Harley-Davidson Announces "Back to the Bricks" Strategic Plan to Restore Performance and Deliver Profitable Growth
Strategy Leverages Harley-Davidson's Competitive Advantages to Restore Volumes and Build Platform for Value Creation; Targeting over
Conference Call at
"Having defined the motorcycle industry for more than 123 years, Harley-Davidson remains one of the world's most iconic and respected brands," said Artie Starrs, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. "Back to the Bricks builds on our core strengths and competitive advantages, harnessing the passion of our riders to deliver profitable growth for the Company and both our dealers and shareholders. This next chapter in Harley-Davidson's evolution is already underway, and early momentum reinforces our confidence in the significant opportunities ahead. As we drive towards this new phase of growth, we remain committed to the craftsmanship and dedication that define our brand - while delivering meaningful value to the Company for our riders, dealers, and shareholders alike."
Back to the Bricks is built on five key pillars:
- Deep appreciation of Harley-Davidson's competitive advantages and legacy: The Company's iconic brand, diversified and powerful revenue channels, and best-in-class dealer network provide a powerful foundation for growth.
- Renewed commitment to exclusive dealer network to drive enterprise profitability: Harley-Davidson's dealers are a competitive advantage. The Company is planning actions to enable dealers to double profitability in 2026 and then double it again by 2029.
- Immediate actions to recapture share in areas where Harley-Davidson has right to win: Harley-Davidson has strong legacy equity in existing markets including new motorcycles, used motorcycles, Parts & Accessories, and Apparel & Licensing. The Company's new strategy is focused on positioning the Company to regain share and drive meaningful volume growth in categories where it benefits from credibility, scale, and deep rider connection.
- Strong financial position with a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin: Cost and restructuring actions already underway support a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin over time.
- Bolstered management team with balance of fresh perspectives and institutional knowledge: Harley-Davidson has made a number of leadership appointments that support the Company as it leverages its innate strengths.
Financial Targets
The Company is targeting more than
Over the medium term, Harley-Davidson is targeting:
- Mid-single-digit CAGR for HDMC retail unit growth
- HDMC gross margin of 25-30%
- Mid-single-digit CAGR for HDMC Parts & Accessories and Apparel & Licensing growth
- HDMC operational expenditures of less than 20% of sales
- HDMC EBITDA margin of 10-12%
Webcast
Harley-Davidson will discuss the Company's strategic plan, first quarter financial results, developments in the business, and updates to the Company's outlook on an audio webcast at 8:00 a.m. CST today. Webcast participants should log-on and register at least 10 minutes prior to the start time and can access the slide presentation here: https://investor.harley-davidson.com/events-and-presentations/default.aspx. A replay of the audio webcast will be available approximately two hours after the call concludes.
First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
In a separate press release, Harley-Davidson today reported first quarter 2026 financial results and provided updates to the Company's outlook. The press release and supporting slides can be accessed at http://investor.harley-davidson.com/news-and-events/events-and-presentations.
Company Background
Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, Parts & Accessories, experiences, riding gear and apparel. What We Make: The World's Best Motorcycles. Period. Who We Serve: Motorcycle Riders Worldwide. Why We Do It: To Protect and Grow Motorcycle Culture. What We Stand For: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and has a controlling interest in Harley-Davidson Financial Services and LiveWire Group, Inc. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road. LiveWire is committed to developing the technology of the future and investing in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorsports. Learn more at harley-davidson.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this press release 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," "projects," "may," "will," "estimates," "targets," "intends," "forecasts," "seeks," "sees," "should," "feels," "commits," "assumes," "envisions," or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe or refer to future expectations, future plans, strategies, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance, commitments 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 press 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 are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Important factors that could affect future results and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the Company's ability to: (a) execute its business plans and strategies, including the Company's new strategic plan announced in the second quarter of 2026, successfully execute its approach to a full enterprise economic model, and strengthen its existing businesses while allowing for growth; (b) manage supply chain and logistics issues, including without limitation quality issues, unexpected interruptions or price increases caused by supplier volatility, raw material shortages, inflation, war or other hostilities, including the conflict in
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 dealers to sell its motorcycles and related products and services to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability and financial capacity of its 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 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.
Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.'s retail credit losses will continue to change over time due to changing consumer credit behavior, macroeconomic conditions including the impact of inflation and Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.'s efforts to increase prudently structured loan approvals to sub-prime borrowers. In addition, Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.'s efforts to adjust underwriting criteria based on market and economic conditions, and actions that the Company has taken and could take that impact motorcycle values, may impact Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.'s retail credit losses.
The Company's operations, demand for its products, and its liquidity could be adversely impacted by changes in tariffs, inflation, work stoppages, facility closures, strikes, natural causes, widespread infectious disease, terrorism, war or other hostilities, including the conflict in
Non-GAAP Considerations
The Company has not provided a reconciliation of guidance for EBITDA margin because the Company is unable, without unreasonable efforts, to reconcile this measure to a comparable
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SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.

