Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) Given Consensus Recommendation of "Moderate Buy" by Brokerages

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG - Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of "Moderate Buy" from the eight brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $42.57.

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Citigroup lowered their price objective on Harley-Davidson from $39.00 to $34.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 25th. StockNews.com raised shares of Harley-Davidson from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Wednesday, November 27th. Robert W. Baird downgraded shares of Harley-Davidson from an "outperform" rating to a "neutral" rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $44.00 to $40.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 2nd. UBS Group lowered their target price on shares of Harley-Davidson from $40.00 to $35.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 7th. Finally, Baird R W cut shares of Harley-Davidson from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 2nd.

Harley-Davidson Stock Performance

Shares of HOG traded up $0.17 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $33.03. 1,043,998 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,133,976. Harley-Davidson has a 1-year low of $31.20 and a 1-year high of $44.16. The stock has a market cap of $4.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.47. The stock's fifty day moving average is $33.78 and its 200 day moving average is $34.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a current ratio of 1.41.

Harley-Davidson Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 23rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.1725 per share. This represents a $0.69 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.09%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 10th. Harley-Davidson's payout ratio is 15.54%.

Insider Activity

In other Harley-Davidson news, Director Maryrose Sylvester sold 4,278 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.25, for a total transaction of $137,965.50. Following the sale, the director now owns 17,687 shares of the company's stock, valued at $570,405.75. This represents a 19.48 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.87% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Harley-Davidson

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Prospera Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in Harley-Davidson in the 3rd quarter valued at $35,000. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC acquired a new position in shares of Harley-Davidson during the third quarter valued at $38,000. Signaturefd LLC increased its position in Harley-Davidson by 46.8% in the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 1,872 shares of the company's stock worth $63,000 after purchasing an additional 597 shares during the period. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its position in Harley-Davidson by 19.5% in the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,970 shares of the company's stock worth $66,000 after purchasing an additional 322 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in Harley-Davidson by 19.0% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,008 shares of the company's stock valued at $67,000 after purchasing an additional 320 shares during the period. 85.10% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Harley-Davidson Company Profile

Harley-Davidson, Inc manufactures and sells motorcycles in the United States and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Harley-Davidson Motor Company, LiveWire, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company segment designs, manufactures, and sells motorcycles, including cruiser, trike, touring, standard, sportbike, adventure, and dual sport, as well as motorcycle parts, accessories, and apparel, as well as licenses its trademarks and related services.