Analyst projects 6.5 percent Q4 sales increase for Harley

Harley-Davidson’s worldwide retail sales are expected to be up 6.5 percent when the company announces its fourth quarter fiscal results Tuesday, according to an analysis provided to Powersports Business by Edward Aaron of RBC Capital Markets.

Aaron expects U.S. retail sales will be up 8 percent, and international sales will increase 4.4 percent. He forecasts that total shipments will be down 6.6 percent to 47,397.

“While we do not see estimates going higher when Harley reports Q4 results and provides initial 2013 guidance, we believe investors should own HOG in anticipation of easy comparisons beginning in April,” he wrote. “We believe prospects for accelerating retail sales during the peak selling months and more consistent earnings delivery following a lumpy period associated with the restructuring bode well for HOG shares over the next 6-12 months.”