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Harley-Davidson

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Industry Auto - Recreational Vehicles
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2014 Annual Report · Harley-Davidson
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

    For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2014 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

   For the transition period from             to             

Commission file number 1-9183

Harley-Davidson, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin
(State of organization)
3700 West Juneau Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
(Address of principal executive offices)

39-1382325
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

53208
(Zip code)

Registrants telephone number: (414) 342-4680

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE

Name of each exchange on which registered
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 

Act.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. 

    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 

Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every 

Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the 
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not 
be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of 
this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller 

reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one).

Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer

  Accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.    Yes  

    No  

Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 29, 2014: $14,907,688,941

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding at January 30, 2015: 211,524,478 shares

Part III of this report incorporates information by reference from registrant’s Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of its shareholders 

to be held on April 25, 2015.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Form 10-K

For The Year Ended December 31, 2014 

Part I

Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.

Part II

Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.

Part III

Item 10.
Item 11.

Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.

Part IV

Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules

Signatures

Page

3
11
18
19
19
20

21
23
24
45
46
106
106

108
108

108
109
109

110

112

2

 
 
 
Note regarding forward-looking statements(1)

PART I

The Company intends that certain matters discussed by the Company 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 because the context statement will include words such as the Company 
“believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “estimates,” or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe 
future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance 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 from those anticipated 
as of the date of this report. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described in close proximity to such statements or 
elsewhere in this report, including under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report and under “Cautionary 
Statements” in Item 7 of this report. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in 
evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The 
forward-looking statements included in this report are made as of the date indicated or, if a date is not indicated, as of the date 
of the filing of this report (February 19, 2015), and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-
looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. 

Item 1. 

  Business

Harley-Davidson, Inc. was incorporated in 1981, at which time it purchased the Harley-Davidson® motorcycle business 

from AMF Incorporated in a management buyout. In 1986, Harley-Davidson, Inc. became publicly held. Unless the context 
otherwise requires, all references to the “Company” include Harley-Davidson, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. Harley-Davidson, 
Inc. is the parent company for the groups of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) and 
Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). The Company operates in two reportable segments: the Motorcycles & Related 
Products (Motorcycles) reportable segment and the Financial Services reportable segment. The Company’s reportable segments 
are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately based on the fundamental 
differences in their operations.

The Motorcycles reportable segment consists of HDMC which designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale street-legal 
Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. The 
Company’s products are sold to retail customers through a network of independent dealers. The Company conducts business on 
a global basis, with sales in the following regions: North America, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific and Latin 
America.

The Financial Services reportable segment consists of HDFS which provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance 

and insurance-related programs primarily to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers. HDFS conducts business 
principally in the United States and Canada.

See Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information related to the Company’s business 

segments. 

Motorcycles and Related Products

Motorcycles – The primary business of the Motorcycles segment is to design, manufacture and sell at wholesale street-

legal Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. 
The Company’s worldwide motorcycle sales generated approximately 79%, 77% and 76% of the total net revenue in the 
Motorcycles segment during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles feature classic styling, innovative design, distinctive sound, and superior quality with the 
ability to customize. The Company manufactures six platforms of motorcycles: Touring, Dyna®, Softail®, Sportster®, V-Rod® 
and Street. The first four of these motorcycle platforms are powered by air-cooled, or combination air-and liquid-cooled, twin-
cylinder engines with a 45-degree "V" configuration. The V-Rod® and Street platforms are powered by liquid-cooled, twin-
cylinder engines with a 60-degree "V" configuration. The Company primarily competes in the market segment consisting of 
street-legal motorcycles with engine displacements of 601cc and greater. The Company's engines currently range in 
displacement from 494cc to 1802cc. 

The street-legal motorcycle market is comprised of the following categories:

• 
• 

Standard (a basic motorcycle which usually features upright seating for one or two passengers);
Sportbike (incorporates racing technology, aerodynamic styling, low handlebars with a “sport” riding position and 
high performance tires);

3

•  Cruiser (emphasizes styling and owner customization);
•  Touring (emphasizes rider comfort and load capacity and incorporates features such as saddlebags, fairings, or large 

luggage compartments); and

•  Dual (designed with the capability for use on public roads as well as for some off-highway recreational use).

In 2014, the Company revealed Project LiveWireTM, an electric motorcycle, and began offering demonstration rides in the 
U.S. which the Company plans to expand to Europe and Canada in 2015.(1) The Company is collecting the demonstration riders' 
feedback to gain insight into what customers are looking for in this type of motorcycle. The Company has made no 
commitment to launch Project LiveWireTM commercially.

The Company competes in the touring and cruiser categories of the motorcycle market. The touring category of the 

market was pioneered by the Company and includes the Harley-Davidson Touring platform of motorcycles, including three-
wheeled motorcycles, which are generally equipped with fairings, windshields, saddlebags and/or Tour Pak® luggage carriers. 
The cruiser category of the market includes motorcycles featuring the distinctive styling associated with classic Harley-
Davidson motorcycles and includes the Company’s Dyna®, Softail®, V-Rod®, Sportster® and Street motorcycle platforms.

Competition in the motorcycle markets in which the Company competes is based upon a number of factors, including 
product capabilities and features, styling, price, quality, reliability, warranty, availability of financing, and quality of dealer 
network. The Company believes its motorcycle products continue to generally command a premium price at retail relative to 
competitors’ motorcycles. The Company emphasizes remarkable styling, customization, innovation, sound, quality, and 
reliability in its products and generally offers a two-year warranty for its motorcycles. The Company promotes a 
comprehensive motorcycling experience across a wide demographic range through events, rides, and rallies including those 
sponsored by Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®). The Company considers the availability of a line of motorcycle parts and 
accessories and general merchandise and the availability of financing through HDFS offered by a global network of premium 
dealers as competitive advantages.

In 2014, the U.S. and European markets accounted for approximately 78% of the total annual independent dealer retail 

sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Company also competes in other markets around the world. The most 
significant other markets for the Company, based on the Company's retail sales data, are Japan, Canada, Australia and Brazil.

Harley-Davidson has been the historical market share leader in the U.S. 601+cc motorcycle market. Competitors in the 

U.S. 601+cc market offer motorcycles in all categories of the market including products that compete directly with the 
Company's offerings in the touring and cruiser categories.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), the touring and cruiser categories accounted for approximately 
77%, of total 2014 601+cc retail unit registrations in the U.S. while the sportbike category accounted for approximately 10% of 
U.S. 601+cc motorcycle registrations. During 2014, the 601+cc portion of the market represented approximately 82% of the 
total U.S. motorcycle market (street-legal models including both on-highway and dual purpose models and three-wheeled 
vehicles) in terms of new units registered.

The following chart includes U.S. retail registration data for 601+cc motorcycles for the years 2012 through 2014:

U.S. Motorcycle Registration Data(a)(b)
601+cc (Units in thousands)

Total new motorcycle registrations

Harley-Davidson new registrations

2014

2013

2012

313.6

167.1

53.3%

305.9

167.8

54.9%

299.4

161.3

53.9%

(a)  Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include on-highway and dual purpose models and three-

wheeled vehicles.

(b)  U.S. industry data is derived from information provided by Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). This third party data is 
subject to revision and update. The retail registration data for Harley-Davidson motorcycles presented in this table will 
differ from the Harley-Davidson retail sales data presented in Item 7 of this report. The Company’s source for retail sales 
data in Item 7 of this report is sales and warranty registrations provided by Harley-Davidson dealers as compiled by the 
Company. The retail sales data in Item 7 includes sales of Street 500 motorcycles which are excluded from the 601+cc 
units included in the retail registration data in this table. In addition, small differences may arise related to the timing of 
data submissions to the independent sources.

4

The European 601+cc motorcycle market is slightly larger than the U.S. market and customer preferences differ from 

those of U.S. customers. For example, the sportbike category represented nearly 38% of the European 601+cc market in 2014 
while the touring category represented 26% of the European 601+cc motorcycle market.

The following chart includes European retail registration data for 601+cc motorcycles for the years 2012 through 2014:

European Motorcycle Registration Data(a)(b)
601+cc (Units in thousands)

Total new motorcycle registrations

Harley-Davidson new registrations

2014

2013

2012

319.8

38.5

12.0%

281.8

36.1

12.8%

300.4

36.2

12.1%

(a)  Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include on-highway and dual purpose models and three-

wheeled vehicles.

(b)  Europe data includes retail sales in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, 
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Industry retail motorcycle 
registration data is derived from information provided by Association des Constructeurs Europeens de Motocycles 
(ACEM), an independent agency. This third party data is subject to revision and update. The retail registration data for 
Harley-Davidson motorcycles presented in this table will differ from the Harley-Davidson retail sales data presented in 
Item 7 of this report. The Company’s source for retail sales data in Item 7 of this report is sales and warranty registrations 
provided by Harley-Davidson dealers as compiled by the Company. The retail sales data in Item 7 includes sales of Street 
500 motorcycles which are excluded from the 601+cc units included in the retail registration data in this table. In 
addition, small differences may arise related to the timing of data submissions to the independent sources.

Parts & Accessories – Parts and Accessories (P&A) products are comprised of replacement parts (Genuine Motor Parts) 
and mechanical and cosmetic accessories (Genuine Motor Accessories). Worldwide P&A net revenue comprised 15.7%, 16.6% 
and 17.4% of net revenue in the Motorcycles segment in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

General Merchandise – Worldwide General Merchandise net revenue, which includes revenue from MotorClothes® 
apparel and riding gear, comprised 5.1%, 5.6% and 6.1% of net revenue in the Motorcycles segment in 2014, 2013 and 2012, 
respectively.

Licensing – The Company creates an awareness of the Harley-Davidson brand among its customers and the non-riding 

public through a wide range of products for enthusiasts by licensing the name “Harley-Davidson” and other trademarks owned 
by the Company. The Company’s licensed products include t-shirts, eyewear, vehicle accessories, jewelry, leather goods, toys, 
footwear and numerous other products. The majority of licensing activity currently occurs in the U.S. Royalty revenues from 
licensing, included in Motorcycles segment net revenue, were $47.1 million, $58.9 million and $49.1 million in 2014, 2013 and 
2012, respectively.

Harley-Davidson Museum – The Company operates the Harley-Davidson Museum (Museum) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 
The Museum is a unique destination that the Company believes builds and strengthens bonds between riders and the Company 
and enhances the brand among the public at large. The 130,000 square foot campus houses the Museum and archives, a 
restaurant, café, retail store and several special event spaces. 

Other Services – The Company also provides a variety of services to its independent dealers including motorcycle service 

and business management training programs and customized dealer software packages. Motorcycle rentals are available 
through many of the Company’s independent dealers under the Company’s Authorized Rentals Program. Motorcycle rider 
training is available through the Company's Harley-DavidsonTM Riding Academy.

International Sales – The Company’s revenue from the sale of motorcycles and related products to independent dealers 

and distributors located outside of the United States was approximately $1.79 billion, $1.70 billion and $1.58 billion, or 
approximately 32%, 32% and 32% of net revenue of the Motorcycles segment, during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Patents and Trademarks – The Company strategically manages its portfolio of patents, trade secrets, copyrights, 

trademarks and other intellectual property.

The Company and its subsidiaries own, and continue to obtain, patent rights that relate to its motorcycles and related 

products and processes for their production. Certain technology-related intellectual property is also protected, where 
appropriate, by license agreements, confidentiality agreements or other agreements with suppliers, employees and other third 
5

 
parties. The Company diligently protects its intellectual property, including patents and trade secrets, and its rights to 
innovative and proprietary technology and designs. This protection, including enforcement, is important as the Company moves 
forward with investments in new products, designs and technologies. While the Company believes patents are important to its 
business operations and in the aggregate constitute a valuable asset, the success of the business is not dependent on any one 
patent or group of patents. The Company’s active patent portfolio has an average age for patents of approximately seven and a 
half years. A patent review committee, which is comprised of a number of key executives, manages the patent strategy and 
portfolio of the Company.

Trademarks are important to the Company’s motorcycle business and licensing activities. The Company has a vigorous 

worldwide program of trademark registration and enforcement to maintain and strengthen the value of the trademarks and 
prevent the unauthorized use of those trademarks. The HARLEY-DAVIDSON trademark and the Bar and Shield trademark are 
each highly recognizable to the public and are very valuable assets. Additionally, the Company uses numerous other 
trademarks, trade names and logos which are registered worldwide. The following are among the Company’s trademarks: 
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, H-D, HARLEY, the Bar & Shield Logo, MOTORCLOTHES, the MotorClothes Logo, HARLEY 
OWNERS GROUP, H.O.G., the H.O.G. Logo, SOFTAIL, SPORTSTER and V-ROD. The HARLEY-DAVIDSON trademark 
has been used since 1903 and the Bar and Shield trademark since at least 1910. Substantially all of the Company’s trademarks 
are owned by H-D U.S.A., LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, which also manages the Company’s trademark strategy and 
portfolio.

Marketing – The Company is executing a multi-generational and multi-cultural, global marketing strategy. The Company 
measures the success of this strategy by monitoring market shares (where available) across its various customer definitions, as 
well as monitoring brand health in various markets.

U.S. retail purchasers of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles include both core and outreach customers and are diverse in 
terms of age, gender and ethnicity. The Company defines its U.S. core customer base as Caucasian men over the age of 35 and 
its U.S. outreach customers as women (Caucasian, age 35+), young adults (ages 18-34), African-American adults (age 35+), 
and Latino adults (age 35+). In 2013 (which is the most recent data available), for the sixth straight year the Company was the 
market share leader in U.S. new motorcycle registrations (all cc's) within the core-customer segment and in each outreach 
customer segment. (Source: R. L. Polk & Co. 2013 motorcycle registration data from IHS Automotive)

In 2014, the average U.S. retail purchaser of a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle had a median household income of 

approximately $92,800. More than three-quarters of the U.S. retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles were to 
purchasers with at least one year of education beyond high school, and 34% of the buyers had college/graduate degrees. 
(Sources: 2014 Company Studies)

Outside of the U.S., the Company's definition of core and outreach customers varies depending on the profile of its 
customers in each market. In general, the Company defines it core customers outside the U.S. as men over the age of 35 and its 
outreach customers outside the U.S. as women and young adults.

The Company’s products are marketed to retail customers worldwide primarily through advertising and promotional 
activities via various broadcast, print and electronic channels. Additionally, local marketing efforts are accomplished through a 
cooperative program with the Company’s independent dealers.

Customer experiences have traditionally been at the center of much of the Company’s marketing. To attract customers 

and achieve its goals, the Company participates in motorcycle rallies around the world and also in major motorcycle consumer 
shows, racing activities, music festivals, mixed martial arts activities and other special promotional events.

The Company promotes its Harley-Davidson products and the related lifestyle through the Harley Owners Group 
(H.O.G.®), which has approximately 1 million members worldwide and the Company believes is the industry’s largest 
company-sponsored motorcycle enthusiast organization. H.O.G.® also sponsors many motorcycle events, including rallies and 
rides for Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world.

The Company's Harley-DavidsonTM Riding Academy offers a series of rider education experiences that provide both new 

and experienced riders with deeper engagement in the sport of motorcycling by teaching basic and advanced motorcycling 
skills and knowledge. Since its inception, the program has trained more than 400,000 riders. The courses are conducted by a 
network of select Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the U.S., South Africa, China and Mexico, enabling students to 
experience the Harley-Davidson lifestyle, environment, people, and products as they learn.

The Company offers Harley-Davidson riders the opportunity to experience riding opportunities worldwide through its 

global Harley-Davidson Authorized Tours Program. Riders can also rent Harley-Davidson motorcycles worldwide from 
participating dealers through the Company’s Authorized Rentals Program.

6

Distribution – The Company’s products are retailed through a network of independent dealers, of which the majority sell 
Harley-Davidson motorcycles exclusively. The Company’s independent dealerships stock and sell the Company’s motorcycles, 
P&A, general merchandise and licensed products, and perform service on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Company’s 
independent dealers may also have secondary retail locations (SRLs) to meet additional retail and service needs of retail 
customers. SRLs also provide P&A, general merchandise and licensed products and are authorized to sell and service new 
motorcycles. The Company’s independent dealers also sell P&A, general merchandise and licensed products through “non-
traditional” retail outlets. The “non-traditional” outlets, which are extensions of the main dealership, consist of Alternate Retail 
Outlets (AROs) and Seasonal Retail Outlets (SROs). AROs are located primarily in high traffic locations such as malls, airports 
or popular vacation destinations and focus on selling the Company’s general merchandise and licensed products. SROs are 
located in similar high traffic areas, but operate on a seasonal basis out of temporary locations such as vendor kiosks. AROs 
and SROs are not authorized to sell new motorcycles.

In the United States, the Company distributes its motorcycles and related products to a network of independently-owned 

full-service Harley-Davidson dealerships and the Overseas Military Sales Corporation, an entity that retails the Company’s 
products to members of the U.S. military and government contractors. The Company distributes its motorcycles to its dealers in 
the U.S. based on dealer orders but subject to an allocation system that the Company designed to be forward-looking and 
market-driven to align the distribution of motorcycles with the demand in individual dealer markets. The allocation system can 
affect the number of units of particular models that dealers are able to order and the timing of shipments to dealers. In Canada, 
the Company sells its motorcycles and related products at wholesale to a single independent distributor, Deeley Harley-
Davidson Canada/Fred Deeley Imports Ltd., which in turn sells to independent dealers in the Canadian market.

The Company facilitates its independent dealers' sale of certain Parts and Accessories, General Merchandise and licensed 

products in the U.S. through its online eCommerce channel. The Company's eCommerce model provides an online storefront, 
product merchandising, digital marketing, inventory management and order fulfillment, returns processing, and customer care. 
Retail internet orders are fulfilled and shipped by the Company, which acts as an agent for participating authorized Harley-
Davidson dealers who sell the products to customers. Dealers handle any after sale services that the customer may require.

The Company’s operations in the EMEA region are managed out of its Oxford, United Kingdom regional headquarters. 

In the EMEA region, the Company distributes its motorcycles and related products to a network of independent dealers located 
in approximately 49 countries in the region.

The Company’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region are managed out of its Singapore regional headquarters. In the Asia-

Pacific region, the Company distributes its motorcycles and related products to a network of independent dealers located in 
approximately 17 countries in the region.

The Company’s operations in the Latin America region are managed out of its Miami, Florida regional headquarters. In 

the Latin America region, the Company distributes its motorcycles and related products to a network of independent dealers 
located in approximately 26 countries in the region.

The following table includes the number of worldwide Harley-Davidson independent dealerships by geographic region as 

of December 31, 2014:

Full Service Dealerships and SRLs

Non-Traditional

North America Region

United States
694

96

Canada

69

4

EMEA
Region

Asia-Pacific
Region

Latin America
Region

369

11

273

12

55

29

Total

1,460

152

In 2009, the Company announced a strategic goal to open 100 to 150 new international dealerships from the end of 2009 

through the end of 2014. Through December 31, 2014, the Company added 136 new international dealers. This excludes 
international dealers closed in the normal course of business.

Retail Customer and Dealer Financing – The Company believes that HDFS, as well as other financial services 

companies, provide adequate financing to Harley-Davidson independent distributors, dealers and their retail customers. HDFS 
provides financing to Harley-Davidson independent dealers and the retail customers of those dealers in the U.S. and Canada. 
HDFS also provides financing to the Company’s Canadian distributor. The Company’s independent distributors, dealers and 
their retail customers in the EMEA, Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions are not directly financed by HDFS, but have access 
to financing through other established financial services companies, some of which have licensing or branding agreements with 
the Company.

Seasonality – The timing of retail sales made by the Company’s independent dealers tracks closely with regional riding 

seasons.

7

 
 
The Company implemented surge manufacturing capabilities at its York, Pennsylvania facility in the first half of 2013 
and at its Kansas City, Missouri facility in the first half of 2014. Surge manufacturing capabilities provide the Company the 
flexibility to increase production of motorcycles ahead of and during the peak selling season in the North America region. As a 
result of this flexible manufacturing capability, the Company's motorcycle production and wholesale shipments now correlate 
more closely to the retail selling season in the North America region. Prior to 2013, the Company historically produced and 
shipped motorcycles at wholesale to its North America region dealers at approximately the same level throughout the year. 
Consequently, the Company’s independent dealers in the North America region typically built their inventory levels in the late 
fall and winter in anticipation of the spring and summer retail selling season. 

In markets outside of the North America region, the Company typically distributes motorcycles through regional 
warehouses. Consequently, independent dealers and distributors in markets outside of the North America region typically do 
not build significant inventory levels in the non-riding season, and as a result, the Company’s wholesale shipments to these 
markets are generally lower in the non-riding season than in the riding season.

Motorcycle Manufacturing – The Company’s manufacturing strategy is based on the disciplined execution of the 

Company's Continuous Improvement System (CIS). The focus of CIS is to align people, process and technology to drive 
world-class manufacturing capability across its global facilities. The Company believes CIS provides the framework to drive 
the highest levels of safety and quality, increase efficiency and reduce costs, and more effectively respond to changing 
customer demands and expectations.(1)

Critical aspects of this manufacturing strategy include flexible manufacturing processes and supply chains, coupled with 

cost-competitive and flexible labor agreements, which the Company believes will help ensure it is well positioned to meet 
customer demand in a timely and cost-effective manner.(1) The Company implemented surge manufacturing capabilities at its 
York, Pennsylvania facility in the first half of 2013 and at its Kansas City, Missouri facility in the first half of 2014. This 
provides the Company the flexibility to increase the production of motorcycles ahead of and during the peak retail selling 
season allowing the Company to more closely correlate the timing of production and wholesale shipments to the retail selling 
season.

The Company operates a CKD (Complete Knock Down) assembly facility in Brazil, which assembles motorcycles sold 

in Brazil from component kits sourced from the Company’s U.S. plants and its suppliers. The Company also operates a 
manufacturing facility in India, which includes both CKD assembly of certain motorcycles for sale in India, and, beginning in 
2014, production of the Company’s Street motorcycles for distribution to markets outside of North America. Like its U.S. 
manufacturing facilities, the Company’s Brazil and India operations are focused on driving world-class performance through 
the execution of CIS, with flexible production processes to meet customer demands at reduced lead times.

Raw Materials and Purchased Components – The Company continues to establish and reinforce long-term, mutually 
beneficial relationships with its suppliers. Through these collaborative relationships, the Company gains access to technical and 
commercial resources for application directly to product design, development and manufacturing initiatives. This strategy has 
generated improved product quality, technical integrity, application of new features and innovations and faster manufacturing 
ramp-up of new vehicle introductions. Through a continued focus on collaboration and strong supplier relationships, the 
Company believes it will be positioned to achieve strategic objectives and deliver cost and quality improvement over the long-
term(1).

The Company's principal raw materials that are purchased include steel and aluminum castings, forgings, steel sheets and 

bars. The Company also purchases certain motorcycle components, including, but not limited to, electronic fuel injection 
systems, batteries, certain wheels, tires, seats, electrical components and instruments. The Company closely monitors the 
overall viability of its supply base. At this time, the Company does not anticipate difficulties in obtaining raw materials or 
components(1).

The Company operates a manufacturing facility in Australia for the purpose of producing certain complex, high-finish 

wheels.

Research and Development – The objective of the Company's product development strategy is to ensure that the 
Company delivers relevant products for an increasingly diverse customer base while reducing cost and time to market. The 
strategy is supported by a product development methodology and organizational structure that support innovation, flexibility, 
capacity and a focus on consumer insights. The Company incurred research and development expenses of $138.3 million, 
$152.2 million and $137.3 million during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Regulation – International, federal, state and local authorities have various environmental control requirements relating to 
air, water and noise that affect the business and operations of the Company. The Company strives to ensure that its facilities and 
products comply with all applicable environmental regulations and standards.

8

The Company’s motorcycles that are sold in the United States are subject to certification by the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for compliance with applicable emissions and noise 
standards. Harley-Davidson motorcycle products are designed to comply with EPA and CARB standards and the Company 
believes it will comply with future requirements when they go into effect(1). Additionally, the Company’s motorcycle products 
must comply with the motorcycle emissions, noise and safety standards of Canada, the European Union, Japan, Brazil and 
certain other foreign markets where they are sold, and the Company believes its products currently comply with those 
standards. Because the Company expects that environmental standards will become more stringent over time, the Company 
will continue to incur research, development and production costs in this area for the foreseeable future(1).

The Company, as a manufacturer of motorcycle products, is subject to the U.S. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety 
Act, which is administered by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Company has certified 
to NHTSA that its motorcycle products comply fully with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and related 
regulations. The Company has from time to time initiated certain voluntary recalls. During the last three years, the Company 
has initiated 24 voluntary recalls related to Harley-Davidson motorcycles at a total cost of $30.0 million. The Company 
reserves for all estimated costs associated with recalls in the period that the recalls are announced.

Employees – As of December 31, 2014, the Motorcycles segment had approximately 5,900 employees. 

Approximately 2,600 unionized employees at the manufacturing facilities are represented as follows:
•  York, Pennsylvania - represented by International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the 

collective bargaining agreement will expire on February 2, 2017 

•  Kansas City, Missouri - represented by United Steelworkers of America (USW) and IAM and the respective collective 

bargaining agreements will expire on July 31, 2018

•  Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin - represented by USW and IAM and the respective collective bargaining agreements will 

expire on March 31, 2019

•  Tomahawk, Wisconsin - represented by USW and the collective bargaining agreement will expire on March 31, 2019

Please refer to the Note 3 of Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further discussion 

of the Company’s restructuring activities.

Internet Access – The Company’s internet website address is www.harley-davidson.com. The Company makes available 
free of charge (other than an investor’s own internet access charges) through its internet website the Company’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K , quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, as soon 
as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes such material to, the United States 
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In addition, the Company makes available, through its website, the following 
corporate governance materials: (a) the Company’s Corporate Governance Policy; (b) Committee Charters approved by the 
Company’s Board of Directors for the Audit Committee, Human Resources Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance 
Committee and Sustainability Committee; (c) the Company’s Financial Code of Ethics; (d) the Company’s Code of Business 
Conduct (the Code of Conduct) in nine languages including English; (e) the Conflict of Interest Process for Directors, 
Executive Officers and Other Employees (the Conflict Process); (f) a list of the Company’s Board of Directors; (g) the 
Company’s By-laws; (h) the Company’s Environmental Policy; (i) the Company’s Policy for Managing Disclosure of Material 
Information; (j) the Company’s Supplier Code of Conduct; (k) the Sustainability Strategy Report; (l) the list of compensation 
survey participants used as market reference points for various components of compensation as reported in the Company’s 
Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on March 17, 2014, which compensation relates to the 
Company’s named executive officers; (m) the California Transparency in Supply Chain Act Disclosure; (n) Statement on 
Conflict Minerals; (o) Political Engagement and Contributions 2012-2014; and (p) the Company's Clawback Policy. This 
information is also available from the Company upon request. The Company satisfies the disclosure requirements under the 
Code of Conduct, the Conflict Process and applicable New York Stock Exchange listing requirements regarding waivers of the 
Code of Conduct or the Conflict Process by disclosing the information in the Company’s proxy statement for its annual meeting 
of shareholders or on the Company’s website. The Company is not including the information contained on or available through 
its website as a part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

9

Financial Services

HDFS is engaged in the business of financing and servicing wholesale inventory receivables and retail consumer loans, 

primarily for the purchase of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. HDFS is an agent for certain unaffiliated insurance companies 
providing motorcycle insurance and protection products to motorcycle owners. HDFS conducts business principally in the 
United States and Canada, and primarily through certain subsidiaries such as Harley-Davidson Credit Corp., Eaglemark 
Savings Bank (ESB), Harley-Davidson Insurance Services, Inc., and Harley-Davidson Financial Services Canada, Inc. The 
Company’s independent distributors, dealers and their retail customers in the EMEA, Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions 
are not financed by HDFS, but have access to financing through other third-party financial institutions, some of which have 
licensing or branding agreements with the Company or HDFS.

Wholesale Financial Services – HDFS provides wholesale financial services to Harley-Davidson dealers and distributors, 

including floorplan and open account financing of motorcycles and motorcycle parts and accessories. HDFS offers wholesale 
financial services to Harley-Davidson dealers in the United States and Canada, and during 2014, 100% of such dealers utilized 
those services at some point during the year. HDFS also offers financial services to the Harley-Davidson distributor in Canada. 
The wholesale finance operations of HDFS are located in Plano, Texas.

Retail Financial Services – HDFS provides retail financing to consumers, consisting primarily of installment lending for 
the purchase of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles. HDFS’ retail financial services are available through most Harley-
Davidson dealers in the United States and Canada. HDFS’ retail finance operations are principally located in Carson City, 
Nevada and Plano, Texas.

Insurance Services – HDFS operates as an agent for certain unaffiliated insurance companies offering point-of-sale 
protection products through most Harley-Davidson dealers in both the U.S. and Canada, including motorcycle insurance, 
extended service contracts, credit protection and motorcycle maintenance protection. HDFS also direct-markets motorcycle 
insurance and extended service contracts to owners of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In addition, HDFS markets a 
comprehensive package of business insurance coverages and services to owners of Harley-Davidson dealerships. The HDFS 
insurance operations are located in Carson City, Nevada and Chicago, Illinois. 

Licensing - HDFS has licensing arrangements with third-party financial institutions that issue credit cards bearing the 
Harley-Davidson brand. Internationally, HDFS licenses the Harley-Davidson brand to local third-party financial institutions 
that offer products to the Company’s retail customers such as financing and insurance.  

Funding – The Company believes a diversified and cost effective funding strategy is important to meet HDFS’ goal of 
providing credit while delivering appropriate returns and profitability. Financial Services operations have been funded with 
unsecured debt, unsecured commercial paper, asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities, committed unsecured bank 
facilities, term asset-backed securitizations and intercompany borrowings. 

Competition – The Company regards its ability to offer a package of wholesale and retail financial services in the U.S. 
and Canada as a significant competitive advantage. Competitors in the financial services industry compete for business based 
largely on price and, to a lesser extent, service. HDFS competes on convenience, service, brand association, dealer relations, 
industry experience, terms and price.

In the United States, HDFS financed 56.8% of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles retailed by independent dealers 

during 2014, compared to 54.5% in 2013. In Canada, HDFS financed 34.0% of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles retailed 
by independent dealers during 2014, compared to 31.8% in 2013. Competitors for retail motorcycle finance business are 
primarily banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. In the motorcycle insurance business, competition primarily 
comes from national insurance companies and from insurance agencies serving local or regional markets. For insurance-related 
products such as extended service contracts, HDFS faces competition from certain regional and national industry participants as 
well as dealer in-house programs. Competition for the wholesale motorcycle finance business primarily consists of banks and 
other financial institutions providing wholesale financing to Harley-Davidson dealers in their local markets.

Trademarks – HDFS uses various trademarks and trade names for its financial services and products which are licensed 

from H-D U.S.A., LLC, including HARLEY-DAVIDSON, H-D and the Bar & Shield logo.

Seasonality – In the U.S. and Canada, motorcycles are primarily used during warmer months. Accordingly, HDFS 
experiences seasonal variations in retail financing activities based on the timing of regional riding seasons. In general, from 
mid-March through August, retail financing volume is greatest. HDFS wholesale financing volume is affected by inventory 
levels at Harley-Davidson dealers and distributors. As discussed under "Motorcycle and Related Products - Seasonality", the 
Company implemented flexible production capabilities in 2013 and 2014 which has reduced the seasonality of dealer inventory 
levels for new motorcycles. Although to a lesser extent than in years prior to the implementation of flexible production, dealers 

10

generally have higher inventory levels of new and used motorcycles in the late fall and winter than during the spring and 
summer riding season. As a result, wholesale financing volume is higher during fall and winter as compared to the rest of the 
year. 

Regulation – The operations of HDFS (both U.S. and foreign) are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and 
regulation by state and federal administrative agencies and various foreign governmental authorities. Many of the statutory and 
regulatory requirements imposed by such entities are in place to provide consumer protection as it pertains to the selling and 
ongoing servicing of financial products and services. Therefore, operations may be subject to various regulations, laws and 
judicial and/or administrative decisions imposing requirements and restrictions, which among other things: (a) regulate credit 
granting activities, including establishing licensing requirements, in applicable jurisdictions; (b) establish maximum interest 
rates, finance charges and other charges; (c) regulate customers’ insurance coverage; (d) require disclosure of credit and 
insurance terms to customers; (e) govern secured transactions; (f) set collection, foreclosure, repossession and claims handling 
procedures and other trade practices; (g) prohibit discrimination in the extension of credit and administration of loans; 
(h) regulate the use and reporting of information related to a borrower; (i) require certain periodic reporting; (j) govern the use 
and protection of non-public personal information; (k) regulate the use of information reported to the credit reporting agencies; 
(l) regulate the reporting of information to the credit reporting agencies; and/or (m) regulate insurance solicitation and sales 
practices.

Depending on the provisions of the applicable laws and regulations, the interpretation of laws and regulations and the 
specific facts and circumstances involved, violations of or non-compliance with these laws may limit the ability of HDFS to 
collect all or part of the principal or interest on applicable loans. In addition, these violations or non-compliance may entitle the 
borrower to rescind the loan or to obtain a refund of amounts previously paid, could subject HDFS to the payment of damages 
or penalties and administrative sanctions, including “cease and desist” orders, and could limit the number of loans eligible for 
HDFS securitization programs.

Such regulatory requirements and associated supervision could limit the discretion of HDFS in operating its business. 
Noncompliance with applicable statutes or regulations could result in the suspension or revocation of any charter, license or 
registration at issue, as well as the imposition of civil fines, criminal penalties and administrative sanctions. The Company 
cannot assure that the applicable laws or regulations will not be amended or construed in ways that are adverse to HDFS, that 
new laws or regulations will not be adopted in the future, or that laws or regulations will not attempt to limit the interest rates 
charged by HDFS, any of which may adversely affect the business of HDFS or its results of operations.

A subsidiary of HDFS, Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB), is a Nevada state thrift chartered as an Industrial Loan Company 
(ILC). As such, the activities of this subsidiary are governed by federal laws and regulations as well as State of Nevada banking 
laws, and are subject to examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Nevada state bank examiners. 
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which was passed into law in 2010, granted the federal 
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) significant supervisory, enforcement, and rule-making authority in the area of 
consumer financial products and services. While direct supervision of ESB will remain with the FDIC and the State of Nevada, 
certain CFPB regulations, when finalized, will directly impact HDFS and its operations. The CFPB staff recently proposed a 
rule that will expand the scope of its supervisory authority to include non-bank larger participants in the vehicle financing 
market. This proposed rule was published by the CFPB on October 8, 2014, and if this rule is finalized as proposed, the larger 
participant threshold set by the CFPB would include Harley-Davidson Credit Corp. or other Harley-Davidson entities, which 
would result in CFBP supervision and periodic examinations of those entities.

ESB originates retail loans and sells the loans to a non-banking subsidiary of HDFS. This process allows HDFS to offer 

retail products with many common characteristics across the United States and to similarly service loans to U.S. retail 
customers.

Employees – As of December 31, 2014, the Financial Services segment had approximately 600 employees.

Item 1A. 

Risk Factors

An investment in Harley-Davidson, Inc. involves risks, including those discussed below. These risk factors should be 

considered carefully before deciding whether to invest in the Company.

•  The Company may not be able to successfully execute its long-term business strategy. There is no assurance that 

the Company will be able to drive growth to the extent desired through its focus of efforts and resources on its long-
term business strategy and the Harley-Davidson brand or to enhance productivity and profitability to the extent desired 
through pricing and continuous improvement.

11

•  Changes in general economic conditions, tightening of credit, political events or other factors may adversely 
impact dealers’ retail sales. The motorcycle industry is impacted by general economic conditions over which 
motorcycle manufacturers have little control. These factors can weaken the retail environment and lead to weaker 
demand for discretionary purchases such as motorcycles. Tightening of credit can limit the availability of funds from 
financial institutions and other lenders and sources of capital which could adversely affect the ability of retail 
consumers to obtain loans for the purchase of motorcycles from lenders, including HDFS. Should general economic 
conditions or motorcycle industry demand decline, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition may be 
substantially adversely affected. The motorcycle industry can also be affected by political conditions and other factors 
over which motorcycle manufacturers have little control.

•  The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates, commodity prices and interest 

rates. The Company sells its products internationally and in most markets those sales are made in the foreign 
country’s local currency. Shifting foreign exchange rates can adversely affect the Company's revenue and margin, and 
cause volatility in results of operations. The Company is also subject to risks associated with changes in prices of 
commodities. Earnings from the Company’s financial services business are affected by changes in interest rates. 
Although the Company uses derivative financial instruments to some extent to attempt to manage a portion of its 
exposure to foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices, the Company does not attempt to manage its 
entire expected exposure, and these instruments generally do not extend beyond one year and may expose the 
Company to credit risk in the event of counterparty default to the derivative financial instruments. There can be no 
assurance that in the future the Company will successfully manage these risks.

•  The Company sells its products at wholesale and must rely on a network of independent dealers and 

distributors to manage the retail distribution of its products. The Company depends on the capability of its 
independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand among 
retail purchasers for the motorcycles and related products and services that the dealers and distributors purchase from 
the Company. If the Company’s independent dealers and distributors are not successful in these endeavors, then the 
Company will be unable to maintain or grow its revenues and meet its financial expectations. Further, independent 
dealers and distributors may experience difficulty in funding their day-to-day cash flow needs and paying their 
obligations resulting from adverse business conditions such as weakened retail sales and tightened credit. If dealers are 
unsuccessful, they may exit or be forced to exit the business or, in some cases, the Company may seek to terminate 
relationships with certain dealerships. As a result, the Company could face additional adverse consequences related to 
the termination of dealer relationships. Additionally, liquidating a former dealer’s inventory of new and used 
motorcycles can add downward pressure on new and used motorcycle prices. Further, the unplanned loss of any of the 
Company’s independent dealers may lead to inadequate market coverage for retail sales of new motorcycles and for 
servicing previously sold motorcycles, create negative impressions of the Company with its retail customers, and 
adversely impact the Company’s ability to collect wholesale receivables that are associated with that dealer.

•  A cybersecurity breach involving digital consumer or employee personal data may adversely affect the 

Company’s reputation, revenue and earnings. The Company and certain of its third-party vendors receive and store 
digital personal information in connection with its human resources operations, financial services operations, e-
commerce, the Harley Owners Group and other aspects of its business. Any system failure, accident or security breach 
could result in disruptions to the Company's operations. To the extent that any disruptions or security breach results in 
a loss or damage to the Company's data, or in inappropriate disclosure of confidential information, it could cause 
significant damage to the Company's reputation, affect its relationships with customers, lead to claims against the 
Company and ultimately harm the Company's business. In addition, the Company may be required to incur significant 
costs to protect against damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches in the future.

•  Expanding international sales and operations subjects the Company to risks that may have a material adverse 
effect on its business. Expanding international sales and operations is a part of the Company’s long-term business 
strategy. To support that strategy, the Company must increase its presence outside the U.S., including additional 
employees and investment in business infrastructure and operations. International operations and sales are subject to 
various risks, including political and economic instability, local labor market conditions, the imposition of foreign 
tariffs and other trade barriers, the impact of foreign government regulations and the effects of income and 
withholding taxes, governmental expropriation and differences in business practices. The Company may incur 
increased costs and experience delays or disruptions in product deliveries and payments in connection with 
international operations and sales that could cause loss of revenues and earnings. Unfavorable changes in the political, 
regulatory and business climate could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s net sales, financial condition, 
profitability or cash flows.

12

•  Retail sales of the Company's independent dealers may be impacted by weather. The Company has observed that 
abnormally cold and/or wet conditions in a region could have the effect of reducing demand or changing the timing for 
purchases of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Reduced demand for new Harley-Davidson motorcycles ultimately 
leads to reduced shipments by the Company.

•  The Company must comply with governmental laws and regulations that are subject to change and involve 
significant costs. The Company’s sales and operations in areas outside the U.S. may be subject to foreign laws, 
regulations and the legal systems of foreign courts or tribunals. These laws and policies governing operations of 
foreign-based companies may result in increased costs or restrictions on the ability of the Company to sell its products 
in certain countries. The Company’s international sales operations may also be adversely affected by U.S. laws 
affecting foreign trade and taxation.

The Company’s domestic sales and operations are subject to governmental policies and regulatory actions of agencies 
of the United States Government, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), SEC, National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Labor and Federal Trade Commission. In addition, the Company’s sales 
and operations are also subject to laws and actions of state legislatures and other local regulators, including dealer 
statutes and licensing laws. Changes in regulations or the imposition of additional regulations may have a material 
adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

Tax - The Company is subject to income and non-income based taxes in the U.S. and in various foreign jurisdictions. 
Significant judgment is required in determining the Company's worldwide income tax liabilities and other tax 
liabilities. The Company believes that it complies with applicable tax law. If the governing tax authorities have a 
different interpretation of the applicable law or if there is a change in tax law, the Company's financial condition and/
or results of operations may be adversely affected.

Environmental - The Company’s motorcycle products use internal combustion engines. These motorcycle products are 
subject to statutory and regulatory requirements governing emissions and noise, including standards imposed by the 
EPA, state regulatory agencies, such as California Air Resources Board, and regulatory agencies in certain foreign 
countries where the Company’s motorcycle products are sold. The Company is also subject to statutory and regulatory 
requirements governing emissions and noise in the conduct of the Company’s manufacturing operations. Any 
significant change to the regulatory requirements governing emissions and noise may substantially increase the cost of 
manufacturing the Company’s products. If the Company fails to meet existing or new requirements, then the Company 
may be unable to sell certain products or may be subject to fines or penalties. Further, in response to concerns about 
global climate changes and related changes in consumer preferences, the Company may face greater regulatory or 
customer pressure to develop products that generate less emissions. This may require the Company to spend additional 
funds on research, product development, and implementation costs and subject the Company to the risk that the 
Company’s competitors may respond to these pressures in a manner that gives them a competitive advantage. 

Financial Services - The Company’s financial services operations are governed by various foreign, federal and state 
laws that more specifically affect general financial and lending institutions. The financial services operations originate 
the majority of its consumer loans through its subsidiary, Eaglemark Savings Bank, a Nevada state thrift chartered as 
an industrial loan company. Congress has previously considered and may in the future impose additional regulation 
and supervision over the financial services industry. 

Depending on the provisions of the applicable laws and regulations, the interpretation of laws and regulations and the 
specific facts and circumstances involved, violations of or non-compliance with these laws may limit the ability of 
HDFS to collect all or part of the principal or interest on applicable loans, may entitle the borrower to rescind the loan 
or obtain a refund of amounts previously paid, could subject HDFS to payment of damages or penalties and 
administrative sanctions, including "cease and desist" orders, and could limit the number of loans eligible for HDFS 
securitizations programs. Such regulatory requirements and associated supervision could limit the discretion of HDFS 
in operating its business. Noncompliance with applicable statutes or regulations could result in the suspension or 
revocation of any charter, license or registration at issue, as well as the imposition of civil fines, criminal penalties and 
administrative sanctions. The Company cannot assure that the applicable laws or regulations will not be amended or 
construed in ways that are adverse to HDFS, that new laws and regulations will not be adopted in the future, or that 
laws and regulations will not attempt to limit the interest rates charged by HDFS, any of which may adversely affect 
the business of HDFS or its results of operations.

In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) was passed into law. 
The Dodd-Frank Act is a sweeping piece of legislation, and the financial services industry is still assessing the 
impacts. Congress detailed some significant changes, but the Dodd-Frank Act leaves many details to be determined by 

13

regulation and further study. The full impact will not be fully known for years, as regulations that are intended to 
implement the Dodd-Frank Act are adopted by the appropriate agencies, and the text of the Dodd-Frank Act is 
analyzed by impacted stakeholders and possibly the courts. The Dodd-Frank Act also created the Consumer Financial 
Protection Bureau (CFPB), housed in the Federal Reserve. The CFPB has been granted significant enforcement and 
rule-making authority in the area of consumer financial products and services. The direction that the CFPB will take, 
the regulations it will adopt, and its interpretation of existing laws and regulations are all elements that are not yet 
known. Compliance with the law may be costly and could affect operating results as the implementation of new forms, 
processes, procedures and controls and infrastructure may be required to comply with the regulations. Compliance 
may create operational constraints and place limits on pricing. Failure to comply with these regulations, changes in 
these or other regulations, or the imposition of additional regulations, could affect HDFS’ earnings, limit its access to 
capital, limit the number of loans eligible for HDFS securitization programs and have a material adverse effect on 
HDFS’ business and results of operations. The CFPB staff recently proposed a rule that would expand the scope of its 
supervisory authority to include non-bank larger participants in the vehicle financing market. The CFPB published this 
proposed rule on October 8, 2014, and if this rule is finalized as proposed, the larger participant threshold set by the 
CFPB would include Harley-Davidson Credit Corp. and other Harley-Davidson entities, which would result in CFBP 
supervision and periodic examinations of those entities.

U.S. Public Company - The Company is also subject to policies and actions of the SEC and New York Stock Exchange 
(NYSE). Many major competitors of the Company are not subject to the requirements of the SEC or the NYSE rules. 
As a result, the Company may be required to disclose certain information that may put the Company at a competitive 
disadvantage to its principal competitors.

•  The Company relies on third party suppliers to obtain raw materials and provide component parts for use in 
the manufacture of its motorcycles. The Company may experience supply problems relating to raw materials and 
components such as unfavorable pricing, poor quality, or untimely delivery. In certain circumstances, the Company 
relies on a single supplier to provide the entire requirement of a specific part, and a change in this established supply 
relationship may cause disruption in the Company’s production schedule. In addition, the price and availability of raw 
materials and component parts from suppliers can be adversely affected by factors outside of the Company’s control 
such as the supply of a necessary raw material or natural disasters. Further, Company suppliers may experience 
difficulty in funding their day-to-day cash flow needs because of tightening credit caused by financial market 
disruption. In addition, adverse economic conditions and related pressure on select suppliers due to difficulties in the 
global manufacturing arena could adversely affect their ability to supply the Company. These supplier risks may have 
a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

•  The Company must prevent and detect issues with its products, components purchased from suppliers, and its 
and its suppliers’ manufacturing processes to reduce the risk of recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or 
litigation, increased product liability claims or litigation, delays in new model launches, and inquiries or 
investigations by regulatory agencies. The Company must also complete any recall campaigns within cost 
expectations. The Company must continually improve and adhere to product development and manufacturing 
processes, and ensure that its suppliers and their sub-tier suppliers adhere to product development and manufacturing 
processes, to ensure high quality products are sold to retail customers. If product designs or manufacturing processes 
are defective, the Company could experience delays in new model launches, product recalls, inquiries or investigations 
from regulatory agencies, warranty claims, and product liability claims, which may involve purported class 
actions. While the Company uses reasonable methods to estimate the cost of warranty, recall and product liability costs 
and appropriately reflects those in its financial statements, there is a risk the actual costs could exceed 
estimates. Further, selling products with poor quality and the announcement of recalls may also adversely affect the 
Company’s reputation and brand strength. 

•  The Company relies on third parties to perform certain operating and administrative functions for the 

Company. Similar to suppliers of raw materials and components, the Company may experience problems with 
outsourced services, such as unfavorable pricing, untimely delivery of services, or poor quality. Also, these suppliers 
may experience adverse economic conditions due to difficulties in the global economy that could lead to difficulties 
supporting the Company's operations. In light of the amount and types of functions that the Company has outsourced, 
these service provider risks may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.

•  The Company manufactures products that create exposure to product liability claims and litigation. To the 

extent plaintiffs are successful in showing that personal injury or property damage result from defects in the design or 
manufacture of the Company’s products, the Company may be subject to claims for damages that are not covered by 
insurance. The costs associated with defending product liability claims, including frivolous lawsuits, and payment of 

14

damages could be substantial. The Company’s reputation may also be adversely affected by such claims, whether or 
not successful.

•  The Company is and may in the future become subject to legal proceedings and commercial or contractual 
disputes. The uncertainty associated with substantial unresolved claims and lawsuits may harm the Company’s 
business, financial condition, reputation and brand. The defense of the lawsuits may result in the expenditures of 
significant financial resources and the diversion of management’s time and attention away from business operations. 
In addition, although the Company is unable to determine the amount, if any, that it may be required to pay in 
connection with the resolution of the lawsuits by settlement or otherwise, any such payment may have a material 
adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations. Refer to the Company’s disclosures concerning 
legal proceedings in the periodic reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 
for additional detail regarding lawsuits and other claims against the Company.

•  The Company’s marketing strategy of appealing to and growing sales to multi-generational and multi-cultural 
customers worldwide may not continue to be successful. The Company has been successful in marketing its 
products in large part by promoting the experience of Harley-Davidson motorcycling. To sustain and grow the 
business over the long-term, the Company must continue to be successful selling products and promoting the 
experience of motorcycling to both core customers and outreach customers such as women, young adults and 
ethnically diverse adults. The Company must also execute its multi-generational and multi-cultural strategy without 
adversely impacting the strength of the brand with core customers.

•  The Company’s success depends upon the continued strength of the Harley-Davidson brand. The Company 
believes that the Harley-Davidson brand has significantly contributed to the success of its business and that 
maintaining and enhancing the brand is critical to expanding its customer base. Failure to protect the brand from 
infringers or to grow the value of the Harley-Davidson brand may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s 
business and results of operations.

•  The Company must invest in and successfully implement new information systems and technology. The 

Company is continually modifying and enhancing its systems and technology to increase productivity and efficiency. 
The Company has several large, strategic information system projects in process. As new systems and technologies 
(and related strategies) are implemented, the Company could experience unanticipated difficulties resulting in 
unexpected costs and adverse impacts to its manufacturing and other business processes. When implemented, the 
systems and technology may not provide the benefits anticipated and could add costs and complications to ongoing 
operations, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

•  The Company must maintain stakeholder confidence in its operating ethics and corporate governance 
practices. The Company believes it has a history of good corporate governance. Prior to the enactment of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company had in place many of the corporate governance procedures and processes 
now mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules and regulations, such as Board Committee Charters and a 
Corporate Governance Policy. In 1992, the Company established a Code of Business Conduct that defines how 
employees interact with various Company stakeholders and addresses issues such as confidentiality, conflict of interest 
and fair dealing. Failure to maintain its reputation for good corporate governance may have a material adverse effect 
on the Company’s business and results of operations.

•  The Company’s ability to remain competitive is dependent upon its capability to develop and successfully 

introduce new, innovative and compliant products. The motorcycle market continues to change in terms of styling 
preferences and advances in new technology and, at the same time, be subject to increasing regulations related to 
safety and emissions. The Company must continue to distinguish its products from its competitors’ products with 
unique styling and new technologies. As the Company incorporates new and different features and technology into its 
products, the Company must protect its intellectual property from imitators and ensure its products do not infringe the 
intellectual property of other companies. In addition, these new products must comply with applicable regulations 
worldwide and satisfy the potential demand for products that produce lower emissions and achieve better fuel 
economy. The Company must make product advancements while maintaining the classic look, sound and feel 
associated with Harley-Davidson products. The Company must also be able to design and manufacture these products 
and deliver them to a global marketplace in an efficient and timely manner. There can be no assurances that the 
Company will be successful in these endeavors or that existing and prospective customers will like or want the 
Company’s new products.

15

•  The Company may not be able to successfully execute its manufacturing strategy. The Company’s manufacturing 
strategy is designed to continuously improve product quality and increase productivity, while reducing costs and 
increasing flexibility to respond to ongoing changes in the marketplace. The Company believes flexible 
manufacturing, including flexible supply chains and flexible labor agreements, is the key element to enable 
improvements in the Company’s ability to respond to customers in a cost effective manner. To execute this strategy, 
the Company must be successful in its continuous improvement efforts which are dependent on the involvement of 
management, production employees and suppliers. Any inability to achieve these objectives could adversely impact 
the profitability of the Company’s products and its ability to deliver the right product at the right time to the customer.

•  The Company and its independent dealers must successfully accommodate a seasonal retail motorcycle sales 
pattern. The Company records the wholesale sale of a motorcycle when it is shipped to the Company’s independent 
dealers and distributors. Prior to 2013, the Company historically produced and shipped motorcycles at wholesale to its 
North America region dealers at approximately the same level throughout the year. The Company implemented 
flexible production at its York, Pennsylvania facility in the first half of 2013 and began flexible production at its 
Kansas City, Missouri facility in the first half of 2014. As a result of this capability, the Company's motorcycle 
production and wholesale shipments now correlate more closely to the retail selling season in the North America 
region. Any difficulties in executing flexible production could result in lost production or sales. The Company and its 
independent dealers and distributors must be able to successfully manage changes in production rates, inventory levels 
and other business processes associated with flexible production. Failure by the Company and its independent dealers 
to make such adjustments may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

•  Retail sales of the Company’s independent dealers may be adversely impacted by declining prices for used 

motorcycles and excess supplies of new motorcycles. The Company has observed that when prices for used Harley-
Davidson motorcycles have declined, it can have the effect of reducing demand among retail purchasers for new 
Harley-Davidson motorcycles (at or near manufacturer’s suggested retail prices). Further, introduction of new 
motorcycle models with significantly different functionality, technology or other customer satisfiers can result in lower 
customer demand for used motorcycles, resulting in declining prices for those used motorcycles, and prior model-year 
new motorcycles. Also, while the Company has taken steps designed to balance production volumes for its new 
motorcycles with demand, those steps may not be effective, or the Company’s competitors could choose to supply new 
motorcycles to the market in excess of demand at reduced prices which could also have the effect of reducing demand 
for new Harley-Davidson motorcycles (at or near manufacturer’s suggested retail prices). Ultimately, reduced demand 
among retail purchasers for new Harley-Davidson motorcycles leads to reduced shipments by the Company.

•  The Company’s Motorcycles segment is dependent upon unionized labor. Substantially all of the hourly 

production employees working in the Motorcycles segment are represented by unions and covered by collective 
bargaining agreements. Harley-Davidson Motor Company is currently a party to five collective bargaining agreements 
with local affiliates of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the United Steelworkers 
of America. Current collective bargaining agreements with hourly employees in Pennsylvania, Missouri and 
Wisconsin will expire in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Collective bargaining agreements generally cover wages, 
healthcare benefits and retirement plans, seniority, job classes and work rules. There is no certainty that the Company 
will be successful in negotiating new agreements with these unions that extend beyond the current expiration dates or 
that these new agreements will be on terms that will allow the Company to be competitive. Failure to renew these 
agreements when they expire or to establish new collective bargaining agreements on terms acceptable to the 
Company and the unions could result in the relocation of production facilities, work stoppages or other labor 
disruptions which may have a material adverse effect on customer relationships and the Company’s business and 
results of operations.

•  The Company incurs substantial costs with respect to employee pension and healthcare benefits. The Company’s 
cash funding requirements and its estimates of liabilities and expenses for pensions and healthcare benefits for both 
active and retired employees are based on several factors that are outside the Company’s control. These factors include 
funding requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the rate used to discount the future estimated liability, the 
rate of return on plan assets, current and projected healthcare costs, healthcare reform or legislation, retirement age 
and mortality. Changes in these factors can impact the expense, liabilities and cash requirements associated with these 
benefits which could have a material adverse effect on future results of operations, liquidity or shareholders’ equity. In 
addition, costs associated with these benefits put the Company under significant cost pressure as compared to its 
competitors that may not bear the costs of similar benefit plans. Furthermore, costs associated with complying with the 
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may produce additional cost pressure on the Company and its health care 
plans.

16

•  The ability of the Company to expand international sales may be impacted by existing or new laws and 

regulations that impose motorcycle licensing restrictions and limit access to roads and highways. Expanding 
international sales is a part of the Company’s long-term business strategy. A number of countries have tiered 
motorcycle licensing requirements that limit the ability of new and younger riders to obtain licenses to operate the 
Company’s motorcycles, and many countries are considering the implementation of such requirements. These 
requirements only allow new and/or younger riders to operate smaller motorcycles for certain periods of time. Riders 
typically are only permitted to obtain a license to ride larger motorcycles upon reaching certain ages and/or having 
been licensed to ride smaller motorcycles for a certain period of time, and only after passing additional tests and 
paying additional fees. These requirements pose obstacles to large displacement motorcycle ownership. Other 
countries have laws and regulations that prohibit motorcycles from being operated on certain roads and 
highways. These types of laws and regulations could adversely impact the Company’s plans to expand international 
sales.

•  The Company has a number of competitors, some of which have greater financial resources than the Company. 
Many of the Company’s competitors are more diversified than the Company, and they may compete in all segments of 
the motorcycle market, other powersports markets and/or the automotive market. Also, the Company’s manufacturer’s 
suggested retail price for its motorcycles is generally higher than its competitors, and if price becomes a more 
important competitive factor for consumers in the markets in which the Company competes, the Company may be at a 
competitive disadvantage. In addition, the Company’s financial services operations face competition from various 
banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions that may have access to additional sources of capital at 
more competitive rates and terms, particularly for borrowers in higher credit tiers. The Company's responses to these 
competitive pressures, or its failure to adequately address and respond to these competitive pressures, may have a 
material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

•  The Company’s operations are dependent upon attracting and retaining skilled employees, including skilled 

labor, executive officers and other senior leaders. The Company’s future success depends on its continuing 
ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate, retain and promote skilled personnel for all areas of its organization. 
The Company’s current and future total compensation arrangements, which include benefits and incentive awards, 
may not be successful in attracting new employees and retaining and motivating the Company’s existing employees. In 
addition, the Company must cultivate and sustain a work environment where employees are engaged and energized in 
their jobs to maximize their performance. If the Company does not succeed in attracting new personnel, retaining 
existing personnel, implementing effective succession plans and motivating and engaging personnel, including 
executive officers, the Company may be unable to develop and distribute products and services and effectively execute 
its plans and strategies.

•  The Company’s Financial Services operations rely on external sources to finance a significant portion of its 

operations. Liquidity is essential to the Company’s Financial Services business. Disruptions in financial markets may 
cause lenders and institutional investors to reduce or cease to loan money to borrowers, including financial 
institutions. The Company’s Financial Services operations may be negatively affected by difficulty in raising capital in 
the long-term and short-term capital markets. These negative consequences may in turn adversely affect the 
Company’s business and results of operations in various ways, including through higher costs of capital, reduced funds 
available through its financial services operations to provide loans to independent dealers and their retail customers, 
and dilution to existing share value through the use of alternative sources of capital.

•  The Company’s Financial Services operations are highly dependent on accessing capital markets to fund their 
operations at competitive interest rates, the Company’s access to capital and its cost of capital are highly 
dependent upon its credit ratings, and any negative credit rating actions will adversely affect its earnings and 
results of operations. The ability of the Company and its Financial Services operations to access unsecured capital 
markets is influenced by their short-term and long-term credit ratings. If the Company’s credit ratings are downgraded 
or its ratings outlook is negatively changed, the Company’s cost of borrowing could increase, resulting in reduced 
earnings and interest margins, or the Company’s access to capital may be disrupted or impaired.

•  The Company’s Financial Services operations are exposed to credit risk on its retail and wholesale receivables. 
Credit risk is the risk of loss arising from a failure by a customer, including the Company's independent dealers and 
distributors, to meet the terms of any contract with the Company’s financial services operations. Credit losses are 
influenced by general business and economic conditions, including unemployment rates, bankruptcy filings and other 
factors that negatively affect household incomes, as well as contract terms, customer credit profiles and the new and 
used motorcycle market. Negative changes in general business, economic or market factors may have an additional 
adverse impact on the Company’s financial services credit losses and future earnings. While HDFS experienced 
17

historically low levels of retail credit losses during 2013 and 2014, the Company believes HDFS' retail credit losses 
may continue to increase over time due to changing consumer credit behavior and HDFS' efforts to increase prudently 
structured loan approvals in the sub-prime lending environment. Increases in the frequency of loss and decreases in the 
value of repossessed Harley-Davidson branded motorcycles also adversely impact credit losses. If there are adverse 
circumstances that involve a material decline in values of Harley-Davidson branded motorcycles, those circumstances 
or any related decline in resale values for Harley-Davidson branded motorcycles could contribute to increased 
delinquencies and credit losses.

•  The Company’s operations may be affected by greenhouse emissions and climate change and related 

regulations. Climate change is receiving increasing attention worldwide. Many scientists, legislators and others 
attribute climate change to increased levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, which has led to significant 
legislative and regulatory efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Congress has previously considered and may in 
the future implement restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, several states, including states where the 
Company has manufacturing plants, have previously considered and may in the future implement greenhouse gas 
registration and reduction programs. Energy security and availability and its related costs affect all aspects of the 
Company’s manufacturing operations in the United States, including the Company’s supply chain. The Company’s 
manufacturing plants use energy, including electricity and natural gas, and certain of the Company’s plants emit 
amounts of greenhouse gas that may be affected by these legislative and regulatory efforts. Greenhouse gas regulation 
could increase the price of the electricity the Company purchases, increase costs for use of natural gas, potentially 
restrict access to or the use of natural gas, require the Company to purchase allowances to offset the Company’s own 
emissions or result in an overall increase in costs of raw materials, any one of which could increase the Company’s 
costs, reduce competitiveness in a global economy or otherwise negatively affect the Company’s business, operations 
or financial results. Many of the Company’s suppliers face similar circumstances. Physical risks to the Company’s 
business operations as identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and other expert bodies include 
scenarios such as sea level rise, extreme weather conditions and resource shortages. Extreme weather may disrupt the 
production and supply of component parts or other items such as natural gas, a fuel necessary for the manufacture of 
motorcycles and their components. Supply disruptions would raise market rates and jeopardize the continuity of 
motorcycle production.

•  Regulations related to conflict minerals will cause the Company to incur additional expenses and may have 

other adverse consequences. The SEC adopted inquiry, diligence and additional disclosure requirements related to 
certain minerals sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding countries, or "conflict minerals", 
that are necessary to the functionality of a product manufactured, or contracted to be manufactured, by an SEC 
reporting company. The minerals that the rules cover are commonly referred to as "3TG" and include tin, tantalum, 
tungsten and gold. These rules impose a requirement for public companies to make certain disclosures relating to 
activities with conflict minerals. Compliance with the disclosure requirements could affect the sourcing and 
availability of some of the minerals that the Company uses in the manufacturing of its products. The Company's 
supply chain is complex, and if it is not able to determine the source and chain of custody for all conflict minerals used 
in its products that are sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding countries or determine that 
its products are "conflict free", then the Company may face reputational challenges with customers, investors or 
others. Additionally, as there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering "conflict free" minerals, if the 
Company chooses to use only conflict minerals that are "conflict free", the Company cannot be sure that it will be able 
to obtain necessary materials from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Accordingly, the 
Company could incur significant costs related to the compliance process, including potential difficulty or added costs 
in satisfying the disclosure requirements.

The Company disclaims any obligation to update these Risk Factors or any other forward-looking statements. The 

Company assumes no obligation (and specifically disclaims any such obligation) to update these Risk Factors or any other 
forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or other factors affecting such forward-looking 
statements. 

Item 1B.  

Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

18

Item 2. 

Properties

The following is a summary of the principal operating properties of the Company as of December 31, 2014:

Motorcycles & Related Products Segment

Type of Facility

Corporate Office

Museum
Manufacturing(1)
Manufacturing(2)
Product Development Center
Manufacturing(3)
Manufacturing(4)
Manufacturing and Materials Velocity Center(5)
Motorcycle Testing

Motorcycle Testing

Motorcycle Testing

Regional Office
Manufacturing(6)
Regional Office
Manufacturing(7)
Regional Office
Manufacturing(8)

Location

Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee, WI

Menomonee Falls, WI

Wauwatosa, WI

Wauwatosa, WI

Tomahawk, WI

York, PA

Kansas City, MO

Yucca, AZ

Yucca, AZ

Naples, FL

Miami, FL

Manaus, Brazil

Oxford, England

Bawal, India

Singapore

Approximate
Square Feet

Status

515,000 Owned

130,000 Owned

881,600 Owned

430,000 Owned

409,000 Owned

226,000 Owned

610,000 Owned

456,000 Owned

21,150 Owned

48,000 Lease expiring 2019

10,000 Lease expiring 2020

12,700 Lease expiring 2017

100,000 Lease expiring 2016

39,000 Lease expiring 2017

68,200 Lease expiring 2016

8,800 Lease expiring 2015

Adelaide, Australia

485,000 Lease expiring 2017

(1)  Motorcycle powertrain production.
(2)  Facility was idled during 2010 and production moved to Menomonee Falls, WI.
(3)  Plastic parts production and painting.
(4)  Motorcycle parts fabrication, painting and Softail® and touring model assembly.
(5)  Motorcycle parts fabrication, painting and Dyna®, Sportster®, Softail®, V-Rod® and Street platform assembly.
(6)  Assembly of select models for the Brazilian market.
(7)  Assembly of select models for the Indian market and production of the Street platform for non-North American markets.
(8)  Motorcycle wheel production.

Type of Facility

Office

Office

Office

Financial Services Segment 

Location

Approximate
Square Feet

Status

Chicago, IL

Plano, TX

26,000 Lease expiring 2022

69,321 Lease expiring 2025

Carson City, NV

100,000 Owned

The Financial Services segment has three office facilities: Chicago, Illinois (corporate headquarters); Plano, Texas 

(wholesale and retail operations); and Carson City, Nevada (retail and insurance operations). 

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to lawsuits and other claims related to environmental, product and other matters. In determining 

required reserves related to these items, the Company carefully analyzes cases and considers the likelihood of adverse 
judgments or outcomes, as well as the potential range of possible loss. The required reserves are monitored on an ongoing basis 
and are updated based on new developments or new information in each matter.

19

Environmental Protection Agency Notice

In December 2009, the Company received formal, written requests for information from the United States Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) regarding: (i) certificates of conformity for motorcycle emissions and related designations and labels, 
(ii) aftermarket parts, and (iii) warranty claims on emissions related components. The Company promptly submitted written 
responses to the EPA’s inquiry and has engaged in discussions with the EPA. Since that time, the EPA has delivered various 
additional requests for information to which the Company has responded. It is probable that a result of the EPA’s investigation 
will be some form of enforcement action by the EPA that will seek a fine and/or other relief. The Company has a reserve 
associated with this matter which is included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. However, given the 
uncertainty that still exists concerning the resolution of this matter, there is a possibility that the actual loss incurred may be 
materially different than the Company’s current reserve. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact of 
any remedies the EPA might seek beyond the Company's current reserve for this matter, if any.

York Environmental Matters:

The Company is involved with government agencies and groups of potentially responsible parties in various 
environmental matters, including a matter involving the cleanup of soil and groundwater contamination at its York, 
Pennsylvania facility. The York facility was formerly used by the U.S. Navy and AMF prior to the purchase of the York facility 
by the Company from AMF in 1981. Although the Company is not certain as to the full extent of the environmental 
contamination at the York facility, it has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 
(PADEP) since 1986 in undertaking environmental investigation and remediation activities, including an ongoing site-wide 
remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS). In January 1995, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the 
Agreement) with the Navy, and the parties amended the Agreement in 2013 to address ordnance and explosive waste.

The Agreement calls for the Navy and the Company to contribute amounts into a trust equal to 53% and 47%, 

respectively, of future costs associated with environmental investigation and remediation activities at the York facility 
(Response Costs). The trust administers the payment of the Response Costs incurred at the York facility as covered by the 
Agreement.

The Company has a reserve for its estimate of its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility which is included 
in accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As noted above, the RI/FS is still underway and given the 
uncertainty that exists concerning the nature and scope of additional environmental investigation and remediation that may 
ultimately be required under the RI/FS or otherwise at the York facility, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate 
of those additional costs, if any, that may result.

The estimate of the Company’s future Response Costs that will be incurred at the York facility is based on reports of 

independent environmental consultants retained by the Company, the actual costs incurred to date and the estimated costs to 
complete the necessary investigation and remediation activities. Response Costs are expected to be paid over the next several 
years.

Product Liability Matters:

The Company is involved in product liability suits related to the operation of its business. The Company accrues for claim 

exposures that are probable of occurrence and can be reasonably estimated. The Company also maintains insurance coverage 
for product liability exposures. The Company believes that its accruals and insurance coverage are adequate and that product 
liability suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not Applicable

20

PART II 

Item 5. 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of Equity 
Securities 

Harley-Davidson, Inc. common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. The high and low market prices 

for the common stock, reported as New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Composite Transactions, were as follows: 

2014

Low

High

2013

Low

High

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

$

$

$

$

60.55

63.74

60.24

54.22

$

$

$

$

70.04 First quarter

74.13 Second quarter

70.65 Third quarter

70.41 Fourth quarter

$

$

$

$

48.40

49.15

53.35

62.76

$

$

$

$

The Company paid the following dividends per share: 

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

2014

2013

2012

0.275

$

0.210

$

0.275

0.275

0.275

0.210

0.210

0.210

1.100

$

0.840

$

$

$

55.51

59.84

65.15

69.75

0.155

0.155

0.155

0.155

0.620

As of January 30, 2015, there were 78,014 shareholders of record of Harley-Davidson, Inc. common stock.

The following table contains detail related to the repurchase of common stock based on the date of trade during the 

quarter ended December 31, 2014:

2014 Fiscal Period

September 29 to November 2

November 3 to November 30

December 1 to December 31

Total

Total Number of
Shares Purchased

Average Price
Paid per Share

Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs

Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

667,546

1,585,334

1,084,727

3,337,607

$

$

$

$

62

67

69

67

667,546

1,585,334

1,084,727

3,337,607

23,364,308

21,999,353

20,942,189

The Company has an authorization (originally adopted in December 1997) by its Board of Directors to repurchase shares 
of its outstanding common stock under which the cumulative number of shares repurchased, at the time of any repurchase, shall 
not exceed the sum of (1) the number of shares issued in connection with the exercise of stock options occurring on or after 
January 1, 2004 plus (2) one percent of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company on January 1 of the current 
year, adjusted for any stock split. The company made discretionary share repurchases of 0.3 million shares during the fourth 
quarter ended December 31, 2014 under this authorization. As of December 31, 2014, there were no shares available under this 
authorization.

In December 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors separately authorized the Company to buy back up to 20.0 million 

shares of its common stock with no dollar limit or expiration date. The Company repurchased 3.1 million shares during the 
fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014 under this authorization. As of December 31, 2014, 0.9 million shares remained under 
this authorization.

In February 2014, the Company's Board authorized the Company to repurchase up to 20.0 million shares of its common 
stock with no dollar limit or expiration date. This board authorization is in addition to existing share repurchase authorizations. 
No shares were repurchased by the Company during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014 under this authorization. As 
of December 31, 2014, 20.0 million shares remained under this authorization.

Under the share repurchase authorizations, the Company’s common stock may be purchased through any one or more of 

a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan and discretionary purchases on the open market, block trades, accelerated share repurchases or 
privately negotiated transactions. The number of shares repurchased, if any, and the timing of repurchases will depend on a 
number of factors, including share price, trading volume and general market conditions, as well as on working capital 

21

requirements, general business conditions and other factors. The repurchase authority has no expiration date but may be 
suspended, modified or discontinued at any time.

The Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (exhibit 10.5) and predecessor stock plans permit participants to 

satisfy all or a portion of the statutory federal, state and local withholding tax obligations arising in connection with plan 
awards by electing to (a) have the Company withhold shares otherwise issuable under the award, (b) tender back shares 
received in connection with such award or (c) deliver other previously owned shares, in each case having a value equal to the 
amount to be withheld. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company acquired 581 shares of common stock that employees 
presented to the Company to satisfy withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards.

Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain information relating to the Company’s equity compensation 

plans.

The following information in this Item 5 is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject 

to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 
or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such a 
filing: the SEC requires the Company to include a line graph presentation comparing cumulative five year Common Stock 
returns with a broad-based stock index and either a nationally recognized industry index or an index of peer companies selected 
by the Company. The Company has chosen to use the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index as the broad-based index and the 
Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index as a more specific comparison. The Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index was chosen 
because the Company does not believe that any other published industry or line-of-business index adequately represents the 
current operations of the Company. The graph assumes a beginning investment of $100 on December 31, 2009 and that all 
dividends are reinvested.

22

 
Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index

Standard & Poor’s 500 Index

 Item 6.  

Selected Financial Data

2009
($)

2010
($)

2011
($)

2012
($)

2013
($)

2014
($)

100

100

100

140

127

115

158

124

118

202

147

136

290

193

180

281

209

205

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010(1)

Statement of income data:

Revenue:

Motorcycles & Related Products

Financial Services

Total revenue
Income from continuing
operations
Income (loss) from discontinued
operations, net of tax
Net income

Weighted-average common shares:

Basic

Diluted

Earnings per common share from
continuing operations:

Basic

Diluted

Earnings (loss) per common share
from discontinued operations:

Basic

Diluted

Earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

Dividends paid per common share

Balance sheet data:

Total assets

Total debt

Total equity

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

5,567,681

660,827

6,228,508

844,611

$

$

$

5,258,290

641,582

5,899,872

733,993

$

$

$

4,942,582

637,924

5,580,506

623,925

$

$

$

4,662,264

649,449

5,311,713

548,078

$

$

$

—

—

—

51,036

844,611

$

733,993

$

623,925

$

599,114

$

4,176,627

682,709

4,859,336

259,669

(113,124)
146,545

216,305

217,706

222,475

224,071

227,119

229,229

232,889

234,918

233,312

234,787

3.90

3.88

$

$

3.30

3.28

$

$

2.75

2.72

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

3.90

3.88

1.100

9,528,097

5,504,629

2,909,286

$

$

$

$

$

$

3.30

3.28

0.840

9,405,040

5,259,170

3,009,486

$

$

$

$

$

$

2.75

2.72

0.620

9,170,773

5,102,649

2,557,624

$

$

$

$

$

$

2.35

2.33

0.22

0.22

2.57

2.55

0.475

9,674,164

5,722,619

2,420,256

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.11

1.11

(0.48)
(0.48)

0.63

0.62

0.400

9,430,740

5,752,356

2,206,866

(1)  The Company began consolidating formerly off-balance sheet qualifying special purpose entities as required by the new 
guidance within Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, “Consolidations” and ASC Topic 860, “Transfers 
and Servicing” in 2010.

23

 
Item 7. 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the groups of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor 

Company (HDMC) and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to 
the "Company" includes Harley-Davidson, Inc. and all its subsidiaries. The Company operates in two business segments: 
Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) and Financial Services. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic 
business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in 
their operations.

The Motorcycles segment consists of HDMC which designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale street-legal Harley-

Davidson motorcycles as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. The 
Company's products are sold to retail customers through a network of independent dealers. The Company conducts business on 
a global basis, with sales in North America, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific and Latin America. 

The Financial Services segment consists of HDFS which provides wholesale and retail financing and provides insurance-

related programs primarily to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers. HDFS conducts business primarily in the 
United States and Canada. 

The “% Change” figures included in the “Results of Operations” section were calculated using unrounded dollar amounts 

and may differ from calculations using the rounded dollar amounts presented. 

Overview

During 2014, the Company generated strong financial results as it continued to execute against its strategic goals. During 

2014, the Company introduced seven new Project RushmoreTM models, including the reintroduction of Road Glide 
motorcycles, began distribution of its all-new Street 750 and 500 motorcycles, and completed its implementation of flexible 
surge production capabilities at its production facilities. The Company’s net income for 2014 was $844.6 million, or $3.88 per 
diluted share, compared to $734.0 million, or $3.28 per diluted share, in 2013. The increase in 2014 net income was driven by 
strong financial performance at the Motorcycles segment. Operating income from the Motorcycles segment was up $132.5 
million over 2013 led by a 3.9% increase in wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In addition, Motorcycles 
operating income benefited during 2014 from model-year price increases, a stronger product mix and lower manufacturing 
costs. These positive impacts were partially offset by an adverse change in foreign currency exchange rates during 2014 and 
higher selling, administrative and engineering expenses as the Company continued to invest in its strategic initiatives. 
Operating income from the Financial Services segment was down slightly from the prior year, falling $5.3 million, or 1.9%, 
due to a higher provision for credit losses partially offset by higher revenues.

Worldwide independent dealer retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 2.7% compared to 2013 despite 
challenging U.S. weather conditions in the first half of 2014 and the absence of Road Glide models for most of 2014. Retail 
sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 1.3% in the U.S. and 5.4% in international markets. As the Company 
looks forward to 2015, it believes the Harley-Davidson brand and core demand fundamentals remain strong.(1) In 2015, the 
Company expects continued momentum behind its model-year 2015 motorcycles including increased worldwide distribution of 
its Street motorcycles.(1)

Please refer to the “Results of Operations 2014 Compared to 2013” for additional details concerning the results for 2014.

(1)  Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this report 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,” or “estimates” or words of similar meaning. 
Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance 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 from those anticipated as of the date of this report. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described in 
close proximity to such statements or elsewhere in this report, including under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and under 
“Cautionary Statements” in Item 7 of this report. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these 
factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking 
statements. The forward-looking statements included in this report are made only as of the date of the filing of this report 
(February 19, 2015), and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect 
subsequent events or circumstances.

24

                        
Outlook(1)

On January 29, 2015 the Company announced the following expectations for 2015.

The Company expects to ship 282,000 to 287,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles during 2015, up approximately 4% to 

6% over 2014. This includes 79,000 to 84,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles that it expects to ship in the first quarter of 2015, 
down approximately 2% at the low end of the range to up 4% at the high end of the range over the first quarter of 2014. The 
Company believes the underlying worldwide demand fundamentals for Harley-Davidson motorcycles are strong and expects 
that motorcycle shipment growth in 2015 will be driven by: 

•  The strong appeal of the Harley-Davidson brand

•  Great model-year 2015 and 2016 motorcycles

• 

• 

Full-year Road Glide availability

Improving availability and expanding distribution of the new Street motorcycles

•  Continuing outreach momentum in the United States 

• 

International expansion

The Company expects the 2015 operating margin percent for the Motorcycles segment to be between 18% and 19% 

compared to 18% in 2014. The Company believes the operating margin percent will benefit from a modest increase in gross 
margin, as well as lower selling, administrative and engineering expenses as a percent of revenue. The Company expects that 
the 2015 gross margin percent will be up modestly, benefited by motorcycle pricing, incremental margin driven by higher 
motorcycle production and strong productivity gains. The Company also expects these positive impacts to be offset by 
unfavorable foreign currency exchange, increased pension expense and unfavorable product mix. If foreign currency exchange 
rates on January 28, 2015 remained constant throughout 2015, the Company estimates the adverse impact to its expected 
Motorcycle segment revenue from currency exchange in 2015 would be approximately 3.25%. Although the Company has a 
significant portion of its 2015 foreign currency exposure hedged at favorable rates, it expects that about half of the unfavorable 
revenue impact would translate into lower gross profit. The Company's 2015 pension expense will increase as a result of a 
lower discount rate and changes in mortality assumptions. The Company believes changes in product mix will adversely impact 
gross profit as Street continues to increase as a percent of total shipments. The Company expects selling, administrative and 
engineering expenses to increase in 2015 as it continues to invest in future growth opportunities, but will decrease as a percent 
of revenue as the Company leverages its current spending.

The Company expects operating income for the Financial Services segment to be down modestly in 2015 as compared to 

2014. Going forward, the Company continues to expect pressure on Financial Services operating income as a result of higher 
credit losses, and tightening net interest margins due to increasing competition and higher borrowing costs.

The Company’s capital expenditure estimates for 2015 are between $240 million and $260 million. The Company 

anticipates it will have the ability to fund all capital expenditures in 2015 with cash flows generated by operations.

The Company also announced on January 29, 2015 that it expects the full year 2015 effective income tax rate to be 
approximately 35.5%, which does not include the U.S. Federal Research and Development tax credits as it expired at the end of 
2014. This guidance excludes the effect of any potential future adjustments such as changes in tax legislation or audit 
settlements which are recorded as discrete items in the period in which they are settled.

25

Results of Operations 2014 Compared to 2013 

Consolidated Results 

(in thousands, except earnings per share)

2014

2013

Operating income from Motorcycles & Related Products

$ 1,003,147

$

870,609

$

Operating income from Financial Services

Operating income

Investment income

Interest expense

Income before income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net income

Diluted earnings per share

277,836

283,093

1,280,983

1,153,702

6,499

4,162

5,859

45,256

1,283,320

1,114,305

438,709

844,611

3.88

$

$

380,312

733,993

3.28

$

$

$

$

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

132,538
(5,257)
127,281

640
(41,094)
169,015

58,397

110,618

0.60

15.2 %

(1.9)%

11.0 %

10.9 %

(90.8)%

15.2 %

15.4 %

15.1 %

18.3 %

Consolidated operating income was up 11.0% in 2014 led by an increase in operating income from the Motorcycles 
segment which improved by $132.5 million compared to 2013. Operating income for the Financial Services segment decreased 
by $5.3 million during 2014 as compared to 2013. Please refer to the “Motorcycles and Related Products Segment” and 
“Financial Services Segment” discussions following for a more detailed discussion of the factors affecting operating income.

Interest expense was lower in 2014 compared to 2013 due to the retirement of $303 million of senior unsecured long-

term debt in February 2014.

The effective income tax rate for 2014 was 34.2% compared to 34.1% for 2013. The Company's 2014 and 2013 effective 

tax rate included U.S. Federal Research and Development tax credits that were reinstated by the American Taxpayer Relief 
Act. The effective tax rate for 2013 also included the full-impact of the 2012 U.S. Federal Research and Development tax credit 
due to the timing of the enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act.

Diluted earnings per share were $3.88 in 2014, up 18.3% over 2013. The increase in diluted earnings per share was 

driven primarily by the 15.1% increase in net income, but also benefited from lower diluted weighted average shares 
outstanding. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased from 224.1 million in 2013 to 217.7 million in 2014 driven 
by the Company's repurchases of common stock. Please refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for additional information 
concerning the Company's share repurchase activity.

Motorcycle Retail Sales and Registration Data

Worldwide independent dealer retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 2.7% during 2014 compared to 

2013. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 1.3% in the United States and 5.4% internationally in 2014. 

The Company believes U.S. retail sales for 2014 benefited from strong sales of Rushmore and Street motorcycles that 
were partially offset by adverse impacts that resulted from the absence of Road Glide motorcycles for most of the year and very 
difficult weather conditions in the first half of the year.

International retail sales growth during 2014 in the Asia Pacific region, Latin America region and EMEA region was 
partially offset by a decline in Canada. Retail sales in the Asia Pacific region were driven by growth in emerging markets, 
especially India and China. The retail sales growth in the Latin America region was driven by Mexico. The EMEA region retail 
sales growth was driven by growth in nearly all countries throughout the region. International retail sales as a percent of total 
retail sales in 2014 were 36.2% of total retail sales compared to 35.3% in 2013. 

The Company is encouraged by the 2014 performance of retail sales in international markets, but remains concerned with 

ongoing economic challenges in several markets. Going forward, the Company will continue to focus on factors it can control 
which include building its brand experience across the world and expanding its distribution network in emerging markets.

26

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales(a)

The following table includes retail unit sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles:

North America Region

United States

Canada

Total North America Region

Europe, Middle East and Africa Region (EMEA)

Europe(b)
Other

Total EMEA Region

Asia Pacific Region

Japan

Other

Total Asia Pacific Region

Latin America Region

Total Worldwide Retail Sales

Total International Retail Sales

2014

2013

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

171,079

9,871

180,950

38,491

6,832

45,323

10,775

19,299

30,074

11,652

267,999

96,920

168,863

11,062

179,925

36,076

6,533

42,609

10,751

16,139

26,890

11,415

260,839

91,976

2,216
(1,191)
1,025

2,415

299

2,714

24

3,160

3,184

237

7,160

4,944

1.3%
(10.8)
0.6

6.7

4.6

6.4

0.2

19.6

11.8

2.1

2.7%

5.4%

(a)  Data source for retail sales figures shown above is new sales warranty and registration information provided by Harley-

Davidson dealers and compiled by the Company. The Company must rely on information that its dealers supply 
concerning retail sales and this information is subject to revision.

(b)  Data for Europe include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, 

Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Motorcycle Registration Data - 601+cc(a)

The following table includes industry retail motorcycle registration data: 

United States(b)
Europe(c)

2014

2013

Increase

313,627

319,801

305,852

281,844

7,775

37,957

%
Change

2.5%

13.5%

(a)  Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include on-highway and dual purpose models and three-

wheeled vehicles.

(b)  United States industry data is derived from information provided by Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). This third party 
data is subject to revision and update. Prior periods have been adjusted to include all dual purpose models that were 
previously excluded.

(c)  Europe data includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, 

Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Industry retail motorcycle registration data 
includes 601+cc models derived from information provided by Association des Constructeurs Europeens de Motocycles 
(ACEM), an independent agency. This third-party data is subject to revision and update.

27

 
 
Motorcycles and Related Products Segment

Motorcycle Unit Shipments

The following table includes wholesale motorcycle unit shipments for the Motorcycles segment: 

United States

International

Harley-Davidson motorcycle units

Touring motorcycle units
Custom motorcycle units(a)
Sportster® / Street motorcycle units(b)
Harley-Davidson motorcycle units

2014

2013

Units

Mix %

Units

Mix %

173,994

96,732

270,726

122,481

91,426

56,819

270,726

64.3%

35.7%

100.0%

45.2%

33.8%

21.0%

100.0%

167,016

93,455

260,471

107,213

102,950

50,308

260,471

64.1%

35.9%

100.0%

41.2%

39.5%

19.3%

100.0%

Unit
Increase
(Decrease)
6,978

3,277

10,255

15,268
(11,524)
6,511

10,255

Unit
%
Change

4.2%

3.5

3.9%

14.2%
(11.2)
12.9

3.9%

(a)  Custom motorcycle units, as used in this table, include Dyna®, Softail®, V-Rod® and CVO models.
(b)  Initial shipments of Street motorcycle units began during the first quarter of 2014.

During 2014, wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were up 3.9% compared to the prior year and within 

the Company’s most recent expected shipment range of 270,000 to 275,000 motorcycles. International shipments as a 
percentage of the total were down slightly in 2014 as compared to 2013. The Company remains committed to investing in 
international growth and continues to believe that international retail sales will grow at a faster rate than the rate of growth of 
domestic retail sales(1). In addition, shipments of touring motorcycles and Sportster® / Street motorcycles as a percentage of 
total shipments increased in 2014 compared to the prior year while shipments of custom motorcycles as a percentage of total 
shipments declined. The Company believes the increase in touring motorcycle shipments, as a percentage of total shipments, 
was driven by continued demand for model-year 2014 Rushmore motorcycles and demand for model-year 2015 Rushmore 
motorcycles. Also, the shipment mix of Sportster® / Street increased as a result of Street shipments which began in 2014 and 
totaled approximately 9,900 motorcycles. The Company believes the shipment mix of Sportster® / Street will be higher in 2015 
as a result of increased Street shipments(1). As expected, retail inventory in the U.S. at the end of 2014 was approximately 2,900 
units higher than at the end of 2013 largely due to the initial dealer fill of Street models for retail. The Company believes the 
U.S. year-end 2014 dealer retail inventory level was appropriate going into 2015(1).

Segment Results

The following table includes the condensed statement of operations for the Motorcycles segment (in thousands): 

2014

2013

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

Revenue:

Motorcycles

Parts & Accessories

General Merchandise

Other

Total revenue

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit

Selling & administrative expense

Engineering expense

Restructuring benefit

Operating expense

$

4,385,863

$

4,067,510

$

318,353

875,019

284,826

21,973

5,567,681

3,542,601

2,025,080

887,333

134,600

—

1,021,933

873,075

295,854

21,851

5,258,290

3,395,918

1,862,372

847,927

145,967
(2,131)
991,763

1,944
(11,028)
122

309,391

146,683

162,708

39,406
(11,367)
2,131

30,170

132,538

7.8%

0.2
(3.7)
0.6

5.9

4.3

8.7

4.6
(7.8)
(100.0)
3.0

15.2%

Operating income from Motorcycles

$

1,003,147

$

870,609

$

28

 
The following table includes the estimated impact of the significant factors affecting the comparability of net revenue, 

cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2013 to 2014 (in millions):

2013

Volume

Price

Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging

Shipment mix

Raw material prices

Manufacturing costs

Total

2014

Net
Revenue

Cost of
Goods
Sold

Gross
Profit

$

5,259

$

3,397

$

1,862

124

166
(31)
50

—

—

309

85

119
(19)
(16)
1
(24)
146

$

5,568

$

3,543

$

39

47
(12)
66
(1)
24

163

2,025

The following factors affected the comparability of net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2013 to 2014:

•  Volume increases were driven by the increase in wholesale motorcycle shipments and parts and accessories sales, 

partially offset by lower sales volumes for general merchandise. General merchandise revenue was adversely impacted 
in 2014 by a SKU reduction plan across the apparel offering focused on transforming the retail customer experience 
with a more targeted assortment of popular styles. 

•  On average, wholesale prices on the Company’s 2014 and 2015 model-year motorcycles are higher than the preceding 
model-year resulting in the favorable impact on revenue during the period. The revenue favorability resulting from 
model-year price increases was partially offset by an increase in cost related to the significant additional content added 
to the 2014 and 2015 model-year motorcycles.

• 

•  Net revenue and gross profit were negatively impacted by a devaluation in the Company's key foreign currencies 
compared to the U.S. dollar, primarily the Euro, Japanese yen, Brazilian real and Australian dollar, which together 
declined approximately 3% on a weighted-average basis in 2014 compared to 2013.
Shipment mix changes between motorcycle families positively impacted net revenue and gross profit as a result of a 
higher mix of Touring motorcycles which was partially offset by an increase in Street motorcycle shipments. Shipment 
mix also benefited from favorable model mix within motorcycle families, as well as, favorable mix within the parts 
and accessories and general merchandise product lines. For the first quarter of 2015, the Company expects mix to 
adversely impact margin driven by an expected increase in Street motorcycle shipments(1). 

•  Raw material prices were slightly higher in 2014 relative to 2013.
•  Manufacturing costs for 2014 benefited from increased year-over-year production, restructuring savings, lower 

temporary inefficiencies and lower pension costs compared to 2013. The manufacturing cost benefits were partially 
offset by start-up costs of approximately $15.3 million associated with the launch of the Street platform of 
motorcycles.

The net increase in operating expense was primarily due to higher selling and administrative expenses and the absence of 
the restructuring benefit recorded in 2013, partially offset by lower engineering expense. The higher selling and administrative 
expenses were primarily due to higher spending in support of the Company's growth initiatives and higher recall costs. In 2013, 
the Company completed work related to its various restructuring activities that were initiated during 2009 through 2011. For 
further information regarding the Company’s previously announced restructuring activities, refer to Note 3 of Notes to 
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

29

Segment Results

Financial Services Segment

The following table includes the condensed statements of operations for the Financial Services segment (in thousands): 

Interest income

Other income

Financial services revenue

Interest expense

Provision for credit losses

Operating expenses

Financial Services expense

2014

2013

$

594,990

$

583,174

$

65,837

660,827

164,476

80,946

137,569

382,991

58,408

641,582

165,491

60,008

132,990

358,489

Operating income from Financial Services

$

277,836

$

283,093

$

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

11,816

7,429

19,245
(1,015)
20,938

4,579

24,502
(5,257)

2.0 %

12.7

3.0

(0.6)

34.9

3.4

6.8

(1.9)%

Interest income was favorable due to higher retail and wholesale outstanding finance receivables, partially offset by lower 

yields primarily on retail finance receivables due to increased competition. Other income was favorable primarily due to 
increased credit card licensing and insurance revenue. Interest expense benefited from a more favorable cost of funds and a 
lower loss on the extinguishment of a portion of the Company's 6.80% medium-term notes than in 2013, partially offset by 
higher average outstanding debt.

The provision for credit losses increased $20.9 million compared to 2013 primarily due to an increase in the provision for 

retail credit losses. The retail motorcycle provision increased $20.0 million during 2014 as a result of higher credit losses, an 
increase in the retail motorcycle reserve rate, and portfolio growth. Credit losses were impacted by lower recovery values of 
repossessed motorcycles, the impact of changing consumer behavior, and lower recoveries as a result of fewer charge-offs in 
prior periods.

Annual losses on the Company's retail motorcycle loans were 1.22% during 2014 compared to 1.09% in 2013. The 30-

day delinquency rate for retail motorcycle loans at December 31, 2014 decreased to 3.61% from 3.71% at December 31, 2013. 

Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables were as follows (in thousands): 

Balance, beginning of period

Provision for credit losses

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

Balance, end of period

2014

2013

$

$

110,693

$

80,946
(64,275)
127,364

$

107,667

60,008
(56,982)
110,693

At December 31, 2014, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $122.0 million for retail receivables 
and $5.3 million for wholesale receivables. At December 31, 2013, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was 
$106.1 million for retail receivables and $4.6 million for wholesale receivables. 

The Company's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables is generally 
based on the Company's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, current economic conditions and 
the estimated value of any underlying collateral. Please refer to Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for 
further discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses on finance receivables.

30

 
Results of Operations 2013 Compared to 2012

Consolidated Results 

(in thousands, except earnings per share)

2013

2012

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

Operating income from Motorcycles & Related Products

$

870,609

$

715,489

$

Operating income from Financial Services

Operating income

Investment income

Interest expense

Income before income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net income

Diluted earnings per share

283,093

284,687

1,153,702

1,000,176

5,859

45,256

1,114,305

380,312

733,993

3.28

$

$

$

$

7,369

46,033

961,512

337,587

623,925

2.72

$

$

155,120
(1,594)
153,526
(1,510)
(777)
152,793

42,725

110,068

0.56

21.7 %

(0.6)%

15.3 %

(20.5)%

(1.7)%

15.9 %

12.7 %

17.6 %

20.6 %

Consolidated operating income was up 15.3% in 2013 led by an increase in operating income from the Motorcycles 
segment which improved by $155.1 million compared to 2012. Operating income for the Financial Services segment decreased 
by $1.6 million during 2013 as compared to 2012. Please refer to the “Motorcycles and Related Products Segment” and 
“Financial Services Segment” discussions following for a more detailed discussion of the factors affecting operating income.

The effective income tax rate for 2013 was 34.1% compared to 35.1% for 2012. The Company's 2013 effective tax rate 
was favorably impacted by the reinstatement of the U.S. Federal Research and Development tax credit with the enactment of 
the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 at the beginning of 2013. During 2013, the Company recorded the benefits of the 
Research and Development tax credit for the full year of 2012, as well as, the full year of 2013.

Diluted earnings per share were $3.28 in 2013, up 20.6% over 2012. The increase in diluted earnings per share was 

driven primarily by the 17.6% increase in net income, but also benefited from lower diluted weighted average shares 
outstanding. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased from 229.2 million in 2012 to 224.1 million in 2013 driven 
by the Company's repurchases of common stock. Please refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for additional information 
concerning the Company's share repurchase activity.

Motorcycles Retail Sales and Registration Data

Worldwide independent dealer retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 4.4% during 2013 compared to 

2012. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 4.4% in the United States and 4.3% internationally in 2013. The 
Company believes U.S. retail sales for 2013 were positively impacted by the launch of its 2014 model-year motorcycles and 
improved availability of motorcycles which more than offset the adverse impact of weather experienced in the first half of 
2013. The Company also believes that the U.S. retail sales in 2013 were adversely impacted in the fourth quarter by the absence 
of its popular Road Glide models from the 2014 model-year. Road Glide models were discontinued for the 2014 model-year, 
and were reintroduced in the 2015 model-year with upgraded with Rushmore features. International retail sales growth during 
2013 in the Asia Pacific region, Latin America region and Canada were offset by a decline in the EMEA region. Retail sales in 
the Asia Pacific region were driven by growth in emerging markets, especially India and China. The retail sales growth in the 
Latin America region was driven by Brazil and Mexico. The EMEA region was adversely impacted by that region's difficult 
economic environment. The International retail sales as a percent of total retail sales were consistent compared to 2012 with 
international retail sales representing 35.3% of total retail sales in both 2013 and 2012, respectively. 

31

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales(a)

The following table includes retail unit sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles: 

North America Region

United States

Canada

Total North America Region

Europe, Middle East and Africa Region (EMEA)

Europe(b)
Other

Total EMEA Region

Asia Pacific Region

Japan

Other

Total Asia Pacific Region

Latin America Region

Total Worldwide Retail Sales

Total International Retail Sales

2013

2012

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

168,863

11,062

179,925

36,076

6,533

42,609

10,751

16,139

26,890

11,415

260,839

91,976

161,678

10,573

172,251

37,027

6,000

43,027

10,642

13,839

24,481

10,090

249,849

88,171

7,185

489

7,674

(951)
533
(418)

109

2,300

2,409

1,325

10,990

3,805

4.4%

4.6

4.5

(2.6)
8.9
(1.0)

1.0

16.6

9.8

13.1

4.4%

4.3%

(a)  Data source for retail sales figures shown above is new sales warranty and registration information provided by Harley-

Davidson dealers and compiled by the Company. The Company must rely on information that its dealers supply 
concerning retail sales and this information is subject to revision.

(b)  Data for Europe include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, 

Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Motorcycle Registration Data - 601+cc(a)

The following table includes industry retail motorcycle registration data:

United States(b)
Europe(c)

2013

2012

305,852

281,844

299,384

300,415

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

6,468
(18,571)

2.2 %

(6.2)%

(a)  Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include on-highway and dual purpose models and three-

wheeled vehicles.

(b)  United States industry data is derived from information provided by Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). This third party 
data is subject to revision and update. Prior periods have been adjusted to include all dual purpose models that were 
previously excluded.

(c)  Europe data includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, 

Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Industry retail motorcycle registration data 
includes 601+cc models derived from information provided by Association des Constructeurs Europeens de Motocycles 
(ACEM), an independent agency. This third-party data is subject to revision and update.

32

 
Motorcycle Unit Shipments

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment

The following table includes wholesale motorcycle unit shipments for the Motorcycles & Related Products segment: 

2013

2012

Units

Mix %

Units

Mix %

Unit
Increase
(Decrease)

Unit
%
Change

United States

International

Harley-Davidson motorcycle units

Touring motorcycle units
Custom motorcycle units(a)
Sportster® motorcycle units
Harley-Davidson motorcycle units

167,016

93,455

260,471

107,213

102,950

50,308

260,471

64.1%

35.9%

100.0%

41.2%

39.5%

19.3%

160,477

87,148

247,625

99,496

96,425

51,704

64.8%

35.2%

100.0%

40.2%

38.9%

20.9%

100.0%

247,625

100.0%

6,539

6,307

12,846

7,717

6,525
(1,396)
12,846

4.1 %

7.2

5.2 %

7.8 %

6.8

(2.7)

5.2 %

(a)  Custom motorcycle units, as used in this table, include Dyna®, Softail®, V-Rod® and CVO models.

During 2013, wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were up 5.2% compared to the prior year. 
International shipments as a percentage of the total were up slightly in 2013 as compared to 2012. In addition, shipments of 
touring motorcycles and custom motorcycles as a percentage of total shipments increased in 2013 compared to the prior year 
while shipments of Sportster® motorcycles as a percentage of total shipments declined. The Company believes the increase in 
touring motorcycle shipments, as a percentage of total shipments, was driven by demand for model-year 2014 motorcycles. 
Also, as expected, wholesale motorcycle shipments in the fourth quarter of 2013 were down compared to the fourth quarter of 
2012 in advance of the launch of seasonal surge manufacturing at the Company's Kansas City facility in early 2014. 
Consequently, retail inventory in the U.S. was approximately 1,850 units lower than at the end of 2012.

Segment Results

The following table includes the condensed statement of operations for the Motorcycles & Related Products segment (in 

thousands): 

Revenue:

Motorcycles

Parts & Accessories

General Merchandise

Other

Total revenue

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit

Selling & administrative expense

Engineering expense

Restructuring (benefit) expense

Operating expense

2013

2012

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

$

4,067,510

$

3,764,794

$

302,716

873,075

295,854

21,851

5,258,290

3,395,918

1,862,372

847,927

145,967
(2,131)
991,763

859,945

299,403

18,440

4,942,582

3,222,394

1,720,188

846,894

129,330

28,475

1,004,699

13,130
(3,549)
3,411

315,708

173,524

142,184

1,033

16,637
(30,606)
(12,936)
155,120

8.0%

1.5
(1.2)
18.5

6.4

5.4

8.3

0.1

12.9
(107.5)
(1.3)
21.7%

Operating income from Motorcycles

$

870,609

$

715,489

$

33

 
The following table includes the estimated impact of the significant factors affecting the comparability of net revenue, 

cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2012 to 2013 (in millions):

2012

Volume

Price

Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging

Shipment mix

Raw material prices

Manufacturing costs

Total

2013

Net
Revenue

Cost of
Goods
Sold

Gross
Profit

$

4,943

$

3,223

$

1,720

230

88
(56)
54

—

—

316

159

44
(17)
32
(8)
(36)
174

$

5,259

$

3,397

$

71

44
(39)
22

8

36

142

1,862

The following factors affected the comparability of net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2012 to 2013:

•  Volume increases were driven by the increase in wholesale shipments of motorcycle units as well as higher sales 

volumes for Parts & Accessories partially offset by lower General Merchandise sales volumes.

•  On average, wholesale prices on the Company’s 2013 and 2014 model-year motorcycles were higher than the 

• 

preceding model-years resulting in the favorable impact on revenue and gross profit during the period. The impact of 
revenue favorability resulting from model-year price increases was partially offset by an increase in cost related to the 
significant additional content added to the 2014 model-year motorcycles.
Foreign currency exchange rates during 2013 resulted in a negative impact on net revenue and gross profit primarily as 
a result of devaluation in the Japanese yen, Australian dollar and Brazilian real. 
Shipment mix changes resulted primarily from favorable product mix changes between motorcycle platforms. 

• 
•  Raw material prices were lower in 2013 relative to 2012 primarily due to lower metal costs.
•  Manufacturing costs for 2013 benefited from savings related to restructuring initiatives, lower temporary inefficiencies 
and increased year-over-year production, partially offset by approximately $7 million of higher start-up costs for the 
new model-year driven by the significant level of content added to the new models. Temporary inefficiencies 
associated with the Company’s restructuring activities were $15 million in 2013 compared to $33 million in 2012. 
With the completion of the restructuring activities, the Company has significantly reduced its fixed cost structure, and 
therefore improved the overall profitability of the Company. At the start of restructuring, motorcycle fixed costs were 
in the range of 20% to 25% of total motorcycle manufacturing costs. 

The net decrease in operating expense was primarily due to lower restructuring charges and variable employee 
compensation costs, partially offset by incremental investments to support the Company’s international growth and product 
development initiatives and increases in the Company's global information systems costs. In 2013, the Company completed 
work related to its various restructuring activities that were initiated during 2009 through 2011. For further information 
regarding the Company’s previously announced restructuring activities, refer to Note 3 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

34

Segment Results

Financial Services Segment

The following table includes the condensed statements of operations for the Financial Services segment (in thousands): 

Interest income

Other income

Financial services revenue

Interest expense

Provision for credit losses

Operating expenses

Financial Services expense

2013

2012

$

583,174

$

583,700

$

58,408

641,582

165,491

60,008

132,990

358,489

54,224

637,924

195,990

22,239

135,008

353,237

Operating income from Financial Services

$

283,093

$

284,687

$

(Decrease)
Increase

%
Change

(526)
4,184

3,658
(30,499)
37,769
(2,018)
5,252
(1,594)

(0.1)%

7.7

0.6

(15.6)

169.8

(1.5)

1.5

(0.6)%

Other income was favorable primarily due to higher fee income, increased credit card licensing revenue and increased 
insurance revenue. Interest expense benefited from a more favorable cost of funds, partially offset by higher debt levels related 
to higher average finance receivables outstanding.

The provision for credit losses was unfavorable compared to 2012 due to an increase in the provision for retail credit 

losses. Retail motorcycle credit losses increased $15.8 million in 2013 as compared to 2012 due to lower year-over-year 
recoveries as well as a higher frequency of loss. As a result, the 2013 retail motorcycle provision increased $36.8 million. 
Additionally, 2012 benefited from approximately $17.0 million in allowance releases.

Annual losses on the Company's retail motorcycle loans were 1.09% during 2013 compared to 0.79% in 2012. The 30-

day delinquency rate for retail motorcycle loans at December 31, 2013 decreased to 3.71% from 3.94% at December 31, 2012. 

Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables were as follows (in thousands): 

Balance, beginning of period

Provision for credit losses

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

Balance, end of period

2013

2012

107,667

$

60,008
(56,982)
110,693

$

125,449

22,239
(40,021)
107,667

$

$

At December 31, 2013, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $106.1 million for retail receivables 
and $4.6 million for wholesale receivables. At December 31, 2012, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was 
$101.4 million for retail receivables and $6.2 million for wholesale receivables. 

The Company's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables is generally 
based on the Company's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, current economic conditions and 
the estimated value of any underlying collateral. Please refer to Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for 
further discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses on finance receivables.

35

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Other Matters

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 

No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU No. 2014-09). ASU No. 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue 
recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an 
amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The 
Company is required to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods 
therein. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The Company’s financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies, which 
require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. Management believes that the following are some of the 
more critical judgment areas in the application of accounting policies that currently affect the Company’s financial condition 
and results of operations. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with 
the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Finance Receivables – The allowance for uncollectible accounts is maintained at a level 

management believes is adequate to cover the losses of principal in the existing finance receivables portfolio. The Company 
performs a periodic and systematic collective evaluation of the adequacy of the retail allowance. The Company utilizes loss 
forecast models which consider a variety of factors including, but not limited to, historical loss trends, origination or vintage 
analysis, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral, recovery rates and current economic 
conditions including items such as unemployment rates.

The wholesale portfolio is primarily composed of large balance, non-homogeneous finance receivables. The Company's 

wholesale allowance evaluation is first based on a loan-by-loan review. A specific allowance is established for wholesale 
finance receivables determined to be individually impaired when management concludes that the borrower will not be able to 
make full payment of contractual amounts due based on the original terms of the loan agreement. The impairment is determined 
based on the cash that the Company expects to receive discounted at the loan’s original interest rate or the fair value of the 
collateral, if the loan is collateral-dependent. In establishing the allowance, management considers a number of factors 
including the specific borrower’s financial performance as well as ability to repay. Finance receivables in the wholesale 
portfolio that are not individually evaluated for impairment are segregated, based on similar risk characteristics, according to 
the Company’s internal risk rating system and collectively evaluated for impairment. The related allowance is based on factors 
such as the Company’s past loan loss experience, current economic conditions as well as the value of the underlying collateral.

Product Warranty – Estimated warranty costs are reserved for motorcycles, motorcycle parts and motorcycle accessories 

at the time of sale. The warranty reserve is based upon historical Company claim data used in combination with other known 
factors that may affect future warranty claims. The Company updates its warranty estimates quarterly to ensure that the 
warranty reserves are based on the most current information available.

The Company believes that past claim experience is indicative of future claims; however, the factors affecting actual 
claims can be volatile. As a result, actual claims experience may differ from estimated which could lead to material changes in 
the Company’s warranty provision and related reserves. The Company’s warranty liability is discussed further in Note 1 of 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Healthcare Benefits – The Company has a defined benefit pension plan and several 

postretirement healthcare benefit plans, which cover employees of the Motorcycles segment. The Company also has unfunded 
supplemental employee retirement plan agreements (SERPA) with certain employees which were instituted to replace benefits 
lost under the Tax Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993.

U.S. GAAP requires that companies recognize in their statement of financial position a liability for defined benefit 
pension and postretirement plans that are underfunded or an asset for defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans 
that are overfunded.

Pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare obligations and costs are calculated through actuarial valuations. The 
valuation of benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs relies on key assumptions including discount rates, mortality, 
long-term expected return on plan assets, future compensation and healthcare cost trend rates.

The Company determines its discount rate assumptions by referencing high-quality long-term bond rates that are matched to 
the duration of its own benefit obligations. Based on this analysis, the Company decreased the discount rate for pension and 

36

SERPA obligations from 5.08% as of December 31, 2013 to 4.21% as of December 31, 2014. The Company decreased the 
discount rate for postretirement healthcare obligations from 4.70% to 3.99%. The Company determines its healthcare trend 
assumption for the postretirement healthcare obligation by considering factors such as estimated healthcare inflation, the 
utilization of healthcare benefits and changes in the health of plan participants. Based on the Company’s assessment of this data 
as of December 31, 2014, the Company set its healthcare cost trend rate at 8.0% as of December 31, 2014. The Company 
expects the healthcare cost trend rate to reach its ultimate rate of 5.0% by 2021.(1) These assumption changes were reflected 
immediately in the benefit obligation and will be amortized into net periodic benefit costs over future periods.

In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) issued new mortality tables (RP-2014 and MP-2014). The 

Company’s base mortality assumption, used in measuring the 2014 retirement plan benefit obligations, was developed using the 
RP 2014 table with weighted adjustments for the Company’s own credibility-adjusted mortality experience. In addition, after 
reviewing the SOA’s new MP-2014 table, the Company changed its long-term mortality projections to reflect longer anticipated 
life expectancies. The current assumptions represent the Company’s best estimate of mortality for its plan participants. The 
change in mortality assumptions at the end of 2014 resulted in an increase to the Company’s projected benefit obligation for 
pension plans of $64 million. The change did not have a meaningful impact on the accumulated benefit obligation for 
postretirement healthcare plans. These changes are considered actuarial losses and will be amortized to net periodic benefit cost 
along with other actuarial gains and losses. The Company will continue to review, and when necessary, adjust its mortality 
assumptions in connection with the measurement of its retirement program obligations.

Plan assets are measured at fair value and are subject to market volatility. In estimating the expected return on plan assets, 

the Company considers the historical returns on plan assets, adjusted to reflect the current view of the long-term investment 
market.

Changes in the funded status of defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans resulting from the difference 

between assumptions and actual results are initially recognized in other comprehensive income and amortized to expense over 
future periods. The following information is provided to illustrate the sensitivity of pension and postretirement healthcare 
obligations and costs to changes in these major assumptions (in thousands): 

2014 Net periodic benefit costs

Pension and SERPA

Postretirement healthcare

2014 Benefit obligations

Pension and SERPA

Postretirement healthcare

Amounts based
on current
assumptions

Impact of a 1%
decrease in the
discount rate

Impact of a 1%
decrease in the
expected
return on assets

Impact of a 1%
increase in the
healthcare
cost trend rate

$

$

$

$

19,369

14,340

2,069,980

361,006

$

$

$

$

24,624

1,256

$

$

17,648

1,354

$

389,051

35,859

n/a

n/a

$

n/a

1,587

n/a

12,909

This information should not be viewed as predictive of future amounts. The calculation of pension, SERPA and 

postretirement healthcare obligations and costs is based on many factors in addition to those discussed here. This information 
should be considered in combination with the information provided in Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stock Compensation Costs – The total cost of the Company’s share-based equity awards is equal to the grant date fair 

value per award multiplied by the number of awards granted (adjusted for forfeitures). This cost is recognized as expense on a 
straight-line basis over the service periods of the awards. Forfeitures are initially estimated based on historical Company 
information and subsequently updated over the life of the awards to ultimately reflect actual forfeitures. As a result, changes in 
forfeiture activity can influence the amount of stock compensation cost recognized from period to period.

The Company estimates the fair value of option awards as of the grant date using a lattice-based option valuation model 
which utilizes ranges of assumptions over the expected term of the options, including stock price volatility, dividend yield and 
risk-free interest rate.

The valuation model uses historical data to estimate option exercise behavior and employee terminations. The expected 

term of options granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the average period of time that 
options granted are expected to be outstanding.

The Company uses implied volatility to determine the expected volatility of its stock. The implied volatility is derived 

from options that are actively traded and the market prices of both the traded options and underlying shares are measured at a 
similar point in time to each other and on a date reasonably close to the grant date of the employee stock options. In addition, 
37

the traded options have exercise prices that are both (a) near-the-money and (b) close to the exercise price of the employee 
stock options. Finally, the remaining maturities of the traded options on which the estimate is based are at least one year.

Dividend yield was based on the Company’s expected dividend payments and the risk-free rate was based on the U.S. 

Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

Changes in the valuation assumptions could result in a significant change to the cost of an individual option. However, the 

total cost of an award is also a function of the number of awards granted, and as result, the Company has the ability to control 
the cost of its equity awards by adjusting the number of awards granted.

Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes.” Deferred 
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement 
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carry-
forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the 
years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is 
required in determining the Company’s worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related deferred tax assets and 
liabilities. In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax 
determination is uncertain. Accruals for unrecognized tax benefits are provided for in accordance with the requirements of ASC 
Topic 740. An unrecognized tax benefit represents the difference between the recognition of benefits related to items for 
income tax reporting purposes and financial reporting purposes. The unrecognized tax benefit is included within other long-
term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has a reserve for interest and penalties on exposure items, if 
applicable, which is recorded as a component of the overall income tax provision. The Company is regularly audited by tax 
authorities as a normal course of business. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, management believes that it 
has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provision includes amounts sufficient to 
pay any assessments. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing 
authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.

Contractual Obligations

A summary of the Company’s expected payments for significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014 is as 

follows (in thousands): 

Principal payments on debt

$

Interest payments on debt

Operating lease payments

2015
1,743,101

132,530

12,309

2016 - 2017

2018 - 2019

Thereafter

$

1,881,246

$

1,880,282

$

195,395

16,325

58,531

10,813

— $

—

15,955

Total
5,504,629

386,456

55,402

$

1,887,940

$

2,092,966

$

1,949,626

$

15,955

$

5,946,487

Interest for floating rate instruments assumes December 31, 2014 rates remain constant.

As of December 31, 2014, the Company generally had no significant purchase obligations, other than those created in the 
ordinary course of business. Purchase orders issued for inventory and supplies used in product manufacturing generally do not 
become firm commitments until 90 days prior to expected delivery and can be modified to a certain extent until 30 days prior to 
expected delivery.

The Company has long-term obligations related to its pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans at 

December 31, 2014. During 2014, the Company contributed $29.7 million to its pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare 
plans. No additional contributions were required during 2014 beyond current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement 
healthcare plans. The Company does not expect to make any additional qualified pension plan contributions in 2015.(1) Also, 
the Company expects it will continue to make on-going contributions related to current benefit payments for SERPA and 
postretirement healthcare plans.(1) The Company’s expected future contributions to these plans are provided in Note 13 of Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements.

As described in Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has unrecognized tax benefits of 

$64.2 million and accrued interest and penalties of $25.3 million as of December 31, 2014. However, the Company cannot 
make a reasonably reliable estimate for the period of cash settlement for either the liability for unrecognized tax benefits or 
accrued interest and penalties.

38

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is subject to lawsuits and other claims related to environmental, product and other matters. In determining 

required reserves related to these items, the Company carefully analyzes cases and considers the likelihood of adverse 
judgments or outcomes, as well as the potential range of possible loss. The required reserves are monitored on an ongoing basis 
and are updated based on new developments or new information in each matter.

Environmental Protection Agency Notice

In December 2009, the Company received formal, written requests for information from the United States Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) regarding: (i) certificates of conformity for motorcycle emissions and related designations and labels, 
(ii) aftermarket parts, and (iii) warranty claims on emissions related components. The Company promptly submitted written 
responses to the EPA’s inquiry and has engaged in discussions with the EPA. Since that time, the EPA has delivered various 
additional requests for information to which the Company has responded. It is probable that a result of the EPA’s investigation 
will be some form of enforcement action by the EPA that will seek a fine and/or other relief. The Company has a reserve 
associated with this matter which is included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. However, given the 
uncertainty that still exists concerning the resolution of this matter, there is a possibility that the actual loss incurred may be 
materially different than the Company’s current reserve. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact of 
any remedies the EPA might seek beyond the Company's current reserve for this matter, if any.

York Environmental Matters:

The Company is involved with government agencies and groups of potentially responsible parties in various 
environmental matters, including a matter involving the cleanup of soil and groundwater contamination at its York, 
Pennsylvania facility. The York facility was formerly used by the U.S. Navy and AMF prior to the purchase of the York facility 
by the Company from AMF in 1981. Although the Company is not certain as to the full extent of the environmental 
contamination at the York facility, it has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 
(PADEP) since 1986 in undertaking environmental investigation and remediation activities, including an ongoing site-wide 
remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS). In January 1995, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the 
Agreement) with the Navy, and the parties amended the Agreement in 2013 to address ordnance and explosive waste. The 
Agreement calls for the Navy and the Company to contribute amounts into a trust equal to 53% and 47%, respectively, of future 
costs associated with environmental investigation and remediation activities at the York facility (Response Costs). The trust 
administers the payment of the Response Costs incurred at the York facility as covered by the Agreement.

The Company has a reserve for its estimate of its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility which is included 

in accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.(1) As noted above, the RI/FS is still underway and given 
the uncertainty that exists concerning the nature and scope of additional environmental investigation and remediation that may 
ultimately be required under the RI/FS or otherwise at the York facility, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate 
of those additional costs, if any, that may result.

The estimate of the Company’s future Response Costs that will be incurred at the York facility is based on reports of 

independent environmental consultants retained by the Company, the actual costs incurred to date and the estimated costs to 
complete the necessary investigation and remediation activities. Response Costs are expected to be paid primarily over a period 
of several years ending in 2017 although certain Response Costs may continue for some time beyond 2017.

Product Liability Matters:

The Company is involved in product liability suits related to the operation of its business. The Company accrues for claim 

exposures that are probable of occurrence and can be reasonably estimated. The Company also maintains insurance coverage 
for product liability exposures. The Company believes that its accruals and insurance coverage are adequate and that product 
liability suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.(1)

Liquidity and Capital Resources as of December 31, 2014 

Over the long-term, the Company expects that its business model will continue to generate cash that will allow it to invest 

in the business, fund future growth opportunities and return value to shareholders.(1) The Company believes the Motorcycles 
operations will continue to be primarily funded through cash flows generated by operations.(1) The Company’s Financial 
Services operations have been funded with unsecured debt, unsecured commercial paper, asset-backed commercial paper 
conduit facilities, committed unsecured bank facilities, term asset-backed securitizations and intercompany borrowings.

39

The Company’s strategy is to maintain a minimum of twelve months of its projected liquidity needs through a 
combination of cash and marketable securities and availability under credit facilities. The following table summarizes the 
Company’s cash and marketable securities and availability under credit facilities (in thousands):

Cash and cash equivalents

Current marketable securities

Total cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities

Global credit facilities
Asset-backed U.S commercial paper conduit facility (a)
Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility (b)
Total availability under credit facilities

Total

December 31,
2014

906,680

57,325

964,005

618,214

600,000

5,508

1,223,722

2,187,727

$

$

(a)  The U.S. commercial paper conduit facility expires on October 30, 2015. The Company anticipates that it will renew this 

facility prior to expiration(1).

(b)  The Canadian commercial paper conduit facility expires on June 30, 2015 and is limited to Canadian denominated 

borrowings. The Company anticipates that it will renew this facility prior to expiration.(1).

Although the Company believes it has obtained the funding necessary to support Financial Services' operations for 2015
(1), the Company recognizes that it must continue to adjust its business to changes in the lending environment. The Company 
intends to continue with a diversified funding profile through a combination of short-term and long-term funding vehicles and 
to pursue a variety of sources to obtain cost-effective funding. The Financial Services operations could be negatively affected 
by higher costs of funding and the increased difficulty of raising, or potential unsuccessful efforts to raise, funding in the short-
term and long-term capital markets.(1) These negative consequences could in turn adversely affect the Company’s business and 
results of operations in various ways, including through higher costs of capital, reduced funds available through its Financial 
Services operations to provide loans to independent dealers and their retail customers, and dilution to existing shareholders 
through the use of alternative sources of capital.

Cash Flow Activity

The following table summarizes the cash flow activity of continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 

2013 and 2012 (in thousands): 

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used by investing activities

Net cash used by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

$

2014
1,146,677
(744,650)
(536,096)
(25,863)
(159,932) $

$

$

2013

2012

$

977,093
(568,867)
(393,209)
(16,543)
(1,526) $

801,458
(261,311)
(990,073)
(8,886)
(458,812)

Operating Activities

The increase in operating cash flow in 2014 compared to 2013 was due primarily to increased earnings, favorable 

changes in working capital and lower pension contributions, partially offset by higher wholesale finance originations. 

During 2014, the Company contributed $29.7 million to its qualified pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans 

compared to $204.8 million in 2013, which included a $175.0 million voluntary contribution to its qualified pension plan. The 
Company does not expect to make any contributions to its qualified pension plan in 2015.(1) The Company expects it will 
continue to make on-going contributions related to current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans. 
The Company’s expected future contributions to these plans are provided in Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

The increase in operating cash flow in 2013 compared to 2012 was due primarily to increased earnings and favorable 
changes in working capital. The favorable changes in working capital were in part due to the utilization of a prepaid income tax 
balance in 2013 that was established in 2012. 

40

 
 
Investing Activities

The Company’s investing activities consist primarily of capital expenditures, net changes in retail finance receivables and 
short-term investment activity. Capital expenditures were $232.3 million, $208.3 million and $189.0 million during 2014, 2013 
and 2012, respectively.

Net cash flows from finance receivables for 2014, which consisted primarily of retail finance receivables, were $143.2 

million lower than 2013 as a result of an increase in retail motorcycle loan originations during 2014. Net cash flows from 
finance receivables for 2013, which consisted primarily of retail finance receivables, were $321.4 million lower than in 2012 as 
a result of an increase in retail motorcycle loan originations during 2013.

Changes in the Company’s investment in marketable securities resulted in cash inflows of $41.0 million, $35.1 million 

and $18.3 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, 

Financing Activities

The Company’s financing activities consist primarily of dividend payments, share repurchases and debt activity.

The Company paid dividends of $1.10 per share totaling $238.3 million during 2014, $0.84 per share totaling $187.7 

million during 2013 and $0.62 per share totaling $141.7 million in 2012.

Cash outflows from share repurchases were $615.6 million, $479.2 million and $311.6 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, 

respectively. Share repurchases during 2014, 2013 and 2012 included 9.3 million, 8.2 million and 6.7 million shares of common 
stock, respectively, related to discretionary share repurchases and shares of common stock that employees surrendered to satisfy 
withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards. On February 5, 2014, the Company announced that 
the Company's Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to 20 million shares of its common stock. In 
total at December 31, 2014, the Company had board approved authorizations to repurchase 20.9 million shares of its common 
stock.

The Company’s total outstanding debt consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in 

thousands): 

2014

2013

2012

Unsecured commercial paper

$

731,786

$

666,317

$

Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility

Medium-term notes

Senior unsecured notes

Term asset-backed securitization debt

Total debt

166,912

3,334,398

—

1,271,533

174,241

2,858,980

303,000

1,256,632

$

5,504,629

$

5,259,170

$

294,943

175,658

2,881,272

303,000

1,447,776

5,102,649

To access the debt capital markets, the Company relies on credit rating agencies to assign short-term and long-term credit 

ratings. Generally, lower credit ratings result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to debt capital markets. A credit 
rating agency may change or withdraw the Company’s ratings based on its assessment of the Company’s current and future 
ability to meet interest and principal repayment obligations. The Company’s short-term debt ratings affect its ability to issue 
unsecured commercial paper. The Company’s short- and long-term debt ratings as of December 31, 2014 were as follows: 

Moody’s

Standard & Poor’s
Fitch(a)

Short-Term
P2

A2

F1

Long-Term
A3

A-

A

Outlook
Stable

Stable

Stable

Global Credit Facilities – On April 7, 2014, the Company entered into a new $675.0 million five-year credit facility to 
refinance and replace a $675.0 million four-year credit facility that was due to mature in April 2015. The new five-year credit 
facility matures in April 2019. The Company also has a $675.0 million five-year credit facility which matures in April 2017. 
The new five-year credit facility and the existing five-year credit facility (together, the Global Credit Facilities) bear interest at 
various variable interest rates, which may be adjusted upward or downward depending on certain criteria, such as credit ratings. 
The Global Credit Facilities also require the Company to pay a fee based upon the average daily unused portion of the 
aggregate commitments under the Global Credit Facilities. The Global Credit Facilities are committed facilities and primarily 
used to support the Company's unsecured commercial paper program.

41

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Unsecured Commercial Paper – Subject to limitations, the Company could issue unsecured commercial paper of up to 

$1.35 billion as of December 31, 2014 supported by the Global Credit Facilities. Outstanding unsecured commercial paper may 
not exceed the unused portion of the Global Credit Facilities. Maturities may range up to 365 days from the issuance date. The 
Company intends to repay unsecured commercial paper as it matures with additional unsecured commercial paper or through 
other means, such as borrowing under the Global Credit Facilities, borrowing under its asset-backed U.S. commercial paper 
conduit facility or through the use of operating cash flow and cash on hand.(1)

Medium-Term Notes – The Company has the following medium-term notes (collectively, the Notes) issued and 

outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in thousands): 

Principal Amount
$600,000

$450,000

$400,000

$400,000

$887,958

$600,000

Rate             
1.15%

3.875%

2.70%

1.55%

6.80%

2.40%

Issue Date
September 2012

March 2011

January 2012

November 2014

May 2008

September 2014

Maturity Date
September 2015

March 2016

March 2017

November 2017

June 2018

September 2019

The Notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. Unamortized discounts on the Notes 

reduced the balance by $3.6 million, $1.5 million, and $2.2 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In September 2014, the Company issued $600.0 million of medium-term notes which mature in September 2019 and have 

an annual interest rate of 2.40%. In November 2014, the Company issued $400.0 million of medium-term notes which mature 
in November 2017 and have an annual interest rate of 1.55%. There were no medium-term note issuances during 2013.

During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company repurchased an aggregate $22.6 million, $23.0 million, and $16.6 million, 
respectively, of its 6.80% medium-term notes which mature in June 2018. As a result, the Company recognized in financial 
services interest expense $3.9 million, $4.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively, for losses on the extinguishment of debt, 
which included unamortized discounts and fees. During December 2014, $500.0 million of 5.75% medium-term notes matured, 
and the principal and accrued interest were paid in full. 

Senior Unsecured Notes – In February 2009, the Company issued $600.0 million of senior unsecured notes in an 
underwritten offering. The senior unsecured notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. 
During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company repurchased $297.0 million of the $600.0 million senior unsecured notes at a 
price of $380.8 million. The senior unsecured notes matured in February 2014 and the Company repaid the remaining senior 
unsecured notes outstanding. 

 Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility – The Company has a revolving facility agreement 

(Canadian Conduit) with a Canadian bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit. Under the agreement, the 
Canadian Conduit is contractually committed, at the Company's option, to purchase from the Company eligible Canadian retail 
motorcycle finance receivables for proceeds up to C$200 million. The transferred assets are restricted as collateral for the 
payment of the debt. The terms for this facility provide for interest on the outstanding principal based on prevailing market 
interest rates plus a specified margin. The Canadian Conduit also provides for a program fee and an unused commitment fee 
based on the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of C$200 million. There is no amortization schedule; however, 
the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. 
Upon expiration of the Canadian Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available 
collections. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, as of December 31, 
2014, the Canadian Conduit has an expiration date of June 30, 2015. The contractual maturity of the debt is approximately 5 
years.

During 2014 and 2013, the Company transferred $97.1 million and $101.1 million, respectively, of Canadian retail 

motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit for proceeds of $85.0 million and $88.6 million, respectively. 

Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility Variable Interest Entity (VIE) – In September 2014, the Company 
amended and restated its revolving facility (U.S. Conduit) with an asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit which provides 
for a total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. At December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company had no outstanding 
borrowings under the U.S. Conduit.

This debt provides for interest on outstanding principal based generally on prevailing commercial paper rates plus a 

program fee based on outstanding principal, or LIBOR plus a specified margin to the extent the advance is not funded by a 

42

conduit lender through the issuance of commercial paper. The U.S Conduit also provides for an unused commitment fee based 
on the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. There is no amortization schedule; however, the 
debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related finance receivable collateral are applied to outstanding principal. 
Upon expiration of the U.S. Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available 
collections. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, as of December 31, 
2014, the U.S. Conduit expires October 30, 2015. 

Term Asset-Backed Securitization VIEs – For all of its term asset-backed securitization transactions, the Company 
transferred U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to separate VIEs, which in turn issued secured notes, with various 
maturities and interest rates to investors. All of the notes held by the VIEs are secured by future collections of the purchased 
U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables. The U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables included in the term asset-backed 
securitization transactions are not available to pay other obligations or claims of the Company's creditors until the associated 
debt and other obligations are satisfied. Restricted cash balances held by the VIEs are used only to support the securitizations. 
There is no amortization schedule for the secured notes; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the 
related retail motorcycle finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. The secured notes’ contractual lives have 
various maturities ranging from 2015 to 2021.

During 2014, the Company issued $850.0 million of secured notes through one term asset-backed securitization 
transaction. During 2013, the Company issued $650.0 million of secured notes through one term asset-backed securitization 
transaction. 

Intercompany Borrowings – Prior to the first quarter of 2013, HDFS had a revolving credit line with the Company 
whereby HDFS could have borrowed up to $210.0 million from the Company at a market interest rate. This agreement was 
terminated during the first quarter of 2013.

During 2014, HDFS and the Company had in effect the following term loan agreements under which HDFS borrowed 

from the Company (in thousands):

Principal Amount

$300,000

$150,000

$300,000

$250,000

$150,000

Issue Date

June 2013

September 2013

April 2014

June 2014

September 2014

Maturity Date

April 2014 *

April 2014 *

April 2015 **

September 2014 *

April 2015 *

During 2013, HDFS and the Company had in effect the following term loan agreements under which HDFS borrowed 

from the Company (in thousands):

Principal Amount

$300,000

$100,000

$300,000

$150,000

Issue Date

March 2013

September 2013

June 2013

September 2013

Maturity Date

April 2013 *

November 2013 *

April 2014

April 2014

* This loan was repaid on or before the maturity date.
** $50.0 million of this loan was repaid in November 2014

The term loans provide for monthly interest based on the prevailing commercial paper rates and principal due at maturity 

or upon demand by the Company. The outstanding intercompany term loan balance was $250.0 million and $450.0 million at 
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The term loan balances and related interest are eliminated in the Company’s 
consolidated financial statements.

Support Agreement - The Company has a support agreement with HDFS whereby, if required, the Company agrees to 
provide HDFS with financial support in order to maintain HDFS’ fixed-charge coverage at 1.25 and minimum net worth of 
$40.0 million. Support may be provided at the Company’s option as capital contributions or loans. Accordingly, certain debt 

43

covenants may restrict the Company’s ability to withdraw funds from HDFS outside the normal course of business. No amount 
has ever been provided to HDFS under the support agreement.

Operating and Financial Covenants – HDFS and the Company are subject to various operating and financial covenants 

related to the Global Credit Facilities and various operating covenants under the Notes and the U.S. and Canadian asset-backed 
commercial paper conduit facilities. The more significant covenants are described below.

The operational covenants limit the Company’s and HDFS’ ability to:

• 
• 
• 

assume or incur certain liens;
participate in certain mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions; and
purchase or hold margin stock.

Under the current financial covenants of the Global Credit Facilities, the consolidated debt to equity ratio of HDFS 

cannot exceed 10.0 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. In addition, the ratio of the Company's consolidated debt to the 
Company's consolidated debt and equity, in each case excluding the debt of HDFS and its subsidiaries, cannot exceed 0.65 to 
1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. No financial covenants are required under the Notes or the U.S. or Canadian asset-backed 
commercial paper conduit facilities.

At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, HDFS and the Company remained in compliance with all of the existing 

covenants.

The Company’s ability to meet the targets and expectations noted depends upon, among other factors, the Company’s 

ability to:

Cautionary Statements

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

(iv) 

(v) 

(vi) 

(vii) 

(viii) 

(ix) 

(x) 

(xi) 

(xii) 

(xiii) 

(xiv) 

(xv) 

(xvi) 

execute its business strategy,

manage through changes in general economic conditions, including changing capital, credit and retail 
markets, and political events,

adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices,

continue to develop the capabilities of its distributors and dealers and manage the risks that our independent 
dealers may have difficulty obtaining capital and managing through changing economic conditions and 
consumer demand,

manage risks that arise through expanding international manufacturing, operations and sales,

manage through the effects inconsistent and unpredictable weather patterns may have on retail sales of 
motorcycles,

manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, 
services and operations,

manage supply chain issues, including any unexpected interruptions or price increases caused by raw material 
shortages or natural disasters,

detect any issues with the Company's motorcycles or manufacturing processes to avoid delays in new model 
launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation,

develop and implement sales and marketing plans that retain existing retail customers and attract new retail 
customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace,

implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology solutions, including solutions at its 
manufacturing facilities, and secure data contained in those systems,

develop and introduce products, services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace,

continue to realize production efficiencies at its production facilities and manage operating costs including 
materials, labor and overhead,

execute its flexible production strategy,

balance production volumes for its new motorcycles with consumer demand,

continue to manage the relationships and agreements that it has with its labor unions to help drive long-term 
competitiveness,

(xvii) 

adjust to healthcare inflation and reform, pension reform and tax changes,

44

(xviii) 

retain and attract talented employees,

(xix) 

(xx) 

continue to have access to reliable sources of capital funding and adjust to fluctuations in the cost of capital, 
and

manage the credit quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of HDFS’ loan 
portfolio.

In addition, the Company could experience delays or disruptions in its operations as a result of work stoppages, strikes, 

natural causes, terrorism or other factors. Other factors are described in “Risk Factors” under Item 1A which includes a 
discussion of additional risk factors and a more complete discussion of some of the cautionary statements noted above.

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 independent dealers to sell its motorcycles and related products and services to retail 
customers. The Company depends on the capability and financial capacity of its independent dealers and distributors 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 independent 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.

In recent years, HDFS has experienced historically low levels of retail credit losses, but there is no assurance that this 

will continue. The Company believes that HDFS' retail credit losses may increase over time due to changing consumer credit 
behavior and HDFS' efforts to increase prudently structured loan approvals in the sub-prime lending environment.

Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. To reduce such risks, 

the Company selectively uses derivative financial instruments. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to 
regularly reviewed policies and procedures, which prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. 
Sensitivity analysis is used to manage and monitor foreign exchange and interest rate risk.

The Company sells its products internationally and in most markets those sales are made in the foreign country’s local 

currency. As a result, the Company’s earnings can be affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign 
currency. The Company’s most significant foreign currency risk relates to the Euro, the Australian dollar, the Japanese yen and 
the Brazilian real. The Company utilizes foreign currency contracts to mitigate the effect of certain currencies' fluctuations on 
earnings. The foreign currency contracts are entered into with banks and allow the Company to exchange a specified amount of 
foreign currency for U.S. dollars at a future date, based on a fixed exchange rate. At December 31, 2014, the notional U.S. 
dollar value of outstanding Euro, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, and Brazilian real foreign currency contracts was $339.1 
million. The Company estimates that a uniform 10% weakening in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the currencies 
underlying these contracts would result in a decrease in the fair value of the contracts of approximately $30.8 million as of 
December 31, 2014. Further disclosure relating to the fair value of derivative financial instruments is included in Note 8 of the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

45

 Item 8. 

Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Report of the Audit Committee

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated statements of income

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income

Consolidated balance sheets

Consolidated statements of cash flows

Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity

Notes to consolidated financial statements

Supplementary data

Quarterly financial data (unaudited)

Page

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

55

56

57

106

46

 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial 

reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of 
management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, management conducted an evaluation of 
the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal 
Control – Integrated Framework (2013 Framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission. Based on management’s evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, 
management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 
2014. Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements 
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of its audit, has issued an attestation report, included herein, on the 
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Keith E. Wandell
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

John A. Olin
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

47

 
 
  
  
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the Company’s financial reporting process and the audit process. 

All of the Audit Committee members are independent in accordance with the Audit Committee requirements of the New York 
Stock Exchange, Inc.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed with management its assessment of the 

effectiveness of the Company’s internal control system over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. Management has 
concluded that the internal control system was effective. Additionally, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 31, 2014 was audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 
the 2014 fiscal year. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company for the 
2014 fiscal year with management as well as with representatives of Ernst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee has also 
discussed with Ernst & Young LLP matters required to be discussed under Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(PCAOB) No. 16, Communications with Audit Committees. The Audit Committee has received written disclosures from 
Ernst & Young LLP regarding their independence as required by PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rule 3526, Communication 
with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, and has discussed with representatives of Ernst & Young LLP the 
independence of Ernst & Young LLP. Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee has 
recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the 2014 fiscal year be included in the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2014 fiscal year.

Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

Richard I. Beattie
George L. Miles, Jr.
N. Thomas Linebarger
James A. Norling, Chairman
Jochen Zeitz

48

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL
CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Harley-Davidson, Inc.:

We have audited Harley-Davidson, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on 

criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Harley-Davidson, Inc.’s management is responsible for 
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control 
over financial reporting included in the accompanying  Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 

States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective 
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding 
of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design 
and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we 
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures 
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit 
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and 
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the 
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 

Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Harley-Davidson, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial 

reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 

States), the consolidated balance sheets of Harley-Davidson, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related 
consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in 
the period ended December 31, 2014 of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and our report dated February 19, 2015 expressed an unqualified 
opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 19, 2015 

49

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Harley-Davidson, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Harley-Davidson, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 
2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each 
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the 
index at item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates 
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial 

position of Harley-Davidson, Inc. at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic 
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), Harley-Davidson, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established 
in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 19, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 19, 2015

50

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue:

Motorcycles and Related Products

$

5,567,681

$

5,258,290

$

4,942,582

2014

2013

2012

Financial Services

Total revenue

Costs and expenses:

Motorcycles and Related Products cost of goods sold

Financial Services interest expense

Financial Services provision for credit losses

Selling, administrative and engineering expense

Restructuring (benefit) expense

Total costs and expenses

Operating income

Investment income

Interest expense

Income before provision for income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net income

Earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

Cash dividends per common share

660,827

6,228,508

3,542,601

164,476

80,946

1,159,502

—

4,947,525

1,280,983

6,499

4,162

1,283,320

438,709

844,611

3.90

3.88

1.10

$

$

$

$

641,582

5,899,872

3,395,918

165,491

60,008

1,126,884
(2,131)
4,746,170

1,153,702

5,859

45,256

1,114,305

380,312

733,993

3.30

3.28

0.84

$

$

$

$

637,924

5,580,506

3,222,394

195,990

22,239

1,111,232

28,475

4,580,330

1,000,176

7,369

46,033

961,512

337,587

623,925

2.75

2.72

0.62

$

$

$

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

51

 
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
(In thousands)

Net income

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

  Foreign currency translation adjustment

  Derivative financial instruments

  Marketable securities

  Pension and postretirement benefit plans

Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

Comprehensive income

$

2014

2013

2012

$

844,611

$

733,993

$

623,925

(36,808)
20,722
(424)
(165,757)
(182,267)
662,344

(18,009)
2,157
(953)
291,807

275,002

$

1,008,995

$

1,400
(10,144)
350
(122,551)
(130,945)
492,980

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

52

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(In thousands, except share amounts)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable, net

Finance receivables, net

Inventories

Restricted cash

Deferred income taxes

Other current assets

Total current assets

Finance receivables, net

Property, plant and equipment, net

Prepaid pension costs

Goodwill

Deferred income taxes

Other long-term assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

Accrued liabilities

Short-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt

Pension liability

Postretirement healthcare liability

Deferred income taxes

Other long-term liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)

Shareholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, none issued

Common stock, 344,174,653 and 343,157,231 shares issued, respectively

Additional paid-in-capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Treasury stock (132,297,840 and 123,197,976 shares, respectively), at cost

Total shareholders’ equity

53

2014

2013

$

906,680

$

1,066,612

57,325

247,621

1,916,635

448,871

98,627

89,916

182,420

3,948,095

4,516,246

883,077

—

27,752

77,835

75,092

99,009

261,065

1,773,686

424,507

144,807

103,625

115,492

3,988,803

4,225,877

842,477

244,871

30,452

3,339

69,221

$

9,528,097

$

9,405,040

$

196,868

$

449,317

731,786

1,011,315

2,389,286

3,761,528

76,186

203,006

—

188,805

239,794

427,335

666,317

1,176,140

2,509,586

3,416,713

36,371

216,165

49,499

167,220

—

3,442

—

3,432

1,265,257

1,175,052

8,459,040
(514,943)
(6,303,510)
2,909,286

7,852,729
(332,676)
(5,689,051)
3,009,486

$

9,528,097

$

9,405,040

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(In thousands, except share amounts)

Balances held by consolidated variable interest entities (Note 6)

Current finance receivables, net

Other assets

Non-current finance receivables, net

Restricted cash - current and non-current

Current portion of long-term debt

Long-term debt

2014

2013

$

$

$

$

$

$

312,645

3,409

1,113,801

110,017

366,889

904,644

$

$

$

$

$

$

352,899

4,149

1,184,441

133,053

334,630

922,002

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

54

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
(In thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities (Note 2)

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures

Origination of finance receivables

Collections on finance receivables

Purchases of marketable securities

Sales and redemptions of marketable securities

Other

Net cash used by investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes
Repayments of medium-term notes

Repayment of senior unsecured notes

Proceeds from securitization debt

Repayments of securitization debt

Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper

Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper

Net increase (decrease) in credit facilities and unsecured commercial paper

Net change in restricted cash

Dividends paid

Purchase of common stock for treasury

Excess tax benefits from share-based payments

Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans

Net cash used by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

2014
$ 1,146,677

$

2013
977,093

$

2012
801,458

(232,319)
(3,568,423)
3,013,245

—

41,010

1,837
(744,650)

(208,321)
(3,244,005)
2,831,994
(4,998)
40,108

16,355
(568,867)

991,835
(526,431)
(303,000)
847,126
(834,856)
84,907
(77,800)
63,945

22,755
(238,300)
(615,602)
11,540

—
(27,858)
—

647,516
(840,387)
88,456
(78,765)
371,085

43,201
(187,688)
(479,231)
19,895

(189,002)
(2,858,701)
2,768,089
(4,993)
23,296

—
(261,311)

993,737
(420,870)
—

763,895
(1,405,599)
200,417
(24,301)
(744,724)
41,647
(141,681)
(311,632)
13,065

37,785
(536,096)
(25,863)
$ (159,932) $

50,567
45,973
(393,209)
(990,073)
(8,886)
(16,543)
(1,526) $ (458,812)

$ 1,066,612
(159,932)
906,680

$

$ 1,068,138
(1,526)
$ 1,066,612

$ 1,526,950
(458,812)
$ 1,068,138

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

55

 
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
(In thousands, except share amounts)

Common Stock

Issued
Shares

Balance

Additional
paid-in
capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)

Treasury
Balance

Total

Balance December 31, 2011

339,107,230

$

3,391

$

968,392

$

6,824,180

$

(476,733)

$

(4,898,974)

$

2,420,256

Net Income

Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(Note 10)

Dividends

Repurchase of common stock

Share-based compensation and 401(k) match
made with Treasury shares

Issuance of nonvested stock

Exercise of stock options

Tax benefit of stock options and nonvested
stock

—

—

—

—

—

535,807

1,622,801

—

—

—

—

—

—

6

16

—

—

—

—

—

42,056

(6)

45,957

9,670

623,925

—

—

(130,945)

(141,681)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

623,925

(130,945)

(141,681)

(311,632)

(311,632)

2

—

—

—

42,058

—

45,973

9,670

Balance December 31, 2012

341,265,838

$

3,413

$

1,066,069

$

7,306,424

$

(607,678)

$

(5,210,604)

$

2,557,624

Net Income

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
(Note 10)

Dividends

Repurchase of common stock

Share-based compensation and 401(k) match
made with Treasury shares

Issuance of nonvested stock

Exercise of stock options

Tax benefit of stock options and nonvested
stock

—

—

—

—

—

492,755

1,398,638

—

—

—

—

—

—

5

14

—

—

—

—

—

40,724

(5)

50,553

17,711

733,993

—

—

275,002

(187,688)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

733,993

275,002

(187,688)

(479,231)

(479,231)

784

—

—

—

41,508

—

50,567

17,711

Balance December 31, 2013

343,157,231

$

3,432

$

1,175,052

$

7,852,729

$

(332,676)

$

(5,689,051)

$

3,009,486

Net Income

Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(Note 10)

Dividends

Repurchase of common stock

Share-based compensation and 401(k) match
made with Treasury shares

Issuance of nonvested stock

Exercise of stock options

Tax benefit of stock options and nonvested
stock

—

—

—

—

—

15,891

1,001,531

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

10

—

—

—

—

—

40,848

—

37,775

11,582

844,611

—

—

(182,267)

(238,300)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

844,611

(182,267)

(238,300)

(615,602)

(615,602)

1,143

—

—

—

41,991

—

37,785

11,582

Balance December 31, 2014

344,174,653

$

3,442

$

1,265,257

$

8,459,040

$

(514,943)

$

(6,303,510)

$

2,909,286

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

56

 
 
 
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of 
Harley-Davidson, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company), including the accounts of the groups of companies 
doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). In addition, 
certain variable interest entities (VIEs) related to secured financing are consolidated as the Company is the primary beneficiary. 
All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

All of the Company’s subsidiaries are wholly owned and are included in the consolidated financial statements. 
Substantially all of the Company’s international subsidiaries use their respective local currency as their functional currency. 
Assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries have been translated at period-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses 
have been translated using average exchange rates for the period.

The Company operates in two principal reportable segments: Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) and 

Financial Services.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the 
financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or 

less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Marketable Securities – The Company’s marketable securities consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands): 

Available-for-sale securities: corporate bonds

Trading securities: mutual funds

Total marketable securities

2014

2013

57,325

33,815

91,140

$

$

99,009

30,172

129,181

$

$

The Company’s available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses reported in other 

comprehensive income. During 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized gross unrealized losses of $0.7 million and $1.5 
million, respectively, or losses of $0.4 million and $1.0 million, net of tax, respectively, to adjust amortized cost to fair value. 
The marketable securities have contractual maturities that generally come due over the next 3 to 28 months.

The Company's trading securities relate to investments held by the Company to fund certain deferred compensation 

obligations. The trading securities are carried at fair value with gains and losses recorded in net income and investments are 
included in other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Accounts Receivable – The Company’s motorcycles and related products are sold to independent dealers and distributors 
outside the U.S. and Canada generally on open account and the resulting receivables are included in accounts receivable in the 
Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The allowance for doubtful accounts deducted from total accounts receivable was $3.5 
million and $5.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Accounts receivable are written down once 
management determines that the specific customer does not have the ability to repay the balance in full. The Company’s sales 
of motorcycles and related products in the U.S. and Canada are financed by the purchasing dealers or distributors through 
HDFS and the related receivables are included in finance receivables in the consolidated balance sheets.

Finance Receivables, Net – Finance receivables include both retail and wholesale finance receivables, net, including 

amounts held by VIEs. Finance receivables are recorded in the financial statements at amortized cost net of an allowance for 
credit losses. The provision for credit losses on finance receivables is charged to earnings in amounts sufficient to maintain the 
allowance for credit losses at a level that is adequate to cover estimated losses of principal inherent in the existing portfolio. 
Portions of the allowance for credit losses are specified to cover estimated losses on finance receivables specifically identified 
for impairment. The unspecified portion of the allowance covers estimated losses on finance receivables which are collectively 
reviewed for impairment. Finance receivables are considered impaired when management determines it is probable that the 
Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the loan agreement.

The retail portfolio primarily consists of a large number of small balance, homogeneous finance receivables. The 

Company performs a periodic and systematic collective evaluation of the adequacy of the retail allowance for credit losses. The 

57

Company utilizes loss forecast models which consider a variety of factors including, but not limited to, historical loss trends, 
origination or vintage analysis, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral, recovery rates 
and current economic conditions including items such as unemployment rates. Retail finance receivables are not evaluated 
individually for impairment prior to charge-off and therefore are not reported as impaired loans.

The wholesale portfolio is primarily composed of large balance, non-homogeneous loans. The Company’s wholesale 
allowance evaluation is first based on a loan-by-loan review. A specific allowance for credit losses is established for wholesale 
finance receivables determined to be individually impaired when management concludes that the borrower will not be able to 
make full payment of contractual amounts due based on the original terms of the loan agreement. The impairment is determined 
based on the cash that the Company expects to receive discounted at the loan’s original interest rate or the fair value of the 
collateral, if the loan is collateral-dependent. In establishing the allowance, management considers a number of factors 
including the specific borrower’s financial performance as well as ability to repay. As described below in the Financial Services 
Revenue Recognition policy, the accrual of interest on such finance receivables is discontinued when the collection of the 
account becomes doubtful. While a finance receivable is considered impaired, all cash received is applied to principal or 
interest as appropriate.

Finance receivables in the wholesale portfolio that are not individually evaluated for impairment are segregated, based on 

similar risk characteristics, according to the Company’s internal risk rating system and collectively evaluated for impairment. 
The related allowance is based on factors such as the Company’s past loan loss experience, current economic conditions as well 
as the value of the underlying collateral.

Impaired finance receivables also include loans that have been modified in troubled debt restructurings as a concession to 

borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Generally, it is the Company’s policy not to change the terms and conditions of 
finance receivables. However, to minimize the economic loss, the Company may modify certain impaired finance receivables 
in troubled debt restructurings. Total restructured finance receivables are not significant.

Repossessed inventory representing recovered collateral on impaired finance receivables is recorded at the lower of cost 
or net realizable value. In the period during which the collateral is repossessed, the related finance receivable is adjusted to the 
fair value of the collateral through a charge to the allowance for credit losses and reclassified to repossessed inventory. 
Repossessed inventory is included in other current assets and was $13.4 million and $13.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 
2013, respectively.

Asset-Backed Financing – The Company participates in asset-backed financing both through term asset-backed 

securitization transactions and through asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. The Company treats these transactions 
as secured borrowing because either they are transferred to consolidated VIEs or the Company maintains effective control over 
the assets and does not meet the accounting sale requirements under ASC Topic 860, "Transfers and Servicing." In the 
Company's asset-backed financing programs, the Company transfers retail motorcycle finance receivables to special purpose 
entities (SPE), which are considered VIEs under U.S. GAAP. Each SPE then converts those assets into cash, through the 
issuance of debt. 

The Company is required to consolidate any VIEs in which it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary through having 

power over the significant activities of the entity and having an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from 
the VIE which are potentially significant to the VIE. The Company is considered to have the power over the significant 
activities of its term asset-backed securitization and asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit facility VIEs due to its role as 
servicer. Servicing fees are typically not considered potentially significant variable interests in a VIE. However, the Company 
retains a residual interest in the VIEs in the form of a debt security, which gives the Company the right to receive benefits that 
could be potentially significant to the VIE. Therefore, the Company is the primary beneficiary and consolidates all of these 
VIEs within its consolidated financial statements. 

The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility VIE; 
therefore, the Company does not consolidate the VIE. However, the Company treats the conduit facility as a secured borrowing 
as it maintains effective control over the assets transferred to the VIE and therefore does not meet the requirements for sale 
accounting under ASC Topic 860. As such, the Company retains the transferred assets and the related debt within its 
Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Servicing fees paid by VIEs to the Company are eliminated in consolidation and therefore are not recorded on a 
consolidated basis. The Company is not required, and does not currently intend, to provide any additional financial support to 
its VIEs. Investors and creditors only have recourse to the assets held by the VIEs.

58

Inventories – Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Substantially all inventories located in the United 
States are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Other inventories totaling $232.8 million at December 31, 2014 
and $210.7 million at December 31, 2013 are valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is determined on the 
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The following useful lives are used to depreciate the various 
classes of property, plant and equipment: buildings – 30 years; building equipment and land improvements – 7 years; 
machinery and equipment – 3 to 10 years; furniture and fixtures – 5 years; and software – 3 to 7 years. Accelerated methods of 
depreciation are used for income tax purposes.

Goodwill – Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets purchased. Goodwill is 

tested for impairment, based on financial data related to the reporting unit to which it has been assigned, at least annually or 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The impairment test 
involves comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit associated with the goodwill to its carrying amount, including 
goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill must be adjusted to its implied fair value. 
During 2014 and 2013, the Company tested its goodwill balances for impairment and no adjustments were recorded to goodwill 
as a result of those reviews. 

Long-lived Assets – The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used when 

events and circumstances warrant such review. If the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired, a loss is 
recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset for assets to be held 
and used. The Company also reviews the useful life of its long-lived assets when events and circumstances indicate that the 
actual useful life may be shorter than originally estimated. In the event that the actual useful life is deemed to be shorter than 
the original useful life, depreciation is adjusted prospectively so that the remaining book value is depreciated over the revised 
useful life.

Asset groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, and a 

loss is recognized for any initial adjustment required to reduce the carrying amount to the fair value less cost to sell in the 
period the held for sale criteria are met. The fair value less cost to sell must be assessed each reporting period the asset group 
remains classified as held for sale. Gains or losses not previously recognized resulting from the sale of an asset group will be 
recognized on the date of sale.

Product Warranty and Safety Recall Campaigns – The Company currently provides a standard two-year limited warranty 
on all new motorcycles sold worldwide, except for Japan, where the Company provides a standard three-year limited warranty 
on all new motorcycles sold. In addition, the Company started offering a one-year warranty for Parts & Accessories (P&A) in 
2012. The warranty coverage for the retail customer generally begins when the product is sold to a retail customer. The 
Company maintains reserves for future warranty claims which are based primarily on historical Company claim information. 
Additionally, the Company has from time to time initiated certain voluntary safety recall campaigns. The Company reserves for 
all estimated costs associated with safety recalls in the period that the safety recalls are announced.

Changes in the Company’s warranty and safety recall liability were as follows (in thousands): 

Balance, beginning of period

Warranties issued during the period

Settlements made during the period

Recalls and changes to pre-existing warranty liabilities

Balance, end of period

2014

2013

2012

$

$

64,120

$

60,263

$

60,331
(74,262)
19,061

59,022
(64,462)
9,297

69,250

$

64,120

$

54,994

54,394
(67,247)
18,122

60,263

The liability for safety recall campaigns was $9.8 million, $4.0 million and $4.6 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 

2012, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments – The Company is exposed to certain risks such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, 

interest rate risk and commodity price risk. To reduce its exposure to such risks, the Company selectively uses derivative 
financial instruments. All derivative transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to regularly reviewed policies and 
procedures, which prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

All derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value (see Note 7). In accordance with ASC Topic 
815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it 
has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. Changes in 

59

the fair value of derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges, along with the gain or loss on the hedged item, are 
recorded in current period earnings. For derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of 
gains and losses that result from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments is initially recorded in other comprehensive 
income (OCI) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged item affects income. The Company assesses, at both 
the inception of each hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are used in its hedging transactions are 
highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. Any ineffective portion is immediately recognized in 
earnings. No component of a hedging derivative instrument’s gain or loss is excluded from the assessment of hedge 
effectiveness. Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recorded at fair value and any changes in fair 
value are recorded in current period earnings. Refer to Note 9 for a detailed description of the Company’s derivative 
instruments.

Motorcycles and Related Products Revenue Recognition – Sales are recorded when products are shipped to wholesale 

customers (independent dealers and distributors) and ownership is transferred. The Company may offer sales incentive 
programs to both wholesale and retail customers designed to promote the sale of motorcycles and related products. The total 
costs of these programs are generally recognized as revenue reductions and are accrued at the later of the date the related sales 
are recorded or the date the incentive program is both approved and communicated.

Financial Services Revenue Recognition – Interest income on finance receivables is recorded as earned and is based on 
the average outstanding daily balance for wholesale and retail receivables. Accrued and uncollected interest is classified with 
finance receivables. Certain loan origination costs related to finance receivables, including payments made to dealers for 
certain retail loans, are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the contract.

Retail finance receivables are contractually delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the specified due date. 

Retail finance receivables are generally charged-off when the receivable is 120 days or more delinquent, the related asset is 
repossessed or the receivable is otherwise deemed uncollectible. All retail finance receivables accrue interest until either 
collected or charged-off. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, all retail finance receivables are accounted for as 
interest-earning receivables.

Wholesale finance receivables are delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the contractual due date. 

Wholesale finance receivables are written down once management determines that the specific borrower does not have the 
ability to repay the loan in full. Interest continues to accrue on past due finance receivables until the date the finance receivable 
becomes uncollectible and the finance receivable is placed on non-accrual status. The Company will resume accruing interest 
on these accounts when payments are current according to the terms of the loans and future payments are reasonably assured. 
While on non-accrual status, all cash received is applied to principal or interest as appropriate. 

Insurance and protection product commissions as well as commissions on the sale of extended service contracts are 
recognized when contractually earned. Deferred revenue related to extended service contracts was $5.7 million and $6.8 
million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Research and Development Expenses – Expenditures for research activities relating to product development and 
improvement are charged against income as incurred and included within selling, administrative and engineering expenses in 
the consolidated statement of income. Research and development expenses were $138.3 million, $152.2 million and $137.3 
million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Advertising Costs – The Company expenses the production cost of advertising the first time the advertising takes place. 
Advertising costs relate to the Company’s efforts to promote its products and brands through the use of media. During 2014, 
2013 and 2012, the Company incurred $107.4 million, $90.7 million and $80.7 million in advertising costs, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs – The Company classifies shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of goods 

sold.

Share-Based Award Compensation Costs – The Company recognizes the cost of its share-based awards in its statement of 

income. The total cost of the Company’s equity awards is equal to their grant date fair value and is recognized as expense on a 
straight-line basis over the service periods of the awards. The total cost of the Company’s liability for cash-settled awards is 
equal to their settlement date fair value. The liability for cash-settled awards is revalued each period based on a recalculated fair 
value adjusted for vested awards. Total share-based award compensation expense recognized by the Company during 2014, 
2013 and 2012 was $37.9 million, $41.2 million and $40.8 million, respectively, or $23.9 million, $26.0 million and $25.7 
million net of taxes, respectively.

Income Tax Expense – The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the 

provision for income taxes.

60

New Accounting Standards

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 

No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU No. 2014-09). ASU No. 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue 
recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an 
amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The 
Company is required to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods 
therein. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption.

Accounting Standards Recently Adopted

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11 Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating 
Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (ASU No. 2013-11). ASU No. 2013-11 amends the 
guidance within Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 740, "Income Taxes", to require entities to present an 
unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax 
asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The Company adopted ASU No. 
2013-11 on January 1, 2014. There were no material presentation changes resulting from the adoption of ASU No. 2013-11. 

2.    Additional Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Information

The following information represents additional detail for selected line items included in the consolidated balance sheets 

at December 31, and the statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31.

Balance Sheet Information:

Inventories, net (in thousands): 

Components at the lower of FIFO cost or market

Raw materials and work in process

Motorcycle finished goods

Parts and accessories and general merchandise

Inventory at lower of FIFO cost or market

Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost

Total inventories, net

2014

2013

$

$

151,254

$

230,309

117,210

498,773
(49,902)
448,871

$

140,302

205,416

127,515

473,233
(48,726)
424,507

Inventory obsolescence reserves deducted from FIFO cost were $17.8 million and $17.5 million as of December 31, 2014 

and 2013, respectively.

Property, plant and equipment, at cost (in thousands): 

2014

2013

Land and related improvements

Buildings and related improvements

Machinery and equipment

Software

Construction in progress

Accumulated depreciation

Total property, plant and equipment, at cost

$

61

$

55,238

$

475,268

1,823,790

440,703

200,708

2,995,707
(2,112,630)
883,077

$

56,146

424,431

1,816,599

337,210

168,598

2,802,984
(1,960,507)
842,477

Accrued liabilities (in thousands):

Payroll, employee benefits and related expenses

Restructuring reserves

Warranty and recalls

Sales incentive programs

Tax-related accruals

Fair value of derivative financial instruments

Other

Total accrued liabilities

Cash Flow Information:

2014

2013

$

165,448

$

166,346

—

48,529

44,423

28,333

2,027

$

160,557

449,317

$

2,181

46,571

42,541

21,970

3,925

143,801
427,335  

The reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations is as follows (in 

thousands): 

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:

2014

2013

2012

$

844,611

$

733,993

$

623,925

Depreciation

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

Amortization of financing origination fees

Provision for employee long-term benefits

Contributions to pension and postretirement plans

Stock compensation expense

Net change in wholesale finance receivables related to sales

Provision for credit losses

Loss on debt extinguishment

Pension and postretirement healthcare plan curtailment and
settlement expense

Deferred income taxes

Foreign currency adjustments

Other, net
Changes in current assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable, net

Finance receivables – accrued interest and other

Inventories

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Restructuring reserves

Derivative instruments

Prepaid and other

Total adjustments

179,300

94,429

8,442

33,709
(29,686)
37,929
(75,210)
80,946

3,942

—
(7,621)
21,964
(1,491)

(9,809)
(2,515)
(50,886)
19,128

2,181

703
(3,389)
302,066

167,072

86,181

9,376

66,877
(204,796)
41,244

28,865

60,008

4,947

—

52,580

16,269

10,123

(36,653)
(346)
(46,474)
(53,623)
(25,042)
(2,189)
68,681

243,100

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

1,146,677

$

977,093

$

Cash paid during the period for interest and income taxes (in thousands):

168,978

78,592

9,969

71,347
(244,416)
40,815

2,513

22,239

4,323

6,242

128,452

9,773
(7,216)

(13,690)
(4)
21,459
(10,798)
(16,087)
2,758
(97,716)
177,533

801,458

62

Interest

Income taxes

2014

2013

2012

$

$

154,310

438,840

$

$

197,161

236,972

$

$

225,228

317,812

Interest paid represents interest payments of HDFS (included in financial services interest expense) and interest payments 

of the Company (included in interest expense).

3.    Restructuring Expense and Other Impairments

In 2013, the Company completed the activities related to its 2009, 2010, and 2011 Restructuring Plans. 

2011 Restructuring Plans

In December 2011, the Company made a decision to cease operations at New Castalloy, its Australian subsidiary and 

producer of cast motorcycle wheels and wheel hubs, and source those components through other existing suppliers by the end 
of 2013 (2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan). Since 2011, the Company has successfully transitioned a significant amount 
of wheel production to other existing suppliers. However, during 2013, the Company made a decision to retain limited 
operations at New Castalloy focused on the production of certain complex, high-finish wheels in a cost-effective and 
competitive manner. The Company also entered into a new agreement with the unionized labor force at New Castalloy. 

In connection with the modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan, the New Castalloy workforce was reduced by 
approximately 100 employees, leaving approximately 100 remaining employees to support ongoing operations. The original 
plan would have resulted in a workforce reduction of approximately 200 employees.

Under the modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and 
termination costs, accelerated depreciation and other related costs. On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $22.1 million 
of restructuring expenses under the modified 2011 New Castalloy Restructuring Plan, of which 35% was non-cash. This 
includes a benefit related to restructuring reserves released in the second quarter of 2013 in connection with the decision to 
retain a limited operation at the New Castalloy facility, as described above. 

In February 2011, the Company’s unionized employees at its facility in Kansas City, Missouri ratified a new seven-year 

labor agreement. The new agreement took effect on August 1, 2011. The new contract is similar to the labor agreements ratified 
at the Company’s Wisconsin facilities in September 2010 and its York, Pennsylvania production facility in December 2009, and 
allows for similar flexibility, increased production efficiency and the addition of a flexible workforce component.

The actions to implement the new ratified labor agreement (2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan) resulted in 

approximately 145 fewer full-time hourly unionized employees in its Kansas City facility than would have been required under 
the previous contract.

Under the 2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and termination 

costs and other related costs. On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $6.0 million of restructuring expenses under the 
2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan, of which approximately 10% was non-cash.

63

The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment’s 2011 Kansas City Restructuring Plan and modified 2011 

New Castalloy Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances as recorded in accrued liabilities for the year ended 
December 31 (in thousands):

Kansas City

New Castalloy

Consolidated

2013

Employee
Severance
and
Termination
Costs

Other

Total

Employee
Severance
and
Termination
Costs

Accelerated
Depreciation

Other

Total

Total

Balance, beginning of period

$

2,259

$ — $ 2,259

$

9,306

$

— $ 145

$ 9,451

$

11,710

Restructuring expense

Utilized - cash

Utilized - non-cash

Non-cash reserve release

—

(1,290)

—

(969)

—
—
— (1,290)
—
—
(969)

—

Balance, end of period

$

— $ — $ — $

1,480
(5,369)
—
(5,369)
48

$

2010 Restructuring Plan

2,093

—
(2,093)
—

1,709

(1,721)

5,282
— (5,369)
(3,814)
— (5,369)
181

$

5,282
(6,659)
(3,814)
(6,338)
181

$

— $ 133

In September 2010, the Company’s unionized employees in Wisconsin ratified three separate new seven-year labor 

agreements which took effect in April 2012 when the prior contracts expired. The new contracts are similar to the labor 
agreement ratified at the Company’s York, Pennsylvania production facility in December 2009 and allow for similar flexibility 
and increased production efficiency and the addition of a flexible workforce component.

The actions to implement the new ratified labor agreements (2010 Restructuring Plan) resulted in approximately 250 
fewer full-time hourly unionized employees in its Milwaukee-area facilities than would have been required under the previous 
contract and approximately 75 fewer full-time hourly unionized employees in its Tomahawk, Wisconsin facility than would 
have been required under the previous contract.

Under the 2010 Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and termination costs and 

other related costs. On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $59.2 million of restructuring expenses under the 2010 
Restructuring Plan, of which approximately 45% was non-cash.

The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment’s 2010 Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances as 

recorded in accrued liabilities for the following years ended December 31 (in thousands): 

Balance, beginning of period
Restructuring expense

Utilized – cash

Non-cash reserve release

Balance, end of period

2009 Restructuring Plan

2013

2012

Employee
Severance and
Termination Costs

Employee
Severance and
Termination Costs

$

$

$

10,156
—
(9,725)
(431)

— $

20,361
4,005
(12,898)
(1,312)
10,156

During 2009, in response to the U.S. economic recession and worldwide slowdown in consumer demand, the Company 
committed to a volume reduction and a combination of restructuring actions (2009 Restructuring Plan) that were completed at 
various dates between 2009 and 2013. The actions were designed to reduce administrative costs, eliminate excess capacity and 
exit non-core business operations. The Company’s actions included the restructuring and transformation of its York, 
Pennsylvania production facility including the implementation of a new more flexible unionized labor agreement which allows 
for the addition of a flexible workforce component; consolidation of facilities related to engine and transmission production; 
outsourcing of certain distribution and transportation activities and exiting the Buell product line. In addition, the Company 
completed projects under this plan involving the outsourcing of select information technology activities and the consolidation 
of an administrative office in Michigan into its corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

64

 
The 2009 restructuring plan resulted in a reduction of approximately 2,900 hourly production positions and 
approximately 800 non-production, primarily salaried positions within the Motorcycles segment and approximately 100 
salaried positions in the Financial Services segment.

Under the 2009 Restructuring Plan, restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and termination costs, 
accelerated depreciation on the long-lived assets that were exited as part of the 2009 Restructuring Plan and other related costs. 
On a cumulative basis, the Company incurred $393.8 million of restructuring and impairment expense under the 2009 
Restructuring Plan, of which approximately 30% was non-cash. 

The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment’s 2009 Restructuring Plan reserve activity and balances as 

recorded in accrued liabilities for the following years ended December 31 (in thousands): 

Balance, beginning of period

Restructuring expense

Utilized – cash

Noncash reserve release

Balance, end of period

Balance, beginning of period

Restructuring expense

Utilized – cash

Noncash reserve release

Balance, end of period

Employee
Severance and
Termination Costs

Accelerated
Depreciation

2013

Other

Total

$

$

5,196

$

— $

161

$

—
(1,645)
(1,551)
2,000

—

—

—

907
(1,068)
—

$

— $

— $

5,357

907
(2,713)
(1,551)
2,000

Employee
Severance and
Termination Costs

Accelerated
Depreciation

2012

Other

Total

$

$

10,089

$

— $

— $

4,099
(6,566)
(2,426)
5,196

—

—

—

13,154
(12,993)
—

$

— $

161

$

10,089

17,253
(19,559)
(2,426)
5,357

Other restructuring costs include items such as the exit costs for terminating supply contracts, lease termination costs and 

moving costs. 

4.    Goodwill

The following table summarizes changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in the Motorcycles segment for the 

following years ended December 31 (in thousands): 

Balance, December 31, 2011

Currency translation

Balance, December 31, 2012

Currency translation

Balance, December 31, 2013

Currency translation

Balance, December 31, 2014

The Financial Services segment did not have a goodwill balance.

Motorcycles

29,081

449

29,530

922

30,452
(2,700)
27,752

$

$

$

$

65

 
5.    Finance Receivables

Finance receivables, net at December 31 for the past five years were as follows (in thousands): 

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Wholesale

United States

Canada

Total wholesale

Retail

United States

Canada

Total retail

Allowance for credit losses

$

903,380

$

800,491

$

776,633

$

778,320

$

48,941

952,321

44,721

845,212

39,771

816,404

46,320

824,640

5,398,006

209,918

5,607,924

6,560,245

(127,364)

5,051,245

213,799

5,265,044

6,110,256
(110,693)
5,999,563

$

4,850,450

222,665

5,073,115

5,889,519
(107,667)
5,781,852

$

4,858,781

228,709

5,087,490

5,912,130
(125,449)
5,786,681

$

735,481

78,516

813,997

5,126,699

250,462

5,377,161

6,191,158
(173,589)
6,017,569

Total finance receivables, net

$

6,432,881

$

 HDFS offers wholesale financing to the Company’s independent dealers. Wholesale loans to dealers are generally 

secured by financed inventory or property and are originated in the U.S. and Canada. 

HDFS provides retail financial services to customers of the Company’s independent dealers in the U.S. and Canada. The 

origination of retail loans is a separate and distinct transaction between HDFS and the retail customer, unrelated to the 
Company’s sale of product to its dealers. Retail finance receivables consist of secured promissory notes and installment loans. 
HDFS holds either titles or liens on titles to vehicles financed by promissory notes and installment loans. As of December 31, 
2014 and 2013, approximately 12% of gross outstanding finance receivables were originated in Texas; there were no other state 
that accounted for more than 10%.

Unused lines of credit extended to the Company's wholesale finance customers totaled $1.01 billion at both 
December 31, 2014 and 2013. Approved but unfunded retail finance loans totaled $168.7 million and $149.8 million at 
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Wholesale finance receivables are related primarily to motorcycles and related parts and accessories sales to independent 
Harley-Davidson dealers and are generally contractually due within one year. Retail finance receivables are primarily related to 
sales of motorcycles to the dealers’ customers. On December 31, 2014, contractual maturities of finance receivables were as 
follows (in thousands): 

2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total

United States

Canada

$

$

1,856,097
1,029,075
1,155,891
1,259,696
953,581
47,046
6,301,386

$

$

86,518
40,378
45,041
50,243
36,679
—
258,859

$

$

Total
1,942,615
1,069,453
1,200,932
1,309,939
990,260
47,046
6,560,245

66

The allowance for credit losses on finance receivables is comprised of individual components relating to wholesale and 

retail finance receivables. Changes in the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables by portfolio for the year ended 
December 31 were as follows (in thousands): 

Balance, beginning of period

Provision for credit losses

Charge-offs

Recoveries

Balance, end of period

Balance, beginning of period

Provision for credit losses

Charge-offs

Recoveries
Balance, end of period

Balance, beginning of period

Provision for credit losses

Charge-offs

Recoveries

Balance, end of period

Retail

2014

Wholesale

106,063

$

4,630

$

80,237
(102,831)
38,556

709

—

—

122,025

$

5,339

$

Retail

2013

Wholesale

101,442

$

61,603
(97,928)
40,946
106,063

$

6,225
(1,595)
—

—
4,630

Retail

116,112

$

25,252
(86,963)
47,041

2012

Wholesale

9,337
(3,013)
(99)
—

$

$

$

101,442

$

6,225

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Total

110,693

80,946
(102,831)
38,556

127,364

Total

107,667

60,008
(97,928)
40,946
110,693

Total

125,449

22,239
(87,062)
47,041

107,667

The allowance for credit losses and finance receivables by portfolio, segregated by those amounts that are individually 

evaluated for impairment and those that are collectively evaluated for impairment, at December 31 were as follows (in 
thousands): 

67

 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for credit losses, ending balance:

Individually evaluated for impairment

Collectively evaluated for impairment

Total allowance for credit losses

Finance receivables, ending balance:

Individually evaluated for impairment

Collectively evaluated for impairment

Total finance receivables

Allowance for credit losses, ending balance:

Individually evaluated for impairment

Collectively evaluated for impairment

Total allowance for credit losses

Finance receivables, ending balance:

Individually evaluated for impairment

Collectively evaluated for impairment

Total finance receivables

Retail

2014

Wholesale

Total

— $

122,025

122,025

$

— $

5,339

5,339

$

—

127,364

127,364

— $

— $

5,607,924

952,321

5,607,924

$

952,321

$

—

6,560,245

6,560,245

Retail

2013

Wholesale

Total

— $

106,063

106,063

$

— $

4,630

4,630

$

—

110,693

110,693

— $

— $

5,265,044

845,212

5,265,044

$

845,212

$

—

6,110,256

6,110,256

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Finance receivables are considered impaired when management determines it is probable that the Company will be 

unable to collect all amounts due according to the loan agreement. As retail finance receivables are collectively and not 
individually reviewed for impairment, this portfolio does not have specifically impaired finance receivables. At December 31, 
2014 and 2013, there were no wholesale finance receivables that were on non-accrual status or individually deemed to be 
impaired under ASC Topic 310, “Receivables”.

An analysis of the aging of past due finance receivables at December 31 was as follows (in thousands): 

Retail

Wholesale

Total

Retail

Wholesale

Total

31-60 Days
Past Due

61-90 Days
Past Due

2014

Greater than
90 Days
Past Due

$

$

$

$

113,007

383

113,390

31-60 Days
Past Due

109,806

791

110,597

$

$

$

$

28,712

206

28,918

38,486

72

38,558

$

$

2013

61-90 Days
Past Due

Greater than
90 Days
Past Due

36,029

181

36,210

$

$

24,594

207

24,801

$

$

$

$

Total
Past Due

180,205

Total
Finance
Receivables
$ 5,607,924

661

952,321

180,866

$ 6,560,245

Total
Past Due

170,429

1,179

Total
Finance
Receivables
$ 5,265,044

845,212

171,608

$ 6,110,256

Current

$ 5,427,719

951,660

$ 6,379,379

Current

$ 5,094,615

844,033

$ 5,938,648

The recorded investment of retail and wholesale finance receivables, excluding non-accrual status finance receivables, 

that were contractually past due 90 days or more at December 31 for the past five years was as follows (in thousands): 

United States

Canada

Total

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

$

$

27,800

1,118

28,918

$

$

23,770

1,031

24,801

$

$

26,500

1,533

28,033

$

$

27,171

1,207

28,378

$

$

34,391

1,351

35,742

68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A significant part of managing the Company's finance receivable portfolios includes the assessment of credit risk 

associated with each borrower. As the credit risk varies between the retail and wholesale portfolios, the Company utilizes 
different credit risk indicators for each portfolio.

The Company manages retail credit risk through its credit approval policy and ongoing collection efforts. The Company 

uses FICO scores, a standard credit rating measurement, to differentiate the expected default rates of retail credit applicants 
enabling the Company to better evaluate credit applicants for approval and to tailor pricing according to this assessment. Retail 
loans with a FICO score of 640 or above at origination are considered prime, and loans with a FICO score below 640 are 
considered sub-prime. These credit quality indicators are determined at the time of loan origination and are not updated 
subsequent to the loan origination date.

The recorded investment of retail finance receivables, by credit quality indicator, at December 31 was as follows (in 

thousands): 

Prime

Sub-prime

Total

2014

2013

$

$

4,435,352

1,172,572

5,607,924

$

$

4,141,559

1,123,485

5,265,044

The Company's credit risk on the wholesale portfolio is different from that of the retail portfolio. Whereas the retail 
portfolio represents a relatively homogeneous pool of retail finance receivables that exhibit more consistent loss patterns, the 
wholesale portfolio exposures are less consistent. The Company utilizes an internal credit risk rating system to manage credit 
risk exposure consistently across wholesale borrowers and individually evaluates credit risk factors for each borrower. The 
Company uses the following internal credit quality indicators, based on an internal risk rating system, listed from highest level 
of risk to lowest level of risk, for the wholesale portfolio: Doubtful, Substandard, Special Mention, Medium Risk and Low 
Risk. Based upon management’s review, the dealers classified in the Doubtful category are the dealers with the greatest 
likelihood of being charged-off, while the dealers classified as Low Risk are least likely to be charged-off. The internal rating 
system considers factors such as the specific borrower's ability to repay and the estimated value of any collateral. Dealer risk 
rating classifications are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis.

The recorded investment of wholesale finance receivables, by internal credit quality indicator, at December 31 was as 

follows (in thousands): 

Doubtful

Substandard

Special Mention

Medium Risk

Low Risk

Total

6.    Asset-Backed Financing

2014

2013

954

$

7,025

—

11,557

932,785

952,321

$

—

8,383

2,076

5,205

829,548

845,212

$

$

The Company participates in asset-backed financing through both term asset-backed securitization transactions and 
through asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. The Company treats these transactions as secured borrowings 
because assets are either transferred to consolidated VIEs or the Company maintains effective control over the assets and does 
not meet the accounting sale requirements under ASC Topic 860. See Note 1 for more information on the Company's 
accounting for asset-backed financings and VIEs.

69

The following table shows the assets and liabilities related to the Company's asset-backed financings that were included 

in its financial statements at December 31 (in thousands):

On-balance sheet assets and liabilities

Consolidated VIEs

Term asset-backed securitizations
Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit
facility

Unconsolidated VIEs

Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper
conduit facility
Total

On-balance sheet assets and liabilities

Consolidated VIEs

Term asset-backed securitizations
Asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit
facility

Unconsolidated VIEs

Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper
conduit facility
Total

Term Asset-Backed Securitization VIEs

Finance
receivables

Allowance
for credit
losses

Restricted
cash

Other
assets

Total
assets

Asset-backed
debt

2014

$1,458,602

$ (32,156) $ 110,017

$ 2,987

$1,539,450

$ 1,271,533

—

—

—

422

422

—

185,099

$1,643,701

(2,965)

12,035
$ (35,121) $ 122,052

262

194,431

166,912

$ 3,671

$1,734,303

$ 1,438,445

Finance
receivables

Allowance
for credit
losses

Restricted
cash

Other
assets

Total
assets

Asset-backed
debt

2013

$1,569,118

$ (31,778) $ 133,053

$ 3,720

$1,674,113

$ 1,256,632

—

—

—

429

429

—

204,092

$1,773,210

(3,361)

11,754
$ (35,139) $ 144,807

589

213,074

174,241

$ 4,738

$1,887,616

$ 1,430,873

The Company transfers U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to SPEs which in turn issue secured notes to investors, 

with various maturities and interest rates, secured by future collections of the purchased U.S. retail motorcycle finance 
receivables. Each term asset-backed securitization SPE is a separate legal entity and the U.S. retail motorcycle finance 
receivables included in the term asset-backed securitizations are only available for payment of the secured debt and other 
obligations arising from the term asset-backed securitization transactions and are not available to pay other obligations or 
claims of the Company’s creditors until the associated secured debt and other obligations are satisfied. There are no 
amortization schedules for the secured notes; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available collections on the related U.S. 
retail motorcycle finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. Restricted cash balances held by the SPEs are used 
only to support the securitizations. 

In 2014 and 2013, the Company transferred $924.9 million and $680.6 million, respectively, of U.S. retail motorcycle 

finance receivables to two separate SPEs. The SPEs in turn issued $850.0 million and $650.0 million, respectively, of secured 
notes. At December 31, 2014, the Company's consolidated balance sheet included outstanding balances related to the following 
secured notes with the related maturity dates and interest rates (in thousands): 

Issue Date

April 2014

April 2013

July 2012

November 2011

August 2011

Principal
Amount at Date of 
Issuance
$850,000

Weighted-Average
Rate at Date of
Issuance
0.66%

$650,000

$675,306

$513,300

$573,380

0.57%

0.59%

0.88%

0.76%

Contractual Maturity Date

April 2015 - October 2021

May 2014 - December 2020

August 2013 - June 2018

November 2012 - February 2018

September 2012 - August 2017

70

In addition to the above transactions, during 2012 the Company issued $89.5 million of secured notes through the sale of 

notes that had been previously retained as part of the December 2009, August 2011 and November 2011 term asset-backed 
securitization transactions. These notes were sold at a premium. During 2013, the notes related to the December 2009 term 
asset-backed securitization transaction were repaid. The August 2011 and November 2011 notes have contractual maturities 
ranging from January 2019 to April 2019.

Outstanding balances related to the following secured notes were included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet 

at December 31, 2013 and the Company completed repayment of those balances during 2014 (in thousands): 

Issue Date

November 2010

Principal
Amount at Date of 
Issuance

Weighted-Average
Rate at Date of
Issuance

Contractual Maturity Date

$600,000

1.05%

December 2011 - April 2018

For the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the SPEs recorded interest expense on the secured notes of $13.5 
million and $14.5 million, respectively, which is included in financial services interest expense. The weighted average interest 
rate of the outstanding term asset-backed securitization transactions was 0.94% and 0.99% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively.

Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility VIE

In September 2014, the Company amended and restated its facility (U.S. Conduit) with a third-party bank sponsored 

asset-backed commercial paper conduit, which provides for a total aggregate commitment of up to $600.0 million based on, 
among other things, the amount of eligible U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables held by the SPE as collateral. Under the 
facility, the Company may transfer U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to a SPE, which in turn may issue debt to third-
party bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduits. 

The assets of the SPE are restricted as collateral for the payment of the debt or other obligations arising in the transaction 
and are not available to pay other obligations or claims of the Company’s creditors. The terms for this debt provide for interest 
on the outstanding principal based on prevailing commercial paper rates plus a program fee based on outstanding principal, or 
LIBOR plus a specified margin to the extent the advance is not funded by a conduit lender through the issuance of commercial 
paper. The U.S. Conduit also provides for an unused commitment fee based on the unused portion of the total aggregate 
commitment of $600.0 million. There is no amortization schedule; however, the debt is reduced monthly as available 
collections on the related finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. Upon expiration of the U.S. Conduit, any 
outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available collections. Unless earlier terminated or extended 
by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, the U.S. Conduit has an expiration date of October 30, 2015.

The SPE had no borrowings outstanding under the U.S. Conduit at December 31, 2014 or 2013; therefore, these assets 

are restricted as collateral for the payment of fees associated with the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of 
$600.0 million.

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the SPE recorded interest expense of $1.1 million and $1.2 million, 
respectively, related to the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. Interest expense on the U.S. 
Conduit is included in financial services interest expense. There was no weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2014 or 
2013 as the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the U.S. Conduit during 2014 or 2013.

Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility

In June 2014, the Company amended its revolving facility agreement (Canadian Conduit) with a Canadian bank-
sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit. Under the agreement, the Canadian Conduit is contractually committed, at 
the Company's option, to purchase eligible Canadian retail motorcycle finance receivables from the Company for proceeds up 
to C$200 million. The terms for this debt provide for interest on the outstanding principal based on prevailing market interest 
rates plus a specified margin. The Canadian Conduit also provides for a program fee and an unused commitment fee based on 
the unused portion of the total aggregate commitment of C$200 million. There is no amortization schedule; however, the debt is 
reduced monthly as available collections on the related finance receivables are applied to outstanding principal. Upon 
expiration of the Canadian Conduit, any outstanding principal will continue to be reduced monthly through available 
collections. Unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders, the Canadian Conduit 
expires on June 30, 2015. The contractual maturity of the debt is approximately 5 years. 

71

During 2014 and 2013, the Company transferred $97.1 million and $101.1 million, respectively, of Canadian retail 
motorcycle finance receivables for proceeds of $85.0 million and $88.6 million, respectively. This transaction is treated as a 
secured borrowing, and the transferred assets are restricted as collateral for payment of the debt.

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded interest expense of $3.5 million and $3.4 
million, respectively, on the secured notes. Interest expense on the Canadian Conduit is included in financial services interest 
expense. The weighted average interest rate of the outstanding Canadian Conduit was 2.03% at both December 31, 2014 and 
2013.

As the Company participates in and does not consolidate the Canadian bank-sponsored, multi-seller conduit VIE, the 
maximum exposure to loss associated with this VIE, which would only be incurred in the unlikely event that all the finance 
receivables and underlying collateral have no residual value, is $27.5 million at December 31, 2014. The maximum exposure is 
not an indication of the Company's expected loss exposure.

7.     Fair Value Measurements

Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value in the financial statements; some of these are measured on a 

recurring basis while others are measured on a non-recurring basis. Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are 
those that are adjusted to fair value each time a financial statement is prepared. Assets and liabilities measured on a non-
recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value when required by particular events or circumstances. In determining the 
fair value of assets and liabilities, the Company uses various valuation techniques. The availability of inputs observable in the 
market varies from instrument to instrument and depends on a variety of factors including the type of instrument, whether the 
instrument is actively traded, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. For many financial instruments, pricing 
inputs are readily observable in the market, the valuation methodology used is widely accepted by market participants, and the 
valuation does not require significant management discretion. For other financial instruments, pricing inputs are less observable 
in the market and may require management judgment.

The Company assesses the inputs used to measure fair value using a three-tier hierarchy. The hierarchy indicates the 
extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Level 1 inputs include quoted prices for 
identical instruments and are the most observable.

Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates, foreign currency 
exchange rates, commodity rates and yield curves. The Company uses the market approach to derive the fair value for its level 
2 fair value measurements. Foreign currency exchange contracts are valued using publicly quoted spot and forward prices; 
commodity contracts are valued using publicly quoted prices, where available, or dealer quotes; interest rate swaps are valued 
using publicized swap curves; and investments in marketable securities and cash equivalents are valued using publicly quoted 
prices.

Level 3 inputs are not observable in the market and include management's judgments about the assumptions market 

participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The use of observable and unobservable inputs is reflected in the 
hierarchy assessment disclosed in the following tables. 

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring 

basis as of December 31 (in thousands):

Assets:

Cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Derivatives

Total

Liabilities:

Derivatives

Quoted Prices  in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance as of 2014

$

$

$

737,024

$

482,686

$

254,338

$

33,815

—

516,501

$

57,325

32,244

343,907

— $

2,027

$

$

91,140

32,244

860,408

2,027

$

$

72

—

—

—

—

—

Assets:

Cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Derivatives

Total

Liabilities:

Derivatives

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance as of 2013

$

$

$

836,387

$

516,173

$

320,214

$

129,181

1,932

967,500

3,925

$

$

30,172

—

546,345

$

99,009

1,932

421,155

— $

3,925

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

Repossessed inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value through a nonrecurring fair value 

measurement. The nonrecurring fair value measurement represents the loss recognized to adjust the related finance receivable 
to the fair value of the repossessed inventory. Repossessed inventory was $13.4 million and $13.8 million at December 31, 
2014 and 2013, for which the fair value adjustment was $5.0 million and $6.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively. Fair value is estimated using level 2 inputs based on the recent market values of repossessed inventory.

8.     Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade 
receivables, finance receivables, net, trade payables, debt, foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaps (derivative 
instruments are discussed further in Note 9). Under U.S. GAAP certain of these items are required to be recorded in the 
financial statements at fair value, while others are required to be recorded at historical cost.

The following table summarizes the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31 

(in thousands):  

Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable, net

Derivatives

Finance receivables, net

Restricted cash

Liabilities:

Accounts payable

Derivatives

Unsecured commercial paper
Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper
conduit facility
Medium-term notes

Senior unsecured notes

Term asset-backed securitization debt

2014

2013

Fair Value

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Carrying Value

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

906,680

91,140

247,621

32,244

6,519,500

122,052

196,868

2,027

731,786

166,912

3,502,536

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

906,680

91,140

247,621

32,244

6,432,881

122,052

196,868

2,027

731,786

166,912

3,334,398

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

1,066,612

129,181

261,065

1,932

6,086,441

144,807

239,794

3,925

666,317

174,241

3,087,852

305,958

1,270,656

$

1,271,533

$

1,259,314

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,066,612

129,181

261,065

1,932

5,999,563

144,807

239,794

3,925

666,317

174,241

2,858,980

303,000

1,256,632

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Accounts Receivable, Net and Accounts Payable – With the exception of 

certain cash equivalents, the carrying value of these items in the financial statements is based on historical cost. The historical 
cost basis for these amounts is estimated to approximate their respective fair values due to the short maturity of these 
instruments. Fair value is based on Level 1 or Level 2 inputs.

73

 
 
Marketable Securities – The carrying value of marketable securities in the financial statements is based on fair value. The 

fair value of marketable securities is determined primarily based quoted prices for identical instruments or on quoted market 
prices of similar financial assets. Fair value is based on Level 1 or Level 2 inputs.

Finance Receivables, Net – The carrying value of retail and wholesale finance receivables in the financial statements is 

amortized cost less an allowance for credit losses. The fair value of retail finance receivables is generally calculated by 
discounting future cash flows using an estimated discount rate that reflects current credit, interest rate and prepayment risks 
associated with similar types of instruments. Fair value is determined based on Level 3 inputs. The amortized cost basis of 
wholesale finance receivables approximates fair value because they either are short-term or have interest rates that adjust with 
changes in market interest rates.

Derivatives – Foreign currency exchange contracts and commodity contracts are derivative financial instruments and are 
carried at fair value on the balance sheet. The fair value of foreign currency exchange and commodity contracts is determined 
using publicly quoted prices. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs. 

Debt – The carrying value of debt in the financial statements is generally amortized cost. The carrying value of unsecured 

commercial paper approximates fair value due to its short maturity. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.

The carrying value of debt provided under the Canadian Conduit approximates fair value since the interest rates charged 

under the facility are tied directly to market rates and fluctuate as market rates change. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 
inputs.

The fair values of the medium-term notes are estimated based upon rates currently available for debt with similar terms 

and remaining maturities. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.

The fair value of the senior unsecured notes is estimated based upon rates currently available for debt with similar terms 

and remaining maturities. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.

The fair value of the debt related to term asset-backed securitization transactions is estimated based on pricing currently 

available for transactions with similar terms and maturities. Fair value is calculated using Level 2 inputs.

9.     Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to certain risks such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and commodity 
price risk. To reduce its exposure to such risks, the Company selectively uses derivative financial instruments. All derivative 
transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to regularly reviewed policies and procedures, which prohibit the use of 
financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

All derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value (see Note 8). In accordance with ASC Topic 
815, "Derivatives and Hedging," the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it 
has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. Changes in 
the fair value of derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges, along with the gain or loss on the hedged item, are 
recorded in current period earnings. For derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of 
gains and losses that result from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments is initially recorded in other comprehensive 
income (OCI) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged item affects income. The Company assesses, at both 
the inception of each hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are used in its hedging transactions are 
highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. Any ineffective portion is immediately recognized in 
earnings. No component of a hedging derivative instrument’s gain or loss is excluded from the assessment of hedge 
effectiveness. Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recorded at fair value and any changes in fair 
value are recorded in current period earnings.

The Company sells its products internationally and in most markets those sales are made in the foreign country’s local 

currency. As a result, the Company’s earnings can be affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign 
currency. The Company’s most significant foreign currency risk relates to the Euro, the Australian dollar, Japanese yen and the 
Brazilian real. The Company utilizes foreign currency contracts to mitigate the effect of fluctuations in these currencies on 
earnings. The foreign currency contracts are entered into with banks and allow the Company to exchange a specified amount of 
foreign currency for U.S. dollars at a future date, based on a fixed exchange rate.

The Company utilizes commodity contracts to hedge portions of the cost of certain commodities consumed in the 

Company’s motorcycle production and distribution operations.

The Company’s foreign currency contracts and commodity contracts generally have maturities of less than one year.

74

The Company’s earnings are affected by changes in interest rates. The Company utilized interest rate swaps to reduce the 
impact of fluctuations in interest rates on its unsecured commercial paper by converting a portion from a floating rate basis to a 
fixed rate basis. The interest rate swaps expired during the second quarter of 2013, and as of December 31, 2013, there were no 
interest rate swaps outstanding. 

The following tables summarize the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments at December 31 (in 

thousands): 

2014

2013

Derivatives Designated As Hedging
Instruments Under ASC Topic 815
Foreign currency contracts(c)
Commodities contracts(c)

Total

Notional
Value

Asset
Fair Value(a)

Liability
Fair Value(b)

Notional
Value

Asset
Fair Value(a)

Liability
Fair Value(b)

$ 339,077

1,728

$ 340,805

$

$

32,244

—

32,244

$

$

— $ 299,550

414

414

1,286

$ 300,836

$

$

1,672

76

1,748

$

$

3,842

—

3,842

2014

2013

Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging
Instruments Under ASC Topic 815

Notional
Value

Asset
Fair Value(a)

Liability
Fair Value(b)

Notional
Value

Asset
Fair Value(a)

Liability
Fair Value(b)

Commodities contracts

Total

$

$

11,804

11,804

$

$

— $

— $

1,613

1,613

$

$

9,855

9,855

$

$

184

184

$

$

83
83  

(a)  Included in other current assets
(b)  Included in accrued liabilities
(c)  Derivative designated as a cash flow hedge

The following tables summarize the amount of gains and losses for the following years ended December 31 related to 

derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges (in thousands): 

Cash Flow Hedges
Foreign currency contracts

Commodities contracts

Interest rate swaps – unsecured commercial paper

Total

$

$

Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in OCI, before tax

2014

2013

2012

$

3,468

$

47,037
(262)
—

46,775

$

39
(2)
3,505

$

(344)
(427)
(43)
(814)

Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from AOCL into Income

Cash Flow Hedges
Foreign currency contracts(a)
Commodities contracts(a)
Interest rate swaps – unsecured commercial paper(b)

Total

2014

2013

2012

Expected to be Reclassified
Over the Next Twelve Months

$

13,635

$

228

—

$

13,863

$

482
(51)
(345)
86

$

$

18,586
(705)
(2,542)
15,339

$

$

30,658
(414)
—

30,244

(a)  Gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) to income is included in cost of goods sold.
(b)  Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to income is included in financial services interest expense.

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the cash flow hedges were highly effective and, as a result, the amount 

of hedge ineffectiveness was not material. No amounts were excluded from effectiveness testing.

75

 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes the amount of gains and losses for the years ended December 31 related to derivative 

financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments (in thousands): 

Derivatives not Designated as Hedges
Commodities contracts(a)

Total

Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative

2014

2013

2012

$

$

(1,969) $
(1,969) $

(572) $
(572) $

(535)
(535)  

(a)  Gain/(loss) recognized in income is included in cost of goods sold.

10.    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) for the years ended 

December 31 (in thousands):  

Foreign currency
translation
adjustments

Marketable
securities

Derivative financial
instruments

Pension and
postretirement
benefit plans

2014

Balance, beginning of period

$

33,326

$

(276) $

(1,680) $

(364,046) $

Total
(332,676)

Other comprehensive (loss)
income before
reclassifications
Income tax

Net other comprehensive (loss)
income before reclassifications
Reclassifications:

Realized (gains) losses - 
foreign currency contracts(a)
Realized (gains) losses - 
commodities contracts(a)
Prior service credits(c)
Actuarial losses(c)

Total before tax

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net reclassifications
Other comprehensive (loss)
income
Balance, end of period

(50,310)

13,502

(36,808)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(673)
249

(424)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

46,775
(17,325)

(301,832)
111,799

(306,040)
108,225

29,450

(190,033)

(197,815)

(13,635)

(228)
—

—
(13,863)
5,135
(8,728)

—

(13,635)

—
(2,734)
41,292

38,558
(14,282)
24,276

(228)
(2,734)
41,292

24,695
(9,147)
15,548

(36,808)

$

(3,482) $

(424)
(700) $

20,722

19,042

$

(165,757)
(529,803) $

(182,267)
(514,943)

76

 
2013

Foreign currency
translation
adjustments

Marketable
securities

Derivative financial
instruments

Pension and
postretirement
benefit plans

Balance, beginning of period

$

51,335

$

677

$

(3,837) $

(655,853) $

Total
(607,678)

Other comprehensive (loss)
income before
reclassifications
Income tax

Net other comprehensive (loss)
income before reclassifications
Reclassifications:

Realized (gains) losses - 
foreign currency contracts(a)
Realized (gains) losses - 
commodities contracts(a)
Realized (gains) losses - 
interest rate swaps(b)
Prior service credits(c)
Actuarial losses(c)

Total before tax

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net reclassifications
Other comprehensive (loss)
income
Balance, end of period

(20,192)

2,183

(18,009)

(1,514)
561

(953)

3,505
(1,298)

398,430
(147,578)

380,229
(146,132)

2,207

250,852

234,097

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(482)

51

345

—

—
(86)
36
(50)

—

—

—
(2,107)
67,157

65,050
(24,095)
40,955

(482)

51

345
(2,107)
67,157

64,964
(24,059)
40,905

(18,009)

$

33,326

$

(953)
(276) $

2,157
(1,680) $

291,807
(364,046) $

275,002
(332,676)

77

Balance, beginning of period

$

49,935

$

327

$

6,307

$

(533,302) $

Foreign currency
translation
adjustments

Marketable
securities

Derivative financial
instruments

Pension and
postretirement
benefit plans

Total
(476,733)

2012

Other comprehensive
income (loss) before
reclassifications

Income tax

Net other comprehensive
income (loss) before
reclassifications
Reclassifications:

Realized (gains) losses - 
foreign currency contracts(a)
Realized (gains) losses - 
commodities contracts(a)
Realized (gains) losses - 
interest rate swaps(b)
Prior service credits(c)
Actuarial losses(c)
Curtailment and settlement
losses

Total before tax

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net reclassifications

Other comprehensive income
(loss)

2,212

(812)

1,400

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

1,400

Balance, end of period

$

51,335

$

556
(206)

350

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

(814)
301

(251,291)
93,078

(249,337)
92,361

(513)

(158,213)

(156,976)

(18,586)

705

2,542
—

—

—
(15,339)
5,708
(9,631)

—

—

—
(895)
51,295

6,242

56,642
(20,980)
35,662

(18,586)

705

2,542
(895)
51,295

6,242

41,303
(15,272)
26,031

350

677

$

(10,144)
(3,837) $

(122,551)
(655,853) $

(130,945)
(607,678)

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 

Amounts reclassified to net income are included in motorcycles and related products cost of goods sold.  
Amounts reclassified to net income are presented in financial services interest expense.
Amounts reclassified are included in the computation of net periodic cost. See Note 13 for information related to 
pension and postretirement benefit plans.

11.    Debt

Debt with contractual terms less than one year is generally classified as short-term debt and consisted of the following as 

of December 31 (in thousands): 

Unsecured commercial paper

2014

2013

$

731,786

$

666,317

78

Debt with a contractual term greater than one year is generally classified as long-term debt and consisted of the following 

as of December 31 (in thousands): 

Secured debt

2014

2013

Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility

$

166,912

$

Term asset-backed securitization debt

Unsecured notes

5.75% Medium-term notes due in 2014 ($500.0 million par value)

1.15% Medium-term notes due in 2015 ($600.0 million par value)

3.88% Medium-term notes due in 2016 ($450.0 million par value)

2.70% Medium-term notes due in 2017 ($400.0 million par value)

1.55% Medium-term notes due in 2017 ($400.0 million par value)

6.80% Medium-term notes due in 2018 ($888.0 million par value)

2.40% Medium-term notes due in 2019 ($600.0 million par value)

15.00% Senior unsecured notes due in 2014 ($600.0 million par value)

Gross long-term debt

Less: current portion of long-term debt

Long-term debt

1,271,533

—

599,817

449,937

399,963

399,464

887,381

597,836

—

4,772,843
(1,011,315)
3,761,528

$

$

174,241

1,256,632

499,866

599,543

449,883

399,946

—

909,742

—

303,000

4,592,853
(1,176,140)
3,416,713

Commercial paper maturities may range up to 365 days from the issuance date. The weighted-average interest rate of 

outstanding commercial paper balances was 0.30% and 0.23% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

On April 7, 2014, the Company entered into a new $675.0 million five-year credit facility to refinance and replace a $675 

million four-year credit facility that was due to mature in April 2015. The new five-year credit facility matures in April 2019. 
The Company also has a $675.0 million five-year credit facility which matures in April 2017. The new five-year credit facility 
and the existing five-year credit facility (together, the Global Credit Facilities) bear interest at various variable interest rates, 
which may be adjusted upward or downward depending on certain criteria, such as credit ratings. The Global Credit Facilities 
also require the Company to pay a fee based upon the average daily unused portion of the aggregate commitments under the 
Global Credit Facilities. The Global Credit Facilities are committed facilities and primarily used to support the Company's 
unsecured commercial paper program. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the 
Global Credit Facilities.

In September 2014, the Company amended and restated its revolving facility (U.S. Conduit) with an asset-backed U.S. 

commercial paper conduit which provides for a total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. At December 31, 2014 and 
2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the U.S. Conduit. Refer to Note 6 for further discussion on the U.S. 
Conduit.

In June 2014, the Company amended its revolving facility agreement (Canadian Conduit) with a Canadian bank-
sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit. Under the agreement, the Canadian Conduit is contractually committed, at 
the Company's option, to purchase from the Company eligible Canadian retail motorcycle financial receivables for proceeds up 
to C$200 million. During 2014 and 2013, the Company transferred $97.1 million and $101.1 million, respectively, of Canadian 
retail motorcycle finance receivables for proceeds of $85.0 million and $88.6 million, respectively. Approximately $44.6 
million and $38.6 million of the debt was classified as current portion of long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Refer 
to Note 6 for further discussion on the Canadian Conduit. 

During 2014, the Company issued $850.0 million of secured notes through one term asset-backed securitization 
transaction. During 2013, the Company issued $650.0 million of secured notes through one term asset-backed securitization 
transaction. Additionally, during 2012, the Company issued $89.5 million of secured notes through the sale of notes that had 
been previously retained as part of the December 2009, August 2011, and November 2011 term asset-backed securitization 
transactions. These notes were sold at a premium, and at December 31, 2014 and 2013, the unaccreted premium associated with 
these notes was $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Approximately $366.9 million and $334.6 million of the obligations 
under the secured notes were classified as current at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, based on the contractual 
maturities of the restricted finance receivables. The term-asset backed securitization transactions are further discussed in Note 
6.

79

In September 2014, the Company issued $600 million of medium-term notes which mature in September 2019 and have 
an annual interest rate of 2.40%. In November 2014, the Company issued $400 million of medium-term notes which mature in 
November 2017 and have an annual interest rate of 1.55%. There were no medium-term note issuances during 2013. All of the 
Company's medium-term notes (collectively, the Notes) provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at 
maturity. Unamortized discounts on the Notes reduced the balance by $3.6 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 
2013, respectively.

During 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company repurchased an aggregate of $22.6 million, $23.0 million, and $16.6 million 

respectively, of its 6.80% medium-term notes which mature in June 2018. As a result, the Company recognized in financial 
services interest expense $3.9 million, $4.9 million, and $4.3 million of loss on extinguishment of debt, respectively, which 
included unamortized discounts and fees. During December 2014, $500.0 million of 5.75% medium-term notes matured, and 
the principal and accrued interest were paid in full. During December 2013, $400.0 million of the 5.25% medium-term notes 
matured, and the principal and accrued interest were paid in full. 

In February 2009, the Company issued $600.0 million of senior unsecured notes in an underwritten offering. The senior 
unsecured notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. The senior unsecured notes mature in 
February 2014 and had an annual interest rate of 15%. During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company repurchased $297.0 
million of the $600.0 million senior unsecured notes and the remaining $303.0 million was repaid at maturity in February 2014.

HDFS and the Company are subject to various operating and financial covenants related to the Global Credit Facilities 

and various operating covenants under the Notes and the U.S. and Canadian asset-backed commercial paper conduit facilities. 
The more significant covenants are described below.

The operational covenants limit the Company’s and HDFS’ ability to:

• 
• 
• 

assume or incur certain liens;
participate in certain mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions; and
purchase or hold margin stock.

Under the current financial covenants of the Global Credit Facilities, the consolidated debt to equity ratio of HDFS 

cannot exceed 10.0 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. In addition, the ratio of the Company's consolidated debt to the 
Company's consolidated debt and equity, in each case excluding the debt of HDFS and its subsidiaries, cannot exceed 0.65 to 
1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. No financial covenants are required under the Notes or the U.S. or Canadian asset-
backed commercial paper conduit facilities.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, HDFS and the Company remained in compliance with all of these covenants.

12.    Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of the following (in thousands): 

Current:

Federal
State

Foreign

Deferred:

Federal

State

Foreign

Total

2014

2013

2012

$

$

$

394,904
30,997

20,429

446,330

$

281,938
23,701

22,093

327,732

(5,743)
(3,155)
1,277
(7,621)
438,709

51,509
(1,471)
2,542

52,580

$

380,312

$

191,006
4,221

13,189

208,416

121,934

7,697
(460)
129,171

337,587

80

The components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands): 

Domestic

Foreign

Total

2014
1,196,335

86,985

1,283,320

$

$

2013
1,042,317

71,988

1,114,305

$

$

2012

946,592

14,920

961,512

$

$

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount that would be provided by applying the statutory U.S. corporate 

income tax rate due to the following items for the years ended December 31: 

Provision at statutory rate

State taxes, net of federal benefit

Domestic manufacturing deduction

Research and development credit

Unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties

Valuation allowance adjustments

Tax audit settlements

Adjustments for previously accrued taxes
Other

Provision for income taxes

2014

2013

2012

35.0%

1.7
(2.1)
(0.4)
0.2
(0.1)
—
(0.3)
0.2

34.2%

35.0%

1.6
(1.7)
(0.9)
0.9
(0.3)
0.1
(0.2)
(0.4)
34.1%

35.0%

1.6
(1.6)
—

0.1
(0.3)
(0.1)
(0.4)
0.8

35.1%

The principal components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 include the following 

(in thousands): 

Deferred tax assets:

Accruals not yet tax deductible

Pension and postretirement benefit plan obligations

Stock compensation

Net operating loss carryforward

Valuation allowance

Other, net

Deferred tax liabilities:

Depreciation, tax in excess of book
Other

Total

2014

2013

$

120,817

$

104,723

21,089

41,927
(25,462)
38,465

301,559

(128,117)
(5,691)
(133,808)
167,751

$

$

128,307

5,192

22,370

40,530
(21,818)
37,034

211,615

(119,916)
(34,234)
(154,150)
57,465

The Company reviews its deferred tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in 

circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and 
projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset is considered, along with 
any positive or negative evidence such as tax law changes. Since future financial results and tax law may differ from previous 
estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary.

At December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $365.0 million state net operating loss carry-forwards expiring 

in 2031. At December 31, 2014 the Company also had Wisconsin research and development credit carryforwards of $13.7 
million expiring in 2028. The Company had a deferred tax asset of $27.8 million as of December 31, 2014 for the benefit of 
these losses and credits. A valuation allowance of $4.8 million has been established against the deferred tax asset.

The Company has foreign net operating losses (NOL) totaling $14.2 million as of December 31, 2014. It has a valuation 

allowance of $20.7 million against the NOLs as well as other associated deferred tax assets.

81

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. 
Changes in the Company’s gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were as follows (in 
thousands): 

Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period

Increase in unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken in a prior period

Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken in a prior period

Increase in unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken in the current period

Statute lapses

Settlements with taxing authorities

Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period

2014

2013

63,057

$

900
(4,989)
5,876

—
(644)
64,200

$

48,752

9,713
(4,335)
11,142
(336)
(1,879)
63,057

$

$

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate 

was $48.7 million.

The total gross amount of expense related to interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits recognized 

during 2014 in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income was $0.9 million.

The total gross amount of interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits recognized at December 31, 

2014 in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets was $25.3 million.

The Company does not expect a significant increase or decrease to the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits related 
to continuing operations during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015. However, the Company is under regular audit by tax 
authorities. The Company believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual 
tax provision includes amounts sufficient to pay any assessments. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon 
resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the United States federal and Wisconsin state 

jurisdictions and various other state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations for 
Wisconsin state income taxes before 2010 or for United States federal income taxes before 2012.

13.    Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits 

The Company has a qualified defined benefit pension plan and several postretirement healthcare benefit plans, which 

cover employees of the Motorcycles segment. The Company also has unfunded supplemental employee retirement plan 
agreements (SERPA) with certain employees which were instituted to replace benefits lost under the Tax Revenue 
Reconciliation Act of 1993. During 2012, the Company consolidated four qualified defined benefit pension plans into its 
current single qualified pension plan. The consolidation had no impact on participant benefits.

Pension benefits are based primarily on years of service and, for certain plans, levels of compensation. Employees are 
eligible to receive postretirement healthcare benefits upon attaining age 55 after rendering at least 10 years of service to the 
Company. Some of the plans require employee contributions to partially offset benefit costs.

82

Obligations and Funded Status:

The following table provides the changes in the benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and funded status of the 

Company’s pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans as of the Company’s December 31, 2014 and 2013 
measurement dates (in thousands): 

Pension and SERPA Benefits

Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits

2014

2013

2014

2013

Change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation, beginning of period

$

1,714,650

$

1,871,575

$

366,524

$

Service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial (gains) losses

Plan participant contributions

Benefits paid, net of Medicare Part D subsidy

Benefit obligation, end of period

Change in plan assets:

31,498

86,923

309,542

—
(72,633)
2,069,980

35,987

79,248
(199,408)
—
(72,752)
1,714,650

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period

1,920,601

1,539,018

Actual return on plan assets

Company contributions

Plan participant contributions

Benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets, end of period

Funded status of the plans, December 31

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets, December 31:

Prepaid benefit costs (long-term assets)

Accrued benefit liability (current liabilities)

Accrued benefit liability (long-term liabilities)

Net amount recognized

$

$

$

Benefit Costs:

143,040

1,638

—
(72,633)
1,992,646

277,388

176,947

—
(72,752)
1,920,601

(77,334) $

205,951

$

— $

(1,148)
(76,186)
(77,334) $

244,871
(2,549)
(36,371)
205,951

$

$

— $

(1,160)
(203,006)
(204,166) $

7,015

16,878
(2,870)
2,368
(28,909)
361,006

147,875

8,965

28,048

2,368
(30,416)
156,840
(204,166) $

Components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Amortization of unrecognized:

Prior service cost (credit)

Net loss

Settlement loss

Pension and
SERPA Benefits
2013

2014

2012

2014

Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
2013

$

31,498

$

35,987

$

33,681

$

7,015

$

7,858

$

86,923

(136,734)

79,248
(127,327)

83,265
(117,110)

16,878
(10,429)

1,119

36,563

—

1,746

58,608

—

2,958

43,874

6,242

(3,853)
4,729

—

15,599
(9,537)

(3,853)
8,549

—

Net periodic benefit cost

$

19,369

$

48,262

$

52,910

$

14,340

$

18,616

$

19,868

Net periodic benefit costs are allocated among selling, administrative and engineering expense, cost of goods sold and 

inventory. 

The expected return on plan assets is calculated based on the market-related value of plan assets. The market-related 

value of plan assets is different from the fair value in that asset gains/losses are smoothed over a five year period. 

83

403,227

7,858

15,599
(33,729)
2,609
(29,040)
366,524

123,106

24,769

27,849

2,609
(30,458)
147,875
(218,649)

—
(2,484)
(216,165)
(218,649)

2012

7,413

18,310
(9,423)

(3,853)
7,421

—

 
 
 
 
Unrecognized gains and losses related to plan obligations and assets are initially recorded in other comprehensive income 

and result from actual experience that differs from assumed or expected results, and the impacts of changes in assumptions. 
Unrecognized plan asset gains and losses not yet reflected in the market-related value of plan assets are not subject to 
amortization. Remaining unrecognized gains and losses that exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the 
market-related value of plan assets are amortized to earnings over the estimated future service period of active plan 
participants. The impacts of plan amendments, if any, are amortized over the estimated future service period of plan 
participants at the time of the amendment.

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, at December 31, 2014 which have not yet 

been recognized in net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in thousands): 

Prior service cost (credit)

Net actuarial loss

Total

Pension and
SERPA Benefits

1,685

488,080

Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
$

(11,070) $
51,108

489,765

$

40,038

$

$

$

Total

(9,385)
539,188

529,803

Amounts expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax, during the year ended December 31, 2015 are 

as follows (in thousands): 

Prior service cost (credit)

Net actuarial loss

Total

Assumptions:

Pension and
SERPA Benefits

274

34,445

Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
$

(2,025) $
2,501

34,719

$

476

$

$

$

Total

(1,751)
36,946

35,195

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost at December 31 were 

as follows: 

Assumptions for benefit obligations:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation

Assumptions for net periodic benefit
cost:

Discount rate

Expected return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

Pension and
SERPA Benefits

Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits

2014

2013

2012

2014

2013

2012

4.21%

4.00%

5.08%

7.75%
4.00%

5.08%

4.00%

4.23%

7.75%
4.00%

4.23%

4.00%

5.30%

7.80%
3.49%

3.99%

n/a

4.70%

7.70%
n/a

4.70%

n/a

3.93%

8.00%
n/a

3.93%

n/a

4.90%

8.00%
n/a

Pension and SERPA Accumulated Benefit Obligation:

The Company’s pension and SERPA plans have a separately determined accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) and plan 

asset value. The ABO is the actuarial present value of benefits based on service rendered and current and past compensation 
levels. This differs from the projected benefit obligation (PBO) in that it includes no assumption about future compensation 
levels. The total ABO for all the Company’s pension and SERPA plans combined was $1.92 billion and $1.60 billion as of 
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

84

 
 
The Company pension plan did not have a PBO in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2013. The following table 
summarizes information related to Company pension plan with a PBO in excess of the fair value of plan assets at December 31, 
2014 (in billions): 

Pension plan with PBOs in excess of fair value of plan assets:

PBO

Fair value of plan assets

Number of plans

2014

$

$

2.02

1.99

1

The Company pension plan did not have an ABO in excess of fair value at December 31, 2014 and 2013. 

The Company’s SERPA plans, which can only be funded as claims are paid, had projected and accumulated benefit 

obligations of $46.6 million and $33.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and $38.9 million and $25.8 million, 
respectively, as of December 31, 2013.

Plan Assets:

Pension Plan Assets - The Company’s investment objective is to ensure assets are sufficient to pay benefits while 
mitigating the volatility of retirement plan assets or liabilities recorded in the balance sheet. The Company mitigates volatility 
through asset diversification and partial asset/liability matching. The investment portfolio for the Company's pension plan 
assets contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. The Company’s current overall targeted asset 
allocation as a percentage of total market value was approximately 65% equities and 35% fixed-income. Assets are rebalanced 
regularly to keep the actual allocation in line with targets. Equity holdings primarily include investments in small-, medium- 
and large-cap companies in the U.S. (including Company stock), investments in developed and emerging foreign markets and 
other investments such as private equity and real estate. Fixed-income holdings consist of U.S. government and agency 
securities, state and municipal bonds, corporate bonds from diversified industries and foreign obligations. In addition, cash 
equivalent balances are maintained at levels adequate to meet near-term plan expenses and benefit payments. Investment risk is 
measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews.

Postretirement Healthcare Plan Assets - The Company's investment objective is to maximize the return on assets to help 
pay the benefits by prudently investing in equities, fixed income and alternative assets. The Company's current overall targeted 
asset allocation as a percentage of total market value was approximately 69% equities and 31% fixed-income. Equity holdings 
primarily include investments in small-, medium-, and large-cap companies in the U.S., investments in developed and emerging 
foreign markets and alternative investments such as private equity and real estate. Fixed-income holdings consist of U.S. 
government and agency securities, state and municipal bonds, corporate bonds from diversified industries and foreign 
obligations. In addition, cash equivalent balances are maintained at levels adequate to meet near-term plan expenses and benefit 
payments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews.

85

The following tables present the fair values of the plan assets related to the Company’s pension and postretirement 

healthcare plans within the fair value hierarchy as defined in Note 7.

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): 

Balance as of
December 31, 2014

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

38,131

$

2,965

$

35,166

$

Equity holdings:

U.S. companies

Foreign companies

Harley-Davidson common stock

Pooled equity funds

Limited partnership interests

625,174

109,088

83,942

323,613

31,227

620,964

109,088

83,942

323,613

140

4,210

—

—

—

1

Total equity holdings

1,173,044

1,137,747

4,211

Fixed-income holdings:
U.S. Treasuries

Federal agencies

Corporate bonds

Pooled fixed income funds

Foreign bonds

Municipal bonds

Total fixed-income holdings

51,375

45,282

376,454

236,024

58,956

13,380

781,471

51,375

—

—

52,335

—

—

103,710

—

45,282

376,454

183,689

58,956

13,380

677,761

—

—

—

—

—

31,086

31,086

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Total pension plan assets

$

1,992,646

$

1,244,422

$

717,138

$

31,086

Included in the pension plan assets are 1,273,592 shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $83.9 

million at December 31, 2014.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 

3) as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands): 

Balance, beginning of period

Actual return on plan assets:

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

Purchases, sales and settlements

Balance, end of period

Limited Partnership
Interests

$

$

34,234

(3,178)
30

31,086

86

The fair values of the Company’s postretirement healthcare plan assets as of December 31, 2014, were as follows (in 

thousands): 

Assets:

Balance as of
December 31, 2014

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Cash and cash equivalents

Equity holdings:

U.S. companies

Foreign companies

Pooled equity funds

Limited partnership interests

Total equity holdings

Fixed-income holdings:

U.S. Treasuries

Federal agencies

Corporate bonds

Pooled fixed income funds

Foreign bonds

Municipal bonds

Total fixed-income holdings

Total postretirement
healthcare plan assets

$

8,033

$

7,278

$

755

$

75,349

15,571

19,138

3,884

113,942

11,457

1,876

11,549

8,996

770

217

34,865

75,349

15,050

19,138

15

109,552

11,457

—

—

—

—

—

11,457

—

521

—

—

521

—

1,876

11,549

8,996

770

217

23,408

—

—

—

—

3,869

3,869

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

156,840

$

128,287

$

24,684

$

3,869

The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 

3) as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands): 

Balance, beginning of period

Actual return on plan assets:

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

Purchases, sales and settlements

Balance, end of period

Limited Partnership
Interests

$

$

—

(178)
4,047

3,869

87

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands): 

Balance as of
December 31, 2013

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

40,578

$

— $

40,578

$

Equity holdings:

U.S. companies

Foreign companies

Harley-Davidson common stock

Pooled equity funds

Limited partnership interests

519,405

125,361

88,184

558,004

34,234

516,444

125,320

88,184

558,004

—

2,961

41

—

—

—

Total equity holdings

1,325,188

1,287,952

3,002

Fixed-income holdings:

U.S. Treasuries

Federal agencies
Corporate bonds

Pooled fixed income funds

Foreign bonds

Municipal bonds

Total fixed-income holdings

34,044

33,250
223,992

212,465

40,885

10,199

554,835

34,044

—
—

51,959

—

—

86,003

—

33,250
223,992

160,506

40,885

10,199

468,832

—

—

—

—

—

34,234

34,234

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

Total pension plan assets

$

1,920,601

$

1,373,955

$

512,412

$

34,234

Included in the pension plan assets are 1,273,592 shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $88.2 

million at December 31, 2013.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 

3) as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands): 

Balance, beginning of period

Actual return on plan assets:

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

Purchases, sales and settlements

Balance, end of period

$

$

Total

Limited Partnership
Interests

Other

36,582

$

35,954

$

2,951
(5,299)
34,234

$

2,951
(4,671)
34,234

$

628

—
(628)
—

88

The fair values of the Company’s postretirement healthcare plan assets, which did not contain any Level 3 assets, as of 

December 31, 2013, were as follows (in thousands): 

Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Equity holdings:

U.S. companies

Foreign companies

Pooled equity funds

Total equity holdings

Fixed-income holdings:

U.S. Treasuries

Federal agencies

Corporate bonds

Pooled fixed income funds

Foreign bonds

Municipal bonds

Total fixed-income holdings

Balance as of
December 31, 2013

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

$

8,402

$

— $

8,402

29,365

18,010

61,134

108,509

9,488

2,579

8,685

8,977

941

294

30,964

29,365

17,630

61,134

108,129

9,488

—

—

—

—

—

9,488

—

380

—

380

—

2,579

8,685

8,977

941

294

21,476

30,258

Total postretirement healthcare plan assets $

147,875

$

117,617

$

No plan assets are expected to be returned to the Company during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.

For 2015, the Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return is 7.75% for pension assets and 7.70% for 

postretirement healthcare plan assets. The expected long-term rate of return is based on the portfolio as a whole and not on the 
sum of the returns on individual asset categories. The return is based on historical returns adjusted to reflect the current view of 
the long-term investment market.

Postretirement Healthcare Cost:

The weighted-average healthcare cost trend rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of 

the healthcare plans was as follows: 

Healthcare cost trend rate for next year
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate rate)

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

2014

2013

8.0%
5.0%

2021

8.0%
5.0%

2021

This healthcare cost trend rate assumption can have a significant effect on the amounts reported. A one-percentage-point 

change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would have the following effects (in thousands): 

Total of service and interest cost components in 2014

Accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2014

Future Contributions and Benefit Payments:

One
Percent
Increase

One
Percent
Decrease

$

$

747

12,909

$

$

(726)
(12,001)

No pension plan contributions are required in 2015. The Company expects it will continue to make on-going 

contributions related to current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans in 2015(1).

89

The expected benefit payments and Medicare subsidy receipts for the next five years and thereafter were as follows (in 

thousands): 

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020-2024

Pension
Benefits

SERPA
Benefits

Postretirement
Healthcare
Benefits

Medicare
Subsidy
Receipts

$

$

$

$

$

$

70,191

71,110

72,624

74,515

77,117

454,102

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,148

4,064

1,872

1,793

2,432

16,577

$

$

$

$

$

$

30,123

28,455

28,035

26,964

26,009

128,686

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,380

—

—

—

—

—

Defined Contribution Plans:

The Company has various defined contribution benefit plans that in total cover substantially all full-time employees. 

Employees can make voluntary contributions in accordance with the provisions of their respective plan, which includes a 401
(k) tax deferral option. The Company expensed $18.1 million, $14.9 million and $15.3 million for Company contributions 
during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

14.    Leases

The Company operates certain administrative, manufacturing, warehouse and testing facilities and equipment under lease 

arrangements that are accounted for as operating leases. Total rental expense was $12.0 million, $12.5 million and $13.5 
million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Future minimum operating lease payments at December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): 

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

After 2019

Total operating lease payments

15.    Commitments and Contingencies

$

12,309

9,342

6,983

5,535

5,278

15,955

55,402

$

The Company is subject to lawsuits and other claims related to environmental, product and other matters. In determining 

required reserves related to these items, the Company carefully analyzes cases and considers the likelihood of adverse 
judgments or outcomes, as well as the potential range of possible loss. The required reserves are monitored on an ongoing basis 
and are updated based on new developments or new information in each matter.

Environmental Protection Agency Notice

In December 2009, the Company received formal, written requests for information from the United States Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) regarding: (i) certificates of conformity for motorcycle emissions and related designations and labels, 
(ii) aftermarket parts, and (iii) warranty claims on emissions related components. The Company promptly submitted written 
responses to the EPA’s inquiry and has engaged in discussions with the EPA. Since that time, the EPA has delivered various 
additional requests for information to which the Company has responded. It is probable that a result of the EPA’s investigation 
will be some form of enforcement action by the EPA that will seek a fine and/or other relief. The Company has a reserve 
associated with this matter which is included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. However, given the 
uncertainty that still exists concerning the resolution of this matter, there is a possibility that the actual loss incurred may be 
materially different than the Company’s current reserve. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact of 
any remedies the EPA might seek beyond the Company's current reserve for this matter, if any.

90

York Environmental Matters:

The Company is involved with government agencies and groups of potentially responsible parties in various 
environmental matters, including a matter involving the cleanup of soil and groundwater contamination at its York, 
Pennsylvania facility. The York facility was formerly used by the U.S. Navy and AMF prior to the purchase of the York facility 
by the Company from AMF in 1981. Although the Company is not certain as to the full extent of the environmental 
contamination at the York facility, it has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 
(PADEP) since 1986 in undertaking environmental investigation and remediation activities, including an ongoing site-wide 
remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS). In January 1995, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the 
Agreement) with the Navy, and the parties amended the Agreement in 2013 to address ordnance and explosive waste.

The Agreement calls for the Navy and the Company to contribute amounts into a trust equal to 53% and 47%, 

respectively, of future costs associated with environmental investigation and remediation activities at the York facility 
(Response Costs). The trust administers the payment of the Response Costs incurred at the York facility as covered by the 
Agreement.

The Company has a reserve for its estimate of its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility which is included 

in accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.(1) As noted above, the RI/FS is still underway and given 
the uncertainty that exists concerning the nature and scope of additional environmental investigation and remediation that may 
ultimately be required under the RI/FS or otherwise at the York facility, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate 
of those additional costs, if any, that may result.

The estimate of the Company’s future Response Costs that will be incurred at the York facility is based on reports of 

independent environmental consultants retained by the Company, the actual costs incurred to date and the estimated costs to 
complete the necessary investigation and remediation activities. Response Costs are expected to be paid primarily over a period 
of several years ending in 2017 although certain Response Costs may continue for some time beyond 2017.

Product Liability Matters:

The Company is involved in product liability suits related to the operation of its business. The Company accrues for claim 

exposures that are probable of occurrence and can be reasonably estimated. The Company also maintains insurance coverage 
for product liability exposures. The Company believes that its accruals and insurance coverage are adequate and that product 
liability suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

16.     Capital Stock

Common Stock:

The Company is authorized to issue 800,000,000 shares of common stock of $0.01 par value. There were 211.9 million 

and 220.0 million common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

During 2014, the Company repurchased 9.3 million shares of its common stock at a weighted-average price of $66. This 

includes 0.2 million shares of common stock that were repurchased from employees that surrendered stock to satisfy 
withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards. The remaining repurchases were made pursuant to 
the following authorizations (in millions of shares): 

Board of Directors’ Authorization
1997 Authorization

2007 Authorization

2014 Authorization

Total

Shares Repurchased

2014

2013

2012

Authorization Remaining
at December 31, 2014

3.2

5.8

—

9.0

—

7.7

—

7.7

4.3

2.2

—

6.5

—

0.9

20.0

20.9

1997 Authorization – The Company has an authorization from its Board of Directors (originally adopted December 1997) 
to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock under which the cumulative number of shares repurchased, at the time of 
any repurchase, shall not exceed the sum of (1) the number of shares issued in connection with the exercise of stock options 
occurring on or after January 1, 2004, plus (2) 1% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company on January 1 of 
the current year, adjusted for any stock split. 

2007 Authorization – In December 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors separately authorized the Company to buy 

back up to 20.0 million shares of its common stock with no dollar limit or expiration date. 

91

  
2014 Authorization – In February 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors separately authorized the Company to buy 

back up to 20.0 million shares of its common stock with no dollar limit or expiration date.

Preferred Stock:

The Company is authorized to issue 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock of $1.00 par value, none of which is outstanding.

17.    Share-Based Awards 

The Company has a share-based compensation plan which was approved by its Shareholders in April 2014 (Plan) under 

which the Board of Directors may grant to employees share-based awards including nonqualified stock options, stock 
appreciation rights (SARs), shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs). The options and SARs granted under 
the Plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant vest ratably over a 
three-year period with the first one-third of the grant becoming exercisable one year after the date of grant. The options and 
SARs expire 10 years from the date of grant. Shares of restricted stock and RSUs granted under the Plan vest ratably over a 
three-year period with the first one-third of the grant vesting one year after the date of grant. Dividends are paid on shares of 
restricted stock and dividend equivalents are paid on RSUs. At December 31, 2014, there were 9.5 million shares of common 
stock available for future awards under the Plan.

Stock Options:

The Company estimates the grant date fair value of its option awards granted using a lattice-based option valuation 
model. The Company believes that the lattice-based option valuation model provides a more precise estimate of fair value than 
the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Lattice-based option valuation models utilize ranges of assumptions over the expected 
term of the options. Prior to 2013, the Company used a weighted-average of implied and historical volatility to determine the 
expected volatility of its stock. Beginning with awards granted in 2013, the Company uses implied volatility to determine the 
expected volatility of its stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination within 
the valuation model. The expected term of options granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and 
represents the average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within 
the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

Assumptions used in calculating the lattice-based fair value of options granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as 

follows: 

Expected average term (in years)

Expected volatility

Weighted average volatility

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

2014

2013

2012

6.1

6.1

6.3

25% - 34%

27% - 36%

32% - 50%

32%

1.8%

33%

1.6%

41%

1.1%

0.1% - 2.8%

0.1% - 2.1%

0.1% - 2.1%

The following table summarizes the stock option transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands except 

for per share amounts): 

Options outstanding, beginning of period

Options granted

Options exercised

Options forfeited

Options outstanding, end of period

Exercisable, end of period

Options

Weighted-
Average Price

3,391

$

$
401
(1,002) $
(73) $
$

2,717

1,938

$

40

62

38

58

43

38

The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $14, 

$12 and $14, respectively.

As of December 31, 2014, there was $3.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that is 

expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

92

The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value related to options outstanding, exercisable and exercised as 

of and for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 

Exercised

Outstanding

Exercisable

2014

2013

2012

$

$

$

31,623

61,947

54,071

$

$

$

28,879

100,054

81,930

$

$

$

34,443

60,963

35,873

The Company’s policy is to issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of employee stock options. The 

Company has a continuing authorization from its Board of Directors to repurchase shares to offset dilution caused by the 
exercise of stock options which is discussed in Note 16.

Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014 (options in thousands): 

Price Range

$10.01 to $20

$20.01 to $30

$30.01 to $40

$40.01 to $50
$50.01 to $60

$60.01 to $70

Options outstanding

Options exercisable

Weighted-Average
Contractual Life

Options

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

4.0

5.1

3.1

6.6
6.7

5.8

5.6

4.4

409

233

262

659
494

660

2,717

1,938

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

13

23

39

44
52

64

43

38

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)

SARs vest under the same terms and conditions as options; however, they are settled in cash equal to their settlement date 

fair value. As a result, SARs are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a liability until the date of exercise.

The fair value of each SAR award is estimated using a lattice-based valuation model. In accordance with ASC Topic 718, 

“Stock Compensation”, the fair value of each SAR award is recalculated at the end of each reporting period and the liability 
and expense adjusted based on the new fair value and the percent vested.

The assumptions used to determine the fair value of the SAR awards at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows: 

Expected average term (in years)

Expected volatility

Expected dividend yield
Risk-free interest rate

2014

3.7 - 5.4

25% - 31%

1.7%
0.0% - 2.3%

2013

3.5 - 4.3

24% - 32%

1.2%
0.1% - 3.0%

The following table summarizes the SAR transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands except for per 

share amounts): 

Outstanding, beginning of period

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding, end of period

Exercisable, end of period

SARs

Weighted-Average
Price

210

$

12
$
(46) $
— $

176

148

$

$

26

62

20

—

30

25

The weighted-average fair value of SARs granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $14, 

$12 and $14, respectively.

93

Restricted Stock Awards Settled in Stock:

Beginning in 2014, the Company granted certain eligible U.S. employees restricted stock units (RSUs) that settle in 

Company stock. Prior to 2014, the Company granted restricted, nonvested, stock. The fair value of RSUs settled in stock and 
restricted stock is determined based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The following table 
summarizes the RSUs settled in stock and restricted stock transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands 
except for per share amounts): 

Nonvested, beginning of period

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Nonvested, end of period

Restricted
Shares

Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share

982

$

$
459
(464) $
(57) $
$
920

47

62

46

56

54

As of December 31, 2014, there was $21.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs settled in stock 

and restricted stock that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

Restricted Stock Awards Settled in Cash

Restricted stock units, granted to certain eligible non-U.S. employees (RSUIs) vest under the same terms and conditions 

as RSUs settled in stock and restricted stock; however, they are settled in cash equal to their settlement date fair value. As a 
result, RSUIs are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a liability until the date of vesting.

The fair value of RSUIs is determined based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The 
following table summarizes the RSUI transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands except for per share 
amounts): 

Nonvested, beginning of period

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Nonvested, end of period

18.    Earnings Per Share

Restricted
Stock Unit

Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share

147

$

72
$
(74) $
(16) $
$
129

66

66

63

66

66

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the 

years ended December 31 (in thousands except per share amounts): 

Numerator:

Income used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share

$

844,611

$

733,993

$

623,925

2014

2013

2012

Denominator:

Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted-average
common shares

Effect of dilutive securities – employee stock compensation plan

Denominator for diluted earnings per share- adjusted weighted-
average shares outstanding

Earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

216,305

1,401

222,475

1,596

227,119

2,110

217,706

224,071

229,229

$

$

3.90

3.88

$

$

3.30

3.28

$

$

2.75

2.72

94

Options to purchase 0.5 million, 0.9 million and 2.1 million weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding 
during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the Company’s computation of dilutive securities because the 
exercise price was greater than the market price and therefore the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

The Company has a share-based compensation plan under which employees may be granted share-based awards 
including shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs). Non-forfeitable dividends are paid on unvested shares of 
restricted stock and non-forfeitable dividend equivalents are paid on unvested RSUs. As such, shares of restricted stock and 
RSUs are considered participating securities under the two-class method of calculating earnings per share as described in ASC 
Topic 260, “Earnings per Share.” The two-class method of calculating earnings per share did not have a material impact on the 
Company’s earnings per share calculation as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

19.    Reportable Segments and Geographic Information

Reportable Segments:

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the groups of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor 

Company (HDMC) and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). The Company operates in two segments: the 
Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) segment and the Financial Services segment. The Company’s reportable 
segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately based on the 
fundamental differences in their operations.

The Motorcycle reportable segment consists of HDMC which designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale street-legal 

Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. The 
Company's products are sold to retail customers through a network of independent dealers. The Company conducts business on 
a global basis, with sales in North America, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific and Latin America. 

The Financial Services reportable segment consists of HDFS which provides wholesale and retail financing and provides 

insurance and insurance-related programs primarily to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers. HDFS conducts 
business principally in the United States and Canada.

Information by segment is set forth below for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 

Motorcycles net revenue

Gross profit

Selling, administrative and engineering expense

Restructuring (benefit) expense and other impairments

Operating income from Motorcycles

Financial Services revenue

Financial Services expense

Operating income from Financial Services

2014
5,567,681

2,025,080

1,021,933

—

1,003,147

660,827

382,991

277,836

$

$

$

$

2013
5,258,290

1,862,372

993,894
(2,131)
870,609

641,582

358,489

283,093

$

$

$

$

2012
4,942,582

1,720,188

976,224

28,475

715,489

637,924

353,237

284,687

$

$

$

$

Financial Services revenue includes $8.1 million, $10.4 million and $11.5 million of interest that HDMC paid to HDFS 

on wholesale finance receivables in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The offsetting cost of these interest incentives was 
recorded as a reduction to Motorcycles revenue.

95

Information by segment is set forth below as of December 31 (in thousands): 

2014

Total assets

Depreciation

Capital expenditures

2013

Total assets

Depreciation

Capital expenditures

2012

Total assets

Depreciation

Capital expenditures

 Geographic Information:

Motorcycles

Financial
Services

Consolidated

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,502,190

171,187

224,262

2,793,497

160,181

199,354

2,751,018

162,659

180,416

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

7,025,907

8,113

8,057

6,611,543

6,891

8,967

6,419,755

6,319

8,586

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

9,528,097

179,300

232,319

9,405,040

167,072

208,321

9,170,773

168,978

189,002

Included in the consolidated financial statements are the following amounts relating to geographic locations for the years 

ended December 31 (in thousands): 

Revenue from Motorcycles(a):

United States

EMEA region

Japan

Canada

Australia

Other foreign countries

Total revenue from Motorcycles

Revenue from Financial Services(a):

United States

Europe

Canada

Other foreign countries

Total revenue from Financial Services

Long-lived assets(b):
United States

International

Total long-lived assets

2014

2013

2012

$

3,773,087

$

3,562,847

$

3,363,640

869,690

197,792

194,422

190,029

342,661

5,567,681

627,317

5,684

23,707

4,119
660,827

865,617

34,328

899,945

$

$

$

$

$

769,864

217,700

204,315

193,081

310,483

5,258,290

609,574

4,274

24,486

3,248
641,582

874,833

36,860

911,693

$

$

$

$

$

710,861

244,907

186,550

186,674

249,950

4,942,582

607,909

3,661

24,532

1,822
637,924

825,509

56,143

881,652

$

$

$

$

$

(a)  Revenue is attributed to geographic regions based on location of customer.
(b)  Long-lived assets include all long-term assets except those specifically excluded under ASC Topic 280, “Segment 

Reporting,” such as deferred income taxes and finance receivables.

96

20.    Related Party Transactions

A director of the Company is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and an equity owner of Fred Deeley Imports Ltd. 

(Deeley Imports), the exclusive distributor of the Company’s motorcycles in Canada. The Company recorded motorcycles and 
related products revenue and financial services revenue from Deeley Imports during 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $194.8 million, 
$204.8 million and $187.1 million, respectively, and had finance receivables balances due from Deeley Imports of $7.4 million, 
$11.5 million and $9.2 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. All such products were provided in the 
ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions that the Company believes are the same as those that would 
result from arm’s-length negotiations between unrelated parties.

21.    Supplemental Consolidating Data

The supplemental consolidating data for the periods noted is presented for informational purposes. The supplemental 

consolidating data may be different than segment information presented elsewhere due to the allocation of intercompany 
eliminations to reporting segments. All supplemental data is presented in thousands. 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

Revenue:

Motorcycles and Related Products

$

5,577,697

$

— $

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Financial Services

Total revenue

Costs and expenses:

Motorcycles and Related Products cost of
goods sold
Financial Services interest expense

Financial Services provision for credit losses
Selling, administrative and engineering
expense

Total costs and expenses

Operating income

Investment income

Interest expense

Income before provision for income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net income

—

5,577,697

3,542,601

—

—

1,023,450

4,566,051

1,011,646

126,499

4,162

1,133,983

338,453

662,345

662,345

—

164,476

80,946

147,586

393,008

269,337

—

—

269,337

100,256

Eliminations

Consolidated

(10,016) $
(1,518)
(11,534)

5,567,681

660,827

6,228,508

—

—

—

(11,534)
(11,534)
—
(120,000)
—
(120,000)
—

3,542,601

164,476

80,946

1,159,502

4,947,525

1,280,983

6,499

4,162

1,283,320

438,709

844,611

$

795,530

$

169,081

$

(120,000) $

97

 
 
Revenue:

Motorcycles and Related Products

$

5,268,480

$

— $

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2013

Financial Services

Total revenue

Costs and expenses:

Motorcycles and Related Products cost of
goods sold
Financial Services interest expense

Financial Services provision for credit losses
Selling, administrative and engineering
expense
Restructuring benefit

Total costs and expenses

Operating income

Investment income

Interest expense

Income before provision for income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net income

—

5,268,480

3,395,918

—

—

995,378
(2,131)
4,389,165

879,315

190,859

45,256

1,024,918

279,841

643,067

643,067

—

165,491

60,008

143,181

—

368,680

274,387

—

—

274,387

100,471

Eliminations

Consolidated

(10,190) $
(1,485)
(11,675)

5,258,290

641,582

5,899,872

—

—

—

(11,675)
—
(11,675)
—
(185,000)
—
(185,000)
—

3,395,918

165,491

60,008

1,126,884
(2,131)
4,746,170

1,153,702

5,859

45,256

1,114,305

380,312

733,993

$

745,077

$

173,916

$

(185,000) $

Year Ended December 31, 2012

Revenue:

Motorcycles and Related Products

$

4,952,748

$

— $

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Financial Services

Total revenue

Costs and expenses:

Motorcycles and Related Products cost of
goods sold
Financial Services interest expense

Financial Services provision for credit losses
Selling, administrative and engineering
expense
Restructuring expense

Total costs and expenses

Operating income

Investment income

Interest expense

Income before provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes

—

4,952,748

3,222,394

—

—

977,782

28,475

4,228,651

724,097

232,369

46,033

910,433
233,385

639,482

639,482

—

195,990

22,239

145,174

—

363,403

276,079

—

—

276,079
104,202

Eliminations

Consolidated

(10,166) $
(1,558)
(11,724)

4,942,582

637,924

5,580,506

—

—

—

(11,724)
—
(11,724)
—
(225,000)
—
(225,000)
—

3,222,394

195,990

22,239

1,111,232

28,475

4,580,330

1,000,176

7,369

46,033

961,512
337,587

623,925

Net income

$

677,048

$

171,877

$

(225,000) $

98

 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable, net

Finance receivables, net

Inventories

Restricted cash

Deferred income taxes

Other current assets

Total current assets

Finance receivables, net

Property, plant and equipment, net

Goodwill

Deferred income taxes

Other long-term assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

Accrued liabilities

Short-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt

Pension liability

Postretirement healthcare liability

Other long-term liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)

Total shareholders’ equity

December 31, 2014

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

573,895

$

332,785

$

— $

57,325

658,735

—

—

—

1,916,635

448,871

—

50,015

142,278

1,931,119

—

848,661

27,752

75,121

113,727

—

98,627

39,901

43,125

2,431,073

4,516,246

34,416

—

4,863

39,309

2,996,380

$

7,025,907

$

171,098

$

436,884

$

370,652

—

—

541,750

—

76,186

203,006

164,060

83,797

731,786

1,011,315

2,263,782

3,761,528

—

—

24,745

—
(411,114)
—

—

—

—
(2,983)
(414,097)
—

—

—
(2,149)
(77,944)
(494,190) $

(411,114) $
(5,132)
—

—
(416,246)
—

—

—

—

$

$

906,680

57,325

247,621

1,916,635

448,871

98,627

89,916

182,420

3,948,095

4,516,246

883,077

27,752

77,835

75,092

9,528,097

196,868

449,317

731,786

1,011,315

2,389,286

3,761,528

76,186

203,006

188,805

2,011,378

975,852

$

2,996,380

$

7,025,907

$

(77,944)
(494,190) $

2,909,286

9,528,097

99

 
 
ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable, net

Finance receivables, net

Inventories

Restricted cash

Deferred income taxes

Other current assets

Total current assets

Finance receivables, net

Property, plant and equipment, net

Prepaid pension costs

Goodwill

Deferred income taxes

Other long-term assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

Accrued liabilities

Short-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt

Pension liability

Postretirement healthcare liability

Deferred income taxes

Other long-term liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)

Total shareholders’ equity

December 31, 2013

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

718,912

$

347,700

$

— $

1,066,612

99,009

850,248

—

—

—

1,773,686

424,507

—

70,557

82,717

2,245,950

—

808,005

244,871

30,452

3,339

126,940

—

144,807

33,068

34,573

2,333,834

4,225,877

34,472

—

—

—

17,360

3,459,557

$

6,611,543

$

203,786

$

625,191

$

353,618

—

303,000

860,404

—

36,371

216,165

44,584

146,686

77,774

666,317

873,140

2,242,422

3,416,713

—

—

2,656

20,534

—
(589,183)
—

—

—

—
(1,798)
(590,981)
—

—

—

—

—
(75,079)
(666,060) $

(589,183) $
(4,057)
—

—
(593,240)
—

—

—

2,259

—

99,009

261,065

1,773,686

424,507

144,807

103,625

115,492

3,988,803

4,225,877

842,477

244,871

30,452

3,339

69,221

9,405,040

239,794

427,335

666,317

1,176,140

2,509,586

3,416,713

36,371

216,165

49,499

167,220

$

$

2,155,347

929,218

$

3,459,557

$

6,611,543

$

(75,079)
(666,060) $

3,009,486

9,405,040

100

 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

Amortization of financing origination fees

Provision for employee long-term benefits

Contributions to pension and postretirement plans

Stock compensation expense

Net change in wholesale finance receivables

Provision for credit losses

Loss on debt extinguishment

Deferred income taxes

Foreign currency adjustments

Other, net

Change in current assets and current liabilities:

Accounts receivable

Finance receivables—accrued interest and other

Inventories

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Restructuring reserves

Derivative instruments

Prepaid and other

Total adjustments

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures

Origination of finance receivables

Collections of finance receivables

Sales and redemptions of marketable securities

Other

Net cash used by investing activities

Year Ended December 31, 2014

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Eliminations
&
Adjustments

Consolidated

$

795,530

$

169,081

$ (120,000) $

844,611

171,187

—

59

33,709
(29,686)
35,064

—

—

—
(191)
21,964

20,273

(31,740)
—
(50,886)
16,074

2,181

703
(17,187)
171,524

967,054

8,113

94,429

8,383

—

—

2,865

—

80,946

3,942
(7,430)
—
(21,764)

—
(2,515)
—

21,629

—

—

13,798

202,396

371,477

—

—

—

—

—

—
(75,210)
—

—

—

—

—

21,931

—

—
(18,575)
—

—

—
(71,854)
(191,854)

(224,262)

(8,057)
— (7,693,884)
— 7,066,852

41,010

1,837
(181,415)

—

—
(635,089)

—

4,125,461
(4,053,607)
—

—

71,854

179,300

94,429

8,442

33,709
(29,686)
37,929
(75,210)
80,946

3,942
(7,621)
21,964
(1,491)

(9,809)
(2,515)
(50,886)
19,128

2,181

703
(3,389)
302,066

1,146,677

(232,319)
(3,568,423)
3,013,245

41,010

1,837
(744,650)

101

 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes

Repayments of medium-term notes

Repayment of senior unsecured notes

Intercompany borrowing activity

Proceeds from securitization debt

Repayments of securitization debt

Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper

Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper
Net increase in credit facilities and unsecured commercial
paper
Net change in restricted cash

Dividends

Purchase of common stock for treasury

Excess tax benefits from share-based payments

Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans

Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

—

—
(303,000)
200,000

—

—

—

—

—

—
(238,300)
(615,602)
11,540

37,785
(907,577)
(23,079)
$ (145,017) $

Year Ended December 31, 2014

Financial
Services
Operations

Eliminations
&
Adjustments

Consolidated

991,835
(526,431)
—
(200,000)
847,126
(834,856)
84,907
(77,800)

63,945

22,755
(120,000)
—

—

—

251,481
(2,784)
(14,915) $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

120,000

—

—

991,835
(526,431)
(303,000)
—

847,126
(834,856)
84,907
(77,800)

63,945

22,755
(238,300)
(615,602)
11,540

120,000

—

37,785
(536,096)
(25,863)
—
— $ (159,932)

— $ 1,066,612
(159,932)
906,680

— $

—

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

$

$

718,912
(145,017)
573,895

$

$

347,700
(14,915)
332,785

$

$

102

 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

Amortization of financing origination fees

Provision for employee long-term benefits

Contributions to pension and postretirement plans

Stock compensation expense

Net change in wholesale finance receivables

Provision for credit losses

Loss on debt extinguishment

Deferred income taxes

Foreign currency adjustments

Other, net

Change in current assets and current liabilities:

Accounts receivable

Finance receivables – accrued interest and other

Inventories

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Restructuring reserves

Derivative instruments

Prepaid and other

Total adjustments

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures

Origination of finance receivables

Collections of finance receivables

Purchases of marketable securities

Sales and redemptions of marketable securities

Other

Net cash used by investing activities

Year Ended December 31, 2013

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Eliminations
&
Adjustments

Consolidated

$

745,077

$

173,916

$ (185,000) $

733,993

160,181

—

473

66,877
(204,796)
38,367

—

—

—

54,568

16,269

10,942

(24,273)
—
(46,474)
(60,907)
(25,042)
(2,161)
70,900

54,924

800,001

6,891

86,181

8,903

—

—

2,877

—

60,008

4,947
(1,988)
—
(819)

—
(346)
—
(5,096)
—
(28)
(2,219)
159,311

333,227

(199,354)

(8,967)
— (7,140,533)
— 6,757,387

(4,998)
40,108

16,355
(147,889)

—

—

—
(392,113)

—

—

—

—

—

—

28,865

—

—

—

—

—

(12,380)
—

—

12,380

—

—

—

28,865
(156,135)

—

3,896,528
(3,925,393)
—

—

—
(28,865)

167,072

86,181

9,376

66,877
(204,796)
41,244

28,865

60,008

4,947

52,580

16,269

10,123

(36,653)
(346)
(46,474)
(53,623)
(25,042)
(2,189)
68,681

243,100

977,093

(208,321)
(3,244,005)
2,831,994
(4,998)
40,108

16,355
(568,867)

103

 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:

Repayments of medium-term notes

Intercompany borrowing activity

Proceeds from securitization debt

Repayments of securitization debt

Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper
Net increase in credit facilities and unsecured commercial
paper
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper

Net change in restricted cash

Dividends paid

Purchase of common stock for treasury, net of issuances

Excess tax benefits from share based payments

Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans

Net cash (used by) provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents – end of period

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

Amortization of financing origination fees

Provision for employee long-term benefits

Contributions to pension and postretirement plans

Stock compensation expense

Net change in wholesale finance receivables

Provision for credit losses

Loss on debt extinguishment
Pension and postretirement healthcare plan curtailment
and settlement expense
Deferred income taxes

Foreign currency adjustments

Other, net

104

Year Ended December 31, 2013

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Eliminations
&
Adjustments

Consolidated

—
(50,000)
—

—

—

—

—

—
(187,688)
(479,231)
19,895

50,567
(646,457)
(14,459)
(8,804) $

(27,858)
50,000

647,516
(840,387)
88,456

371,085
(78,765)
43,201
(185,000)
—

—

—

68,248
(2,084)
7,278

727,716
(8,804)
718,912

$

$

340,422

7,278

347,700

$

$

$

$

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

185,000

—

—

—

185,000

—

— $

(27,858)
—

647,516
(840,387)
88,456

371,085
(78,765)
43,201
(187,688)
(479,231)
19,895

50,567
(393,209)
(16,543)
(1,526)

— $ 1,068,138
(1,526)
— $ 1,066,612

—

Year Ended December 31, 2012

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Eliminations
&
Adjustments

Consolidated

$

677,048

$

171,877

$ (225,000) $

623,925

162,659

—

473

67,612
(244,416)
37,544

—

—

—

6,242

117,772

9,773
(2,290)

6,319

78,592

9,496

3,735

—

3,271

—

22,239

4,323

—

10,680

—
(4,926)

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,513

—

—

—

—

—

—

168,978

78,592

9,969

71,347
(244,416)
40,815

2,513

22,239

4,323

6,242

128,452

9,773
(7,216)

 
 
 
 
Change in current assets and current liabilities:

Accounts receivable

Finance receivables – accrued interest and other

Inventories

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Restructuring reserves

Derivative instruments

Prepaid and other

Total adjustments

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures

Origination of finance receivables

Collections of finance receivables

Purchases of marketable securities

Sales and redemptions of marketable securities

Net cash used by investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Year Ended December 31, 2012

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Eliminations
&
Adjustments

Consolidated

9,323

—

21,459
(6,368)
(16,087)
2,906
(95,162)
71,440

748,488

—
(4)
—
(27,443)
—
(148)
(2,554)
103,580

275,457

(23,013)
—

—

23,013

—

—

—

2,513
(222,487)

(13,690)
(4)
21,459
(10,798)
(16,087)
2,758
(97,716)
177,533

801,458

(180,416)

(8,586)
— (6,544,828)
— 6,456,729

(4,993)
23,296
(162,113)

—

—
(96,685)

—

3,686,127
(3,688,640)
—

—
(2,513)

(189,002)
(2,858,701)
2,768,089
(4,993)
23,296
(261,311)

Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes

—

Repayment of medium-term notes

Intercompany borrowing activity

Proceeds from securitization debt

Repayments of securitization debt

Borrowings of asset-backed commercial paper
Net decrease in credit facilities and unsecured commercial
paper
Repayments of asset-backed commercial paper

Net change in restricted cash

Dividends paid

Purchase of common stock for treasury, net of issuances

Excess tax benefits from share based payments

Issuance of common stock under employee stock option plans

Net cash used by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

993,737
(420,870)
400,000

—
(400,000)
—
763,895
— (1,405,599)
200,417
—

—

—

—
(141,681)
(311,632)
13,065

45,973
(794,275)
(7,714)

(744,724)
(24,301)
41,647
(225,000)
—

—

—
(420,798)
(1,172)

—

—

—

993,737
(420,870)
—

—
763,895
— (1,405,599)
200,417
—

—

—

—

225,000

—

—

(744,724)
(24,301)
41,647
(141,681)
(311,632)
13,065

225,000

—

45,973
(990,073)
(8,886)
—
— $ (458,812)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

$ (215,614) $ (243,198) $

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents – end of period

$

$

943,330
(215,614)
727,716

$

$

583,620
(243,198)
340,422

$

$

— $ 1,526,950
(458,812)
— $ 1,068,138

—

22.    Subsequent Events

On January 22, 2015, HDFS issued $700.0 million of secured notes through a term asset-backed securitization transaction 

at a weighted average interest rate of 1.19%.

105

 
 
Motorcycles:

Revenue
Operating income(a)

Financial Services:

Revenue

Operating income

Consolidated:

SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
(In millions, except per share data) 

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Mar 30,
2014

Mar 31,
2013

June 29,
2014

June 30,
2013

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Dec 31,
2014

Dec 31,
2013

$1,571.7

$1,414.2

$1,834.3

$1,631.5

$1,130.6

$1,180.3

$1,031.2

$1,032.3

$ 347.7

$ 276.8

$ 473.3

$ 357.7

$ 146.3

$ 175.5

$

35.9

$

60.7

$ 154.4

$ 157.0

$ 166.4

$ 162.8

$ 171.0

$ 163.4

$ 169.0

$ 158.3

$

63.2

$

71.5

$

74.4

$

74.2

$

77.8

$

76.1

Income before taxes

$ 408.9

$ 338.5

$ 549.1

$ 422.4

$ 225.5

$ 241.3

Net income

$ 265.9

$ 224.1

$ 354.2

$ 271.7

$ 150.1

$ 162.7

Earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

$

$

1.21

1.21

$

$

1.00

0.99

$

$

1.63

1.62

$

$

1.22

1.21

$

$

0.70

0.69

$

$

0.73

0.73

$

$

$

$

$

62.4

$

61.3

99.9

74.5

0.35

0.35

$ 112.1

$

$

$

75.4

0.34

0.34

(a)  Operating income for the Motorcycles segment includes restructuring expense (benefit) as discussed in Note 3 for the 

following periods (in millions):

Restructuring expense (benefit)

$ — $

2.9

$ — $

(5.3) $ — $

0.6

$ — $

(0.4)

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Mar 30,
2014

Mar 31,
2013

June 29,
2014

June 30,
2013

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Dec 31,
2014

Dec 31,
2013

Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None. 

Item 9A.  

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period 

covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness 
of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the 
Exchange Act). Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chairman, President and Chief 
Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and 
procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K to ensure that information 
required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, 
summarized and reported, within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and to 
ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is 
accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer 
and its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The report of management required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 

10-K under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

106

 
 
 
 
 
 
Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The attestation report required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K 
under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended 
December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control 
over financial reporting.

107

PART III

Item 10. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information to be included in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, 

which will be filed on or about March 16, 2015 (the Proxy Statement), under the captions “Questions and Answers about the 
Company – Who are our Executive Officers for SEC Purposes?,” “Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters – Audit 
Committee,” “Proposal I – Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Audit 
Committee Report,” and “Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters – Independence of Directors” is incorporated by 
reference herein.

The Company has adopted the Harley-Davidson, Inc. Financial Code of Ethics applicable to the Company’s chief 
executive officer, the chief financial officer, the principal accounting officer and the controller and other persons performing 
similar finance functions. The Company has posted a copy of the Harley-Davidson, Inc. Financial Code of Ethics on the 
Company’s website at www.harley-davidson.com. The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 
of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Current Report on Form 8-K regarding amendments to, or waivers from, the 
Harley-Davidson, Inc. Financial Code of Ethics by posting such information on its website at www.harley-davidson.com. The 
Company is not including the information contained on or available through its website as a part of, or incorporating such 
information by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Item 11. 

Executive Compensation

The information to be included in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Human 

Resources Committee Report on Executive Compensation” is incorporated by reference herein. 

Item 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information to be included in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Common Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial 

Owners and Management” is incorporated by reference herein.

The following table provides information about the Company’s equity compensation plans (including individual 

compensation arrangements) as of December 31, 2014:

Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders:

Management employees

Equity compensation plans not approved by
shareholders:

Union employees:

Kansas City, MO

York, PA

Non employees:

Board of Directors

Number of securities
to be issued upon the
exercise of
outstanding options

Weighted-
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
the first column)

2,716,768

$

43.34

9,465,837

— $

— $

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

26,718

96,770

142,449

265,937

9,731,774

Total all plans

2,716,768

Plan documents for each of the Company’s equity compensation plans have been filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on a timely basis and are included in the list of exhibits to this annual report on Form 10-K. Equity compensation 
plans not submitted to shareholders for approval were adopted prior to current regulations requiring such approval and have not 
been materially altered since adoption.

The material features of the union employees’ stock option awards are the same as those of the management employees’ 
stock option awards. Under the Company’s management and union plans, stock options have an exercise price equal to the fair 

108

 
market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. Stock options vest ratably 
over a three-year period with the first one-third of the grant becoming exercisable one year after the date of grant. 

The Director Compensation Policy provides non-employee Directors with compensation that includes an annual retainer 

as well as a grant of share units. The payment of share units is deferred until a director ceases to serve as a director and the 
share units are payable at that time in actual shares of common stock. The Director Compensation Policy also provides that a 
non-employee Director may elect to receive 50% or 100% of the annual retainer to be paid in each calendar year in the form of 
common stock based upon the fair market value of the common stock at the time of the annual meeting of shareholders. Each 
Director must receive a minimum of one-half of his or her annual retainer in common stock until the Director reaches the 
Director stock ownership guidelines defined below.

In August 2002, the Board approved “Director and Senior Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines” (Ownership 
Guidelines) which were most recently revised in September 2012. The Ownership Guidelines stipulate that all Directors hold 
15,000 shares of Common Stock and senior executives hold from 15,000 to 200,000 shares of the common stock, or certain 
rights to acquire common stock, depending on their level. The Directors and senior executives have five years from the date 
they are elected a Director or promoted to a senior executive to accumulate the appropriate number of shares of common stock. 
Restricted stock, restricted stock units, shares held in 401(k) accounts, vested unexercised stock options and stock appreciation 
rights, and shares of common stock held directly count toward satisfying the guidelines for common stock ownership.

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information to be included in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Certain Transactions” and “Corporate 

Governance Principles and Board Matters – Independence of Directors” is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 14.  

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information to be included in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Ratification of Selection of Independent 

Registered Public Accounting Firm – Fees Paid to Ernst & Young LLP” is incorporated by reference herein.

109

PART IV

Item 15.  

Exhibits and Financial Statements

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K: 

(1) Financial Statements

Consolidated statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2014

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2014

Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013

Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2014

Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2014

Notes to consolidated financial statements

(2) Financial Statement Schedule

Schedule II – Valuation and qualifying accounts

(3) Exhibits

Reference is made to the separate Index to Exhibits contained on pages 114 through 117 filed herewith.

All other schedules are omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to 

require submission of the schedules.

51

52

53

55

56

57

111

114

110

 
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
(In thousands)

Schedule II

Accounts receivable – allowance for doubtful accounts

2014

2013

2012

Balance, beginning of period

Provision charged to expense

Reserve adjustments

Write-offs, net of recoveries

Balance, end of period

Finance receivables – allowance for credit losses

Balance, beginning of period
Provision for credit losses

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

Balance, end of period

Inventories – allowance for obsolescence(a)

Balance, beginning of period

Provision charged to expense

Reserve adjustments

Write-offs, net of recoveries

Balance, end of period

Deferred tax assets – valuation allowance

Balance, beginning of period

Adjustments

Balance, end of period

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,960
(471)
(394)
(637)
3,458

110,693
80,946
(64,275)
127,364

17,463

19,044
(399)
(18,333)
17,775

21,818

3,644

25,462

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,954

$

245
(136)
(103)
4,960

107,667
60,008
(56,982)
110,693

22,936

5,254
(1,281)
(9,446)
17,463

16,314

5,504

21,818

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,952

424
(401)
(21)
4,954

125,449
22,239
(40,021)
107,667

23,204

9,489
(696)
(9,061)
22,936

14,914

1,400

16,314

(a)  Inventory obsolescence reserves deducted from cost determined on first-in first-out (FIFO) basis, before deductions for 

last-in, first-out (LIFO) valuation reserves.

111

 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused 

this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on February 19, 2015.

SIGNATURES

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.

By:

/S/ Keith E. Wandell
Keith E. Wandell
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

112

 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 

persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 19, 2015.

Name

/S/ Keith E. Wandell
Keith E. Wandell

/S/ Matthew S. Levatich
Matthew S. Levatich

/S/ John A. Olin
John A. Olin

Title

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal executive officer)

Director, HDMC President and Chief Operating Officer

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial officer)

/S/ Mark R. Kornetzke
Mark R. Kornetzke

Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal accounting officer)

/S/ Barry K. Allen
Barry K. Allen

/S/ R. John Anderson
R. John Anderson

/S/ Richard I. Beattie
Richard I. Beattie

/S/ Michael J. Cave

Michael J. Cave

/S/ George H. Conrades
George H. Conrades

/S/ Donald A. James
Donald A. James

/S/ Sara L. Levinson
Sara L. Levinson

/S/ N. Thomas Linebarger
N. Thomas Linebarger

/S/ George L. Miles, Jr.
George L. Miles, Jr.

/S/ James A. Norling
James A. Norling

/S/ Jochen Zeitz
Jochen Zeitz

Director

Director

Presiding Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

113

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]

Exhibit No    Description

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.13

4.14

4.15

Restated Articles of Incorporation as September 8, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2011 (File No. 1-9183))

Harley-Davidson, Inc. By-Laws, as amended through December 4, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference by reference to
Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 1-9183))

Indenture to provide for the issuance of indebtedness dated as of November 21, 2003 between Harley-Davidson Funding
Corp., Issuer, Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. and Harley-Davidson Credit Corp., Guarantors, to BNY Midwest
Trust Company, Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report of Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-9183))

4-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2011, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the
financial institutions parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as global administrative agent (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 28, 2011 (File No. 1-9183))

Amendment No. 1, dated as of April 13, 2012, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the financial
institutions parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as global administrative agent, to 4-Year Credit Agreement
dated as of April 28, 2011 among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the financial institutions parties
thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as global administrative agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012 (File No. 1-9183))

5-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2012 among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the
financial institutions parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as among other things, global administrative agent
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
April 1, 2012 (File No. 1-9183))

Amendment No. 1 5-year Credit Agreement, dated as of July 10, 2013, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the
Company, the financial institutions parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as, among other things, global
administrative agent, including an Amended and Restated Syndicated Canadian Addendum, in each case relating to the 5-
year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2012 among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, the financial
institutions parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as among other things, global administrative agent
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September, 29, 2013 (File No. 1-9183))

Indenture, dated as of March 4, 2011, among Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc., Issuer, Harley-Davidson Credit
Corp., Guarantor, and Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 2011 (File No. 1-9183))

Officers’ Certificate, dated March 4, 2011, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with
the forms of 3.875% Medium-Term Notes due 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 2011 (File No. 1-9183))

Officers’ Certificate, dated January 31, 2012, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with
the forms of 2.700% Medium-Term Notes due 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 26, 2012 (File No. 1-9183))

Officers' Certificate, dated September 16, 2014, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011,
with the forms of 2.400% Medium-Term Notes due 2019

Officers' Certificate, dated November 18, 2014, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011,
with the forms of 1.550% Medium-Term Notes due 2017

10.1*

Harley-Davidson, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan as amended through April 28, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 (File No. 1-9183))

Various instruments relating to the Company’s long-term debt described in this report need not be filed herewith pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)
(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. The registrant, by signing this report, agrees to furnish the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its request, 
with a copy of any such instrument.

* 

Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of 
the Company participated.

114

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]

Exhibit No    Description

10.2

10.3*

10.4*

10.5*

10.6*

10.7*

10.8*

10.9*

10.10*

10.11*

10.12*

10.13*

10.14*

10.15*

10.16*

10.17*

10.18*

2001 York Hourly-Paid Employees Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (File No. 1-9183))

Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan as amended through April 28, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 (File No. 1-9183))

Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s
definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 25, 2009
filed on April 3, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))

Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s
definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 26, 2014
filed on March 14, 2014 (File No. 1-9183))

   Amended and Restated Harley-Davidson, Inc. Director Stock Plan as amended effective December 1, 2014

Director Compensation Policy effective April 28, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012 (File No. 1-9183))

Deferred Compensation Plan for Nonemployee Directors as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2008 (File No. 1-9183))

Harley-Davidson Management Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 and further
amended March 2, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))

Harley-Davidson, Inc. Employee Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the Company’s
definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 24, 2010 (File
No. 1-9183))

Harley-Davidson, Inc. Short-Term Incentive Plan for Senior Executives (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix D
to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held
April 30, 2011 (File No. 1-9183))

Harley-Davidson Pension Benefit Restoration Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File
No. 1-9183))

Harley-Davidson Retiree Insurance Allowance Plan, effective January 1, 2009, together with amendments adopted through
May 31, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 28, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson,
Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under
the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Special Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson, Inc.
under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-
Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-Davidson,
Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

* 

Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of 
the Company participated.

115

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]

Exhibit No    Description

10.19*

10.20*

10.21*

10.22*

10.23*

10.24*

10.25*

10.26*

10.27*

10.28*

10.29*

10.30*

10.31*

10.32*

Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc.
under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under
the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Transition Agreement) of
Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (International) of Harley-
Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.9 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson,
Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan to each of Messrs. Hund, Levatich, Olin and Wandell (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 1, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-
Davidson, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock Plan to each of Messrs. Hund and Wandell (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 1, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson Inc.
1995 Stock Option Plan and the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Special Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-
Davidson Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan and the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File
No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-
Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly
Report of Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Special Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the
Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report of Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Award of Restricted Stock Unit and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under
the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Amended and Restated Severance Benefits Agreement as amended through April 25, 2008 between the Registrant
and Mr. Richer (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 30, 2008 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Severance Benefits Agreement between the Registrant and each of Messrs. Hund, Jones, Levatich, Olin and
Wandell (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Transition Agreement between the Registrant and each of Messrs. Levatich, Olin and Wandell (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009
(File No. 1-9183))

* 

Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of 
the Company participated.

116

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]

Exhibit No    Description

10.33*

Transition Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. Hund dated November 30, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-9183))

10.34*

Form of Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement between the Registrant and each of Messrs. Wandell, Levatich, Olin, Jones and
Hund and Mesdames Bischmann and Calaway (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 (File No. 1-9183))

21

23

31.1

31.2

32

101

   List of Subsidiaries
   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
   Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
   Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350

Financial statements from the annual report on Form 10-K of Harley-Davidson, Inc. for the year ended December 31,
2014, filed on February 19, 2015 formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income; (ii) the Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity; and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Various instruments relating to the Company’s long-term debt described in this report need not be filed herewith pursuant to Item 601
(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. The registrant, by signing this report, agrees to furnish the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its 
request, with a copy of any such instrument.

* 

Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of 
the Company participated.

117