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Ducati Motor Holding Announces 2005 Nine-Month Results

BOLOGNA, Italy, November 11 -- The Board of Directors of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. approved yesterday the nine months 2005 financial results, which have been prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Revenues for the first nine months 2005 were Euro 240.3 million, down 10.0% including forex effects (or 9.2% excluding forex effects) versus the same period in 2004 . This was due to the reduction in motorcycle volumes, combined with an unfavourable mix and adverse forex effects. Revenues from motorcycles for the period decreased 10.5% to Euro 181.8 million and accounted for 75.6% of revenues. Motorcycle-related products, including spare parts, accessories and apparel, were down by 4.7% to Euro 56.1 million over the comparable period in the previous year.

Gross margin for the first nine months of 2005 amounted to Euro 57.4 million or 23.9% of revenues versus Euro 69.6 million or 26.1% in the same period in 2004, caused by a reduction in motorcycle volumes, a negative mix and adverse forex effects, only partially offset by product cost reductions.

EDITDA was Euro 14.4 million or 6.0% of revenues against Euro 24.1 million or 9.0% of revenues, due to the above-mentioned factors and down 40.2% at current exchange rates and 35.2% at constant exchange rates.

With regard to depreciation and amortisation, please note that following the adoption of IFRS, the amortisation of intangible assets no longer includes brand and goodwill amortisation.

Operating result (EBIT) amounted to a loss of Euro 6.9 million versus a profit of Euro 2.5 million for the same period 2004.

At EBT level, the result was a loss of Euro 13.0 million versus a loss of Euro 4.3 million due to lower EBIT.

Net result for the period was a loss of Euro 16.6 million compared to a loss of Euro 9.0 million in the first nine months of 2004.

Company net debt at September 30, 2005 was Euro 129.9 million versus Euro 133.4 million at September 30, 2004 and Euro 150.5 million at December, 31 2004. The company's gearing ratio was 92.2% compared to 87.0% on September 30, 2004 and 95.4% on December 31, 2004.

For the first nine months of 2005, unofficial Ducati registrations were down by 5.3% on the same period last year. Registrations were up in the US (+21%), in the non-subsidiary countries (+5%), and in France (+4%) and down in Japan (-9%), in Italy (-15%), in the UK (-16%), in Benelux (-17%) and in Germany (-18%).

"Despite a recovery in terms of sales, third quarter results were unsatisfactory", said Federico Minoli, Ducati's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "While the third quarter helped reduce the gap on last year in terms of sales, the unfavourable mix and the delay in the production of the Sport Classic bikes had a negative impact on the company's profitability. Our aim is to reverse this trend in the last quarter by the shipment of approximately 3,500 pre-sold Sport Classic bikes".

"Our cash control resulted in a reduction in the net financial position despite lower EBITDA", said Enrico D'Onofrio, Chief Financial Officer of Ducati. "Anyway, market trends and Company results force us to rethink our cost structure and product mix through a restructuring and relaunch plan whose details and expected results will be presented soon".

As for the third quarter, revenues were Euro 52.2 million, up 12.2% over the same period in 2004 thanks to a 31% bikes sales increase.

Gross margin was Euro 11.5 Million, or 22.1% of revenues, up 12.6% versus Euro 10.5 Million of the same period a year ago.

Operating result (EBIT) for the third quarter of 2005 was a loss of Euro 11.5 million versus a loss of Euro 9.6 million last year due to higher sales costs.

Net result for the third quarter was a loss of Euro 13.0 million against a loss of Euro 11.6 million last year.

As of September 30, 2005, the Company had re-purchased 3,769,249 shares, equivalent to Euro 4,267,510 or 2.37% of its stock capital. Subsequentely the Company has sold 1.924.580 shares.

Founded in 1926, Ducati develops racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in six market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring, Multistrada and Sport Classic. The Company's motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com

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

                          Three Months Ended             Three Months Ended
                   September,30   September,30   September,30    September,30
                          2005           2004            2005           2004
 
    Net Revenues 
    (Euro in thousands, 
    US$ in thousands)
 
         Motorcycles  EUR 34,373      EUR 28,446      $ 41,392      $ 34,255
         Spare Parts, 
         Accessories, 
         Apparel          17,104          16,612        20,597        20,004
         Other               744           1,482           896         1,785
 
    Total Net Revenues EUR 52,221     EUR 46,540      $ 62,885      $ 56,044
 
    Ducati Units
    Motorcycle shipments:                                         % Change
 
         North America     1,276                  657               94.2%
         Main European 
         market            1,904                1,622               17.4%
         Japan               491                  438               12.1%
         Rest of World       718                  644               11.5%
 
    Total                  4,389                3,361               30.6%
 
    Motorcycle product mix:                                       % Change
 
         Superbike           969                1,118              (13.3%)
         Supersport          170                  118               44.1%
         Sport Naked       2,372                1,589               49.3%
         Sport Touring       221                  245               (9.8%)
         Multistrada         657                  291              125.8%
 
    Total                  4,389                3,361               30.6%
 
    Unofficial Motorcycle Registrations:                          % Change
 
         North America     1,824                1,441               26.6%
         Main European 
         market            4,008                4,660              (14.0%)
         Japan               708                  676                4.7%
         Rest of World     1,249                1,092               14.4%
 
    Total                  7,789                7,869               (1.0%)
    
                                  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
                     ember,30  ember,30   ember,30   ember,30    Change
                        2005     2004      2005       2004        
 
    Revenues (net) EUR240,326  EUR266,908  $289,401  $321,411    (10.0%)
    Cost of goods 
    sold             (182,891)   (197,306) (220,237) (237,596)
    Gross Margin       57,435      69,602    69,164    83,815    (17.5%)
    Other operating 
    revenues           27,630      26,839    33,272    32,320
    SG&A expenses     (91,141)    (92,586) (109,752) (111,492)
    Other operating 
    income and 
    expenses             (881)     (1,340)   (1,061)   (1,614)
 
    Operating result   (6,957)      2,515    (8,377)    3,029   (376.6%)
 
    Financing 
    expense, net       (6,075)     (6,841)   (7,316)   (8,238)
 
    Profit/(loss)
    before income 
    taxes and 
    min.interest      (13,032)     (4,326)  (15,693)   (5,209)   201.2%
 
    Income Tax         (3,538)     (4,676)   (4,260)   (5,631)   (24.3%)                                             
    Net Result 
    including 
    minority 
    interests         (16,570)     (9,002)  (19,953)  (10,840)    84.1%
 
    Minority Interests     (1)        (11)       (1)      (13)   -90.9%
 
    Net Result for 
    the Group         (16,571)     (9,013)  (19,954)  (10,853)    83.9%
 
    Shares 
    outstanding  159,360,037  158,826,407  159,360,037 158,826,407
 
                                                                  Percent
    Other                                                         Change
    Financial 
    Data                                                 
    Motorcycles 
    Produced (Units)  25,977       29,029                        (10.5%)
    Motorcycles 
    Sold (Units)      24,417       25,240                         (3.3%)
    Unofficial 
    Registrations 
    (Units)           29,756       31,412                         (5.3%)
    EBITDA            14,435       24,132     17,383   29,059    (40.2%)
    EBITDA Margin       6.0%         9.0%
 
    Note: On September 30, 2005 US$1= 0,8304 Euros
    
                             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
 
                   Sept-       Sept-          Sept-      Sept-       Percent
                   ember,30    ember,30       ember,30   ember,30    Change                                             
                   2005        2004            2005       2004

    Revenues (net) EUR 52,221  EUR 46,540    $ 62,885   $ 56,043     12.2%
    Cost of goods 
    sold              (40,678)    (36,289)    (48,984)   (43,699)
    Gross Margin       11,543      10,251      13,901     12,344     12.6%
    Other operating 
    revenues            8,086       9,114       9,737     10,975
    SG&A expenses     (31,753)    (28,875)    (38,237)   (34,771)
    Other operating 
    income and 
    expenses              610         (52)        735        (63)
 
    Operating result  (11,514)     (9,562)    (13,864)   (11,515)    20.4%
 
    Financing 
    expense, net         (783)     (2,211)       (943)    (2,662)
 
    Profit/(loss)
    before income 
    taxes and min.
    interest          (12,297)    (11,773)    (14,807)   (14,177)     4.5%
 
    Income Tax           (724)        208        (857)       275       18%
 
    Net Result 
    including minority 
    interests         (13,021)    (11,565)    (15,664)   (13,902)    12.6%
 
    Minority Interests     (1)        (14)         (1)       (17)   -90.9%
 
    Net Result for 
    the Group         (13,022)    (11,579)    (15,665)   (13,919)    12.5%
 
    Shares outstanding 159,360,037 158,826,407 159,360,037 158,826,407
 
                                                                    Percent
    Other Financial                                                 Change
    Data                                                           
    Motorcycles 
    Produced ( Units)   5,711       5,852                            (2.4%)
    Motorcycles Sold 
    (Units)             4,389       3,361                            30.6%
    Unofficial 
    Registrations 
    (Units)             7,789       7,869                            (1.0%)
    EBITDA             (4,744)     (2,524)     (5,713)    (3,039)    88.0%
    EBITDA Margin       (9.1%)      (5.4%)
 
    Note: On September 30, 2005 US$1= 0,8304 Euros
    
                       Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
              Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
                         (Euro in thousands)
 
                               Nine months ended          Period ended
                                  30/09/05                 31/12/04
                                  EUR 000   %               EUR 000    %
    Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents     47,058                     49,327
    Trade receivables, net        77,513                    118,622
    Inventories                  102,514                     92,293
    Other current assets           7,559                     10,787
    Current assets - Credit Link       -                     15,000
    Total current assets         234,644  52.2%             286,029  56.9%
 
    Non current assets
    Property, plant and 
    equipment -net                66,149                     70,288
    Goodwill and intangible 
    assets with indefinite 
    useful lives                  86,050                     86,050
    Other intangible 
    fixed assets net              40,704                     38,268
    Equity investments                20                         20
    Deferred tax assets           21,264                     21,665
    Other long-term assets           384                        403
    Total non current assets     214,571  47.8%             216,694  43.1%
 
    Total assets                 449,215   100%             502,723   100%
 
    Current liabilities
    Short-term bank borrowings    48,406                     93,738
    Current portion of 
    long-term debt                 3,200                     57,342
    Accounts payable - trade      77,567                     77,463
    Income and other taxes 
    payables                       5,382                      8,298
    Other current liabilities     19,326                     15,936
    Provisions for risks and 
    charges - current portion      4,726                      4,726
    Total current liabilities    158,607  35.3%             257,503  51.2%
 
    Long-term liabilities
    Long-term debt, net of
    current portion              115,912                     51,913
    Employee benefits              9,096                      8,482
    Deferred income taxes         13,628                     12,207
    Income and other taxes 
    payables- long term portion        -                      1,292
    Other long-term liabilities    9,405                     11,869
    Provision for risks and 
    charges - long term portion    1,663                      1,663
    Total long-term liabilities  149,704  33.3%              87,426  17.4%
 
    Total liabilities            308,311  68.6%             344,929  68.6%
 
    Shareholders' equity
    Capital stock                 82,867                     82,590
    Share premium reserve         16,769                     16,662
    Revaluation reserve           46,265                     46,265
    Reserve IFRS conversion        3,642                      3,578
    Other reserves                 4,130                      5,546
    Retained earnings (losses)     3,785                      6,606
    Results for the period       (16,571)                    (3,469)
    Total Group Shareholders' 
    equity                       140,887  31.4%             157,778  31.4%
 
    Minority interests                17                         16
 
    Total liabilities and 
    shareholders' equity         449,215   100%             502,723   100%
    
                           Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
                   Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
                            (US$ in thousands)                                  
                                      
                                Nine months ended          Period ended
                                   30/09/05                 31/12/04
                                    $ 000     %               $ 000      %
    Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents       56,667                     59,399
    Trade receivables, net          93,341                    142,846
    Inventories                    123,447                    111,139
    Other current assets             9,103                     12,990
    Current assets - Credit Link         -                     18,063
    Total current assets           282,558  52.2%             344,437  56.9%
 
    Non current assets
    Property, plant and 
    equipment -net                  79,657                     84,641
    Goodwill and intangible 
    assets with indefinite 
    useful lives                   103,621                    103,621
    Other intangible fixed 
    assets net                      49,016                     46,082
    Equity investments                  24                         24
    Deferred tax assets             25,606                     26,089
    Other long-term assets             462                        485
    Total non current assets       258,386  47.8%             260,942  43.1%
 
    Total assets                   540,944   100%             605,379   100%
 
    Current liabilities
    Short-term bank borrowings      58,291                    112,879
    Current portion of long-term 
    debt                             3,853                     69,051
    Accounts payable - trade        93,407                     93,282
    Income and other taxes 
    payables                         6,481                      9,992
    Other current liabilities       23,272                     19,190
    Provisions for risks and 
    charges - current portion        5,691                      5,691
    Total current liabilities      190,995  35.3%             310,085  51.2%
 
    Long-term liabilities
    Long-term debt, net of
    current portion                139,581                     62,514
    Employee benefits               10,953                     10,214
    Deferred income taxes           16,411                     14,700
    Income and other taxes 
    payables- long term portion          -                      1,556
    Other long-term liabilities     11,326                     14,293
    Provision for risks and 
    charges - long term portion      2,003                      2,002
    Total long-term liabilities    180,274  33.3%             105,279  17.4%
 
    Total liabilities              371,269  68.6%             415,364  68.6%
 
    Shareholders' equity
    Capital stock                   99,788                     99,455
    Share premium reserve           20,193                     20,064
    Revaluation reserve             55,712                     55,712
    Reserve IFRS conversion          4,386                      4,309
    Other reserves                   4,973                      6,678
    Retained earnings (losses)       4,558                      7,955
    Results for the period         (19,955)                    (4,177)
    Total Group Shareholders' 
    equity                         169,655  31.4%             189,996  31.4%
 
    Minority interests                  20                         19
 
    Total liabilities and 
    shareholders' equity           540,944   100%             605,379   100%
    
                  Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
                      (Euro in thousands)
 
                                                  Period ended   Period ended
                                                      30/09/05       31/12/04
                                                       EUR 000        EUR 000
    Cash flow generated by operating activities
    Net profit (loss) for the year                    (16,571)        (9,013)
    Adjustments to reconcile net profit (loss) with the  1,546            260
    movements of funds generated by (used in)
    operating activities
    -      Non cash items for stock options
    -      Amortisation, depreciation and writedowns       968            387
    -      Interests paid                               21,392         21,617
    -      Taxes paid                                    2,850          3,916
    Change in operating assets
    and liabilities
    -      Working capital                              30,992         15,092
    -      Other current assets                          3,228          2,403
    -      Other current liabilities                     3,390            850
    -      Due to tax authorities                      (7,058)        (8,989)
    -      Deferred tax liabilties (assets) net          1,822          2,059
    -      Employee benefits                               614            718
                                                             -             81
    Net cash generated by operating
    activities (A)                                      43,173         29,381
 
    Cash flow (used in) generated by
    investing activities
    Net change in property, plant and equipment        (6,504)        (6,653)
    Net change in intangible fixed assets             (13,385)        (8,009)
    Disposal from property, plant and equipment            201            404
    Other fixed assets                                      19            102
    Net cash used in investing activities (B)         (19,669)       (14,156)
 
    Cash flow generated from operating activities,
    net of cash used in investing
    activities (A-B)                                    23,504         15,225
 
    Cash flow (used in) generated by financing activities
    Change in short-term and long-term debt           (36,690)          2,440
    Financial assets - Credit Link                      15,000              -
    Change in cumulative translation adjustment        (1,249)        (6,357)
    Change in minority interests                                           27
    Increase in share capital and reserves                 385            235
    Change in shareholders' equity due to IAS 32,39 adoption
    as of 1st January 2005                             (3,219)              -
    Change in cash generated by financing activities  (25,773)        (3,655)
 
    Increase (decrease) in cash on hand, bank deposits
    and securities                                     (2,269)         11,570
 
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year       49,327          33,973
 
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period/ year      47,058         45,543
    
                             Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
                        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
                               (Dollar in thousands)
 
                                                      Period     Period 
                                                       ended      ended
                                                       30/09/05    31/12/04
                                                        $ 000       $ 000
    Cash flow generated by operating activities
    Net profit (loss) for the year                      (19,955)    (10,853)
    Change in cumulative translation adjustment           1,862         313
    Adjustments to reconcile net profit (loss) with the
    movements of funds generated by (used in)
    operating activities
    -              Non cash items for stock options       1,166         466
    -              Amortisation, depreciation and 
                   writedowns                            25,760      26,031
    -              Taxes paid                             3,432       4,715
    Change in operating assets
    and liabilities
    -              Working capital                       37,321      18,174
    -              Other current assets                   3,887       2,894
    -              Other current liabilities              4,082       1,024
    -              Due to tax authorities                (8,499)    (10,825)
    -              Deferred tax liabilties (assets) net   2,194       2,479
    -              Employee benefits                        739         865
                                                                         98
    Net cash generated by operating
    activities (A)                                       51,989      35,381
 
    Cash flow (used in) generated by
    investing activities
    Net change in property, plant and equipment          (7,832)     (8,012)
    Net change in intangible fixed assets               (16,118)     (9,644)
    Disposal from property, plant and equipment             242         486
    Other fixed assets                                       23         123
    Net cash used in investing activities (B)           (23,685)    (17,047)
 
    Cash flow generated from operating activities,
    net of cash used in investing
    activities (A-B)                                     28,304      18,334
 
    Cash flow (used in) generated by financing activities
    Change in short-term and long-term debt             (44,182)      2,938
    Financial assets - Credit Link                       18,062         -
    Interests paid                                       (1,504)     (7,655)
    Change in minority interests                                        33
    Increase in share capital and reserves                  464        283
    Change in shareholders' equity due to IAS 32,39 adoption
    as of 1st January 2005                               (3,876)        -
    Change in cash generated by financing activities    (31,036)     (4,401)
 
    Increase (decrease) in cash on hand, bank deposits
    and securities                                       (2,732)     13,933
 
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year         59,399      40,910
 
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period/ year       56,667      54,843

For further information, please contact: Fabrizio Nardi, Director, Investor Relations, Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., Via Cavalieri Ducati, 3, Bologna 40132, Italy, Main Tel: +39-051-6413-111, Direct Tel: +39-051-6413-213