H-D 3Q PROFIT UP - SHARES DOWN

The Wall Street Journal reports Harley-Davidson Inc. (HOG) reported net income more than tripled in the third quarter, despite a 7.7% drop in retail sales of its motorcycles because of weak consumer spending, as the company returned its financing unit to profitability.

The Milwaukee-based maker of motorcycles reported net income of $88.8 million, or 40 cents a share, in the latest quarter, up from $26.5 million, or 24 cents a share, a year earlier.

Harley's shares were recently down 7.5% at $30.06.