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Harley-Davidson

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Industry Auto - Recreational Vehicles
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2015 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, 2015 

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 28, 2015: $11,663,564,377

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding at January 29, 2016: 184,026,026 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 30, 2016.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Form 10-K

For The Year Ended December 31, 2015 

Part I

Business

Item 1.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Properties
Legal Proceedings

Part II

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data

Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 8.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Part III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.

Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters

Item 12.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Part IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules

Signatures

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Page

3
10
18
18
18
19

20
23
24
46
47
107
107

108
108

108
109
109

110

112

 
 
 
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 18, 2016), and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-
looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. 

Item 1. 

  Business

General

Harley-Davidson Motor Company was founded in 1903. 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).

Segments

The Company operates in two reportable segments: the Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) segment and the 
Financial Services segment. While the two segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and 
are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations, the two segments work closely together as 
described below.

The Motorcycles segment consists of HDMC which designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale on-road 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 Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific.

The Financial Services 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 reportable 

segments and revenue by geographic area. 

Strategy

Harley-Davidson's purpose of fulfilling dreams of personal freedom is the foundation for the Company's core strategies, 

which include:

• 
• 
• 
• 

delivering high-demand, profitable products and premium retail experiences;
strengthening Harley-Davidson through agility and responsiveness to be a leader in the global marketplace;
extending the Harley-Davidson brand's reach beyond core customers and markets; and
cultivating great talent, leadership and culture to enable a sustainable future.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment

Motorcycles, Parts and Accessories and General Merchandise – The primary business of the Motorcycles segment is to 

design, manufacture and sell at wholesale on-road Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as a line of motorcycle parts, 
accessories, general merchandise and related services. Parts and Accessories (P&A) products are comprised of replacement 

3

parts (Genuine Motor Parts) and mechanical and cosmetic accessories (Genuine Motor Accessories). General Merchandise 
includes MotorClothes® apparel and riding gear. 

The following table includes the percent of total revenue by product line for the Motorcycles and Related Products 

segment:

Motorcycles

Parts & Accessories

General Merchandise

Other

2015

2014

2013

77.8%

16.2%

5.5%

0.5%

100.0%

78.8%

15.7%

5.1%

0.4%

100.0%

77.4%

16.6%

5.6%

0.4%

100.0%

Harley-Davidson manufactures cruiser and touring motorcycles that feature classic styling, innovative design, distinctive 

sound, and superior quality with the ability to customize. The Company primarily produces on-road motorcycles with engine 
displacements of 601cc and greater. Its engines range in displacement from 494cc to 1802cc. 

The on-road motorcycle market is comprised of the following categories:

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

• 
• 

luggage compartments);
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); and

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

The cruiser and touring categories were pioneered by the Company. In 2014, the Company unveiled Project LiveWire™, 

an electric motorcycle it is developing and continues to evaluate for possible distribution.

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 motorcycles 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 considers the availability 
of a line of motorcycle parts and accessories and general merchandise, the availability of financing through HDFS and its 
global network of premium dealers to be competitive advantages.

In 2015, 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, Australia and Canada.

Harley-Davidson has been the historical market share leader in the U.S. 601+cc motorcycle market. According to the 
Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), the cruiser and touring categories accounted for approximately 76% of total 2015 601+cc 
retail unit registrations in the U.S. During 2015, the 601+cc portion of the market represented approximately 85% of the total 
U.S. motorcycle market in terms of new units registered.

The following chart includes U.S. retail registration data for 601+cc motorcycles for the years 2013 through 2015:

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

Total new motorcycle registrations

Harley-Davidson new registrations

2015

2014

2013

328.8

165.1

50.2%

313.6

167.1

53.3%

305.9

167.8

54.9%

(a)  Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include dual purpose models, three-wheeled vehicles and 
beginning in 2014, autocycles. Registration data for Harley-Davidson Street 500® motorcycles is not included in this 
table.

4

(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.

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

those of U.S. customers. The touring and cruiser category represented approximately 52% of the European 601+cc market in 
2015 compared to approximately 76% of the 601+ cc market in the U.S.

The following chart includes European retail registration data for 601+cc motorcycles for the years 2013 through 2015:

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

Total new motorcycle registrations

Harley-Davidson new registrations

2015

2014

2013

351.7

37.0

10.5%

319.8

38.5

12.0%

281.8

36.1

12.8%

(a)  On-road 601+cc models include dual purpose models, three-wheeled vehicles and beginning in 2015, autocycles. 

Registration data for Harley-Davidson Street 500® motorcycles is not included in this table.

(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, some differences may arise related to the timing of data submissions to the independent sources.

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. Royalty revenues from licensing, included in Motorcycles segment net revenue, were $46.5 million, $47.1 
million and $58.9 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Other Products and Services – The Company provides a variety of services to its independent dealers including 

motorcycle service and business management training programs and customized dealer software packages. 

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 
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 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: 

5

 
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.

Customers – Harley-Davidson appeals to a diverse range of customers across multiple demographics both in the U.S. and 

worldwide.

U.S. retail purchasers of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles include both core and outreach customers. The Company 
defines its U.S. core customers 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 2014 (which is the most 
recent data available), for the seventh straight year the Company was the market share leader in U.S. new motorcycle 
registrations (all cc's) within its core-customer segment and in each outreach customer segment. (Based on the Company's 
analysis of Polk new motorcycle registration data from IHS Automotive)

Outside 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.

Marketing and Customer Experiences – The Company’s products are marketed to retail customers worldwide primarily 

through digital and experiential activities as well as through more traditional promotional and advertising activities. 
Additionally, the Company's independent dealers engage in a wide range of local marketing and experiential activities 
supported by cooperative programs with the Company.

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.

One of the ways the Company promotes its Harley-Davidson products and the related lifestyle is through the Harley 
Owners Group (H.O.G.®), which has approximately 1 million members worldwide, 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-Davidson® 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 445,000 riders. The courses are conducted by a 
network of participating Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the U.S., Canada, South Africa, China, Australia, Mexico and 
Brazil, enabling students to experience the Harley-Davidson lifestyle, environment, people and products as they learn.

The Harley-Davidson Authorized Tours program allows motorcyclists/enthusiasts to experience riding opportunities 

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

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 Harley-Davidson and enhances the 
Harley-Davidson brand among the public at large. 

Distribution – The Company’s products are retailed through a network of independent dealers, of which the majority sell 

Harley-Davidson motorcycles exclusively. These dealerships stock and sell the Company’s motorcycles, P&A, general 
merchandise and licensed products, and perform service on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Company believes the quality 
retail experience that its independent dealers provide is a differentiating and strategic advantage for the Company.

P&A, general merchandise and licensed products are also retailed through eCommerce channels in certain markets. In the 

U.S., the eCommerce model is facilitated by the Company. Retail internet orders are fulfilled and shipped by the Company, 
which acts as a limited agent for participating authorized U.S. Harley-Davidson dealers who are the merchant of record for all 
transactions. In China and India, the eCommerce sites are operated by third-parties.

6

The Company distributes its motorcycles and related products to a network of independent dealers located in over 95 
countries worldwide. The following table includes the number of worldwide Harley-Davidson independent dealerships by 
geographic region as of December 31, 2015:

Dealerships

United States
696

Americas Region

Canada

68

Latin America
61

EMEA
Region

Asia-Pacific
Region

Total

378

232

1,435

Retail Customer and Dealer Financing – The Company believes that HDFS, as well as other financial services 
companies, provide adequate financing to Harley-Davidson 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. The Company’s 
independent dealers and their retail customers in EMEA, Asia-Pacific and Latin America 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. The seasonality of the Company’s wholesale motorcycle shipments primarily correlates with the timing of retail sales. 
The Company utilizes its flexible or surge manufacturing capabilities to help align the production and wholesale shipments of 
its motorcycles with the retail selling season. This allows the Company to minimize inventory levels in the Americas region. In 
the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions, the Company utilizes a distribution process whereby Company-owned inventory is 
maintained locally at a level sufficient to fulfill dealer orders as needed. 

Motorcycle Manufacturing – The Company has a flexible manufacturing process designed to help ensure it is well-
positioned to meet customer demand in a timely and cost-effective manner.(1) This flexible or surge manufacturing capability 
allows the Company to increase the production of motorcycles ahead of and during the peak retail selling season to more 
closely correlate the timing of production and wholesale shipments to the retail selling season.

Most of the Company's manufacturing facilities are located in the U.S. Internationally, 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 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 with flexible or surge production processes to meet customer 
demands at reduced lead times. The Company also operates a manufacturing facility in Australia for the purpose of producing 
certain complex, high-finish wheels for its motorcycles.

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. In addition, 
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, 

coils 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).

Research and Development – The Company incurred research and development expenses of $161.2 million, $138.3 

million and $152.2 million during 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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.

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 

7

 
 
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 27 voluntary recalls related to Harley-Davidson motorcycles at a total cost of $58.1 million. The Company 
reserves for all estimated costs associated with recalls in the period that management approves and commits to the recall.

Employees – As of December 31, 2015, the Motorcycles segment had approximately 5,700 employees. 

Approximately 2,400 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 October 15, 2022 

•  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

Financial Services Segment

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. The Company’s independent dealers and their retail customers in EMEA, Asia-Pacific and Latin 
America 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, 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 2015, 100% of such dealers utilized those 
services at some point during the year. HDFS also previously offered 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 dealerships 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. Additionally, as the predominant lender to sub-prime customers for the 
purchase of motorcycles in the U.S. and Canada, HDFS enables retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles with very 
attractive financial returns. Competitors in the financial services industry compete for business based largely on price and, to a 

8

lesser extent, service. HDFS competes on convenience, service, brand association, dealer relations, industry experience, terms 
and price.

In the United States, HDFS financed 62.2% of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles retailed by independent dealers 

during 2015, compared to 56.8% in 2014. In Canada, HDFS financed 39.2% of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles retailed 
by independent dealers during 2015, compared to 34.0% in 2014. 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 – HDFS experiences seasonal variations in retail financing activities based on the timing of regional riding 

seasons in the U.S. and Canada. 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. Although the Company's surge 
production capabilities help reduce seasonal fluctuations in dealer inventory levels for new motorcycles, dealers 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 will directly impact HDFS and its operations. On September 17, 2014, the CFPB proposed a rule that 
would expand the scope of its supervisory authority to include non-bank larger participants in the vehicle financing market. 
This proposed rule became effective on August 31, 2015, giving the CFPB supervisory authority over a non-bank subsidiary of 
HDFS, allowing the CFPB to conduct comprehensive and rigorous on-site examinations that could result in enforcement 

9

actions, fines, regulatorily-mandated changes to processes and procedures, product-related changes or consumer refunds, or 
other actions.

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, 2015, the Financial Services segment had approximately 600 employees.

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 16, 2015, 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 2014-2015; 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.

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.

•  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. As a result, a weakening in those foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar 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 

10

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 to manage the 
retail distribution of its products. The Company depends on the capability of its independent dealers 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 purchase from the Company. If the Company’s independent dealers 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 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 may adversely affect the Company’s reputation, revenue and earnings. The Company 

and certain of its third-party service providers and vendors receive, store, and transmit digital personal information in 
connection with the Company’s human resources operations, financial services operations, e-commerce, the Harley 
Owners Group, dealer management, and other aspects of its business. The Company’s information systems, and those 
of its third-party service providers and vendors, are vulnerable to the increasing threat of continually evolving 
cybersecurity risks. Unauthorized parties may attempt to gain access to these systems or the information the Company 
and its third-party service providers and vendors maintain and use through fraud or other means of deceiving our 
employees and third-party service providers and vendors. Hardware, software or applications the Company develops 
or obtains from third-parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly 
compromise information security and/or the Company’s operations. The methods used to obtain unauthorized access, 
disable or degrade service or sabotage systems are constantly evolving and may be difficult to anticipate or detect. The 
Company has implemented and regularly reviews and updates processes and procedures to protect against 
unauthorized access to or use of secured data and to prevent data loss. However, the ever-evolving threats mean the 
Company and third-party service providers and vendors must continually evaluate and adapt systems and processes, 
and there is no guarantee that they will be adequate to safeguard against all data security breaches or misuses of data. 
The Company has experienced information security attacks, but to date they have not compromised the Company’s 
computing environment or resulted in a material impact on the Company’s business or operations or the release of 
confidential information about employees, customers, dealers, suppliers or other third parties. Any future significant 
compromise or breach of the Company’s data security, whether external or internal, or misuse of customer, employee, 
dealer, supplier or Company data could result in disruption to the Company’s operations, significant costs, lost sales, 
fines and lawsuits, and/or damage to the Company’s reputation. In addition, as the regulatory environment related to 
information security, data collection and use, and privacy becomes increasingly rigorous, with new and evolving 
requirements, compliance could also result in the Company being required to incur additional costs. 

•  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. Failure to successfully drive demand for the 
Company's products 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 

11

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.

•  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 laws and regulations and U.S. laws and regulations 
that apply to international operations, 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. Violations of laws that apply 
to the Company's foreign operations, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, could result in severe criminal or 
civil sanctions, could disrupt the Company's business and result in an adverse effect on the Company's reputation, 
business and results of operations.

•  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.

•  Retail sales of new motorcycles by the Company’s independent dealers may be adversely impacted by increased 

supply of and/or declining prices for used motorcycles and excess supply 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, the Company and its independent dealers can and do take actions that influence the markets for new 
and used motorcycles. For example, introduction of new motorcycle models with significantly different functionality, 
technology or other customer satisfiers can result in increased supply of used motorcycles, and a decrease in the 
inventory of used motorcycles available for sale at Harley-Davidson dealers in the U.S. may result in an increased 
supply or decreased demand in the market for used Harley-Davidson-branded motorcycles, which could result in 
declining prices for 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 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.

12

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 
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. On September 17, 2014 the CFPB proposed a rule that would expand the 
scope of its supervisory authority to include non-bank larger participants in the vehicle financing market. This 
proposed rule became effective on August 31, 2015, giving the CFPB supervisory authority over a non-bank 
subsidiary of HDFS, allowing the CFPB to conduct comprehensive and rigorous on-site examinations that could result 
in enforcement actions, fines, regulatorily mandated changes to processes and procedures, product-related changes or 
consumer refunds, or other actions.

13

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 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 
and to mitigate failure risks from older/aged technologies currently in its portfolio. 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 and older technologies 
may fail, which 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 
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 
14

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 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 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 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, its suppliers, 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. The Company's flexible production capability allows it to more closely correlate 
motorcycle production and wholesale shipments with the retail selling season. Any difficulties in executing flexible 
production could result in lost production or sales. The Company, its suppliers, and its independent dealers must be 
able to successfully manage changes in production rates, inventory levels and other business processes associated with 
flexible production. Failure by the Company, its suppliers, or its independent dealers to make such adjustments may 
have a material adverse effect on 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.

•  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 
15

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. Certain competitors appear to be 
increasing their investment in products that compete with the Company's products. 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. Furthermore, many competitors headquartered outside the U.S. experience a 
financial benefit from a strengthening in the U.S. dollar relative to their home currency that can be used to fund 
discounted prices to U.S. consumers. 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 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 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 borrowed $750,000,000 in 
2015 to fund the repurchase of its Common Stock, which increased the Company's leverage. Having increased 
leverage increases the risk of a downgrade in the Company's credit ratings.

•  The 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, 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 and customer credit profiles. Credit losses are also influenced by the 
markets for new and used motorcycles, and the Company and its independent dealers can and do take actions that 
impact those markets. For example, the introduction of new models by the Company that represent significant 
upgrades on previous models or a decrease in the inventory of used motorcycles available for sale at Harley-Davidson 
dealers in the U.S. may result in increased supply or decreased demand in the market for used Harley-Davidson-
branded motorcycles, including motorcycles securing credit that HDFS has extended. This in turn could adversely 
impact the prices at which those motorcycles may be sold, which may lead to increased credit losses for HDFS. 
16

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. 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 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 Missouri, Wisconsin and 
Pennsylvania will expire in 2018, 2019 and 2022, 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’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 and other materials that the Company purchases to use in its products 
will cause the Company to incur additional expenses and may have other adverse consequences. The SEC 
adopted inquiry, diligence and 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. 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. Other laws or 
regulations impacting our supply chain, such as the UK Modern Slavery Act, may have similar consequences.
17

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.

Item 2. 

Properties

The following is a summary of the principal operating properties of the Company as of December 31, 2015:

Motorcycles & Related Products Segment

Type of Facility

Corporate Office

Museum
Manufacturing(1)
Product Development Center
Manufacturing(2)
Manufacturing(3)
Manufacturing(4)
Manufacturing(5)
Regional Office
Manufacturing(6)
Regional Office
Manufacturing(7)

Location

Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee, WI

Menomonee Falls, WI

Wauwatosa, WI
Tomahawk, WI

York, PA

Kansas City, MO

Manaus, Brazil

Oxford, England

Bawal, India

Singapore

Approximate
Square Feet

Status

515,000 Owned

130,000 Owned

915,000 Owned

409,000 Owned
226,000 Owned

616,000 Owned

456,000 Owned

100,000 Lease expiring 2020

39,000 Lease expiring 2017

64,000 Lease expiring 2016

24,000 Lease expiring 2020

Adelaide, Australia

485,000 Lease expiring 2017

(1)  Motorcycle powertrain production.
(2)  Plastic parts production and painting.
(3)  Motorcycle parts fabrication, painting and Softail® and touring model assembly.
(4)  Motorcycle parts fabrication, painting and Dyna®, Sportster®, Softail®, V-Rod® and Street platform assembly.
(5)  Assembly of select models for the Brazilian market.
(6)  Assembly of select models for the Indian market and production of the Street platform for non-North American markets.
(7)  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.

18

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

19

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: 

2015

Low

High

2014

Low

High

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

$

$

$

$

58.24

53.04

50.64

45.00

$

$

$

$

66.58 First quarter

62.96 Second quarter

60.67 Third quarter

57.10 Fourth quarter

$

$

$

$

60.55

63.74

60.24

54.22

$

$

$

$

The Company paid the following dividends per share: 

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

Total

2015

2014

2013

0.310

$

0.275

$

0.310

0.310

0.310

0.275

0.275

0.275

1.240

$

1.100

$

$

$

70.04

74.13

70.65

70.41

0.210

0.210

0.210

0.210

0.840

As of January 29, 2016, there were 75,729 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, 2015:

2015 Fiscal Period

September 28 to November 1

November 2 to November 29

November 30 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

5,720,788

5,218,675

1,761,931

12,701,394

$

$

$

$

53

49

48

51

5,720,788

5,218,675

1,761,931

12,701,394

15,860,592

10,746,571

8,986,667

The Company had 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 (1997 Authorization). The Company made discretionary share repurchases of 0.1 million 
shares during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2015 under this authorization. As of December 31, 2015, there were no 
shares available under this authorization. In February 2016, 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, which superseded 
the authority granted by the 1997 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 made no discretionary share repurchases 
during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2015 under this authorization. As of December 31, 2015, no shares remained 
under this authorization.

In February 2014, the Company's Board of Directors 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. Six million six hundred thousand shares were repurchased by the Company during the quarter ended 
December 31, 2015 under this authorization. As of December 31, 2015, no shares remained under this authorization.

Additionally, in June 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 15.0 million 
shares of its common stock with no dollar limit or expiration date. The Company repurchased 6.0 million discretionary shares 

20

during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 under this authorization. As of December 31, 2015, 9.0 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 
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 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 2015, the Company acquired 398 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, 2010 and that all 
dividends are reinvested.

21

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index

Standard & Poor’s 500 Index

2010
($)

2011
($)

2012
($)

2013
($)

2014
($)

2015
($)

100

100

100

114

98

102

145

116

118

208

152

157

201

165

178

142

159

181

22

 Item 6.  

Selected Financial Data

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Statement of income data:

Revenue:

Motorcycles & Related Products

Financial Services

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

Weighted-average common shares:

Basic

Diluted

Earnings per common share from
continuing operations:

Basic

Diluted

Earnings 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

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

5,308,744

686,658

5,995,402

752,207

$

$

$

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

$

$

$

—

—

—

—

752,207

$

844,611

$

733,993

$

623,925

$

202,681

203,686

216,305

217,706

222,475

224,071

227,119

229,229

3.71

3.69

$

$

3.90

3.88

$

$

3.30

3.28

$

$

2.75

2.72

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

3.71

3.69

1.240

9,991,167

6,890,388

1,839,654

$

$

$

$

$

$

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

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,662,264

649,449

5,311,713

548,078

51,036

599,114

232,889

234,918

2.35

2.33

0.22

0.22

2.57

2.55

0.475

9,674,164

5,722,619

2,420,256

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 on-road 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: Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific. 

The Financial Services 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. 

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

The Company’s net income for 2015 was $752.2 million, or $3.69 per diluted share, compared to $844.6 million, or 
$3.88 per diluted share, in 2014. Operating income from the Motorcycles segment was down $127.7 million compared to 2014. 
Motorcycles segment operating income was negatively impacted by unfavorable currency exchange rates, lower wholesale 
shipment volume, unfavorable product mix and higher selling, administrative and engineering expenses. These unfavorable 
impacts were partially offset by model-year price increases and lower raw material and manufacturing costs. Operating income 
from the Financial Services segment was up modestly from the prior year, increasing $2.4 million, or 0.9%, on higher net 
interest income partially offset by a higher provision for credit losses.

Worldwide independent dealer retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 1.3% compared to 2014. 

Retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 1.7% in the U.S. and 0.5% in international markets. Retail sales 
were below the Company's expectations in 2015. In 2015, retail sales were adversely impacted by a significant increase in 
competitiveness behind currency-driven discounting and the introduction of new products by a number of our competitors as 
well as a challenging macro-economic environment.  

Please refer to the “Results of Operations 2015 Compared to 2014” for additional details concerning the results for 2015.

(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, unfavorably or favorably, 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 the Outlook section are only made as 
of January 28, 2016 and the remaining forward looking statements in this report are only made as the date of the filing of this 
report (February 18, 2016), and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to 
reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

24

                        
Outlook(1)

In October 2015, the Company laid out its plans for how it intends to increase its focus, investment and resolve to drive 

demand in 2016 and beyond. The Company has five clear objectives:

•  Lead in every market by achieving and holding the number one market share of the 601+cc motorcycle 

segment.

•  Grow the sport of motorcycling in the U.S., in part by growing the number of U.S. core customers and 

growing the U.S. outreach customers at a faster rate.

•  Grow U.S. retail sales and grow international retail sales at a faster rate. The Company has a plan to grow its 

international dealer network by 150 to 200 new dealerships by 2020.

•  Grow revenue and grow earnings faster than revenue through 2020.

•  Outperform the S&P 500

For 2016 and beyond, the Company plans to significantly increase its spending to drive demand. The Company intends to 
offset this increased spending by reducing spending in other areas, primarily support functions and through a reorganization of 
its commercial operations aimed at being both leaner and stronger.

In 2016, the Company expects to increase its spending on customer-facing marketing by approximately 65% from 2015 

levels and it expects to increase its spending on new product development by approximately 35% from 2015 levels. This 
spending reallocation would represent an approximate $70 million increase in the Company's spending to drive demand 
compared to 2015. 

The Company's increased spending will be focused in four key areas: 

• 

Increase product and brand awareness.

•  Grow new ridership in the U.S. This includes the Company's target to more than double the number of riders 

trained annually through the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy to 100,000 globally by 2020, with the 
majority in the U.S.

• 

Increase and enhance brand access. The Company intends to continue to expand and enhance its global dealer 
network, develop new retail formats for urban centers and urban tastes and expand eCommerce.

•  Accelerate the cadence and impact of new products and extend its leadership in features and technology that 

it believes matter to customers.

On January 28, 2016 the Company announced the following expectations for 2016.

The Company believes 2016 global retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles will face headwinds as the competition 

continues to be aggressive with discounting and new product introductions. The Company also anticipates global macro-
economic challenges including weakness in oil-dependent areas. Internationally, various markets are experiencing economic 
challenges. In particular in Brazil, the Company expects significant pressure to continue. In response to the nearly 50% 
devaluation of the Brazilian real last year, the Company raised prices over 20% in 2016, and it expects lower retail sales in 
Brazil in 2016.

The Company expects to ship 269,000 to 274,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles during 2016, up approximately 1% to 

3% over 2015. This includes 78,000 to 83,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles that it expects to ship in the first quarter of 2016, 
approximately down 2% at the low end of the range to up 4% at the high end of the range over the first quarter of 2015.

The Company expects 2016 global retail motorcycle sales to grow year-over-year with international retail sales growing 

at a faster rate than the rate of growth in the U.S. 

The Company expects the 2016 operating margin percent for the Motorcycles segment to be between 16% and 17% 

compared to 16.5% in 2015.

The Company expects gross margin as a percent of revenue will be down year-over-year. 

The Company expects that the 2016 gross margin percent will benefit from motorcycle pricing and strong productivity 
gains offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange and higher year-over-year start-up costs as it implements its enterprise 
resource planning (ERP) system at its Kansas City manufacturing facility. If foreign currency exchange rates on January 27, 
2016 remained constant throughout 2016, which is a hypothetical expectation in what is a very volatile foreign currency 
exchange environment, the Company estimates the adverse impact to its expected Motorcycle segment revenue from currency 
exchange in 2016 would be approximately 1%. Under this scenario, the Company would also expect an unfavorable impact to 
25

2016 gross margin of approximately $60 million, or 1 percentage point, driven by lower revenues and the comparison to the 
more favorable foreign currency contract gains it realized in 2015. In accordance with its practices, the Company has hedged a 
portion of its 2016 foreign currency exposure; however, the gains it would realize on those hedges at current spot rates would 
not be as favorable as those it realized in 2015.

Although the Company will invest significantly more in marketing and product development in 2016, the Company 
expects its full-year selling, administrative and engineering expenses to be flat to up modestly from 2015. As a percent of 
revenue, the Company expects its selling, administrative and engineering expense will decrease. The Company expects its first 
quarter of 2016 selling, administrative and engineering expense to be approximately $25 million higher than the first quarter of 
2015 as it ramps up its efforts to drive demand. 

The Company expects operating income for the Financial Services segment to be down modestly in 2016 as compared to 

2015 as a result of increased borrowing costs and unfavorable credit losses, partially offset by higher revenues.

The Company's capital expenditure estimates for 2016 are between $255 million and $275 million as it increases its focus 
on bringing exciting new products to market and as it continues to invest in its systems infrastructure, most notably expanding 
the implementation of its ERP system. The Company anticipates it will have the ability to fund all capital expenditures in 2016 
with cash flows generated by operations.

The Company also announced on January 28, 2016 that it expects the full year 2016 effective income tax rate to be 

approximately 34.5%.

Results of Operations 2015 Compared to 2014 

Consolidated Results 

(in thousands, except earnings per share)

2015

2014

Operating income from Motorcycles & Related Products

$

875,490

$ 1,003,147

$

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

280,205

277,836

1,155,695

1,280,983

6,585

12,117

6,499

4,162

1,150,163

1,283,320

397,956

752,207

3.69

$

$

438,709

844,611

3.88

$

$

$

$

(Decrease)
Increase

%
Change

(127,657)
2,369
(125,288)
86

7,955
(133,157)
(40,753)
(92,404)
(0.19)

(12.7)%

0.9 %

(9.8)%

1.3 %

191.1 %

(10.4)%

(9.3)%

(10.9)%

(4.9)%

Consolidated operating income was down 9.8% in 2015 driven by a decrease in operating income from the Motorcycles 
segment which decreased by $127.7 million compared to 2014. Operating income for the Financial Services segment increased 
by $2.4 million during 2015 as compared to 2014. 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.

Corporate interest expense was higher in 2015 compared to 2014 due to the issuance of corporate debt. The Company 

issued $750.0 million of senior unsecured notes in the third quarter of 2015 and utilized the proceeds to fund the repurchase of 
common stock in the third and fourth quarters of 2015.

The effective income tax rate for 2015 was 34.6% compared to 34.2% for 2014. 

Diluted earnings per share were $3.69 in 2015, down 4.9% compared to 2014. Diluted earnings per share were adversely 
impacted by the 10.9% decrease in net income, but benefited from lower diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted 
weighted average shares outstanding decreased from 217.7 million in 2014 to 203.7 million in 2015 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 decreased 1.3% during 2015 compared to 

2014. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 1.7% in the United States and 0.5% internationally in 2015. 

26

The Company believes 2015 U.S. retail sales of its motorcycles were negatively impacted by intense competitive activity 

behind currency-driven discounting and new competitor products as well as a challenging macro-economic environment.

The Company's U.S. market share of 601+cc motorcycles for 2015 was 50.2%, down 3.1 percentage points compared to 

2014 (Source: Motorcycle Industry Council). The Company anticipated some level of market share loss following the 13.4 
percentage point increase in recent years; however, the Company's market share over the first three quarters was more severely 
impacted than expected, which the Company believes is a result of the intense competitive environment and the inclusion of 
autocycles in the industry numbers. 

International retail sales growth during 2015 in the Asia Pacific region was more than offset by declines in the EMEA 
region, Latin America and Canada. Retail sales in the Asia Pacific region were driven by growth in emerging markets and in 
Australia, partially offset by declines in Japan. The Company believes the retail sales decrease in the EMEA region was due to 
the introduction of several performance-oriented models by the competition. International retail sales as a percent of total retail 
sales in 2015 were 36.4% compared to 36.2% in 2014. 

Despite the volatility in global retail sales, the Company believes it can continue to realize strong international growth 

opportunities by expanding its distribution network and increasing its brand relevance by delivering exceptional products that 
inspire riders. In 2015, the Company added 40 international dealerships, and it plans to add an additional 150 to 200 through 
2020.(1)

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales(a)

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

Americas Region

United States

Canada

Latin America

Total Americas Region

Europe, Middle East and Africa Region (EMEA)

Europe(b)
Other

Total EMEA Region

Asia Pacific Region

Japan

Other

Total Asia Pacific Region

Total Worldwide Retail Sales
Total International Retail Sales

2015

2014

(Decrease)
Increase

%
Change

168,240

9,669

11,173

189,082

36,894

6,393

43,287

9,700

22,558

32,258

264,627
96,387

171,079

9,871

11,652

192,602

38,491

6,832

45,323

10,775

19,299

30,074

267,999
96,920

(2,839)
(202)
(479)
(3,520)

(1,597)
(439)
(2,036)

(1,075)
3,259

2,184
(3,372)
(533)

(1.7)%

(2.0)

(4.1)

(1.8)

(4.1)

(6.4)

(4.5)

(10.0)

16.9

7.3

(1.3)%
(0.5)%

(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)

2015

2014

Increase

328,818

351,735

313,627

319,801

15,191

31,934

%
Change

4.8%

10.0%

27

 
 
(a)  Data includes on-road 601+cc models. On-road 601+cc models include dual purpose models, three-wheeled motorcycles 

and autocycles. Autocycles were included in the U.S. and Europe data beginning in 2014 and 2015, respectively. 
Registration data for Harley-Davidson Street 500® motorcycles is not included in this table.

(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.

(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.

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

2015

2014

Units

Mix %

Units

Mix %

Unit
(Decrease)
Increase

Unit
%
Change

170,688

95,694

266,382

114,768

89,207

62,407

266,382

64.1%

35.9%

100.0%

43.1%

33.5%

23.4%

173,994

96,732

270,726

122,481

91,426

56,819

64.3%

35.7%

100.0%

45.2%

33.8%

21.0%

100.0%

270,726

100.0%

(3,306)
(1,038)
(4,344)
(7,713)
(2,219)
5,588
(4,344)

(1.9)%

(1.1)

(1.6)%

(6.3)%

(2.4)

9.8

(1.6)%

(a)  Category previously referred to as "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 2015, wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were down 1.6% compared to the prior year. 
International shipments as a percentage of the total were up slightly in 2015 as compared to 2014. In addition, shipments of 
Sportster® / Street motorcycles as a percentage of total shipments increased in 2015 compared to the prior year driven by the 
strong acceptance of the Street motorcycles as the Company continued its global rollout of these models in 2015. Touring 
motorcycle shipments were down in 2015 following a 14.2% increase in shipments of Touring motorcycles in 2014 driven by 
demand for the new Rushmore models. As the Company expected, dealer retail inventory of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles 
in the U.S. at the end of 2015 was approximately 2,600 units higher than at the end of 2014, largely due to the initial dealer fill 
of its new 2016 model-year motorcycles. The Company believes the U.S. year-end 2015 dealer retail inventory level is 
appropriate as the Company aggressively manages supply in line with demand(1).

28

 
Segment Results

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

2015

2014

(Decrease)
Increase

%
Change

Revenue:

Motorcycles

Parts & Accessories

General Merchandise

Other

Total revenue

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit

Selling & administrative expense

Engineering expense

Operating expense

$

4,127,739

$

4,385,863

$

862,645

292,310

26,050

5,308,744

3,356,284

1,952,460

916,669

160,301

875,019

284,826

21,973

5,567,681

3,542,601

2,025,080

887,333

134,600

1,076,970

1,021,933

Operating income from Motorcycles

$

875,490

$

1,003,147

$

(258,124)
(12,374)
7,484

4,077
(258,937)
(186,317)
(72,620)
29,336

25,701

55,037
(127,657)

(5.9)%

(1.4)

2.6

18.6

(4.7)

(5.3)

(3.6)

3.3

19.1

5.4

(12.7)%

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 2014 to 2015 (in millions):

2014

Volume

Price

Foreign currency exchange rates and hedging

Shipment mix

Raw material prices

Manufacturing costs

Total

2015

Net
Revenue

Cost of
Goods
Sold

Gross
Profit

$

$

5,568
(59)
81
(231)
(50)
—

—
(259)
5,309

$

$

3,543
(29)
9
(110)
(20)
(19)
(17)
(186)
3,357

$

$

2,025
(30)
72
(121)
(30)
19

17
(73)
1,952

The following factors affected the comparability of net revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit from 2014 to 2015:

•  On average, wholesale prices on the Company’s 2015 and 2016 model-year motorcycles were higher than the prior 
model-years resulting in the favorable impact on revenue during the period. The impact of revenue favorability 
resulting from model-year price increases on gross profit was partially offset by increases in cost related to the 
additional content added to the 2015 and 2016 model-year motorcycles.

•  Gross profit was negatively impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates during 2015 compared to 2014. 

Revenue was negatively impacted by a weighted-average devaluation in the Euro, Japanese yen, Brazilian real and 
Australian dollar of 17% compared to 2014. The negative impact to revenue was partially offset by a positive impact 
to cost of goods sold as a result of natural hedges, benefits of foreign exchange contracts and a decrease in losses from 
the revaluation of foreign-denominated assets on the balance sheet.
Shipment mix changes negatively impacted gross profit primarily due to changes in motorcycle family mix, driven by 
higher shipments of Sportster®/Street motorcycles. The negative motorcycle family mix was partially offset by 
positive mix changes within parts and accessories and general merchandise.

• 

•  Raw material prices were lower in 2015 compared to 2014.
•  Manufacturing costs for 2015 benefited from increased manufacturing efficiencies and the absence of Street 

motorcycles start-up costs that were incurred in 2014.

The net increase in operating expense was primarily due to reorganization charges, expenses associated with the 

acquisition and operations of its Canadian distribution and higher recall costs. 

29

As discussed in "Outlook", the Company plans to significantly increase its spending in 2016 to drive demand. It plans to 
offset this increased spending by reducing spending in other areas, primarily support functions and through a reorganization of 
its commercial operations. To support this planned reallocation of spending, the Company incurred approximately $30 million 
of reorganization expenses in the fourth quarter of 2015. This included approximately $23 million of operating expense and $5 
million of cost of goods sold in the Motorcycles segment. These costs consisted of employee severance benefits, retirement 
benefits and other reorganization costs. The Company also incurred approximately $2 million of reorganization expenses in the 
Financial Services segment.

On August 4, 2015, the Company completed its purchase of certain assets and liabilities from Fred Deeley Imports, Ltd 

(Deeley Imports) including, among other things, the acquisition of the exclusive right to distribute the Company's motorcycles 
and other products in Canada. As a result of the acquisition, the Company now directly distributes its products in Canada as it 
does in other countries. The Company incurred approximately $20 million of selling and administrative expense related to its 
Canada operations in 2015.

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

2015

2014

$

605,770

$

585,187

$

80,888

686,658

161,983

101,345

143,125

406,453

75,640

660,827

164,476

80,946

137,569

382,991

Operating income from Financial Services

$

280,205

$

277,836

$

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

20,583

5,248

25,831
(2,493)
20,399

5,556

23,462

2,369

3.5%

6.9

3.9
(1.5)
25.2

4.0

6.1

0.9%

Interest income was favorable due to higher average receivables in the retail and wholesale portfolios, partially offset by 

lower retail yields due to low rate promotions during parts of 2015 and increased competition. Other income was favorable 
primarily due to increased credit card licensing and insurance revenue. Other income now includes international income which 
had previously been reported in interest income. Prior period amounts, which were not material, have been adjusted for 
comparability.

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 2014, partially offset by higher average outstanding debt.  

The provision for credit losses increased $20.4 million compared to 2014. The retail motorcycle provision increased $18.2 

million during 2015 as a result of higher credit losses and portfolio growth. Credit losses were higher as a result of expected 
increased losses in the subprime portfolio, lower recovery values on repossessed motorcycles, and deterioration in performance 
in oil-dependent areas of the U.S. in late 2015.

Annual losses on the Company's retail motorcycle loans were 1.42% during 2015 compared to 1.22% in 2014. The 30-

day delinquency rate for retail motorcycle loans at December 31, 2015 increased to 3.78% from 3.61% at December 31, 2014. 

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

2015

2014

127,364

$

101,345
(81,531)
147,178

$

110,693

80,946
(64,275)
127,364

$

$

At December 31, 2015, the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables was $139.3 million for retail receivables 
and $7.9 million for wholesale receivables. 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. 

30

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.

Results of Operations 2014 Compared to 2013 

Consolidated Results 

(in thousands, except earnings per share)

2014

2013

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

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

$

$

$

$

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.

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.

Motorcycles 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 2014 and very 
difficult weather conditions in the first half of 2014.

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. 

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

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 dual purpose models, three-wheeled motorcycles 
and beginning in 2014, the U.S. also includes autocycles. Registration data for Harley-Davidson Street 500® motorcycles 
are not included in this table.

(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: 

2014

2013

Units

Mix %

Units

Mix %

United States

International

Harley-Davidson motorcycle units

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

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)

Unit
%
Change

6,978

3,277

10,255

15,268
(11,524)
6,511

10,255

4.2 %

3.5

3.9 %

14.2 %

(11.2)

12.9

3.9 %

(a)  Category previously referred to as "Custom" motorcycle units, as used in this table, include Dyna®, Softail®, V-Rod® and 

CVO models.

(b)  Initial shipments of Street motorcycle units began in the first quarter of 2014.

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

International shipments as a percentage of the total were down slightly in 2014 as compared to 2013. 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 cruiser 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. 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.

33

 
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

Operating expense

2014

2013

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

$

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

7.8%

0.2
(3.7)
0.6

5.9

4.3

8.7

4.6
(7.8)
(100.0)
3.0

Operating income from Motorcycles

$

1,003,147

$

870,609

$

132,538

15.2%

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.

• 

•  Raw material prices were slightly higher in 2014 relative to 2013.

34

•  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.

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

$

585,187

$

575,652

$

75,640

660,827

164,476

80,946

137,569

382,991

65,930

641,582

165,491

60,008

132,990

358,489

Operating income from Financial Services

$

277,836

$

283,093

$

Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

9,535

9,710

19,245
(1,015)
20,938

4,579

24,502
(5,257)

1.7 %

14.7

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. Other income now includes international income which had previously 
been reported in interest income. Amounts for 2014 and 2013, which were not material, have been adjusted for comparability.

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. 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. 

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. In 
August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of Effective Date (ASU 
No. 2015-14) to defer the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year to fiscal years beginning after 
December 15, 2017 and for interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU 2015-02). ASU 
No. 2015-02 amends the guidance within Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, "Consolidation,” to change the 
analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain legal entities. The Company is 
required to adopt ASU No. 2015-02 for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 
15, 2015. The Company believes the adoption of ASU No. 2015-02 will not have an impact on its financial results and will 
only impact the content of the current disclosure.  

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03). 

ASU No. 2015-03 amends the guidance within ASC Topic 835, "Interest", to require that debt issuance costs related to a 
recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, 
consistent with debt premiums and discounts. In August 2015, the FASB further clarified their views on debt costs incurred in 
connection with a line of credit arrangement by issuing ASU No. 2015-15 Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt 
Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements (ASU 2015-15). ASU No. 2015-15 amends the guidance within 
ASC Topic 835, “Interest”, to allow an entity to defer and present debt issuance costs associated with a line of credit 
arrangement as an asset, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line of credit arrangement. The 
Company plans to adopt both ASUs for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods therein, on a 
retrospective basis. Upon adoption, the Company will reclassify debt issuance costs, other than debt issuance costs related to 
line of credit arrangements, from other assets to debt on the balance sheet. The Company intends to continue to classify debt 
issuance costs related to the line of credit arrangements as an asset, regardless of whether it has any outstanding borrowings on 
the line of credit arrangements. At December 31, 2015, the Company had $20.4 million of debt issuance costs, which includes 
$2.1 million of debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements, recorded as assets on the consolidated balance sheet. 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16 Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting 

for Measurement-Period Adjustments (ASU No. 2015-16). ASU No. 2015-16 eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a 
business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Acquirers must recognize measurement-
period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amounts. This would include any amounts they would have 
recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The Company is required to adopt 
ASU 2015-16 for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early 
adoption is permitted. The Company does not anticipate any material impacts upon adopting this standard in 2016.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of 
Deferred Taxes (ASU No. 2015-17). ASU No. 2015-17 eliminates the requirement for a Company to separate deferred income 
tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts on a classified statement of financial position and requires that 
deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2015-17 for fiscal years, 
and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016 on either a retrospective or prospective 
basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the timing and basis of adoption.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and 

Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU No. 2016-01). ASU No. 2016-01 enhances the existing 
financial instruments reporting model by modifying fair value measurement tools, simplifying impairment assessments for 
certain equity instruments, and modifying overall presentation and disclosure requirements. The Company is required to adopt 
ASU 2016-01 for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 on a 
prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption. 

36

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 retail portfolio 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. 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 increased the weighted-average discount rate 
for pension and SERPA obligations from 4.21% as of December 31, 2014 to 4.53% as of December 31, 2015. The Company 
increased the weighted-average discount rate for postretirement healthcare obligations from 3.99% to 4.29%. 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, 2015, the Company set its healthcare cost trend rate at 7.5% as of 
December 31, 2015. 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.

37

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): 

2015 Net periodic benefit costs

Pension and SERPA

Postretirement healthcare

2015 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

$

$

$

$

48,530

12,295

2,009,000

354,739

$

$

$

$

31,689

1,334

$

$

18,706

1,404

$

341,242

30,981

n/a

n/a

$

n/a

1,620

n/a

12,211

This information should not be viewed as predictive of future amounts. The analysis of the impact of a 1% change in the 
table above does not take into account the cost related to special termination benefits. 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, 
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 

38

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, 2015 is as 

follows (in thousands): 

Principal payments on debt

$

Interest payments on debt

Operating lease payments

2016
2,045,000

159,028

13,727

2017 - 2018

2019 - 2020

Thereafter

$

2,481,191

$

1,617,263

$

746,934

$

236,972

17,049

89,193

11,655

425,625

13,098

Total
6,890,388

910,818

55,529

$

2,217,755

$

2,735,212

$

1,718,111

$

1,185,657

$

7,856,735

Interest for floating rate instruments assumes December 31, 2015 rates remain constant.

As of December 31, 2015, 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, 2015. During 2015, the Company contributed $28.5 million to its pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare 
plans. No additional contributions were required during 2015 beyond current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement 
healthcare plans. In January 2016, the Company voluntarily contributed $25 million to its qualified pension plan to further fund 
its pension plan and the Company expects that no additional qualified plan contributions will be required in 2016.(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 

$73.1 million and accrued interest and penalties of $28.7 million as of December 31, 2015. 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.

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 

39

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 through 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, 2015 

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.

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

40

$

December 31,
2015

722,209

45,192

767,401

148,620

600,000

19,191

767,811

$

1,535,212

 
 
(a)  The U.S. commercial paper conduit facility expires on December 14, 2016. The Company anticipates that it will renew 

this facility prior to expiration.(1)

(b)  The Canadian commercial paper conduit facility expires on June 30, 2016 and is limited to Canadian denominated 

borrowings. The Company anticipates that it will renew this facility prior to expiration.(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, 2015, 

2014 and 2013 (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

Operating Activities

$

2015
1,100,118
(915,848)
(354,064)
(14,677)
(184,471) $

$

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

2013

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

$

$

The decrease in operating cash flow in 2015 compared to 2014 was due primarily to lower net income and increased 

wholesale lending. At the end of 2015, inventory was higher, as the Company increased its year-over-year fourth quarter 
production to maximize manufacturing efficiencies and prepare for the 2016 first quarter shipments. 

During 2015, the Company contributed $28.5 million to its qualified pension, SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans 

compared to $29.7 million in 2014. In January 2016, the Company voluntarily contributed $25 million to its qualified pension 
plan to further fund its pension plan, and the Company expects that no additional qualified plan contributions will be required 
in 2016.(1) The Company also 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 2014 compared to 2013 was due primarily to increased earnings and favorable 

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

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 $260.0 million, $232.3 million and $208.3 million during 2015, 2014 
and 2013, respectively.

Net cash flows from finance receivables for 2015, which consisted primarily of retail finance receivables, were $59.8 

million lower than 2014 as a result of an increase in retail motorcycle loan originations during 2015. Net cash flows from 
finance receivables for 2014, which consisted primarily of retail finance receivables, were $143.2 million lower than in 2013 as 
a result of an increase in retail motorcycle loan originations during 2014.

Changes in the Company’s investment in marketable securities resulted in cash inflows of $11.5 million, $41.0 million 

and $35.1 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

During 2015, the Company recorded a $59.9 million cash outflow for the purchase of certain assets and liabilities from 

Fred Deeley Imports, Ltd.

41

Financing Activities

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

The Company paid dividends of $1.24 per share totaling $249.3 million during 2015, $1.10 per share totaling $238.3 

million during 2014 and $0.84 per share totaling $187.7 million in 2013.

Cash outflows from share repurchases were $1.54 billion, $615.6 million and $479.2 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, 

respectively. Share repurchases during 2015, 2014 and 2013 included 28.0 million, 9.3 million and 8.2 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. In June 2015, the Company announced 
that the Company's Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to 15 million additional shares of its 
common stock. In total at December 31, 2015, the Company had Board-approved authorizations to repurchase 9.0 million 
shares of its common stock. In February 2016, the Company's Board of Directors separately authorized the Company to buy 
back up to an additional 20 million shares of its common stock with no dollar limit or expiration date.

The Company’s total outstanding debt consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in 

thousands): 

Unsecured commercial paper

Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility

Medium-term notes

Senior unsecured notes

Term asset-backed securitization debt

Total debt

2014

2013

2015
1,201,380

$

$

153,839

3,325,081

746,934

1,463,154

731,786

$

166,912

3,334,398

—

1,271,533

$

6,890,388

$

5,504,629

$

666,317

174,241

2,858,980

303,000

1,256,632

5,259,170

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, 2015 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 – In April 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. During July 2015, the Company borrowed C$20 million 
under the Global Credit Facilities and repaid the borrowings in August 2015. No borrowings were outstanding at December 31, 
2015. 

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

$1.35 billion as of December 31, 2015 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)

42

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

outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in thousands): 

Principal Amount
$450,000

$400,000

$400,000

$878,708

$600,000

$600,000

Rate
3.875%

2.70%

1.55%

6.80%

2.40%

2.15%

Issue Date
March 2011

January 2012

November 2014

May 2008

September 2014

February 2015

Maturity Date
March 2016

March 2017

November 2017

June 2018

September 2019

February 2020

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, $3.6 million, and $1.5 million at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In February 2015, the Company issued $600.0 million of medium-term notes that mature in 2020 and have an annual 
interest rate of 2.15%. In September 2014, the Company issued $600.0 million of medium-term notes that 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%. 

During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased an aggregate $9.3 million, $22.6 million, and $23.0 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 $1.1 million, $3.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively, for losses on the extinguishment of debt, 
which included unamortized discounts and fees. During September 2015, $600.0 million of 1.15% medium-term notes matured, 
and the principal and accrued interest were paid in full. During December 2014, $500.0 million of 5.75% medium-term notes 
matured, and the principal and accrued interest were paid in full. 

In January 2016, HDFS issued $600.0 million of medium-term notes that mature in January 2019 and have an annual 
interest rate of 2.25% and $600.0 million of medium term notes that mature in January 2021 and have an annual interest rate of 
2.85%.

Senior Unsecured Notes – In July 2015, the Company issued $750.0 million of senior unsecured notes in an underwritten 
offering. The senior unsecured notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. $450.0 million of 
the senior unsecured notes mature in July 2025 and have an interest rate of 3.50%, and $300.0 million of the senior unsecured 
notes mature in July 2045 and have an interest rate of 4.625%. The Company used the proceeds from the debt to repurchase 
shares of its common stock in 2015.

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$240 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$240 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, 
2015, the Canadian Conduit has an expiration date of June 30, 2016. The contractual maturity of the debt is approximately 5 
years.

During 2015 and 2014, the Company transferred $100.0 million and $97.1 million, respectively, of Canadian retail 

motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit for proceeds of $87.5 million and $85.0 million, respectively.

43

Asset-Backed U.S. Commercial Paper Conduit Facility Variable Interest Entity (VIE) – On December 14, 2015, the 
Company entered into a new revolving facility agreement (U.S. Conduit) with a third party bank-sponsored asset-backed U.S. 
commercial paper conduit, which provides for a total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. The prior agreement expired on 
December 14, 2015 and had similar terms. At December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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 or LIBOR 

to the extent the advance is not funded by a conduit lender through the issuance of commercial paper plus, in each case, a 
program fee based on outstanding principal. 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 will be 
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, 2015, the U.S. 
Conduit expires December 14, 2016. 

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 2016 to 2022.

In 2015, the Company transferred a total of $1.31 billion of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to two separate 
SPEs. The SPEs in turn issued $1.20 billion of secured notes. In 2014, the Company transferred $924.9 million of U.S. retail 
motorcycle finance receivables to one SPE. The SPE in turn issued $850.0 million of secured notes.

Intercompany Borrowings – HDFS and the Company have had in effect term loan agreements under which HDFS 
borrowed from the Company. As of December 31, 2015, there were no intercompany loans outstanding and the intercompany 
loan balance of $250.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2014 was repaid during the first quarter of 2015. 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 term loan balances and related interest are eliminated in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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 *

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

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 
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 operating covenants limit the Company’s and HDFS’ ability to:

• 

assume or incur certain liens;

44

 
 
• 
• 

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, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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,

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

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

prevent a cybersecurity breach involving consumer, employee, dealer, supplier or Company data and respond 
to evolving regulatory requirements regarding data security,

drive demand by executing the Company's marketing strategy of appealing to and growing sales to multi-
generational and multi-cultural customers worldwide in an increasingly competitive marketplace,

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

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,

balance production volumes for the Company's new motorcycles with consumer demand, including in 
circumstances where competitors may be supplying new motorcycles to the market in excess of demand at 
reduced prices,

manage the impact that prices for and supply of used motorcycles may have on retail sales of new 
motorcycles,

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

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

prevent and detect any issues with the Company's motorcycles or associated manufacturing processes to 
avoid delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation and adverse 
effects on the Company's reputation and brand strength,

manage the Company's exposure to product liability claims and commercial or contractual disputes,

implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology solutions, including solutions at its 
manufacturing facilities,

(xvii) 

execute its flexible production strategy,

(xviii) 

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

(xix) 

retain and attract talented employees,

45

(xx) 

(xxi) 

(xxii) 

successfully access the capital and/or credit markets on terms (including interest rates) that are acceptable to 
the Company and within its expectations,

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

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

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 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 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, the 
Brazilian real and the Mexican peso. 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, 2015, the notional U.S. dollar value of outstanding Euro, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, Brazilian real and 
Mexican peso foreign currency contracts was $436.4 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 $41.6 million as of December 31, 2015. Further disclosure relating to the fair value of derivative 
financial instruments is included in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

46

 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

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

56

57

58

107

47

 
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, 
2015. 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.

Matthew S. Levatich
President and Chief Executive Officer

John A. Olin
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

48

 
 
  
  
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, 2015. Management has 
concluded that the internal control system was effective. Additionally, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 31, 2015 was audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 
the 2015 fiscal year. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company for the 
2015 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 2015 fiscal year be included in the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2015 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

49

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, 2015, 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, 2015, 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, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015 of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and our report dated February 18, 2016 expressed an unqualified 
opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 18, 2016 

50

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, 2015 and 
2014, 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, 2015. 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, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, 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, 2015, 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 18, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 18, 2016

51

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue:

Motorcycles and Related Products

$

5,308,744

$

5,567,681

$

5,258,290

2015

2014

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

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

686,658

5,995,402

3,356,284

161,983

101,345

1,220,095

4,839,707

1,155,695

6,585

12,117

1,150,163

397,956

752,207

3.71

3.69

1.24

$

$

$

$

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

1,124,753

4,746,170

1,153,702

5,859

45,256

1,114,305

380,312

733,993

3.30

3.28

0.84

$

$

$

$

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

52

 
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 
(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

$

2015

2014

2013

$

752,207

$

844,611

$

733,993

(55,362)
(13,156)
(394)
(31,350)
(100,262)
651,945

$

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

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

275,002

$

1,008,995

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

53

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2015 and 2014 
(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

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)

Shareholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, none issued

Common stock, 344,855,704 and 344,174,653 shares issued, respectively

Additional paid-in-capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Treasury stock (160,121,966 and 132,297,840 shares, respectively), at cost

Total shareholders’ equity

54

2015

2014

$

722,209

$

906,680

45,192

247,405

2,053,582

585,907

88,267

102,769

137,823

3,983,154

4,814,571

942,418

54,182

99,614

97,228

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

$

9,991,167

$

9,528,097

$

235,614

$

471,964

1,201,380

843,620

2,752,578

4,845,388

164,888

193,659

195,000

196,868

449,317

731,786

1,011,315

2,389,286

3,761,528

76,186

203,006

188,805

—

3,449

—

3,442

1,328,561

1,265,257

8,961,985
(615,205)
(7,839,136)
1,839,654

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

$

9,991,167

$

9,528,097

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
December 31, 2015 and 2014 
(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

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

$

$

322,768

4,706

1,250,919

100,151

353,363

1,109,791

$

$

$

$

$

$

312,645

3,409

1,113,801

110,017

366,889

904,644

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

55

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 
(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

Acquisition of business

Other

Net cash used by investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes

Repayments of medium-term notes

Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured 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 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

2015
$ 1,100,118

2014
$ 1,146,677

$

2013
977,093

(259,974)
(3,751,830)
3,136,885

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

—

11,507
(59,910)
7,474
(915,848)

595,386
(610,331)
740,385

—

1,195,668
(1,008,135)
87,442
(72,727)
469,473

11,410
(249,262)
(1,537,020)
3,468

20,179
(354,064)
(14,677)

—

41,010

—

1,837
(744,650)

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

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

37,785
(536,096)
(25,863)

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

—

16,355
(568,867)

—
(27,858)
—

—

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

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

50,567
(393,209)
(16,543)
(1,526)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

$ (184,471) $ (159,932) $

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

$

$

906,680
(184,471)
722,209

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

$

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

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

56

 
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 
(In thousands, except share amounts)

Common Stock

Issued
Shares

Balance

Additional
paid-in
capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
comprehensive
loss

Treasury
Balance

Total

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 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

—

—

—

—

—

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 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

—

—

—

—

—

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

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

—

—

—

—

—

162,193

518,858

—

—

—

—

—

—

2

5

—

—

—

—

—

39,457

(2)

20,174

3,675

752,207

—

—

(100,262)

(249,262)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

752,207

(100,262)

(249,262)

(1,537,020)

(1,537,020)

1,394

40,851

—

—

—

—

20,179

3,675

Balance December 31, 2015

344,855,704

$

3,449

$

1,328,561

$

8,961,985

$

(615,205)

$

(7,839,136)

$

1,839,654

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

57

 
 
 
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

2015

2014

$

$

45,192

36,256

81,448

$

$

57,325

33,815

91,140

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

comprehensive income. During 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized gross unrealized losses of $0.6 million and $0.7 
million, respectively, or losses of $0.4 million and $0.4 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 4 to 16 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, Net – The Company’s motorcycles and related products are sold to independent dealers 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 $2.9 million and 
$3.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 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 

58

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. 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 $17.7 million and $13.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 
2014, 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.

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 $266.6 million at December 31, 2015 
and $232.8 million at December 31, 2014 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; 

59

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 2015 and 2014, the Company performed a quantitative test on 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 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 offers a one-year warranty for Parts & Accessories (P&A). 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 using an estimated cost, which are based primarily on historical Company claim 
information. Additionally, the Company has from time to time initiated certain voluntary recall campaigns. The Company 
reserves for all estimated costs associated with recalls in the period that management approves and commits to the recall.

Changes in the Company’s warranty and 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

2015

2014

2013

$

$

69,250

$

64,120

$

59,259
(96,529)
42,237

60,331
(74,262)
19,061

74,217

$

69,250

$

60,263

59,022
(64,462)
9,297

64,120

The liability for recall campaigns was $10.2 million, $9.8 million and $4.0 million at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 

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 
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 

60

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 title and ownership is transferred, 
which is generally when products are shipped to wholesale customers (independent dealers). 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 recorded within finance receivables, 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, 2015 and 2014, 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 $4.6 million and $5.7 
million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 $161.2 million, $138.3 million and $152.2 
million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 2015, 
2014 and 2013, the Company incurred $119.8 million, $107.4 million and $90.7 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 2015, 
2014 and 2013 was $29.4 million, $37.9 million and $41.2 million, respectively, or $18.5 million, $23.9 million and $26.0 
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.

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 

61

amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In 
August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of Effective Date (ASU 
No. 2015-14) to defer the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year to fiscal years beginning after 
December 15, 2017 and for interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU 2015-02). ASU 
No. 2015-02 amends the guidance within Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, "Consolidation,” to change the 
analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain legal entities. The Company is 
required to adopt ASU No. 2015-02 for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 
15, 2015. The Company believes the adoption of ASU No. 2015-02 will not have an impact on its financial results and will 
only impact the content of the current disclosure.  

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03). 

ASU No. 2015-03 amends the guidance within ASC Topic 835, "Interest", to require that debt issuance costs related to a 
recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, 
consistent with debt premiums and discounts. In August 2015, the FASB further clarified their views on debt costs incurred in 
connection with a line of credit arrangement by issuing ASU No. 2015-15 Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt 
Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements (ASU 2015-15). ASU No. 2015-15 amends the guidance within 
ASC Topic 835, “Interest”, to allow an entity to defer and present debt issuance costs associated with a line of credit 
arrangement as an asset, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line of credit arrangement. The 
Company plans to adopt both ASUs for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods therein, on a 
retrospective basis. Upon adoption, the Company will reclassify debt issuance costs, other than debt issuance costs related to 
line of credit arrangements, from other assets to debt on the balance sheet. The Company intends to continue to classify debt 
issuance costs related to the line of credit arrangements as an asset, regardless of whether it has any outstanding borrowings on 
the line of credit arrangements. At December 31, 2015, the Company had $20.4 million of debt issuance costs, which includes 
$2.1 million of debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements, recorded as assets on the balance sheet. 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16 Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting 

for Measurement-Period Adjustments (ASU No. 2015-16). ASU No. 2015-16 eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a 
business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Acquirers must recognize measurement-
period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amounts. This would include any amounts they would have 
recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The Company is required to adopt 
ASU 2015-16 for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early 
adoption is permitted. The Company does not anticipate any material impacts upon adopting this standard in 2016.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of 
Deferred Taxes (ASU No. 2015-17). ASU No. 2015-17 eliminates the requirement for a Company to separate deferred income 
tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts on a classified statement of financial position and requires that 
deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2015-17 for fiscal years, 
and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016 on either a retrospective or prospective 
basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the timing and basis of adoption.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and 

Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU No. 2016-01). ASU No. 2016-01 enhances the existing 
financial instruments reporting model by modifying fair value measurement tools, simplifying impairment assessments for 
certain equity instruments, and modifying overall presentation and disclosure requirements. The Company is required to adopt 
ASU 2016-01 for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 on a 
prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption. 

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.

62

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

2015

2014

$

$

161,704

$

327,952

145,519

635,175
(49,268)
585,907

$

151,254

230,309

117,210

498,773
(49,902)
448,871

Inventory obsolescence reserves deducted from FIFO cost were $26.7 million and $17.8 million as of December 31, 2015 

and 2014, respectively.

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

Land and related improvements

Buildings and related improvements

Machinery and equipment

Software

Construction in progress

Accumulated depreciation

Total property, plant and equipment, net

Accrued liabilities (in thousands):

Payroll, employee benefits and related expenses

Warranty and recalls

Sales incentive programs

Tax-related accruals

Accrued interest

Other

Total accrued liabilities

2015

2014

$

56,554

$

453,433

1,859,443

524,076

280,147

3,173,653
(2,231,235)
942,418

$

55,238

475,268

1,823,790

440,703

200,708

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

2015

2014

160,971

$

165,448

54,894

37,568

18,535

33,925

166,071

471,964

$

48,529

44,423

28,333

19,072

143,512
449,317  

$

$

$

63

Cash Flow Information:

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:

Depreciation and amortization

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

Amortization of financing origination fees

Provision for long-term employee 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

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

Derivative instruments

Prepaid and other

Total adjustments

2015

2014

2013

$

752,207

$

844,611

$

733,993

198,074

93,546

9,975

60,824
(28,490)
29,433
(113,970)
101,345

1,099
(16,484)
20,067

846

(13,665)
(3,046)
(155,222)
138,823
(5,615)
30,371

347,911

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)
21,309

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)
(78,665)
(2,189)
68,681

243,100

977,093

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

1,100,118

$

1,146,677

$

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

Interest

Income taxes

2015

2014

2013

$

$

148,654

371,547

$

$

154,310

438,840

$

$

197,161

236,972

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

of the Company (included in interest expense).

3.    Acquisition

On August 4, 2015, the Company completed its purchase of certain assets and liabilities from Fred Deeley Imports, Ltd 
(Deeley Imports) including, among other things, the acquisition of the exclusive right to distribute the Company's motorcycles 
and other products in Canada (Transaction) for total consideration of $59.9 million. The majority equity owner of Deeley 
Imports is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company believes that the acquisition of the Canadian 
distribution rights will align Harley-Davidson's Canada distribution with the Company's global go-to-market approach.

The financial impact of the acquisition, which is part of the Motorcycles segment, has been included in the Company's 
consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Proforma information reflecting this acquisition has not been 
disclosed as the proforma impact on consolidated net income would not be material.

64

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the Deeley Imports assets acquired and liabilities assumed 

at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

Current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

   Total assets

Current liabilities

Net assets acquired

August 4, 2015

11,088

144

20,842

28,567

60,641

731

59,910

$

$

As noted above, in conjunction with the acquisition of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Deeley 
Imports, the Company recorded goodwill of $28.6 million, all of which the Company believes is tax deductible, and intangible 
assets with an initial fair value of $20.8 million. Of the total intangible assets acquired, $13.3 million was assigned to 
reacquired distribution rights with a useful life of two years and $7.5 million was assigned to customer relationships with a 
useful life of twenty years. The Company agreed to reimburse Deeley Imports for certain severance costs associated with the 
Transaction resulting in $3.3 million of expense included in selling, administrative and engineering expense in the third quarter 
of 2015. The Company did not acquire any cash as part of the Transaction. 

4.    Goodwill and Intangible Assets

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, beginning of period

Business acquisitions

Currency translation

Balance, end of period

2015

2014

2013

27,752

$

30,452

$

29,530

28,567
(2,137)
54,182

$

—
(2,700)
27,752

—

922

$

30,452

$

$

The following table summarizes the Motorcycles segment intangible assets other than goodwill at December 31 (in 

thousands):

Intangible assets other than goodwill

   Reacquired distribution rights
   Customer relationships

Total other intangible assets

2015

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net

Estimated
useful life
(years)

$

$

12,614
7,116

19,730

$

$

(2,628) $
(148)
(2,776) $

9,986
6,968

16,954

2
20

Intangible assets other than goodwill are included in other long-term assets on the Company's consolidated balance 

sheets. The gross carrying amounts at December 31 differs from the acquisition date amounts due to changes in foreign 
currency exchange rates.

65

Total amortization expense of other intangible assets for 2015 was $2.8 million. There was no amortization expense of 

other intangible assets for 2014. The Company estimates future amortization to be as follows (in thousands): 

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Total

Estimated Amortization

6,756

4,091

360

360

360

5,027

16,954

$

The Financial Services segment had no goodwill or intangible assets at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

5.    Finance Receivables

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

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Wholesale

United States

Canada

Total wholesale

Retail

United States

Canada

Total retail

Allowance for credit losses

$

965,379

$

903,380

$

800,491

$

776,633

$

58,481

1,023,860

48,941

952,321

44,721

845,212

39,771

816,404

5,803,071

188,400

5,991,471

7,015,331

(147,178)

5,398,006

209,918

5,607,924

6,560,245
(127,364)
6,432,881

$

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

$

778,320

46,320

824,640

4,858,781

228,709

5,087,490

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

Total finance receivables, net

$

6,868,153

$

 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. Wholesale finance receivables are related 
primarily to motorcycles and related parts and accessories sales.

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 secured installment 
contracts and are primarily related to sales of motorcycles to the dealers’ customers. HDFS holds either titles or liens on titles to 
vehicles financed by promissory notes and installment sales contracts. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately 12% 
of gross outstanding finance receivables were originated in Texas; there were no other states that accounted for more than 10%.

Unused lines of credit extended to the Company's wholesale finance customers totaled $1.27 billion and $1.01 billion at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Approved but unfunded retail finance loans totaled $169.6 million and $168.7 
million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

66

Wholesale finance receivables are generally contractually due within one year. On December 31, 2015, contractual 

maturities of finance receivables were as follows (in thousands): 

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total

United States

Canada

$

$

1,991,614
1,104,233
1,234,333
1,379,791
1,024,927
33,552
6,768,450

$

$

93,539
37,415
41,339
45,673
28,915
—
246,881

$

$

Total
2,085,153
1,141,648
1,275,672
1,425,464
1,053,842
33,552
7,015,331

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

2015

Wholesale

122,025

$

5,339

$

98,826
(123,911)
42,380

2,519
—

—

139,320

$

7,858

$

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

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Total

127,364

101,345
(123,911)
42,380

147,178

Total

110,693

80,946
(102,831)
38,556

127,364

Total

107,667

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

67

 
 
 
There were no finance receivables individually evaluated for impairment on December 31, 2014 or 2015. The allowance 
for credit losses and finance receivables by portfolio collectively evaluated for impairment, at December 31 were as follows (in 
thousands): 

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

2015

Wholesale

Total

— $

139,320

139,320

$

— $

7,858

7,858

$

—

147,178

147,178

— $

— $

5,991,471

1,023,860

5,991,471

$

1,023,860

$

—

7,015,331

7,015,331

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

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

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, 
2015 and 2014, 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

2015

Greater than
90 Days
Past Due

$

$

$

$

118,996
888

119,884

31-60 Days
Past Due

113,007

383

113,390

$

$

$

$

32,792
77

32,869

43,680
530

44,210

$

$

2014

61-90 Days
Past Due

Greater than
90 Days
Past Due

38,486

72

38,558

$

$

28,712

206

28,918

$

$

$

$

Total
Past Due

195,468
1,495

Total
Finance
Receivables
$ 5,991,471
1,023,860

196,963

$ 7,015,331

Total
Past Due

180,205

Total
Finance
Receivables
$ 5,607,924

661

952,321

180,866

$ 6,560,245

Current

$ 5,796,003
1,022,365

$ 6,818,368

Current

$ 5,427,719

951,660

$ 6,379,379

68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$

$

31,677

1,192

32,869

$

$

27,800

1,118

28,918

$

$

23,770

1,031

24,801

$

$

26,500

1,533

28,033

$

$

27,171

1,207

28,378

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

2015

2014

$

$

4,777,448

1,214,023

5,991,471

$

$

4,435,352

1,172,572

5,607,924

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 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

2015

2014

$

5,169

$

21,774

6,271

11,494

979,152

$

1,023,860

$

954

7,025

—

11,557

932,785

952,321

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

2015

$1,611,624

$ (37,937) $ 100,151

$ 4,383

$1,678,221

$ 1,463,154

—

—

—

323

323

—

170,708

$1,782,332

(3,061)

10,491
$ (40,998) $ 110,642

393

178,531

153,839

$ 5,099

$1,857,075

$ 1,616,993

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

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 2015, the Company transferred a total of $1.31 billion of U.S. retail motorcycle finance receivables to two separate 
SPEs. The SPEs in turn issued $1.20 billion of secured notes. In 2014, the Company transferred $924.9 million of U.S. retail 
motorcycle finance receivables to one SPE. The SPE in turn issued $850.0 million of secured notes. At December 31, 2015, 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

May 2015

January 2015

April 2014

April 2013

July 2012

Principal
Amount at Date of 
Issuance
$500,000

Weighted-Average
Rate at Date of
Issuance
0.88%

$700,000

$850,000

$650,000

$675,306

0.89%

0.66%

0.57%

0.59%

Contractual Maturity Date

May 2016 - December 2022

February 2016 - August 2022

April 2015 - October 2021

May 2014 - December 2020

August 2013 - June 2018

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 2015, the notes related to the August 2011 and 
November 2011 term asset-backed securitization transactions were repaid. During 2013, the notes related to the December 
2009 term asset-backed securitization transaction were repaid. 

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

at December 31, 2014 and the Company completed repayment of those balances during 2015 (in thousands): 

Issue Date

November 2011

August 2011

Principal
Amount at Date of 
Issuance

Weighted-Average
Rate at Date of
Issuance

$513,300

$573,380

0.88%

0.76%

Contractual Maturity Date

November 2012 - February 2018

September 2012 - August 2017

For the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, interest expense on the secured notes was $17.2 million and $13.5 

million, respectively, which is included in financial services interest expense. The weighted average interest rate of the 
outstanding term asset-backed securitization transactions was 1.04% and 0.94% at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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

On December 14, 2015, the Company entered into a new revolving facility agreement (U.S. Conduit) with a third party 

bank-sponsored asset-backed U.S. 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. The prior facility agreement expired on December 14, 2015 and had similar terms.

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 or LIBOR to the extent the advance is not funded by a conduit lender through the 
issuance of commercial paper plus, in each case, a program fee based on outstanding principal. 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 will be 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 December 14, 2016.

The SPE had no borrowings outstanding under the U.S. Conduit at December 31, 2015 or 2014; 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 both years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the interest expense was $1.1 million 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, 2015 or 2014 as the Company had no outstanding 
borrowings under the U.S. Conduit during 2015 or 2014.

Asset-Backed Canadian Commercial Paper Conduit Facility

In June 2015, the Company amended its 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$240 
million. The transferred assets are restricted as collateral for the payment of debt. 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$240 
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, 2016. The contractual maturity of the debt is 
approximately 5 years. 

71

During 2015 and 2014, the Company transferred $100.0 million and $97.1 million, respectively, of Canadian retail 

motorcycle finance receivables to the Canadian Conduit for proceeds of $87.5 million and $85.0 million, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded interest expense of $3.0 million and $3.5 
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 1.80% and 2.03% at December 31, 2015 
and 2014.

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 $24.7 million at December 31, 2015. 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 prices. The Company uses the market approach to derive the fair value for its level 2 fair value 
measurements. Forward contracts for foreign currency, commodities and interest rates are valued using current quoted forward 
rates and prices; 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. 

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)

2015

$

$

$

555,910

$

390,706

$

165,204

$

81,448

16,235

653,593

1,300

$

$

36,256

—

426,962

$

45,192

16,235

226,631

— $

1,300

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

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)

2014

$

$

$

737,024

$

482,686

$

254,338

$

91,140

32,244

860,408

2,027

$

$

33,815

—

516,501

$

57,325

32,244

343,907

— $

2,027

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

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

measurement. Repossessed inventory was $17.7 million and $13.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, for which the fair 
value adjustment was $8.6 million and $5.0 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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, finance 

receivables, net, debt, foreign currency exchange and commodity contracts (derivative instruments are discussed further in 
Note 9). 

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

Derivatives

Finance receivables, net

Restricted cash

Liabilities:

Derivatives

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

Senior unsecured notes

Term asset-backed securitization debt

2015

2014

Fair Value

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Carrying Value

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

722,209

81,448

16,235

6,937,053

110,642

1,300

1,201,380

153,839

3,410,966

737,435

1,455,776

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

722,209

81,448

16,235

6,868,153

110,642

1,300

1,201,380

153,839

3,325,081

746,934

1,463,154

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

906,680

91,140

32,244

6,519,500

122,052

2,027

731,786

166,912

3,502,536

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

906,680

91,140

32,244

6,432,881

122,052

2,027

731,786

166,912

3,334,398

— $

—

1,270,656

$

1,271,533

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash – 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.

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.

73

 
 
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 – Forward contracts for foreign currency exchange and commodities are derivative financial instruments and 

are carried at fair value on the balance sheet. The fair value of these contracts is determined using quoted forward rates and 
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 was estimated based upon rates then available for debt with similar terms and 

remaining maturities. Fair value was 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, both at 
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 utilizes foreign currency exchange contracts to mitigate the effects of the Euro, the Australian dollar, 
the Japanese yen, the Brazilian real and the Mexican peso. The foreign currency exchange 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 exchange contracts and commodity contracts generally have maturities of less than one 

year.

During the second quarter of 2015, the Company entered into treasury rate locks to fix the interest rate on a portion of the 

principal related to its anticipated issuance of senior unsecured debt during the third quarter of 2015. The treasury rate lock 

74

contracts were settled in July 2015. The loss at settlement was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and will be 
reclassified into earnings over the life of the debt.

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): 

2015

2014

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)

$ 436,352

968

$ 437,320

$

$

16,167

—

16,167

$

$

181

159

340

$ 339,077

1,728

$ 340,805

$

$

32,244

—

32,244

$

$

—

414

414

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

$

$

6,510

6,510

$

$

68

68

$

$

960

960

$

$

11,804

11,804

$

$

— $

— $

1,613
1,613  

2015

2014

(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

Treasury rate locks

Interest rate swaps – unsecured commercial paper

Total

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

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

2015

2014

2013

$

$

$

45,810
(421)
(7,381)
—

$

47,037
(262)
—

—

38,008

$

46,775

$

3,468

39

—
(2)
3,505

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

2015

2014

2013

Expected to be Reclassified
Over the Next Twelve Months

$

59,730
(677)
(151)
—

$

13,635

$

228

—

—

482
(51)
—
(345)
86

$

$

16,738
(159)
(362)
—

16,217

Total

$

58,902

$

13,863

$

(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 interest expense
(c)  Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to income is included in financial services interest expense.

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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

2015

2014

2013

$

$

(648) $
(648) $

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

(572)
(572)  

(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

2015

Derivative
financial
instruments

Pension and
postretirement
benefit plans

$

(3,482) $

(700) $

19,042

$

(529,803) $

Total
(514,943)

(116,986)
18,384

38,008
(14,079)

(106,059)
39,284

23,929

(66,775)

(98,602)

(59,730)

677

151

—

—

—
(58,902)
21,817
(37,085)
(13,156)
5,886

$

—

—

(2,782)
58,680

368

56,266
(20,841)
35,425
(31,350)
(561,153) $

(59,730)

677

151
(2,782)
58,680

368
(2,636)
976
(1,660)
(100,262)
(615,205)

Balance, beginning of period
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 - treasury 
rate lock(b)
Prior service credits(c)
Actuarial losses(c)
Curtailment and settlement losses

Total before tax

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net reclassifications

Other comprehensive loss

Balance, end of period

(48,309)

(7,053)

(55,362)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(55,362)

$

(58,844) $

(626)
232

(394)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
(394)
(1,094) $

76

 
Foreign currency
translation
adjustments

Marketable
securities

2014

Derivative
financial
instruments

Pension and
postretirement
benefit plans

$

33,326

$

(276) $

(1,680) $

(364,046) $

Balance, beginning of period
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

(50,310)

13,502

(36,808)

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

Other comprehensive (loss) income

(36,808)

Balance, end of period

$

(3,482) $

Total
(332,676)

(306,040)
108,225

46,775
(17,325)

(301,832)
111,799

29,450

(190,033)

(197,815)

(13,635)

(228)
—

—
(13,863)
5,135
(8,728)
20,722

19,042

$

—

(13,635)

—
(2,734)
41,292

38,558
(14,282)
24,276
(165,757)
(529,803) $

(228)
(2,734)
41,292

24,695
(9,147)
15,548
(182,267)
(514,943)

(673)
249

(424)

—

—

—

—

—

—
—
(424)
(700) $

Balance, beginning of period
Other comprehensive income (loss)
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(d)
Prior service credits(c)
Actuarial losses(c)

Total before tax

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net reclassifications

Foreign currency
translation
adjustments

Marketable
securities

2013

Derivative
financial
instruments

Pension and
postretirement
benefit plans

$

51,335

$

677

$

(3,837) $

(655,853) $

(20,192)

2,183

(18,009)

(1,514)
561

(953)

3,505
(1,298)

398,430
(147,578)

2,207

250,852

234,097

Total
(607,678)

380,229
(146,132)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
(953)
(276) $

(482)

51

345

—

—
(86)
36
(50)
2,157
(1,680) $

—

—

—
(2,107)
67,157

65,050
(24,095)
40,955

(482)

51

345
(2,107)
67,157

64,964
(24,059)
40,905

291,807
(364,046) $

275,002
(332,676)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

(18,009)

Balance, end of period

$

33,326

$

(a)  Amounts reclassified to net income are included in motorcycles and related products cost of goods sold.  
(b)  Amounts reclassified to net income are presented in interest expense.
(c)  Amounts reclassified are included in the computation of net periodic cost. See Note 13 for information related to pension 

and postretirement benefit plans.

(d)  Amounts reclassified to net income are presented in financial services interest expense.

77

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

2015

2014

$

1,201,380

$

731,786

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

2015

2014

Asset-backed Canadian commercial paper conduit facility

$

153,839

$

Term asset-backed securitization debt

Unsecured notes

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 ($879.0 million par value)

2.40% Medium-term notes due in 2019 ($600.0 million par value)

2.15% Medium-term notes due in 2020 ($600.0 million par value)

3.50% Senior unsecured notes due in 2025 ($450.0 million par value)

4.625% Senior unsecured notes due in 2045 ($300.0 million par value)

Gross long-term debt

Less: current portion of long-term debt

Long-term debt

1,463,154

—

449,991

399,980
399,650

878,308

598,296

598,856

447,608

299,326

166,912

1,271,533

599,817

449,937

399,963
399,464

887,381

597,836

—

—

—

5,689,008
(843,620)
4,845,388

$

4,772,843
(1,011,315)
3,761,528

$

A summary of the Company’s expected principal payments for debt obligations as of December 31, 2015 is as follows (in 

thousands): 

Principal payments on debt

2016
$2,045,000

2017
$1,177,493

2018
$1,303,698

2019
$ 934,386

2020
$ 682,877

Thereafter
$ 746,934

Total
$6,890,388

Commercial paper maturities may range up to 365 days from the issuance date. The weighted-average interest rate of 

outstanding commercial paper balances was 0.56% and 0.30% at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

In April 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. During July 2015, the Company borrowed C$20 million under the Global Credit 
Facilities and repaid the borrowings in August 2015. No borrowings were outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

In December 2015, the Company entered into a new revolving facility agreement (U.S. Conduit) with a third party bank-

sponsored asset-backed U.S. commercial paper conduit, which provides for a total aggregate commitment of $600.0 million. 
The prior facility agreement expired on December 14, 2015 and had similar terms. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 2015, 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 

78

to C$240 million. During 2015 and 2014, the Company transferred $100.0 million and $97.1 million, respectively, of Canadian 
retail motorcycle finance receivables for proceeds of $87.5 million and $85.0 million, respectively. Approximately $40.3 
million and $44.6 million of the debt was classified as current portion of long-term debt at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Refer 
to Note 6 for further discussion on the Canadian Conduit. 

During 2015, the Company issued $1.20 billion of secured notes through two term asset-backed securitization 
transactions. During 2014, the Company issued $850.0 million of secured notes through a term asset-backed securitization 
transaction. Approximately $353.4 million and $366.9 million of the obligations under the secured notes were classified as 
current at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, based on the contractual maturities of the restricted finance receivables. 
The term-asset backed securitization transactions are further discussed in Note 6.

In February 2015, the Company issued $600.0 million of medium-term notes which mature in February 2020 and have an 

annual interest rate of 2.15%. 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%. 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 at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

During 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company repurchased an aggregate of $9.3 million, $22.6 million, and $23.0 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 $1.1 million, $3.9 million, and $4.9 million of loss on extinguishment of debt, respectively, which 
included unamortized discounts and fees. During September 2015, $600.0 million of 1.15% medium-term notes matured, and 
the principal and accrued interest were paid in full. During December 2014, $500.0 million of the 5.75% medium-term notes 
matured, and the principal and accrued interest were paid in full. 

In July 2015, the Company issued $450.0 million of senior unsecured notes that mature in July 2025 that have an interest 

rate of 3.50% and $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes that mature in July 2045 that have an interest rate of 4.625% in an 
underwritten offering. The senior unsecured notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. The 
Company is using the proceeds from the issuance to repurchase shares of the Company's common stock. Unamortized 
discounts on the senior unsecured notes reduced the balance by $3.1 million at December 31, 2015. 

In February 2009, the Company issued $600.0 million of senior unsecured notes in an underwritten offering. The senior 
unsecured notes provided for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. The senior unsecured notes matured 
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 operating 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, 2015 and 2014, HDFS and the Company remained in compliance with all of these covenants.

79

12.    Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of the following (in thousands): 

2015

2014

2013

Current:

Federal

State

Foreign

Deferred:

Federal

State

Foreign

Total

$

363,803

$

394,904

$

37,811

12,826

414,440

(15,474)
(2,264)
1,254
(16,484)
397,956

$

30,997

20,429

446,330

(5,743)
(3,155)
1,277
(7,621)
438,709

$

281,938

23,701

22,093

327,732

51,509
(1,471)
2,542

52,580

$

380,312

The components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands): 

Domestic

Foreign

Total

2015
1,101,427

48,736

1,150,163

$

$

2014
1,196,335

86,985

1,283,320

$

$

2013
1,042,317

71,988

1,114,305

$

$

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

2015

2014

2013

35.0%

1.8
(2.1)
(0.4)
1.1
(0.1)
—
(0.1)
(0.6)
34.6%

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%

80

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

2015

2014

$

129,449

$

126,952

20,111

38,250
(20,659)
47,039

341,142

(136,340)
(2,419)
(138,759)
202,383

$

$

120,817

104,723

21,089

41,927
(25,462)
38,465

301,559

(128,117)
(5,691)
(133,808)
167,751

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, 2015, the Company had approximately $339.4 million state net operating loss carry-forwards expiring 

in 2031. At December 31, 2015 the Company also had Wisconsin research and development credit carryforwards of $13.1 
million expiring in 2028. The Company had a deferred tax asset of $26.0 million as of December 31, 2015 for the benefit of 
these losses and credits. 

The Company has foreign net operating losses (NOL) totaling $12.2 million as of December 31, 2015. It has a valuation 

allowance of $20.7 million against the NOLs as well as other associated deferred tax assets of $8.5 million.

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

2015

2014

$

$

64,200

$

9,149
(1,993)
6,302
(2,465)
(2,093)
73,100

$

63,057

900
(4,989)
5,876

—
(644)
64,200

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015 that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate 

was $56.9 million.

The total gross amount of expense related to interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits recognized 

during 2015 in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income was $3.7 million.

The total gross amount of interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits recognized at December 31, 

2015 in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets was $28.7 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, 2016. However, the Company is under regular audit by tax 

81

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 2011 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.

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.

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, 2015 and 2014 
measurement dates (in thousands): 

Pension and SERPA Benefits

Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits

2015

2014

2015

2014

Change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation, beginning of period

$

2,069,980

$

1,714,650

$

361,006

$

366,524

Service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial (gains) losses

Plan participant contributions

Plan amendments

Special early retirement benefits

Benefits paid, net of Medicare Part D subsidy

Benefit obligation, end of period

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period
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:

Accrued benefit liability (current liabilities)

Accrued benefit liability (long-term liabilities)

Net amount recognized

$

$

$

40,039

87,345
(128,082)
—

6,407

10,563
(77,252)
2,009,000

1,992,646
(77,980)
4,553

—
(77,252)
1,841,967
(167,033) $

31,498

86,923

309,542

—

—

—
(72,633)
2,069,980

1,920,601
143,040

1,638

—
(72,633)
1,992,646

(77,334) $

8,259

14,166
(6,757)
2,587

—

622
(25,144)
354,739

156,840
(75)
23,937

2,587
(26,524)
156,765
(197,974) $

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)

(2,145) $

(164,888)
(167,033) $

(1,148) $
(76,186)
(77,334) $

(4,315) $

(193,659)
(197,974) $

(1,160)
(203,006)
(204,166)

82

 
 
Benefit Costs:

Components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 

Pension and
SERPA Benefits

Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits

2015

2014

2013

2015

2014

2013

$

40,039

$

31,498

$

35,987

$

8,259

$

7,015

$

Service cost

Interest cost

Special early retirement benefits

87,345

10,563

86,923

—
(136,734)

79,248

—
(127,327)

Expected return on plan assets

(144,929)

Amortization of unrecognized:

Prior service cost (credit)

Net loss

Settlement loss

435

54,709

368

1,119

36,563

—

1,746

58,608

—

14,166

622
(11,506)

(3,217)
3,971

—

16,878

—
(10,429)

(3,853)
4,729

—

7,858

15,599

—
(9,537)

(3,853)
8,549

—

Net periodic benefit cost

$

48,530

$

19,369

$

48,262

$

12,295

$

14,340

$

18,616

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. 

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, 2015 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

5,445

513,107

Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
$

(9,044) $
51,645

518,552

$

42,601

$

$

$

Total

(3,599)
564,752

561,153

Amounts expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax, during the year ended December 31, 2016 are 

as follows (in thousands): 

Prior service cost (credit)

Net actuarial loss

Total

Pension and
SERPA Benefits

636

29,182

Postretirement
Healthcare Benefits
$

(1,765) $
2,227

29,818

$

462

$

$

$

Total

(1,129)
31,409

30,280

83

 
 
Assumptions:

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

2015

2014

2013

2015

2014

2013

4.53%

3.50%

4.21%

7.75%

4.00%

4.21%

4.00%

5.08%

7.75%

4.00%

5.08%

4.00%

4.23%

7.75%

4.00%

4.29%

n/a

3.99%

7.70%

n/a

3.99%

n/a

4.70%

7.70%

n/a

4.70%

n/a

3.93%

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 $1.92 billion as of 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The following table summarizes information related to the Company pension plan with a PBO in excess of the fair value 

of plan assets at December 31 (in millions): 

Pension plan with PBOs in excess of fair value of plan assets:

PBO

Fair value of plan assets

2015

2014

$

$

1,964.0

1,842.0

$

$

2,023.4

1,992.6

The fair value of pension plan assets was greater than the plan's ABO at December 31, 2015 and 2014. 

The Company’s SERPA plans, which can only be funded as claims are paid, had projected and accumulated benefit 

obligations of $45.0 million and $35.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 and $46.6 million and $33.6 million, 
respectively, as of December 31, 2014.

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 63% equities and 37% fixed-income and cash. 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 and cash. Equity 
holdings primarily include investments in small-, medium-, and large-cap companies in the U.S., 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 

84

 
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.

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, 2015 were as follows (in thousands): 

Balance as of
December 31, 2015

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

$

33,539

$

1,485

$

32,054

$

Equity holdings:

U.S. companies

Foreign companies

Harley-Davidson common stock

Pooled equity funds

Private equity/real estate

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

574,826

113,803

57,808

301,824

23,441
1,071,702

42,827

43,695

388,439

184,142

64,533

13,090

736,726

571,949

113,803

57,808

301,824

109
1,045,493

42,827

—

—

49,271

—

—

92,098

2,877

—

—

—

—
2,877

—

43,695

388,439

134,871

64,533

13,090

644,628

—

—

—

—

—

23,332
23,332

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Total pension plan assets

$

1,841,967

$

1,139,076

$

679,559

$

23,332

Included in the pension plan assets are 1,273,592 shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $57.8 

million at December 31, 2015.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 

3) as of December 31, 2015 (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

Private Equity/
Real Estate

$

$

31,086

2,375
(10,129)
23,332

85

The fair values of the Company’s postretirement healthcare plan assets as of December 31, 2015, were as follows (in 

thousands): 

Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Equity holdings:

U.S. companies

Foreign companies

Pooled equity funds

Private equity/real estate

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

Balance as of
December 31, 2015

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

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

$

6,068

$

2,980

$

3,088

$

74,083

17,267

17,410

4,902

113,662

10,531

6,508

10,270

8,305

890

531

37,035

74,083

16,849

17,410

11

108,353

10,531

—

—

—

—

—

10,531

—

418

—

—

418

—

6,508

10,270

8,305

890

531

26,504

—

—

—

—

4,891

4,891

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

156,765

$

121,864

$

30,010

$

4,891

The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 

3) as of December 31, 2015 (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

Private Equity/
Real Estate

$

$

3,869

1,362
(340)
4,891

86

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

Private equity/real estate

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

Private Equity/
Real Estate

$

$

34,234

(3,178)
30
31,086

87

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

$

8,033

$

7,278

$

755

$

Equity holdings:

U.S. companies

Foreign companies

Pooled equity funds

Private equity/real estate

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

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

Private Equity/
Real Estate

$

$

—

(178)
4,047

3,869

No plan assets are expected to be returned to the Company during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.

For 2016, the Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return is 7.5% for pension assets and 7.5% 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

2015

2014

7.5%

5.0%

2021

8.0%

5.0%

2021

88

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 2015

Accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2015

Future Contributions and Benefit Payments:

One
Percent
Increase

One
Percent
Decrease

$

$

755

12,211

$

$

(605)
(10,875)

In January 2016, the Company voluntarily contributed $25.0 million to further fund its qualified pension plan. No 
pension plan contributions are required in 2016. The Company expects it will continue to make on-going contributions related 
to current benefit payments for SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans in 2016(1).

The expected benefit payments for the next five years and thereafter were as follows (in thousands): 

2016

2017
2018

2019

2020

2021-2025

Defined Contribution Plans:

Pension
Benefits

SERPA
Benefits

Postretirement
Healthcare
Benefits

$

$
$

$

$

$

77,310

78,884
80,877

83,377

86,533

497,276

$

$
$

$

$

$

2,145

2,215
2,234

2,683

2,976

21,253

$

$
$

$

$

$

33,848

33,160
31,571

29,975

28,139

129,295

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 $18.0 million, $18.1 million and $14.9 million for Company contributions 
during 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 $15.0 million, $12.0 million and $12.5 
million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Future minimum operating lease payments at December 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands): 

2016
2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Total operating lease payments

15.    Commitments and Contingencies

$

$

13,727
9,324

7,725

6,883

4,772

13,098

55,529

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.

89

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 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 primarily through 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 184.7 million 

and 211.9 million common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

90

During 2015, the Company repurchased 28.0 million shares of its common stock at a weighted-average price of $55. 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

2015 Authorization

Total

Shares Repurchased

2015

2014

2013

Authorization Remaining
at December 31, 2015

0.9

0.9

20.0

6.0

27.8

3.2

5.8

—

—

9.0

—

7.7

—

—

7.7

—

—

—

9.0

9.0

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. 

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.

2015 Authorization – In June 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors separately authorized the Company to buy back up 

to 15.0 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, 2015, there were 8.3 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.

91

  
Assumptions used in calculating the lattice-based fair value of options granted during 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as 

follows: 

Expected average term (in years)

Expected volatility

Weighted average volatility

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

2015

2014

2013

6.0

6.1

6.1

24% - 30%

25% - 34%

27% - 36%

28%

2.0%

32%

1.8%

33%

1.6%

0.1% - 2.0%

0.1% - 2.8%

0.1% - 2.1%

The following table summarizes the stock option transactions for the year ended December 31, 2015 (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

2,717

$

468
$
(517) $
(165) $
$
2,503

1,888

$

43

63

39

64

47

42

The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $13, 

$14 and $12, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015, there was $3.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that is 

expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.

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

2015

2014

2013

$

$

$

9,890

16,605

16,605

$

$

$

31,623

61,947

54,071

$

$

$

28,879

100,054

81,930

The Company’s policy is to issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of employee stock options.

Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 (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

3.1

4.0

2.1

5.1

4.5

6.4

4.9

3.7

322

200

202

418

464

897

2,503

1,888

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

13

24

39

44

52

64

47

42

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.

92

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, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 

Expected average term (in years)

Expected volatility

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

2015

5.3 - 7.4

28% - 30%

2.7%

2014

3.7 - 5.4

25% - 31%

1.7%

0.2% - 2.3%

0.0% - 2.3%

The following table summarizes the SAR transactions for the year ended December 31, 2015 (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

176

$

12
$
(26) $
— $

162

137

$

$

30

63

26
—

33

28

The weighted-average fair value of SARs granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $13, 

$14 and $12, respectively.

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, 2015 (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

920

$

472
$
(454) $
(88) $
$
850

54

63

53
62

59

As of December 31, 2015, 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 1.7 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.

93

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, 2015 (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

129

$

64
$
(64) $
(20) $
$
109

66

47

56

50

49

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

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

2015

2014

2013

$

752,207

$

844,611

$

733,993

202,681

1,005

216,305

1,401

222,475

1,596

203,686

217,706

224,071

$

$

3.71

3.69

$

$

3.90

3.88

$

$

3.30

3.28

Options to purchase 1.0 million, 0.5 million and 0.9 million weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding 
during 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

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 on-road 
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: Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific. 

94

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

Operating income from Motorcycles

Financial Services revenue

Financial Services expense

Operating income from Financial Services

2015
5,308,744

1,952,460

1,076,970

875,490

686,658

406,453

280,205

$

$

$

$

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

991,763

870,609

641,582

358,489

283,093

$

$

$

$

Financial Services revenue includes $6.9 million, $8.1 million and $10.4 million of interest that HDMC paid to HDFS on 

wholesale finance receivables in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The offsetting cost of these interest incentives was 
recorded as a reduction to Motorcycles revenue.

Information by segment is set forth below as of December 31 (in thousands): 

2015

Total assets

Depreciation and amortization

Capital expenditures

2014

Total assets

Depreciation and amortization

Capital expenditures

2013

Total assets

Depreciation and amortization

Capital expenditures

Motorcycles

Financial
Services

Consolidated

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,528,530

188,926

249,772

2,502,190

171,187

224,262

2,793,497

160,181

199,354

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

7,462,637

9,148

10,202

7,025,907

8,113

8,057

6,611,543

6,891

8,967

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

9,991,167

198,074

259,974

9,528,097

179,300

232,319

9,405,040

167,072

208,321

95

 Geographic Information:

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

2015

2014

2013

$

3,768,069

$

3,773,087

$

3,562,847

728,198

162,675

178,042

165,854

305,906

5,308,744

656,888

5,373

21,180
3,217

686,658

915,509

26,909

942,418

$

$

$

$

$

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

$

$

$

$

$

(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.

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 until August 2015. On August 4, 2015, the 
Company completed its purchase of certain assets and liabilities from Deeley Imports including, among other things, the 
acquisition of the exclusive right to distribute the Company's motorcycles and other products in Canada. As a result of the 
acquisition, the Company no longer does business with Deeley Imports. Refer to Note 3 for further details.

In 2015, the Company recorded $111.3 million Motorcycles and Related Products revenue and Financial Services 
revenue from Deeley Imports which represents sales to Deeley Imports through August 4, 2015. The Company had no finance 
receivables balances due from Deeley Imports at December 31, 2015. 

The Company recorded Motorcycles and Related Products revenue and Financial Services revenue from Deeley Imports 

during 2014 and 2013 of $194.8 million and $204.8 million, respectively, and had finance receivables balances due from 
Deeley Imports of $7.4 million and $11.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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. 

96

Revenue:

Motorcycles and Related Products

$

5,318,850

$

— $

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2015

Eliminations

Consolidated

(10,106) $
(1,553)
(11,659)

5,308,744

686,658

5,995,402

$

678,010

$

174,197

$

(100,000) $

Year Ended December 31, 2014

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

—

5,318,850

3,356,284

—

—

1,078,525

4,434,809

884,041

106,585

12,117

978,509

300,499

688,211

688,211

—

161,983

101,345

153,229

416,557

271,654

—

—

271,654

97,457

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

—

—

—

(11,659)
(11,659)
—
(100,000)
—
(100,000)
—

—

—

—

(11,534)
(11,534)
—
(120,000)
—
(120,000)
—

3,356,284

161,983

101,345

1,220,095

4,839,707

1,155,695

6,585

12,117

1,150,163

397,956

752,207

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

Eliminations

Consolidated

(10,016) $
(1,518)
(11,534)

5,567,681

660,827

6,228,508

$

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
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

—

—

993,247

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

1,124,753

4,746,170

1,153,702

5,859

45,256

1,114,305

380,312

733,993

$

745,077

$

173,916

$

(185,000) $

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, 2015

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

400,443

$

321,766

$

— $

45,192

390,799

—

—

—

2,053,582

585,907

—

56,319

90,824

1,569,484

—

906,972

54,182

86,075

140,034

—

88,267

46,450

49,078

2,559,143

4,814,571

35,446

—

15,681

37,796

2,756,747

$

7,462,637

$

220,050

$

158,958

$

387,137

—

—

607,187

746,934

164,888

193,659

166,440

89,048

1,201,380

843,620

2,293,006

4,098,454

—

—

28,560

—
(143,394)
—

—

—

—
(2,079)
(145,473)
—

—

—
(2,142)
(80,602)
(228,217) $

(143,394) $
(4,221)
—

—
(147,615)
—

—

—

—

$

$

722,209

45,192

247,405

2,053,582

585,907

88,267

102,769

137,823

3,983,154

4,814,571

942,418

54,182

99,614

97,228

9,991,167

235,614

471,964

1,201,380

843,620

2,752,578

4,845,388

164,888

193,659

195,000

877,639

1,042,617

$

2,756,747

$

7,462,637

$

(80,602)
(228,217) $

1,839,654

9,991,167

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

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

100

 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:

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

Depreciation and amortization

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

Amortization of financing origination fees

Provision for long-term employee 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

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

Acquisition of business

Other

Net cash used by investing activities

Year Ended December 31, 2015

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Eliminations
&
Adjustments

Consolidated

$

678,010

$

174,197

$ (100,000) $

752,207

188,926

—

267

60,824
(28,490)
26,775

—

—

—
(4,792)
20,067
(442)

4,055

—
(155,222)
81,929
(5,615)
33,658

221,940

899,950

9,148

93,546

9,708

—

—

2,658

—

101,345

1,099
(11,692)
—

1,288

—
(3,046)
—

18,539

—
(3,287)
219,306

393,503

—

—

—

—

—

—
(113,970)
—

—

—

—

—

(17,720)
—

—

38,355

—

—
(93,335)
(193,335)

198,074

93,546

9,975

60,824
(28,490)
29,433
(113,970)
101,345

1,099
(16,484)
20,067

846

(13,665)
(3,046)
(155,222)
138,823
(5,615)
30,371

347,911

1,100,118

(249,772)

(10,202)
— (7,836,279)
— 7,127,999

11,507
(59,910)
7,474
(290,701)

—

—

—
(718,482)

—

4,084,449
(3,991,114)
—

—

—

93,335

(259,974)
(3,751,830)
3,136,885

11,507
(59,910)
7,474
(915,848)

101

 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of medium-term notes

Repayments of medium-term notes

Proceeds from issuance 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

Cash and cash equivalents:

Year Ended December 31, 2015

Motorcycles
& Related
Products
Operations

Financial
Services
Operations

Eliminations
&
Adjustments

Consolidated

740,385

250,000

—

—

595,386
(610,331)
—
(250,000)
— 1,195,668
— (1,008,135)
87,442
—
(72,727)

—

—

—
(249,262)
(1,537,020)
3,468

20,179
(772,250)
(10,451)
$ (173,452) $

469,473

11,410
(100,000)
—

—

—

318,186
(4,226)
(11,019) $

—

—

—

—

595,386
(610,331)
740,385

—

— 1,195,668
— (1,008,135)
87,442
—
(72,727)

—

—

469,473

100,000

—

11,410
(249,262)
— (1,537,020)
3,468
—

100,000

—

20,179
(354,064)
(14,677)
—
— $ (184,471)

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

$

$

573,895
(173,452)
400,443

$

$

332,785
(11,019)
321,766

$

$

— $

—

— $

906,680
(184,471)
722,209

102

 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:

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

Depreciation and amortization

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

Amortization of financing origination fees

Provision for long-term employee 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

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)
18,255

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)
21,309

703
(3,389)
302,066

1,146,677

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

41,010

1,837
(744,650)

103

 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance medium-term notes

Repayments of medium-term notes

Repayments of senior unsecured note

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 in cash and cash equivalents

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

63,945
(77,800)
22,755
(120,000)
—

—

—

251,481
(2,784)
(14,915) $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

120,000

—

—

991,835
(526,431)
(303,000)
—

847,126
(834,856)
84,907

63,945
(77,800)
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 – 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

$

$

104

 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:

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

Depreciation and amortization

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs

Amortization of financing origination fees

Provision for long-term employee 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

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)
(85,949)
(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

—

—

—

—

—

—

28,865

—

—

—

—

—

(12,380)
—

—

12,380

—

—

28,865
(156,135)

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)
(78,665)
(2,189)
68,681

243,100

977,093

(199,354)

(8,967)
— (7,140,533)
— 6,757,387

(4,998)
40,108

16,355
(147,889)

—

—

—
(392,113)

—

3,896,528
(3,925,393)
—

—

—
(28,865)

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

16,355
(568,867)

105

 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:

Repayment 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

22.    Subsequent Events

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

—

In January 2016, HDFS issued $600.0 million of medium-term notes that mature in January 2019 and have an annual 
interest rate of 2.25% and $600.0 million of medium-term notes that mature in January 2021 and have an annual interest rate of 
2.85%.

106

 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
(In millions, except per share data) 

Motorcycles:

Revenue

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Mar 29,
2015

Mar 30,
2014

June 28,
2015

June 29,
2014

Sep 27,
2015

Sep 28,
2014

Dec 31,
2015

Dec 31,
2014

$1,510.6

$1,571.7

$1,650.8

$1,834.3

$1,140.3

$1,130.6

$1,007.1

$1,031.2

Operating income

$ 345.5

$ 347.7

$ 380.6

$ 473.3

$ 143.1

$ 146.3

$

6.4

$

35.9

Financial Services:

Revenue

Operating income

Consolidated:

$ 162.4

$ 154.4

$ 173.6

$ 166.4

$ 177.1

$ 171.0

$ 173.6

$ 169.0

$

64.7

$

63.2

$

81.9

$

74.4

$

72.8

$

77.8

Income before taxes

$ 411.4

$ 408.9

$ 464.0

$ 549.1

$ 214.2

$ 225.5

Net income

$ 269.9

$ 265.9

$ 299.8

$ 354.2

$ 140.3

$ 150.1

Earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

$

$

1.28

1.27

$

$

1.21

1.21

$

$

1.44

1.44

$

$

1.63

1.62

$

$

0.69

0.69

$

$

0.70

0.69

$

$

$

$

$

60.9

60.6

42.2

0.22

0.22

$

$

$

$

$

62.4

99.9

74.5

0.35

0.35

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 
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 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 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.”

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, 2015 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 2016 annual meeting of shareholders, 

which will be filed on or about March 21, 2016 (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, 2015:

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)

2,503,201

$

46.67

8,282,271

— $

— $

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

26,718

96,770

108,797

232,285

8,514,556

Total all plans

2,503,201

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 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,
2015

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2015

Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2015

Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2015

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 118 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.

52

53

54

56

57

58

111

114

110

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 
(In thousands)

Schedule II

Accounts receivable – allowance for doubtful accounts

2015

2014

2013

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

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

3,458

$

266
(276)
(543)
2,905

127,364

101,345
(81,531)
147,178

17,775

19,564
(1,028)
(9,571)
26,740

25,462
(4,803)
20,659

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

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

(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 18, 2016.

SIGNATURES

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.

By:

/S/ Matthew S. Levatich
Matthew S. Levatich
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 18, 2016.

Name

Title

/S/ Matthew S. Levatich
Matthew S. Levatich

President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal executive officer)

/S/ John A. Olin
John A. Olin

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial officer)

/S/ Mark R. Kornetzke
Mark R. Kornetzke

Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal accounting officer)

/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

Non-Executive Chairman

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

113

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]

Exhibit No    Description

2.1

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

4.10

4.11

4.12

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated April 30, 2015, among Harley-Davidson Canada LP, Fred Deeley Imports Ltd. and
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc., as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))
Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended through April 27, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to
the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))

Harley-Davidson, Inc. By-Laws, as amended through April 27, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference by reference to
Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (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 on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-9183))

5-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2014, 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 Current on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 30, 2014 (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 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the
Registrant’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 1-9183))

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 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to the
Registrant’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 1-9183))

Officers' Certificate, dated February 26, 2015, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011,
with the form of 2.150% Medium-Term Notes due 2020

Indenture, dated July 28, 2015, by and between Haley-Davidson, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company,
N.A., as Trustee. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
July 28, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))

Officers' Certificate, dated July 28, 2015 establishing the form of 3.500% Senior Notes due 2025 and 4.625% Senior Notes
due 2045 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on From 8-K dates July 28,
2015 (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

4.13

4.14

4.15

10.1*

10.2*

10.3*

10.4*

10.5*

10.6*

10.7*

10.8*

10.9*

10.10*

10.11*

10.12*

10.13*

Officers' Certificate dated January 8, 2016, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with
the form of 2.250% Medium-Term Notes due 2019 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 5, 2016 (File No. 1-9183))

Officers' certificate dated January 8, 2016, pursuant to Sections 102 and 301 of the Indenture, dated March 4, 2011, with
the form of 2.850% Medium-Term Notes due 2021 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 5, 2016 (File No. 1-9183))

Amendment No. 2 to 5-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2014, 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, relating to the 5-Year Credit Agreement, dates 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.

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))

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 (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014
(File No. 1-9183))

Director Compensation Policy approved April 24, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2015 (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 the Appendix to the Company’s
definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 25, 2015 (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))

* 

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

10.14*

10.15*

10.16*

10.17*

10.18*

10.19*

10.20*

10.21*

10.22*

10.23*

10.24*

10.25*

10.26*

10.27*

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))

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 Mr. Hund (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 on 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 on 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 on 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 on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 (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

10.28*

10.29*

10.30*

10.31*

10.32*

10.33*

10.34*

10.35*

10.36*

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 Notice of Grant Award of Stock Options and Stock Option Agreement (Standard) of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under
the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant Award of Stock Options and Stock Option Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-
Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 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 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Deferred) of Harley-
Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 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 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (International) of Harley-
Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 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 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Special) of Harley-
Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 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 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Standard) of Harley-
Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 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 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Transition Agreement) of
Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 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 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Grant Award of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Deferred) of Harley-
Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 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 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))

10.37.*

Form of Notice of Grant Award of Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement of Harley-
Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 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 29, 2015 (File No. 1-9183))

10.38*

10.39*

10.40*

10.41*

10.42*

10.43*

10.44*

10.45*

Form of Severance Benefits Agreement between the Registrant and each of Messrs. Hund, Jones, Levatich and Olin
(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 and Olin (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))

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))

Form of Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement between the Registrant and each of Messrs. 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))

Form on Non-competition and Non-solicitation Agreement between Harley-Davidson Canada LP, Fred Deeley Imports
Ltd. and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc., as amended (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 2.1 to the
Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28,2015 (File No. 1-9183))

Form of Notice of Award of Performance Shares and Performance Shares Agreement (Standard) of Harley-Davidson, Inc.
under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan

Form of Notice of Award of Performance Share Units and Performance Share Unit Agreement (Standard International)
 of Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan

Form of Notice of Award of Performance Shares and Performance Shares Agreement (Transition Agreement) of Harley-
Davidson, Inc. under the Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2014 Incentive Stock Plan

* 

Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of 
the Company participated.

117

  
  
  
  
  
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[Items 15(a)(3) and 15(c)]

Exhibit No    Description

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,
2015, filed on February 18, 2016 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.

* 

Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of 
the Company participated.

118

  
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.

119