LG
LiveWire Group, Inc. (LVWR)·Q2 2025 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q2 2025 revenue was $5.873M, down 9% YoY; consolidated operating loss improved to $(18.264)M versus $(28.165)M in Q2 2024; diluted EPS was $(0.09) versus $(0.12) prior year . STACYC drove the quarter: revenue +25% YoY to $5.0M and operating loss narrowed to $(0.3)M; Electric Motorcycles revenue fell 65% YoY to $0.8M on 55 units, but segment operating loss improved materially to $(18.0)M .
- Cost actions are taking hold: selling, administrative and engineering (“SA&E”) expense fell $7.6M YoY, helping reduce consolidated operating loss by 35% YoY (press release), while the call cited a ~34% improvement (minor discrepancy likely due to rounding) .
- Guidance: unit outlook withheld; operating loss updated to $59–$69M for FY25 (from “below $60M” targeted in Q1 and $70–$80M in Q4) due to ongoing negotiations under the Joint Development Agreement with Harley-Davidson, Inc. .
- Product roadmap catalyst: management confirmed plans to launch production versions of two “mini” concept EV models showcased in July; formal launch targeted for EICMA in November, aligning LiveWire to lower-priced, higher-volume segments given the changed EV incentive environment .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- SA&E expense down $7.6M YoY; consolidated operating loss decreased by $9.9M YoY, reflecting 2024 cost-actions (streamlined headcount, lower people costs, spending, and relocation of LiveWire Labs to Milwaukee) .
- STACYC momentum: revenue +25% YoY to $5.0M; units up 27% YoY to 4,872; advertising and marketing cuts helped narrow segment operating loss to $(0.3)M .
- Strategic pivot and product pipeline: “We are thrilled with the positive feedback… on the two prototype models… lower-priced, smaller models” (Karim Donnez, CEO), with Q2 confirming intent to launch production versions to address evolving customer expectations and broader EV adoption trends .
What Went Wrong
- Electric Motorcycles demand remained weak: units declined 65% YoY to 55; segment revenue fell 65% YoY to $0.8M; macro uncertainty and lack of incentives weighed on early-stage EV products, per management .
- Interest income decreased $1.3M YoY and change in fair value of outstanding warrants was a $2.7M YoY drag, contributing to a net loss of $(18.826)M (vs $(24.805)M prior year) despite operating improvements .
- Cash declined to $29.316M at quarter end (from $46.222M in Q1 and $64.437M at YE 2024), with YTD net cash used $(35.121)M vs $(54.893)M prior year — an improvement but still a tight liquidity posture .
Financial Results
*Values retrieved from S&P Global; consensus data unavailable (no estimates returned) via GetEstimates.
Segment breakdown
KPIs and liquidity
Guidance Changes
Rationale: the Q2 operating loss range reflects “ongoing negotiations related to a proposed project work statement under the Joint Development Agreement with Harley-Davidson, Inc.” and persistent market/macro uncertainty for units guidance .
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- “During the second quarter, we continued our focus on what can be controlled, reducing consolidated operating loss by 35 percent compared to the prior-year same quarter… While Electric Motorcycle revenue decreased… we remained the #1 electric motorcycle retailer in the US 50+ horsepower on road EV segment” — Karim Donnez, CEO .
- “LiveWire delivered a 34% improvement in consolidated operating loss compared to Q2 2024… intends to launch production versions of its two latest concept models… aligning with evolving customer expectations and broader EV adoption trends” — Jochen Zeitz .
- “Due to ongoing… negotiations… under the Joint Development Agreement with Harley-Davidson, Inc., we are updating… Operating Loss to $59–$69 million” — Company press release .
Q&A Highlights
- Demand and units: LiveWire sold 55 units in Q2 (158 prior year); management reiterated that lack of incentives and macro uncertainty weigh on early-stage EV demand; FY25 LiveWire operating loss expected $59–$69M .
- Capital support: Harley-Davidson reiterated no additional LiveWire investments beyond the existing $100M LOC; LiveWire is pursuing significant cost savings and BOM reductions to reach a sustainable model with available funds (Q1) .
- Strategy clarity: Pivot to “mini” production models confirmed; launch targeted at EICMA; aim to address lightweight/urban-friendly mobility to match demand and affordability trends .
Estimates Context
- S&P Global consensus coverage for LVWR Q2 2025 was not available; no EPS or revenue consensus was returned, preventing a formal beat/miss assessment versus Street expectations. Values retrieved from S&P Global.*
*Values retrieved from S&P Global.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Cost discipline is working: SA&E down $7.6M YoY, driving a 35% YoY reduction in operating loss; continued focus on controllables should support further cash burn moderation .
- Mix shift executing: STACYC delivered +25% revenue and narrower losses despite supply constraints; Electric Motorcycles losses improved with materially lower SG&A/engineering spend .
- Demand remains fragile: Electric Motorcycles units remain low, reflecting macro uncertainty and the absence of EV incentives; near-term revenue visibility limited as unit guidance remains withdrawn .
- Product catalyst: confirmed production launch of two “mini” EVs targeting lower price points and broader addressable market; formal unveiling at EICMA could be an inflection for narrative and channel engagement .
- Liquidity tighter but improving YTD cash burn: cash fell to $29.316M; H1 net cash used improved vs prior year; execution on cost actions is critical to bridge to product launches .
- Guidance reset: operating loss guidance evolved from $70–$80M (Q4) to “below $60M” (Q1) and now $59–$69M (Q2) due to JDA project scope—watch for resolution and its impact on FY25 expenses .
- Discrepancy note: Press release cites 35% operating loss improvement; the call referenced 34%—interpret as rounding/definition variance, but directionally consistent .