in laws and policies relating to trade and taxation may also adversely impact the Company's foreign suppliers. These supplier risks may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

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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 Missouri and Wisconsin will expire in 2019, and agreements with employees in Pennsylvania will expire in 2022. 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. The Company's decisions regarding opening, closing, expanding, contracting or restructuring its facilities may require changes to existing or new bargaining agreements. Failure to renew 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 the Company’s business and results of operations.

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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.

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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 this Form 10-K and in the other periodic reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for additional detail regarding lawsuits and other claims against the Company.

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The Company, its suppliers, 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. The Company's flexible production capability allows it to more closely correlate motorcycle production and wholesale shipments with the retail selling season. Any difficulties in executing flexible production could result in lost production or sales. The Company, its suppliers, and its independent dealers must be able to successfully manage changes in production rates, inventory levels and other business processes associated with flexible production. Failure by the Company, its suppliers, or its independent dealers to make such adjustments may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

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The 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 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 borrowed $750,000,000 in 2015 to fund the repurchase of its Common Stock, which increased the Company's leverage. Having increased leverage increases the risk of a downgrade in the Company's credit ratings.

•
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 Company must maintain stakeholder confidence in its operating ethics and corporate governance practices. The Company believes it has a history of good corporate governance and operating ethics. The Company has 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 and strong operating ethics may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

•
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

17


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 materials that the Company purchases to use in its products could cause the Company to incur additional expenses and may have other adverse consequences. Laws or regulations impacting our supply chain, such as the UK Modern Slavery Act, could affect the sourcing and availability of some of the raw materials that the Company uses in the manufacturing of its products. The Company's supply chain is complex, and if it is not able to fully understand its supply chain, then the Company may face reputational challenges with customers, investors or others. For example, many countries in which the Company distributes its products are beginning to introduce regulations that require knowledge and disclosure of virtually all materials and chemicals in the Company’s products. Accordingly, the Company could incur significant costs related to the process of complying with these laws, including potential difficulty or added costs in satisfying the disclosure requirements.

•
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 disclaims any obligation to update these Risk Factors or any other forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation (and specifically disclaims any such obligation) to update these Risk Factors or any other forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or other factors affecting such forward-looking statements. 
Item 1B.     Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.    Properties
The following is a summary of the principal operating properties of the Company as of December 31, 2018:
Motorcycles and Related Products Segment
Type of Facility
 
Location
 
Approximate
Square Feet
 
Status
Corporate Office
 
Milwaukee, WI
 
515,000

 
Owned
Museum
 
Milwaukee, WI
 
130,000

 
Owned
Manufacturing(1)
 
Menomonee Falls, WI
 
915,000

 
Owned
Product Development Center
 
Wauwatosa, WI
 
409,000

 
Owned
Manufacturing(2)
 
Tomahawk, WI
 
226,000

 
Owned
Manufacturing(3)
 
York, PA
 
571,000

 
Owned
Manufacturing(4)
 
Kansas City, MO
 
456,000

 
Owned
Manufacturing(5)
 
Rayong, Thailand
 
220,000

 
Owned
Manufacturing(6)
 
Manaus, Brazil
 
108,000

 
Lease expiring 2019
Regional Office
 
Oxford, England
 
39,000

 
Lease expiring 2022
Manufacturing(7)
 
Bawal, India
 
68,000

 
Lease expiring 2019
Regional Office
 
Singapore
 
24,000

 
Lease expiring 2020
Manufacturing(8)
 
Adelaide, Australia
 
485,000

 
Lease expiring 2019

18



(1)
Motorcycle powertrain production.
(2)
Plastic parts production and painting.
(3)
Motorcycle parts fabrication, painting and Softail® and touring model assembly.
(4)
Motorcycle parts fabrication, painting and Dyna®, Sportster®, Softail® and Street platform assembly. The Kansas City plant will be closed in 2019 in the course of the Company's manufacturing optimization plan.
(5)
Production of select models for certain Asian markets.
(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. The Adelaide plant will be closed in 2019 in the course of the Company's manufacturing optimization plan.
Financial Services Segment 
Type of Facility
 
Location
 
Approximate
Square Feet
 
Status
Office(1)
 
Chicago, IL
 
26,000

 
Lease expiring 2022
Office(2)
 
Plano, TX
 
69,000

 
Lease expiring 2025
Office(3)
 
Carson City, NV
 
100,000

 
Owned
(1)
Corporate headquarters
(2)
Wholesale and retail operations
(3)
Retail operations
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject to lawsuits and other claims related to environmental, product and other matters. In determining costs to accrue 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. Any amounts accrued for these matters are monitored on an ongoing basis and are updated based on new developments or new information as it becomes available for 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 information exchanges and discussions with the EPA. In August 2016, the Company entered into a consent decree with the EPA regarding these issues, and the consent decree was subsequently revised in July 2017 (the Settlement). In the Settlement, the Company agreed to, among other things, pay a fine, and not sell tuning products unless they are approved by the EPA or California Air Resources Board. In December 2017, the EPA filed the Settlement with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for the purpose of obtaining court approval of the Settlement. Three amicus briefs opposing portions of the Settlement were filed with the court by the deadline of January 31, 2018. On March 1, 2018, the Company and the EPA each filed separate response briefs. The Company is awaiting the court's decision on whether or not to finalize the Settlement. The Company has an accrual associated with this matter which is included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, and as a result, if it is finalized, the Settlement would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The Settlement is not final until it is approved by the court, and if it is not approved by the court, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact of any remedies the EPA might seek beyond the Company's current reserve for this matter.
York Environmental Matters:
The Company is involved with government agencies and groups of potentially responsible parties related to 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. The Company has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) since 1986 and with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in undertaking environmental investigation and remediation activities, including a 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 costs associated with environmental investigation and

19


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 an accrual for its estimate of its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility which is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. While the work on the RI/FS is now complete and the final remedy was proposed in late 2018, it has not yet been approved, and given the uncertainty that exists concerning the nature and scope of additional environmental remediation that may ultimately be required under the approved final remedy, 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.
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.    Mine Safety Disclosures    
Not Applicable
PART II 
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Harley-Davidson, Inc. common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. under the trading symbol HOG.
As of February 1, 2019, there were 70,327 shareholders of record of Harley-Davidson, Inc. common stock.
The Company’s share repurchases include discretionary share repurchases and shares of common stock that employees surrendered to satisfy withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards. The following table contains detail related to the Company's repurchase of its common stock based on the date of trade during the quarter ended December 31, 2018:
2018 Fiscal Month
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
October 1 to November 4
 
1,951,787

 
$
40

 
1,951,787

 
19,363,944

November 5 to December 2
 
2,129,526

 
$
41

 
2,129,526

 
17,234,544

December 3 to December 31
 
824,477

 
$
36

 
824,477

 
16,410,310

Total
 
4,905,790

 
$
40

 
4,905,790

 
 
In February 2016, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 20.0 million shares of its common stock with no dollar limit or expiration date. In February 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 15.0 million additional shares of its common stock with no dollar limit or expiration date. As of December 31, 2018, 16.4 million shares remained under these authorizations.
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 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

20


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 2018, the Company acquired 9,602 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, 2013 and that all dividends are reinvested.
hog12-31x201_chartx27395a05.jpg
 
 
2013 ($)
 
2014 ($)
 
2015 ($)
 
2016 ($)
 
2017 ($)
 
2018 ($)
Harley-Davidson, Inc.
 
100

 
97

 
68

 
90

 
81

 
56

Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index
 
100

 
108

 
104

 
126

 
146

 
130

Standard & Poor’s 500 Index
 
100

 
114

 
115

 
129

 
157

 
150


21


 Item 6.     Selected Financial Data
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Statement of income data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products
 
$
4,968,646

 
$
4,915,027

 
$
5,271,376

 
$
5,308,744

 
$
5,567,681

Financial Services
 
748,229

 
732,197

 
725,082

 
686,658

 
660,827

Total revenue
 
$
5,716,875

 
$
5,647,224

 
$
5,996,458

 
$
5,995,402

 
$
6,228,508

Net income
 
$
531,451

 
$
521,759

 
$
692,164

 
$
752,207

 
$
844,611

Weighted-average common shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
165,672

 
171,995

 
179,676

 
202,681

 
216,305

Diluted
 
166,504

 
172,932

 
180,535

 
203,686

 
217,706

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
3.21

 
$
3.03

 
$
3.85

 
$
3.71

 
$
3.90

Diluted
 
$
3.19

 
$
3.02

 
$
3.83

 
$
3.69

 
$
3.88

Dividends paid per common share
 
$
1.48

 
$
1.46

 
$
1.40

 
$
1.24

 
$
1.10

Balance sheet data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets(a)
 
$
10,665,664

 
$
9,972,672

 
$
9,890,240

 
$
9,972,977

 
$
9,515,870

Total debt(a)
 
$
7,599,276

 
$
6,988,009

 
$
6,807,567

 
$
6,872,198

 
$
5,492,402

Total equity(b)
 
$
1,773,949

 
$
1,844,277

 
$
1,920,158

 
$
1,839,654

 
$
2,909,286

 
(a)
The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-03 and ASU No. 2015-15 on January 1, 2016. Upon adoption, the Company reclassified debt issuance cost, other than debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements (which include its asset-backed commercial paper and commercial paper programs and its credit facilities), from other assets to debt.
(b)
The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09 on January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a net increase to the opening balance of retained earnings of $6.0 million, net of income taxes, to recognize the cumulative effect of the adoption.


22


Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of 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" include Harley-Davidson, Inc. and all its subsidiaries. The Company operates in two reportable segments: Motorcycles and Related Products (Motorcycles) and Financial Services.
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. 

(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, unfavorably or favorably, 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 the Outlook section are only made as of January 29, 2019 and the remaining forward-looking statements in this report are only made as of the date of the filing of this report (February 28, 2019), and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Overview(1) 
The Company’s net income for 2018 was $531.5 million, or $3.19 per diluted share, compared to $521.8 million, or $3.02 per diluted share, in 2017.
Operating income from the Motorcycles segment in 2018 was down $184.4 million compared to 2017 due primarily to lower wholesale motorcycle shipments and higher costs related to the impact of incremental tariffs, increased metals costs, voluntary recalls and restructuring activities.
During 2018, incremental European Union and China tariffs were imposed on the Company's products shipped from the U.S., as well as U.S. incremental tariffs on certain items imported from certain international markets. The European Union tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles exported from the U.S. increased from 6% to 31% effective June 22, 2018. By their current terms, these tariffs are scheduled to increase to 56% effective June 1, 2021. The China tariffs on Harley-Davidson products exported from the U.S. increased from 30% to 55%, effective August 23, 2018, and are set to remain in place indefinitely. The Company also experienced increased costs for metals resulting from U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, but the Company does not refer to these costs as part of incremental tariffs.
Operating income from the Financial Services segment in 2018 was up $15.9 million or 5.8% compared to prior year, primarily due to higher revenues and a lower provision for credit losses.
The overall decline in the Company's consolidated operating income during 2018 was more than offset by lower income tax expense which decreased $186.9 million in 2018 primarily due to the favorable impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017 Tax Act) enacted in December 2017.
Worldwide independent dealer retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 6.1% in 2018 compared to the prior year. U.S. retail sales fell 10.2% on continued weakness in the U.S. industry which declined 8.7% for the same period. Retail sales in international markets increased 0.4% compared to 2017.
    
The Company expects the U.S. industry to remain challenged into 2019 and will continue to address these weak conditions. In the near-term, the Company is introducing exciting new products and adding innovation that customers value on its new motorcycles. The Company will continue to aggressively manage supply and execute marketing efforts to encourage motorcycle trials and increase the conversion of these trials into sales. The Company is also working to accelerate its strategy to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders through 2022 through its More Roads to Harley-Davidson (More Roads) plan. During 2018, it met or exceeded all of the More Roads plan milestones. The Company believes its More Roads plan is

23


designed to build the proper foundation and drive the right fundamentals to help steer the U.S. industry back to health and drive significant growth across international markets. The Company ended 2018 with over 52,000 more Harley-Davidson riders in the U.S compared to prior year (Source: IHS Markit Motorcycles in Operation (MIO) data for On-Highway and Dual Purpose bikes in the U.S. as of Jan 1, 2019 compared to previous years of MIO back to 2002).

Outlook(1)
On January 29, 2019 the Company announced the following expectations for 2019.

The Company expects the U.S. industry to continue to decline in 2019, but at a more tempered pace than in 2018. The Company expects international retail sales growth during 2019. As a result, in 2019, the Company expects to ship between 217,000 and 222,000 motorcycles to dealers which is down approximately 3% to 5% from 2018.

During 2019, the Company expects retail sales to be positively impacted by:

•Focused investment in its strategy to increase global ridership and strengthen its dealer network,
•Model year 2019 and 2020 motorcycles, and
•Continued expansion of the international dealer network.

However, it expects these positive impacts to be more than offset by strong headwinds, including:

•A weak U.S. industry for new motorcycle sales,
•A shift in U.S. rider preference toward smaller motorcycles, and
•A marketplace crowded with highly competitive promotions, incentives and discounts.

In 2019, the Company will continue to aggressively manage supply in line with demand, and the Company expects year-end U.S. dealer inventory of new motorcycles to be down compared to 2018.

The Company expects Motorcycles segment gross margin as a percent of revenue to be lower than 2018 driven by a significant increase in incremental tariffs, lower shipment volumes and unfavorable product mix, partially offset by aggressive cost reductions, including the benefit of $25 million to $30 million of savings from the Company's Manufacturing Optimization plan. Refer to "Restructuring Plan Costs and Savings" below for further information regarding the Manufacturing Optimization Plan.

Incremental tariffs include incremental European Union and China tariffs imposed on the Company's products shipped from the U.S., as well as incremental U.S. tariffs on certain items imported from certain international markets. Incremental tariff costs exclude metals cost resulting from the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, although the Company does expect higher metals cost which are included in the 2019 gross margin guidance above.

The Company's plant in Thailand came on-line in the third quarter of 2018. As previously disclosed with the announcement of this project in 2017, the Company intends to utilize the Thailand facility to make more of the Company's products accessible to customers in targeted international markets. The Company intends those markets to include China, and certain Asian and European Union markets. The Company is currently making investments to increase that facility’s capacity to serve those markets.

As previously disclosed, Harley-Davidson expects the impact of incremental tariff costs to be approximately $100 million to $120 million in 2019. While Harley-Davidson’s preference has always been to serve the EU market from its U.S. manufacturing operations, the Company previously disclosed plans to mitigate the impact of the incremental European Union and China tariffs by the end of 2019 by serving those markets with motorcycles from its Thailand operations.

The Company is pursuing regulatory approval in the European Union to that end; however, approval is not guaranteed. As a result, the Company is considering multiple other options to serve the EU market should they be required. These other options to serve the EU market would most likely not mitigate the full impact of the current incremental European Union tariff by the end of 2019.

The Company remains active in support of efforts to eliminate all tariffs imposed on motorcycles delivered from its U.S. manufacturing operations.



24


The Company expects selling, administrative and engineering expenses for the Motorcycles segment to be lower in 2019 behind aggressive cost management and lower recall costs. For 2019, the Company has reallocated a substantial amount of spending to invest in its More Roads plan to drive future growth.

For 2019, the Motorcycles segment operating margin as a percent of revenue is expected to be between 8.0% and 9.0%. Based on its current plans, the Company expects Motorcycles segment operating income in 2020 to improve by approximately $170 to $200 million compared to 2019. This expectation assumes that the Company will complete its Manufacturing Optimization Plan and successfully execute its plan to mitigate the impact of incremental tariffs by the end of 2019.

The Company expects Financial Services operating income in 2019 to be down compared to 2018 driven by a higher cost of debt and higher depreciation associated with its 2018 investment in a new loan management system which went into service in January 2019.

Capital expenditures in 2019 are expected to be $225 million to $245 million, which includes approximately $20 million to support the Manufacturing Optimization Plan. The Company anticipates it will have the ability to fund all capital expenditures in 2019 with cash flows generated by operations.

The Company expects its 2019 full year effective tax rate will be approximately 24% to 25%. This guidance excludes the effect of potential future adjustments, including items associated with any potential new tax legislation or audit settlements.
    
In the first quarter of 2019, the Company expects to ship between 53,000 and 58,000 motorcycles, which is down approximately 9% to 17% compared to the first quarter of 2018. Motorcycles segment operating margin as a percent of revenue is expected to be down approximately 6 percentage points compared to the first quarter of 2018. The Company expects results in the first quarter of 2019 to be adversely impacted by incremental tariffs, unfavorable product mix, a higher fixed cost per unit on lower production and shipments and unfavorable foreign currency, partially offset by lower restructuring costs.
    
The 2019 first quarter shipment guidance reflects the impact of a brake recall on the Company's Street motorcycles recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018. The Company expects that limited parts availability for repairing the impacted Street motorcycles will adversely impact retail sales in the first quarter of 2019 by approximately 2,500 motorcycles, primarily in international markets. The Company does not believe that the recall will have a meaningful impact on 2019 full-year retail sales.

Restructuring Plan Costs and Savings(1) 

In January 2018, the Company commenced a significant, multi-year Manufacturing Optimization Plan anchored by the consolidation of its final assembly plant in Kansas City, Missouri into its plant in York, Pennsylvania by mid-2019. As the operations are consolidated, the Company expects approximately 800 jobs will be eliminated with the closure of Kansas City operations and approximately 450 jobs will be added in York through 2019 (Manufacturing Optimization Plan). As part of the Manufacturing Optimization Plan, the Company will also close its wheel operations in Adelaide, Australia resulting in the elimination of approximately 90 jobs.

In November 2018, the Company implemented a workforce reorganization plan (Reorganization Plan). As a result, approximately 70 employees left the Company on an involuntary basis.

25



The following table summarizes the expected costs and savings associated with these restructuring plans.
(in millions)
2018 Actual
 
2019 Estimated
 
2020 Estimated
 
Total
Manufacturing Optimization Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost related to temporary inefficiencies
$ 12.9
 
$10 - $15
 
n/a
 
$ 23 - $ 28
Restructuring expenses
$ 89.5
 
$40 - $45
 
n/a
 
$129 - $134
 
$102.4
 
$50 - $60
 
 
 
$152 - $162
% cash
70%
 
70%
 
 
 
70%
Reorganization Plan - restructuring expenses
$3.9
 
$1
 
 
 
$5
% cash
100%
 
100%
 
 
 
100%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual cash savings
 
 
2019 Estimated
 
2020 Estimated
 
Annual
Ongoing
Manufacturing Optimization Plan
 
 
$25 - $30
 
$45 - $50
 
$65 - $75
Reorganization Plan
 
 
$7
 
$7
 
$7
The current Manufacturing Optimization Plan cost estimate has been revised down from the most recent estimate by $3 million and $23 million at the low and high ends of the range, respectively. In the first quarter of 2019, the Company expects Manufacturing Optimization Plan costs of approximately $20 million.
The Company expects restructuring expenses for the Manufacturing Optimization Plan to include the cost of employee termination benefits, accelerated depreciation, and other project implementation costs of $40 million to $41 million, $51 million to $53 million, and $38 million to $40 million, respectively. Restructuring expenses for the Reorganization Plan will consist of the cost of employee termination benefits. The timing of cash payments for restructuring costs may not occur in the same fiscal period that the Company records the expense. Refer to Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information concerning restructuring expenses.
The Company expects total capital expenditures of $65 million associated with the Manufacturing Optimization Plan through 2019, including $20 million in 2019. This is a decrease from the Company's most recent expectation of $75 million in capital expenditures.

Results of Operations 2018 Compared to 2017
Consolidated Results 
(in thousands, except earnings per share)
 
2018
 
2017
 
(Decrease)
Increase
 
%
Change
Operating income from Motorcycles and Related Products
 
$
422,363

 
$
606,776

 
$
(184,413
)
 
(30.4
)%
Operating income from Financial Services
 
291,160

 
275,305

 
15,855

 
5.8

Operating income
 
713,523

 
882,081

 
(168,558
)
 
(19.1
)
Other income (expense), net
 
3,039

 
9,182

 
(6,143
)
 
(66.9
)
Investment income
 
951

 
3,580

 
(2,629
)
 
(73.4
)
Interest expense
 
30,884

 
31,004

 
(120
)
 
(0.4
)
Income before provision for income taxes
 
686,629

 
863,839

 
(177,210
)
 
(20.5
)
Provision for income taxes
 
155,178

 
342,080

 
(186,902
)
 
(54.6
)
Net income
 
$
531,451

 
$
521,759

 
$
9,692

 
1.9
 %
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
3.19

 
$
3.02

 
$
0.17

 
5.6
 %
Consolidated operating income was down 19.1% in 2018 driven by a decrease in operating income from the Motorcycles segment which was down $184.4 million compared to 2017. Operating income for the Financial Services segment increased by $15.9 million during 2018 as compared to 2017. 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.


26


Other income in 2018 was adversely impacted by higher amortization of actuarial losses following a 2018 first quarter remeasurement of the assets and obligations of the Company's qualified pension plan. Investment income was lower due to unfavorable changes in the fair value of marketable securities.
The effective income tax rate for 2018 was 22.6% compared to 39.6% for 2017. The lower effective income tax rate was primarily due to the impact of the 2017 Tax Act. The 2017 Tax Act reduced the federal corporate income tax rate beginning in 2018 from 35% to 21%. In addition, because the 2017 Tax Act was enacted in 2017, the Company was required to remeasure its net deferred tax assets in 2017. The impact of remeasuring the deferred tax asset balances combined with other adjustments related to the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act resulted in a non-cash income tax charge of $53.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Diluted earnings per share were $3.19 in 2018, up 5.6% compared to 2017. Diluted earnings per share were positively impacted by the 1.9% increase in net income and also benefited from lower diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased from 172.9 million in 2017 to 166.5 million in 2018 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
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales(a) 
The following table includes retail unit sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles:
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
(Decrease)
Increase
 
%
Change
United States
 
132,868

 
147,972

 
(15,104
)
 
(10.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe(b)
 
41,179

 
39,773

 
1,406

 
3.5

EMEA - Other
 
5,423

 
5,162

 
261

 
5.1

      Total EMEA
 
46,602

 
44,935

 
1,667

 
3.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asia Pacific(c)
 
18,429

 
21,393

 
(2,964
)
 
(13.9
)
Asia Pacific - Other
 
10,295

 
8,955

 
1,340

 
15.0

Total Asia Pacific
 
28,724

 
30,348

 
(1,624
)
 
(5.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Latin America
 
10,167

 
9,452

 
715

 
7.6

Canada
 
9,690

 
10,081

 
(391
)
 
(3.9
)
     Total International Retail Sales
 
95,183

 
94,816

 
367

 
0.4

     Total Worldwide Retail Sales
 
228,051

 
242,788

 
(14,737
)
 
(6.1
)%
 
(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 new retail sales, and the Company does not regularly verify the information that its dealers supply. This information is subject to revision.
(b)
Includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
(c)
Includes Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Korea. Prior period Asia Pacific retail sales have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the U.S. were down 10.2% in 2018. Overall, U.S. retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles were adversely impacted by the continued weak U.S. industry, which was down 8.7% compared to 2017. The Company believes that sales of new motorcycles continued to be adversely impacted by soft used motorcycle prices and a shift in rider preferences toward smaller displacement motorcycles.

Prices for used Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the U.S. remained at near historical low levels compared to new; however, the Company is encouraged by positive momentum in used motorcycle pricing. During 2018, third-party pricing services continued to publish higher retail values year-over-year for used Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Wholesale prices of

27


used Harley-Davidson motorcycles at auction were also up during most of 2018 before falling slightly below year-ago levels in the fourth quarter. Additionally, for the sixth consecutive quarter, prices of used Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the Company's dealer network were higher in the fourth quarter of 2018 than the prior year quarter.

Retail sales of used Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the U.S. were up through November 2018 compared to the prior year. Additionally, the share of combined new and used motorcycle registrations in the U.S. attributable to Harley-Davidson motorcycles was up in 2018 through November and has been up for the last 9 consecutive years. (Source for data regarding used motorcycle sales: IHS Markit Used Registrations for On-Highway and Dual Purpose motorcycles with engines 601+cc in the U.S. from 2008 through November 2018). While the Company does not benefit directly from sales of used motorcycles, the Company believes used motorcycle sales are an indicator of brand health and provide prospects for future new motorcycle sales.

The Company's U.S. market share of new 601+cc motorcycles for 2018 was 49.7%, down 1.0 percentage points compared to 2017 (Source: Motorcycle Industry Council). The Company's U.S. market share reflects the adverse impact of a highly competitive marketplace and relatively strong growth in segments in which the Company does not currently compete. In the segments in which the Company does compete (Touring and Cruiser), which represent approximately 70% of the 601+cc market, the Company's market share was up 0.8 percentage points on a full-year basis.

International retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles were up 0.4% in 2018. Retail sales in emerging markets were up 9.8% partially offset by lower retail sales in developed markets, which declined 2.7% during 2018. In developed markets, retail sales grew in western Europe; however, retail sales in Japan and Australia were down behind contracting industry sales and competitive new product introductions in segments outside of the Touring and Cruiser segments. Retail sales in Canada were also down 3.9% in 2018.

The Company continued to expand its international dealer network during 2018, opening 56 new dealers during the year. The Company remains confident in and committed to the significant potential that international markets offer to Harley-Davidson. The Company believes it has the brand, products and distribution to drive sustainable growth in international markets.(1) 
Motorcycle Registration Data - 601+cc(a) 
The following table includes industry retail motorcycle registration data: 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
(Decrease)
Increase
 
%
Change
United States(b)
 
263,750

 
288,802

 
(25,052
)
 
(8.7
)%
Europe(c)
 
397,669

 
390,619

 
7,050

 
1.8
 %

(a)
Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include dual purpose models, three-wheeled motorcycles and autocycles. Registration data for Harley-Davidson Street® 500 motorcycles is not included in this table.
(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.
(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.


28


Motorcycles and Related Products Segment
Motorcycle Unit Shipments
The following table includes wholesale motorcycle unit shipments for the Motorcycles segment: 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Unit
 
Unit
 
 
Units
 
Mix %
 
Units
 
Mix %
 
(Decrease)
Increase
 
%
Change
United States
 
132,433

 
57.9
%
 
144,893

 
60.0
%
 
(12,460
)
 
(8.6
)%
International
 
96,232

 
42.1
%
 
96,605

 
40.0
%
 
(373
)
 
(0.4
)
Harley-Davidson motorcycle units
 
228,665

 
100.0
%
 
241,498

 
100.0
%
 
(12,833
)
 
(5.3
)%
Touring motorcycle units
 
101,942

 
44.6
%
 
99,745

 
41.3
%
 
2,197

 
2.2
 %
Cruiser motorcycle units
 
78,529

 
34.3
%
 
87,344

 
36.2
%
 
(8,815
)
 
(10.1
)
Sportster® / Street motorcycle units
 
48,194

 
21.1
%
 
54,409

 
22.5
%
 
(6,215
)
 
(11.4
)
Harley-Davidson motorcycle units
 
228,665

 
100.0
%
 
241,498

 
100.0
%
 
(12,833
)
 
(5.3
)%
During 2018, wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were down 5.3% compared to the prior year in line with a 6.1% decrease in dealer retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. International shipments as a percentage of total shipments were up in 2018 as compared to 2017. Shipments of Touring motorcycles increased as a percentage of total shipments in 2018 offset by declines in Cruiser and Sportster/Street motorcycles. Dealer inventory of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the U.S. at the end of 2018 was down approximately 350 motorcycles compared to the end of 2017.
Segment Results
The following table includes the condensed statements of operations for the Motorcycles segment (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
%
Change
Revenue(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles
 
$
3,882,963

 
$
3,765,620

 
$
117,343

 
3.1
 %
Parts & Accessories
 
754,663

 
800,702

 
(46,039
)
 
(5.7
)
General Merchandise
 
241,964

 
262,776

 
(20,812
)
 
(7.9
)
Licensing
 
38,676

 
39,186

 
(510
)
 
(1.3
)
Other
 
50,380

 
46,743

 
3,637

 
7.8

Total revenue
 
4,968,646

 
4,915,027

 
53,619

 
1.1

Cost of goods sold
 
3,351,796

 
3,272,330

 
79,466

 
2.4

Gross profit
 
1,616,850

 
1,642,697

 
(25,847
)
 
(1.6
)
Selling & administrative expense
 
914,900

 
864,618

 
50,282

 
5.8

Engineering expense
 
186,186

 
171,303

 
14,883

 
8.7

Restructuring expense
 
93,401

 
—

 
93,401

 
—

Operating expense
 
1,194,487

 
1,035,921

 
158,566

 
15.3

Operating income from Motorcycles
 
$
422,363

 
$
606,776

 
$
(184,413
)
 
(30.4
)%

(a)
In connection with the adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Company has changed its presentation of disaggregated Motorcycles segment revenue and the prior period has been recast to reflect the new presentation.

29


The following table includes the estimated impact of significant factors affecting the comparability of net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2017 to 2018 (in millions):
 
 
Net
Revenue
 
Cost of
Goods
Sold
 
Gross
Profit
2017
 
$
4,915

 
$
3,272

 
$
1,643

Volume
 
(304
)
 
(182
)
 
(122
)
Price, net of related costs
 
115

 
61

 
54

Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging
 
33

 
21

 
12

Shipment mix
 
210

 
117

 
93

Raw material prices
 
—

 
18

 
(18
)
Manufacturing and other costs
 
—

 
45

 
(45
)
Total
 
54

 
80

 
(26
)
2018
 
$
4,969

 
$
3,352

 
$
1,617

The following factors affected the comparability of net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2017 to 2018:
•
The decrease in volume was due to lower wholesale motorcycle shipments, as well as lower P&A and general merchandise sales. P&A and general merchandise sales were down due in large part to lower motorcycle shipments and lower retail motorcycle sales.
•
On average, wholesale prices for motorcycles shipped in 2018 were higher than in the prior year resulting in a favorable impact on revenue. The positive impact on revenue was partially offset by increased costs related to the additional content added to motorcycles shipped in 2018 as compared to the prior year.
•
The favorable revenue impact from foreign currency was partially offset by higher net foreign currency losses due primarily to the remeasurement of foreign-denominated balance sheet accounts, as compared to the prior year.
•
Shipment mix changes resulted in a positive impact on gross profit resulting from favorable changes in the mix of
motorcycle families, as well as the mix of models within motorcycle families.
•
Raw material prices were higher primarily due to increased steel and aluminum costs which includes the impacts of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
•
Manufacturing and other costs were negatively impacted by lower fixed cost absorption due to lower production, higher depreciation, the impact of incremental tariffs and temporary inefficiencies associated with the Manufacturing Optimization Plan. In 2018, the impact of incremental tariffs was $23.7 million.
    
Operating expenses were up compared to 2017 due to higher recall costs and increased spending on growth initiatives, as well as $93.4 million of restructuring expense related primarily to the Manufacturing Optimization Plan.
Financial Services Segment
Segment Results
The following table includes the condensed statements of operations for the Financial Services segment (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
%
Change
Interest income
 
$
645,985

 
$
633,113

 
$
12,872

 
2.0
 %
Other income
 
101,108

 
97,151

 
3,957

 
4.1

Securitization and servicing income
 
1,136

 
1,933

 
(797
)
 
(41.2
)
Financial Services revenue
 
748,229

 
732,197

 
16,032

 
2.2

Interest expense
 
193,187

 
180,193

 
12,994

 
7.2

Provision for credit losses
 
106,870

 
132,444

 
(25,574
)
 
(19.3
)
Operating expenses
 
157,012

 
144,255

 
12,757

 
8.8

Financial Services expense
 
457,069

 
456,892

 
177

 
—

Operating income from Financial Services
 
$
291,160

 
$
275,305

 
$
15,855

 
5.8
 %
Interest income was favorable in 2018 primarily due to higher average retail receivables.

30


Interest expense increased due to a higher cost of funds and higher average outstanding debt.
The provision for credit losses decreased $25.6 million compared to 2017. The retail motorcycle provision decreased $27.1 million driven by a decrease in the retail reserve rate, as a result of lower retail credit losses, compared to an increase in the reserve rate during 2017. This favorability was partially offset by a larger increase in retail receivables compared to 2017. The wholesale provision increased $1.9 million as a result of an increase in the wholesale reserve rate.
Annual losses on the Company's retail motorcycle loans were 1.76% during 2018 compared to 1.90% in 2017. The 30-day delinquency rate for retail motorcycle loans at December 31, 2018 decreased to 4.12% from 4.21% at December 31, 2017.
Operating expenses increased $12.8 million compared to 2017 driven primarily by higher shared services and employee-related expenses.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
192,471

 
$
173,343

Provision for credit losses
 
106,870

 
132,444

Charge-offs, net of recoveries
 
(109,456
)
 
(113,316
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
189,885

 
$
192,471

At December 31, 2018, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $182.1 million for retail receivables and $7.8 million for wholesale receivables. At December 31, 2017, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $186.3 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 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses on finance receivables.
 
Results of Operations 2017 Compared to 2016
Consolidated Results 
(in thousands, except earnings per share)
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Decrease)
Increase
 
%
Change
Operating income from Motorcycles and Related Products
 
$
606,776

 
$
770,764

 
$
(163,988
)
 
(21.3
)%
Operating income from Financial Services
 
275,305

 
275,530

 
(225
)
 
(0.1
)
Operating income
 
882,081

 
1,046,294

 
(164,213
)
 
(15.7
)
Other income (expense), net
 
9,182

 
2,642

 
6,540

 
247.5

Investment income
 
3,580

 
4,645

 
(1,065
)
 
(22.9
)
Interest expense
 
31,004

 
29,670

 
1,334

 
4.5

Income before provision for income taxes
 
863,839

 
1,023,911

 
(160,072
)
 
(15.6
)
Provision for income taxes
 
342,080

 
331,747

 
10,333

 
3.1

Net income
 
$
521,759

 
$
692,164

 
$
(170,405
)
 
(24.6
)%
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
3.02

 
$
3.83

 
$
(0.81
)
 
(21.1
)%
Consolidated operating income was down 15.7% in 2017 driven by a decrease in operating income from the Motorcycles segment which decreased by $164.0 million compared to 2016. Operating income for the Financial Services segment in 2017 was slightly lower than the prior year, decreasing $0.2 million as compared to 2016. 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 2017 was 39.6% compared to 32.4% for 2016. The higher effective income tax rate was primarily due to the impact of the 2017 Tax Act. The 2017 Tax Act reduced the federal corporate income tax rate beginning in 2018 from 35% to 21% and resulted in a remeasurement of net deferred tax assets in the fourth quarter of 2017. The impact of remeasuring the deferred tax asset balances combined with other adjustments related to the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act resulted in a non-cash income tax charge of $53.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

31


Diluted earnings per share were $3.02 in 2017, down 21.1% compared to 2016. Diluted earnings per share were adversely impacted by the 24.6% decrease in net income, but benefited from lower diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased from 180.5 million in 2016 to 172.9 million in 2017 driven by the Company's repurchases of common stock.
Motorcycles Retail Sales and Registration Data
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales(a) 
The following table includes retail unit sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles: 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Decrease
 
%
Change
United States
 
147,972

 
161,658

 
(13,686
)
 
(8.5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe(b)
 
39,773

 
39,942

 
(169
)
 
(0.4
)
EMEA - Other
 
5,162

 
5,896

 
(734
)
 
(12.4
)
      Total EMEA
 
44,935

 
45,838

 
(903
)
 
(2.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asia Pacific(c)
 
21,393

 
23,245

 
(1,852
)
 
(8.0
)
Asia Pacific - Other
 
8,955

 
9,644

 
(689
)
 
(7.1
)
Total Asia Pacific
 
30,348

 
32,889

 
(2,541
)
 
(7.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Latin America
 
9,452

 
9,701

 
(249
)
 
(2.6
)
Canada
 
10,081

 
10,203

 
(122
)
 
(1.2
)
     Total International Retail Sales
 
94,816

 
98,631

 
(3,815
)
 
(3.9
)
     Total Worldwide Retail Sales
 
242,788

 
260,289

 
(17,501
)
 
(6.7
)%

(a)
Data source for retail sales figures shown above is new sales warranty and registration information provided by Harley-Davidson dealers and compiled by the Company. The Company must rely on information that its dealers supply concerning new retail sales and the Company does not regularly verify the information that its dealers supply. This information is subject to revision.
(b)
Includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
(c)
Includes Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Korea. Prior period Asia Pacific retail sales have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation

Retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the U.S. were down 8.5% in 2017, adversely impacted by a weak U.S. industry, which was down 7.3% compared to 2016. The Company's U.S. market share of 601+cc motorcycles for 2017 was 50.7%, down 0.5 percentage points compared to 2016 (Source: Motorcycle Industry Council). 
International retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles were down 3.9% in 2017. In EMEA, retail sales in Europe were down slightly from 2016 while other EMEA markets decreased 12.4% behind softness in emerging markets including Russia, Middle East and South Africa. In Asia Pacific, retail sales were down compared to 2016 on softness in Japan and Australia and lower retail sales in emerging markets compared to 2016. Retail sales in Latin America during 2017 were down on softness in Mexico partially offset by an increase in Brazil. Canada retail sales were down slightly from the prior year.

Motorcycle Registration Data - 601+cc(a) 
The following table includes industry retail motorcycle registration data:
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Decrease
 
%
Change
United States(b)
 
288,802

 
311,710

 
(22,908
)
 
(7.3
)%
Europe(c)
 
390,619

 
391,936

 
(1,317
)
 
(0.3
)%
 

32


(a)
Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include dual purpose models, three-wheeled motorcycles and autocycles. Registration data for Harley-Davidson Street® 500 motorcycles is not included in this table.
(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.
(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: 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Unit
 
Unit
 
 
Units
 
Mix %
 
Units
 
Mix %
 
Decrease
 
%
Change
United States
 
144,893

 
60.0
%
 
161,839

 
61.7
%
 
(16,946
)
 
(10.5
)%
International
 
96,605

 
40.0
%
 
100,382

 
38.3
%
 
(3,777
)
 
(3.8
)
Harley-Davidson motorcycle units
 
241,498

 
100.0
%
 
262,221

 
100.0
%
 
(20,723
)
 
(7.9
)%
Touring motorcycle units
 
99,745

 
41.3
%
 
107,410

 
41.0
%
 
(7,665
)
 
(7.1
)%
Cruiser motorcycle units
 
87,344

 
36.2
%
 
93,422

 
35.6
%
 
(6,078
)
 
(6.5
)
Sportster® / Street motorcycle units
 
54,409

 
22.5
%
 
61,389

 
23.4
%
 
(6,980
)
 
(11.4
)
Harley-Davidson motorcycle units
 
241,498

 
100.0
%
 
262,221

 
100.0
%
 
(20,723
)
 
(7.9
)%
    
During 2017, wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were down 7.9% compared to the prior year, slightly more than the 6.7% decrease in dealer retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. International shipments as a percentage of the total were up slightly in 2017 as compared to 2016. Shipments of Cruiser motorcycles increased as a percentage of total shipments in 2017 behind the launch of the new model-year 2018 Softail motorcycles. The Softail motorcycle platform was completely redesigned for model-year 2018 and merged the former Softail and Dyna platforms. Dealer inventory of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the U.S. at the end of 2017 was down approximately 3,000 motorcycles compared to the end of 2016.


33


Segment Results
The following table includes the condensed statements of operations for the Motorcycles segment (in thousands): 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Decrease)
Increase
 
%
Change
Revenue(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles
 
$
3,765,620

 
$
4,052,999

 
$
(287,379
)
 
(7.1
)%
Parts & Accessories
 
800,702

 
839,097

 
(38,395
)
 
(4.6
)
General Merchandise
 
262,776

 
284,583

 
(21,807
)
 
(7.7
)
Licensing
 
39,186

 
41,590

 
(2,404
)
 
(5.8
)
Other
 
46,743

 
53,107

 
(6,364
)
 
(12.0
)
Total revenue
 
4,915,027

 
5,271,376

 
(356,349
)
 
(6.8
)
Cost of goods sold
 
3,272,330

 
3,425,997

 
(153,667
)
 
(4.5
)
Gross profit
 
1,642,697

 
1,845,379

 
(202,682
)
 
(11.0
)
Selling & administrative expense
 
864,618

 
903,414

 
(38,796
)
 
(4.3
)
Engineering expense
 
171,303

 
171,201

 
102

 
0.1

Operating expense
 
1,035,921

 
1,074,615

 
(38,694
)
 
(3.6
)
Operating income from Motorcycles
 
$
606,776

 
$
770,764

 
$
(163,988
)
 
(21.3
)%
(a)
In connection with the adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Company has changed its presentation of disaggregated Motorcycles segment revenue and the prior period has been recast to reflect the new presentation.
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 2016 to 2017 (in millions):
 
 
Net
Revenue
 
Cost of
Goods
Sold
 
Gross
Profit
2016
 
$
5,272

 
$
3,426

 
$
1,846

Volume
 
(435
)
 
(264
)
 
(171
)
Price, net of related costs
 
120

 
59

 
61

Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging
 
13

 
(3
)
 
16

Shipment mix
 
(55
)
 
(18
)
 
(37
)
Raw material prices
 
—

 
17

 
(17
)
Manufacturing and other costs
 
—

 
55

 
(55
)
Total
 
(357
)
 
(154
)
 
(203
)
2017
 
$
4,915

 
$
3,272

 
$
1,643

The following factors affected the comparability of net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2016 to 2017:
•
The decrease in volume was due to lower wholesale motorcycle shipments, as well as lower P&A and general merchandise sales. P&A and general merchandise sales were down due in large part to lower motorcycle shipments and lower retail motorcycle sales.
•
On average, wholesale prices for motorcycles shipped in 2017 were higher than in the prior year resulting in a favorable impact on revenue. The positive impact on revenue was partially offset by increased costs related to the additional content added to motorcycles shipped in 2017 as compared to last year.
•
Revenue was positively impacted by slightly stronger weighted-average foreign currency rates, relative to the U.S. dollar, as compared to last year. In addition, cost was favorably impacted by a higher net gain resulting from the remeasurement of foreign-denominated balance sheet accounts net of losses incurred on hedging activities, as compared to last year.
•
Shipment mix changes resulted in a negative impact on gross profit resulting from unfavorable changes in the mix of models within motorcycle families as well as changes in P&A product mix.
•
Raw material prices were higher due primarily to increased steel and aluminum costs.
•
Manufacturing costs were negatively impacted by lower fixed cost absorption due to lower production volumes, higher model-year startup costs and higher depreciation.

34


Operating expense which consists of selling, administrative and engineering expenses, was down compared to 2016 due primarily to aggressive cost management and lower employee costs.
Financial Services Segment
Segment Results
The following table includes the condensed statements of operations for the Financial Services segment (in thousands): 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
%
Change
Interest income
 
$
633,113

 
$
628,432

 
$
4,681

 
0.7
 %
Other income
 
97,151

 
85,788

 
11,363

 
13.2

Securitization and servicing income
 
1,933

 
10,862

 
(8,929
)
 
(82.2
)
Financial Services revenue
 
732,197

 
725,082

 
7,115

 
1.0

Interest expense
 
180,193

 
173,756

 
6,437

 
3.7

Provision for credit losses
 
132,444

 
136,617

 
(4,173
)
 
(3.1
)
Operating expense
 
144,255

 
139,179

 
5,076

 
3.6

Financial Services expense
 
456,892

 
449,552

 
7,340

 
1.6

Operating income from Financial Services
 
$
275,305

 
$
275,530

 
$
(225
)
 
(0.1
)%
Interest income was favorable in 2017 due to higher average retail receivables partially offset by lower average wholesale receivables and lower average yields across the portfolios. Other income was favorable due to increased licensing revenue and investment income. Securitization and servicing income was lower primarily due to a $9.3 million gain on the sale of finance receivables recognized as a result of a 2016 off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization. There was no comparable transaction in 2017.
Interest expense increased due to a higher cost of funds, partially offset by lower average outstanding debt.
The provision for credit losses decreased $4.2 million compared to 2016. The retail motorcycle provision decreased $6.5 million during 2017 as a result of a smaller increase in the retail reserve rate and lower receivables partially offset by higher retail credit losses. Credit losses were higher as a result of unfavorable performance across the retail motorcycle portfolio. The wholesale provision increased $1.0 million due to a smaller decrease in the wholesale reserve rate compared to 2016.
Annual losses on the Company's retail motorcycle loans were 1.90% during 2017 compared to 1.83% in 2016. The 30-day delinquency rate for retail motorcycle loans at December 31, 2017 decreased to 4.21% from 4.25% at December 31, 2016.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
2017
 
2016
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
173,343

 
$
147,178

Provision for credit losses
 
132,444

 
136,617

Charge-offs, net of recoveries
 
(113,316
)
 
(107,161
)
Other (a)
 
—

 
(3,291
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
192,471

 
$
173,343


(a)
Related to the sale of finance receivables during 2016 with a principal balance of $301.8 million through an off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization transaction (see Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).

At December 31, 2017, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $186.3 million for retail receivables and $6.2 million for wholesale receivables. At December 31, 2016, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $166.8 million for retail receivables and $6.5 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.

35



Other Matters
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Refer to Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting standards that will become effective for the Company in 2019 and 2020.
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 and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Retail 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 retail finance receivables portfolio.
The retail portfolio 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. 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.
Product Warranty and Recalls – Estimated warranty costs are accrued at the time of sale and are based on a combination of historical claim cost data and other known factors that may affect future warranty claims. The estimated costs associated with voluntary recalls are accrued in the period that management approves and commits to the recall. The accrued cost of a recall is based on an estimate of the cost to repair each affected motorcycle and the number of motorcycles expected to be repaired based on historical data concerning the percentage of affected customers that take advantage of recall offers. In the case of both warranty and recall costs, as actual experience becomes available it is used to update the accruals.
The factors affecting actual warranty and recall costs can be volatile. As a result, actual warranty claims experience and recall costs may differ from estimates, which could lead to material changes in the Company’s accrued warranty and recall costs. The Company’s warranty and recall liabilities are discussed further in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pensions and Other Postretirement Healthcare Benefits – The Company has a defined benefit pension plan and 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 increased the weighted-average discount rate for pension and SERPA obligations from 3.71% as of December 31, 2017 to 4.38% as of December 31, 2018. The Company increased the weighted-average discount rate for postretirement healthcare obligations from 3.52% to 4.23%. 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, 2018, the Company set its healthcare cost trend rate at 6.75% as of December 31, 2018. The Company expects the healthcare cost trend rate to reach its ultimate rate of 5.00% by 2026.(1) These assumption changes were reflected immediately in the benefit obligation and will be amortized into net periodic benefit costs over future periods.

36


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): 
 
 
Amounts based
on current
assumptions
 
Impact of a 1%
decrease in the
discount rate
 
Impact of a 1%
decrease in the
expected
return on assets
 
Impact of a 1%
increase in the
healthcare
cost trend rate
2018 Net periodic benefit cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and SERPA
 
$
32,817

 
$
28,330

 
$
20,322

 
n/a

Postretirement healthcare
 
$
3,664

 
$
1,196

 
$
1,955

 
$
1,556

2018 Benefit obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and SERPA
 
$
1,984,708

 
$
319,213

 
n/a

 
n/a

Postretirement healthcare
 
$
286,574

 
$
23,298

 
n/a

 
$
8,613

This information should not be viewed as predictive of future amounts. The analysis of the impact of a 1% change in the table above does not take into account the cost related to special termination benefits. 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 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (Topic 740). 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 carryforwards. 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 U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. These tax laws and regulations are complex and 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 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 liability 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, 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.
Contractual Obligations
A summary of the Company’s expected payments for significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018 is as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
2019
 
2020-2021
 
2022-2023
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Principal payments on debt
 
$
2,717,597

 
$
3,133,704

 
$
1,018,393

 
$
750,000

 
$
7,619,694

Interest payments on debt
 
182,532

 
226,407

 
109,026

 
336,750

 
854,715

Operating lease payments
 
20,416

 
29,897

 
15,675

 
7,988

 
73,976

 
 
$
2,920,545

 
$
3,390,008

 
$
1,143,094

 
$
1,094,738

 
$
8,548,385

Interest for floating rate instruments assumes December 31, 2018 rates remain constant.

37


As of December 31, 2018, 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, 2018. The Company’s retirement plan obligations and expected future contributions and payments related to these plans are provided in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
As described in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has unrecognized tax benefits of $61.4 million and accrued interest and penalties of $27.7 million as of December 31, 2018. However, the Company cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of 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 costs to accrue 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. Any amounts accrued for these matters are monitored on an ongoing basis and are updated based on new developments or new information as it becomes available for 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 information exchanges and discussions with the EPA. In August 2016, the Company entered into a consent decree with the EPA regarding these issues, and the consent decree was subsequently revised in July 2017 (the Settlement). In the Settlement, the Company agreed to, among other things, pay a fine, and not sell tuning products unless they are approved by the EPA or California Air Resources Board. In December 2017, the EPA filed the Settlement with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for the purpose of obtaining court approval of the Settlement. Three amicus briefs opposing portions of the Settlement were filed with the court by the deadline of January 31, 2018. On March 1, 2018, the Company and the EPA each filed separate response briefs. The Company is awaiting the court's decision on whether or not to finalize the Settlement. The Company has an accrual associated with this matter which is included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, and as a result, if it is finalized, the Settlement would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The Settlement is not final until it is approved by the court, and if it is not approved by the court, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact of any remedies the EPA might seek beyond the Company's current reserve for this matter.
York Environmental Matters:
The Company is involved with government agencies and groups of potentially responsible parties related to 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. The Company has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) since 1986 and with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in undertaking environmental investigation and remediation activities, including a 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 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 an accrual for its estimate of its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility which is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. While the work on the RI/FS is now complete and the final remedy was proposed in late 2018, it has not yet been approved, and given the uncertainty that exists concerning the nature and scope of additional environmental remediation that may ultimately be required under the approved final remedy, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of those additional costs, if any, that may result.

38


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.
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) 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company participates in asset-backed financing both through asset-backed securitization transactions and through asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. In the Company's asset-backed financing programs, the Company transfers retail motorcycle finance receivables to special purpose entities (SPE), which are considered Variable Interest Entities (VIE) under U.S. GAAP. Each SPE then converts those assets into cash, through the issuance of debt. The Company retains servicing rights for all of the retail motorcycle finance receivables transferred to SPEs as part of an asset-backed financing.
The SPEs are separate legal entities that assume the risks and rewards of ownership of the retail motorcycle finance receivables they hold. The assets of the VIEs are not available to pay other obligations or claims of the Company’s creditors. The Company’s economic exposure related to the VIEs is generally limited to restricted cash reserve accounts, retained interests and ordinary representations and warranties and related covenants. The VIEs have a limited life and generally terminate upon final distribution of amounts owed to investors.
The accounting treatment for asset-backed financings depends on the terms of the related transaction and the Company’s continuing involvement with the VIE. Most of the Company’s asset-backed financings do not meet the criteria to be treated as a sale for accounting purposes because, in addition to retaining servicing rights, the Company retains a financial interest in the VIE in the form of a debt security. These transactions are treated as secured borrowings. As secured borrowings, the retail motorcycle finance receivables remain on the balance sheet with a corresponding obligation reflected as debt.
During the second quarter of 2016, the Company sold finance receivables with a principal balance of $301.8 million into a securitization VIE. The transaction met the criteria to be treated as a sale for accounting purposes and resulted in an off-balance sheet arrangement because the Company did not retain any financial interest in the VIE beyond servicing rights and ordinary representations and warranties and related covenants. Upon sale, the retail motorcycle finance receivables were removed from the Company’s balance sheet and a gain of $9.3 million was recognized in Financial Services revenue. For more information, see Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources as of December 31, 2018
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 will continue to be funded with unsecured debt, unsecured commercial paper, asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities, committed unsecured bank facilities and asset-backed securitizations.

39


The Company’s strategy is to maintain a minimum of twelve months of its projected liquidity needs through a combination of cash and cash equivalents and availability under credit facilities. The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and availability under credit and conduit facilities (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
2018
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,203,766

Current marketable securities
 
10,007

Total cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities
 
1,213,773

 
 
 
Credit facilities
 
434,190

Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facilities (a)
 
600,000

Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility (a)
 
5,443

Total availability under credit and conduit facilities
 
1,039,633

Total
 
$
2,253,406


(a)
Includes facilities expiring in the next twelve months which the Company expects to renew prior to expiration.(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.(1) The Financial Services operations could be negatively affected by higher costs of funding and the increased difficulty of raising, or potential inability 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
1,205,921

 
$
1,005,061

 
$
1,174,339

Net cash used by investing activities
 
(662,269
)
 
(562,468
)
 
(392,731
)
Net cash used by financing activities
 
(14,763
)
 
(550,261
)
 
(777,885
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
(15,351
)
 
26,747

 
(9,443
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
513,538

 
$
(80,921
)
 
$
(5,720
)
Operating Activities
    
The increase in operating cash flow in 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily due to favorable changes in working capital and lower cash outflows for retirement plans. There were no voluntary or required qualified pension plan or postretirement healthcare plan contributions in 2018. In 2017, the Company voluntarily contributed $25.0 million to its qualified pension plan and $15.0 million to its postretirement healthcare plans. The Company expects that no qualified pension plan contributions will be required in 2019.(1) The Company also expects that 2019 postretirement healthcare plan benefits and benefits due under the SERPA will be paid by the Company or funded with plan assets.(1) The Company’s expected future contributions and benefit payments related to these plans are provided in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.(1) 
The decrease in operating cash flow in 2017 compared to 2016 was due primarily to lower net income, unfavorable changes in working capital and higher retirement plan contributions. These negative impacts were partially offset by lower net cash outflows for wholesale lending.
Investing Activities

40


The Company’s investing activities consist primarily of capital expenditures, net changes in retail finance receivables and short-term investment activity. Capital expenditures were $213.5 million, $206.3 million and $256.3 million during 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Net cash outflows for finance receivables in 2018, which consisted primarily of retail finance receivables, were $63.5 million higher than 2017 primarily as a result of an increase in retail motorcycle loan originations during 2018. Conversely, 2017 net cash outflows for finance receivables were $125.8 million lower than 2016 primarily due to lower retail motorcycle loan originations during 2017.
Cash (outflow) / inflow from purchases and maturities of marketable securities were $(10.0) million, $6.9 million and $40.0 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
During 2016, the Company completed a sale of finance receivables through an off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization. The proceeds from the sale of finance receivables, which positively impacted cash flow, were $312.6 million. There were no comparable transactions in 2018 or 2017.
Financing Activities
The Company’s financing activities consist primarily of dividend payments, share repurchases and debt activity.
The Company paid dividends of $1.48 per share totaling $245.8 million during 2018, $1.46 per share totaling $251.9 million during 2017 and $1.40 per share totaling $252.3 million during 2016.
Cash outflows from share repurchases were $390.6 million, $465.3 million and $465.3 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Share repurchases during 2018, 2017 and 2016 included 9.4 million, 8.8 million and 9.9 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. As of December 31, 2018, there were 16.4 million shares remaining on board-approved share repurchase authorizations.
Financing cash flows related to debt activity resulted in net cash inflows / (outflows) of $618.1 million, $155.5 million and $(78.3) million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company’s total outstanding debt consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Unsecured commercial paper
 
$
1,135,810

 
$
1,273,482

 
$
1,055,708

Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility
 
155,951

 
174,779

 
149,338

Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facilities
 
582,717

 
279,457

 
—

Medium-term notes, net
 
4,887,007

 
4,165,706

 
4,064,940

Senior unsecured notes, net
 
742,624

 
741,961

 
741,306

Asset-backed securitization debt, net
 
95,167

 
352,624

 
796,275

Total debt
 
$
7,599,276

 
$
6,988,009

 
$
6,807,567

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, 2018 were as follows: 
 
  
Short-Term
  
Long-Term
  
Outlook
Moody’s
  
P2
  
A3
  
Stable
Standard & Poor’s
  
A2
  
BBB+
  
Negative
Fitch
  
F1
  
A
  
Stable
Credit Facilities – In April 2018, the Company entered into a $780.0 million five-year credit facility to replace the $675.0 million five-year credit facility that was due to mature in April 2019 and also terminated the $100.0 million 364-day credit facility that would have matured at the end of April 2018. The new five-year credit facility matures in April 2023. The Company also has a $765.0 million five-year credit facility which matures in April 2021. The two five-year credit facilities (together, the Global Credit Facilities) bear interest at variable 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 on the average

41


daily unused portion of the aggregate commitments under the Global Credit Facilities. The Global Credit Facilities are committed facilities primarily used to support the Company's unsecured commercial paper program. In May 2018, the Company renewed its $25.0 million 364-day credit facility that was due to mature that month. The $25.0 million credit facility bears interest at variable interest rates, and the Company pays a fee based on the unused portion of the $25.0 million commitment. This credit facility matures in May 2019.
Unsecured Commercial Paper – Subject to limitations, the Company could issue unsecured commercial paper of up to $1.55 billion as of December 31, 2018 supported by the Global Credit Facilities, as discussed above. 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 facilities 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, 2018 (in thousands): 
Principal Amount
 
Rate
 
Issue Date
 
Maturity Date
$600,000
 
2.25%
 
January 2016
 
January 2019
$150,000
 
Floating-rate(a)
 
March 2017
 
March 2019
$600,000
 
2.40%
 
September 2014
 
September 2019
$600,000
 
2.15%
 
February 2015
 
February 2020
$450,000
 
Floating-rate(b)
 
May 2018
 
May 2020
$350,000
 
2.40%
 
March 2017
 
June 2020
$600,000
 
2.85%
 
January 2016
 
January 2021
$450,000
 
Floating-rate(c)
 
November 2018
 
March 2021
$350,000
 
3.55%
 
May 2018
 
May 2021
$400,000
 
2.55%
 
June 2017
 
June 2022
$350,000
 
3.35%
 
February 2018
 
February 2023

(a)
Floating interest rate based on LIBOR plus 35 bps.
(b)
Floating interest rate based on LIBOR plus 50 bps. The Company utilized an interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge to convert this from a floating rate basis to a fixed rate basis. Refer to Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
(c)
Floating interest rate based on LIBOR plus 94 bps. The Company utilized an interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge to convert this from a floating rate basis to a fixed rate basis. Refer to Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
The fixed-rate Notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and the floating-rate Notes provide for quarterly interest payments. Principal on the Notes is due at maturity. Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs on the Notes reduced the outstanding balance by $13.0 million and $11.8 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Senior Unsecured Notes – In July 2015, the Company issued $750.0 million of senior unsecured notes in an underwritten offering. The senior unsecured notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. $450.0 million of the senior unsecured notes mature in July 2025 and have an interest rate of 3.50%, and $300.0 million of the senior unsecured notes mature in July 2045 and have an interest rate of 4.625%. The Company used the proceeds from the debt to repurchase shares of its common stock in 2015.
On-Balance Sheet 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$220.0 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$220.0 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 Canadian Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. The expected remaining term of the related receivables is approximately 5 years. Unless earlier terminated

42


or extended by mutual agreement between the Company and the lenders, as of December 31, 2018, the Canadian Conduit has an expiration date of June 28, 2019.
The following table includes quarterly transfers of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit and the respective proceeds (in thousands):
 
2018
 
2017
 
Transfers
 
Proceeds
 
Transfers
 
Proceeds
First quarter
$
7,600

 
$
6,200

 
$
6,300

 
$
5,500

Second quarter
38,900

 
32,200

 
14,200

 
12,400

Third quarter
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Fourth quarter
39,000

 
32,200

 
84,900

 
69,100

 
$
85,500

 
$
70,600

 
$
105,400

 
$
87,000

    
On-Balance Sheet Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facilities VIE – The Company has agreements with third-party bank-sponsored asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduits under which it may transfer U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to an SPE, which in turn may issue debt to those third-party bank-sponsored asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduits. On November 30, 2018, the Company renewed its existing $600.0 million revolving facility agreement with third-party bank-sponsored asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduits. Also on that date, the Company amended its existing $300.0 million revolving facility agreement with third-party bank-sponsored asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduits, increasing the aggregate commitment to $600.0 million. The aggregate commitment under this agreement will be reduced monthly as collections on the related finance receivables are applied to the outstanding principal until the outstanding principal balance is less than or equal to $300.0 million, at which point the aggregate commitment will equal $300.0 million. Availability under the revolving facilities (together, the U.S. Conduit Facilities) is based on, among other things, the amount of eligible U.S. retail motorcycle receivables held by the relevant SPE as collateral.
The following table includes quarterly transfers of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to the U.S. Conduit and the respective proceeds (in thousands):
 
2018
 
2017
 
Transfers
 
Proceeds
 
Transfers
 
Proceeds
First quarter
$
32,900

 
$
29,300

 
$
333,400

 
$
300,000

Second quarter
59,100

 
53,300

 
28,200

 
24,000

Third quarter
—

 
—

 
34,100

 
29,600

Fourth quarter
400,200

 
356,800

 
34,000

 
29,700

 
$
492,200

 
$
439,400

 
$
429,700

 
$
383,300

The terms for this debt provide for interest on the outstanding principal based on prevailing commercial paper rates or LIBOR to the extent the advance is not funded by a conduit lender through the issuance of commercial paper plus, in each case, a program fee based on outstanding principal. The U.S. Conduit Facilities also provide for an unused commitment fee based on the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment. There is no amortization schedule; however, the debt will be reduced monthly as available collections on the related finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. Upon expiration of the U.S. Conduit Facilities, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. The expected remaining term of the related receivables held by the SPE is approximately 5 years. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, the U.S. Conduit Facilities have an expiration date of November 29, 2019.
Asset-Backed Securitization VIEs – For all of its asset-backed securitization transactions, the Company transfers U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to separate VIEs, which in turn issue 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 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 asset-backed securitizations.

The accounting treatment for asset-backed securitizations depends on the terms of the related transaction and the Company’s continuing involvement with the VIE. Most of the Company’s asset-backed securitizations do not meet the criteria

43


to be accounted for as a sale because, in addition to retaining servicing rights, the Company retains a financial interest in the VIE in the form of a debt security. These transactions are treated as secured borrowings. As secured borrowings, the retail motorcycle finance receivables remain on the balance sheet with a corresponding obligation reflected as debt. 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 during 2022.
There were no on or off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization transactions during 2018 or 2017.
Support Agreement - The Company has a support agreement with HDFS whereby, if required, the Company agrees to provide HDFS with financial support 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 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 operating covenants limit the Company’s and HDFS’ ability to:
•
Assume or incur certain liens;
•
Participate in certain mergers or consolidations; and
•
Purchase or hold margin stock.
Under the current financial covenants of the Global Credit Facilities, the ratio of HDFS' consolidated debt, excluding secured debt, to HDFS' consolidated shareholders' equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), 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 consolidated shareholders’ equity (where the Company's consolidated debt in each case excludes that of HDFS and its subsidiaries, and the Company's consolidated shareholders’ equity excludes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)), cannot exceed 0.7 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016, HDFS and the Company remained in compliance with all of the then existing covenants.
Cautionary 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 because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "plans", “strategy”, “future”, “may”, “goals”, or "estimates" or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, strategies, 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, unfavorably or favorably, from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described below. 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 release are only made as of the date of this release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
The Company's ability to meet the targets and expectations noted above depends upon, among other factors, the Company's ability to (i) execute its business plans and strategies, including the elements of the More Roads to Harley-Davidson strategy for growth that the Company disclosed on July 30, 2018, and strengthen its existing business while enabling growth, (ii) manage the impact that new or adjusted tariffs may have on the cost of raw materials and components and our ability to sell product internationally, (iii) execute its strategy of growing ridership, globally, (iv) effectively execute the Company's manufacturing optimization plan within expected costs and timing and successfully carry out its global manufacturing and assembly operations, (v) accurately analyze, predict and react to changing market conditions and successfully adjust to shifting global consumer needs and interests, (vi) negotiate and successfully implement a strategic alliance relationship with a local partner in Asia, (vii) develop and introduce products, services and experiences on a timely basis that the market accepts, that enable the Company to generate desired sales levels and that provide the desired financial returns, (viii) perform in a manner that enables the Company to benefit from market opportunities while competing against existing and new competitors, (ix) realize expectations concerning market demand for electric models, which may depend in part on the building of necessary infrastructure, (x) prevent, detect, and remediate any issues with its motorcycles or any issues

44


with associated manufacturing processes to avoid delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, regulatory agency investigations, increased warranty costs or litigation and adverse effects on its reputation and brand strength, and carry out any product programs or recalls within expected costs and timing, (xi) manage supply chain issues, including quality issues and any unexpected interruptions or price increases caused by raw material shortages or natural disasters, (xii) manage the impact that prices for and supply of used motorcycles may have on its business, including on retail sales of new motorcycles, (xiii) reduce other costs to offset costs of the More Roads to Harley-Davidson plan and redirect capital without adversely affecting its existing business, (xiv) balance production volumes for its new motorcycles with consumer demand, (xv) manage risks that arise through expanding international manufacturing, operations and sales, (xvi) manage through changes in general economic and business conditions, including changing capital, credit and retail markets, and the changing political environment, (xvii) continue to manage the relationships and agreements that the Company has with its labor unions to help drive long-term competitiveness, (xviii) accurately estimate and adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices, (xix) continue to develop the capabilities of its distributors and dealers, effectively implement changes relating to its dealers and distribution methods and manage the risks that its independent dealers may have difficulty obtaining capital and managing through changing economic conditions and consumer demand, (xx) retain and attract talented employees, (xxi) prevent a cybersecurity breach involving consumer, employee, dealer, supplier, or company data and respond to evolving regulatory requirements regarding data security, (xxii) manage the credit quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of HDFS' loan portfolio, (xxiii) adjust to tax reform, healthcare inflation and reform and pension reform, and successfully estimate the impact of any such reform on the Company's business, (xxiv) manage through the effects inconsistent and unpredictable weather patterns may have on retail sales of motorcycles, (xxv) implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology systems, including systems at its manufacturing facilities, (xxvi) manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations, (xxvii) manage its exposure to product liability claims and commercial or contractual disputes, (xxviii) successfully access the capital and/or credit markets on terms (including interest rates) that are acceptable to the Company and within its expectations, and (xxix) lower prices of its motorcycles in certain markets by manufacturing motorcycles in the Company’s Thailand facility.
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. Further, actual foreign currency exchange rates may vary from underlying assumptions. Other factors are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of this report. Many of these risk factors are impacted by the current changing capital, credit and retail markets and the Company's ability to manage through inconsistent economic conditions.

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 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 to sub-prime borrowers, as well as actions that the Company has taken and could take that impact motorcycle values.
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates, commodity prices 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 are 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, the Brazilian real, the Canadian dollar, the British pound and the Mexican peso. 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, 2018 and 2017, the notional U.S. dollar value of outstanding Euro, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, Brazilian real, Canadian dollar and Mexican peso foreign currency contracts was $443.0 million and $675.7 million, respectively. The Company estimates that a uniform 10% weakening in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the currencies

45


underlying these contracts would result in a decrease in the fair value of the contracts of approximately $39.9 million and $67.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Further disclosure relating to the fair value of derivative financial instruments is included in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company's earnings are affected by changes in the prices of commodities used in the production of motorcycles. The Company uses derivative instruments on a limited basis to hedge the prices of certain commodities. At December 31, 2018, the notional value of these instruments was $6.1 million and their fair value was a net liability of $0.5 million. As of December 31, 2017, the notional value of these instruments was $5.4 million and their fair value was a net asset of $0.3 million. The potential decrease in fair value of these contracts from a 10% adverse change in the underlying commodity prices would not be significant.

HDFS’ earnings are affected by changes in interest rates. HDFS’ interest-rate sensitive financial instruments include finance receivables, debt and interest rate derivatives. HDFS utilizes interest rate swaps to reduce the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on its debt. As of December 31, 2018, HDFS had interest rate swaps outstanding with a notional value of $900.0 million. HDFS estimates that a 10% decrease in interest rates would result in a $8.3 million decrease in the fair value of the agreements. There were no interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2017.

HDFS has short-term commercial paper and debt issued through the commercial paper conduit facilities that is subject to changes in interest rates. HDFS estimates that a one-percentage point increase in the interest rate on commercial paper and debt issued through the commercial paper conduit facilities would increase Financial Services interest expense in 2019 by approximately $13.2 million. This analysis does not consider the effects of the reduced level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment. Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, HDFS may take actions to mitigate its exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the sensitivity analysis does not account for these impacts.






    

46


 Item 8.    Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
 
 
Page
Supplementary data
 

47



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Harley-Davidson, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, 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). In our opinion, Harley-Davidson, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of Harley-Davidson, Inc. as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, 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, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at item 15(a) and our report dated February 28, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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.

Definitions and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 28, 2019





48


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Harley-Davidson, Inc. as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, 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, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Harley-Davidson, Inc. at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, 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 28, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1982
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 28, 2019

49



HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products
 
$
4,968,646

 
$
4,915,027

 
$
5,271,376

Financial Services
 
748,229

 
732,197

 
725,082

Total revenue
 
5,716,875

 
5,647,224

 
5,996,458

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold
 
3,351,796

 
3,272,330

 
3,425,997

Financial Services interest expense
 
193,187

 
180,193

 
173,756

Financial Services provision for credit losses
 
106,870

 
132,444

 
136,617

Selling, administrative and engineering expense
 
1,258,098

 
1,180,176

 
1,213,794

Restructuring expense
 
93,401

 
—

 
—

Total costs and expenses
 
5,003,352

 
4,765,143

 
4,950,164

Operating income
 
713,523

 
882,081

 
1,046,294

Other income (expense), net
 
3,039

 
9,182

 
2,642

Investment income
 
951

 
3,580

 
4,645

Interest expense
 
30,884

 
31,004

 
29,670

Income before provision for income taxes
 
686,629

 
863,839

 
1,023,911

Provision for income taxes
 
155,178

 
342,080

 
331,747

Net income
 
$
531,451

 
$
521,759

 
$
692,164

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
3.21

 
$
3.03

 
$
3.85

Diluted
 
$
3.19

 
$
3.02

 
$
3.83

Cash dividends per common share
 
$
1.48

 
$
1.46

 
$
1.40

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

50



HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands)

 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net income
 
$
531,451

 
$
521,759

 
$
692,164

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(25,010
)
 
46,280

 
(9,288
)
  Derivative financial instruments
 
20,009

 
(29,778
)
 
6,638

  Marketable securities
 
—

 
1,194

 
(100
)
  Pension and postretirement benefit plans
 
(16,286
)
 
47,636

 
52,574

Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
 
(21,287
)
 
65,332

 
49,824

Comprehensive income
 
$
510,164

 
$
587,091

 
$
741,988



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

51


HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2018 and 2017
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
 
2018
 
2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,203,766

 
$
687,521

Marketable securities
 
10,007

 
—

Accounts receivable, net
 
306,474

 
329,986

Finance receivables, net
 
2,214,424

 
2,105,662

Inventories
 
556,128

 
538,202

Restricted cash
 
49,275

 
47,518

Other current assets
 
144,368

 
175,853

Total current assets
 
4,484,442

 
3,884,742

Finance receivables, net
 
5,007,507

 
4,859,424

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
904,132

 
967,781

Prepaid pension costs
 
—

 
19,816

Goodwill
 
55,048

 
55,947

Deferred income taxes
 
141,464

 
109,073

Other long-term assets
 
73,071

 
75,889

 
 
$
10,665,664

 
$
9,972,672

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
284,861

 
$
227,597

Accrued liabilities
 
601,130

 
529,822

Short-term debt
 
1,135,810

 
1,273,482

Current portion of long-term debt, net
 
1,575,799

 
1,127,269

Total current liabilities
 
3,597,600

 
3,158,170

Long-term debt, net
 
4,887,667

 
4,587,258

Pension liability
 
107,776

 
54,606

Postretirement healthcare liability
 
94,453

 
118,753

Other long-term liabilities
 
204,219

 
209,608

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
 


 


Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, none issued
 
—

 
—

Common stock (181,931,225 and 181,286,547 shares issued, respectively)
 
1,819

 
1,813

Additional paid-in-capital
 
1,459,620

 
1,422,808

Retained earnings
 
2,007,583

 
1,607,570

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(629,684
)
 
(500,049
)
Treasury stock (22,273,278 and 13,195,731 shares, respectively), at cost
 
(1,065,389
)
 
(687,865
)
Total shareholders’ equity
 
1,773,949

 
1,844,277

 
 
$
10,665,664

 
$
9,972,672



52


HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
December 31, 2018 and 2017
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
 
2018
 
2017
Balances held by consolidated variable interest entities (Note 12)
 
 
 
 
Current finance receivables, net
 
$
175,043

 
$
194,813

Other assets
 
$
1,563

 
$
2,148

Non-current finance receivables, net
 
$
591,839

 
$
521,940

Restricted cash - current and non-current
 
$
47,203

 
$
48,706

Current portion of long-term debt, net
 
$
189,693

 
$
209,247

Long-term debt, net
 
$
488,191

 
$
422,834


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


53


HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands)
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net cash provided by operating activities (Note 6)
 
$
1,205,921

 
$
1,005,061

 
$
1,174,339

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(213,516
)
 
(206,294
)
 
(256,263
)
Origination of finance receivables
 
(3,752,817
)
 
(3,591,948
)
 
(3,664,495
)
Collections on finance receivables
 
3,325,669

 
3,228,311

 
3,175,031

Proceeds from finance receivables sold
 
—

 
—

 
312,571

Purchases of marketable securities
 
(10,007
)
 
—

 
—

Sales and redemptions of marketable securities
 
—

 
6,916

 
40,014

Other
 
(11,598
)
 
547

 
411

Net cash used by investing activities
 
(662,269
)
 
(562,468
)
 
(392,731
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes
 
1,591,828

 
893,668

 
1,193,396

Repayments of medium-term notes
 
(877,488
)
 
(800,000
)
 
(451,336
)
Repayments of securitization debt
 
(257,869
)
 
(444,671
)
 
(665,400
)
Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper
 
509,742

 
469,932

 
62,396

Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper
 
(212,729
)
 
(176,227
)
 
(71,500
)
Net (decrease) increase in credit facilities and unsecured commercial paper
 
(135,356
)
 
212,809

 
(145,812
)
Dividends paid
 
(245,810
)
 
(251,862
)
 
(252,321
)
Purchase of common stock for treasury
 
(390,606
)
 
(465,263
)
 
(465,341
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments
 
—

 
—

 
2,251

Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans
 
3,525

 
11,353

 
15,782

Net cash used by financing activities
 
(14,763
)
 
(550,261
)
 
(777,885
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
(15,351
)
 
26,747

 
(9,443
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
513,538

 
$
(80,921
)
 
$
(5,720
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period
 
$
746,210

 
$
827,131

 
$
832,851

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
513,538

 
(80,921
)
 
(5,720
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period
 
$
1,259,748

 
$
746,210

 
$
827,131

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,203,766

 
$
687,521

 
$
759,984

Restricted cash
 
49,275

 
47,518

 
52,574

Restricted cash included in other long-term assets
 
6,707

 
11,171

 
14,573

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the Statement of Cash Flows
 
$
1,259,748

 
$
746,210

 
$
827,131


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

54


HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Treasury
Balance
 
Total
 
 
Issued
Shares
 
Balance
 
Balance December 31, 2015
 
344,855,704

 
$
3,449

 
$
1,328,561

 
$
8,961,985

 
$
(615,205
)
 
$
(7,839,136
)
 
$
1,839,654

Net income
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
692,164

 
—

 
—

 
692,164

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax (Note 18)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
49,824

 
—

 
49,824

Dividends
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(252,321
)
 
—

 
—

 
(252,321
)
Repurchase of common stock
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(465,341
)
 
(465,341
)
Share-based compensation and 401(k) match made with Treasury shares
 
—

 
—

 
36,956

 
—

 
—

 
2,870

 
39,826

Issuance of nonvested stock
 
272,479

 
2

 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Exercise of stock options
 
466,871

 
5

 
15,777

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
15,782

Tax benefit of equity awards
 
—

 
—

 
570

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
570

Retirement of treasury stock
 
(165,000,000
)
 
(1,650
)
 
—

 
(8,064,155
)
 
—

 
8,065,805

 
—

Balance December 31, 2016
 
180,595,054

 
$
1,806

 
$
1,381,862

 
$
1,337,673

 
$
(565,381
)
 
$
(235,802
)
 
$
1,920,158

Net income
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
521,759

 
—

 
—

 
521,759

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax (Note 18)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
65,332

 
—

 
65,332

Dividends
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(251,862
)
 
—

 
—

 
(251,862
)
Repurchase of common stock
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(465,263
)
 
(465,263
)
Share-based compensation and 401(k) match made with Treasury shares
 
—

 
—

 
29,600

 
—

 
—

 
13,200

 
42,800

Issuance of nonvested stock
 
408,950

 
4

 
(4
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Exercise of stock options
 
282,543

 
3

 
11,350

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
11,353

Balance December 31, 2017
 
181,286,547

 
$
1,813

 
$
1,422,808

 
$
1,607,570

 
$
(500,049
)
 
$
(687,865
)
 
$
1,844,277

Net income
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
531,451

 
—

 
—

 
531,451

Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax (Note 18)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(21,287
)
 
—

 
(21,287
)
Dividends
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(245,810
)
 
—

 
—

 
(245,810
)
Repurchase of common stock
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(390,606
)
 
(390,606
)
Share-based compensation and 401(k) match made with Treasury shares
 
—

 
—

 
33,293

 
—

 
—

 
13,082

 
46,375

Issuance of nonvested stock
 
485,005

 
4

 
(4
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Exercise of stock options
 
159,673

 
2

 
3,523

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,525

Cumulative effect of change in accounting (Note 1)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6,024

 
—

 
—

 
6,024

Reclassification of certain tax effects (Note 1)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
108,348

 
(108,348
)
 
—

 
—

Balance December 31, 2018
 
181,931,225

 
$
1,819


$
1,459,620

 
$
2,007,583

 
$
(629,684
)
 
$
(1,065,389
)
 
$
1,773,949

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


55


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. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency that is different from an entity's functional currency are remeasured from the transactional currency to the entity's functional currency on a monthly basis. The effect of this remeasurement is reported in Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold. The pre-tax (loss) gain for foreign currency remeasurements was $(19.9) million, $15.0 million, and $(15.1) million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The Company operates in two reportable segments: Motorcycles and 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): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Certificate of deposit
 
$
10,007

 
$
—

Mutual funds
 
44,243

 
48,006

Total marketable securities
 
$
54,250

 
$
48,006

The Company’s certificates of deposit are carried at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses reported in other comprehensive income. The mutual fund investments are held by the Company to fund certain deferred compensation obligations. The mutual fund investments are carried at fair value with gains and losses recorded in net income and are included in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
Accounts Receivable, Net – The Company’s motorcycles and related products are sold to independent dealers 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 $4.0 million and $4.1 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, 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 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 consolidated 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

56


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. 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, the specific borrower’s financial performance as well as ability to repay, current economic conditions and 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 $20.2 million and $19.6 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Asset-Backed Financing – The Company participates in asset-backed financing both through asset-backed securitization transactions and through asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. 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 retains servicing rights for all of the retail motorcycle finance receivables transferred to SPEs as part of an asset-backed financing. The accounting treatment for asset-backed financings depends on the terms of the related transaction and the Company’s continuing involvement with the VIE.
In transactions where the Company has power over the significant activities of the VIE and has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are potentially significant to the VIE, the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and consolidates the VIE within its consolidated financial statements. On a consolidated basis, the asset-backed financing is treated as a secured borrowing in this type of transaction and is referred to as an on-balance sheet asset-backed financing.
In transactions where the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE, the Company must determine whether it can achieve a sale for accounting purposes under ASC Topic 860, "Transfers and Servicing." To achieve a sale for accounting purposes, the assets being transferred must be legally isolated, not be constrained by restrictions from further transfer, and be deemed to be beyond the Company’s control. If the Company does not meet all these criteria for sale accounting, then the transaction is accounted for as a secured borrowing and is referred to as an on-balance sheet asset-backed financing.
If the Company meets all three of the sale criteria above, the transaction is recorded as a sale for accounting purposes and is referred to as an off-balance sheet asset-backed financing. Upon sale, the retail motorcycle finance receivables are removed from the Company’s balance sheet and a gain or loss is recognized for the difference between the cash proceeds received, the assets derecognized, and the liabilities recognized as part of the transaction. The gain or loss on sale is included in Financial Services revenue in the consolidated statements of income.
The Company is not required, and does not currently intend, to provide any additional financial support to the on or off-balance sheet VIEs associated with these transactions. Investors and creditors in these transactions only have recourse to the assets held by the VIEs.
Inventories – Substantially all inventories located in the United States are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Other inventories totaling $247.6 million and $234.9 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

57


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 2018 and 2017, the Company performed a quantitative test on 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. Refer to Note 3 Restructuring Expenses.
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 that 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 Recall – 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 offers a one-year warranty for Parts & Accessories (P&A). The warranty coverage for the retail customer generally begins when the product is sold to a retail customer. The Company accrues for future warranty claims using an estimated cost based primarily on historical Company claim information. Additionally, the Company has from time-to-time initiated certain voluntary recall campaigns. The Company accrues for the estimated cost associated with voluntary recalls in the period that management approves and commits to the recall.
Changes in the Company’s warranty and recall liability were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
94,200

 
$
79,482

 
$
74,217

Warranties issued during the period
 
53,367

 
57,834

 
60,215

Settlements made during the period
 
(79,300
)
 
(82,554
)
 
(99,298
)
Recalls and changes to pre-existing warranty liabilities
 
63,473

 
39,438

 
44,348

Balance, end of period
 
$
131,740

 
$
94,200

 
$
79,482

The liability associated with recalls was $73.3 million, $35.3 million and $13.6 million at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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 13). 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

58


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 10 for a detailed description of the Company’s derivative instruments.
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 expense in the consolidated statements of income. Research and development expenses were $191.6 million, $175.2 million and $172.3 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred $144.3 million, $135.5 million and $137.4 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 consolidated statements of income. The cost of each share-based equity award is based on the grant date fair value and the cost of each share-based cash-settled award is based on the settlement date fair value. Share-based award expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service or performance periods of the awards. The expense recognized reflects the number of awards that are ultimately expected to vest based on the service and, if applicable, performance requirements of each award. Total share-based award compensation expense recognized by the Company during 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $35.5 million, $32.5 million and $32.3 million, respectively, or $27.2 million, $20.5 million and $20.4 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 Recently Adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09). ASU 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 adopted ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018. The Company applied the standard to all contracts using the modified retrospective method. As such, the Company recognized the cumulative effect of the adoption as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The comparative information has not been adjusted.
The majority of the Company’s Motorcycles and Related Products revenue will continue to be recognized when products are shipped to customers. For a limited number of vehicle sales where revenue was previously deferred due to a guaranteed resale value, the Company will now recognize revenue when those vehicles are shipped in accordance with ASU 2014-09. The Company recorded a net increase to the opening balance of retained earnings of $6.0 million, net of income taxes, as of January 1, 2018 as a result of adopting ASU 2014-09. The Company also adjusted other assets and accrued liabilities associated with these vehicle sales in connection with its adoption of ASU 2014-09.
The majority of the Financial Services segment’s revenues relate to loan and servicing activities which are outside the scope of this guidance. Financial Services revenues that fall under the scope of ASU 2014-09 continue to be recognized at the point of sale, or over the estimated life of the contract, as appropriate.

59


The following tables illustrate the impact of adoption of ASU 2014-09 on the consolidated statement of income and the consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):

Consolidated Statement of Income
 
 
Twelve months ended December 31, 2018
 
 
As Reported
 
Without Adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of Change
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products
 
$
4,968,646

 
$
4,969,948

 
$
(1,302
)
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold
 
$
3,351,796

 
$
3,348,779

 
$
3,017

Operating income
 
$
713,523

 
$
717,842

 
$
(4,319
)
Income before provision for income taxes
 
$
686,629

 
$
690,948

 
$
(4,319
)
Provision for income taxes
 
$
155,178

 
$
156,225

 
$
(1,047
)
Net income
 
$
531,451

 
$
534,723

 
$
(3,272
)

Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
December 31, 2018
 
As Reported
 
Without Adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of Change
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Other current assets
$
144,368

 
$
163,841

 
$
(19,473
)
Deferred income taxes
$
141,464

 
$
143,312

 
$
(1,848
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued liabilities
$
601,130

 
$
625,203

 
$
(24,073
)
Retained earnings
$
2,007,583

 
$
2,004,831

 
$
2,752


In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07 Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (ASU 2017-07). ASU 2017-07 amends ASC 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits by requiring employers to present the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. Other components of the net periodic benefit cost will be presented separately from the line item that includes the service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income. The guidance also limits the components that are eligible for capitalization in assets. The Company adopted ASU 2017-07 retrospectively on January 1, 2018. As a result, the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost have been presented in Other income (expense), net and the prior period has been recast to reflect the new presentation. The Company elected the practical expedient allowing the use of previously disclosed benefit components as the basis for the retrospective application. Net periodic benefit credit (cost) previously recorded in Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold and Selling, administrative and engineering expense of $10.6 million and $(1.4) million, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, and $6.2 million and $(3.6) million, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 has been reclassified to Other income (expense), net.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (ASU 2016-18). ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As such, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 on January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis. As a result, the change in restricted cash has been excluded from financing activities and included in the change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and the prior period has been recast to reflect the new presentation.

60


In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01). ASU 2016-01 enhances the existing financial instruments reporting model by modifying fair value measurement tools, simplifying impairment assessments for certain equity instruments and modifying overall presentation and disclosure requirements. The ASU was subsequently amended by ASU No. 2018-03, ASU No. 2018-04 and ASU No. 2018-09. The Company adopted ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 did not have a material impact on its financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15). ASU 2016-15 addresses eight specific cash flow items with the objective of reducing diversity in practice regarding how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact on its financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (ASU 2016-16). ASU 2016-16 states that an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 on January 1, 2018 using a modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-16 did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2018-02). Under existing U.S. GAAP, the effects of changes in tax rates and laws on deferred tax balances are recorded as a component of income tax expense in the period in which the law was enacted. When deferred tax balances related to items originally recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are adjusted, certain tax effects become stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in ASU 2018-02 allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The amendments in this ASU also require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption in any period is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 in December 2018 resulting in the reclassification of $108.3 million in stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. These reclassified stranded tax effects relate to the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on the gross deferred tax amounts. The Company has elected the portfolio approach to release stranded income tax effects in AOCI.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20) (ASU 2018-14). The amendments in ASU 2018-14 modify the annual disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The FASB modified, added, and deleted specific disclosures in an effort to improve usefulness to financial statement users and reduce unnecessary costs for companies. The amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-14 in December 2018.
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 amends the existing lease accounting model by requiring a lessee to recognize the rights and obligations resulting from certain leases as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 also requires a company to disclose key information about their leasing arrangements. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2016-02 for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 using a modified retrospective approach. Pursuant to ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, the Company plans to apply the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance sheet in the period of adoption. The Company has elected the practical expedients upon transition that allow entities not to reassess lease identification, classification and initial direct costs for leases that existed prior to adoption. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in the initial recognition of right of use assets and lease liabilities related to the Company's leasing arrangements totaling approximately $60 million.
In July 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 changes how to recognize expected credit losses on financial assets. The standard requires a more timely recognition of credit losses on loans and other financial assets and also provides additional transparency about credit risk. The current credit loss standard generally requires that a loss actually be incurred before it is recognized, while the new standard will require recognition of full lifetime expected losses upon initial recognition of the financial instrument. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2016-13 for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. An entity should apply the standard by recording a cumulative

61


effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption. Adoption of this standard will impact how the Company recognizes credit losses on its financial instruments. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13 but anticipates the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will result in an increase in the annual provision for credit losses and the related allowance for credit losses.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (ASU 2017-04). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill. Rather, the goodwill impairment is calculated by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, and an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, limited to the total goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. All reporting units apply the same impairment test under the new standard. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2017-04 for its annual and any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12 Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (ASU 2017-12). ASU 2017-12 amends ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships and to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The ASU makes various updates to the hedge accounting model, including changing the recognition and presentation of changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument and amending disclosure requirements, among other things. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2017-12 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period after issuance of the ASU. For cash flow and net investment hedges existing at the date of adoption, the Company must apply a cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the standard is adopted. The amendments related to presentation and disclosure are required prospectively. The adoption of ASU 2017-12 will not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (ASU 2018-13). ASU 2018-13 amends ASC 820 to eliminate, modify, and add certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any period, either for the whole standard or only the provisions that eliminate or modify requirements. The amendments are required to be applied retrospectively, with the exception of a few disclosure additions, which are to be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2018-13, but does not believe that it will have a significant impact on its disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) (ASU 2018-15). The new guidance requires a customer in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow the existing internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets or expense as incurred. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2018-15.
2. Revenue

The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a good or service to a customer. Revenue is measured based on the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the goods or services transferred. Taxes that are collected from a customer concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.














62


The following table includes revenue disaggregated by major source (in thousands):
 
 
Twelve months ended
 
 
December 31, 2018
Motorcycles and Related Products:
 
 
Motorcycles
 
$
3,882,963

Parts & Accessories
 
754,663

General Merchandise
 
241,964

Licensing
 
38,676

Other
 
50,380

Revenue from Motorcycles and Related Products
 
4,968,646

Financial Services:
 
 
Interest income
 
645,985

Securitization and servicing fee income
 
1,136

Other income
 
101,108

Revenue from Financial Services
 
748,229

Total revenue
 
$
5,716,875


The following is a description of principal activities from which the Company generates its revenue, by reportable segment.

Motorcycles and Related Products

Motorcycles, Parts & Accessories, and General Merchandise - Sales of motorcycles, parts & accessories, and general merchandise are recorded when control is transferred to wholesale customers (independent dealers). This generally takes place upon shipment of the products. The sale of products to independent dealers outside the U.S. and Canada is generally on open account with terms that generally approximate 30-120 days and the resulting receivables are included in accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheets. The sale of products in the U.S. and Canada is financed by the purchasing dealers through HDFS and the related receivables are included in finance receivables in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company offers sales incentive programs to dealers and retail customers designed to promote the sale of motorcycles, parts & accessories, and general merchandise. The Company estimates its variable consideration related to motorcycles and related products sold under its sales incentive programs using the expected value method. Further, the Company accounts for consideration payable to a customer as part of its sales incentives as a reduction of revenue, which is accrued at the later of the date the related sale is recorded or the date the incentive program is both approved and communicated.

The Company offers to its dealers the right to return eligible parts & accessories and general merchandise. When the Company offers a right to return, it estimates returns based on an analysis of historical trends and records revenue on the initial sale only in the amount that it expects to be entitled. The remaining consideration is deferred in a refund liability account. The refund liability is remeasured for changes in the estimate at each reporting date with a corresponding adjustment to revenue.     

Variable consideration related to sales incentives and rights to return is adjusted at the earliest of when the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive changes or the consideration becomes fixed. Adjustments for variable consideration related to previously recognized sales decreased revenue by an immaterial amount during 2018.
 
Shipping and handling costs associated with freight after control of a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as fulfillment costs. The Company accrues for the shipping and handling in the same period that the related revenue is recognized.

The Company offers standard, limited warranties on its motorcycles and parts & accessories. These warranties provide assurance that the product will function as expected and are not separate performance obligations. The Company accounts for estimated warranty costs as a liability when control of the product transfers to the customer.


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Licensing - The Company licenses the name “Harley-Davidson” and other trademarks owned by the Company and collects royalties from its customers (licensees). The trademark licenses are considered symbolic intellectual property, which grant the customer a right to access the Company’s intellectual property. The Company satisfies its performance obligation over the license period, as the Company fulfills its promise to grant the customer rights to use and benefit from the intellectual property as well as maintain the intellectual property.

Payment is typically due within thirty days of the end of each quarter, for the royalties earned in that quarter. Revenue, in the form of sales-based royalties, is recognized when the customers’ subsequent sales occur. The Company applies the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-55-18 to recognize licensing revenues in the amount that the Company has the right to invoice because the royalties due each period correspond directly with the value of the Company’s performance to date. Revenue will be recognized over the remaining contract terms which range up to 6 years.

Other Revenue - Other Revenue consists primarily of revenue from Harley Ownership Group (H.O.G.) membership sales, motorcycle rental commissions, dealer software sales, museum admissions and events, and other miscellaneous products and services.

Financial Services

Interest income - 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 recorded within finance receivables and amortized over the estimated life of the contract.

Securitization and servicing fee income - Securitization and servicing fee income consists of revenue from servicing and ancillary fees associated with HDFS' off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization transaction. Refer to Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding asset-backed financing.

Other income - Other income consists primarily of insurance and licensing revenues. HDFS works with certain unaffiliated insurance companies to offer motorcycle insurance and protection products through most Harley-Davidson dealers in the U.S. and Canada. HDFS also works with third-party financial institutions that issue credit cards or offer other financial products bearing the Harley-Davidson brand in the U.S and internationally. For many of these contracts, the Company grants temporary rights to use the licensed trademarks owned by the Company and collects royalties from its customers in connection with sales of their products. The trademark licenses are considered symbolic intellectual property, which grant the customer a right to access the intellectual property. The Company satisfies its performance obligation over the license period, as it fulfills its promise to grant the customer rights to use and benefit from the intellectual property as well as maintain the intellectual property. Royalty and profit sharing amounts are received either quarterly or per annum, based upon the contract. Revenue, in the form of sales-based royalties, is recognized when the customers’ subsequent sales occur. Revenue will be recognized over the remaining contract terms which range up to 5 years. The Company is the primary obligor for certain other insurance related contracts and, as a result, revenue is recognized over the life of the contract as the Company fulfills its performance obligation.

Contract Liabilities

Deferred revenue relates to payments received at contract inception in advance of the Company’s performance under the contract and generally relates to the sale of H.O.G. memberships and extended service plan contracts. Deferred revenue is recognized as revenue as the Company performs under the contract. On January 1, 2018, $23.4 million of deferred revenue was included in Accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. $19.6 million of previously deferred revenue was recognized in 2018. At December 31, 2018, the unearned revenue balance was $29.1 million. The Company expects to recognize approximately $15.3 million of the remaining unearned revenue in 2019 and $13.8 million thereafter.

3. Restructuring Expenses
In January 2018, the Company initiated a plan to further improve its manufacturing operations and cost structure by commencing a multi-year manufacturing optimization plan which includes the consolidation of its motorcycle assembly plant in Kansas City, Missouri, into its plant in York, Pennsylvania, and the closure of its wheel operations in Adelaide, Australia (Manufacturing Optimization Plan). As the U.S. operations are consolidated, the Company expects approximately 800 jobs will be eliminated with the closure of Kansas City operations and approximately 450 jobs will be added in York through 2019. Approximately 90 jobs will be eliminated in Adelaide.

64


The Company expects to incur restructuring and other consolidation costs of $152 million to $162 million in the Motorcycles segment related to the Manufacturing Optimization Plan through 2019, of which approximately 70% will be cash charges. The current Manufacturing Optimization Plan cost estimate has been revised down from the prior estimate by $3 million and $23 million at the low and high ends of the range, respectively.
The current estimate includes $129 million to $134 million of restructuring expense and $23 million to $28 million of costs related to temporary inefficiencies. The Company expects restructuring expenses to include the cost of employee termination benefits, accelerated depreciation, and other project implementation costs of $40 million to $41 million, $51 million to $53 million, and $38 million to $40 million, respectively.
In November 2018, the Company implemented a reorganization of its workforce (Reorganization Plan). As a result, approximately 70 employees left the Company on an involuntary basis. The Company incurred restructuring expenses of $3.9 million related to this action during 2018.
Restructuring expense related to these plans is recorded as a separate line item in the consolidated statement of income and the accrued restructuring liability is recorded in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company expects these plans to be completed by mid-2019. Changes in the accrued restructuring liability were as follows (in thousands):
 
Twelve months ended December 31, 2018
 
Manufacturing Optimization Plan
 
Reorganization Plan
 
 
 
Employee Termination Benefits
 
Accelerated Depreciation
 
Other
 
Total
 
Employee Termination Benefits
 
Total
Balance, beginning of period
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Restructuring expense
38,666

 
34,654

 
16,182

 
89,502

 
3,899

 
93,401

Utilized - cash
(13,060
)
 
—

 
(16,095
)
 
(29,155
)
 
(444
)
 
(29,599
)
Utilized - non cash
—

 
(34,654
)
 
—

 
(34,654
)
 
—

 
(34,654
)
Foreign currency changes
(648
)
 
—

 
(8
)
 
(656
)
 
6

 
(650
)
Balance, end of period
$
24,958

 
$
—

 
$
79

 
$
25,037

 
$
3,461

 
$
28,498

During 2018, the Company incurred $12.9 million of incremental cost of goods sold due to temporary inefficiencies related to implementing the Manufacturing Optimization Plan.

4.    Income Taxes

During 2017, the Company recorded income tax expense of $53.1 million in connection with the enactment of the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (2017 Tax Act), all of which the Company regarded as provisional under SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (SAB 118). The Company's provisional income tax expense included the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, a one-time transition tax related to undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were not previously taxed, the write-off of foreign tax credit deferred tax assets related to withholding tax on foreign dividend payments, state tax estimates related to the conformity of federal tax law changes and other smaller items. The Company completed its accounting for all of the initial income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act during 2018 which resulted in a reduction to income tax expense during 2018 of $1.5 million.

The 2017 Tax Act also subjects U.S. shareholders to current tax on global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries for which a company can elect to either recognize deferred taxes or to provide tax expense in the year incurred. The Company has elected to account for GILTI in the year the tax is incurred.


65


Provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of the following (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
136,202

 
$
245,189

 
$
284,489

State
 
23,134

 
24,898

 
28,406

Foreign
 
29,823

 
21,138

 
19,017

 
 
189,159

 
291,225

 
331,912

Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
(23,181
)
 
47,046

 
(4,250
)
State
 
(6,787
)
 
2,688

 
7,038

Foreign
 
(4,013
)
 
1,121

 
(2,953
)
 
 
(33,981
)
 
50,855

 
(165
)
Total
 
$
155,178

 
$
342,080

 
$
331,747

The components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Domestic
 
$
593,099

 
$
788,878

 
$
954,138

Foreign
 
93,530

 
74,961

 
69,773

Total
 
$
686,629

 
$
863,839

 
$
1,023,911

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: 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Provision at statutory rate
 
21.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
State taxes, net of federal benefit
 
2.6

 
1.9

 
1.8

Foreign rate differential
 
0.4

 
(0.8
)
 
(0.6
)
Domestic manufacturing deduction
 
—

 
(2.2
)
 
(2.1
)
Foreign derived intangible income
 
(1.2
)
 
—

 
—

Research and development credit
 
(1.1
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(0.4
)
Unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties
 
(0.6
)
 
2.3

 
(1.3
)
Valuation allowance adjustments
 
0.1

 
(0.1
)
 
0.1

Deferred tax balance remeasurement for rate change
 
(1.2
)
 
5.5

 
—

Territorial tax
 
1.4

 
(0.1
)
 
—

Global intangible low-taxed income
 
0.4

 
—

 
—

Adjustments for previously accrued taxes
 
(1.0
)
 
(1.2
)
 
0.2

Rate differential on intercompany transfers
 
0.9

 
—

 
—

Executive compensation limitation
 
0.5

 
—

 
—

Other
 
0.4

 
—

 
(0.3
)
Provision for income taxes
 
22.6
 %
 
39.6
 %
 
32.4
 %

66


The principal components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 include the following (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Accruals not yet tax deductible
 
$
108,284

 
$
92,158

Pension and postretirement benefit plan obligations
 
48,347

 
37,357

Stock compensation
 
13,295

 
12,669

Net operating loss carryforward
 
34,842

 
33,171

Valuation allowance
 
(21,868
)
 
(21,561
)
Other, net
 
43,870

 
52,422

 
 
226,770

 
206,216

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation, tax in excess of book
 
(79,326
)
 
(88,989
)
Other
 
(5,980
)
 
(8,154
)
 
 
(85,306
)
 
(97,143
)
Total
 
$
141,464

 
$
109,073

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 including 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, 2018, the Company had approximately $270.4 million of gross state operating loss carryforwards expiring in 2031. At December 31, 2018, the Company also had Wisconsin research and development credit carryforwards of $11.4 million expiring in 2024-2028. The Company had a deferred tax asset of $25.9 million as of December 31, 2018 for the benefit of these losses and credits. A valuation allowance of $2.9 million was established against the deferred tax asset, which is a decrease of $1.6 million from the prior year.
The Company had foreign net operating losses (NOL) totaling $8.9 million as of December 31, 2018. It had a valuation allowance of $18.9 million against both the NOLs and other deferred tax assets of $10.0 million. The valuation allowance on foreign net operating losses increased by $1.8 million, reflecting movement related to realizability assessment on additional earnings and loss, as well as movements related to foreign currency rates.
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): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period
 
$
72,230

 
$
55,539

Increase in unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken in a prior period
 
940

 
9,513

Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken in a prior period
 
(9,783
)
 
(3,749
)
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken in the current period
 
3,355

 
13,779

Settlements with taxing authorities
 
(5,331
)
 
(2,852
)
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period
 
$
61,411

 
$
72,230

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018 that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $53.7 million.
The total gross amount of benefit related to interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits recognized during 2018 in the Company’s consolidated statement of income was $3.2 million.
The total gross amount of interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits recognized at December 31, 2018 in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet was $27.7 million.

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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, 2019. 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 U.S. 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 2014 or for U.S. federal income taxes before 2014. The Company is currently under audit for U.S. federal income taxes for years 2015 and 2016.
5.    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): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share
 
$
531,451

 
$
521,759

 
$
692,164

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted-average common shares
 
165,672

 
171,995

 
179,676

Effect of dilutive securities – employee stock compensation plan
 
832

 
937

 
859

Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding
 
166,504

 
172,932

 
180,535

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
3.21

 
$
3.03

 
$
3.85

Diluted
 
$
3.19

 
$
3.02

 
$
3.83

Options to purchase 1.1 million, 0.8 million and 1.4 million weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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 restricted stock units (RSUs). Non-forfeitable dividend equivalents are paid on unvested RSUs. As such, 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
6.    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): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Raw materials and work in process
 
$
177,110

 
$
161,664

Motorcycle finished goods
 
301,630

 
289,530

Parts & accessories and general merchandise
 
136,027

 
139,363

Inventory at lower of FIFO cost or net realizable value
 
614,767

 
590,557

Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost
 
(58,639
)
 
(52,355
)
Total inventories, net
 
$
556,128

 
$
538,202

Inventory obsolescence reserves deducted from FIFO cost were $39.0 million and $38.7 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

68


Property, plant and equipment, at cost (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Land and related improvements
 
$
73,025

 
$
70,256

Buildings and related improvements
 
483,965

 
464,454

Machinery and equipment
 
1,740,405

 
1,890,126

Software
 
733,180

 
660,090

Construction in progress
 
205,786

 
200,396

 
 
3,236,361

 
3,285,322

Accumulated depreciation
 
(2,332,229
)
 
(2,317,541
)
Total property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
904,132

 
$
967,781

Accrued liabilities (in thousands):
 
 
2018
 
2017
Payroll, employee benefits and related expenses
 
$
125,056

 
$
124,093

Restructuring reserves
 
28,498

 
—

Warranty and recalls
 
103,074

 
75,089

Sales incentive programs
 
57,525

 
48,309

Tax-related accruals
 
43,083

 
25,944

Fair value of derivative financial instruments
 
5,316

 
21,308

Accrued interest
 
47,977

 
40,347

Other
 
190,601

 
194,732

Total accrued liabilities
 
$
601,130

 
$
529,822

 

69



Cash Flow Information:
The reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
531,451

 
$
521,759

 
$
692,164

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
 
264,863

 
222,188

 
209,555

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs
 
81,315

 
82,911

 
86,681

Amortization of financing origination fees
 
8,367

 
8,045

 
9,252

Provision for long-term employee benefits
 
36,481

 
29,900

 
38,273

Employee benefit plan contributions and payments
 
(10,544
)
 
(63,277
)
 
(55,809
)
Stock compensation expense
 
35,539

 
32,491

 
32,336

Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales
 
(56,538
)
 
35,172

 
(3,233
)
Provision for credit losses
 
106,870

 
132,444

 
136,617

Gain on off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization
 
—

 
—

 
(9,269
)
Loss on debt extinguishment
 
—

 
—

 
118

Deferred income taxes
 
(33,981
)
 
50,855

 
(165
)
Other, net
 
37,554

 
8,559

 
(6,907
)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
9,143

 
(18,149
)
 
(45,934
)
Finance receivables – accrued interest and other
 
773

 
(1,313
)
 
(1,489
)
Inventories
 
(31,059
)
 
(20,584
)
 
85,072

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
196,192

 
10,128

 
38,237

Derivative instruments
 
473

 
1,866

 
(3,413
)
Other
 
29,022

 
(27,934
)
 
(27,747
)
Total adjustments
 
674,470

 
483,302

 
482,175

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
1,205,921

 
$
1,005,061

 
$
1,174,339

Cash paid during the period for interest and income taxes was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Interest
 
$
207,484

 
$
204,866

 
$
185,804

Income taxes
 
$
149,436

 
$
300,113

 
$
356,553

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

70


7.    Finance Receivables
Finance receivables, net at December 31 for the past five years were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Wholesale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
1,007,956

 
$
939,621

 
$
961,150

 
$
965,379

 
$
903,380

Canada
 
75,659

 
77,336

 
65,440

 
58,481

 
48,941

Total wholesale
 
1,083,615

 
1,016,957

 
1,026,590

 
1,023,860

 
952,321

Retail
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
6,103,378

 
5,901,002

 
5,769,410

 
5,803,071

 
5,398,006

Canada
 
224,823

 
239,598

 
212,801

 
188,400

 
209,918

Total retail
 
6,328,201

 
6,140,600

 
5,982,211

 
5,991,471

 
5,607,924

 
 
7,411,816

 
7,157,557

 
7,008,801

 
7,015,331

 
6,560,245

Allowance for credit losses
 
(189,885
)
 
(192,471
)
 
(173,343
)
 
(147,178
)
 
(127,364
)
Total finance receivables, net
 
$
7,221,931

 
$
6,965,086

 
$
6,835,458

 
$
6,868,153

 
$
6,432,881

 The Company 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. Wholesale finance receivables are related primarily to motorcycles and related parts and accessories sales.
The Company 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 the Company and the retail customer, unrelated to the Company’s sale of product to its dealers. Retail finance receivables consist of secured promissory notes and secured installment contracts and are primarily related to sales of motorcycles to the dealers’ customers. The Company holds either titles or liens on titles to vehicles financed by promissory notes and installment sales contracts. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately 11% of gross outstanding retail finance receivables were originated in Texas; there were no other states that accounted for more than 10% of gross outstanding retail finance receivables.
Unused lines of credit extended to the Company's wholesale finance customers totaled $1.21 billion and $1.27 billion at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Approved but unfunded retail finance loans totaled $154.8 million and $166.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Wholesale finance receivables are generally contractually due within one year. On December 31, 2018, contractual maturities of finance receivables were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
United States
 
Canada
 
Total
2019
 
$
2,132,189

 
$
122,684

 
$
2,254,873

2020
 
1,209,886

 
49,746

 
1,259,632

2021
 
1,289,673

 
53,916

 
1,343,589

2022
 
1,418,813

 
58,437

 
1,477,250

2023
 
1,051,626

 
15,699

 
1,067,325

Thereafter
 
9,147

 
—

 
9,147

Total
 
$
7,111,334

 
$
300,482

 
$
7,411,816

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): 
 
 
2018
Retail
 
Wholesale
 
Total
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
186,254

 
$
6,217

 
$
192,471

Provision for credit losses
 
105,292

 
1,578

 
106,870

Charge-offs
 
(154,433
)
 
(8
)
 
(154,441
)
Recoveries
 
44,985

 
—

 
44,985

Balance, end of period
 
$
182,098

 
$
7,787

 
$
189,885


71


 
 
2017
Retail
 
Wholesale
 
Total
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
166,810

 
$
6,533

 
$
173,343

Provision for credit losses
 
132,760

 
(316
)
 
132,444

Charge-offs
 
(160,972
)
 
—

 
(160,972
)
Recoveries
 
47,656

 
—

 
47,656

Balance, end of period
 
$
186,254

 
$
6,217

 
$
192,471

 
 
2016
Retail
 
Wholesale
 
Total
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
139,320

 
$
7,858

 
$
147,178

Provision for credit losses
 
137,942

 
(1,325
)
 
136,617

Charge-offs
 
(148,566
)
 
—

 
(148,566
)
Recoveries
 
41,405

 
—

 
41,405

Other (a)
 
(3,291
)
 
—

 
(3,291
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
166,810

 
$
6,533

 
$
173,343


(a)
Related to the sale of finance receivables during the second quarter of 2016 with a principal balance of $301.8 million through an off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization transaction (see Note 12 for additional information).

There were no finance receivables individually evaluated for impairment on December 31, 2018 or 2017. The allowance for credit losses and finance receivables by portfolio, collectively evaluated for impairment, at December 31 was as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
 
Retail
 
Wholesale
 
Total
Allowance for credit losses, ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
182,098

 
7,787

 
189,885

Total allowance for credit losses
 
$
182,098

 
$
7,787

 
$
189,885

Finance receivables, ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
6,328,201

 
1,083,615

 
7,411,816

Total finance receivables
 
$
6,328,201

 
$
1,083,615

 
$
7,411,816

 
 
2017
 
 
Retail
 
Wholesale
 
Total
Allowance for credit losses, ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
186,254

 
6,217

 
192,471

Total allowance for credit losses
 
$
186,254

 
$
6,217

 
$
192,471

Finance receivables, ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
6,140,600

 
1,016,957

 
7,157,557

Total finance receivables
 
$
6,140,600

 
$
1,016,957

 
$
7,157,557

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, 2018 and 2017, there were no wholesale finance receivables that were on non-accrual status or individually deemed to be impaired under ASC Topic 310, “Receivables.”

72


An analysis of the aging of past due finance receivables at December 31 was as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
 
Current
 
31-60 Days
Past Due
 
61-90 Days
Past Due
 
Greater than
90 Days
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Total
Finance
Receivables
Retail
 
$
6,100,186

 
$
136,945

 
$
49,825

 
$
41,245

 
$
228,015

 
$
6,328,201

Wholesale
 
1,081,729

 
522

 
273

 
1,091

 
1,886

 
1,083,615

Total
 
$
7,181,915

 
$
137,467

 
$
50,098

 
$
42,336

 
$
229,901

 
$
7,411,816

 
 
2017
 
 
Current
 
31-60 Days
Past Due
 
61-90 Days
Past Due
 
Greater than
90 Days
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Total
Finance
Receivables
Retail
 
$
5,913,473

 
$
139,629

 
$
47,539

 
$
39,959

 
$
227,127

 
$
6,140,600

Wholesale
 
1,016,000

 
595

 
245

 
117

 
957

 
1,016,957

Total
 
$
6,929,473

 
$
140,224

 
$
47,784

 
$
40,076

 
$
228,084

 
$
7,157,557

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): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
United States
 
$
41,285

 
$
39,051

 
$
39,399

 
$
31,677

 
$
27,800

Canada
 
1,051

 
1,025

 
1,326

 
1,192

 
1,118

Total
 
$
42,336

 
$
40,076

 
$
40,725

 
$
32,869

 
$
28,918

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): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Prime
 
$
5,183,754

 
$
4,966,193

Sub-prime
 
1,144,447

 
1,174,407

Total
 
$
6,328,201

 
$
6,140,600

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 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.

73


The recorded investment of wholesale finance receivables, by internal credit quality indicator, at December 31 was as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Doubtful
 
$
2,210

 
$
688

Substandard
 
9,660

 
3,837

Special Mention
 
10,299

 
26,866

Medium Risk
 
25,802

 
9,917

Low Risk
 
1,035,644

 
975,649

Total
 
$
1,083,615

 
$
1,016,957

8.    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 $22.8 million, $15.1 million and $14.4 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Future minimum operating lease payments at December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): 
2019
 
$
20,416

2020
 
16,195

2021
 
13,702

2022
 
10,330

2023
 
5,345

Thereafter
 
7,988

Total operating lease payments
 
$
73,976

9.    Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in the Motorcycles segment for the following years ended December 31 (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
55,947

 
$
53,391

 
$
54,182

Currency translation
 
(899
)
 
2,556

 
(791
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
55,048

 
$
55,947

 
$
53,391

The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment intangible assets other than goodwill at December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Estimated useful life (years)
   Customer relationships
 
7,234

 
(1,236
)
 
5,998

 
20
 
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Estimated useful life (years)
   Customer relationships
 
7,860

 
(950
)
 
6,910

 
20

Intangible assets other than goodwill are included in other long-term assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The gross carrying amounts at December 31 differ from the acquisition date amounts due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

74


Total amortization expense of other intangible assets was $0.4 million, $4.2 million and $7.0 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company estimates future amortization to be as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Estimated Amortization
2019
 
$
372

2020
 
372

2021
 
372

2022
 
372

2023
 
372

Thereafter
 
4,138

Total
 
$
5,998

The Financial Services segment had no goodwill or intangible assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
10.     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. 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, both at 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 utilizes foreign currency exchange contracts to mitigate the effects of the Euro, the Australian dollar, the Japanese yen, the Brazilian real, the Canadian dollar and the Mexican peso. The foreign currency exchange 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 exchange contracts and commodity contracts generally have maturities of less than one year.
The Company periodically utilizes treasury rate lock contracts to fix the interest rate on a portion of the principal related to the anticipated issuance of long-term debt. To the extent effective, the gains and losses on the fair value of the treasury rate lock are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the forecasted debt is issued. Gains and losses are subsequently reclassified into earnings over the life of the debt.
The Company periodically utilizes interest rate swaps to reduce the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on its long-term debt.

75


The following tables summarize the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments at December 31 (in thousands): 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Derivatives Designated As Hedging
Instruments Under ASC Topic 815
 
Notional
Value
 
Asset
Fair Value(a)
 
Liability
Fair Value(b)
 
Notional
Value
 
Asset
Fair Value(a)
 
Liability
Fair Value(b)
 
 
Foreign currency contracts(c)
 
$
442,976

 
$
15,071

 
$
313

 
$
675,724

 
$
1,388

 
$
21,239

 
Commodities contracts(c)
 
827

 
—

 
46

 
915

 
—

 
69

 
Interest rate swap(c)
 
900,000

 
—

 
4,494

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
Total
 
$
1,343,803

 
$
15,071

 
$
4,853

 
$
676,639

 
$
1,388

 
$
21,308

 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging
Instruments Under ASC Topic 815
 
Notional
Value
 
Asset
Fair Value(a)
 
Liability
Fair Value(b)
 
Notional
Value
 
Asset
Fair Value(a)
 
Liability
Fair Value(b)
 
 
Commodities contracts
 
$
5,239

 
$
—

 
$
463

 
$
4,532

 
$
381

 
$
—

 
Total
 
$
5,239

 
$
—

 
$
463

 
$
4,532

 
$
381

 
$
—

 

(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): 
 
 
Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in OCI, before tax
Cash Flow Hedges
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Foreign currency contracts
 
$
41,657

 
$
(53,964
)
 
$
28,099

Commodities contracts
 
34

 
(246
)
 
77

Treasury rate locks
 
41

 
(719
)
 
—

Interest rate swap
 
(6,046
)
 
—

 
—

Total
 
$
35,686

 
$
(54,929
)
 
$
28,176

 
 
 
Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from AOCL into Income
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Expected to be Reclassified
Over the Next Twelve Months
 
 
Foreign currency contracts(a)
 
$
11,492

 
$
(7,202
)
 
$
18,253

 
$
13,562

 
Commodities contracts(a)
 
24

 
—

 
(258
)
 
(46
)
 
Treasury rate locks(b)
 
(498
)
 
(442
)
 
(362
)
 
(492
)
 
Interest rate swap(b)
 
(1,552
)
 
—

 
—

 
(2,061
)
 
Total
 
$
9,466

 
$
(7,644
)
 
$
17,633

 
$
10,963

 
(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 interest expense
For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, 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): 
 
 
Amount of (Loss)/Gain
Recognized in Income on Derivative
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Commodities contracts(a)
 
$
(430
)
 
$
503

 
$
167

Total
 
$
(430
)
 
$
503

 
$
167

 

76



(a)
Gain/(loss) recognized in income is included in cost of goods sold
11.    Debt
Debt with a contractual term less than one year is generally classified as short-term debt and consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Unsecured commercial paper
 
$
1,135,810

 
$
1,273,482

Total short-term debt
 
$
1,135,810

 
$
1,273,482

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): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Secured debt (Note 12)
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility
 
$
155,951

 
$
174,779

Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facilities
 
582,717

 
279,457

Asset-backed securitization debt
 
95,216

 
353,085

Less: unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
 
(49
)
 
(461
)
Total secured debt
 
833,835

 
806,860

 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured notes (at par value)
 
 
 
 
6.80% Medium-term notes due in 2018, issued May 2008
 
—

 
877,488

2.25% Medium-term notes due in 2019, issued January 2016
 
600,000

 
600,000

       Floating-rate Medium-term notes due in 2019, issued March 2017(a)
 
150,000

 
150,000

2.40% Medium-term notes due in 2019, issued September 2014
 
600,000

 
600,000

2.15% Medium-term notes due in 2020, issued February 2015
 
600,000

 
600,000

Floating-rate Medium-term notes due in 2020, issued May 2018(b)
 
450,000

 
—

2.40% Medium-term notes due in 2020, issued March 2017
 
350,000

 
350,000

2.85% Medium-term notes due in 2021, issued January 2016
 
600,000

 
600,000

Floating-rate Medium-term notes due in 2021, issued November 2018(c)
 
450,000

 
—

3.55% Medium-term notes due in 2021, issued May 2018
 
350,000

 
—

2.55% Medium-term notes due in 2022, issued June 2017
 
400,000

 
400,000

3.35% Medium-term notes due in 2023, issued February 2018
 
350,000

 
—

3.50% Senior unsecured notes due in 2025, issued July 2015
 
450,000

 
450,000

4.625% Senior unsecured notes due in 2045, issued July 2015
 
300,000

 
300,000

Less: unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
 
(20,369
)
 
(19,821
)
Gross long-term debt
 
6,463,466

 
5,714,527

Less: current portion of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
 
(1,575,799
)
 
(1,127,269
)
Total long-term debt
 
$
4,887,667

 
$
4,587,258

(a)
Floating interest rate based on LIBOR plus 35 bps.
(b)
Floating interest rate based on LIBOR plus 50 bps. The Company utilized an interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge to convert this from a floating rate basis to a fixed rate basis. Refer to Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
(c)
Floating interest rate based on LIBOR plus 94 bps. The Company utilized an interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge to convert this from a floating rate basis to a fixed rate basis. Refer to Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.



77


A summary of the Company’s expected principal payments for debt obligations as of December 31, 2018 is as follows (in thousands): 
2019
 
$
2,717,597

2020
 
1,562,889

2021
 
1,570,815

2022
 
578,256

2023
 
440,137

Thereafter
 
750,000

Total
 
$
7,619,694

Commercial paper maturities may range up to 365 days from the issuance date. The weighted-average interest rate of outstanding commercial paper balances was 2.79% and 1.48% at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In April 2018, the Company entered into a $780.0 million five-year credit facility to replace the $675.0 million five-year credit facility that was due to mature in April 2019 and also terminated the $100.0 million 364-day credit facility that would have matured at the end of April 2018. The new five-year credit facility matures in April 2023. The Company also has a $765.0 million five-year credit facility which matures in April 2021. The two five-year credit facilities (together, the Global Credit Facilities) bear interest at variable 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 on the average daily unused portion of the aggregate commitments under the Global Credit Facilities. The Global Credit Facilities are committed facilities primarily used to support the Company's unsecured commercial paper program. In May 2018, the Company renewed its $25.0 million 364-day credit facility that was due to mature in that month. The $25.0 million credit facility bears interest at variable interest rates, and the Company pays a fee based on the unused portion of the $25.0 million commitment. This credit facility matures in May 2019.
The fixed-rate Notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and the floating-rate Notes provide for quarterly interest payments. Principal on the Notes is due at maturity.
During June 2018, $877.5 million of 6.80% medium-term notes matured, and the principal and accrued interest were paid in full. During March and November 2017, $400.0 million of 2.70% and $400.0 million of 1.55% medium-term notes matured, respectively, and the principal and accrued interest were paid in full.
HDFS and the Company are subject to various operating and financial covenants related to the 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 operating covenants limit the Company’s and HDFS’ ability to:
•
Assume or incur certain liens;
•
Participate in certain mergers or consolidations; and
•
Purchase or hold margin stock.
Under the current financial covenants of the Global Credit Facilities, the ratio of HDFS's consolidated debt, excluding secured debt, to HDFS's consolidated shareholders' equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), 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 consolidated shareholders’ equity (where the Company's consolidated debt in each case excludes that of HDFS and its subsidiaries, and the Company's consolidated shareholders’ equity excludes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)), cannot exceed 0.7 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, 2018 and 2017, HDFS and the Company remained in compliance with all of these covenants.
12.   Asset-Backed Financing
The Company participates in asset-backed financing both through asset-backed securitization transactions and through asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. See Note 1 for more information on the Company's accounting for asset-backed financings and VIEs.

78


The following table shows the assets and liabilities related to the on-balance sheet asset-backed financings included in the financial statements at December 31 (in thousands):
 
2018
 
Finance receivables
 
Allowance for credit losses
 
Restricted cash
 
Other assets
 
Total
assets
 
Asset-backed debt
On-balance sheet assets and liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated VIEs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securitizations
$
158,718

 
$
(4,691
)
 
$
17,191

 
$
329

 
$
171,547

 
$
95,167

Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facilities
631,588

 
(18,733
)
 
30,012

 
1,234

 
644,101

 
582,717

Unconsolidated VIEs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility
181,774

 
(3,130
)
 
8,779

 
343

 
187,766

 
155,951

Total on-balance sheet assets and liabilities
$
972,080

 
$
(26,554
)
 
$
55,982

 
$
1,906

 
$
1,003,414

 
$
833,835

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
Finance receivables
 
Allowance for credit losses
 
Restricted cash
 
Other assets
 
Total
assets
 
Asset-backed debt
On-balance sheet assets and liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated VIEs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securitizations
$
439,301

 
$
(13,686
)
 
$
34,919

 
$
1,260

 
$
461,794

 
$
352,624

Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facilities
300,530

 
(9,392
)
 
13,787

 
888

 
305,813

 
279,457

Unconsolidated VIEs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility
203,691

 
(3,746
)
 
9,983

 
470

 
210,398

 
174,779

Total on-balance sheet assets and liabilities
$
943,522

 
$
(26,824
)
 
$
58,689

 
$
2,618

 
$
978,005

 
$
806,860

On-Balance Sheet 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 on-balance sheet asset-backed securitization SPE is a separate legal entity and the U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables included in the asset-backed securitizations are only available for payment of the secured debt and other obligations arising from the 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. Restricted cash balances held by the SPEs are used only to support the securitizations. There are no amortization schedules for the secured notes; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. The secured notes’ contractual lives have various maturities during 2022.
The Company is the primary beneficiary of its on-balance sheet asset-backed securitization VIEs because it retains servicing rights and a residual interest in the VIEs in the form of a debt security. As the servicer, the Company is the variable interest holder with the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. As a residual interest holder, the Company has the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits which could potentially be significant to the VIE.
There were no on-balance sheet asset-backed securitization transactions during 2018 or 2017. At December 31, 2018, 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): 
Issue Date
 
Principal
Amount at Date of Issuance
 
Weighted-Average
Rate at Date of
Issuance
 
Contractual Maturity Date
May 2015
 
$500,000
 
0.88%
 
May 2016 - December 2022
January 2015
 
$700,000
 
0.89%
 
February 2016 - August 2022

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In addition, outstanding balances related to the following secured notes included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017 were repaid during 2018 (in thousands): 
 
Issue Date
 
Principal
Amount at Date of Issuance
 
Weighted-Average
Rate at Date of
Issuance
 
Contractual Maturity Date
 
 
April 2014
 
$850,000
 
0.66%
 
April 2015 - October 2021
For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, interest expense on the secured notes was $3.2 million and $7.9 million, respectively, which is included in Financial Services interest expense. The weighted average interest rate of the outstanding on-balance sheet asset-backed securitization transactions was 1.67% and 1.53% at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
On-Balance Sheet Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facilities VIE
The Company has agreements with third-party bank-sponsored asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduits under which it may transfer U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to an SPE, which in turn may issue debt to those third-party bank-sponsored asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduits. On November 30, 2018, the Company renewed its existing $600.0 million revolving facility agreement with third-party bank-sponsored asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduits. Also on that date, the Company amended its existing $300.0 million revolving facility agreement with third-party bank-sponsored asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduits, increasing the aggregate commitment to $600.0 million. The aggregate commitment under this agreement will be reduced monthly as collections on the related finance receivables are applied to the outstanding principal until the outstanding principal balance is less than or equal to $300.0 million, at which point the aggregate commitment will equal $300.0 million. Availability under the revolving facilities (together, the U.S. Conduit Facilities) is based on, among other things, the amount of eligible U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables held by the SPE as collateral.
Under the U.S. Conduit Facilities, the assets of the SPE are restricted as collateral for the payment of the debt or other obligations arising in the transaction and are not available to pay other obligations or claims of the Company’s creditors. The terms for this debt provide for interest on the outstanding principal based on prevailing commercial paper rates or LIBOR to the extent the advance is not funded by a conduit lender through the issuance of commercial paper plus, in each case, a program fee based on outstanding principal. The U.S. Conduit Facilities also provide for an unused commitment fee based on the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment. There is no amortization schedule; however, the debt will be reduced monthly as available collections on the related finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. Upon expiration of the U.S. Conduit Facilities, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. The expected remaining term of the related receivables held by the SPE is approximately 5 years. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, the U.S. Conduit Facilities have an expiration date of November 29, 2019.
The Company is the primary beneficiary of its U.S. Conduit Facilities VIE because it retains servicing rights and a residual interest in the VIE in the form of a debt security. As the servicer, the Company is the variable interest holder with the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. As a residual interest holder, the Company has the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits which could potentially be significant to the VIE.
The following table includes quarterly transfers of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to the U.S. Conduit Facilities and the respective proceeds (in thousands):
 
2018
 
2017
 
Transfers
 
Proceeds
 
Transfers
 
Proceeds
First quarter
$
32,900

 
$
29,300

 
$
333,400

 
$
300,000

Second quarter
59,100

 
53,300

 
28,200

 
24,000

Third quarter
—

 
—

 
34,100

 
29,600

Fourth quarter
400,200

 
356,800

 
34,000

 
29,700

 
$
492,200

 
$
439,400

 
$
429,700

 
$
383,300

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, interest expense under the U.S. Conduit Facilities was $10.9 million and $7.1 million, respectively, which is included in Financial Services interest expense. The weighted average interest rate of the outstanding U.S. Conduit Facilities was 3.26% and 2.33% at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
On-Balance Sheet Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility

80


In June 2018, the Company renewed its 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 for proceeds up to C$220.0 million. The transferred assets are restricted as collateral for the payment of debt. 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$220.0 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 Canadian Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. The expected remaining term of the related receivables is approximately 5 years. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, the Canadian Conduit expires on June 28, 2019.
The following table includes quarterly transfers of Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit and the respective proceeds (in thousands):
 
2018
 
2017
 
Transfers
 
Proceeds
 
Transfers
 
Proceeds
First quarter
$
7,600

 
$
6,200

 
$
6,300

 
$
5,500

Second quarter
38,900

 
32,200

 
14,200

 
12,400

Third quarter
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Fourth quarter
39,000

 
32,200

 
84,900

 
69,100

 
$
85,500

 
$
70,600

 
$
105,400

 
$
87,000


For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, interest expense on the Canadian Conduit was $3.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively, which is included in Financial Services interest expense. The weighted average interest rate of the outstanding Canadian Conduit was 2.68% and 1.96% at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the Canadian bank-sponsored, multi-seller conduit 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.
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 $31.8 million at December 31, 2018. The maximum exposure is not an indication of the Company's expected loss exposure.
Off-Balance Sheet Asset-Backed Securitization VIE
There were no off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization transactions during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. During the second quarter of 2016, the Company sold retail motorcycle finance receivables with a principal balance of $301.8 million into a securitization VIE that was not consolidated, recognized a gain of $9.3 million and received cash proceeds of $312.6 million. Similar to an on-balance sheet asset-backed securitization, the Company transferred U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to an SPE which in turn issued secured notes to investors, with various maturities and interest rates, secured by future collections of the purchased U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables. The off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization SPE is a separate legal entity, and the U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables included in the asset-backed securitization are only available for payment of the secured debt and other obligations arising from the asset-backed securitization transaction and are not available to pay other obligations or claims of the Company’s creditors. In an on-balance sheet asset-backed securitization, the Company retains a financial interest in the VIE in the form of a debt security. As part of this off-balance sheet securitization, the Company did not retain any financial interest in the VIE beyond servicing rights and ordinary representations and warranties and related covenants.
The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization VIE because it only retained servicing rights and does not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE which could potentially be significant to the VIE. Accordingly, this transaction met the accounting sale requirements under ASC Topic 860 and was recorded as a sale for accounting purposes. Upon the sale, the retail motorcycle finance receivables were removed from the Company’s balance sheet and a gain was recognized for the difference between the cash proceeds received, the assets

81


derecognized and the liabilities recognized as part of the transaction. The gain on sale was included in Financial Services revenue in the consolidated statement of income.
At December 31, 2018, the assets of this off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization VIE were $79.6 million and represented the current unpaid principal balance of the retail motorcycle finance receivables, which was the Company’s maximum exposure to loss in the off-balance sheet VIE at December 31, 2018. This is based on the unlikely event that all the receivables have underwriting defects or other defects that trigger a violation of certain covenants and that the underlying collateral has no residual value. This maximum exposure is not an indication of expected losses.
Servicing Activities
The Company services all retail motorcycle finance receivables that it originates. When the Company transfers retail motorcycle finance receivables to SPEs through asset-backed financings, the Company retains the right to service the finance receivables and receives servicing fees based on the securitized finance receivables balance and certain ancillary fees. In on-balance sheet asset-backed financing, servicing fees are eliminated in consolidation and therefore are not recorded on a consolidated basis. In off-balance sheet asset-backed financings, servicing fees and ancillary fees are recorded in Financial Services revenue in the consolidated statements of income. The fees the Company is paid for servicing represent adequate compensation and, consequently, the Company does not recognize a servicing asset or liability. The Company recognized servicing fee income of $1.1 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
The unpaid principal balance of serviced retail motorcycle finance receivables at December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
2018
 
2017
On-balance sheet retail motorcycle finance receivables
$
6,185,350

 
$
5,993,185

Off-balance sheet retail motorcycle finance receivables
79,613

 
146,425

Total serviced retail motorcycle finance receivables
$
6,264,963

 
$
6,139,610

The balance of serviced finance receivables 30 days or more delinquent at December 31 was as follows (in thousands):
 
Amount 30 days or more past due:
 
2018
 
2017
On-balance sheet retail motorcycle finance receivables
$
228,015

 
$
227,127

Off-balance sheet retail motorcycle finance receivables
1,658

 
2,106

Total serviced retail motorcycle finance receivables
$
229,673

 
$
229,233

Credit losses, net of recoveries for the serviced finance receivables for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
 
2018
 
2017
On-balance sheet retail motorcycle finance receivables
$
109,448

 
$
113,316

Off-balance sheet retail motorcycle finance receivables
907

 
1,191

Total serviced retail motorcycle finance receivables
$
110,355

 
$
114,507

13.     Fair Value
The Company assesses the inputs used to measure fair value using a three-tier hierarchy.
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 prices, and yield curves. The Company uses the market approach to derive the fair value for its Level 2 fair value measurements. Forward contracts for foreign currency, commodities, and treasury rate locks are valued using quoted forward rates and prices; interest rate swaps are valued using quoted interest rates and yield curves; investments in marketable securities and cash equivalents are valued using quoted prices.

82


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.
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):
 
 
2018
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
998,601

 
$
728,800

 
$
269,801

 
$
—

Marketable securities
 
54,250

 
44,243

 
10,007

 
—

Derivatives
 
15,071

 
—

 
15,071

 
—

Total
 
$
1,067,922

 
$
773,043

 
$
294,879

 
$
—

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
5,316

 
$
—

 
$
5,316

 
$
—

 
 
2017
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
488,432

 
$
358,500

 
$
129,932

 
$
—

Marketable securities
 
48,006

 
48,006

 
—

 
—

Derivatives
 
1,769

 
—

 
1,769

 
—

Total
 
$
538,207

 
$
406,506

 
$
131,701

 
$
—

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
21,308

 
$
—

 
$
21,308

 
$
—

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
Repossessed inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value through a nonrecurring fair value measurement. Repossessed inventory was $20.2 million and $19.6 million, for which the fair value adjustment was $9.7 million and $9.0 million, at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Fair value is estimated using Level 2 inputs based on the recent market values of repossessed inventory.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Measured at Cost
The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximates their fair values.

83


The following table summarizes the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s remaining financial instruments that are measured at cost or amortized cost at December 31 (in thousands):
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finance receivables, net
 
$
7,304,334

 
$
7,221,931

 
$
7,021,549

 
$
6,965,086

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured commercial paper
 
$
1,135,810

 
$
1,135,810

 
$
1,273,482

 
$
1,273,482

Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facilities
 
$
582,717

 
$
582,717

 
$
279,457

 
$
279,457

Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility
 
$
155,951

 
$
155,951

 
$
174,779

 
$
174,779

Medium-term notes
 
$
4,829,671

 
$
4,887,007

 
$
4,189,092

 
$
4,165,706

Senior unsecured notes
 
$
707,198

 
$
742,624

 
$
784,433

 
$
741,961

Asset-backed securitization debt
 
$
94,974

 
$
95,167

 
$
351,767

 
$
352,624

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.
Debt – The carrying value of debt in the financial statements is generally amortized cost, net of discounts and debt issuance costs. The carrying value of unsecured commercial paper calculated using Level 2 inputs approximates fair value due to its short maturity. The carrying value of debt provided under the U.S. conduit facilities and Canadian conduit facility calculated using Level 2 inputs approximates fair value since the interest rates charged under the facility are tied directly to market rates and fluctuate as market rates change. The fair values of the medium-term notes and senior unsecured notes are estimated based upon rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities (Level 2 inputs). The fair value of the debt related to on-balance sheet asset-backed securitization transactions is estimated based on pricing currently available for transactions with similar terms and maturities (Level 2 inputs).
14.    Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company has a qualified defined benefit pension plan and 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.
Pension benefits are based primarily on years of service and, for certain plans, levels of compensation. Employees are eligible to receive postretirement healthcare benefits upon attaining age 55 after rendering at least 10 years of service to the Company. Some of the plans require employee contributions to partially offset benefit costs.

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Obligations and Funded Status:
The following table provides the changes in the benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and funded status of the Company’s pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans as of the Company’s December 31, 2018 and 2017 measurement dates (in thousands): 
 
 
Pension and SERPA Benefits
 
Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation, beginning of period
 
$
2,201,021

 
$
1,986,435

 
$
338,488

 
$
346,431

Service cost
 
32,340

 
31,584

 
7,180

 
7,500

Interest cost
 
82,778

 
85,076

 
11,556

 
13,648

Actuarial (gains) losses
 
(213,583
)
 
195,444

 
(42,039
)
 
(8,408
)
Plan participant contributions
 
—

 
—

 
2,492

 
2,525

Plan amendments
 
(12,926
)
 
(13,227
)
 
(4,710
)
 
—

Benefits paid
 
(106,280
)
 
(84,291
)
 
(23,448
)
 
(23,208
)
Net curtailments and settlements
 
1,358

 
—

 
(2,945
)
 
—

Benefit obligation, end of period
 
1,984,708

 
2,201,021

 
286,574

 
338,488

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period
 
2,162,885

 
1,899,889

 
217,537

 
170,092

Actual return on plan assets
 
(185,468
)
 
320,144

 
(13,287
)
 
32,445

Company contributions
 
—

 
25,000

 
—

 
15,000

Plan participant contributions
 
—

 
—

 
2,492

 
2,525

Benefits paid
 
(102,799
)
 
(82,148
)
 
(16,385
)
 
(2,525
)
Fair value of plan assets, end of period
 
1,874,618

 
2,162,885

 
190,357

 
217,537

Funded status of the plans, December 31
 
$
(110,090
)
 
$
(38,136
)
 
$
(96,217
)
 
$
(120,951
)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid benefit costs (long-term assets)
 
$
—

 
$
19,816

 
$
—

 
$
—

Accrued benefit liability (current liabilities)
 
(2,314
)
 
(3,346
)
 
(1,764
)
 
(2,198
)
Accrued benefit liability (long-term liabilities)
 
(107,776
)
 
(54,606
)
 
(94,453
)
 
(118,753
)
Net amount recognized
 
$
(110,090
)
 
$
(38,136
)
 
$
(96,217
)
 
$
(120,951
)
During 2018, the actuarial gains related to the obligation for pension and SERPA benefits were due primarily to an increase in the discount rate. Conversely, during 2017, the actuarial losses related to this obligation were due primarily to a decrease in the discount rate.
During 2018, the actuarial gains related to the obligation for postretirement healthcare benefits were due primarily to an increase in the discount rate, favorable claim cost experience and a change in the benefit delivery structure. During 2017, the actuarial gains related to this obligation were due primarily to favorable claim cost and census experience, partially offset by the impact of a decrease in the discount rate.

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The funded status of the qualified pension plan and the SERPA plans are combined above. Plan level information for plans with projected benefit obligations (PBO) or accumulated benefit obligations (ABO) in excess of the fair value of plan assets at December 31 is presented below (in millions):
 
 
2018
 
2017
Plans with PBOs in excess of fair value of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
PBO
 
$
1,984.7

 
$
58.0

Fair value of plan assets
 
$
1,874.6

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
Plans with ABOs in excess of fair value of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
ABO
 
$
40.1

 
$
42.1

Fair value of plan assets
 
$
—

 
$
—

The total ABO for all the Company's pension and SERPA plans combined was $1.90 billion and $2.10 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Benefit Costs:
Components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 
 
 
Pension and
SERPA Benefits
 
Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Service cost
 
$
32,340

 
$
31,584

 
$
33,437

 
$
7,180

 
$
7,500

 
$
7,478

Interest cost
 
82,778

 
85,076

 
90,827

 
11,556

 
13,648

 
14,814

Expected return on plan assets
 
(147,671
)
 
(141,385
)
 
(145,781
)
 
(14,161
)
 
(12,623
)
 
(12,069
)
Amortization of unrecognized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service (credit) cost
 
(420
)
 
1,018

 
1,019

 
(1,842
)
 
(2,171
)
 
(2,803
)
Net loss
 
64,773

 
43,993

 
46,351

 
1,817

 
3,261

 
3,537

Net curtailment loss (gain)
 
1,017

 
—

 
—

 
(886
)
 
—

 
—

Settlement loss
 
—

 
—

 
1,463

 
—

 
—

 
—

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
32,817

 
$
20,286

 
$
27,316

 
$
3,664

 
$
9,615

 
$
10,957

Service costs are allocated among selling, administrative and engineering expense, cost of goods sold and inventory. Amounts capitalized in inventory are not significant. Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost are presented in other income (expense), net. Refer to Note 1 regarding the adoption of ASU 2017-07 for further discussion regarding the classification of net periodic benefit cost. 
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.





86


Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, at December 31, 2018 which have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
Pension and
SERPA Benefits
 
Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
 
Total
Prior service credit
 
$
(14,371
)
 
$
(9,381
)
 
$
(23,752
)
Net actuarial loss
 
593,608

 
12,005

 
605,613

Total
 
$
579,237

 
$
2,624

 
$
581,861

Assumptions:
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost at December 31 were as follows: 
 
 
Pension and
SERPA Benefits
 
Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Assumptions for benefit obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
4.38
%
 
3.71
%
 
4.30
%
 
4.23
%
 
3.52
%
 
4.03
%
Rate of compensation increase
 
3.38
%
 
3.43
%
 
3.50
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
3.71
%
 
4.30
%
 
4.53
%
 
3.52
%
 
4.03
%
 
4.29
%
Expected return on plan assets
 
7.25
%
 
7.25
%
 
7.50
%
 
7.25
%
 
7.25
%
 
7.50
%
Rate of compensation increase
 
3.43
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

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 56% equities and 44% fixed-income and cash. 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 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 and cash. Equity holdings primarily include investments in small-, medium- and large-cap companies in the U.S., 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.

87


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 13.
The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2018
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
40,984

 
$
—

 
$
40,984

Equity holdings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. companies
 
636,308

 
621,459

 
14,849

Foreign companies
 
66,143

 
66,143

 
—

Harley-Davidson common stock
 
43,455

 
43,455

 
—

Pooled equity funds
 
330,476

 
330,476

 
—

Other
 
85

 
85

 
—

Total equity holdings
 
1,076,467

 
1,061,618

 
14,849

Fixed-income holdings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasuries
 
45,102

 
45,102

 
—

Federal agencies
 
27,811

 
—

 
27,811

Corporate bonds
 
434,070

 
—

 
434,070

Pooled fixed income funds
 
140,630

 
42,400

 
98,230

Foreign bonds
 
83,852

 
266

 
83,586

Municipal bonds
 
9,276

 
—

 
9,276

Total fixed-income holdings
 
740,741

 
87,768

 
652,973

Total assets in the fair value hierarchy
 
1,858,192

 
$
1,149,386

 
$
708,806

Assets measured at net asset value as a practical expedient:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited partnership interests
 
5,918

 
 
 
 
Real estate investment trusts
 
10,508

 
 
 
 
Total pension plan assets
 
$
1,874,618

 
 
 
 
Included in the pension plan assets are 1,273,592 shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $43.5 million at December 31, 2018.

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The fair values of the Company’s postretirement healthcare plan assets as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2018
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5,276

 
$
—

 
$
5,276

Equity holdings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. companies
 
86,975

 
86,949

 
26

Foreign companies
 
16,342

 
16,342

 
—

Pooled equity funds
 
20,747

 
20,747

 
—

Other
 
9

 
9

 
—

Total equity holdings
 
124,073

 
124,047

 
26

Fixed-income holdings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasuries
 
8,707

 
8,707

 
—

Federal agencies
 
5,445

 
—

 
5,445

Corporate bonds
 
6,590

 
—

 
6,590

Pooled fixed income funds
 
33,959

 
33,959

 
—

Foreign bonds
 
538

 
—

 
538

Municipal bonds
 
272

 
—

 
272

Total fixed-income holdings
 
55,511

 
42,666

 
12,845

Total assets in the fair value hierarchy
 
184,860

 
$
166,713

 
$
18,147

Assets measured at net asset value as a practical expedient:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate investment trusts
 
5,497

 
 
 
 
Total postretirement healthcare plan assets
 
$
190,357

 
 
 
 


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The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2017 were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2017
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
51,082

 
$
1,057

 
$
50,025

Equity holdings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. companies
 
722,527

 
705,111

 
17,416

Foreign companies
 
78,765

 
78,765

 
—

Harley-Davidson common stock
 
64,800

 
64,800

 
—

Pooled equity funds
 
416,881

 
416,881

 
—

Other
 
119

 
119

 
—

Total equity holdings
 
1,283,092

 
1,265,676

 
17,416

Fixed-income holdings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasuries
 
39,866

 
39,866

 
—

Federal agencies
 
29,188

 
—

 
29,188

Corporate bonds
 
462,563

 
—

 
462,563

Pooled fixed income funds
 
189,361

 
61,875

 
127,486

Foreign bonds
 
81,732

 
—

 
81,732

Municipal bonds
 
11,800

 
—

 
11,800

Total fixed-income holdings
 
814,510

 
101,741

 
712,769

Total assets in the fair value hierarchy
 
2,148,684

 
$
1,368,474

 
$
780,210

Assets measured at net asset value as a practical expedient:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited partnership interests
 
9,099

 
 
 
 
Real estate investment trust
 
5,102

 
 
 
 
Total pension plan assets
 
$
2,162,885

 
 
 
 
Included in the pension plan assets were 1,273,592 shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $64.8 million at December 31, 2017.

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The fair values of the Company’s postretirement healthcare plan assets as of December 31, 2017 were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2017
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
19,317

 
$
—

 
$
19,317

Equity holdings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. companies
 
101,720

 
101,720

 
—

Foreign companies
 
19,498

 
19,495

 
3

Pooled equity funds
 
23,563

 
23,563

 
—

Other
 
14

 
14

 
—

Total equity holdings
 
144,795

 
144,792

 
3

Fixed-income holdings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasuries
 
6,803

 
6,803

 
—

Federal agencies
 
5,060

 
—

 
5,060

Corporate bonds
 
6,756

 
—

 
6,756

Pooled fixed income funds
 
27,461

 
27,461

 
—

Foreign bonds
 
311

 
—

 
311

Municipal bonds
 
284

 
—

 
284

Total fixed-income holdings
 
46,675

 
34,264

 
12,411

Total assets in the fair value hierarchy
 
210,787

 
$
179,056

 
$
31,731

Assets measured at net asset value as a practical expedient:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate investment trust
 
6,750

 
 
 
 
Total postretirement healthcare plan assets
 
$
217,537

 
 
 
 
For 2019, the Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return is 7.10% for pension assets and 7.25% 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: 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Healthcare cost trend rate for next year
 
6.75
%
 
7.00
%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate rate)
 
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
 
2026

 
2026

Future Contributions and Benefit Payments:
During 2018, the Company did not make any voluntary contributions to its qualified pension plan or postretirement healthcare plans. No pension plan contributions are required in 2019. The Company expects that 2019 postretirement healthcare plan benefits and benefits due under the SERPA plans will be paid by the Company or, in the case of postretirement healthcare plan benefits, funded partially with plan assets.

91


The expected benefit payments for the next five years and thereafter were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
SERPA
Benefits
 
Postretirement
Healthcare
Benefits
2019
 
$
111,980

 
$
2,314

 
$
25,934

2020
 
$
93,580

 
$
2,862

 
$
27,328

2021
 
$
95,690

 
$
3,272

 
$
26,660

2022
 
$
99,118

 
$
3,504

 
$
25,378

2023
 
$
102,190

 
$
4,467

 
$
23,815

2024-2028
 
$
568,867

 
$
28,663

 
$
109,562

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 $20.1 million, $19.0 million and $18.2 million for Company contributions during 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
15.    Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to lawsuits and other claims related to environmental, product and other matters. In determining costs to accrue 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. Any amounts accrued for these matters are monitored on an ongoing basis and are updated based on new developments or new information as it becomes available for 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 information exchanges and discussions with the EPA. In August 2016, the Company entered into a consent decree with the EPA regarding these issues, and the consent decree was subsequently revised in July 2017 (the Settlement). In the Settlement, the Company agreed to, among other things, pay a fine, and not sell tuning products unless they are approved by the EPA or California Air Resources Board. In December 2017, the EPA filed the Settlement with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for the purpose of obtaining court approval of the Settlement. Three amicus briefs opposing portions of the Settlement were filed with the court by the deadline of January 31, 2018. On March 1, 2018, the Company and the EPA each filed separate response briefs. The Company is awaiting the court's decision on whether or not to finalize the Settlement. The Company has an accrual associated with this matter which is included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, and as a result, if it is finalized, the Settlement would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The Settlement is not final until it is approved by the court, and if it is not approved by the court, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact of any remedies the EPA might seek beyond the Company's current reserve for this matter.
York Environmental Matters:
The Company is involved with government agencies and groups of potentially responsible parties related to 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. The Company has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) since 1986 and with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in undertaking environmental investigation and remediation activities, including a 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 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.

92


The Company has an accrual for its estimate of its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility which is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. While the work on the RI/FS is now complete and the final remedy was proposed in late 2018, it has not yet been approved, and given the uncertainty that exists concerning the nature and scope of additional environmental remediation that may ultimately be required under the approved final remedy, 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.
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 159.7 million and 168.1 million common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During 2016, the Company retired 165.0 million shares of its treasury stock.
During 2018, the Company repurchased 9.4 million shares of its common stock at a weighted-average price of $41.71. 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): 
  
 
Shares Repurchased
 
Authorization Remaining
at December 31, 2018
Board of Directors’ Authorization
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015 Authorization
 
—

 
—

 
9.0

 
—

2016 Authorization
 
9.2

 
8.7

 
0.7

 
1.4

2018 Authorization
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
15.0

Total
 
9.2

 
8.7

 
9.7

 
16.4

2015 Authorization – In June 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to buy back up to 15.0 million shares of its common stock with no dollar limit or expiration date.
2016 Authorization – In February 2016, 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.
2018 Authorization – In February 2018, the Company's Board of Directors separately authorized the Company to buy back up to 15.0 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 (the Plan) under which the Board of Directors may grant to employees share-based awards including restricted stock units (RSUs), performance shares, nonqualified stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs). Performance shares include a three-year performance period with vesting based on achievement of internal performance targets. 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 RSUs settled with stock and performance shares settled with stock. Dividend equivalents are paid on RSUs and performance shares settled with cash. The options and SARs granted under the Plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and 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. Forfeitures for share-

93


based awards are estimated at the grant date and adjusted when it is likely to change. At December 31, 2018, there were 8.7 million shares of common stock available for future awards under the Plan.
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Shares Settled in Stock:
The fair value of RSUs and performance shares settled in stock is determined based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The following table summarizes the activity for these awards for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands, except for per share amounts): 
 
 
Shares / Units
 
Weighted-Average
Fair Value
Per Share
Nonvested, beginning of period
 
1,601

 
$
49

Granted
 
927

 
$
47

Vested
 
(485
)
 
$
52

Forfeited
 
(149
)
 
$
49

Nonvested, end of period
 
1,894

 
$
48

As of December 31, 2018, there was $37.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs and performance shares settled in stock (net of estimated forfeitures) that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Shares Settled in Cash:
RSUs and performance shares that are settled in cash are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a liability until vested. The fair value is determined based on the market price of the Company’s stock and is remeasured at each balance sheet date. The following table summarizes the activity for these awards for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands, except for per share amounts): 
 
 
Units
 
Weighted-Average
Fair Value
Per Share
Nonvested, beginning of period
 
101

 
$
43

Granted
 
71

 
$
34

Vested
 
(45
)
 
$
48

Forfeited
 
(22
)
 
$
43

Nonvested, end of period
 
105

 
$
37

Stock Options:
There were no stock options granted in 2018, 2017 or 2016. All outstanding stock options were vested as of December 31, 2018. The Company’s policy is to issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of employee stock options.
The following table summarizes the stock option transactions for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands, except for per share amounts): 
 
 
Options
 
Weighted-
Average Price
Outstanding, beginning of period
 
1,404

 
$
48

Exercised
 
(160
)
 
$
22

Forfeited
 
(189
)
 
$
59

Outstanding, end of period
 
1,055

 
$
50

Exercisable, end of period
 
1,055

 
$
50


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The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value related to options exercised, outstanding and exercisable as of and for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Exercised
 
$
3,855

 
$
4,051

 
$
9,595

Outstanding
 
$
2,366

 
$
11,711

 
$
22,383

Exercisable
 
$
2,366

 
$
11,711

 
$
22,383

Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2018 were as follows (options in thousands): 
Price Range
 
Weighted-Average
Contractual Life
 
Options
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
$10.01 to $20
 
0.1
 
50

 
$
12

$20.01 to $30
 
1.1
 
127

 
$
24

$30.01 to $40
 
0.0
 
—

 
$
—

$40.01 to $50
 
2.6
 
219

 
$
44

$50.01 to $60
 
3.8
 
171

 
$
52

$60.01 to $70
 
5.2
 
488

 
$
63

Options outstanding
 
4.0
 
1,055

 
$
50

Options exercisable
 
4.0
 
1,055

 
$
50

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs):
There were no SARs granted in 2018, 2017 or 2016. 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 unvested SAR award was 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. All outstanding SAR awards were vested as of December 31, 2018. The assumptions used to determine the fair value of the unvested SAR awards at December 31, 2017 were as follows: 
 
 
2017
Expected average term (in years)
 
5.7

Expected volatility
 
28% - 31%

Expected dividend yield
 
2.9
%
Risk-free interest rate
 
1.3% - 2.5%

The following table summarizes the SAR transactions for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands, except per share amounts): 
 
 
SARs
 
Weighted-Average
Price
Outstanding, beginning of period
 
27

 
$
30

Exercised
 
(14
)
 
$
24

Outstanding, end of period
 
13

 
$
36

Exercisable, end of period
 
13

 
$
36


95


18.    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):  
 
 
2018
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Marketable securities
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
Pension and postretirement benefit plans
 
Total
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
(21,852
)
 
$
—

 
$
(17,254
)
 
$
(460,943
)
 
$
(500,049
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(28,212
)
 
—

 
35,686

 
(84,725
)
 
(77,251
)
Income tax
 
3,202

 
—

 
(8,455
)
 
19,893

 
14,640

Net other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(25,010
)
 
—

 
27,231

 
(64,832
)
 
(62,611
)
Reclassifications:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized (gains) losses - foreign currency contracts(a)
 
—

 
—

 
(11,492
)
 
—

 
(11,492
)
Realized (gains) losses - commodities contracts(a)
 
—

 
—

 
(24
)
 
—

 
(24
)
Realized (gains) losses - treasury rate locks(b)
 
—

 
—

 
498

 
—

 
498

Realized (gains) losses - interest rate swaps(b)
 
—

 
—

 
1,552

 
—

 
1,552

Prior service credits(c)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,262
)
 
(2,262
)
Actuarial losses(c)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
66,590

 
66,590

Curtailment and settlement gains(c)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(886
)
 
(886
)
Total before tax
 
—

 
—

 
(9,466
)
 
63,442

 
53,976

Income tax
 
—

 
—

 
2,244

 
(14,896
)
 
(12,652
)
Net reclassifications
 
—

 
—

 
(7,222
)
 
48,546

 
41,324

Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(25,010
)
 
—

 
20,009

 
(16,286
)
 
(21,287
)
Reclassification of certain tax effects
 
(2,746
)
 
—

 
(970
)
 
(104,632
)
 
(108,348
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
(49,608
)
 
$
—

 
$
1,785

 
$
(581,861
)
 
$
(629,684
)
 
 
2017
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Marketable securities
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
Pension and postretirement benefit plans
 
Total
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
(68,132
)
 
$
(1,194
)
 
$
12,524

 
$
(508,579
)
 
$
(565,381
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
52,145

 
1,896

 
(54,929
)
 
24,321

 
23,433

Income tax
 
(5,865
)
 
(702
)
 
20,338

 
(5,711
)
 
8,060

Net other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
46,280

 
1,194

 
(34,591
)
 
18,610

 
31,493

Reclassifications:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized (gains) losses - foreign currency contracts(a)
 
—

 
—

 
7,202

 
—

 
7,202

Realized (gains) losses - treasury rate lock(b)
 
—

 
—

 
442

 
—

 
442

Prior service credits(c)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,153
)
 
(1,153
)
Actuarial losses(c)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
47,254

 
47,254

Total before tax
 
—

 
—

 
7,644

 
46,101

 
53,745

Income tax
 
—

 
—

 
(2,831
)
 
(17,075
)
 
(19,906
)
Net reclassifications
 
—

 
—

 
4,813

 
29,026

 
33,839

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
46,280

 
1,194

 
(29,778
)
 
47,636

 
65,332

Balance, end of period
 
$
(21,852
)
 
$
—

 
$
(17,254
)
 
$
(460,943
)
 
$
(500,049
)

96


 
 
2016
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Marketable securities
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
Pension and postretirement benefit plans
 
Total
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
(58,844
)
 
$
(1,094
)
 
$
5,886

 
$
(561,153
)
 
$
(615,205
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(7,591
)
 
(159
)
 
28,176

 
33,937

 
54,363

Income tax
 
(1,697
)
 
59

 
(10,436
)
 
(12,570
)
 
(24,644
)
Net other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(9,288
)
 
(100
)
 
17,740

 
21,367

 
29,719

Reclassifications:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized (gains) losses - foreign currency contracts(a)
 
—

 
—

 
(18,253
)
 
—

 
(18,253
)
Realized (gains) losses - commodities contracts(a)
 
—

 
—

 
258

 
—

 
258

Realized (gains) losses - treasury rate lock(b)
 
—

 
—

 
362

 
—

 
362

Prior service credits(c)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,784
)
 
(1,784
)
Actuarial losses(c)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
49,888

 
49,888

Curtailment and settlement losses(c)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,463

 
1,463

Total before tax
 
—

 
—

 
(17,633
)
 
49,567

 
31,934

Income tax
 
—

 
—

 
6,531

 
(18,360
)
 
(11,829
)
Net reclassifications
 
—

 
—

 
(11,102
)
 
31,207

 
20,105

Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(9,288
)
 
(100
)
 
6,638

 
52,574

 
49,824

Balance, end of period
 
$
(68,132
)
 
$
(1,194
)
 
$
12,524

 
$
(508,579
)
 
$
(565,381
)

(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 interest expense.
(c)
Amounts reclassified are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 14 for information related to pension and postretirement benefit plans.
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 and 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 Motorcycles segment consists of HDMC which designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale on-road Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as 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 United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific.
The Financial Services 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.

97


Information by segment is set forth below for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Motorcycles net revenue
 
$
4,968,646

 
$
4,915,027

 
$
5,271,376

Gross profit
 
1,616,850

 
1,642,697

 
1,845,379

Selling, administrative and engineering expense
 
1,101,086

 
1,035,921

 
1,074,615

Restructuring expense
 
93,401

 
—

 
—

Operating income from Motorcycles
 
422,363

 
606,776

 
770,764

Financial Services revenue
 
748,229

 
732,197

 
725,082

Financial Services expense
 
457,069

 
456,892

 
449,552

Operating income from Financial Services
 
291,160

 
275,305

 
275,530

Operating income
 
$
713,523

 
$
882,081

 
$
1,046,294

As discussed in Note 1, the Company adopted ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018, which required the Company to record the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost in non-operating income on a prospective and retrospective basis. As a result, operating income from Motorcycles excludes these costs for all periods presented.
Financial Services revenue includes $9.0 million, $6.9 million and $4.4 million of interest that HDMC paid to HDFS on wholesale finance receivables in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The offsetting cost of these interest incentives was recorded as a reduction to Motorcycles net revenue.
Information by segment is set forth below as of December 31 (in thousands): 
 
 
Motorcycles
 
Financial
Services
 
Consolidated
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
2,562,931

 
$
8,102,733

 
$
10,665,664

Depreciation and amortization
 
$
260,707

 
$
4,156

 
$
264,863

Capital expenditures
 
$
197,905

 
$
15,611

 
$
213,516

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
2,449,603

 
$
7,523,069

 
$
9,972,672

Depreciation and amortization
 
$
215,639

 
$
6,549

 
$
222,188

Capital expenditures
 
$
193,204

 
$
13,090

 
$
206,294

2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
2,490,450

 
$
7,399,790

 
$
9,890,240

Depreciation and amortization
 
$
202,122

 
$
7,433

 
$
209,555

Capital expenditures
 
$
245,316

 
$
10,947

 
$
256,263


98


 Geographic Information:
Included in the consolidated financial statements are the following amounts relating to geographic locations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue from Motorcycles(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
3,159,049

 
$
3,215,513

 
$
3,579,129

EMEA
 
893,589

 
790,725

 
798,489

Japan
 
161,370

 
180,938

 
200,309

Canada
 
230,211

 
232,883

 
212,099

Australia and New Zealand
 
147,561

 
168,670

 
181,809

Other foreign countries
 
376,866

 
326,298

 
299,541

Total revenue from Motorcycles
 
$
4,968,646

 
$
4,915,027

 
$
5,271,376

Revenue from Financial Services(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
712,898

 
$
698,383

 
$
692,784

Europe
 
8,411

 
6,845

 
6,528

Canada
 
23,120

 
22,580

 
21,626

Other foreign countries
 
3,800

 
4,389

 
4,144

Total revenue from Financial Services
 
$
748,229

 
$
732,197

 
$
725,082

Long-lived assets(b):
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
838,446

 
$
912,032

 
$
943,479

International
 
65,686

 
55,749

 
38,114

Total long-lived assets
 
$
904,132

 
$
967,781

 
$
981,593


(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.    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. 

99


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
 
HDMC
Entities
 
HDFS
Entities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products
 
$
4,981,445

 
$
—

 
$
(12,799
)
 
$
4,968,646

Financial Services
 
—

 
747,432

 
797

 
748,229

Total revenue
 
4,981,445

 
747,432

 
(12,002
)
 
5,716,875

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold
 
3,352,438

 
—

 
(642
)
 
3,351,796

Financial Services interest expense
 
—

 
193,187

 
—

 
193,187

Financial Services provision for credit losses
 
—

 
106,870

 
—

 
106,870

Selling, administrative and engineering expense
 
1,104,919

 
164,623

 
(11,444
)
 
1,258,098

Restructuring expense
 
93,401

 
—

 
—

 
93,401

Total costs and expenses
 
4,550,758

 
464,680

 
(12,086
)
 
5,003,352

Operating income
 
430,687

 
282,752

 
84

 
713,523

Other income (expense), net
 
3,039

 
—

 
—

 
3,039

Investment income
 
235,951

 
—

 
(235,000
)
 
951

Interest expense
 
30,884

 
—

 
—

 
30,884

Income before provision for income taxes
 
638,793

 
282,752

 
(234,916
)
 
686,629

Provision for income taxes
 
85,153

 
70,025

 
—

 
155,178

Net income
 
$
553,640

 
$
212,727

 
$
(234,916
)
 
$
531,451

 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
HDMC
Entities
 
HDFS
Entities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products
 
$
4,925,003

 
$
—

 
$
(9,976
)
 
$
4,915,027

Financial Services
 
—

 
734,008

 
(1,811
)
 
732,197

Total revenue
 
4,925,003

 
734,008

 
(11,787
)
 
5,647,224

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold
 
3,272,330

 
—

 
—

 
3,272,330

Financial Services interest expense
 
—

 
180,193

 
—

 
180,193

Financial Services provision for credit losses
 
—

 
132,444

 
—

 
132,444

Selling, administrative and engineering expense
 
1,037,529

 
154,232

 
(11,585
)
 
1,180,176

Total costs and expenses
 
4,309,859

 
466,869

 
(11,585
)
 
4,765,143

Operating income
 
615,144

 
267,139

 
(202
)
 
882,081

Other income (expense), net
 
9,182

 
—

 
—

 
9,182

Investment income
 
199,580

 
—

 
(196,000
)
 
3,580

Interest expense
 
31,004

 
—

 
—

 
31,004

Income before provision for income taxes
 
792,902

 
267,139

 
(196,202
)
 
863,839

Provision for income taxes
 
214,175

 
127,905

 
—

 
342,080

Net income
 
$
578,727

 
$
139,234

 
$
(196,202
)
 
$
521,759

 

100


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
HDMC
Entities
 
HDFS
Entities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products
 
$
5,281,355

 
$
—

 
$
(9,979
)
 
$
5,271,376

Financial Services
 
—

 
726,736

 
(1,654
)
 
725,082

Total revenue
 
5,281,355

 
726,736

 
(11,633
)
 
5,996,458

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold
 
3,425,997

 
—

 
—

 
3,425,997

Financial Services interest expense
 
—

 
173,756

 
—

 
173,756

Financial Services provision for credit losses
 
—

 
136,617

 
—

 
136,617

Selling, administrative and engineering expense
 
1,076,375

 
149,157

 
(11,738
)
 
1,213,794

Total costs and expenses
 
4,502,372

 
459,530

 
(11,738
)
 
4,950,164

Operating income
 
778,983

 
267,206

 
105

 
1,046,294

Other income (expense), net
 
2,642

 
—

 
—

 
2,642

Investment income
 
187,645

 
—

 
(183,000
)
 
4,645

Interest expense
 
29,670

 
—

 
—

 
29,670

Income before provision for income taxes
 
939,600

 
267,206

 
(182,895
)
 
1,023,911

Provision for income taxes
 
231,986

 
99,761

 
—

 
331,747

Net income
 
$
707,614

 
$
167,445

 
$
(182,895
)
 
$
692,164


101


 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
HDMC
Entities
 
HDFS
Entities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
544,548

 
$
659,218

 
$
—

 
$
1,203,766

Marketable securities
 
10,007

 
—

 
—

 
10,007

Accounts receivable, net
 
425,727

 
—

 
(119,253
)
 
306,474

Finance receivables, net
 
—

 
2,214,424

 
—

 
2,214,424

Inventories
 
556,128

 
—

 
—

 
556,128

Restricted cash
 
—

 
49,275

 
—

 
49,275

Other current assets
 
91,172

 
59,070

 
(5,874
)
 
144,368

Total current assets
 
1,627,582

 
2,981,987

 
(125,127
)
 
4,484,442

Finance receivables, net
 
—

 
5,007,507

 
—

 
5,007,507

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
847,176

 
56,956

 
—

 
904,132

Goodwill
 
55,048

 
—

 
—

 
55,048

Deferred income taxes
 
105,388

 
37,603

 
(1,527
)
 
141,464

Other long-term assets
 
144,122

 
18,680

 
(89,731
)
 
73,071

 
 
$
2,779,316

 
$
8,102,733

 
$
(216,385
)
 
$
10,665,664

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
258,587

 
$
145,527

 
$
(119,253
)
 
$
284,861

Accrued liabilities
 
496,643

 
110,063

 
(5,576
)
 
601,130

Short-term debt
 
—

 
1,135,810

 
—

 
1,135,810

Current portion of long-term debt, net
 
—

 
1,575,799

 
—

 
1,575,799

Total current liabilities
 
755,230

 
2,967,199

 
(124,829
)
 
3,597,600

Long-term debt, net
 
742,624

 
4,145,043

 
—

 
4,887,667

Pension liability
 
107,776

 
—

 
—

 
107,776

Postretirement healthcare liability
 
94,453

 
—

 
—

 
94,453

Other long-term liabilities
 
164,243

 
37,142

 
2,834

 
204,219

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity
 
914,990

 
953,349

 
(94,390
)
 
1,773,949

 
 
$
2,779,316

 
$
8,102,733

 
$
(216,385
)
 
$
10,665,664


102


 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
HDMC
Entities
 
HDFS
Entities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
338,186

 
$
349,335

 
$
—

 
$
687,521

Accounts receivable, net
 
483,709

 
—

 
(153,723
)
 
329,986

Finance receivables, net
 
—

 
2,105,662

 
—

 
2,105,662

Inventories
 
538,202

 
—

 
—

 
538,202

Restricted cash
 
—

 
47,518

 
—

 
47,518

Other current assets
 
132,999

 
48,521

 
(5,667
)
 
175,853

Total current assets
 
1,493,096

 
2,551,036

 
(159,390
)
 
3,884,742

Finance receivables, net
 
—

 
4,859,424

 
—

 
4,859,424

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
922,280

 
45,501

 
—

 
967,781

Prepaid pension costs
 
19,816

 
—

 
—

 
19,816

Goodwill
 
55,947

 
—

 
—

 
55,947

Deferred income taxes
 
66,877

 
43,515

 
(1,319
)
 
109,073

Other long-term assets
 
138,344

 
23,593

 
(86,048
)
 
75,889

 
 
$
2,696,360

 
$
7,523,069

 
$
(246,757
)
 
$
9,972,672

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
214,263

 
$
167,057

 
$
(153,723
)
 
$
227,597

Accrued liabilities
 
444,028

 
90,942

 
(5,148
)
 
529,822

Short-term debt
 
—

 
1,273,482

 
—

 
1,273,482

Current portion of long-term debt, net
 
—

 
1,127,269

 
—

 
1,127,269

Total current liabilities
 
658,291

 
2,658,750

 
(158,871
)
 
3,158,170

Long-term debt, net
 
741,961

 
3,845,297

 
—

 
4,587,258

Pension liability
 
54,606

 
—

 
—

 
54,606

Postretirement healthcare liability
 
118,753

 
—

 
—

 
118,753

Other long-term liabilities
 
171,200

 
35,503

 
2,905

 
209,608

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity
 
951,549

 
983,519

 
(90,791
)
 
1,844,277

 
 
$
2,696,360

 
$
7,523,069

 
$
(246,757
)
 
$
9,972,672


103


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
 
HDMC
Entities
 
HDFS
Entities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
553,640

 
$
212,727

 
$
(234,916
)
 
$
531,451

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
 
260,707

 
4,156

 
—

 
264,863

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs
 
—

 
81,315

 
—

 
81,315

Amortization of financing origination fees
 
663

 
7,704

 
—

 
8,367

Provision for long-term employee benefits
 
36,481

 
—

 
—

 
36,481

Employee benefit plan contributions and payments
 
(10,544
)
 
—

 
—

 
(10,544
)
Stock compensation expense
 
31,855

 
3,684

 
—

 
35,539

Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales
 
—

 
—

 
(56,538
)
 
(56,538
)
Provision for credit losses
 
—

 
106,870

 
—

 
106,870

Deferred income taxes
 
(41,905
)
 
7,716

 
208

 
(33,981
)
Other, net
 
36,840

 
798

 
(84
)
 
37,554

Changes in current assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
43,613

 
—

 
(34,470
)
 
9,143

Finance receivables—accrued interest and other
 
—

 
773

 
—

 
773

Inventories
 
(31,059
)
 
—

 
—

 
(31,059
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
152,930

 
(1,778
)
 
45,040

 
196,192

Derivative instruments
 
337

 
136

 
—

 
473

Other
 
39,031

 
(10,216
)
 
207

 
29,022

Total adjustments
 
518,949

 
201,158

 
(45,637
)
 
674,470

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
1,072,589

 
413,885

 
(280,553
)
 
1,205,921

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(197,905
)
 
(15,611
)
 
—

 
(213,516
)
Origination of finance receivables
 
—

 
(7,192,063
)
 
3,439,246

 
(3,752,817
)
Collections on finance receivables
 
—

 
6,719,362

 
(3,393,693
)
 
3,325,669

Purchases of marketable securities
 
(10,007
)
 
—

 
—

 
(10,007
)
Other
 
(11,598
)
 
—

 
—

 
(11,598
)
Net cash used by investing activities
 
(219,510
)
 
(488,312
)
 
45,553

 
(662,269
)

104


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
 
HDMC
Entities
 
HDFS
Entities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes
 
—

 
1,591,828

 
—

 
1,591,828

Repayments of medium-term notes
 
—

 
(877,488
)
 
—

 
(877,488
)
Repayments of securitization debt
 
—

 
(257,869
)
 
—

 
(257,869
)
Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper
 
—

 
509,742

 
—

 
509,742

Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper
 
—

 
(212,729
)
 
—

 
(212,729
)
Net decrease in credit facilities and unsecured commercial paper
 
—

 
(135,356
)
 
—

 
(135,356
)
Dividends paid
 
(245,810
)
 
(235,000
)
 
235,000

 
(245,810
)
Purchase of common stock for treasury
 
(390,606
)
 
—

 
—

 
(390,606
)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans
 
3,525

 
—

 
—

 
3,525

Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
 
(632,891
)
 
383,128

 
235,000

 
(14,763
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
(13,826
)
 
(1,525
)
 
—

 
(15,351
)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
206,362

 
$
307,176

 
$
—

 
$
513,538

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period
 
$
338,186

 
$
408,024

 
$
—

 
$
746,210

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
206,362

 
307,176

 
—

 
513,538

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period
 
$
544,548

 
$
715,200

 
$
—

 
$
1,259,748



105


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
HDMC
Entities
 
HDFS
Entities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
578,727

 
$
139,234

 
$
(196,202
)
 
$
521,759

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
 
215,639

 
6,549

 
—

 
222,188

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs
 
—

 
82,911

 
—

 
82,911

Amortization of financing origination fees
 
655

 
7,390

 
—

 
8,045

Provision for long-term employee benefits
 
29,900

 
—

 
—

 
29,900

Employee benefit plan contributions and payments
 
(63,277
)
 
—

 
—

 
(63,277
)
Stock compensation expense
 
29,570

 
2,921

 
—

 
32,491

Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales
 
—

 
—

 
35,172

 
35,172

Provision for credit losses
 
—

 
132,444

 
—

 
132,444

Deferred income taxes
 
29,949

 
21,497

 
(591
)
 
50,855

Other, net
 
4,858

 
3,498

 
203

 
8,559

Changes in current assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
(6,792
)
 
—

 
(11,357
)
 
(18,149
)
Finance receivables – accrued interest and other
 
—

 
(1,313
)
 
—

 
(1,313
)
Inventories
 
(20,584
)
 
—

 
—

 
(20,584
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
9,753

 
(11,497
)
 
11,872

 
10,128

Derivative instruments
 
1,785

 
81

 
—

 
1,866

Other
 
(31,868
)
 
(1,684
)
 
5,618

 
(27,934
)
Total adjustments
 
199,588

 
242,797

 
40,917

 
483,302

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
778,315

 
382,031

 
(155,285
)
 
1,005,061

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(193,204
)
 
(13,090
)
 
—

 
(206,294
)
Origination of finance receivables
 
—

 
(7,109,624
)
 
3,517,676

 
(3,591,948
)
Collections on finance receivables
 
—

 
6,786,702

 
(3,558,391
)
 
3,228,311

Sales and redemptions of marketable securities
 
6,916

 
—

 
—

 
6,916

Other
 
547

 
—

 
—

 
547

Net cash used by investing activities
 
(185,741
)
 
(336,012
)
 
(40,715
)
 
(562,468
)

106


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
HDMC
Entities
 
HDFS
Entities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes
 
—

 
893,668

 
—

 
893,668

Repayments of medium-term notes
 
—

 
(800,000
)
 
—

 
(800,000
)
Repayments of securitization debt
 
—

 
(444,671
)
 
—

 
(444,671
)
Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper
 
—

 
469,932

 
—

 
469,932

Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper
 
—

 
(176,227
)
 
—

 
(176,227
)
Net increase in credit facilities and unsecured commercial paper
 
—

 
212,809

 
—

 
212,809

Dividends paid
 
(251,862
)
 
(196,000
)
 
196,000

 
(251,862
)
Purchase of common stock for treasury
 
(465,263
)
 
—

 
—

 
(465,263
)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans
 
11,353

 
—

 
—

 
11,353

Net cash used by financing activities
 
(705,772
)
 
(40,489
)
 
196,000

 
(550,261
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
25,844

 
903

 
—

 
26,747

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
(87,354
)
 
$
6,433

 
$
—

 
$
(80,921
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – beginning of period
 
$
425,540

 
$
401,591

 
$
—

 
$
827,131

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
(87,354
)
 
6,433

 
—

 
(80,921
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – end of period
 
$
338,186

 
$
408,024

 
$
—

 
$
746,210


107


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
HDMC
Entities
 
HDFS
Entities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
707,614

 
$
167,445

 
$
(182,895
)
 
$
692,164

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
 
202,122

 
7,433

 
—

 
209,555

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs
 
—

 
86,681

 
—

 
86,681

Amortization of financing origination fees
 
654

 
8,598

 
—

 
9,252

Provision for long-term employee benefits
 
38,273

 
—

 
—

 
38,273

Employee benefit plan contributions and payments
 
(55,809
)
 
—

 
—

 
(55,809
)
Stock compensation expense
 
29,811

 
2,525

 
—

 
32,336

Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales
 
—

 
—

 
(3,233
)
 
(3,233
)
Provision for credit losses
 
—

 
136,617

 
—

 
136,617

Gain on off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization
 
—

 
(9,269
)
 
—

 
(9,269
)
Loss on debt extinguishment
 
—

 
118

 
—

 
118

Deferred income taxes
 
7,772

 
(7,705
)
 
(232
)
 
(165
)
Other, net
 
(7,041
)
 
239

 
(105
)
 
(6,907
)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
(67,621
)
 
—

 
21,687

 
(45,934
)
Finance receivables – accrued interest and other
 
—

 
(1,489
)
 
—

 
(1,489
)
Inventories
 
85,072

 
—

 
—

 
85,072

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
26,005

 
25,027

 
(12,795
)
 
38,237

Derivative instruments
 
(3,413
)
 
—

 
—

 
(3,413
)
Other
 
(25,415
)
 
(2,332
)
 
—

 
(27,747
)
Total adjustments
 
230,410

 
246,443

 
5,322

 
482,175

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
938,024

 
413,888

 
(177,573
)
 
1,174,339

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(245,316
)
 
(10,947
)
 
—

 
(256,263
)
Origination of finance receivables
 
—

 
(7,420,177
)
 
3,755,682

 
(3,664,495
)
Collections on finance receivables
 
—

 
6,936,140

 
(3,761,109
)
 
3,175,031

Proceeds from finance receivables sold
 
—

 
312,571

 
—

 
312,571

Sales and redemptions of marketable securities
 
40,014

 
—

 
—

 
40,014

Other
 
411

 
—

 
—

 
411

Net cash used by investing activities
 
(204,891
)
 
(182,413
)
 
(5,427
)
 
(392,731
)

108


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
HDMC
Entities
 
HDFS
Entities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes
 
—

 
1,193,396

 
—

 
1,193,396

Repayments of medium-term notes
 
—

 
(451,336
)
 
—

 
(451,336
)
Repayments of securitization debt
 
—

 
(665,400
)
 
—

 
(665,400
)
Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper
 
—

 
62,396

 
—

 
62,396

Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper
 
—

 
(71,500
)
 
—

 
(71,500
)
Net decrease in credit facilities and unsecured commercial paper
 
—

 
(145,812
)
 
—

 
(145,812
)
Dividends paid
 
(252,321
)
 
(183,000
)
 
183,000

 
(252,321
)
Purchase of common stock for treasury
 
(465,341
)
 
—

 
—

 
(465,341
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments
 
2,251

 
—

 
—

 
2,251

Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans
 
15,782

 
—

 
—

 
15,782

Net cash used by financing activities
 
(699,629
)
 
(261,256
)
 
183,000

 
(777,885
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
(8,407
)
 
(1,036
)
 
—

 
(9,443
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
25,097

 
$
(30,817
)
 
$
—

 
$
(5,720
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – beginning of period
 
$
400,443

 
$
432,408

 
$
—

 
$
832,851

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
25,097

 
(30,817
)
 
—

 
(5,720
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – end of period
 
$
425,540

 
$
401,591

 
$
—

 
$
827,131

21.    Subsequent Event

In February 2019, HDFS issued $550.0 million of medium-term notes that mature in February 2022 and have an annual interest rate of 4.05%.


109


SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
(In millions, except per share data)
 
 
 
1st Quarter
 
2nd Quarter
 
3rd Quarter
 
4th Quarter
 
 
April 1, 2018
 
Mar 26, 2017
 
July 1, 2018
 
June 25, 2017
 
Sep 30, 2018
 
Sep 24, 2017
 
Dec 31, 2018
 
Dec 31, 2017
Motorcycles:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
$
1,363.9

 
$
1,328.7

 
$
1,525.1

 
$
1,577.1

 
$
1,123.9

 
$
962.1

 
$
955.6

 
$
1,047.0

Operating income (loss)(a)
 
$
172.8

 
$
236.5

 
$
243.4

 
$
317.4

 
$
65.7

 
$
17.4

 
$
(59.5
)
 
$
35.5

Financial Services:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
$
178.2

 
$
173.2

 
$
188.1

 
$
188.0

 
$
191.7

 
$
189.1

 
$
190.2

 
$
181.9

Operating income
 
$
63.6

 
$
52.6

 
$
80.5

 
$
81.9

 
$
83.8

 
$
77.1

 
$
63.3

 
$
63.7

Consolidated:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before taxes
 
$
230.2

 
$
284.7

 
$
319.4

 
$
394.4

 
$
141.2

 
$
89.9

 
$
(4.1
)
 
$
94.8

Net income
 
$
174.8

 
$
186.4

 
$
242.3

 
$
258.9

 
$
113.9

 
$
68.2

 
$
0.5

 
$
8.3

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.04

 
$
1.06

 
$
1.45

 
$
1.48

 
$
0.69

 
$
0.40

 
$
0.00

 
$
0.05

Diluted
 
$
1.03

 
$
1.05

 
$
1.45

 
$
1.48

 
$
0.68

 
$
0.40

 
$
0.00

 
$
0.05

(a)
The Company adopted ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, the Company reclassified the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost, previously recorded in Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold and Selling, administrative and engineering expense, to Other income (expense), net.
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None. 
Item 9A.     Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its President and Chief Executive Officer and its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The 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, 2018. 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. 

110


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.”
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, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART III 
Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information to be included in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed on or about March 29, 2019 (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 and Finance Committee,” “Proposal I – Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Audit and Finance 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 http://investor.harley-davidson.com/. The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Current Report on Form 8-K regarding amendments to, or waivers from, the Harley-Davidson, Inc. Financial Code of Ethics by posting such information on its website at www.harley-davidson.com. The Company is not including the information contained on or available through its website as a part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 
Item 11.    Executive Compensation
The information to be included in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Human Resources Committee Report on Executive Compensation” is incorporated by reference herein. 
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information 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 as of December 31, 2018:
Plan Category
 
Number of securities
to be issued upon the
exercise of
outstanding options
 
Weighted-
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options
 
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
the first column)
Management employees
 
1,055,468

 
$
50.11

 
8,731,837

Non-employee Board of Directors
 
—

 
$
—

 
279,304

Total all plans
 
1,055,468

 


 
9,011,141

Documents for the Company’s equity compensation plans have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on a timely basis and included in the list of exhibits to this annual report on Form 10-K.
Under the Company’s management plan the Board of Directors may grant to employees share-based awards including restricted stock units (RSUs), performance shares, nonqualified stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs). Performance shares include a three-year performance period with vesting based on achievement of internal performance targets. RSUs vest ratably over a three-year period. The options and SARs granted under the Plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and vest ratably over a three-year period with the first one-

111


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.
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 May 2016, the Board approved “Board of Directors and Senior Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines” (Ownership Guidelines). The Ownership Guidelines stipulate that all Directors hold five times their annual retainer in shares of common stock and Vice Presidents, General Managers or higher (Senior Executives) hold from two times to six times of their base salary in shares of 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 become a Senior Executive to accumulate the appropriate number of shares of common stock. Restricted stock, restricted stock units, shares held in 401(k) accounts, shares issuable under vested unexercised stock options, performance shares and performance share units (at target amount), stock appreciation rights, deferred stock units and shares of common stock held directly count toward satisfying the guidelines for common stock ownership.
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.     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.

112



PART IV

Item 15.     Exhibits and Financial Statements
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K: 
(1
)
 
Financial Statements
 
 
 
Consolidated statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018
 
 
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018
 
 
Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
 
 
Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018
 
 
Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018
 
 
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(2
)
 
Financial Statement Schedule
 
 
 
Schedule II – Valuation and qualifying accounts
(3
)
 
Exhibits
Reference is made to the separate Index to Exhibits contained on pages 115 through 119 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.
Item 16.     Form 10-K Summary
None. 

113


Schedule II
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands)
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Accounts receivable – allowance for doubtful accounts
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
4,091

 
$
2,741

 
$
2,905

Provision charged to expense
 
731

 
1,328

 
(101
)
Reserve adjustments
 
(137
)
 
99

 
(63
)
Write-offs, net of recoveries
 
(678
)
 
(77
)
 
—

Balance, end of period
 
$
4,007

 
$
4,091

 
$
2,741

Finance receivables – allowance for credit losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
192,471

 
$
173,343

 
$
147,178

Provision for credit losses
 
106,870

 
132,444

 
136,617

Charge-offs, net of recoveries
 
(109,456
)
 
(113,316
)
 
(107,161
)
Other(a)  
 
—

 
—

 
(3,291
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
189,885

 
$
192,471

 
$
173,343

Inventories – allowance for obsolescence(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
38,669

 
$
39,873

 
$
26,740

Provision charged to expense
 
25,722

 
16,940

 
21,137

Reserve adjustments
 
(332
)
 
306

 
(88
)
Write-offs, net of recoveries
 
(25,044
)
 
(18,450
)
 
(7,916
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
39,015

 
$
38,669

 
$
39,873

Deferred tax assets – valuation allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
21,561

 
$
30,953

 
$
20,659

Adjustments
 
307

 
(9,392
)
 
10,294

Balance, end of period
 
$
21,868

 
$
21,561

 
$
30,953

 
(a)
Related to the sale of finance receivables in 2016 with a principal balance of $301.8 million
through an off-balance sheet asset-backed securitization transaction (see Note 12 for additional information).
(b)
Inventory obsolescence reserves deducted from cost determined on first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, before deductions for last-in, first-out (LIFO) valuation reserves.





114



INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]
 
 
 
Exhibit No
  
Description
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated April 30, 2015, among Harley-Davidson Canada LP, Fred Deeley Imports Ltd. and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc., as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended through April 27, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Harley-Davidson, Inc. By-Laws, as amended through April 27, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Indenture to provide for the issuance of indebtedness dated as of November 21, 2003 between Harley-Davidson Funding Corp., Issuer, Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. and Harley-Davidson Credit Corp., Guarantors, to BNY Midwest Trust Company, Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-9183))
  
5-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2018, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the financial institutions parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as among other things, global administrative agent 2020 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2018 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Officers’ Certificate, dated May 22, 2008, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated November 21, 2003, with the forms of 6.80% Medium-Term Notes, Series C due 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 15, 2008 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Indenture, dated as of March 4, 2011, among Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc., Issuer, Harley-Davidson Credit Corp., Guarantor, and Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 2011 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate, dated September 16, 2014, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with the forms of 2.400% Medium-Term Notes due 2019 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Registrant’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate, dated February 26, 2015, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with the form of 2.150% Medium-Term Notes due 2020 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Registrant’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Indenture, dated July 28, 2015, by and between Harley-Davidson, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 28, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate, dated July 28, 2015 establishing the form of 3.500% Senior Notes due 2025 and 4.625% Senior Notes due 2045 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on From 8-K dates July 28, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate dated January 8, 2016, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with the form of 2.250% Medium-Term Notes due 2019 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 5, 2016 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate, dated January 8, 2016, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with the form of 2.850% Medium-Term Notes due 2021 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 5, 2016 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Amendment No. 1 to 5-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2018, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the financial institutions parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as, among other things, global administrative agent, relating to the 5-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2016, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the financial institutions parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as among other things, global administrative agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2018 (File No. 1-9183))
 
5-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2016 among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the financial institutions parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as among other things, global administrative agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 27, 2016 (File No. 1-9183))

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.
115


INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]
 
 
 
Exhibit No
  
Description
 
Amendment No. 1 5-year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2016, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the financial institutions parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as, among other things, global administrative agent, relating to the 5-year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2014 among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the financial institutions parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as among other things, global administrative agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 27, 2016 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate, dated March 10, 2017, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with the form of 2.400% Medium-Term Notes due 2020(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate, dated March 10, 2017, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with the form of Floating Rate Medium-Term Notes due 2019 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate, dated June 9, 2017, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with the form of 2.550% Medium-Term Notes due 2022 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate, dated February 9, 2018, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with the form of 3.350% Medium-Term Notes due 2023 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2018 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate, dated May 21, 2018, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with the form of 3.550% Medium-Term Notes due 2021(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2018 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate, dated May 21, 2018, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with the form of Floating Rate Medium-Term Notes due 2020 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2018 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Officers' Certificate, dated November 28, 2018, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with the form of Floating Rate Medium-Term Notes due 2020
  
Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan as amended through April 28, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 25, 2009 filed on April 3, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 26, 2014 filed on March 14, 2014 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Amended and Restated Harley-Davidson, Inc. Director Stock Plan as amended effective December 1, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Director Compensation Policy approved April 29, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 26, 2016 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Deferred Compensation Plan for Nonemployee Directors as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Harley-Davidson Management Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 25, 2016 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Harley-Davidson, Inc. Employee Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to the Appendix to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 25, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Harley-Davidson, Inc. Short-Term Incentive Plan for Senior Executives (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix D to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 30, 2011 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Harley-Davidson Pension Benefit Restoration Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 1-9183))





*
Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.
116



INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]
 
 
 
Exhibit No
  
Description
  
Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Form of Notice of Special Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan to each of Messrs. Hund, Levatich and Olin (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 1, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan and the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Form of Notice of Special Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan and the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Grant Award of Stock Options and Stock Option Agreement (Standard) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Grant Award of Stock Options and Stock Option Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Deferred) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (International) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Special) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Standard) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Deferred) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Grant Award of Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))





*
Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.
117



INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]
 
 
 
Exhibit No
  
Description
  
Executive Severance Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Form of Transition Agreement between the Registrant and each of Messrs. Levatich and Olin (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Transition Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Hund dated November 30, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))
  
Form of Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement between the Registrant and each of Messrs. Levatich, Olin, Jones and Hund and Ms. Bischmann (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Non-competition and Non-solicitation Agreement between Harley-Davidson Canada LP, Fred Deeley Imports Ltd. and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc., as amended (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Shares and Performance Shares Agreement (Standard) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Share Units and Performance Share Unit Agreement (Standard International)
 of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Shares and Performance Shares Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Harley-Davidson Retiree Insurance Allowance Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Shares and Performance Share Agreement (Standard) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan first approved for use in February 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 26, 2017 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Shares and Performance Share Agreement (Standard International) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan first approved for use in February 2017(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 26, 2017 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Shares and Performance Share Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan first approved for use in February 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 26, 2017 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Shares and Performance Share Agreement (Special Retention) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan first approved for use in February 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 26, 2017 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Transition Agreement between the Registrant and each of Mses. Michelle Kumbier and Tchernavia Rocker and Mr. Paul Jones (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 1, 2018 (File No. 1-9183))
 
Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Standard), Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Standard International), Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Special), Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Special Retention), and Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan first approved for use in February 2018
 
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Shares and Performance Shares Agreement (Standard), Form of Notice of Award of Performance Share Units and Performance Share Unit Agreement (Standard International), and Form of Notice of Award of Performance Shares and Performance Shares Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan first approved for use in February 2018





*
Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.
118



INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]
 
 
 
Exhibit No
  
Description
 
Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Standard), Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Standard International), Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Special), and Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Special Retention) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan first approved for use in February 2019
 
Form of Notice of Award of Performance Shares and Performance Shares Agreement (Standard) and Form of Notice of Award of Performance Share Units and Performance Share Unit Agreement (Standard International) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan first approved for use in February 2019
  
List of Subsidiaries
  
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  
Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
  
Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
  
Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document





























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.
119



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 28, 2019.
 
 
 
 
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
 
 
By:
 
/S/ Matthew S. Levatich
 
 
Matthew S. Levatich
 
 
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 28, 2019.
 
 
 
 
Name
 
Title
 
 
/S/ Matthew S. Levatich
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
Matthew S. Levatich
 
(Principal executive officer)
 
 
/S/ John A. Olin
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John A. Olin
 
(Principal financial officer)
 
 
/S/ Mark R. Kornetzke
 
Chief Accounting Officer
Mark R. Kornetzke
 
(Principal accounting officer)
 
 
/S/ Troy Alstead
 
Director
Troy Alstead
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ R. John Anderson
 
Director
R. John Anderson
 
 
 
 
/S/ Michael J. Cave
 
Non-Executive Chairman
Michael J. Cave
  
 
 
 
 
/S/ Allan Golston
  
Director
Allan Golston
  
 
 
 
/S/ Sara L. Levinson
  
Director
Sara L. Levinson
  
 
 
 
/S/ N. Thomas Linebarger
  
Director
N. Thomas Linebarger
  
 
 
 
/S/ Brian Niccol
  
Director
Brian Niccol
  
 
 
 
 
/S/ Maryrose Sylvester
  
Director
Maryrose Sylvester
  
 
 
 
/S/ Jochen Zeitz
  
Director
Jochen Zeitz
  
 


120