Harley Profit Up 28% on Roaring Demand

Harley-Davidson Inc. reported a 28% jump in second-quarter earnings to $115.6 million, or 38 cents a share, and boosted its production goal for the year because of increased demand for its motorcycles. Sales increased 13% to $850.9 million.

The company, which makes about half the heavyweight motorcycles sold in the U.S. and one in four worldwide, plans to spend $145 million for expansion at its assembly complex in Pennsylvania and add 275 jobs to help meet demand. The complex produces about 75% of Harley-Davidson brand motorcycles.

The company increased its production goal for the year by 1% to 231,000 bikes.

Before the earnings were released, the company’s shares closed off $1.71 at $46.29 on the NYSE.