• Chicago Tribune, Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:11 AM

Harley-Davidson Inc. reported a better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit on a 12% rise in product sales, citing its success in boosting sales of its motorcycles beyond its core market of Baby Boomers.  The U.S. motorcycle maker reported net income of $105.7 million, or 46 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $46.8 million, or 20 cents per share, a year ago. Profit from continuing operations came to 24 cents per share, 1 cent above analysts' average forecast.

The company plans to ship 240,000 to 245,000 motorcycles in 2012, up 3% to 5% from 2011's level. The weak U.S. economy has hit demand for the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based company's motorcycles, and Harley has responded by restructuring its manufacturing base and introducing less-costly bikes aimed at younger riders.

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