UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(X) Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 26, 2006

  or

(   ) 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
39-1382325
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

3700 West Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

53208
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) (414) 342-4680

None
(Former name, former address and former
fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   X   No ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

Large accelerated filer (X)         Accelerated filer (   )         Non-accelerated filer (   )

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes___ No   X  

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock Outstanding as of April 27, 2006: 268,647,706 shares


HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.

Form 10-Q Index For
the Quarter Ended March 26, 2006

     Page

     Part I.
Financial Information  

     Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements

 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income   3

 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets   4

 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows   5

 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 6-12   

     Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations 13-25    

     Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 26

     Item 4.
Controls and Procedures 26

     Part II.
Other Information

     Item 1.
Legal Proceedings 27

     Item 1A.
Risk Factors 29

     Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 29

     Item 6.
Exhibits 30

     Signatures
31

     Exhibit Index
32




2


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Three months ended
March 26,
2006

March 27,
2005

Net revenue     $ 1,285,090   $ 1,235,464  
Cost of goods sold    791,876    771,181  


Gross profit    493,214    464,283  

Financial services income
    95,901    88,812  
Financial services expense    44,270    35,253  


Operating income from financial services    51,631    53,559  

Selling, administrative and engineering expense
    185,659    172,700  


Income from operations    359,186    345,142  
Investment income and other, net    7,317    7,129  


Income before provision for income taxes    366,503    352,271  
Provision for income taxes    131,940    125,056  


Net income   $ 234,563   $ 227,215  



Earnings per common share:
  
  Basic   $ 0.86   $ 0.78  
  Diluted   $ 0.86   $ 0.77  

Cash dividends per common share
   $ 0.18   $ 0.125  

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

3


Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

March 26,
2006

December 31,
2005

March 27,
2005

(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
ASSETS                
Current assets:  
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 196,464   $ 140,975   $ 200,379  
    Marketable securities    915,434    905,197    1,184,148  
    Accounts receivable, net    148,561    122,087    146,199  
    Finance receivables held for sale    131,389    299,373    222,802  
    Finance receivables held for investment, net    1,546,417    1,342,393    1,386,665  
    Inventories    256,788    221,418    246,875  
    Other current assets    103,953    113,794    93,216  



Total current assets    3,299,006    3,145,237    3,480,284  

Finance receivables held for investment, net
    625,664    600,831    531,250  
Property, plant and equipment, net    992,328    1,011,612    1,008,591  
Prepaid pension costs    356,791    368,165    151,877  
Goodwill    56,892    56,563    58,437  
Other assets    69,166    72,801    75,334  



    $ 5,399,847   $ 5,255,209   $ 5,305,773  




LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  
Current liabilities:  
    Accounts payable   $ 334,840   $ 270,614   $ 292,033  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities    506,836    397,525    509,492  
    Current portion of finance debt    93,610    204,973    264,360  



Total current liabilities    935,286    873,112    1,065,885  

Finance debt
    1,000,000    1,000,000    800,000  
Postretirement healthcare benefits    64,573    60,975    51,297  
Other long-term liabilities    235,400    237,517    117,754  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
  

Total shareholders’ equity
    3,164,588    3,083,605    3,270,837  



    $ 5,399,847   $ 5,255,209   $ 5,305,773  



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

4


Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

Three months ended
March 26,
2006

March 27,
2005

Cash flows from operating activities:            
  Net income   $ 234,563   $ 227,215  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by  
    operating activities:  
      Depreciation    54,232    53,325  
      Provision for long-term employee benefits    24,482    12,112  
      Provision for share-based payments    5,289    7,020  
      Gain on current year securitizations    (8,647 )  (19,201 )
      Net change in wholesale finance receivables    (201,948 )  (191,108 )
      Origination of retail finance receivables held for sale    (604,924 )  (527,040 )
      Collections on retail finance receivables held for sale    25,749    30,754  
      Proceeds from securitization of retail finance receivables    723,234    721,974  
      Contributions to pension and postretirement plans    (2,726 )  (109,000 )
      Other, net    1,553    (2,787 )
      Net changes in current assets and current liabilities    114,344    74,098  


  Total adjustments    130,638    50,147  


Net cash provided by operating activities    365,201    277,362  

Cash flows from investing activities:
  
  Capital expenditures    (36,017 )  (39,025 )
  Origination of finance receivables held for investment    (82,456 )  (109,987 )
  Collections on finance receivables held for investment    62,619    33,137  
  Collection of retained securitization interests    6,960    26,330  
  Purchase of marketable securities    (231,773 )  (318,838 )
  Sales and redemptions of marketable securities    222,147    468,683  
  Other, net    4,373    (2,365 )


Net cash (used) provided by investing activities    (54,147 )  57,935  

Cash flows from financing activities:
  
  Net decrease in finance-credit facilities and  
    commercial paper    (105,707 )  (222,642 )
  Dividends paid    (48,955 )  (36,541 )
  Purchase of common stock for treasury    (107,065 )  (175,796 )
  Excess tax benefits from share-based payments    1,098    5,699  
  Issuance of common stock under employee  
    stock option plans    5,064    19,203  


Net cash used by financing activities    (255,565 )  (410,077 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    55,489    (74,780 )

Cash and cash equivalents:
  
  At beginning of period    140,975    275,159  


  At end of period   $ 196,464   $ 200,379  


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

5


HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Harley-Davidson, Inc. (the “Company”) without audit. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. However, the foregoing statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of Company management, necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005 and the condensed consolidated statements of income and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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.

Note 2 – Additional Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Information

The Company values its inventories at the lower of cost or market, principally using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

March 26,
2006

December 31,
2005

March 27,
2005

Components at the lower of first-in, first-out                
  (FIFO) cost or market:  
    Raw materials and work-in-process   $ 86,682   $ 90,955   $ 75,921  
    Motorcycle finished goods    103,587    73,736    88,215  
    Part and accessories and general merchandise    90,809    80,017    105,118  



     281,078    244,708    269,254  
Excess of FIFO over LIFO    24,290    23,290    22,379  



    $ 256,788   $ 221,418   $ 246,875  






6


Net changes in current assets and liabilities included in the statement of cash flows to adjust net income to net cash provided by operating activities was comprised of the following (in thousands):

Three months ended
March 26,
2006

March 27,
2005

Accounts receivable, net     ($ 25,710 ) ($ 24,866 )
Finance receivables - accrued interest and other    169    2,896  
Inventories    (33,849 )  (19,982 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses    167,583    109,526  
Other    6,151    6,524  


    $ 114,344   $ 74,098  


Note 3 – Product Warranty

The Company provides a standard two-year limited warranty on all new motorcycles sold. The warranty coverage for the retail customer includes parts and labor and begins when the motorcycle is sold to a retail customer. The Company maintains reserves for future warranty claims using an estimated cost per unit sold, which is based on historical Company claim information. Changes in the Company’s warranty liability were as follows (in thousands):

Three months ended
March 26,
2006

March 27,
2005

Balance, beginning of period     $ 34,319   $ 39,998  
Warranties issued during the period    10,201    9,209  
Settlements made during the period    (8,765 )  (5,842 )
Changes to the liability for pre-existing  
  warranties during the period    8,517    (2,540 )


Balance, end of period   $ 44,272   $ 40,825  


During the three months ended March 26, 2006, the liability related to warranties issued prior to December 31, 2005 was adjusted to reflect an increase in the estimated cost associated with the second year of the Company’s two-year warranty plan. Beginning with shipments of 2004 model year motorcycles, the Company extended its warranty coverage from one year to two years. The Company has determined, based on actual second year claims data that is now available, that the cost associated with extending the warranty period is higher than originally anticipated.




7


Note 4 – Business Segments

The Company operates in two business segments: Motorcycles & Related Products (Motorcycles) and Financial Services (Financial Services). The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations. Selected segment information is set forth below (in thousands):

Three months ended
March 26,
2006

March 27,
2005

Net revenue     $ 1,285,090   $ 1,235,464  

Gross profit
    493,214    464,283  
Operating expenses    180,902    165,426  


  Operating income from Motorcycles and Related Products    312,312    298,857  

Financial Services income
    95,901    88,812  
Financial Services expense    44,270    35,253  


  Operating income from Financial Services    51,631    53,559  

Corporate expenses
    4,757    7,274  


Income from operations   $ 359,186   $ 345,142  


Note 5 – Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Three months ended
March 26,
2006

March 27,
2005

Numerator            
Net income used in computing basic and diluted  
  earnings per common share   $ 234,563   $ 227,215  



Denominator
  
Denominator for basic earnings per common share -  
  weighted-average common shares    272,966    293,148  
Effect of dilutive securities - employee  
  stock options and nonvested stock    657    1,013  


Denominator for diluted earnings per common share -  
  adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding    273,623    294,161  



Basic earnings per common share
   $ 0.86   $ 0.78  
Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.86   $ 0.77  

8


Outstanding options to purchase 3.2 million shares of common stock were not included in the Company’s computation of dilutive securities for the quarter ended March 26, 2006 because the exercise price was greater than the market price and therefore the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Note 6 – Comprehensive Income

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of net income to comprehensive income (in thousands):

Three months ended
March 26,
2006

March 27,
2005


Net income
    $ 234,563   $ 227,215  
Foreign currency translation adjustments    1,104    (5,173 )
Changes in net unrealized gains and losses, net of tax:  
  Retained securitization interest    (8,641 )  (1,143 )
  Derivative financial instruments    (2,044 )  13,690  
  Marketable securities    378    (1,805 )



Comprehensive income
   $ 225,360   $ 232,784  


Note 7 – Employee Benefit Plans

The Company has several defined benefit pension plans and postretirement healthcare benefit plans (Retirement Plans), which cover substantially all 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. Components of net periodic benefit costs were as follows (in thousands):

Three months ended
March 26,
2006

March 27,
2005

Pension and SERPA Benefits            
Service cost   $ 12,190   $ 10,093  
Interest cost    13,110    12,486  
Expected return on plan assets    (19,104 )  (15,641 )
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost    1,749    1,759  
Amortization of unrecognized net loss    4,389    3,265  


Net periodic benefit cost   $ 12,334   $ 11,962  



Postretirement Healthcare Benefits
  
Service cost   $ 3,236   $ 2,634  
Interest cost    4,019    3,685  
Expected return on plan assets    (2,278 )  (1,108 )
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost    (281 )  (329 )
Amortization of unrecognized net loss    1,629    1,248  


Net periodic benefit cost   $ 6,325   $ 6,130  


9


During 2006, the Company expects to continue its practice of funding the SERPA and postretirement healthcare plans in amounts equal to benefits paid during the year. During 2006, the Company does not expect to make contributions to further pre-fund its pension and postretirement plans.

Note 8 – 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.

Shareholder Lawsuits:

A number of shareholder class action lawsuits were filed between May 18, 2005 and July 1, 2005 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin against the Company and some or all of the following Company officers: Jeffrey L. Bleustein, James M. Brostowitz, Jon R. Flickinger, John A. Hevey, Ronald M. Hutchinson, Gail A. Lione, James A. McCaslin, W. Kenneth Sutton, Jr., Donna F. Zarcone and James L. Ziemer. The complaints allege securities law violations and seek unspecified damages relating generally to the Company’s April 13, 2005 announcement that it was reducing short-term production growth and planned increases of motorcycle shipments from 317,000 units in 2004 to a new 2005 target of 329,000 units (compared to its original target of 339,000 units). On February 14, 2006, the court ordered the actions consolidated and appointed Lead Plaintiffs and Co-Lead Plaintiffs’ Counsel.

Three shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin on June 3, 2005, October 25, 2005 (this lawsuit was later voluntarily dismissed) and December 2, 2005 and two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court on July 22, 2005 and November 16, 2005 against some or all of the following directors and officers of the Company:  Jeffrey L. Bleustein, James L. Ziemer, James M. Brostowitz, Barry K. Allen, Richard I. Beattie, George H. Conrades, Judson C. Green, Donald A. James, Sara L. Levinson, George L. Miles, Jr., James A. Norling, James A. McCaslin, Donna F. Zarcone, Jon R. Flickinger, Gail A. Lione, Ronald M. Hutchinson, W. Kenneth Sutton, Jr., and John A. Hevey.  The lawsuits also name the Company as a nominal defendant.  In general, the shareholder derivative complaints include factual allegations similar to those in the class action complaints and allegations that officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company. On February 14, 2006, the state court consolidated the two state court derivative actions and on February 15, 2006, the federal court consolidated the federal derivative lawsuits with the securities and ERISA (see below) actions for administrative purposes. 

On July 11, 2005, the staff of the Enforcement Division of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) advised the Company that it is inquiring into matters relating generally to the Company’s April 13, 2005 announcement and certain allegations contained in the shareholder complaints. The Company is cooperating with the SEC.

On August 25, 2005, a class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin against the Company, the Administrative Committee of Harley-Davidson, Inc., and the following Company employees, officers, and directors:  Harold A. Scott, James M. Brostowitz, James L. Ziemer, Gail A. Lione, Barry K. Allen, Richard I. Beattie, Jeffrey L. Bleustein, George H. Conrades, Judson C. Green, Donald A. James, Sara L. Levinson, George L. Miles, Jr., and James A. Norling.  In general, the ERISA complaint includes factual allegations similar to those in the shareholder class action lawsuits and alleges on behalf of participants in certain Harley-Davidson retirement savings plans that the plan fiduciaries breached their ERISA fiduciary duties. As noted above, on February 15, 2006, the court ordered the ERISA action consolidated with the federal derivative and securities actions for administrative purposes.

10


The Company believes the allegations against all of the defendants in the lawsuits against the Company are without merit and it intends to vigorously defend against them. Since all of these matters are in the preliminary stages, the Company is unable to predict the scope or outcome or quantify their eventual impact, if any, on the Company. At this time the Company is also unable to estimate associated expenses or possible losses. The Company maintains insurance that may limit its financial exposure for defense costs and liability for an unfavorable outcome, should it not prevail, for claims covered by the insurance coverage.

Cam Bearing Lawsuit:

In January 2001, the Company, on its own initiative, notified each owner of 1999 and early-2000 model year Harley-Davidson motorcycles equipped with Twin Cam 88® and Twin Cam 88B™ engines that the Company was extending the warranty for a rear cam bearing to 5 years or 50,000 miles. Subsequently, on June 28, 2001, a putative nationwide class action was filed against the Company in state court in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, which was amended by a complaint filed September 28, 2001. The complaint alleged that this cam bearing is defective and asserted various legal theories. The complaint sought unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for affected owners, an order compelling the Company to repair the engines, and other relief. On February 27, 2002, the Company’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint was granted by the Court and the amended complaint was dismissed in its entirety. An appeal was filed with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. On April 12, 2002, the same attorneys filed a second putative nationwide class action against the Company in state court in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin relating to this cam bearing issue and asserting different legal theories than in the first action. The complaint sought unspecified compensatory damages, an order compelling the Company to repair the engines and other relief. On September 23, 2002, the Company’s motion to dismiss was granted by the Court, the complaint was dismissed in its entirety, and no appeal was taken. On January 14, 2003, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s February 27, 2002 dismissal of the complaint in the first action, and the Company petitioned the Wisconsin Supreme Court for review. On March 26, 2004, the Wisconsin Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals and dismissed the remaining claims in the action. On April 12, 2004, the same attorneys filed a third action in the state court in Milwaukee County, on behalf of the same plaintiffs from the action dismissed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This third action was dismissed by the court on July 26, 2004. In addition, the plaintiffs in the original case moved to reopen that matter and amend the complaint to add new causes of action. On September 9, 2004, Milwaukee County Circuit Court refused to allow the reopening or amendment.  Plaintiffs again appealed to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and on December 13, 2005, the Court of Appeals again reversed the trial court.  On January 12, 2006, the Company filed a petition for review with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which was granted, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear this latest appeal.  The Company believes that the 5-year/50,000 mile warranty extension it announced in January 2001 adequately addressed the condition for affected owners, and the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend this matter.

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).

11


In January 1995, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the Agreement) with the Navy. 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.

In February 2002, the Company was advised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it considers some of the Company’s remediation activities at the York facility to be subject to the EPA’s corrective action program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and offered the Company the option of addressing corrective action under a RCRA facility lead agreement. In July 2005, the York facility was designated as the first site in Pennsylvania to be addressed under the “One Cleanup Program.” The program provides a more streamlined and efficient oversight of voluntary remediation by both PADEP and EPA and will be carried out consistent with the Agreement with the Navy. As a result, the RCRA facility lead agreement has been superseded.

Although the RI/FS is still under way and substantial uncertainty exists concerning the nature and scope of the additional environmental investigation and remediation that will ultimately be required at the York facility, the Company estimates that its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility will be approximately $6.0 million. The Company has established reserves for this amount, which are included in Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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 related to the remediation of soil are expected to be incurred over a period of several years ending in 2010. Response Costs related to ground water remediation may continue for some time beyond 2010. However, these Response Costs are expected to be much lower than those related to the remediation of soil.

Under the terms of the sale of the Commercial Vehicles Division in 1996, the Company has agreed to indemnify Utilimaster Corporation, until 2008, for certain claims related to environmental contamination present at the date of sale, up to $20.0 million. Based on the environmental studies performed the Company does not expect to incur any material expenditures under this indemnification.

Product Liability Matters:

Additionally, 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 will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 9 – Reclassifications

Prior to December 31, 2005 finance receivables held for sale were not separately classified in the balance sheet; therefore, prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. In addition, cash flows relating to finance receivables held for sale, which were previously reported in cash flows from investing activities, have been reclassified to cash flows from operating activities to conform to the current year presentation. As a result of the reclassifications, net cash provided by operating activities increased by $225.7 million during the period ended March 27, 2005 offset by a decrease in net cash provided by investing activities in the same amount.

Certain other prior year amounts relating to prepaid pension costs and other assets have also been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

12


Item 2. 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), Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Harley-Davidson Motor Company manufactures five families of motorcycles: Touring, Dyna™, Softail®, VRSC™ and Sportster®. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles, including seven twin-cylinder XB models and the single-cylinder Buell® Blast®. Buell also offers a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. HDFS provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs primarily to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.

Overview(1)

The Company’s net revenue for the first quarter of 2006 was $1.29 billion, up 4.0% over the same quarter last year, due primarily to a 3.6% increase in shipments of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles over the first quarter of 2005. Net income and diluted earnings per share also grew during the first quarter of 2006, with increases over the prior year quarter of 3.2% and 11.7%, respectively. The increase in diluted earnings per share includes the benefit of fewer weighted average shares outstanding when compared to the same quarter last year. The decrease in weighted-average shares outstanding was driven primarily by the Company’s repurchase of 20.6 million shares of common stock that occurred during 2005.

The Company’s independent dealer network also reported increases in retail motorcycle unit sales during the first quarter of 2006. Through the first three months of 2006, worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were up 6.9% over the same period last year. In the United States, retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 5.8% during the quarter. Internationally, retail sales were up 11.6% over the first quarter of 2005 with increases in Europe and Japan of 6.6% and 16.3%, respectively. Retail sales data is compiled by the Company from sales and warranty registrations provided by the Company’s independent dealers.

The Company’s wholesale shipment target for the second quarter of 2006 is 78,000 Harley-Davidson 2006 model year motorcycles. The Company is also planning to produce 13,000 Harley-Davidson 2007 model year motorcycles during the second quarter. The Company is planning to begin production of its 2007 model year motorcycles in the later part of the second quarter to prepare for the new 2007 model introduction in mid-July 2006; however, these 2007 motorcycles will not be shipped to dealers until the third quarter of 2006. The Company’s wholesale shipment target for calendar year 2006 remains between 348,000 and 352,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Company believes that the prospects for retail growth remain strong and support a wholesale unit growth rate in the range of 5 to 9 percent annually and an annual EPS growth rate of 11% to 17%.


(1) Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this report are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such by reference to this footnote or because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company “believes,”“anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” or “estimates”or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this report. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described in close proximity to such statements or elsewhere in this report, including under the caption “Cautionary Statements” included in this report, and in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this report are made only as of the date of the filing of this report (May 5, 2006), and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

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Over the last several years, the Company has been working to increase the availability of its motorcycles at dealers to improve the customer experience. The Company believes that increased availability leads to independent dealers providing wider selections of motorcycles at manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and, as a result, the Company is better positioned to attract retail buyers that are new to the brand or new to the sport of motorcycling. The Company understands that improving the availability of its motorcycles to customers results in retail purchases that will track more closely with the riding season, requiring the Company and its independent dealers to balance the economies of level production with a more seasonal retail sales pattern.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 26, 2006
Compared to the Three Months Ended March 27, 2005

The “% Change” figures included in this section have been calculated using unrounded dollar amounts and may differ from calculations using the rounded dollar amounts presented.

Overall

For the quarter ended March 26, 2006, net revenue totaled $1.29 billion, a $49.6 million or 4.0% increase over the same period last year. Net income for the first quarter of 2006 was $234.6 million compared to $227.2 million in the first quarter of 2005, an increase of 3.2%. Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2006 was $0.86 representing an 11.7% increase over 2005 first quarter diluted earnings per share of $0.77. Diluted earnings per share during the first quarter of 2006 were positively impacted by a decrease in the weighted-average shares outstanding, which were 273.6 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to 294.2 million in the same quarter last year. The decrease in weighted-average shares outstanding was driven primarily by the Company’s repurchase of 20.6 million shares of common stock that occurred during 2005. The Company’s share repurchases are discussed in further detail under “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Motorcycle Unit Shipments & Net Revenue

The following table includes wholesale motorcycle unit shipments and net revenue for the Motorcycles segment for the three months ended March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005 (dollars in millions):

2006
2005
Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change

Motorcycle Unit Shipments                    
Touring motorcycle units    27,537    25,071    2,466    9.8 %
Custom motorcycle units*    35,794    34,286    1,508    4.4 %
Sportster motorcycle units    16,175    17,359    (1,184 )  -6.8 %



Harley-Davidson motorcycle units    79,506    76,716    2,790    3.6 %

Buell motorcycle units
    3,037    2,469    568    23.0 %



Total motorcycle units    82,543    79,185    3,358    4.2 %




Net Revenue
  
Harley-Davidson motorcycles   $ 1,008.5   $ 979.0   $ 29.5    3.0 %
Buell motorcycles    24.1    20.1    4.0    19.9 %



Total motorcycles    1,032.6    999.1    33.5    3.4 %

Parts & Accessories
    182.9    176.9    6.0    3.4 %
General Merchandise    68.6    59.5    9.1    15.3 %
Other    1.0    0.0    1.0    N/M  



Net revenue   $ 1,285.1   $ 1,235.5   $ 49.6    4.0 %



  * Custom motorcycle units, as used in this table, include Softail, Dyna, VRSC and other custom models.

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During the first quarter of 2006, Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue was up 3.0% from the same quarter last year due primarily to an increase in Harley-Davidson motorcycle shipments of 2,790 units. Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue also received a modest benefit during the first quarter of 2006 from favorable changes in product mix and higher wholesale prices on its 2006 model year motorcycles. However, the positive revenue impact related to mix and pricing was more than offset by unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. During the first quarter of 2006, unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, related primarily to European currencies, resulted in approximately $13.3 million of lower revenue when compared to the same period last year.

During the first quarter of 2006, net revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A) was up 3.4% over the first quarter of 2005. General Merchandise revenue during the first quarter of 2006 was up 15.3% over the same period last year. On a long-term basis, the Company continues to expect that the growth rate for P&A revenue will be slightly higher than the growth rate for Harley-Davidson motorcycle units and that the growth rate for General Merchandise revenue will be lower than the growth rate for Harley-Davidson motorcycle units.(1)

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales

The Company sells its motorcycles at wholesale to an independent network of distributors and dealers who in turn sell the Company’s products at retail. Worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 6.9% during the first quarter of 2006 over the same period last year.  Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 5.8% in the United States and 11.6% internationally, when compared to the first quarter of 2005.  On an industry-wide basis, the heavyweight (651+cc) portion of the market was up 6.9% in the United States and 4.6% in Europe when compared to the first quarter of 2005. The following table includes retail unit sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for first quarters of 2006 and 2005 (units in thousands):

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Retail Sales (a)
Heavyweight (651+cc)

2006
2005
Change

United States
     56.8    53.7    5.8 %
Europe (b)    6.9    6.5    6.6 %
Japan    2.5    2.1    16.3 %
Canada    1.8    1.9    -7.1 %
All other markets    3.5    2.6    34.4 %


Total Retail Sales    71.5    66.8    6.9 %



  (a) Data source for retail sales figures shown above is sales and warranty registrations 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) Europe retail sales includes sales in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.



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The following table includes industry retail motorcycle registration data through the month indicated (units in thousands):  

Motorcycle Industry Retail RegistrationsHeavyweight
(651+cc)

2006
2005
Change

United States (a)
     109.1    102.0    6.9 %

Europe (b)
    33.3    31.8    4.6 %

  (a) U.S. data provided by the Motorcycle Industry Council through March.
  (b) Europe data provided by Giral S.A., includes retail sales in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom through February.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $493.2 million for the Motorcycles segment in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of $28.9 million or 6.2% over the same quarter last year. Gross margin for the first quarter of 2006 was 38.4% compared to 37.6% in the first quarter of 2005. During the first quarter of 2006, the increase in gross margin was driven by foreign currency hedging and transaction gains, wholesale price increases and a favorable motorcycle product mix.

Financial Services

The following table includes the condensed statements of operations for the Financial Services segment (which consists of HDFS) for the three months ended March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005 (in millions):

2006
2005
Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change


Interest income
    $ 42.4   $ 34.0   $ 8.4    24.6 %
Income from securitizations    28.7    37.0    (8.3 )  -22.4 %
Other income    24.8    17.8    7.0    39.3 %



Financial services income    95.9    88.8    7.1    8.0 %

Interest expense
    15.1    8.9    6.2    69.6 %
Operating expenses    29.2    26.3    2.9    10.7 %



Financial services expense    44.3    35.2    9.1    25.6 %



Operating income from financial services   $ 51.6   $ 53.6   ($2.0 )  -3.6 %



During the first quarter of 2006, interest income benefited from higher average wholesale outstanding receivables and higher wholesale lending rates as compared to the same period in 2005.  The increase in other income was primarily due to an increase in securitization servicing income and revenues from insurance commissions and related products.  Interest expense was higher in the first quarter of 2006 due to increased borrowings to support higher average outstanding receivables and higher borrowing costs as compared to 2005.

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Income from securitizations in the first quarter of 2006 was lower as compared to the first quarter of 2005 due to lower gains on 2006 securitization transactions, partially offset by an increase in income on the investment in retained securitization interests.  During the first quarter of 2006, income on the investment in retained securitization interests was $20.1 million, an increase of $2.3 million over the first quarter of 2005, due primarily to higher income on prior years’ securitization transactions.

During the first quarter of 2006, HDFS sold $730.0 million in retail motorcycle loans through a securitization transaction resulting in a gain of $8.6 million.  This compares with a gain of $19.2 million on $730.0 million of loans securitized during the first quarter of 2005.  The 2006 gain as a percentage of loans sold was 1.2% as compared to 2.6% for 2005.  The 2006 gain as a percentage of the amount of loans securitized was lower than the prior year due to rising market interest rates, increased credit losses on motorcycle loans and the competitive environment for motorcycle lending.

HDFS’ annualized losses on its managed retail motorcycle loans were 1.48% during the first quarter of 2006 compared to 1.38% during the first quarter of 2005. Managed retail loans include loans held by HDFS which are retained on the balance sheet as well as those sold through securitization. The increase in losses was due to lower recoveries, as a percentage of the outstanding loan balance, on repossessed motorcycles and a higher incidence of loss.

Over the long term, the Company expects that the Financial Services operating income growth rate will be slightly higher than the Company’s Harley-Davidson wholesale unit shipment growth rate.(1)

Changes in the allowance for finance credit losses on owned finance receivables during the three months ended March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005 were as follows (in millions):

2006
2005

Balance, beginning of period
    $ 26.2   $ 30.3  
Provision for finance credit losses    2.7    (0.5 )
Charge-offs, net of recoveries    (1.4 )  (1.7 )


Balance, end of period   $ 27.5   $ 28.1  


HDFS’ periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is generally based on HDFS’ past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, and current economic conditions.  HDFS believes the allowance is adequate to cover the losses of principal and accrued interest in the existing portfolio.

Operating Expenses

The following table includes operating expenses for the Motorcycles segment and Corporate for the three months ended March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005 (in millions):

2006
2005
Increase
(Decrease)

%
Change


Motorcycles and Related Products
    $ 180.9   $ 165.4   $ 15.5    9.4 %
Corporate    4.8    7.3    (2.5 )  -34.2 %



Total operating expenses   $ 185.7   $ 172.7   $ 13.0    7.5 %




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The increase in operating expenses during the first quarter of 2006 was driven primarily by a higher provision for future warranty costs associated with the Company’s two-year warranty plan (see Note 3 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

Corporate expenses during the first quarter of 2006 were lower than in the same period last year due to a decrease in executive stock compensation expense. During the first quarter of 2005, stock compensation expense was higher primarily as a result of the accelerated amortization of expense for stock awards granted to the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer.

Total operating expenses, which include selling, administrative and engineering expenses, were 14.4% and 14.0% of net revenue for the first quarters of 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Provision for income taxes

The Company’s effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2006 was 36.0% compared to 35.5% in the same quarter last year. This increase was due to the expiration of the federal research and development tax credit as of December 31, 2005. The Company expects its annual effective tax rate in 2006 to be 35.5%, assuming the retroactive reinstatement of this tax credit.(1)









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Other Matters

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.

Shareholder Lawsuits:

A number of shareholder class action lawsuits were filed between May 18, 2005 and July 1, 2005 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin against the Company and some or all of the following Company officers: Jeffrey L. Bleustein, James M. Brostowitz, Jon R. Flickinger, John A. Hevey, Ronald M. Hutchinson, Gail A. Lione, James A. McCaslin, W. Kenneth Sutton, Jr., Donna F. Zarcone and James L. Ziemer. The complaints allege securities law violations and seek unspecified damages relating generally to the Company’s April 13, 2005 announcement that it was reducing short-term production growth and planned increases of motorcycle shipments from 317,000 units in 2004 to a new 2005 target of 329,000 units (compared to its original target of 339,000 units). On February 14, 2006, the court ordered the actions consolidated and appointed Lead Plaintiffs and Co-Lead Plaintiffs’ Counsel.

Three shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin on June 3, 2005, October 25, 2005 (this lawsuit was later voluntarily dismissed) and December 2, 2005 and two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court on July 22, 2005 and November 16, 2005 against some or all of the following directors and officers of the Company:  Jeffrey L. Bleustein, James L. Ziemer, James M. Brostowitz, Barry K. Allen, Richard I. Beattie, George H. Conrades, Judson C. Green, Donald A. James, Sara L. Levinson, George L. Miles, Jr., James A. Norling, James A. McCaslin, Donna F. Zarcone, Jon R. Flickinger, Gail A. Lione, Ronald M. Hutchinson, W. Kenneth Sutton, Jr., and John A. Hevey.  The lawsuits also name the Company as a nominal defendant.  In general, the shareholder derivative complaints include factual allegations similar to those in the class action complaints and allegations that officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company. On February 14, 2006, the state court consolidated the two state court derivative actions and on February 15, 2006, the federal court consolidated the federal derivative lawsuits with the securities and ERISA (see below) actions for administrative purposes. 

On July 11, 2005, the staff of the Enforcement Division of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) advised the Company that it is inquiring into matters relating generally to the Company’s April 13, 2005 announcement and certain allegations contained in the shareholder complaints. The Company is cooperating with the SEC.

On August 25, 2005, a class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin against the Company, the Administrative Committee of Harley-Davidson, Inc., and the following Company employees, officers, and directors:  Harold A. Scott, James M. Brostowitz, James L. Ziemer, Gail A. Lione, Barry K. Allen, Richard I. Beattie, Jeffrey L. Bleustein, George H. Conrades, Judson C. Green, Donald A. James, Sara L. Levinson, George L. Miles, Jr., and James A. Norling.  In general, the ERISA complaint includes factual allegations similar to those in the shareholder class action lawsuits and alleges on behalf of participants in certain Harley-Davidson retirement savings plans that the plan fiduciaries breached their ERISA fiduciary duties. As noted above, on February 15, 2006, the court ordered the ERISA action consolidated with the federal derivative and securities actions for administrative purposes.

The Company believes the allegations against all of the defendants in the lawsuits against the Company are without merit and it intends to vigorously defend against them. Since all of these matters are in the preliminary stages, the Company is unable to predict the scope or outcome or quantify their eventual impact, if any, on the Company. At this time the Company is also unable to estimate associated expenses or possible losses. The Company maintains insurance that may limit its financial exposure for defense costs and liability for an unfavorable outcome, should it not prevail, for claims covered by the insurance coverage.

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Cam Bearing Lawsuit:

In January 2001, the Company, on its own initiative, notified each owner of 1999 and early-2000 model year Harley-Davidson motorcycles equipped with Twin Cam 88® and Twin Cam 88B™ engines that the Company was extending the warranty for a rear cam bearing to 5 years or 50,000 miles. Subsequently, on June 28, 2001, a putative nationwide class action was filed against the Company in state court in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, which was amended by a complaint filed September 28, 2001. The complaint alleged that this cam bearing is defective and asserted various legal theories. The complaint sought unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for affected owners, an order compelling the Company to repair the engines, and other relief. On February 27, 2002, the Company’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint was granted by the Court and the amended complaint was dismissed in its entirety. An appeal was filed with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. On April 12, 2002, the same attorneys filed a second putative nationwide class action against the Company in state court in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin relating to this cam bearing issue and asserting different legal theories than in the first action. The complaint sought unspecified compensatory damages, an order compelling the Company to repair the engines and other relief. On September 23, 2002, the Company’s motion to dismiss was granted by the Court, the complaint was dismissed in its entirety, and no appeal was taken. On January 14, 2003, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s February 27, 2002 dismissal of the complaint in the first action, and the Company petitioned the Wisconsin Supreme Court for review. On March 26, 2004, the Wisconsin Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals and dismissed the remaining claims in the action. On April 12, 2004, the same attorneys filed a third action in the state court in Milwaukee County, on behalf of the same plaintiffs from the action dismissed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This third action was dismissed by the court on July 26, 2004. In addition, the plaintiffs in the original case moved to reopen that matter and amend the complaint to add new causes of action. On September 9, 2004, Milwaukee County Circuit Court refused to allow the reopening or amendment.  Plaintiffs again appealed to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and on December 13, 2005, the Court of Appeals again reversed the trial court.  On January 12, 2006, the Company filed a petition for review with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which was granted, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear this latest appeal.  The Company believes that the 5-year/50,000 mile warranty extension it announced in January 2001 adequately addressed the condition for affected owners, and the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend this matter.

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. 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.

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In February 2002, the Company was advised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it considers some of the Company’s remediation activities at the York facility to be subject to the EPA’s corrective action program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and offered the Company the option of addressing corrective action under a RCRA facility lead agreement. In July 2005, the York facility was designated as the first site in Pennsylvania to be addressed under the “One Cleanup Program.” The program provides a more streamlined and efficient oversight of voluntary remediation by both PADEP and EPA and will be carried out consistent with the Agreement with the Navy. As a result, the RCRA facility lead agreement has been superseded.

Although the RI/FS is still under way and substantial uncertainty exists concerning the nature and scope of the additional environmental investigation and remediation that will ultimately be required at the York facility, the Company estimates that its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility will be approximately $6.0 million. The Company has established reserves for this amount, which are included in Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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 related to the remediation of soil are expected to be incurred over a period of several years ending in 2010. Response Costs related to ground water remediation may continue for some time beyond 2010. However, these Response Costs are expected to be much lower than those related to the remediation of soil.

Under the terms of the sale of the Commercial Vehicles Division in 1996, the Company has agreed to indemnify Utilimaster Corporation, until 2008, for certain claims related to environmental contamination present at the date of sale, up to $20.0 million. Based on the environmental studies performed the Company does not expect to incur any material expenditures under this indemnification.

Product Liability Matters:

Additionally, 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 will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.





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Liquidity and Capital Resources as of March 26, 2006

The Company’s financial condition and cash-generating capability are fundamental strengths and provide substantial flexibility in meeting the operating, investing and financing needs of the Company.(1) This flexibility allows the Company to pursue its growth strategies and to enhance shareholder value through repurchasing common stock and paying dividends.  The Company also has a commercial paper program, credit facilities and debt instruments in place to support the ongoing cash requirements of HDFS.

Cash and Marketable Securities

Cash and marketable securities totaled $1.11 billion as of the end of the first quarter 2006 compared to $1.05 billion as of December 31, 2005. This increase was driven by cash flow from operations and includes the impact of cash outflows for common stock repurchases and an increased dividend payment, which are discussed in more detail below.  The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are invested in short-term securities to provide for immediate operating cash needs. The Company also invests in marketable securities consisting primarily of investment-grade debt instruments such as corporate bonds and government backed securities with contractual maturities of approximately 1 year. Marketable securities also include auction rate securities which have contractual maturities of up to 30 years, but have interest re-set dates that occur every 90 days or less and can be actively marketed at ongoing auctions that occur every 90 days or less.

Operating Activities

The Company’s primary source of ongoing liquidity is cash flow from operations.  The Company generated $365.2 million of cash from operating activities during the first quarter of 2006 compared to $277.4 million in the first quarter of 2005.  In 2005, first quarter cash flows from operating activities included the impact of Company payments totaling $109.0 million to pre-fund pension and postretirement healthcare benefits.

The Company’s cash flow from operating activities includes cash flows related to finance receivables held for sale.  Prior to December 2005, the Company classified the cash flow effects of finance receivables held for sale as an investing activity in its Statements of Cash Flows.  All related 2005 first quarter amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.  The effect of the reclassification on 2005 first quarter net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in investing activities is summarized in Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the first quarters of 2006 and 2005, HDFS originated $604.9 million and $527.0 million, respectively, of finance receivables held for sale.  Collections on finance receivables held for sale and proceeds from the sale of finance receivables resulted in cash inflows of $749.0 million and $752.7 million during the first quarters of 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Investing Activities

Net cash used by investing activities was $54.1 million during the first three months of 2006, compared to a cash inflow of $57.9 million during the same period last year. The Company’s investing activities consist primarily of capital expenditures, net changes in finance receivables and net changes in marketable securities.

Capital expenditures were $36.0 million and $39.0 million during the first three months of 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company estimates that total capital expenditures in 2006 will be in the range of $250 million to $275 million.(1) The Company anticipates it will have the ability to fund all capital expenditures in 2006 with internally generated funds.(1)

Increases in marketable securities balances in 2006 resulted in a reduction to cash of $9.6 million during the first three months of 2006. Sales and redemptions of marketable securities net of purchases provided $149.8 million of cash during the first quarter of 2005.

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During the first three months of 2006 and 2005, net changes in finance receivables held for investment resulted in investing cash outflows of $19.8 million and $76.9 million, respectively.

Financing Activities

The Company’s financing activities consist primarily of stock transactions, dividend payments and finance debt activity. Net cash used in financing activities during the first three months of 2006 and 2005 was $255.6 million and $410.1 million, respectively.

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company repurchased 2.1 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of $107.1 million. The Company repurchased these shares under a general authorization provided by the Company’s Board of Directors in April 2005 to buy back 20.0 million shares. A total of 17.9 million shares remained under this authorization as of March 26, 2006. The Company also has an authorization from the Company’s Board of Directors that is designed to provide the Company with continuing authority to repurchase shares to offset dilution caused by the exercise of stock options. Please see Part II, Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds for additional detail regarding the Company’s 2006 first quarter share repurchase activity and authorizations. During the first three months of 2005, the Company repurchased 2.9 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of $175.8 million. The Company repurchased 2.3 million shares under a general authorization provided by the Company’s Board of Directors in 2004. The remaining 0.6 million shares were repurchased under the Company’s continuing authority to repurchase shares to offset dilution caused by the exercise of stock options.

The Company paid dividends of $.18 per share at a total cost of $49.0 million during the first quarter of 2006, compared to dividends of $.125 per share totaling $36.5 million during the same period last year.

In addition to operating cash flow and proceeds from asset-backed securitizations, HDFS is financed by the issuance of commercial paper, borrowings under a revolving credit facility, medium-term notes, senior subordinated debt and borrowings from the Company.  HDFS’ outstanding debt consisted of the following as of March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005 (in millions):

2006
2005

Commercial paper
    $ 314.4   $ 483.1  
Borrowings under credit facilities    169.7    164.7  


     484.1    647.8  
Medium-term notes    579.5    386.6  
Senior subordinated debt    30.0    30.0  


  Total finance debt   $ 1,093.6   $ 1,064.4  


Credit Facilities — HDFS has a $1.10 billion revolving credit facility (Global Credit Facility) due September 2009. Subject to certain limitations, HDFS has the option to borrow in various currencies.  Interest is based on London interbank offered rates (LIBOR), European interbank offered rates or other short-term indices, depending on the type of advance.  The Global Credit Facility is a committed facility and HDFS pays a fee for its availability.

Commercial Paper — Subject to limitations, HDFS may issue up to $1.10 billion of short-term commercial paper with maturities up to 365 days. Outstanding commercial paper may not exceed the unused portion of the Global Credit Facility. As a result, the combined total of commercial paper and borrowings under the Global Credit Facility was limited to $1.10 billion as of March 26, 2006.

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Medium-Term Notes — HDFS has $400.0 million of 3.63% medium-term notes outstanding which are due in December 2008 and $200.0 million of 5.0% medium-term notes outstanding which are due in December 2010 (collectively referred to as “Notes”). The Notes provide for semi-annual interest payments and principal due at maturity. As of March 26, 2006, the Notes included a fair value adjustment that reduced the balance by $20.4 million, due to interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges. The effect of the interest rate swap agreements is to convert the interest rate on a portion of the Notes from a fixed to a floating rate, which is based on 3-month LIBOR.

Senior Subordinated Debt — HDFS has $30.0 million of 10 year senior subordinated notes outstanding which are due in 2007.

Intercompany Borrowing — HDFS has a revolving credit line with the Company whereby HDFS may borrow up to $210.0 million from the Company at a market interest rate. As of March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005, HDFS had no outstanding borrowings owed to the Company under this 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 certain financial covenants. 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.

HDFS is subject to various operating and financial covenants related to the Global Credit Facility and the Notes and remained in compliance with all such covenants at March 26, 2006.

The Company expects that future activities of HDFS will be financed from funds internally generated by HDFS, the sale of loans through securitization programs, issuance of commercial paper and medium-term notes, borrowings under revolving credit facilities, advances or loans from the Company and subordinated debt.(1)

Cautionary Statements

The Company’s ability to meet the targets and expectations noted in this Form 10-Q depends upon, among other factors, the Company’s ability to (i) continue to realize production efficiencies at its production facilities and manage operating costs including materials, labor and overhead; (ii) manage production capacity and production changes; (iii) manage supply chain issues; (iv) provide products, services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace; (v) develop and implement sales and marketing plans that retain existing customers and attract new customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace; (vi) sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services to its independent dealers and distributors; (vii) continue to develop the capacity of its distributor and dealer network; (viii) prepare for and manage changes resulting from requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations; (ix) adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices; (x) adjust to worldwide economic and political conditions, including changes in fuel prices and interest rates; (xi) manage the credit quality and recovery rates of HDFS’s loan portfolio; (xii) retain and attract talented employees and (xiii) detect any defects in our motorcycles to minimize delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation. In addition, the Company could experience delays in the operation of manufacturing facilities as a result of work stoppages, natural causes, terrorism or other factors. These risks, potential delays and uncertainties regarding the costs could also adversely impact the Company’s capital expenditure estimates (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section).

The Company’s ability to sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services also depends on the ability of the Company’s independent dealer network to sell them to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability of its independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand for the motorcycles and related products and services they purchase from the Company. In addition, the Company’s independent dealers and distributors may experience difficulties in selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products and services as a result of weather, economic conditions or other factors.

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In addition, see “Risk Factors” under Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 which includes a discussion of additional factors and a more complete discussion of some of the cautionary statements noted above.

















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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Refer to the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 for a complete discussion of the Company’s market risk. There have been no material changes to the market risk information included in the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year December 31, 2005.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and 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 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date of such evaluation to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, was made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was being prepared.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s first quarter of 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.









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Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. 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.

Shareholder Lawsuits:

A number of shareholder class action lawsuits were filed between May 18, 2005 and July 1, 2005 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin against the Company and some or all of the following Company officers: Jeffrey L. Bleustein, James M. Brostowitz, Jon R. Flickinger, John A. Hevey, Ronald M. Hutchinson, Gail A. Lione, James A. McCaslin, W. Kenneth Sutton, Jr., Donna F. Zarcone and James L. Ziemer. The complaints allege securities law violations and seek unspecified damages relating generally to the Company’s April 13, 2005 announcement that it was reducing short-term production growth and planned increases of motorcycle shipments from 317,000 units in 2004 to a new 2005 target of 329,000 units (compared to its original target of 339,000 units). On February 14, 2006, the court ordered the actions consolidated and appointed Lead Plaintiffs and Co-Lead Plaintiffs’ Counsel.

Three shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin on June 3, 2005, October 25, 2005 (this lawsuit was later voluntarily dismissed) and December 2, 2005 and two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court on July 22, 2005 and November 16, 2005 against some or all of the following directors and officers of the Company:  Jeffrey L. Bleustein, James L. Ziemer, James M. Brostowitz, Barry K. Allen, Richard I. Beattie, George H. Conrades, Judson C. Green, Donald A. James, Sara L. Levinson, George L. Miles, Jr., James A. Norling, James A. McCaslin, Donna F. Zarcone, Jon R. Flickinger, Gail A. Lione, Ronald M. Hutchinson, W. Kenneth Sutton, Jr., and John A. Hevey.  The lawsuits also name the Company as a nominal defendant.  In general, the shareholder derivative complaints include factual allegations similar to those in the class action complaints and allegations that officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company. On February 14, 2006, the state court consolidated the two state court derivative actions and on February 15, 2006, the federal court consolidated the federal derivative lawsuits with the securities and ERISA (see below) actions for administrative purposes. 

On July 11, 2005, the staff of the Enforcement Division of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) advised the Company that it is inquiring into matters relating generally to the Company’s April 13, 2005 announcement and certain allegations contained in the shareholder complaints. The Company is cooperating with the SEC.

On August 25, 2005, a class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin against the Company, the Administrative Committee of Harley-Davidson, Inc., and the following Company employees, officers, and directors:  Harold A. Scott, James M. Brostowitz, James L. Ziemer, Gail A. Lione, Barry K. Allen, Richard I. Beattie, Jeffrey L. Bleustein, George H. Conrades, Judson C. Green, Donald A. James, Sara L. Levinson, George L. Miles, Jr., and James A. Norling.  In general, the ERISA complaint includes factual allegations similar to those in the shareholder class action lawsuits and alleges on behalf of participants in certain Harley-Davidson retirement savings plans that the plan fiduciaries breached their ERISA fiduciary duties. As noted above, on February 15, 2006, the court ordered the ERISA action consolidated with the federal derivative and securities actions for administrative purposes.

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The Company believes the allegations against all of the defendants in the lawsuits against the Company are without merit and it intends to vigorously defend against them. Since all of these matters are in the preliminary stages, the Company is unable to predict the scope or outcome or quantify their eventual impact, if any, on the Company. At this time the Company is also unable to estimate associated expenses or possible losses. The Company maintains insurance that may limit its financial exposure for defense costs and liability for an unfavorable outcome, should it not prevail, for claims covered by the insurance coverage.

Cam Bearing Lawsuit:

In January 2001, the Company, on its own initiative, notified each owner of 1999 and early-2000 model year Harley-Davidson motorcycles equipped with Twin Cam 88® and Twin Cam 88B™ engines that the Company was extending the warranty for a rear cam bearing to 5 years or 50,000 miles. Subsequently, on June 28, 2001, a putative nationwide class action was filed against the Company in state court in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, which was amended by a complaint filed September 28, 2001. The complaint alleged that this cam bearing is defective and asserted various legal theories. The complaint sought unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for affected owners, an order compelling the Company to repair the engines, and other relief. On February 27, 2002, the Company’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint was granted by the Court and the amended complaint was dismissed in its entirety. An appeal was filed with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. On April 12, 2002, the same attorneys filed a second putative nationwide class action against the Company in state court in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin relating to this cam bearing issue and asserting different legal theories than in the first action. The complaint sought unspecified compensatory damages, an order compelling the Company to repair the engines and other relief. On September 23, 2002, the Company’s motion to dismiss was granted by the Court, the complaint was dismissed in its entirety, and no appeal was taken. On January 14, 2003, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s February 27, 2002 dismissal of the complaint in the first action, and the Company petitioned the Wisconsin Supreme Court for review. On March 26, 2004, the Wisconsin Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals and dismissed the remaining claims in the action. On April 12, 2004, the same attorneys filed a third action in the state court in Milwaukee County, on behalf of the same plaintiffs from the action dismissed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This third action was dismissed by the court on July 26, 2004. In addition, the plaintiffs in the original case moved to reopen that matter and amend the complaint to add new causes of action. On September 9, 2004, Milwaukee County Circuit Court refused to allow the reopening or amendment.  Plaintiffs again appealed to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and on December 13, 2005, the Court of Appeals again reversed the trial court.  On January 12, 2006, the Company filed a petition for review with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which was granted, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear this latest appeal.  The Company believes that the 5-year/50,000 mile warranty extension it announced in January 2001 adequately addressed the condition for affected owners, and the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend this matter.

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. 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.

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In February 2002, the Company was advised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it considers some of the Company’s remediation activities at the York facility to be subject to the EPA’s corrective action program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and offered the Company the option of addressing corrective action under a RCRA facility lead agreement. In July 2005, the York facility was designated as the first site in Pennsylvania to be addressed under the “One Cleanup Program.” The program provides a more streamlined and efficient oversight of voluntary remediation by both PADEP and EPA and will be carried out consistent with the Agreement with the Navy. As a result, the RCRA facility lead agreement has been superseded.

Although the RI/FS is still under way and substantial uncertainty exists concerning the nature and scope of the additional environmental investigation and remediation that will ultimately be required at the York facility, the Company estimates that its share of the future Response Costs at the York facility will be approximately $6.0 million. The Company has established reserves for this amount, which are included in Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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 related to the remediation of soil are expected to be incurred over a period of several years ending in 2010. Response Costs related to ground water remediation may continue for some time beyond 2010. However, these Response Costs are expected to be much lower than those related to the remediation of soil.

Under the terms of the sale of the Commercial Vehicles Division in 1996, the Company has agreed to indemnify Utilimaster Corporation, until 2008, for certain claims related to environmental contamination present at the date of sale, up to $20.0 million. Based on the environmental studies performed the Company does not expect to incur any material expenditures under this indemnification.

Product Liability Matters:

Additionally, 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 will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Refer to Item 1A of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 for a discussion regarding risk factors relating to the Company. There have been no material changes to the risk factors included in Item 1A of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table contains detail related to the repurchase of common stock based on the date of trade during the quarter ended March 26, 2006:

2006
Fiscal Month

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 Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

Jan 1 to Jan 29               5 $52.93              -- 22,975,667
Jan 30 to Feb 26 2,071,347 $51.69 2,071,300 20,992,953
Feb 27 to Mar 26             --       --             -- 21,014,957


Total 2,071,352 $51.69 2,071,300


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The Company has an authorization (originally adopted in December 1997) by its Board of Directors to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock under which the cumulative number of shares repurchased, at the time of any repurchase, shall not exceed the sum of (1) the number of shares issued in connection with the exercise of stock options occurring on or after January 1, 2004 plus (2) one percent of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company on January 1 of the current year, adjusted for any stock split. The Company did not repurchase shares under this authorization during the first quarter ended March 26, 2006.

In addition, on April 30, 2005, 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. As of March 26, 2006, a total of 2,071,300 shares had been repurchased under this authorization.

The Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan permits participants to satisfy all or a portion of the 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 first quarter of 2006, the Company acquired 52 shares of common stock that were presented to the Company by employees to satisfy withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of nonvested (restricted) stock awards.

Item 6. Exhibits

Refer to the Exhibit Index on page 32 of this report.









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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.



 
Date:  May 5, 2006 /s/ Thomas E. Bergmann
Thomas E. Bergmann
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

 
Date:  May 5, 2006 /s/ James M. Brostowitz
James M. Brostowitz
Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer)









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HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
Exhibit Index to Form 10-Q

Exhibit
Number

10.1* Form of Transition Agreement dated March 6, 2006 between the Registrant and Mr. Bergmann

10.2* Form of Severance Benefits Agreement dated March 6, 2006 between the Registrant and Mr. Bergmann

31.1 Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

31.2 Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

32.1 Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.ss.1350

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









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