Harley-Davidson Q2 2009 profit down 91% - the slump continues...
Harley Davidson sales slump continues
Well, I'm sure it won't come as much of a surprise in this economy: Harley-Davidson reports second-quarter profits are off by 91% over the same quarter in 2008. Revenue declined 27 percent to $1.15 billion. Hard times are expected to continue into 2010 as the economy remains weak.
Fitch Ratings downgraded Harley-Davidson to BBB+, which is several steps above junk status. Further downgrades may be on the horizon.
Harley-Davidson announced production cuts of 25 to 30 percent from 2008 levels, and job cuts numbering 1,000 workers.
Harley-Davidson stock price remained steady, by some accounts due to the job and production cuts announcements. The stock price is down about 50% over the past year.
Sources
Fitch Cuts Ratings On Harley-Davidson, Finance Arm
Harley-Davidson cuts jobs as demand crashes
Harley-Davidson deepens cuts as 2Q profit tumbles
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Author Name
Michael Curry
Author Bio
Michael has been riding street motorcycles since 1975. He's owned and ridden everything from Hondas to Harleys with a preference for spirited sport-touring riding.
Michael is a Roadcarvin.com co-founder and serves as chief editor, scribe, staff photographer, and other things.
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Isnt this a bit misleading?
The big number here is the 27% reduction in revenue NOT the profits. If they paid their employees more based on profits OR reduced their (possible) executive spending then the profits would look much better. Lets face it, they still pulled in over $1 Billion dollars in a depressed market. That in itself is a feet worthy of a reward. Maybe this 'recession' isnt so bad after all considering they were only down 27% on sales where a majority of our county has lost everything!
Had to throw my $0.02 cents in here...for what its worth.
Oh, there's a silver lining, to be sure.
Yes, there are positive aspects to the reports, and H-D's probably doing better than many, but there's no denying that the 'recession' has hurt H-D as it has everyone else.