Instruction
The first stage of becoming a financial analyst is to gain a basic understanding of the Company: (1) the industry landscape the company operates under and (2) the Company's background and current strategies. At this time you may frame the "expectation" based on your expertise before looking at the artifacts. Only then you will gain a context of the financial data you look at.
What to Do
1- BACKGROUND. Since we will look at Harley Davidson, the first step is to watch the following video clip to learn about Harley Davidson (HOG) - CNBC. Links to an external site.Frame the expectation of Harley.
Comment on its opportunities and challenges that face Harley Davidson. Also comment on the use of financial information and past performances as an analytical tool for analysis.
Comment on the Industry condition that Harley operates under. Select one of the Porter's Five Forces that is most relevant, rank it as High, Medium, and Low. (Try not to select the Force that was previously selected by your friends.)
2- ISSUE. Watch / Comment the following news clip. Also read the source of this news clip HOG 8K dated 6/25/2018.Links to an external site.
Reflect on the news clip. Who are the stakerholders/users of this financial information (can't be just be Trump) and how the news are being utilized. Reflect your thoughts - do you think it is fair? to whom? (public taxpayers? President? Workers? HOG investors?)
As a practice always question the source (so to validate the objectivity of your source). Review HOG 8K dated 6/25/2018. Links to an external site. What is 8K? - the news source of the CNN report? Can you share part of the news that is directly referenced from the 8K report? ....and, what part, if any, is the "fake news" imposed by CNN?
((((((WATCH THIS VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3d0gmSINXw)))))
- Always number your response to questions - 1...., 2...., and 3......