Harley Davidson, Inc. (NYSE symbol HOG), produces and sells luxury motorcycles in the United States and Europe. The company has paid dividends since 1993.

Years Ending 31 December (US$ millions)

2006

2007

2008

Net income (earnings)

$1,043

$934

$655

Cash flow from operations

762

798

(685)

FCInv (capital expenditures)

220

242

332

Net borrowing

493

352

1,845

Dividends paid

213

261

302

Stock repurchases

936

1,132

249

Yahoo! Finance website, 24 July 2009.

1. Using the above information, calculate the following for 2006, 2007, and 2008:

A. Dividend/earnings payout ratio

B. Earnings/dividend coverage ratio

C. Free cash flow to equity (FCFE)

D. FCFE/[dividend+stock repurchase] coverage ratio

2. Discuss the trend in earnings/dividend coverage as compared with the trend in FCFE/[dividend+stock repurchase] coverage.

3. Comment on the sustainability of HOG’s dividend and stocks repurchase policy after 2008.