AMD 254 September 2020 | Page 64

Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com NEWS BRIEFS Hamsters USA, the international motorcycle group, raised $161,833 for children's special needs charity LifeScape in Rapid City, South Dakota, during this year's Sturgis Rally. This year’s event brings the cumulative total for 15 years of fundraising to almost $3.5m in total. These gifts help provide services to children in their Black Hills area homes and communities. A recently published Indian Motorcycle Patent filing from 2017 suggests it is set to take the Challenger, or at least its water cooled DOFC Powerplus engine and alloy frame, a stage further, with a Roadmasteresque water cooled Bagger sporting a Chieftain style front end. The "semi-monocoque frame incorporates the airbox and air cleaner with intakes under the steering head to pull air into the chassis." The AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship has been rescheduled for September 19-20 and moved from Wisconsin to Washington County, Ohio, at the Pioneer Motorcycle Club, Waterford. The event, originally planned for Aug. 7-9 in Wisconsin's Pierce County, was canceled in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Dealer registration is now open for AIMExpo, January 21 - 23, 2021, at Columbus, Ohio. Now reduced to three days and converted into a dealer attendance only motorcycle industry event, rather than the European style combined public and trade expo that it was originally conceived as when it launched in Orlando, Florida, in 2013, registration also includes access to Tucker Powersports' co-located annual Dealer Show. Polaris 2020 Second Quarter Results - "Far Above Our Expectations" Polaris has unveiled second quarter results that CFO Mike Speetzen described as nothing short of "far above our expectations" as the better than anticipated performance of the motorcycle and wider powersports markets during the pandemic lockdowns starts to translate into filings. For Q2, the company's reported and adjusted sales decreased 15% to $1,512m and $1,510m, respectively. The company reported a second quarter 2020 net loss of $235m. Second quarter reported net loss was $3.82 per share; adjusted net income for the same period was $1.30 per share. North American retail sales increased 57% for the quarter compared to last year, with both ORV and Motorcycle retail sales up significantly. Dealer inventory levels decreased 47%, given the strong retail sales growth and lower shipments resulting from the COVID-19 related temporary suspension of production during the quarter. Evaluation of the company's aftermarket goodwill and other intangibles resulted in a pre-tax $379m non-cash impairment charge taken during the quarter. Operating expenses, excluding the impairment charge, decreased 15%, given the substantial reduction in discretionary and non-essential spending in response to the pandemic crisis. Polaris' liquidity profile remains solid with debt/EBITDA below three times and total liquidity of $1.2bn at quarter end; Polaris re-initiated full year 2020 consumer retail sales for Indian Motorcycle increased mid-teens percent sales and adjusted earnings guidance with full year adjusted earnings in the range of $6.40 to $6.60 per diluted share and full year sales in the range of $6.650bn to $6.750bn. Scott Wine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Inc., stated: "Polaris' second quarter results significantly outperformed expectations, once again demonstrating the resiliency and dedication of our global team. "We overcame a near complete shutdown of our dealers and the U.S. economy early in the quarter to capitalize on unprecedented retail demand for our motorcycles and offroad vehicles through May, June and now July. Our broad array of best-inclass products provided an attractive social distancing solution for both existing, and encouragingly, a wide range of new powersports customers. "During the quarter, we navigated a level of uncertainty and unrest that is unparalleled in our nation's history, beginning with rapidly and successfully restarting our production facilities, while protecting the health and safety of our employees. And, importantly, following the death of George Floyd here in Minnesota, we united to do our part to bridge divides and drive meaningful change. Polaris Chairman and CEO Scott Wine said: "We overcame a near complete shutdown of our dealers and the U.S. economy early in the quarter to capitalize on unprecedented retail demand for our motorcycles and off-road vehicles through May, June and July." "From executive leadership to our production line employees, we are working under a shared goal of positively impacting our company and communities. Despite social turbulence and softness in our Adjacent Markets businesses, between ongoing strong consumer demand and historically low dealer inventory levels, we are wellpositioned for the second half of the year." Retail demand accelerated throughout the quarter, benefiting company performance as both new and existing customers took advantage of off-road vehicles and motorcycles to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining social distancing etiquette, partially mitigating the COVID-19 driven Continues on page 10 >>> 64 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - SEPTEMBER 2020 www.AMDchampionship.com