Harley-Davidson
Nora Marshall-Goetz
Axia College of University of Phoenix
Harley-Davidson has been in business for 105 years. “It all started in 1901 when William S. Harley completed a blueprint drawing of an engine designed to fit into a bicycle. In 1903, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson make available to the public the first production Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The bike was built to be a racer, with a 3-1/8 inch bore and 3-1/2 inch stroke. The factory in which they worked was a 10 x 15-foot wooden shed with the words “Harley-Davidson Motor Company” crudely scrawled on the door. Arthur’s brother Walter later joins their efforts. Henry Miller of Milwaukee, a schoolyard pal of William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, buys one of the 1903 models directly from the founders” (Harley-Davidson Motor Company, 2008). The company has progressed from the small wooden shed to a world-wide well-known motorcycle and clothing company. The company prides itself on customer service and providing outstanding merchandise in relation to everything they take part in.
According to Harley-Davidson’s 2007 and 2006 annual reports, the company has done well even through the tough economic times. Listed below are the various ratios that I have used to determine whether or not this would be a good company to invest in.
Current Ratio = [pic] 2007 = [pic] ; 2006 = [pic]
Quick Ratio = [pic] 2007 = [pic] ; 2006 = [pic]
Inventory Turnover Ratio = [pic]
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Debt Ratio = [pic] 2007 = [pic] ; 2006 = [pic]
Net Profit ...