Harley-Davidson Inc Stock Downgraded (HOG)

Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model.

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) has been downgraded by TheStreet Ratings from buy to hold. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its notable return on equity, expanding profit margins and solid stock price performance. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including unimpressive growth in net income, premium valuation and weak operating cash flow.

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Highlights from the ratings report include:

• Current return on equity exceeded its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a clear sign of strength within the company. In comparison to the other companies in the Automobiles industry and the overall market, HARLEY-DAVIDSON INC's return on equity significantly exceeds that of the industry average and is above that of the S&P 500.
• 46.40% is the gross profit margin for HARLEY-DAVIDSON INC which we consider to be strong. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Along with this, the net profit margin of 10.70% is above that of the industry average.
• HARLEY-DAVIDSON INC's earnings per share declined by 24.4% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, HARLEY-DAVIDSON INC increased its bottom line by earning $2.34 versus $1.10 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($2.70 versus $2.34).
• Net operating cash flow has declined marginally to $424.26 million or 1.01% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, when comparing to the industry average, the firm's growth rate is much lower.

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Harley-Davidson, Inc. engages in the production and sale of heavyweight motorcycles. It operates in two segments, Motorcycles and Related Products, and Financial Services. The company has a P/E ratio of 17.5, below the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7. Harley-Davidson has a market cap of $10.46 billion and is part of the consumer goods sector and automotive industry. Shares are up 18.9% year to date as of the close of trading on Tuesday.

You can view the full Harley-Davidson Ratings Report or get investment ideas from our investment research center.

-- Written by a member of TheStreet Ratings Staff

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