Yamaha Reports Q1 2012 Results

Yamaha reported a 5.3% decrease in worldwide motorcycle sales over the first quarter of 2012 despite a 25% increase in North American sales.

In the quarter ended March 31, 2012, Yamaha sold 1.599 million motorcycles worldwide, down from 1.689 million motorcycles sold over the same quarter in 2011. Most of the decline was due to Yamaha’s performance in the Asian market. Though net sales increased in Thailand, Vietnam and India, sales declined in Indonesia as Yamaha is starting the transition of introducing fuel-injected models. Yamaha also saw a decline in sales in Brazil, another large motorcycle market.

Sales in the U.S. on the other hand are up to 20,000 units from 16,000 units. Sales in Europe saw a small increase to 45,000 units from 44,000 units, as Yamaha introduced the updated 2012 TMax and the new Xenter scooters.

Motorcycles generated 209.9 billion yen (US$2.63 billion) in net sales, down from net sales of 219.7 billion reported in the first quarter of 2011. North American motorcycle sales accounted for 13 billion yen (US$162.9 million)  in revenue over the first quarter of 2012, up from 10 billion yen in 2011.

Overall, Yamaha reported a net profit of 11.5 billion yen (US$144 million) in the first quarter, a decrease from the profit of 13.4 billion yen reported last year.

For the year, Yamaha forecasts a net profit of 17 billion yen. Yamaha expects to sell 8.277 million motorcycles worldwide including 72,000 in the North America.

[Source: Yamaha]

By Dennis Chung