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Ducati Motor Holding Announces Results for First Nine Months of 2002

BOLOGNA, Italy, Nov. 15 Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, today announced results for the nine month period ended September 30, 2002As previously reported, the Company announced consolidated revenues for the first nine months of 2002, of Euro 298.9 million, up 5.5% from Euro 283.4 million during the same period in the previous year. Revenues from Ducati motorcycles for the period increased 2.4% to Euro 242.1 million and represented 81.0% of revenues. Motorcycle-related products reached Euro 55.8 million, up 20.2% over the same period last year.

For the first nine months of 2002, gross margin was 40.8% versus 41.1% in the previous year, mainly due to a positive product mix effect from related products and production efficiencies which were more than offset by a negative country mix and foreign exchange effects.

EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) for the first nine months of 2002 was Euro 38.8 million and represented 13.0% of sales, down from Euro 48.6 million, or 17.2% of revenues, in the comparable period last year. This is mostly due to costs related to investments for the development of the Ducati Desmosedici GP motorcycle, the restructuring of Ducati's US distribution network, promotional activities such as the biennial World Ducati Week and the negative impact of foreign exchange rates.

Net earnings for the first nine months were Euro 2.0 million compared to Euro 9.0 million in the prior year period. This is mainly due to factors mentioned above, along with increased depreciation, amortization and foreign exchange losses.

"The nine month period has been characterised by the combination of a slower-than-expected recovery of our US operations, an adverse foreign exchange rate effect and a notable contraction of the Ducati Relevant Market -- after a decade of steady growth -- exacerbated by a generally weak macroeconomic environment," said Enrico D'Onofrio, Ducati Chief Financial Officer. "We therefore think it prudent to reduce our expectations for the 2002 full year to revenue growth between 2 and 3%, with an EBITDA margin around 14%.

"We are confident that our new targets are reasonable and will be met by the Company," said Carlo Di Biagio, Ducati Chief Executive Officer. "Our visibility for the last quarter of 2002 is clear. In the US, we have seen rising registrations which are driving a de-stocking of the dealer network, in line with our strategy. Worldwide, we currently have sufficient orders in hand to meet our new estimates for the full year, particularly driven by great demand for the 999. As a consequence the improved product mix will help to counterbalance negative foreign exchange rate effects.

"Despite the challenging selling environment in 2002, we are continuing to invest in innovative products and brand-building activities to lay the ground for strong and sustained future growth," added Carlo Di Biagio. "I am pleased to report that on November 7th, Ducati swept the board at the UK-based Motorcycle News awards in Birmingham, winning three major prizes, including Manufacturer of the Year for the company deemed to have the best relationship with its customers. Our new 999 Testastretta Superbike was chosen as Overall Machine of the Year across all categories. And just yesterday, the 999 was voted overall winner of the 2002 Motorcycle Design Trophy by the members of the prestigious Motorcycle Design Association. We could not ask for greater recognition. The 999 has been the result of a huge amount of effort and determination from the whole company -- congratulations to everyone involved."

Ducati's net debt at September 30, 2002 was Euro 100.4 million in line with Euro 101.6 million at September 30, 2001, improving versus the indebtedness of Euro 113.9 million at June 30, 2002, mainly thanks to a reduction in working capital.

The company's net debt to total capitalization ratio was 39.0% at September 30, 2002 versus 40.0% at September 30, 2001, and 41.1% at June 30, 2002.

These results have been approved by the Ducati Board of Directors, pending limited review by Company auditors.

All historic Company data are available at the Ducati Investor Relations page.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won eleven of the last thirteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in four market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster and SportTouring. The company's motorcycles are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets.

               Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
                        Net Sales and Shipment Data

                                       Three Months         Three Months
                                          Ended                Ended
                                     Sept,     Sept,      Sept,      Sept,
                                      30        30         30         30
                                     2002      2001       2002       2001
    Net Sales (Euro in thousands,
    US$ in thousands)
                   Motorcycles       euro      euro         $         $
                                     45,680    47,133     46,329    47,802
                   Spare Parts,
                    Accessories,
                    Apparel          16,687    14,600     16,924    14,807
                   Miscellaneous
                    Other               172       195        174       198
    Total net sales                   euro      euro        $         $
                                     62,539    61,928     63,427    62,807
    Ducati Units
    Motorcycle shipments:                                % Change
                   North America        499       657     (24.0%)
                   Main European
                    market            3,633     2,828      28.5%
                   Japan                764       836      (8.6%)
                   Rest of World        883       801      10.2%
    Total                             5,779     5,122      12.8%
    Motorcycle product mix:
                   Sport Segment
                    (Superbike &
                    Supersport)       2,110     2,122      (0.6%)
                   Sport Naked        3,177     2,314      37.3%
                   Sport Touring        492       686     (28.3%)
    Total                             5,779     5,122      12.8%
    Unofficial Motorcycle                                % Change
    Registrations:
                   North America      1,254     1,282      (2.2%)
                   Main European
                    market            5,406     5,723      (5.5%)
                   Japan                959     1,011      (5.1%)
                   Rest of World      1,218     1,173       3.8%
    Total                             8,837     9,189      (3.8%)



               Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
                        Net Sales and Shipment Data

                                    Nine Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
                                   Sept, 30   Sept, 30   Sept, 30    Sept,30

                                     2002       2001       2002       2001
    Net Sales (Euro in thousands,
    US$ in thousands)
                  Motorcycles        euro       euro        $          $
                                   242,067    236,388     245,504    239,744

                  Spare Parts,
                   Accessories,
                   Apparel          55,789     46,420      56,581     47,079
                  Miscellaneous
                   Other             1,039        624       1,054        633
    Total net sales                  euro       euro        $          $
                                   298,895    283,432     303,139    287,456

    Ducati Units
    Motorcycle shipments:                                % Change
                  North America       2,825      3,637    (22.3%)
                  Main European
                   market            18,616     18,502      0.6%
                  Japan               2,827      2,630      7.5%
                  Rest of World       4,769      3,670     29.9%
    Total                            29,037     28,439      2.1%
    Motorcycle product mix:
                  Sport Segment
                   (Superbike &
                   Supersport)       11,065     10,518      5.2%
                  Sport Naked        15,331     15,168      1.1%
                  Sport Touring       2,641      2,753     (4.1%)
    Total                            29,037     28,439      2.1%
    Unofficial Motorcycle                                % Change
    Registrations:
                  North America       4,977      5,006     (0.6%)
                  Main European
                   market            22,061     21,710      1.6%
                  Japan               3,125      2,819     10.9%
                  Rest of World       4,389      3,938     11.5%
    Total                            34,552     33,473      3.2%



                                  Ducati Motor Holding
                                        S.p.A.
                         Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
                 (Euro in thousands, US$ in thousands, except per share and
                                      share amounts)

                        Three Months Ended        Three Months Ended   Percent
                        Sept,         Sept,        Sept,        Sept,  Change
                         30           30           30           30

                        2002          2001         2002         2001

    Net Sales           euro          euro          $           $        1.0%
                       62,539        61,928       63,427      62,807

    Cost of goods
     sold             (36,623)      (34,228)     (37,143)    (34,714)
    Gross Profit       25,916        27,700       26,284      28,093   (6.4%)
    Other
     operating
     revenues           2,450         1,723        2,485       1,747
    SG&A expenses     (28,296)      (24,333)     (28,698)    (24,678)
    Other operating
     income/(expense),
     net                  (33)          134          (33)       136
    Depreciation &
     amortization      (8,888)       (8,084)      (9,014)    (8,199)
    Operating
     income/(loss)     (8,851)       (2,860)      (8,976)    (2,901)  209.5%
    Financing
     expense, net      (2,250)       (4,502)      (2,282)    (4,566)
    Other
     non-operating
     income/
     (expense), net       (20)           57          (20)        58
    Profit/(loss)
     before income
     taxes and
     min. interest    (11,121)       (7,305)      (11,278)      (7,409)  52.2%
    Income taxes        5,125         3,191         5,199        3,236

    Net profit/(loss)    euro          euro          $            $      45.7%
                       (5,996)       (4,114)       (6,079)      (4,173)

    Earnings per         euro          euro        $(0.04)      $(0.03)
     share              (0.04)        (0.03)
    Shares
     outstanding  158,500,963   158,500,963   158,500,963  158,500,963

                                                                       Percent
    Other Financial Data                                               Change

    Motorcycles
     Produced (Units)   8,413         7,199                             16.9%

    Motorcycles
     Sold (Units)       5,779         5,122                             12.8%
     Unofficial
     Registrations
     (Units)            8,837         9,189                             (3.8%)
    EBITDA                 17         5,281            17        5,356 (99.7%)
    EBITDA Margin         0.0%          8.5%

    Note : On Sept 30, 2002 US$1= 0,9860 Euros



                                  Ducati Motor Holding
                                        S.p.A.
                         Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
                 (Euro in thousands, US$ in thousands, except per share and
                                      share amounts)
                        Nine Months Ended          Nine Months Ended
                        Sept,         Sept,        Sept,        Sept,  Percent
                         30           30           30           30     Change
                        2002          2001         2002         2001

    Net Sales            euro          euro         $            $       5.5%
                       298,895       283,432      303,139      287,456

    Cost of goods
     sold             (176,810)     (166,915)    (179,320)    (169,285)

    Gross Profit       122,085       116,517      123,819      118,171   4.8%

    Other
     operating revenues  7,961         4,750        8,074        4,817
    SG&A expenses      (90,040)      (72,975)     (91,318)    (74,0110)
    Other operating
     income             (1,166)          136       (1,183)         138
    Depreciation &
     amortization      (24,533)      (22,932)     (24,882)     (23,258)
    Operating
     income/(loss)      14,307        25,496       14,510       25,857 (43.9%)
    Financing
     expense, net      (10,618)       (9,589)     (10,769)      (9,725)
    Other non-operating
     income/(expense),
     net                   (20)          186          (20)         189
    Profit/(loss) before
     income taxes and
     min. interest       3,669        16,093        3,721       16,321 (77.2%)
    Income taxes        (1,652)       (7,109)      (1,675)      (7,211)

    Net profit/(loss)     euro         euro          $            $    (77.5%)
                         2,017        8,984         2,046        9,110

    Earnings per          euro         euro         $0.01        $0.06
     share                0.01         0.06

    Shares
     Outstanding   158,500,963  158,500,963   158,500,963  158,500,963
                                                                       Percent
    Other Financial Data                                                Change

    Motorcycles
     Produced
     (Units)            30,923       31,781                             (2.7%)
    Motorcycles
     Sold (Units)       29,037       28,439                              2.1%
    Unofficial
     Registrations
     (Units)            34,552       33,473                              3.2%
    EBITDA              38,820       48,614        39,371       49,303 (20.1%)

    EBITDA Margin         13.0%        17.2%

    Note : On Sept 30, 2002 US$1= 0,9860 Euros



                       Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
                Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
         (Euro in thousands, except per share and share amounts)

                         Three Months ended          Three Months ended
                         September 30, 2002          September 30, 2001

                            euro            %           euro            %
    Current assets

    Cash and cash
     equivalents          16,606                      15,970
    Trade receivables,
     net                  61,135                      55,444
    Inventories          111,856                     105,221
    Other current
     assets               17,617                      13,853

    Total current
     assets              207,214         50.0%       190,488          48.1%

    Non current assets

    Property, plant and
     equipment-net        63,082                      55,307
    Intangible fixed
     assets, net         128,759                     134,675
    Equity investments         1                          84
    Long term assets -
    Credit Link           15,000                      15,000
    Other long-term
     assets                  646                         643

    Total non current
     assets              207,488         50.0%       205,709         51.9%

    Total assets         414,702        100.0%       396,197        100.0%

    Current liabilities

    Short-term bank
     borrowings           20,434                      19,365
    Current portion of
     long-term debt        2,822                       2,491
    Accounts payable -
     trade                83,773                      71,026
    Income and other
     taxes payables        5,042                       3,773
    Other current
     liabilities          17,609                      17,369
    Provisions for
     risks and charges -
     current portion       9,421                       9,597

    Total current
     liabilities         139,101         33.5%       123,621         31.2%

    Long-term liabilities

    Long-term debt, net
     of current portion   91,000                      91,000
    Employees' leaving
     entitlement           6,686                       5,474
    Deferred income
     taxes                    35                         483
    Other long-term
     liabilities          17,737                      19,694
    Provision for risks
     and charges - long
     term portion          3,262                       3,305

    Total long-term
     liabilities         118,720         28.6%       119,956         30.3%

    Total liabilities    257,821                     243,577

    Total Group
     shareholders'
     equity              156,881         37.9%       152,620         38.5%

    Minority interests

    Total shareholders'
     equity              156,881         37.9%       152,620         38.5%

    Total liabilities
     and shareholders'
     equity              414,702         100%        396,197         100%

    Memo : Net
     consolidated
     financial position (100,387)                   (101,580)



                       Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
                Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
          (US$ in thousands, except per share and share amounts)

                          Three Months ended         Three Months ended
                          September 30, 2002         September 30, 2001
                             US$           %            US$           %
    Current assets

    Cash and cash
     equivalents            16,374                      15,746
    Trade receivables,
     net                    60,279                      54,668
    Inventories            110,290                     103,748
    Other current assets    17,370                      13,659

    Total current assets   204,313        50.0%        187,821       48.1%

    Non current assets
    Property, plant and
     equipment-net          62,199                      54,532
    Intangible fixed
     assets, net           126,956                     132,790
    Equity investments           1                          83
    Long term assets -
     Credit Link            14,790                      14,790
    Other long-term
     assets                    637                         634

    Total non current
     assets                204,583        50.0%        202,829       51.9%

    Total assets           408,896       100.0%        390,650      100.0%

    Current liabilities

    Short-term bank
     borrowings             20,148                      19,094
    Current portion of
     long-term debt          2,782                       2,456
    Accounts payable -
     trade                  82,601                      70,032
    Income and other
     taxes payables          4,971                       3,720
    Other current
     liabilities            17,362                      17,126
    Provisions for risks
     and charges -
     current portion         9,289                       9,463

    Total current
     liabilities           137,153            33.5%    121,891       31.2%

    Long-term
     liabilities

    Long-term debt, net
     of current portion     89,726                      89,726
    Employees' leaving
     entitlement             6,592                       5,397
    Deferred income
     taxes                      35                         476
    Other long-term
     liabilities            17,489                      19,418
    Provisionfor risks
     and charges - long
     term portion            3,216                       3,259

    Total long-term
     liabilities           117,058            28.6%    118,276       30.3%

    Total liabilities      254,211                     240,167

    Total Group
     shareholders' equity  154,685            37.9%    150,483       38.5%

    Minority interests

    Total shareholders'
    equity                 154,685            37.9%    150,483       38.5%

    Total liabilities
     and shareholders'
     equity                408,896           100.0%    390,650      100.0%

    Memo : Net
     consolidated
     financial position    (98,981)                   (100,158)