Harley-Davidson Inc. (HOG – Analyst Report) is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles and related products and merchandise. The company is expanding its product portfolio to increase its customer base. Operating income of the Financial Services segment has also finally started improving after declines in the last two years.

However, lower shipments and unfavorable foreign currency exchange resulted in a fall in consolidated revenues in the first half of 2015. An aging customer base and an expensive product range are also concerns for the company.

Estimate Trend & Surprise History

Investors should note that the third-quarter earnings estimate for Harley-Davidson have been stable over the last 30 days. Further, the company has a track record of delivering positive earnings surprises. It has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing 4 quarters with an average beat of 6.77%. Investors have been eagerly awaiting Harley-Davidson’s latest earnings report to see whether it outperforms this time as well.

Zacks Rank

Harley-Davidson currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), but that could change following its earnings report which was just released. We have highlighted some of the key stats from this Wisconsin-based motorcycle manufacturer’s earnings announcement below:

Earnings Misses Estimates

Harley-Davidson raked in earnings of 69 cents per share that missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 78 cents. However, earnings were in line with the year-ago quarter.

Revenues Top Estimates

Harley-Davidson logged revenues of $1.32 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.21 billion. Revenues improved from $1.30 billion posted a year-ago.

Key Stats/Developments to Note

Harley-Davidson reduced its guidance for motorcycle shipments in 2015 to 265,000–270,000 units from 276,000–281,000 units guided earlier. This means that shipments are expected to be stable at the year-ago level or decline up to 2% year over year.