793952--2/27/2007--HARLEY_DAVIDSON

related topics

{customer, product, revenue}

{product, market, service}

{financial, litigation, operation}

{system, service, information}

{condition, economic, financial}

{cost, operation, labor}

{cost, contract, operation}

{loss, insurance, financial}

{operation, international, foreign}

{product, liability, claim}

{personnel, key, retain}

{cost, regulation, environmental}

The Company has a number of competitors of varying sizes that are based both inside and outside the United States some of which have greater financial resources than the Company. The Company s marketing strategy of associating its motorcycle products with a motorcycling lifestyle may not be successful with future customers. The Company s success depends upon the continued strength of the Harley-Davidson brand. The Company s prospects for future growth are largely dependent upon its ability to develop and successfully introduce new, innovative and compliant products. The Company s Motorcycles segment is dependent upon unionized labor. The Company s operations are dependent upon attracting and retaining skilled employees. The Company incurs substantial costs with respect to pension benefits and providing healthcare for its employees. The Company manufactures products that create exposure to product liability claims and litigation. The Company sells its products at wholesale and must rely on a network of independent dealers and distributors to manage the retail distribution of its products. The Company and its independent dealers must balance the economies of level production with a more seasonal retail sales pattern. 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 must maintain its reputation of being a good corporate citizen and treating customers, employees, suppliers and other stakeholders fairly. The Company must invest in and successfully implement new information systems and technology. The Company is the defendant in several class action and similar lawsuits. There is a Securities and Exchange Commission inquiry relating to the Company. The Company must comply with governmental laws and regulations that are subject to change and involve significant costs. Breaches of security involving consumers personal data could adversely affect the Company s reputation, revenue and earnings The Company s financial services operations are highly dependent on accessing capital markets to fund its operations at attractive interest rates. The Company s financial services operations are exposed to credit risk on its retail and wholesale receivables, receivables held for sale, and its investment in retained securitization interests. The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates.

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793952--2/27/2007--HARLEY_DAVIDSON_INC