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Harley-Davidson (HOG)
NYSE:HOG

Harley-Davidson (HOG) AI Stock Analysis

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HOG

Harley-Davidson

(NYSE:HOG)

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Neutral 54 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:54Neutral
Price Target:
$20.50
▲(5.34% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/11/26
The score is held back primarily by weakening near-term financial performance and cautious 2026 guidance, reinforced by bearish technical trends. These risks are partly offset by attractive valuation (low P/E) and a solid dividend yield, but the near-term reset and margin headwinds keep the overall rating near the middle of the range.
Positive Factors
Margin Sustainability
Sustained gross and net margins indicate durable pricing power and operational efficiency in Harley-Davidson's core motorcycle business. High margins provide recurring cash to fund R&D, product refreshes, and dealer support, helping protect profitability through cyclical demand shifts.
HDFS Strategic Cash Unlock
The HDFS transaction materially derisks the balance sheet and generates significant discretionary cash. This structural cash inflow enhances liquidity, enables debt reduction or strategic investments, and improves financial flexibility over the next 2–6 months and beyond.
U.S. Market Share Leadership
Share gains in the large cruiser segment demonstrate durable brand strength, dealer network effectiveness, and customer loyalty. Leading share in a core, high-margin category supports pricing power, parts and accessory sales, and long-term competitive advantage.
Negative Factors
High Leverage
Elevated leverage reduces financial flexibility and raises interest exposure, constraining capital allocation and cushioning against demand shocks. Even with solid ROE, a low equity ratio heightens refinancing and operational risk during prolonged softness or rising rates.
Declining Revenue Trends
Material year-over-year revenue declines reflect softer retail demand and pose a challenge to sustaining scale. Persistent top-line contraction can pressure dealer economics, reduce leverage benefits in fixed-cost recovery, and limit reinvestment capacity over the medium term.
Tariff and Cost Headwinds
Ongoing tariff costs are a structural margin headwind that can persist until resolved by policy or supply-chain shifts. These incremental costs erode gross margins or force higher retail prices, reducing competitiveness and complicating long-term margin planning.

Harley-Davidson (HOG) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Harley-Davidson Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHarley-Davidson, Inc. manufactures and sells motorcycles. The company operates in two segments, Motorcycles and Related Products and Financial Services. The Motorcycles and Related Products segment designs, manufactures, and sells Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including cruiser, touring, standard, sportbike, and dual models, as well as motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and related services. This segment sells its products to retail customers through a network of independent dealers, as well as e-commerce channels in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. The Financial Services segment provides wholesale financing services, such as floorplan and open account financing of motorcycles, and parts and accessories; and retail financing services, including installment lending for the purchase of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles, as well as point-of-sale protection products comprising motorcycle insurance, extended service contracts, and motorcycle maintenance protection. This segment also licenses third-party financial institutions that issue credit cards bearing the Harley-Davidson brand. Harley-Davidson, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
How the Company Makes MoneyHarley-Davidson generates revenue through several key streams. The primary source is the sale of motorcycles, which includes both new and used models. The company also earns significant income from the sale of parts and accessories, apparel, and branded merchandise, which enhance the riding experience and promote the Harley-Davidson lifestyle. Additionally, the company offers financial services, including motorcycle financing and insurance, contributing to its revenue. Strategic partnerships with dealers and collaborations with other brands help expand its market reach. Seasonal promotions, events, and a strong brand community further drive sales and customer loyalty, impacting the overall earnings of the company.

Harley-Davidson Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 10, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 23, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Negative
The call outlines decisive management actions and several operational positives — notably significant dealer inventory reduction, HDFS’s record full-year operating income and a stronger cash position — and a clear strategic reset with targeted cost savings. However, those positives are outweighed by substantial near-term financial deterioration: sharp revenue declines, Q4 consolidated operating losses, EPS deterioration, margin pressure from tariffs and lower volumes, and continued regional retail softness. Management expects 2026 to be a transition year with margins under pressure while inventory is rebalanced and the strategy is finalized.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Dealer Inventory Reduction Exceeds Target
Global dealer inventory declined 17% year-over-year (end of Q4 vs prior year), exceeding the 10% reduction target; North America dealer inventory down 16% and international dealer inventory down ~20% (regions between -19% to -23%), improving dealer health and positioning for 2026 riding season.
North America Q4 Retail Growth and Early Retail Momentum
North American retail sales of new motorcycles were up 5% in Q4 (15,847 units), with dealer response and December acceleration indicating early signs of improving dealer profitability and retail momentum.
HDFS Full-Year Record Operating Income and Capital-Light Transition
Harley-Davidson Financial Services delivered record full-year 2025 operating income of $490 million (up from $248 million in 2024) driven by the HDFS transaction (sale of ~$6B retail receivables, forward flows, equity sale) and favorable provision for credit loss dynamics; HDFS is repositioned to a capital-light, de-risked model.
Strong Cash Position and Capital Actions
Total cash and cash equivalents ended 2025 at $3.1 billion, up $1.5 billion YoY. HDFS transaction enabled a $1.0 billion dividend to the parent in Q4 and the company completed $347 million of share repurchases (including a $200M ASR).
LiveWire Operational Progress and Market Position
LiveWire achieved unit growth (electric motorcycle units +7% full-year; Stasic +15%), maintained #1 retailer position in the U.S. 50+ HP on-road EV segment, delivered its second consecutive record retail quarter, and reduced operating loss (~30% decrease year-over-year); LiveWire remains focused on new S4 Honcho launch and network expansion.
Planned Cost Savings to Improve Long-Term Profitability
Company expects at least $150 million of annual run-rate savings impacting 2027 and beyond (HDMC and HDFS scope); realization of some savings anticipated beginning in back half of 2026 as part of an end-to-end cost review supported by third-party specialists.
Product & Brand Reorientation
Management is refocusing on core franchise strengths: re-emphasizing customization, expanding accessible price points, improving parts & accessories focus, simplifying rider engagement, and promising more optimistic brand storytelling; management reports strong dealer and rider alignment with these changes.
Negative Updates
Sharp Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Declines
Consolidated revenue in Q4 fell 28% (HDMC revenue down 10%, HDFS down 59%). Full-year consolidated revenue was $4.5 billion, down 14% versus prior year. HDMC full-year revenue fell 13% to $3.6 billion.
Significant Operating Losses and EPS Deterioration in Q4
Consolidated operating loss in Q4 was $361 million versus a $193 million loss prior year. HDMC Q4 operating loss was $260 million; HDFS Q4 operating loss was $82 million (driven by $73 million discrete liability-management costs). Q4 EPS was a loss of $2.44 versus a loss of $0.93 in 2024.
Full-Year Margin Pressure at HDMC
HDMC gross margin declined to 24.2% for full-year 2025 from 28.0% prior year (-380 basis points), driven by incremental tariffs, negative operating leverage, and lower volumes; HDMC operating income for full-year 2025 was a loss of $29 million versus operating income of $278 million in 2024.
Tariff Headwinds Increasing
New or increased tariffs cost $67 million in full-year 2025 (Q4 impact $22 million). Management forecasts incremental tariff costs of $75 million to $105 million for 2026, creating a meaningful headwind to margins.
Soft International Retail Performance and Regional Weaknesses
International retail sales were down 10% in Q4 (9,440 units). EMEA Q4 retail declined 24% (full-year EMEA down 11%). Asia Pacific full-year retail down 15, with China particularly weak; full-year global retail sales of new motorcycles were down 12%.
Wholesale Shipments and Unit Declines
Wholesale shipments for the year were around 125,000 motorcycles, down ~16% versus prior year. Management expects production below wholesale in 2026 as part of inventory discipline, which will create near-term operating deleverage and margin pressure.
HDFS Near-Term Volatility and Reduced Receivables Base
While HDFS reported strong full-year operating income, the Q4 results showed a sharp revenue drop (Q4 revenue $106 million vs $257 million prior year) and a 74% decline in gross financing receivables (to $2.0 billion from $7.7 billion) following the retail back-book sale—leading to reduced near-term interest income and a changed earnings profile.
Material Decline in Operating Cash Flow
Operating cash flow for full-year 2025 was $569 million, down from $1.064 billion in 2024, driven by lower motorcycle shipments, unfavorable manufacturing and tariff costs, and originations of retail finance receivables held for sale.
Near-Term Profitability Guidance is Weak for HDMC and LiveWire
2026 guidance implies constrained profitability: HDMC operating income expected between +$10 million and -$40 million; LiveWire operating loss guidance of $70 million to $80 million; HDFS guidance of $45 million to $60 million reflects the new capital-light model but is below earlier marketplace expectations.
Company Guidance
Harley‑Davidson’s 2026 guidance calls for HDMC retail and wholesale shipments of 130,000–135,000 units (expected to be largely one‑for‑one), with production deliberately run below wholesale (creating near‑term operating deleverage) and a cadence of wholesale slightly down in Q1, picking up into early Q2, modestly lower in Q3 and more back‑loaded into H2/Q4; HDMC operating income guidance is +$10 million to −$40 million, HDFS operating income is $45–$60 million (with management saying long‑run HDFS earnings could be roughly 3x the 2026 midpoint over ~2.5–3 years), and LiveWire is forecast to lose $70–$80 million; tariff headwinds are expected to be $75–$105 million in 2026 (vs. $67 million in 2025), dealer inventory finished Q4 down 17% year‑over‑year (North America −16%, International −20%, regions −19% to −23%), the company shipped ~125,000 motorcycles in 2025 (−16% YoY), and management expects at least $150 million of annual run‑rate savings by 2027 while taking a measured approach to share repurchases as it finalizes its May strategic plan.

Harley-Davidson Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Profitability and free cash flow have been generally solid historically, but results are cyclical and the balance sheet has carried meaningful leverage. The latest annual snapshot shows weaker revenue/earnings, a sharp drop in operating cash flow vs. the prior year, and an unusual negative EBITDA reading despite positive net income—raising near-term stability and quality-of-earnings concerns.
Income Statement
58
Neutral
Profitability was solid from 2021–2024, with healthy gross and net margins and strong earnings power in 2022–2023. However, revenue has been choppy (down in 2020 and 2024, modest growth in 2022–2023) and the 2025 annual data shows a notable step-down in revenue and earnings versus 2024. Also, the 2025 annual EBITDA is negative despite positive EBIT and net income, which raises a quality/consistency flag in the reported figures and adds uncertainty around underlying operating performance.
Balance Sheet
45
Neutral
Leverage remains the key constraint: debt-to-equity stayed elevated around ~2.2–2.7 in 2021–2024 (and was very high in 2020), which limits flexibility in a cyclical industry. Returns on equity were strong in 2021–2024, indicating the company has been able to generate attractive profits on its capital base, but that return profile is supported by meaningful leverage. The 2025 annual debt level is dramatically lower than prior years, suggesting either a major balance-sheet change or reporting inconsistency versus 2024; until that is reconciled, balance-sheet risk is harder to underwrite confidently.
Cash Flow
63
Positive
Cash generation has generally been a strength, with operating cash flow consistently positive and free cash flow positive every year shown. Free cash flow has typically covered a large portion of net income (roughly ~0.72–0.89 in 2020–2024), supporting earnings quality. That said, cash flow has been volatile (free cash flow declined in 2021 and 2022, rebounded in 2023–2024, then dropped sharply in 2025 versus 2024), and cash flow relative to debt service needs can be pressured given the historically high leverage.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.47B5.19B5.84B5.76B5.34B
Gross Profit1.35B1.81B2.18B2.13B1.90B
EBITDA492.18M708.56M1.06B1.11B1.02B
Net Income338.74M455.36M706.59M741.41M650.02M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets8.04B11.88B12.14B11.49B11.05B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments3.09B1.59B1.53B1.43B1.87B
Total Debt2.97B7.03B7.20B6.96B6.94B
Total Liabilities4.89B8.72B8.89B8.59B8.50B
Stockholders Equity3.16B3.17B3.25B2.90B2.55B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow415.24M867.27M547.48M396.79M855.52M
Operating Cash Flow568.92M1.06B754.89M548.46M975.70M
Investing Cash Flow3.78B-383.33M-512.30M-773.01M-459.45M
Financing Cash Flow-3.01B-572.32M-174.65M-201.97M-1.88B

Harley-Davidson Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price19.46
Price Trends
50DMA
20.60
Negative
100DMA
22.97
Negative
200DMA
24.27
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.25
Positive
RSI
40.84
Neutral
STOCH
24.19
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HOG, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 19.46 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 20.09, below the 50-day MA of 20.60, and below the 200-day MA of 24.27, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.25 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 40.84 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 24.19 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for HOG.

Harley-Davidson Risk Analysis

Harley-Davidson disclosed 2 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Harley-Davidson reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Harley-Davidson Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$1.24B34.152.94%3.42%1.38%
69
Neutral
$5.73B20.436.75%1.94%1.43%34.76%
68
Neutral
$3.42B18.7513.70%3.72%5.74%39.40%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
58
Neutral
$5.43B-39.95-7.73%2.27%-4.78%-189.89%
54
Neutral
$2.30B6.9710.71%3.47%-15.99%-6.76%
51
Neutral
$3.63B-7.82-43.95%3.99%-9.39%-173.86%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HOG
Harley-Davidson
19.46
-6.15
-24.01%
BC
Brunswick
83.77
22.92
37.66%
LCII
LCI Industries
141.49
41.20
41.08%
PII
Polaris
63.98
20.00
45.48%
THO
Thor Industries
108.52
9.29
9.37%
WGO
Winnebago Industries
43.98
3.43
8.46%

Harley-Davidson Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesStock BuybackDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Harley-Davidson Outlines 2026 Outlook Amid Operational Reset
Negative
Feb 10, 2026

Harley-Davidson reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on February 10, 2026, showing a sharp downturn at its core Motor Company business but record earnings at its finance arm. Consolidated 2025 revenue fell 14% and operating income declined 7%, as HDMC swung to a $29 million operating loss on lower shipments, weaker gross margins driven by tariffs and negative operating leverage, and slightly higher operating expenses.

Fourth-quarter 2025 underscored the pressure on the business, with consolidated revenue down 28%, a deeper $361 million operating loss and a diluted EPS loss of $2.44. Global retail motorcycle sales for 2025 fell 12% to 132,535 units and shipments dropped 16%, though North American retail sales grew 5% in the quarter as management moved to reduce dealer inventory, which ended the year 17% lower than late 2024.

Harley-Davidson Financial Services was a bright spot, delivering record 2025 operating income of $490 million, aided by a strategic transaction with KKR and PIMCO that reduced HDFS debt, lowered capital needs and enabled a $1 billion dividend to the parent. The group returned $434 million to shareholders via buybacks and dividends in 2025, while LiveWire posted a $75 million operating loss in line with expectations.

For 2026, Harley-Davidson projected HDMC retail and wholesale volumes of 130,000 to 135,000 units and an HDMC operating result ranging from a $40 million loss to a $10 million profit, alongside sharply lower HDFS operating income and a LiveWire loss of $70 million to $80 million. The company, which plans $175 million to $200 million in capital investments, framed these targets as part of a broader effort to stabilize operations, realign wholesale with retail demand and reset long-term earnings power ahead of a new strategic plan expected in May 2026.

Separately, on February 9, 2026, board member James Duncan Farley, Jr. informed the company he would not stand for re-election at the upcoming annual meeting, a decision not tied to any dispute over company matters. The board is expected to reduce its size from nine to eight directors following the meeting, signaling a modest governance shift as Harley-Davidson navigates its operational reset.

The most recent analyst rating on (HOG) stock is a Hold with a $21.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Harley-Davidson stock, see the HOG Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 11, 2026