While naysayers have wondered how many cycles Harley-Davidson
True, this quarter's motorcycle retail sales were down 10% compared with the same period last year. But the 100th anniversary celebration for the prior-year quarter is one of those rarities in financial reporting: a management excuse that doesn't sound like bunko. There's more to be excited about the further you read: Total net revenues climbed 15% to $1.3 billion. Earnings per share were up 24% to $0.77. Free cash flow of $847 million already eclipses last year's tally for all four quarters.
There's little question that Harley's profit margins, balance sheets, and 28% return on equity make it a lot easier to love than other heavy motor industries, such as 4-wheeled box-makers like Ford
For related Foolishness:
- See why Harley is good for baby.
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Seth Jayson's bike-happy relatives have purchased way too many Harleys over the past few years. At the time of publication, he had positions in no company mentioned. View his stock holdings and Fool profile here. Fool rules are here.