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Ducati Motor Holding Announces Preliminary Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2006 Financial Results

BOLOGNA, Italy, February 14 --

    
                  2006   2005    Var%  4Q06   4Q05  Var%
    Revenues     304.8   308.5  -1.2%  80.1   88.3  -9.3%
    EBITDA        27.0   (0.3)   n.s    2.9  (14.7)  n.s
    Net result   (8.5)  (41.5)   n.s   (3.9) (24.9)  n.s
    Net Debt     (54.2) (137.0) -60.4%
    (Million Euro)

The Board of Directors of Ducati Motor Holding SpA (Borsa Italiana: DMH, NYSE: DMH) examined today the preliminary 2006 results and approved the 4th quarter 2006 financial results.

The preliminary full year 2006 results show a significant reversal of the 2005 trend with a return to a positive operating result and a substantial improvement of the net financial position. The results are due to a successful relaunch strategy implemented at the end of 2005 which focused on the improvement of gross margin, reduction of dealer stock, reduction of fixed costs and working capital.

Revenues for 2006 are Euro 304.8 million, down 1.2% compared to 2005 with a decrease in the number of bikes sold and revenues partially offset by an improvement in bike mix and by an increase in sales of accessories and apparel.

32.312 bikes were sold in 2006 yielding revenues of Euro 239.7 million (bike units -6.4% with revenues down 3% versus 2005) while sales of spare parts, accessories and apparel and reached revenues of Euro 60.1 million (up 3.4% on 2005)

The decrease in the number of bikes sold, and the increase in the number of registrations (35.286 units, up by 2.1% over 2005), generated a network stock reduction of 3000 bikes equivalent to approximately 1 month of sales and in line with the relaunch strategy.

Registrations increased notably in the USA (+16.3%), in the non-subsidiary countries (+9.4%), in France (+1.5%), and in Japan (+0.5%) whilst they decreased in the UK (-16.5%), Benelux (-12.5%), Germany (-8.8%) and Italy (-3.9%). It is important to consider that the new Superbike 1098 has had very little impact on the 2006 registrations due to being distributed only during the last months of the year.

Gross margin for 2006 amounted to Euro 72.7 million or 23.9% of revenues versus Euro 47.3 million or 15.3% in 2005. The consistent increase is due to an improved product mix, fewer amortizations and the extraordinary devaluation in 2005.

EBITDA was Euro 27 million or 8.9% of revenues compared to a negative EBITDA in 2005 of Euro 0.3 million. The increase is due to the improved bike mix and to extraordinary accruals in 2005.

The operating result (EBIT) was positive at Euro 4.8 million versus a loss of euro 33.6 million the previous year, thanks to the improved EBITDA and lower accruals.

EBT was negative at Euro 1.6 million versus a loss of Euro 41 million the previous year, thanks to the improved operating result and reduced financial charges.

Net result was negative at Euro 8.5 million compared to a loss of Euro 41.5 million the previous year and includes the accrual of deferred taxes.

Federico Minoli, Ducati's President and CEO commented on the 2006 results: "I am extremely satisfied with the results brought by Ducati's relaunch plan which is living up to our expectations and is producing results earlier than anticipated. In particular the decrease of dealer inventory is a good preparation for the sale of new products in 2007. The new Superbike 1098, Hypermotard, and Desmosedici are creating high expectations in the market and a significant number of orders. These products will further increase the gross margin".

On the race track 2006 was a year of unprecedented successes: World Champions of Superbike, and 4 victories and 9 podium places in the MotoGP Championship; a result that no other European manufacturer has ever achieved".

"2006 marks a return to operating profit after some difficult years. As for the future, the next few fiscal years will prove the effectiveness of the investments in the product area that have been made in previous years, especially in terms of increased sales and a return to profit" added Enrico D'Onofrio, CFO, "in particular 2007 will see a double-digit increase over 2006 revenues, EBITDA of around 12% of revenues and return to net profit, one year earlier than predicted in the relaunch plan. Net debt at the end of 2006 - in substantial decline versus 2005 thanks to the capital increase and improvement of working capital -- will stabilise in 2007 maintaining a 30% ratio on equity.

In the fourth quarter sales revenues were Euro 80.1 million, a decrease of 9.3% versus previous year, due mainly to the reduced sales of bikes.

Gross margin was 18.2% of revenues, an improvement on the same period of 2005 as a result of a better bike mix and extraordinary accruals in 2005.

EBITDA was Euro 2.9 million compared to a negative EBITDA of Euro 14.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2005. The increase is due to accruals and extraordinary devaluations, in addition to the other factors stated previously.

In the fourth quarter 2006 the operating result (EBIT) was negative for Euro 4.2 million compared to a negative result in the same period in 2005 of Euro 26.7 million. The improvement is due to the higher gross margin, as stated above, and the restructuring reserve of Euro 13 million that was put aside in 2005.

Results before tax were negative by Euro 5.5 million versus a loss of Euro 27.9 million the previous year.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in seven market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster, Sport Touring, Multistrada SportClassic and the new Hypermotard. The Company's motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won fourteen of the last sixteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. Since 2003 Ducati has also been taking part in the MotoGP World Championship. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com

This press release is not an offer to invest in Italy, according to Art. 1, lett (t) of the Italian Legislative Decree no. 58 of February 24th, 1998, or in any other country. This press release cannot be transmitted or distributed to any persons in the United States or in any country where its distribution is not allowed without the express approval from the relevant authorities.

These materials are not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Any public offering of the company's securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the company and that will contain detailed information about the company and its management, including financial statements.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.

    
                     Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
                             Net Sales and Shipment Data
 
                                Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended
                           December 31   December 31 December 31  December 31
                                   2006         2005        2006         2005
 
    Net Revenues (Euro in thousands, US$ in thousands)
 
     Motorcycles              EUR65,653    EUR76,189     $86,465    $ 100,340
     Spare Parts, 
      Accessories, Apparel       13,537       11,318      17,828       14,906
     Other                          906          765       1,193        1,008
 
    Total Net Revenues        EUR80,096    EUR88,272    $105,486    $ 116,254
 
    Ducati Units
    Motorcycle shipments:                                %Change
 
     North America                2,081        2,225      (6.5%)
     Main European market         3,756        4,946     (24.1%)
     Japan                          649          924     (29.8%)
     Rest of World                1,917        2,024      (5.3%)
 
    Total                         8,403       10,119     (17.0%)
 
    Motorcycle product mix:                             % Change
 
     Superbike                    1,479        1,345       10.0%
     Supersport                     106          335     (68.4%)
     Sport Naked                  3,952        3,731        5.9%
     Sport Touring                  366          321       14.0%
     Multistrada                  1,115        1,113        0.2%
     Sport Classic                1,385        3,274     (57.7%)
 
    Total                         8,403       10,119     (17.0%)
 
    Unofficial Motorcycle Registrations:                % Change
 
     North America                1,205        1,372     (12.2%)
     Main European market         1,856        1,714        8.3%
     Japan                          636          638      (0.3%)
     Rest of World                1,295        1,218        6.3%
 
    Total                         4,992        4,942        1.0%

                      Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
                               Net Sales and Shipment Data
 
                              Twelve Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended
                          December, 31 December, 31 December, 31 December, 31
                                  2006         2005         2006         2005
 
    Net Revenues (Euro in thousands, US$ in thousands)
 
     Motorcycles            EUR239,697   EUR247,236    $ 315,682    $ 325,609
     Spare Parts, 
      Accessories, Apparel      60,061       58,068       79,100       76,476
     Other                       5,036        3,214        6,632        4,233
 
    Total Net Revenues      EUR304,794   EUR308,518    $ 401,414    $ 406,318
 
    Ducati Units
    Motorcycle shipments:                               % Change
 
     North America               8,269        7,070        17.0%
     Main European market       15,523       18,158      (14.5%)
     Japan                       2,361        2,575       (8.3%)
     Rest of World               6,159        6,733       (8.5%)
 
    Total                       32,312       34,536       (6.4%)
 
    Motorcycle product mix:                             % Change
 
     Superbike                   4,755        6,094      (22.0%)
     Supersport                    556        1,030      (46.0%)
     Sport Naked                18,023       16,585         8.7%
     Sport Touring               1,562        1,397        11.8%
     Multistrada                 2,997        6,156      (51.3%)
     Sport Classic               4,419        3,274        35.0%
 
    Total                       32,312       34,536       (6.4%)
 
    Unofficial Motorcycle 
     Registrations:                                     % Change
 
     North America               8,185        7,040        16.3%
     Main European market       17,893       18,961       (5.6%)
     Japan                       2,777        2,754         0.8%
     Rest of World               6,431        5,876         9.4%
 
    Total                       35,286       34,631         1.9%

                            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
 
                    December 31 December 31 December 31  December 31
                           2006        2005        2006         2005 % Change
 
    Revenues (net)    EUR80,096   EUR88,272   $ 105,486     $116,254   (9.3%)
    Cost of goods sold (65,502)    (81,173)    (86,266)    (106,905)
    Gross Margin         14,594       7,099      19,220        9,349   105.6%
 
    Other operating 
     revenues            10,995       7,147      14,480        9,413
    SG&A expenses      (29,977)    (26,829)    (39,479)     (35,334)
    Other operating 
     income and 
     expenses               151     (1,097)         199      (1,445)
    Restructuring Reserve     0    (13,000)           0     (17,121)
 
    Operating result    (4,237)    (26,680)     (5,580)     (35,138)  (84.1%)
 
    Financing 
     expense, net       (1,234)     (1,240)     (1,625)      (1,633)
 
    Profit/(loss)
     before income 
     taxes and 
     min.interest       (5,471)    (27,920)     (7,205)     (36,771)  (80.4%)
 
    Income Tax            1,520       3,027       2,002        3,987  (49.8%)
 
    Net Result including 
     minority interests (3,951)    (24,893)     (5,203)     (32,784)  (84.1%)
 
    Minority Interests        7                       9            0
 
    Net Result for the  
     Group              (3,944)    (24,893)     (5,194)     (32,784)  (84.2%)
 
    Shares 
     outstanding    320,687,920 159,360,037 320,687,920  159,360,037
 
                                                                                                                                                               % Change
    Other Financial Data
    Motorcycles Produced 
     (Units)              6,393       7,604                           (15.9%)
    Motorcycles Sold 
     (Units)              8,403      10,119                           (17.0%)
    Unofficial 
     Registrations 
     (Units)              4,992       4,942                              1.0%
    EBITDA                2,949    (14,708)       3,884     (19,370)
    EBITDA Margin          3.7%     (16.7%)
 
    Note: On December 31, 2006 1 Euro = 1,317 US$

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

                       Twelve Months Ended        Twelve Months Ended
 
                     December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31
                            2006        2005        2006        2005 % Change
 
    Revenues (net)    EUR304,794 EUR 308,518   $ 401,414   $ 406,318   (1.2%)
    Cost of goods sold (232,046)   (261,187)   (305,605)   (343,983)
    Gross Margin          72,748      47,331      95,809      62,335    53.7%
 
    Other operating 
     revenues             34,715      30,414      45,720      40,055
    SG&A expenses      (102,519)    (96,404)   (135,018)   (126,964)
    Other operating 
     income and expenses   (177)     (1,978)       (233)     (2,605)
    Restructuring Reserve      0    (13,000)           0    (17,121)
 
    Operating result       4,767    (33,637)       6,278    (44,300) (114.2%)
 
    Financing 
     expense, net        (6,337)     (7,315)     (8,346)     (9,634)
 
    Profit/(loss)before 
     income taxes and 
     min.interest        (1,570)    (40,952)     (2,068)    (53,934)  (96.2%)
 
    Income Tax           (6,956)       (511)     (9,161)       (673)  1261.3%
 
    Net Result including 
     minority interests  (8,526)    (41,463)    (11,229)    (54,607)  (79.4%)
 
    Minority Interests         3         (1)           4         (1)
 
    Net Result for the 
     Group   (8,523)    (41,464)    (11,225)    (54,608)     (79.4%)
 
    Shares 
     outstanding     320,687,920 159,360,037 320,687,920 159,360,037
 
                                                                                                                                                                        % Change
    Other Financial Data
    Motorcycles Produced 
     (Units)              31,193      33,581                           (7.1%)
    Motorcycles Sold 
     (Units)              32,312      34,536                           (6.4%)
    Unofficial 
     Registrations 
     (Units)              35,286      34,631                             1.9%
    EBITDA                26,982       (273)      35,535       (361)
    EBITDA Margin           8.9%      (0.1%)
 
    Note: On December 31, 2006 1 Euro = 1,317 US$

                          Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
                 Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
             (Euro in thousands, except per share and share amounts)
 
                                    Period ended               Period ended
                                     31.12.2006                 31.12.2005
                                   EUR 000     %              EUR 000     %
    Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents      75,054                     53,017
    Trade receivables, net         88,641                    102,232
    Inventories                    69,846                     81,380
    Other current assets            9,055                      9,217
    Total current assets          242,596    51.2%           245,846    53.1%
 
    Non current assets
    Property, plant and 
     equipment -net                66,536                     66,556
    Goodwill and intangible 
     assets with indefinite 
     useful lives                  86,050                     86,050
    Other intangible fixed 
     assets net                    51,419                     39,665
    Equity investments                320                         20
    Deferred tax assets            26,494                     24,662
    Other long-term assets            373                        386
    Total non current assets      231,192    48.8%           217,339    46.9%
 
    Total assets                  473,788     100%           463,185     100%
 
    Current liabilities
    Short-term bank borrowings      3,834                     64,148
    Accounts payable - trade       91,180                     85,203
    Income and other taxes 
     payables                       5,342                      5,537
    Other current liabilities      19,572                     20,202
    Provisions for risks and 
     charges - current portion      7,154                     18,621
    Totale passivita correnti     127,082    26.8%           193,711    41.8%
 
    Long-term liabilities
    Long-term debt, net of
    current portion               125,374                    125,824
    Employee benefits               9,079                      9,669
    Deferred income taxes          20,507                     13,697
    Provision for risks and 
     charges - long term portion    1,356                      1,525
    Totale passivita a 
     medio-lungo termine          156,316    33.0%           150,715    32.5%
 
    Total liabilities             283,398    59.8%           344,426    74.4%
 
    Shareholders' equity
    Capital stock                 163,311                     82,867
    Other reserves                 75,272                     75,559
    Retained earnings (losses)   (39,684)                      1,780
    Results for the period        (8,523)                   (41,464)
    Total Group Shareholders' 
     equity                       190,376    40.2%           118,742    25.6%
 
    Minority interests                 14                         17
 
    Total liabilities and 
     shareholders' equity         473,788     100%           463,185     100%

                          Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
                    Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
              (US$ in thousands, except per share and share amounts)
 
                                  Period ended               Period ended
                                    31.12.2006                 31.12.2005
                                  $ 000      %               $ 000      %
    Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents      98,846                     69,823
    Trade receivables, net        116,740                    134,640
    Inventories                    91,987                    107,177
    Other current assets           11,926                     12,139
    Total current assets          319,499    51.2%           323,779    53.1%
 
    Non current assets
    Property, plant and 
     equipment -net                87,628                     87,654
    Goodwill and intangible 
     assets with indefinite 
     useful lives                 113,328                    113,328
    Other intangible fixed 
     assets net                    67,719                     52,239
    Equity investments                421                         26
    Deferred tax assets            34,893                     32,480
    Other long-term assets            491                        508
    Total non current assets      304,480    48.8%           286,235    46.9%
 
    Total assets                  623,979     100%           610,014     100%
 
    Current liabilities
    Short-term bank borrowings      5,049                     84,483
    Accounts payable - trade      120,084                    112,212
    Income and other taxes 
     payables                       7,035                      7,292
    Other current liabilities      25,776                     26,606
    Provisions for risks and 
     charges - current portion      9,422                     24,524
    Totale passivita correnti     167,366    26.8%           255,117    41.8%
 
    Long-term liabilities
    Long-term debt, net of
    current portion               165,118                    165,710
    Employee benefits              11,957                     12,735
    Deferred income taxes          27,008                     18,039
    Provision for risks and 
     charges - long term portion    1,786                      2,008
    Total long-term liabilities   205,869    33.0%           198,492    32.5%
 
    Total liabilities             373,235    59.8%           453,609    74.4%
 
    Shareholders' equity
    Capital stock                 215,081                    109,136
    Other reserves                 99,133                     99,511
    Retained earnings (losses)   (52,264)                      2,344
    Results for the period       (11,224)                   (54,608)
    Total Group Shareholders' 
     equity                       250,726    40.2%           156,383    25.6%
 
    Minority interests                 18                         22
 
    Total liabilities and 
     shareholders' equity         623,979     100%           610,014     100%

                            Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
                       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
                              (Euro in thousands)
 
                                                    Period ended Period ended
                                                        31/12/06    31/12/05
                                                         EUR 000     EUR 000
    Cash flow generated by operating activities
    Net profit (loss) for the year                       (8,523)    (41,464)
    Change in cumulative translation adjustment            (796)       1,799
    Adjustments to reconcile net profit (loss) with the
    movements of funds generated by (used in)
    operating activities
    -              Non cash items for stock options          655       1,238
    -              Amortisation, depreciation             22,215      33,364
    -              Taxes paid                            (1,227)     (4,230)
    Change in operating assets
    and liabilities
    -              Working capital                        31,102      35,043
    -              Effects of IAS 39 and 32 adoption 
                    from 1 January 2005                        -     (3,219)
    -              Other current assets                      162       1,570
    -              Other current liabilities               (630)       4,266
    -              Due to tax authorities                  1,032         177
    -              Deferred tax assets                     (400)     (2,997)
    -              Deferred tax liabilities                6,810       1,490
    -              Employee benefits                       (590)       1,187
    -              Provisions for risks and charges      (1,130)         757
    -              Restructuring reserve                (10,506)      13,000
    -              Other
    Net cash generated by operating
    activities(A)                                         38,174      41,981
 
    Cash flow (used in) generated by
    investing activities
    Net change in property, plant and equipment         (12,137)    (10,928)
    Net change in intangible fixed assets               (21,880)    (20,455)
    Disposal from property, plant and equipment               68         354
    Change in equity investments                           (300)           -
    Other fixed assets                                        13          17
    Net cash used in investing activities (B)           (34,236)    (31,012)
 
    Cash flow generated from operating activities,
    net of cash used in investing
    activities (A-B)                                       3,938      10,969
 
    Cash flow (used in) generated by financing activities
    Change in short-term and long-term debt             (56,892)     (7,833)
    Interests cashed (paid)                              (3,872)     (2,057)
    Change in minority interests                             (3)           1
    Increase in share capital and reserves                78,866       2,610
    Change in cash generated by financing activities      18,099     (7,279)
 
    Increase (decrease) in cash on hand, bank deposits
    and securities                                        22,037       3,690
 
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year          53,017      49,327
 
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period/ year        75,054      53,017

                        Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
                 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
                         (Dollar in thousands)
 
                                                    Period ended Period ended
                                                        31/12/06     31/12/05
                                                           $ 000        $ 000
    Cash flow generated by operating activities
    Net profit (loss) for the year                      (11,225)     (54,608)
    Change in cumulative translation adjustment          (1,048)        2,369
    Adjustments to reconcile net profit (loss) with the
    movements of funds generated by (used in)
    operating activities
    -              Non cash items for stock options          863        1,630
    -              Amortisation, depreciation             29,257       43,940
    -              Taxes paid                            (1,616)      (5,571)
    Change in operating assets
    and liabilities
    -              Working capital                        40,961       46,152
    -              Effects of IAS 39 and 32 adoption 
                    from 1 January 2005                               (4,239)
    -              Other current assets                      213        2,068
    -              Other current liabilities               (829)        5,618
    -              Due to tax authorities                  1,359          233
    -              Deferred tax assets                     (527)      (3,947)
    -              Deferred tax liabilities                8,968        1,962
    -              Employee benefits                       (777)        1,563
    -              Provisions for risks and charges      (1,488)          997
    -              Restructuring reserve                (13,836)       17,121
    -              Other
    Net cash generated by operating
    activities(A)                                         50,275       55,288
 
    Cash flow (used in) generated by
    investing activities
    Net change in property, plant and equipment         (15,984)     (14,392)
    Net change in intangible fixed assets               (28,816)     (26,939)
    Disposal from property, plant and equipment               90          466
    Change in equity investments                           (395)            -
    Other fixed assets                                        17           22
    Net cash used in investing activities (B)           (45,088)     (40,843)
 
    Cash flow generated from operating activities,
    net of cash used in investing
    activities (A-B)                                       5,187       14,445
 
    Cash flow (used in) generated by financing activities
    Change in short-term and long-term debt             (74,928)     (10,315)
    Interests cashed (paid)                              (5,099)      (2,709)
    Change in minority interests                             (4)            1
    Increase in share capital and reserves               103,867        3,437
    Change in cash generated by financing activities      23,836      (9,586)
 
    Increase (decrease) in cash on hand, bank deposits
    and securities                                        29,023        4,859
 
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year          69,823       64,964
 
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period/ year        98,846       69,823

For further information, please contact: Federico Strano, Director Investor Relations, Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., Via Cavalieri Ducati, 3, Bologna 40132, Italy, e-mail: federico.strano@ducati.com, Main Tel: +39-051-6413111, Direct Tel: +39-051-6413213