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Harley-Davidson: A Piece Of Americana On Sale

from https://seekingalpha.com Summary Harley-Davidson has the power of a strong brand name that resonates well with consumers. While it’s had its fair share of recent challenges, I’m encouraged by the company’s turnaround efforts being led by its new CEO. I expect the company to benefit from an increased need for outdoor recreation, and see the shares as undervalued. During the current COVID-19 environment, technology stocks seem to get all of the glory. However, I believe that by looking beyond the headlines, one can find value in stocks that are positioned to benefit from the current environment. One such stock that I see is Harley-Davidson (HOG), which is a well-recognized, classic American company. In this article, I evaluate what makes this an attractive investment at the current valuation; so let’s get started. Looking Into Harley-Davidson There are perhaps few companies that spell Americana more than Harley-Davidson. Its iconic brand is synonymous with motorcycles and is loved by enthusiasts in the U.S. and around the world. Its loyal customer base like the fact that the bikes are highly customizable, therefore making each bike their own personal expression. What I like about the company is that its brand transcends beyond just the product, and into a feeling. Emotions play a huge role behind consumers’ large discretionary purchases, and this is exemplified by the following quote from the company:’ The current environment, however, has not been kind to Harley. Revenue was down by 47% YoY in the latest quarter due to lower shipments, and the company posted a net loss of -$1.83 per share. This was due to a combination of restructuring charges and the fact that nearly 60% of its global dealer network was closed back in April. In addition, Harley had lingering issues with a bloated cost structure and an inefficient supply […]

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Harley’s activist investor backs business reboot strategy

by Rajesh Kumar Singh from https://www.reuters.com CHICAGO (Reuters) – An activist investor who shook up Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG.N) earlier this year said he is impressed with the changes initiated by new Chief Executive Jochen Zeitz to turn around the 117-year-old motorcycle company. Impala Asset Management, the $2.4 billion hedge fund, pushed for the ouster of Zeitz’s predecessor Matt Levatich in January. Months later, it tried to install two directors on Harley’s board, asking for operational fixes to recover its market share in the United States, Europe and Japan. “For the first time in five to six years, the company is on the right track again,” Bob Bishop, founder and chief investment officer at Impala, told Reuters. Zeitz, who took the reins in February, is rebooting Harley’s business by shifting the focus back to big bikes, traditional markets like the United States and Europe, and older and wealthier customers. The new strategy echoes some of the changes Impala has been pushing for. Bishop said Harley should not pursue sales growth at any cost. Instead, it needs to market itself like Ferrari and become an “aspirational” brand, he added. Bishop does not buy the argument that Harley’s sales in the United States – its biggest market – are suffering because of an aging customer base. He dubbed that an “excuse” to cover the company’s shrinking market share, citing evidence from Europe and Japan where industry sales of motorcycles have been growing despite older demographics. “When you build up the brand, you will sell more bikes,” Bishop said. “Get rid of this idea that the demographics is killing them.” Impala bought 1.2 million Harley shares in the quarter through June, increasing its stake to 2.52% from 1.73% in the first quarter of the year. It also expects an agreement with Harley next month

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Harley-Davidson grants board seat to investor Impala

#by Svea Herbst-Bayliss from https://www.reuters.com/ (Reuters) – Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG.N) said on Monday it settled a board fight with Impala Asset Management just days after the investor began pressing to replace two directors at America’s oldest and best-known motorcycle maker. An independent director, mutually agreed on by Impala and Harley, will join the board after the company’s annual meeting, which was held in May last year, and before July 31. Impala, which owns roughly 2% of Harley’s stock, nominated two directors two weeks ago as the $2.8 billion hedge fund wanted the iconic American brand to return to its roots after focusing on electric motorcycles and concentrate on its core riders. It had criticized the company for losing market share and for being slow to fix poor returns. In January it pushed for the ouster of Chief Executive Matt Levatich. He resigned in February after five years as CEO during which the company lost more than half of its value. On Monday, the two sides cast aside some differences as the coronavirus outbreak makes it tougher for companies to stay in business and falling stock prices are hurting many investors. Harley and Impala entered the “agreement in the spirit of cooperation during trying times, viewing it as a necessity to move forward,” the company said in a regulatory filing. The $2.7 billion company’s stock fell 4.38% on Monday to $17.02, having tumbled some 50% since the start of the year. Two weeks ago Impala nominated former auto industry executive Brent Dewar and Leo Hindery, Jr., who has public board experience, as directors to Harley’s nine member board. Now neither will be considered for the board seat, according to the agreement. Impala will not be allowed to suggest someone working for the fund for the board seat. Impala is run by

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Harley-Davidson faces proxy fight with investor Impala

by Svea Herbst-Bayliss from https://www.reuters.com The $2.8 billion hedge fund run by Robert Bishop, which owns 1.9 million Harley shares, or 1.2% of the company, has nominated former auto industry executive Brent Dewar and Leo Hindery, Jr., who has public board experience, as directors to Harley’s nine-member board. BOSTON: Harley-Davidson Inc faces a battle with one of its investors after Impala Asset Management said on Wednesday it will try to install two directors at America’s oldest and best-known motorcycle maker. The $2.8 billion hedge fund run by Robert Bishop, which owns 1.9 million Harley shares, or 1.2% of the company, has nominated former auto industry executive Brent Dewar and Leo Hindery, Jr., who has public board experience, as directors to Harley’s nine member board. Harley has rejected the two men, saying in a filing that they would not bring fresh skills and declining to settle with Impala when the hedge fund first approached the company about new nominations to the board. Impala has criticized the company for losing market share and the board for being slow fixing poor returns. It also pushed for the ouster of former CEO Matt Levatich in January. “Impala approached the Board and advocated for the removal of then-CEO Levatich and a modest refresh of the Board itself. We believed then, and still believe, that the Company underperformed its potential under Mr. Levatich and that the Board should have taken action on its own,” the hedge fund said in a filing. Harley tapped long-time board member Jochen Zeitz as interim CEO on Feb. 28. A German passport holder, Zeitz’s appointment came just days before U.S. President Donald Trump banned some travel from Europe amid the spread of the coronavirus that has sent markets reeling and killed more than 8,700 people so far. The motorcycle maker said

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