Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson Inc. reported that its second quarter profit of $247.25 million, up 29.7 percent from its 2011 second quarter profit of $190.58 million. Diluted earnings per share were $1.07, up 32 percent from 81 cents in the 2011 second quarter.
The company’s revenues for the second quarter were $1.57 billion, up 17.1 percent.
On a worldwide basis, dealers sold 85,714 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the second quarter of 2012, a 2.8 percent increase compared to 83,396 motorcycles sold in the year-ago period. Dealers sold 55,761 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the U.S., a 4.0 percent increase compared to the second quarter of 2011.
“We continue to see the results of our focus on the effective implementation of our business strategy,” said Keith Wandell, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Harley-Davidson’s strategy provides the roadmap for success over the long-term through exceptional product development, manufacturing and retail capabilities. We’re working hard every day to unleash the full potential of Harley-Davidson and our iconic brand, and our employees, dealers and suppliers are doing a truly outstanding job.”
Harley-Davidson continues to expect to ship 245,000 to 250,000 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide in 2012, a five-to seven-percent increase from 2011.
“We continue to remain cautious in our expectations for retail sales globally in an environment of greater economic uncertainty, including in Europe where sales are clearly being affected by the challenging Eurozone economy,” Wandell said.
