Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes _______ No ___X____
(Convenience
Translation into English from the
Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)
Telesp Celular
Participações
S.A.
Financial Statements
for the Years
Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 and
Independent
Auditors Report
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes
(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT
To the Shareholders
and Management of
Telesp Celular Participações S.A.
São Paulo - SP
1. | We have audited the accompanying individual (Company) and consolidated balance sheets of Telesp Celular Participações S.A. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders equity (Company), and changes in financial position for the years then ended, all expressed in Brazilian reais and prepared under the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements. |
2. | Our audits were conducted in accordance with auditing standards in Brazil and comprised: (a) planning of the work, taking into consideration the significance of the balances, volume of transactions, and the accounting and internal control systems of the Company and its subsidiaries, (b) checking, on a test basis, the evidence and records that support the amounts and accounting information disclosed, and (c) evaluating the significant accounting practices and estimates adopted by management, as well as the presentation of the financial statements taken as a whole. |
3. | In our opinion, the financial statements referred to in paragraph 1 present fairly, in all material respects, the individual and consolidated financial positions of Telesp Celular Participações S.A. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations, the changes in shareholders equity (Company), and the changes in their financial positions for the years then ended in conformity with Brazilian accounting practices. |
4. | The accompanying financial statements have been translated into English for the convenience of readers outside Brazil. |
São Paulo, February 11, 2004
DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU | José Domingos do Prado |
Auditores Independentes | Engagement Partner |
(Tentative and preliminary. For discussion only.)
(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
Company | Consolidated | |||
ASSETS | 2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 |
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 564 | 477 | 1,158,849 | 17,803 |
Trade accounts receivable, net | - | - | 1,212,474 | 542,476 |
Receivables from subsidiaries and affiliates | 45,899 | 150,519 | 22,308 | 16,256 |
Inventories | - | - | 157,296 | 147,670 |
Deferred and recoverable taxes | 2,598 | 127,704 | 595,745 | 398,768 |
Prepaid expenses | 3,186 | - | 92,689 | 55,422 |
Derivatives | 562,123 | 13,007 | 912,612 | 15,870 |
Other assets | 239 | 129 | 82,155 | 3,904 |
614,609 | 291,836 | 4,234,128 | 1,198,169 | |
NONCURRENT ASSETS | ||||
Trade accounts receivable, net | - | - | - | 11,867 |
Receivables from subsidiaries | 470,558 | 442,005 | - | - |
Deferred and recoverable taxes | 207,604 | 419 | 893,632 | 914,833 |
Derivatives | 9,224 | 531,232 | 452,677 | 1,738,242 |
Prepaid expenses | 1,815 | - | 24,338 | 11,191 |
Other assets | 1,946 | - | 74,426 | 4,427 |
691,147 | 973,656 | 1,445,073 | 2,680,560 | |
PERMANENTE ASSSETS | ||||
Investments | 6,861,772 | 5,133,222 | 2,291,311 | 722,762 |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 897 | 906 | 5,234,280 | 4,770,670 |
Deferred charges, net | - | - | 268,522 | 282,224 |
6,862,669 | 5,134,128 | 7,794,113 | 5,775,656 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | 8,168,425 | 6,399,620 | 13,473,314 | 9,654,385 |
Company | Consolidated | |||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 |
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||
Payroll and related accruals | 725 | 490 | 69,065 | 37,436 |
Trade accounts payable | 12,942 | 16,332 | 1,254,990 | 546,438 |
Taxes payable | 644 | 3,338 | 254,378 | 141,720 |
Loans and financing | 2,999,963 | 698,563 | 3,993,316 | 2,068,070 |
Interest on capital and dividends payable | 4,595 | 5,877 | 107,322 | 9,570 |
Reserve for contingencies | 51,082 | - | 126,145 | 36,590 |
Derivatives | 166,564 | 20,623 | 322,854 | 83,183 |
Payables to subsidiaries and affiliates | 22,841 | 27,904 | 27,817 | 27,904 |
Deferred revenues | - | - | 110,158 | 4,410 |
Other liabilities | - | - | 27,561 | 67,499 |
3,259,356 | 773,127 | 6,293,606 | 3,022,820 | |
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | ||||
Loans and financing | 1,466,208 | 1,539,886 | 2,285,876 | 2,392,731 |
Reserve for contingencies | - | - | 153,482 | 100,275 |
Taxes payable | - | - | 182,813 | 118,720 |
Payables to subsidiaries and affiliates | 15,555 | 76,497 | - | - |
Accrued pension plan liability | - | - | 3,187 | 1,750 |
Derivatives | 33,992 | - | 39,659 | - |
Other liabilities | - | - | 546 | 7,979 |
1,515,755 | 1,616,383 | 2,665,563 | 2,621,455 | |
MINORITY INTEREST | - | - | 1,120,705 | - |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||
Capital | 4,373,661 | 4,373,661 | 4,373,661 | 4,373,661 |
Capital reserves | 1,089,879 | 1,067,796 | 1,089,879 | 1,067,796 |
Accumulated deficit | (2,070,379) | (1,431,500) | (2,070,379) | (1,431,500) |
3,393,161 | 4,009,957 | 3,393,161 | 4,009,957 | |
FUNDS FOR CAPITALIZATION | 153 | 153 | 279 | 153 |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 8,168,425 | 6,399,620 | 13,473,314 | 9,654,385 |
(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
Company | Consolidated (*) | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 (**) | 2002 | |
GROSS REVENUES | ||||
Telecommunication services | - | - | 6,300,290 | 3,634,347 |
Sales of products | - | - | 1,563,153 | 717,850 |
- | - | 7,863,443 | 4,352,197 | |
Deductions | - | - | (1,817,066) | (937,206) |
NET OPERATING REVENUE | - | - | 6,046,377 | 3,414,991 |
Cost of services provided | - | - | (1,798,240) | (1,190,477) |
Cost of products sold | - | - | (1,222,293) | (548,907) |
GROSS PROFIT | - | - | 3,025,844 | 1,675,607 |
OPERATING (EXPENSES) INCOME | ||||
Selling expenses | - | - | (1,264,873) | (526,871) |
General and administrative expenses | (18,578) | (10,196) | (561,302) | (343,220) |
Other operating expenses | (136,138) | (57) | (329,711) | (75,983) |
Other operating income | 5,915 | 15,617 | 184,364 | 36,150 |
Equity pick-up | 135,455 | (640,215) | - | (890,706) |
(13,346) | (634,851) | (1,971,522) | (1,800,630) | |
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE | ||||
FINANCIAL EXPENSES, NET | (13,346) | (634,851) | 1,054,322 | (125,023) |
Financial expenses | (1,378,327) | (1,250,674) | (2,561,966) | (2,443,391) |
Financial income | 751,483 | 915,610 | 1,334,333 | 1,634,969 |
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS | (640,190) | (969,915) | (173,311) | (933,445) |
Nonoperating income (expenses), net | (44) | - | (25,658) | 10,005 |
LOSS BEFORE TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE | (640,234) | (969,915) | (198,969) | (923,440) |
Extraordinary charge | - | (170,846) | - | (170,846) |
LOSS BEFORE TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST | (640,234) | (1,140,761) | (198,969) | (1,094,286) |
Income and social contribution taxes | - | - | (277,945) | (46,475) |
Minority interest | - | - | (257,749) | - |
LOSS BEFORE REVERSAL OF INTEREST ON CAPITAL | (640,234) | (1,140,761) | (734,663) | (1,140,761) |
Reversal of interest on capital | - | - | 94,129 | - |
NET LOSS | (640,234) | (1,140,761) | (640,534) | (1,140,761) |
LOSS PER THOUSAND SHARES - R$ | (0.5464) | (0.9735) | ||
(*) As of December 31, 2002, the balances related to Global Telecom S.A. and Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. were not consolidated.
The Company's investment in GT is carried under the equity method. The Company acquired TCO in April 2003.
(**) Includes 12 months of GT's operations and 8 months of TCO's operations.
(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
Company | Consolidated | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |
SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||
From operations (see below) | - | - | 965,604 | 792,923 |
Capital contribution | - | 2,403,356 | - | 2,403,356 |
From shareholders | - | 2,403,356 | - | 2,403,356 |
Dividends received | 415,670 | 159,992 | - | - |
Expired interest on capital and dividends | 1,355 | 4,715 | 1,355 | 4,715 |
Financing of deferred taxes - long term | - | - | 58,334 | - |
Receivables from subsidiary | 27,864 | 448,037 | - | - |
Loans and financing | 1,907,238 | - | 1,907,238 | - |
Working capital balances - TCO | - | - | 744,716 | - |
Transfer from permanent to current assets | - | - | - | 37,800 |
Transfer from noncurrent to current assets | 464,797 | - | 1,329,554 | 26,898 |
Other sources | 2,816,924 | 612,744 | 4,041,197 | 69,413 |
Total sources | 2,816,924 | 3,016,100 | 5,006,801 | 3,265,692 |
USE OF FUNDS | ||||
In operations (see below) | 784,897 | 247,567 | - | - |
Other investments | 34 | 35 | 34 | 35 |
Payment of interest on capital and expired dividends to minority shareholders | - | - | 92,249 | - |
Additions to property, plant and equipment | 326 | 93 | 708,639 | 327,285 |
Increase in deferred charges | - | - | 235 | 46,642 |
Advance for future capital increase | - | 319,393 | - | 319,393 |
Acquisition of interest in affiliates | 395,782 | 2,310,878 | 395,782 | 2,310,878 |
Premium paid on acquisition of interest in affiliates | 1,656,127 | 290,282 | 1,656,127 | 290,282 |
Acquisition of interest in premium reserve - TCO | 25,436 | - | 25,436 | - |
Transfer from long-term to current liabilities | 1,905,899 | - | 2,151,190 | - |
Working capital balances - GT | - | - | - | 66,397 |
Transfer from current to noncurrent assets | 4,694 | 419 | 4,694 | 825,368 |
Credits granted to GT | - | 442,005 | - | 531,439 |
Deferred taxes | 207,185 | - | 178,581 | - |
Prepaid expenses | - | - | 28,661 | - |
Total uses | 4,980,380 | 3,610,672 | 5,241,628 | 4,717,719 |
DECREASE IN WORKING CAPITAL | (2,163,456) | (594,572) | (234,827) | (1,452,027) |
REPRESENTED BY | ||||
Current assets: | ||||
Beginning of year | 291,836 | 189,851 | 1,198,169 | 947,145 |
End of year | 614,609 | 291,836 | 4,234,128 | 1,198,169 |
Increase | 322,773 | 101,985 | 3,035,959 | 251,024 |
Current liabilities: | ||||
Beginning of year | 773,127 | 76,570 | 3,022,820 | 1,319,769 |
End of year | 3,259,356 | 773,127 | 6,293,606 | 3,022,820 |
Increase | 2,486,229 | 696,557 | 3,270,786 | 1,703,051 |
DECREASE IN WORKING CAPITAL | (2,163,456) | (594,572) | (234,827) | (1,452,027) |
FUNDS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATIONS | ||||
Net loss | (640,234) | (640,234) | ||
Equity pick-up | (135,455) | 640,215 | - | 890,706 |
Minority interest | - | - | 257,749 | - |
Depreciation and amortization | 95,129 | 130 | 1,220,731 | 685,315 |
Monetary and exchange variations on long-term liabilities | (75,016) | 618,533 | (118,260) | 816,419 |
Exchange variation on noncurrent assets | (40,978) | (531,133) | 198,271 | (676,772) |
Expired dividends (subsidiary) | (4,494) | (5,397) | - | - |
Increase (decrease) in provision for contingencies | - | - | (56,165) | 8,644 |
Interest on long-term derivatives | 15,755 | - | 15,755 | - |
Increase (decrease) in accrued pension plan liability | - | - | (1,373) | 444 |
Deferred taxes | - | - | 46,440 | 24,948 |
Disposal of property, plant and equipment | 276 | - | 42,690 | 13,134 |
Income from merger of holding companies | 120 | - | - | - |
Provision for losses on investments | - | 170,846 | - | 170,846 |
Items not affecting working capital | (144,663) | 893,194 | 1,605,838 | 1,933,684 |
Total | (784,897) | (247,567) | 965,604 | 792,923 |
(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
Capital reserves | |||||
Capital | Special premium |
Premium | Accumulated deficit |
Total | |
BALANCES DECEMBER 31, 2001 | 1,873,347 | 1,065,044 | 99,710 | (295,454) | 2,742,647 |
Capital contribution in cash | 2,403,356 | - | - | - | 2,403,356 |
Transfer of special premium reserve | 96,958 | (96,958) | - | - | - |
Expired dividends - 1998 | - | - | - | 4,715 | 4,715 |
Net loss | - | - | - | (1,140,761) | (1,140,761) |
BALANCES DECEMBER 31, 2002 | 4,373,661 | 968,086 | 99,710 | (1,431,500) | 4,009,957 |
Expired dividends - 1999 | - | - | - | 1,355 | 1,355 |
Adjustment of income and social contribution tax rate on special premium reserve | - | 22,083 | - | - | 22,083 |
Net loss | - | - | - | (640,234) | (640,234) |
BALANCES DECEMBER 31, 2003 | 4,373,661 | 990,169 | 99,710 | (2,070,379) | 3,393,161 |
(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
1. OPERATIONS
Telesp Celular Participações S.A. (TCP or the Company) is a publicly-traded company which, as of December 31, 2003, is owned by Brasilcel N.V. (57.26% of total capital) and Portelcom Participações S.A. (7.86% of total capital), which is wholly-owned by Brasilcel N.V.
Brasilcel N.V. is controlled by Telefónica Móviles, S.A. (50.00% of total capital), PT Móveis, Serviços de Telecomunicações, SGPS, S.A. (49.999% of total capital), and Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A. (0.001% of total capital).
The Company owns 100% of Telesp Celular S.A. (TC), and, as of December 27, 2002, Global Telecom S.A. (GT), which provide, through authorizations or concessions, wireless communication services in the States of São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina, including related services.
The Company is also the controlling shareholder of Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. (TCO), which in turn is the controlling shareholder of the following operators:
Operator | Interest held by TCO - % |
Operating area | Expiration date of concession/ authorization |
Telegoiás Celular S.A. | 97.14 | Góias and Tocantins | 10/29/08 |
Telemat Celular S.A. | 97.83 | Mato Grosso | 03/30/09 |
Telems Celular S.A. | 98.54 | Mato Grosso do Sul | 09/28/09 |
Teleron Celular S.A. | 97.23 | Rondônia | 07/21/09 |
Teleacre Celular S.A. | 98.35 | Acre | 07/15/09 |
Norte Brasil Telecom S.A. (NBT) | 100.00 | Amazonas, Roraima, Amapá, Pará and Maranhão |
11/29/13 |
TCO also owns TCO IP S.A. (TCP IP), which provides telecommunications services, Internet access, solutions and other.
Telecommunications services provided by the subsidiaries, including related services and tariffs, are regulated by the Federal regulatory authority, the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL), as authorized by Law No. 9,472, of July 16, 1997, and the respective regulations, decrees, decisions and plans.
Migration from SMC to SMP
On December 10, 2002 and February 3, 2003, ANATEL and the subsidiaries TC, GT and TCO and their subsidiaries signed a document authorizing Personal Mobile Service (SMP), effective from the date of publication in the Federal Official Gazette on December 12, 2002 and February 5, 2003.
Authorizations granted to the subsidiaries TC and GT are valid for the remaining periods of the concessions previously granted and currently replaced, to August 5, 2008 and April 8, 2013, respectively, and may be renewed once for 15 years, on a chargeable basis.
Authorizations granted to TCO and its subsidiaries are valid for the remaining period of the concessions previously granted and currently replaced, and may be renewed once for 15 years, on a chargeable basis. The concession previously granted to TCO expires on July 24, 2006 (see expiration dates of concession of TCOs subsidiaries in the table above).
On July 6, 2003, the wireless operators implemented the Carriers Selection Code (CSP) on national (VC2 and VC3) and international long distance calls, according to SMP rules. The operators no longer receive VC2 and VC3 revenues; instead, they receive interconnection revenues for the use of their networks on these calls.
Acquisition of equity interests - TCO
On April 25, 2003, under the terms of the Contract for Purchase and Sale of Shares, the control of TCO was transferred to the Company. As of that date, TCP became the holder of 64.03% of the voting capital and 20.69% of the total capital of TCO.
The price of the controlling shares, plus interest provided for under the final contract, was approximately R$1,506 million, equivalent to R$19.48719845 per thousand common shares, of which approximately R$1,356 million was paid to the sellers and the remaining balance will be paid in installments under the terms and conditions of the final contract.
On September 30, 2003, the Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM) approved the purchase of common shares of TCO in an operation concluded on November 18, 2003, which resulted in the acquisition of 26.70% of the voting capital of TCO (8.62% of total capital) for the amount of R$538.8 million. After this acquisition, TCP became the holder of 90.73% of the voting capital of TCO (29.31% of total capital).
Merger of GTs holding companies
On December 27, 2002, the Company purchased the remaining 51% of the common shares (17% of total capital) of the holding companies Daini do Brasil S.A. (Daini), Globaltelcom Telecomunicações S.A. (Globaltelcom) and GTPS S.A. Participações em Investimentos de Telecomunicações (GTPS) which together held the controlling interest in Global Telecom S.A.
As of March 31, 2003, the Company, seeking to minimize administrative and financial costs, merged these holding companies into GT, in which the merged net assets amounted to R$276 million. With this operation, the Company became the direct owner of Global Telecom S.A.
2. PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated financial statements include:
As of December 31, 2003, balances and transactions of the subsidiaries TC and GT (which became a subsidiary on December 27, 2002), of TCO (which became a subsidiary on April 25, 2003) and of the indirect subsidiaries Telesp Celular International Ltd. and Telesp Celular Overseas. TCOs results for the year comprise only the months from May to December 2003.
As of December 31, 2002, balances and transactions of the subsidiary TC and indirect subsidiaries Telesp Celular International Ltd. and Telesp Celular Overseas. GTs results for the year are reflected in the statement of operations under the equity method.
In consolidation, all intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
The financial statements as of December 31, 2002 have been reclassified, where applicable, for comparability.
3. SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
a) Cash and cash equivalents
Represent available balances in cash and banks and all highly liquid temporary cash investments, stated at cost plus income earned to the balance sheet date.
b) Trade accounts receivable
Amounts billed are calculated at the tariff rate in effect on the date the services were rendered. Trade accounts receivable also include services provided to customers to the balance sheet date, but not yet invoiced, as well as accounts receivable from the sale of cellular handsets and accessories.
c) Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance is made for those receivables for which recoverability is considered remote.
d) Foreign currency transactions
Recorded at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the related transactions. Foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Exchange variations and premiums related to derivative contracts are calculated and recorded monthly regardless of the settlement period.
e) Inventories
Consist of cellular handsets and accessories stated at average acquisition cost. An allowance was recognized to adjust, to net realizable value, the cost of handsets and accessories considered obsolete or in quantities greater than those usually sold in a reasonable period of time.
f) Prepaid expenses
Stated at amounts disbursed for expenses not yet incurred.
g) Other assets
Effective 2003, the subsidy on sales of terminals to dealers has been deferred and recorded in income as terminal activation occurs, generating a positive effect on income of approximately R$15 million, net of taxes.
h) Investments
Permanent investments in affiliates and subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. The financial statements of indirect subsidiaries based abroad are converted at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date. The accounting practices of direct and indirect subsidiaries are consistent with those applied by the Company.
i) Property, plant and equipment
Stated at acquisition or construction cost, less accumulated depreciation calculated under the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of these assets. Interest on loans for financing construction in progress is capitalized as part of the cost of the asset. Costs incurred for repairs and maintenance that represent improvements, increase capacity or extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized. All other routine costs are charged to income.
j) Deferred charges
Preoperating expenses were recorded as formation cost of GT, NBT and TCO IP, amortized under the straight-line method over a period of ten years for GT and NBT, and five years for TCP IP.
The goodwill recognized on the acquisition of Ceterp Celular S.A. by TC on November 27, 2000 is being amortized over ten years.
Goodwill amounts related to own stores were recorded as deferred charges and amortized over the term of the agreements.
k) Income and social contribution taxes
Calculated and recorded based on the tax rates in effect on the balance sheet date, on the accrual basis. Deferred taxes attributable to temporary differences and tax loss carryforwards are recorded by the subsidiaries TC and TCO as assets, based on the assumption of future realization.
l) Loans and financing
Updated for monetary and/or exchange variations plus interest accrued to the balance sheet date.
m) FISTEL fee
FISTEL (Telecommunication Inspection Fund) fees related to activations of new customers, paid monthly during the year, are deferred and amortized over a period of 24 months, the estimated customer loyalty period.
n) Reserve for contingencies
Recognized based on the opinions of legal counsel and management as to the likely outcome of the outstanding matters, updated to the balance sheet date for the amounts of probable losses considering the nature of each case.
o) Accrued pension plan
Actuarial liabilities are calculated under the projected unit credit method and plan assets are stated at fair market value. Actuarial gains and losses were recorded in income (Note 28).
p) Revenue recognition
Revenues from services are recognized when services are provided and are billed on a monthly basis. Unbilled revenues from billing date to monthend are estimated and recognized as revenues during the month in which the service is provided. Revenues from sales of prepaid cellular minutes are deferred and recognized in income as they are used, except in 2002, when they were recognized upon sale. The effect of this change had a negative impact on income for 2003 of approximately R$ 62 million.
q) Financial income (expenses)
Represents interest earned (incurred) and monetary and exchange variations resulting from temporary cash investments, loans and financing obtained or granted. Exchange gains and losses on forward contracts and swaps are included.
r) Derivatives
The Company and its subsidiaries have certain foreign exchange forward and swap contracts in order to manage exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates and interest rates for cash flows in foreign currency. These derivatives are recorded at the exchange rates in effect on the date of the balance sheet; the premiums paid or received in advance are deferred for amortization over the period of the respective contracts. Gains and losses, realized and unrealized, are estimated exclusively based on the contractual conditions and recorded as financial income or expenses.
s) Profit sharing
Provisions are recorded for employee profit sharing.
t) Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from the estimates.
u) Loss per thousand shares
Calculated based on the number of shares outstanding at the balance sheet date.
4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Company | Consolidated | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Cash and banks | 564 | 477 | 94,800 | 15,853 |
Temporary cash investments | - | - | 1,064,049 | 1,950 |
Total | 564 | 477 | 1,158,849 | 17,803 |
Temporary cash investments refer principally to fixed income bank deposit certificates (CDBs) which are indexed to interbank deposit (CDI) rates.
5. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
Consolidated | ||
2003 | 2002 | |
Unbilled amounts | 204,302 | 111,206 |
Billed amounts | 447,387 | 214,958 |
Interconnection | 353,272 | 143,899 |
Products sold | 343,354 | 204,415 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (135,841) | (120,135) |
Total | 1,212,474 | 554,343 |
Current | 1,212,474 | 542,476 |
Noncurrent | - | 11,867 |
As of December 31, 2002, noncurrent receivables refer to receivables from sales of Peg&Fale (take and talk) sets. These receivables are realized through card renewals by Peg&Fale service customers and are shown net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, calculated based on past card renewals.
Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
Consolidated | ||
2003 | 2002 | |
Beginning balance | 120,135 | 103,642 |
Provision for doubtful accounts charged to selling expense | 85,460 | 68,329 |
Inclusion of Global Telecom S.A. | - | 10,302 |
Inclusion of Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. | 29,597 | - |
Write-offs | (99,351) | (62,138) |
Ending balance | 135,841 | 120,135 |
6. INVENTORIES
Consolidated | ||
2003 | 2002 | |
Digital handsets | 167,100 | 169,248 |
Other | 19,184 | 2,442 |
Allowance for obsolescence | (28,988) | (24,020) |
Total | 157,296 | 147,670 |
7. DEFERRED AND RECOVERABLE TAXES
Company | Consolidated | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Prepaid income and social contribution taxes | 146,759 | 11,302 | 229,481 | 50,097 |
Withholding income tax | 61,021 | 116,402 | 116,216 | 117,193 |
Recoverable ICMS (State VAT) | - | - | 140,536 | 104,776 |
Recoverable PIS and COFINS (taxes on revenue) and other | 2,003 | - | 2,679 | 1,645 |
Recoverable taxes | 209,783 | 127,704 | 488,912 | 273,711 |
ICMS on sales to be recognized | - | - | 30,635 | - |
Deferred income and social contribution taxes | 419 | 419 | 969,830 | 1,039,890 |
Total | 210,202 | 128,123 | 1,489,377 | 1,313,601 |
Current | 2,598 | 127,704 | 595,745 | 398,768 |
Noncurrent | 207,604 | 419 | 893,632 | 914,833 |
Deferred income and social contribution taxes are comprised of:
Company | Consolidated | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Merged tax credit (corporate restructuring) | - | - | 642,272 | 728,742 |
Merged TCO tax credit | - | - | 21,943 | - |
Tax loss carryforwards | 419 | 419 | 157,817 | 116,114 |
Allowance reserve for: | ||||
Inventory obsolescence | - | - | 8,005 | 7,123 |
Contingencies | - | - | 59,125 | 42,631 |
Doubtful accounts | - | - | 31,628 | 29,030 |
Network costs and customer discounts - Peg&Fale | - | - | - | 16,619 |
Deferred sales | - | - | 6,478 | - |
Derivative transactions | - | - | 7,211 | 90,690 |
Profit sharing program | - | - | 6,845 | 4,904 |
Other | - | - | 28,506 | 4,037 |
Total deferred taxes | 419 | 419 | 969,830 | 1,039,890 |
Current | - | - | 351,648 | 173,323 |
Noncurrent | 419 | 419 | 618,182 | 866,567 |
Deferred taxes have been recorded based on the assumption of future realization, as follows:
a) Tax loss carryforwards, principally of the subsidiary TC, will be offset up to a limit of 30% per year of taxable income for the next few years. The subsidiary, based on projections of future results, estimates that its tax loss carryforwards will be fully utilized in two years.
b) The merged tax credit consists of the net balance of goodwill and the reserve for maintenance of integrity of shareholders equity (Note 29) and is realized as goodwill is amortized, over a period of ten years. Outside consultants studies used in the corporate restructuring process support the tax credit recovery within that period. The merged tax credit of the subsidiary TCO is being realized proportionally to the goodwill amortization and will be recovered by December 2004.
c) Temporary differences will be realized upon payment of the accruals, effective losses on bad debts and realization of inventories.
Technical feasibility studies approved by the Board of Directors indicate full recovery of the deferred taxes recognized as determined by CVM Resolution No. 371. The Company expects to recover the tax credits as follows:
Year | Consolidated |
2004 | 351,648 |
2005 | 163,479 |
2006 | 137,672 |
2007 | 108,553 |
2008 and 2009 | 208,478 |
Total | 969,830 |
CVM Resolution No. 371 determines that periodic studies must be carried out to support maintaining the amounts recorded. The Company and its subsidiaries GT and TCO IP did not recognize deferred income and social contribution taxes on tax losses and temporary differences, due to the lack of projected taxable income to be generated in the short term.
8. PREPAID EXPENSES
Company | Consolidated | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |
FISTEL fees | - | - | 49,223 | 30,457 |
Financial charges | 5,001 | - | 7,142 | 712 |
Commercial incentives | - | - | 13,123 | 34,504 |
Advertising | - | - | 35,239 | - |
Rentals | - | - | 9,222 | - |
Other | - | - | 3,078 | 940 |
Total | 5,001 | - | 117,027 | 66,613 |
Current | 3,186 | - | 92,689 | 55,422 |
Noncurrent | 1,815 | - | 24,338 | 11,191 |
9. OTHER ASSETS
Company | Consolidated | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Prepaid subsidies for products | - | - | 22,448 | - |
Advance for purchase of shares | - | - | 44,461 | - |
Credits with suppliers | - | - | 49,491 | 1,535 |
Escrow deposits | - | - | 27,964 | 4,277 |
Tax incentives | - | - | 30 | 30 |
Advances to employees | - | 81 | 5,695 | 1,132 |
Other | 2,185 | 48 | 6,492 | 1,357 |
Total | 2,185 | 129 | 156,581 | 8,331 |
Current | 239 | 129 | 82,155 | 3,904 |
Noncurrent | 1,946 | - | 74,426 | 4,427 |
10. INVESTMENTS
a) Investments in subsidiaries
Investee | Common stock interest (%) |
Preferred stock interest (%) |
Total interest (%) |
Telesp Celular S.A. | 100 | - | 100 |
Global Telecom S.A. | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. | 90.73 | - | 29.31 |
The interest in TCO is calculated considering capital less treasury shares.
b) Number of shares held
In thousands | |||
Investee | Common | Preferred | Total |
Telesp Celular S.A. | 83,155,768 | - | 83,155,768 |
Global Telecom S.A. | 3,810 | 7,621 | 11,431 |
Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. | 109,462,233 | - | 109,462,233 |
c) Information on subsidiaries
Investee | Shareholders equity - 12.31.03 |
Shareholders equity - 12.31.02 |
Net income (loss) for the year ended 12.31.03 |
Net income (loss) for the year ended 12.31.02 |
Telesp Celular S.A. | 3,417,322 | 3,274,152 | 495,172 | 250,491 |
Global Telecom S.A. | 988,686 | 911,935 | (436,020) | (771,143) |
Daini | - | 397,526 | - | (582,669) |
Globaltelcom | - | 74,455 | - | (121,316) |
GTPS | - | 29,839 | - | (67,340) |
TCO | 1,556,086 | - | 463,408 | - |
d) Components and changes
The Companys investments are comprised of equity interests in the capital of the subsidiaries TC, GT and TCO, as well as goodwill and advances for future capital increase, reserve for investment losses and other investments, as shown below:
Company | Consolidated | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Investments in subsidiaries | 4,647,772 | 4,111,464 | - | - |
Goodwill paid on investment acquisitions | 2,638,076 | 875,830 | 2,740,632 | 1,172,308 |
Advances for future capital increase | 25,436 | 595,474 | - | - |
Reserve for investment losses (*) | (449,615) | (449,615) | (449,615) | (449,615) |
Other investments | 103 | 69 | 294 | 69 |
Investment balance | 6,861,772 | 5,133,222 | 2,291,311 | 722,762 |
(*) As a result of the operating losses incurred by GT and its negative net assets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, TCP recognized a reserve for losses on investments in the amount of R$449,615.
Changes in investment balances for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:
Company | ||||
2003 | 2002 | |||
Investment | Reserve for excess of liabilities over assets |
Investment | Reserve for excess of liabilities over assets | |
Investments, net of reserve for loss | 5,133,222 | - | 3,761,150 | (582,860) |
Equity pick-up (*) | 135,455 | - | 250,491 | (890,706) |
Interest on capital and dividends | (415,670) | - | (159,992) | - |
Goodwill paid on investment acquisitions | 1,656,127 | - | 290,282 | - |
Amortization of goodwill paid on investment acquisitions | (95,071) | - | - | - |
Advances for future capital increase | 25,436 | - | 319,393 | - |
Investments in subsidiaries | 395,782 | - | 837,312 | 1,473,566 |
Interest on capital and expired dividends (subsidiary) | 4,494 | - | 5,397 | - |
Reserve for investment losses | - | - | (170,846) | - |
Other investments | 34 | - | 35 | - |
Increase in investment in subsidiary | 22,083 | - | - | - |
Merger of holding companies | (120) | - | - | - |
Ending balance | 6,861,772 | - | 5,133,222 | - |
(*)In 2002, equity pick-up refers to 100% of the results of TC and GT.
In 2003, equity pick-up refers to 100% of the results of TC and GT, 20.69% of the results of TCO from May to October 2003, and 29.61% of the results of TCO from November to December 2003.
The goodwill paid on the acquisition of GT, in the amount of R$1,077,022, will be amortized over ten years based on future profitability, to commence when profitable operations are achieved, which is expected to occur in 2005.
TC has investments in Telesp Celular International Ltd. and Telesp Celular Overseas, companies located abroad for the purpose of obtaining funding through foreign loans.
The goodwill paid on the acquisition of TCO amounted to R$1,656,127, of which R$1,478,458 was based on the expectation of future profitability and will be amortized over ten years. The remaining balance was based on asset appreciation of real properties and operating licenses and will be amortized over the remaining useful life of these assets.
11. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Consolidated | |||||
2003 | 2002 | ||||
Annual depreciation rate - % |
Cost | Accumulated depreciation |
Net book value |
Net book value | |
Transmission equipment | 4 to 20 | 4,007,341 | (2,328,027) | 1,679,314 | 1,596,833 |
Switching equipment | 10 to 16.67 | 1,548,860 | (753,871) | 794,989 | 717,369 |
Infrastructure | 2.86 to 20 | 1,227,225 | (438,993) | 788,232 | 740,053 |
Land | - | 47,937 | - | 47,937 | 39,851 |
Software use rights | 20 | 1,005,943 | (457,785) | 548,158 | 511,818 |
Buildings | 2.86 to 4 | 165,928 | (29,863) | 136,065 | 110,133 |
Terminals | 50 to 66.67 | 200,982 | (133,155) | 67,827 | 54,510 |
Concession license | 6.67 | 976,476 | (368,586) | 607,890 | 625,913 |
Other assets | 4 to 20 | 328,359 | (170,095) | 158,264 | 167,277 |
Assets and construction in progress | - | 405,604 | - | 405,604 | 206,913 |
Total | 9,914,655 | (4,680,375) | 5,234,280 | 4,770,670 | |
Starting January 1, 2003, the useful life of terminals was reduced to 18 months, in order to better reflect the state of operations. The effect of this reduction in 2003 represented an increase in depreciation expense of R$34,854, compared to the previous year.
In 2003, financial expenses in the amount of R$1,655 (R$10,331 in 2002) on loans and financing for construction in progress were capitalized.
12. DEFERRED CHARGES
Consolidated | |||
Annual amortization rate - % |
2003 | 2002 | |
Preoperating costs: | |||
Amortization of licenses | 10 | 80,496 | 80,496 |
Financial expenses | 10 | 201,131 | 184,430 |
General and administrative expenses | 10 | 71,624 | 43,633 |
353,251 | 308,559 | ||
Goodwill - Ceterp Celular S.A. | 10 | 84,265 | 84,265 |
Goodwill (commercial locations) | (*) | 12,109 | 10,460 |
449,625 | 403,284 | ||
Accumulated amortization: | |||
Preoperating costs | (149,935) | (100,489) | |
Goodwill - Ceterp Celular S.A. | (25,982) | (17,555) | |
Goodwill | (5,186) | (3,016) | |
(181,103) | (121,060) | ||
Total | 268,522 | 282,224 | |
(*) According to contractual terms.
13. TRADE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Company | Consolidated | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Suppliers | 12,872 | 16,202 | 1,022,108 | 478,563 |
Interconnection | - | - | 58,082 | 48,055 |
Amounts to be transferred - SMP (*) | - | - | 140,935 | - |
Other | 70 | 130 | 33,865 | 19,820 |
Total | 12,942 | 16,332 | 1,254,990 | 546,438 |
(*) Refers to long-distance services to be passed on to the operators due to the migration to SMP (Note 1).
14. TAXES PAYABLE
Company | Consolidated | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |
State VAT (ICMS) | - | - | 291,620 | 178,992 |
Income and social contribution taxes | - | - | 3,544 | 24,671 |
Taxes on revenue (PIS and COFINS) | - | 2,540 | 51,637 | 45,829 |
FISTEL fees | - | - | 73,409 | 6,519 |
FUST and FUNTTEL | - | - | 3,902 | 2,588 |
Other taxes | 644 | 798 | 13,079 | 1,841 |
Total | 644 | 3,338 | 437,191 | 260,440 |
Current | 644 | 3,338 | 254,378 | 141,720 |
Long term | - | - | 182,813 | 118,720 |
Of the long-term portion: (a) R$155,149 refers to the ICMS - Programa Paraná Mais Emprego, an agreement made with the Paraná State Government for deferral of ICMS payments. This agreement stipulates the due date of ICMS as the 49th month following that in which the ICMS is determined, among other benefits, and (b) R$9,972 refers to ICMS - Programa Teleproduzir arising from an agreement made with the Goiás State Government, for deferral of ICMS payments. This agreement stipulates that the ICMS used as a tax credit will be paid in 84 monthly installments, with a grace period of 12 months from the date of final credit use.
15. LOANS AND FINANCING
a) Composition of debt
Company ConsolidatedCompany | Company | |||||
Description | Currency | Annual charges | 2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 |
Financial institutions: | ||||||
Finimp with debt assumption | US$ | 4.78% to 14.06% | 44,538 | - | 105,880 | - |
Compror | US$ | 15% to 25.9% | - | - | 18,818 | 57,560 |
BNDES | R$ | TJLP + 3.5% to 4% (*) | - | - | 635,670 | 605,020 |
BNDES | UMBND | 3.5% to 3.6% | - | - | 78,625 | 93,677 |
Working capital | R$ | 110% to 118% of CDI | - | 410,000 | - | 427,000 |
Resolutions No. 63 and No. 2,770 | US$ | 3% to 16.83% | 1,420,422 | 268,956 | 1,615,545 | 371,547 |
Resolution No. 63 | ¥ | 1.3% | 306,927 | - | 306,927 | - |
Export Development Corporation - EDC | US$ | 3.90% to 5.0% + Libor | - | - | 125,509 | - |
Floating rate notes | US$ | 6.75% | 433,380 | - | 433,380 | - |
Debentures | R$ | 104.6% of CDI | 506,750 | - | 506,750 | - |
Debt assumption | US$ | Libor + 2% to 7% | - | - | 29,705 | - |
Suppliers: | ||||||
NEC do Brasil | US$ | 7.30% | - | - | 15,657 | 28,721 |
Affiliated companies: | ||||||
Commercial paper | US$ | 9.5% | - | - | 346,704 | 423,996 |
Resolution No. 4,131 | | 7.0% + Euribor | - | - | - | 164,959 |
Resolution No. 4,131 | US$ | 13.25% | - | - | 260,028 | 706,660 |
Floating rate notes | | 7.0% + Euribor | 1,518,830 | 1,539,886 | 1,518,830 | 1,539,886 |
Investment acquisition - TCO | R$ | 2 to 4.5% p.a. + 108% to 110% of CDI | 149,858 | - | 149,858 | - |
Other | R$ | Column 20 FGV | - | - | 1,845 | - |
Accrued interest | 85,466 | 19,607 | 129,461 | 41,775 | ||
Total | 4,466,171 | 2,238,449 | 6,279,192 | 4,460,801 | ||
Current | 2,999,963 | 698,563 | 3,993,316 | 2,068,070 | ||
Long term | 1,466,208 | 1,539,886 | 2,285,876 | 2,392,731 |
(*) In case the long-term interest rate (TJLP) exceeds 10% p.a., the spread will be 6%.
b) | Repayment schedule The long-term portion of loans and financing matures as follows:
|
|
2003 |
|
|
Company |
Consolidated |
|
||
2005 |
959,458 |
1,273,900 |
2006 |
- |
151,973 |
2007 |
- |
856,407 |
2008 |
506,750 |
3,596 |
Total |
1,466,208 |
2,285,876 |
|
c) | Restrictive clauses GT has a loan from the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), the balance of which at December 31, 2003 was R$263,352. As of that date, various loan covenants were not being complied with by GT. No adjustment related to this matter was reflected either by GT or by TCP, since waivers on noncompliance with these covenants have been obtained through December 31, 2004. TCO has loans with the BNDES and with the Export Development Corporation (EDC), the balances of which at December 31, 2003 were R$187,054 and R$125,509, respectively. As of that date, TCO was in compliance with the various loan covenants. |
d) | Hedges As of December 31, 2003, the Company and its subsidiaries have exchange contracts in the amounts of US$1,129,314,000, ¥11,363,024,000 and 438,050,000 to hedge against exchange rate fluctuations on foreign currency obligations. At December 31, 2003, the Company and its subsidiaries recognized accumulated net unrealized gains of R$1,002,776 (R$1,670,929 at December 31, 2002) on these hedges, represented by a balance of R$1,365,289 (R$1,754,112 at December 31, 2002) in assets, of which R$912,612 (R$15,870 at December 31, 2002) was in current and R$452,677 (R$1,738,242 at December 31, 2002) in noncurrent, and balances of R$322,854 (R$83,183 at December 31, 2002) in current liabilities and R$39,659 in long-term liabilities. |
e) | Guarantees TC loans and financing amounting to R$270,424 refer to BNDES funds that are guaranteed by amounts receivable. GT loans and financing amounting to R$263,352 refer to funds guaranteed by accounts receivable, of which up to 140% of the monthly installment may be kept, with TC's guarantee. TCO guarantees comprise the following: |
Banks |
Guarantees |
BNDES - TCO operators |
15% of receivables and CDB's equivalent to the amount of next installment payable. |
|
|
BNDES NBT |
100% of receivables and CDB's equivalent to the amount of next installment payable during the first year and CDB's equivalent to two installments payable in the remaining period. |
|
|
EDC |
TCO's and other subsidiaries' guarantees. |
|
|
Other loans and financing |
TCO's guarantee. |
16. OTHER LIABILITIES
|
Consolidated |
|
|
2003 |
2002 |
|
||
Premium on sale of call option (a) |
8,959 |
19,910 |
Network costs and customer discounts (b) |
- |
48,880 |
Accrual for customer loyalty program (c) |
8,494 |
6,241 |
Liabilities with customers |
10,108 |
118 |
Other |
546 |
329 |
Total |
28,107 |
75,478 |
|
||
Current |
27,561 |
67,499 |
Long term |
546 |
7,979 |
a) | In 2000, TC sold options to purchase US$300,000,000 at a price of R$2.25 to US$1.00 that mature on September 24, 2004. The premium received is being amortized to income over the life of the contracts, on an accrual basis. |
b) | Relates to prepaid service bonuses to be granted to customers. |
c) | GT and TCO have customer loyalty programs whereby the customer makes calls and earns points redeemable for prizes (handsets, call minutes, points in TAM airline loyalty program, and others). The points expire in 24 months. Accumulated points are accrued when granted, considering redemption prospects based on the consumption profile of participant customers. The accrual is reduced when points are redeemed by customers. |
17. RESERVE FOR CONTINGENCIES
The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to certain lawsuits involving labor, tax and civil matters. Management has recognized reserves for cases in which the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is considered probable by its legal counsel.
Components of the reserves are as follows:
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
2003 |
2002 |
2003 |
2002 |
|
||||
Tax |
51,082 |
- |
147,721 |
110,779 |
TELEBRÁS - TCO |
- |
- |
94,931 |
- |
Labor and civil |
- |
- |
36,975 |
26,086 |
Total |
51,082 |
- |
279,627 |
136,865 |
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
51,082 |
- |
126,145 |
36,590 |
Long term |
- |
- |
153,482 |
100,275 |
Tax
Probable loss
a) | ICMS (state VAT) As of December 31, 2003, GT and TCO, based on the opinion of legal counsel, accrued the amount of R$16,851, of which R$15,195 relates to GT and R$1,656 to TCO, in connection with ICMS tax assessments. |
b) | COFINS (tax on revenue) TC received a tax assessment notice related to the offset of COFINS, in January and February 2000, against credits originated from the amount exceeding 1/3 of COFINS paid in 1999, after offset against social contribution (CSLL) tax. The accrued amount as of December 31, 2003 was R$23,276 (R$20,280 as of December 31, 2002). |
c) | PIS and COFINS (taxes on revenue) On November 27, 1998, the calculations for PIS and COFINS were changed by Law No. 9,718, which: (i) increased the COFINS rate from 2% to 3%, (ii) authorized a deduction of up to 1/3 of the COFINS amount against the CSLL, and also (iii) indirectly increased COFINS and PIS due by the subsidiaries, requiring the inclusion of other income in their tax bases. According to our legal counsel, this increase is unconstitutional, since: (i) article 195 of the Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, which took effect upon publication of Law No. 9,718, determined that PIS and COFINS should be levied only on payroll, revenue and profits, (ii) the federal government used an inadequate method to increase COFINS and PIS, i.e., ordinary law instead of supplementary law, (iii) to become effective, the 90-day period from the date of publication of the law was not met. TCP and its subsidiary TC obtained favorable lower-court decisions authorizing the exclusion of other income from the PIS and COFINS tax bases, as well as the maintenance of COFINS payments at the rate of 2%. However, these decisions are not final. Despite the favorable decision obtained in the lower court, TCP and TC, on a conservative basis, decided to continue paying the COFINS at the rate of 3%. Accordingly, in relation to this aspect, additional payments will not be required. As regards other income, management recognized reserves for contingencies in the amounts of R$51,082 for TCP and R$46,803 for TC. TCO also filed an injunction challenging the constitutionality of Law No. 9,718/98, and in order to suspend the tax credit requirement, accruals were recorded and escrow deposits were made for the amounts determined by the subsidiaries, totaling approximately R$9,709. GT also challenged the amendment introduced by Law No. 9,718/98, but as it did not obtain an injunction, GT made an escrow deposit for the respective amounts. Due to the changes introduced by Law No. 10,637/02, the Company and its subsidiaries have been including other income in the PIS tax base since December 2002. |
Possible loss
Based on legal counsel's opinion, management believes that the resolution of the matters below will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and, therefore, has not recorded any reserve in the financial statements as of December 31, 2003.
a) | ICMS GT and TCO received tax assessment notices totaling R$1,920, related to: (i) R$1,119 - ICMS on supplementary services, and (ii) R$801 - several ICMS tax assessments. |
b) | ISS (municipal service tax) GT received tax assessment notices totaling R$110, related to: (i) R$101 - ISS on surcharge per call, and (ii) R$9 - ISS sundry services. Alleged tax debt relating to the period from October 2000 to May 2002, for the nonpayment of ISS on income from various services provided by NBT (Roraima). The debt claimed is R$452. |
Remote loss
Based on legal counsel's opinion, management believes that the resolution of the matters below will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and, therefore, has not recorded any reserve in the financial statements as of December 31, 2003.
a) | ICMS ICMS on activation In June 1998, CONFAZ (National Council of Fiscal Policy) approved ICMS Agreement No. 69/98, which, among other things, determined that, beginning July 1, 1998, the amounts charged for cellular activation and other supplementary services must be included in the ICMS tax base. Supposedly due to its interpretative nature, said Agreement also determined that the ICMS could be applied retroactively on services provided up to five years before June 30, 1998. Based on legal counsel's opinion, the Companies' managements believe that this requirement is unconstitutional, since the ICMS taxation hypothesis was extended to administrative activities with no relation to telecommunications services. In addition, the creation of new taxation hypotheses or changes in calculation methodology that would result in tax increases could not be applied to events which occurred before they came into effect. Management believes that the predecessors of its subsidiaries are liable for any tax liabilities arising from the retroactive levy of ICMS on income from activation fees accounted for in periods prior to 1998. No accrual has been made in the consolidated financial statements for periods prior to 1998. TC and the companies controlled by TCO filed lawsuits in the States where they are established, for the purpose of obtaining decisions against the retroactive and future ICMS taxation on activation services. In the case of TC, the lawsuit is pending judgment in the appellate court of the State of São Paulo. Disagreeing with this requirement, the subsidiaries filed lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the tax collection. In relation to TCO's subsidiaries, the lawsuits are also pending judgment in the higher courts. In order to suspend the tax credit requirement, escrow deposits were made totaling approximately R$2,200. Based on legal counsel's opinion, management believes that the chance of loss in this case is remote. For this reason, TC and the operators controlled by TCO reversed the accrued amounts totaling R$69,853 and R$4,925, respectively. |
b) | ISS Refers to a tax assessment notice filed by the Municipality of Araçatuba against TC, requiring the payment of ISS on telecommunications service subscription, which according to the municipality should be considered as a type of repair or restoration service. The lawsuit is in the initial phase, and no unfavorable decision against TC has been made.
TELEBRÁS - TCO Related to original loans from Telecomunicações Brasileiras S.A. - TELEBRÁS which, according to Attachment II to the Spin-off Report dated February 28, 1998, approved by the Shareholders' Meeting in May 1998, and in the opinion of TCO's management, should be allocated to the respective holding companies of Telegoiás and Telebrasília Celular S.A. TCO's management believes that there was an error in the allocation of the loans upon the spin-off, suspended the payments after the change in the Company's control, and is restating the loans based on the general market price index (IGP-M) plus 6% annual interest. In June 1999, TCO filed a lawsuit with a declaration claiming that all assets related to these loans are owned by it, as well as the accessory items of these assets, and also claiming refund for the installments paid. On August 1, 2001, a court decision dismissed TCO's claims in the declaratory action; however, on October 8, 2001, TCO filed an appeal which has not yet been judged. The opinion of TCO's legal counsel regarding the chances of an unfavorable outcome on these contingencies is that they are probable as to the merit of the claim and possible as to the restatement index. The difference in contingencies not recognized between the original contractual rates and the restatement index used as described above is estimated at R$31,669. Labor and civil Include several labor and civil claims, for which a reserve has been recognized as shown above, in an amount considered to be sufficient to cover probable losses. In the cases in which the chance of loss is classified as possible but not probable, the amount involved is R$18,933 for civil claims and R$26,852 for labor claims. |
18. LEASES
In 2003, TC and TCO had expenses under lease agreements totaling R$30,163 (R$26,728 in 2002). The outstanding obligation under such agreements, adjusted for exchange rates prevailing at December 31, 2003, is R$16,181 (R$45,776 as of December 31, 2003), payable in quarterly installments through June 2005.
19. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
a) | Capital As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, capital is represented by shares without par value, as follows: |
|
Thousands of shares |
|
|
|
|
Common shares |
409,383,864 |
Preferred shares |
762,400,488 |
Total |
1,171,784,352 |
b) | Dividends Preferred shares do not have voting rights, except in the circumstances set forth in articles 9 and 10 of the bylaws; they have priority in the redemption of capital, without premium, are entitled to receive dividends of at least 25% of net income for the year, calculated as defined by article 202 of corporate law, have priority in the payment of minimum, noncumulative dividends based on the greater of the following: (a) 6% per year of the amount resulting from the division of subscribed capital by the total number of shares outstanding, or (b) 3% per year of the amount resulting from the division of shareholders' equity by the total number of shares outstanding, and are entitled to receive dividends equivalent to those paid to holders of common shares, after dividends in the same amount as mandatory minimum dividends on preferred shares have been paid to such holders. Due to the lack of profits for the year or retained earnings, TCP will not pay interest on capital or dividends for the year. |
b) | Special premium reserve This reserve results from the corporate restructuring implemented by the Company and will be capitalized in favor of the controlling shareholder when the tax benefit is effectively realized. |
20. NET OPERATING REVENUE
|
Consolidated |
|
|
2003 |
2002 |
|
|
|
Monthly subscription charges |
1,259,685 |
972,498 |
Use of network |
2,169,833 |
1,169,983 |
Roaming charges |
33,530 |
47,419 |
Additional call charges |
68,332 |
54,667 |
Interconnection |
2,497,770 |
1,346,746 |
Additional services |
230,940 |
34,789 |
Sale of products |
1,563,153 |
717,850 |
Other services |
40,200 |
8,245 |
Gross operating revenue |
7,863,443 |
4,352,197 |
|
|
|
Deductions |
(1,817,066 ) |
(937,206 ) |
Net operating revenue |
6,046,377 |
3,414,991 |
|
21. COST OF SERVICES PROVIDED AND PRODUCTS SOLD
|
Consolidated |
|
|
2003 |
2002 |
|
|
|
Personnel |
(48,586) |
(27,222) |
Outside services |
(167,816) |
(114,219) |
Connections |
(108,656) |
(72,392) |
Rent, insurance and condominium fees |
(90,181) |
(80,171) |
Interconnection |
(298,222) |
(231,466) |
Taxes and contributions |
(202,352) |
(96,044) |
Depreciation and amortization |
(870,240) |
(564,134) |
Cost of products sold |
(1,222,293) |
(548,907) |
Other |
(12,187 ) |
(4,829 ) |
Total |
(3,020,533 ) |
(1,739,384 ) |
|
22. SELLING EXPENSES
|
Consolidated |
|
|
2003 |
2002 |
|
|
|
Personnel |
(149,976) |
(82,539) |
Supplies |
(16,685) |
(8,947) |
Outside services |
(762,359) |
(282,022) |
Rent, insurance and condominium fees |
(32,366) |
(15,592) |
Taxes and contributions |
(669) |
(478) |
Depreciation and amortization |
(109,230) |
(37,977) |
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
(85,460) |
(68,329) |
Other |
(108,128 ) |
(30,987 ) |
Total |
(1,264,873) |
(526,871) |
23. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
2003 |
2002 |
2003 |
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
Personnel |
(4,864) |
(2,263) |
(117,898) |
(51,272) |
Supplies |
(41) |
(12) |
(6,511) |
(2,451) |
Outside services |
(12,913) |
(7,062) |
(215,418) |
(153,913) |
Advisory and consulting services |
- |
- |
(67,185) |
(54,678) |
Rent, insurance and condominium fees |
(81) |
(20) |
(37,615) |
(20,374) |
Taxes and contributions |
(385) |
(635) |
(5,096) |
(3,069) |
Depreciation and amortization |
(58) |
(130) |
(105,061) |
(56,822) |
Other |
(236 ) |
(74 ) |
(6,518 ) |
(641 ) |
Total |
(18,578 ) |
(10,196 ) |
(561,302 ) |
(343,220 ) |
|
24. OTHER OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSES)
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
2003 |
2002 |
2003 |
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income: |
|
|
|
|
Fines |
- |
- |
33,469 |
18,230 |
Recovered expenses |
1,421 |
3,520 |
24,186 |
4,547 |
Reversal of reserves for contingencies |
- |
- |
106,176 |
- |
Expired dividends |
4,494 |
5,397 |
4,493 |
5,397 |
Other |
- |
6,700 |
16,340 |
7,976 |
Total |
5,915 |
15,617 |
184,664 |
36,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
Provision for contingencies |
(40,860) |
- |
(115,591) |
(30,813) |
Goodwill amortization |
(95,071) |
- |
(104,537) |
(8,426) |
Taxes other than on income |
(89) |
(57) |
(61,281) |
(25,383) |
Donations and sponsorship |
- |
- |
(10,912) |
(214) |
Amortization of preoperating expenses |
- |
- |
(31,663) |
- |
Other |
(118 ) |
- |
(5,727 ) |
(11,147 ) |
Total |
(136,138 ) |
(57 ) |
(329,711 ) |
(75,983 ) |
|
25. FINANCIAL INCOME (EXPENSES)
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
2003 |
2002 |
2003 |
2002 |
|
||||
Income: |
|
|
|
|
Interest and other |
158,662 |
23,237 |
264,931 |
73,342 |
Exchange variation on assets |
601,866 |
290,163 |
1,089,457 |
620,195 |
Gains on derivatives, net |
- |
605,151 |
- |
945,111 |
PIS/COFINS on financial income |
(9,045 ) |
(2,941 ) |
(20,055 ) |
(3,679 ) |
Total |
751,483 |
915,610 |
1,334,333 |
1,634,969 |
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
Interest and other |
(520,655) |
(170,856) |
(873,479) |
(347,780) |
Interest on capital |
- |
- |
(94,129) |
- |
Monetary/exchange variations on |
|
|
|
|
Losses on derivatives, net |
(356,073 ) |
- |
(873,253 ) |
- |
Total |
(1,378,327 ) |
(1,250,674 ) |
(2,561,966 ) |
(2,443,391 ) |
Financial expenses, net |
(626,844 ) |
(335,064 ) |
(1,227,633 ) |
(808,422 ) |
|
26. TAXES ON INCOME
TCP and its subsidiaries estimate and pay monthly the amounts for income and social contribution taxes, on the accrual basis. Deferred taxes are provided on temporary differences as shown in Note 7. Income and social contribution taxes charged to income consist of the following:
|
Consolidated |
|
|
2003 |
2002 |
|
|
|
Income tax |
(79,947) |
(486) |
Social contribution tax |
(29,946) |
(184) |
Deferred income tax |
(123,574) |
(33,681) |
Deferred social contribution tax |
(44,478 ) |
(12,124 ) |
Total |
(277,945 ) |
(46,475 ) |
|
A reconciliation of the reported taxes on income and the amounts calculated at the combined statutory rate of 34% is as follows:
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
2003 |
2002 |
2003 |
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before taxes |
(640,234 ) |
(1,140,761 ) |
(198,669 ) |
(1,094,286 ) |
Income and social contribution tax credits at combined statutory rate |
217,680 |
387,859 |
67,547 |
372,057 |
Effect of income and social contribution taxes on: |
|
|
|
|
Permanent additions |
|
|
|
|
Nondeductible expenses |
(14) |
- |
(6,357) |
(3,023) |
Expired interest on capital |
(461) |
- |
(2,531) |
(1,829) |
Equity pick-up |
(148,247) |
(217,673) |
- |
(302,840) |
Permanent exclusions |
|
|
|
|
Equity pick-up |
117,846 |
- |
- |
3,036 |
Other |
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized credits on tax losses at GT, TCP and TCO IP |
(138,381) |
(170,186) |
(144,107) |
(115,789) |
Offset of tax loss carryforwards of unrecognized tax credits |
- |
- |
1,520 |
- |
Unrecognized income and social contribution taxes on temporary differences |
(16,099) |
- |
(168,833) |
- |
Goodwill amortization |
(32,324) |
- |
(32,324) |
- |
Other |
- |
- |
7,140 |
1,913 |
Income and social contribution tax charges |
|
|
|
|
27. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (CONSOLIDATED)
a) | Risk considerations TCP is the controlling shareholder of TC, GT and TCO, the latter of which is the controlling shareholder of operators Telegoiás Celular S.A., Telemat Celular S.A., Telems Celular S.A., Teleron Celular S.A. and Teleacre Celular S.A. and holds 100% of Norte Brasil Telecom S.A. These operators provide cellular mobile services in the States of São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Acre, Rondônia, Amazonas, Roraima, Amapá, Pará and Maranhão, in accordance with the terms of concessions granted by the Federal Government. All these operators are also engaged in the purchase and sale of handsets through their own sales networks as well as distribution channels, thus fostering their essential activities. The major market risks to which TCP, TC, GT and TCO are exposed include
Since they were formed, TC, GT and TCO have been actively managing and mitigating risks inherent in their operations by means of comprehensive operating procedures, policies and initiatives. Credit risk Credit risk from providing telecommunication services is minimized by strictly monitoring the customer portfolio and actively addressing delinquent receivables by means of clear policies relating to the concession of postpaid services. Of TC's customers, 80.3% use prepaid services that require pre-loading, thus not representing a credit risk. Delinquent receivables in 2003 represented 2.89% of gross revenue (1.83% as of December 31, 2002). Of GT's customers, 16.6% use postpaid services; delinquent receivables represented 2.93% in 2003 (2.71% as of December 31, 2002). Of TCO's customers, 23% use postpaid services; delinquent receivables represented 2.22% in 2003. Credit risk from the sale of handsets is managed by following a conservative credit granting policy which encompasses the use of advanced risk management methods that include applying credit scoring techniques, analyzing the potential customer's balance sheet, and making inquiries of credit protection agencies' databases. In addition, an automatic control has been implemented in the sales module for releasing products which is integrated with the distribution module of TC's ERP system for consistent transactions. Delinquent receivables represented 2.23% of handset sales for TC in 2003 (6.12% as of December 31, 2002). At GT, delinquent receivables represented 1.09% of handset sales in 2003 (0.65% as of December 31, 2002). At TCO, delinquent receivables represented about 0.11% of handset sales in 2003. Interest rate risk The Company is exposed to interest rate risk, especially interest associated with the cost of CDI rates, due to its derivative transactions in foreign currency and short-term borrowings in Brazilian reais. As of December 31, 2003, these operations amounted to R$5,482,484. The Company is also exposed to fluctuations in the TJLP (local index) on financing from BNDES. As of December 31, 2003, these operations amounted to R$635,670. The Company has not entered into derivative operations to hedge against these risks. Foreign currency-denominated loans are also exposed to interest rate risk associated with foreign loans. As of December 31, 2003, these operations amounted to US$263,722,000 and 416,050,000. Currency risk TC, GT and TCO utilize derivative financial instruments to protect against exchange-rate risk on foreign currency-denominated loans. Such instruments usually include swap, option and forward contracts. The Company's net exposure to currency risk as of December 31, 2003 is shown in the table below: |
|
In thousands |
||
|
US$ |
¥ |
|
|
|
|
|
Loans and financing |
1,021,468 |
11,363,024 |
416,050 |
Hedge instruments |
(1,129,314 ) |
(11,363,024 ) |
(438,050 ) |
Net exposure |
(107,846 ) |
- |
(22,000 ) |
|
During 2003, the Company and its subsidiaries contracted derivative financial instruments to hedge other foreign-currency commitments against exchange variations (such as the BNDES basket of currencies, leasing, long-term hedging inefficiency, and suppliers). |
|
b) | Derivative instruments The Company and its subsidiaries record derivative gains and losses as a component of net financial expenses. Book and market values of loans and financing and derivative instruments are estimated as follows: |
|
|
|
Unrealized |
|
Book value |
Market value |
gains (losses) |
|
|
|
|
Loans and financing |
6,279,192 |
6,510,918 |
(231,726) |
Derivative instruments |
(1,002,776 ) |
(898,260 ) |
(104,516 ) |
Total |
5,276,416 |
5,612,658 |
(336,242 ) |
c) | Market value of financial instruments The market values of loans and financing, swaps and forward contracts were determined based on the discounted cash flows, utilizing projected available interest rate information. Estimated market values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Accordingly, the estimates presented above are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated market values. |
28. POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
TCP and its subsidiaries TC and TCO, together with other companies of the former Telebrás System, sponsor private pension and health care plans for retired employees, managed by Fundação Sistel de Seguridade Social - Sistel. Until December 1999, all sponsors of the plans managed by Sistel were unified as to all plans then existing. On December 28, 1999, these sponsors negotiated conditions to create pension plans individualized by sponsor (PBS - Telesp Celular and PBS-TCO) and continuation of unification only for the participants already covered and who were in such position on January 31, 2000 (PBS-A), thus resulting in a proposal for the restructuring of Sistel's bylaws and regulations which was approved by the Secretariat for Social Security and Supplementary Benefits on January 13, 2000.
Due to the end of unification in December 1999, TCP and its subsidiaries TC and TCO individually sponsor defined benefit plans - PBS - Telesp Celular and PBS-TCO. In addition to the supplementary pension benefit, a multiemployer health care plan (PAMA) is provided to retired employees and their dependents, at shared costs.
Contributions to the PBS - Telesp Celular and PBS-TCO plans are determined based on actuarial valuations prepared by independent actuaries, in accordance with the rules in force in Brazil. Costing is determined using the capitalization method and the contribution due by the sponsor is equivalent to 13.5% of the payroll for employees covered by the plan, of which 12% is allocated to fund the PBS - Telesp Celular and PBS-TCO plans and 1.5% for the PAMA plan.
For 39.1% of the employees of TCP and its subsidiary TC, and 99% of the employees of TCO, there are individual defined contribution plans - the TCP Prev and the TCO Prev, established by Sistel in August 2000. The TCP Prev and the TCO Prev plans are maintained by contributions made by both participants (employees) and the sponsors, which are credited to participants' individual accounts. TC and TCO are also responsible for the administrative and plan maintenance expenses, including risks of death and disability of participants. The employees participating in the defined benefit plans (PBS - Telesp Celular and PBS-TCO) were granted the option of migrating to the TCP Prev and TCO Prev plans. This option was extended to employees who did not participate in the PBS - Telesp Celular and PBS-TCO plans, as well as to all new hires. The Company's contributions to TCP Prev and TCO Prev are similar to those of the participants, varying from 1% to 8% of the contribution salary, according to the percentage chosen by the participant.
In 2003, TCP and its subsidiaries TC and TCO contributed the amounts of R$5 and R$3 to the PBS - Telesp Celular and PBS-TCO plans, respectively, and the amounts of R$2,850 and R$4,380 to the TCP Prev and TCO Prev plans, respectively.
TCP and its subsidiaries TC and TCO elected to recognize actuarial liabilities as provided in CVM Instruction No. 371 of December 13, 2000, as a direct charge to shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2001, net of the related tax effects. The actuarial valuation of the plans was made using the projected unit credit method. For multiemployer plans (PAMA and PSB-A), apportionment of assets is made based on the sponsoring entity's actuarial liabilities in relation to the plans' total actuarial liabilities. As of December 31, 2003, the total liability recognized amounted to R$3,187.
The following is the accrual for retired employees' defined benefit and health care plans as of December 31, 2003 and other information required by CVM Instruction No. 371 applicable to such plans:
Plan |
2003 |
2002 |
|
|
|
TCP Prev |
- |
773 |
TCO Prev |
2,471 |
- |
PAMA - TCP |
377 |
977 |
PAMA - TCO |
339 |
- |
Total |
3,187 |
1,750 |
|
TCP
a) | Reconciliation between assets and liabilities |
|
2003 |
|||
|
TCP Prev |
PAMA (i) |
PBS (ii) |
PBS-A (ii) |
|
|
|
|
|
Total actuarial liabilities |
1,557 |
865 |
8,234 |
5,821 |
Fair value of assets |
(1,857 ) |
(488 ) |
(8,777 ) |
(6,955 ) |
Net liabilities (assets) |
(300 ) |
377 |
(543 ) |
(1,134 ) |
|
|
2002 |
|||
|
TCP Prev |
PAMA (i) |
PBS (ii) |
PBS-A (ii) |
|
|
|
|
|
Total actuarial liabilities |
2,357 |
1,097 |
6,585 |
5,212 |
Fair value of assets |
(628) |
(486) |
(7,627) |
(6,572) |
Adjustment for allowed deferral - unrecognized actuarial gains (losses) |
(956 ) |
366 |
745 |
407 |
Net liabilities (assets) |
773 |
977 |
(297 ) |
(953 ) |
|
(i) Refers to the Company's proportional participation in assets and liabilities of the multiemployer plans - PAMA and PBS-A. (ii) Although TCP Prev, PBS and PBS-A have a surplus as of December 31, 2003, no assets were recognized by the sponsor, since reimbursing such surplus is not allowed by law. Moreover, as this is a noncontributory plan, the sponsor's contributions cannot be reduced in the future. |
|
b) | Total expense recognized in the statement of income |
|
2003 |
|
|
TCP Prev |
PAMA |
|
|
|
Cost of current service |
357 |
6 |
Interest |
265 |
122 |
Total |
622 |
128 |
c) Change in net actuarial liability
2003 |
||
TCP Prev
|
PAMA
|
|
Net liability as of December 31, 2002 | 773 | 977 |
Expenses for the year | 622 | 128 |
Recognition of gains for the year | (1.422) | (321) |
Adjustment for allowed deferral - unrecognized actuarial gains (losses) | 27
|
( 407 )
|
Net liability recognized in the balance sheet | -
|
377
|
d) Change in actuarial liability
2003
|
||||
TCP Prev
|
PAMA
|
PBS
|
PBS-A
|
|
Actuarial liability as of December 31, 2002 | 2,357 | 1,097 | 6,585 | 5,212 |
Cost of current service | 357 | 6 | 21 | - |
Interest on actuarial liability | 265 | 122 | 718 | 566 |
Benefits paid for the year | - | (39) | (603) | (440) |
Actuarial (gains) losses for the year | (1,422 )
|
(321 )
|
1,513
|
483
|
Actuarial liability as of December 31, 2003 | 1,557
|
865
|
8,234
|
5,821
|
e) Change in plan assets
2003
|
||||
TCP Prev
|
PAMA
|
PBS
|
PBS-A
|
|
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31, 2002 | 628 | 486 | 7,627 | 6,572 |
Benefits paid for the year | - | (39) | (603) | (440) |
Sponsor's contributions for the year | - | 2 | 11 | - |
Return on plan assets for the year | 1,229
|
39
|
1,742
|
823
|
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31, 2003 | 1,857
|
488
|
8,777
|
6,955
|
f) Expenses estimated for 2004
2003
|
||||
TCP Prev
|
PAMA
|
PBS
|
PBS-A
|
|
Cost of service | 240 | 6 | 5 | - |
Interest on actuarial obligations | 175 | 96 | 894 | 631 |
Expected return on assets | (218) | (53) | (1,000) | (760) |
Employee contributions | (2,289 )
|
-
|
(2 )
|
-
|
Total | (2,092 )
|
49
|
(103 )
|
(129 )
|
TCO
a) Reconciliation between assets and liabilities
2003
|
||||
TCO Prev
|
PAMA (i)
|
PBS-TCO (ii)
|
PBS-A (ii)
|
|
Total actuarial liabilities | 36,143 | 778 | 1,737 | 3,053 |
Fair value of assets | (33,672 )
|
(439 )
|
(1,884 )
|
(3,647 )
|
Net liabilities (assets) | 2,471
|
339
|
(147 )
|
(594 )
|
2002
|
||||
TCO Prev
|
PAMA (i)
|
PBS-TCO (ii)
|
PBS-A (ii)
|
|
Total actuarial liabilities | 31,505 | 656 | 826 | 2,524 |
Fair value of assets | (25,225) | (291) | (2,660) | (3,153) |
Adjustment for allowed deferral - unrecognized actuarial gains (losses) | (5,897 )
|
(292 )
|
1,446
|
440
|
Net liabilities (assets) | 383
|
73
|
(388 )
|
(189 )
|
(i) | Refers to the Company's proportional participation in assets and liabilities of the multiemployer plans - PAMA and PBS-A. |
(ii) | Although PBS and PBS-A have a surplus as of December 31, 2003, no assets were recognized by the sponsor, since reimbursing such surplus is not allowed by law. Moreover, as this is a noncontributory plan, the sponsor's contributions cannot be reduced in the future. |
b) Total expense recognized in the statement of income
2003
|
||
TCO Prev
|
PAMA
|
|
Cost of current service | 1,343 | 5 |
Interest | 3,536
|
73
|
Total | 4,879
|
78
|
c) Change in net actuarial liability
2003
|
||
TCO Prev
|
PAMA
|
|
Net liability as of December 31, 2002 | 383 | 73 |
Actuarial (gains) losses for the year | (1,436) | 189 |
Sponsor's contributions for the year | (1,355) | (1) |
Expenses for the year | 4,879
|
78
|
Net liability recognized in the balance sheet | 2,471
|
339
|
d) Change in actuarial liability
2003
|
||||
TCO Prev
|
PAMA
|
PBS-TCO
|
PBS-A
|
|
Actuarial liability as of December 31, 2002 | 31,505 | 656 | 826 | 2,524 |
Cost of current service | 1,343 | 5 | 66 | - |
Interest on actuarial liability | 3,536 | 73 | 91 | 275 |
Benefits paid for the year | (232) | (33) | (278) | (210) |
Actuarial (gains) losses for the year | (9 )
|
77
|
1,032
|
464
|
Actuarial liability as of December 31, 2003 | 36,143
|
778
|
1,737
|
3,053
|
e) Change in plan assets
2003
|
||||
TCO Prev
|
PAMA
|
PBS-TCO
|
PBS-A
|
|
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31, 2002 | 25,225 | 291 | 2,660 | 3,153 |
Benefits paid for the year | (232) | (33) | (278) | (210) |
Sponsor's contributions for the year | 1,355 | 1 | 4 | - |
Return on plan assets for the year | 7,324
|
180
|
(502 )
|
704
|
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31, 2003 | 33,672
|
439
|
1,884
|
3,647
|
|
|
|
|
|
f) Expenses estimated for 2004
2003
|
||||
TCO Prev
|
PAMA
|
PBS-TCO
|
PBS-A
|
|
Cost of service | 1.343 | 5 | 66 | - |
Interest on actuarial obligations | 3,536 | 73 | 91 | 275 |
Expected return on assets | (3,702) | (41) | (384) | (443) |
Amortization costs | 762 | 73 | (123) | (68) |
Employee contributions | -
|
-
|
(10 )
|
-
|
Total | 1,939
|
110
|
(360 )
|
(236 )
|
g) Actuarial assumptions
2003
|
|||
TCP Prev and TCO Prev
|
PAMA
|
PBS-A
|
|
Rate for discount of actuarial liability to present value | 11.30% p.a. | 11.30% p.a. | 11.30% p.a. |
Expected return on plan assets | 11.83% p.a. | 11.30% p.a. | 11.30% p.a. |
Future salary increases | 7.10% p.a. | 7.10% p.a. | 7.10% p.a. |
Increase in health care costs | N/A | 8.15% p.a. | N/A |
Benefit increase rate | 5.00% p.a. | 5.00% p.a. | 5.00% p.a. |
Mortality table | UP84 with 1 year of aggravation | UP84 with 1 year of aggravation | UP84 with 1 year of aggravation |
Biometric disability table | Mercer | Mercer | Mercer |
2002
|
|||
TCP Prev and TCO Prev |
PAMA
|
PBS-A |
|
Rate for discount of actuarial liability to present value | 11.30% p.a. | 11.30% p.a. | 11.30% p.a. |
Expected return on plan assets | 14.45% p.a. | 14.45% p.a. | 14.45% p.a. |
Future salary increases | 8.15% p.a. | 8.15% p.a. | 8.15% p.a. |
Increase in health care costs | N/A | 10.62% p.a. | N/A |
Benefit increase rate | 5.00% p.a. | 5.00% p.a. | 5.00% p.a. |
Mortality table | UP84 with 1 year of aggravation | UP84 with 1 year of aggravation | UP84 with 1 year of aggravation |
Biometric disability table | Mercer | Mercer | Mercer |
29. CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING
On January 14, 2000, the corporate restructuring plan was concluded, in which the goodwill paid on the privatization process of the Company was transferred to TC.
The accounting records maintained for corporate and tax purposes include the Companies' specific accounts related to merged goodwill, the related reserve, and the respective amortization, reversal and tax credit. As of December 31, 2003, balances are as follows:
Balances on date of merger
|
Telesp Celular spin-off
|
|||
Consolidated
|
||||
2003
|
2002
|
|||
Balance sheet: | ||||
Merged goodwill | 3,192,738 | 3,166,132 | 1,889,036 | 2,208,310 |
Merged reserve | (2,127,694 )
|
(2,088,849 )
|
(1,246,764 )
|
(1,479,568 )
|
Net effect equivalent to merged tax credit | 1,065,044 | 1,077,283 | 642,272 | 728,742 |
Statement of operations: | ||||
Goodwill amortization | (319,274) | (319,274) | ||
Reversal of reserve | 210,720 | 210,720 | ||
Tax credit | 108,554
|
108,554
|
||
Effect on net income | -
|
-
|
As shown above, the amortization of goodwill, net of the reversal of the reserve and of the corresponding tax credit, results in a zero effect on income and, consequently, on the basis for calculating the mandatory minimum dividend. For a better presentation of the financial position of the Companies in the financial statements, the net amount which, in essence, represents the merged tax credit balance was classified in the balance sheet as an asset under deferred taxes (Note 7).
30. MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION
In 2003 and 2002, management compensation amounted to R$6,737 and R$2,318 - consolidated, and R$1,603 and R$163 - Company, respectively, recorded as expenses.
31. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The principal transactions with unconsolidated related parties are as follows:
a) Use of network and long-distance (roaming) cellular communication
These transactions involve companies owned by the same Group: Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A., Telerj Celular S.A., Telest Celular S.A., Telebahia Celular S.A., Telergipe Celular S.A. and Celular CRT S.A. Part of these transactions was established based on contracts between Telebrás and the operating concessionaires before privatization under the terms established by ANATEL. This also includes call center services to Telecomunicações Móveis Nacionais - TMN customers regarding roaming services in the Company's network. Beginning 2002, Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A., in place of Embratel, provides long-distance services to operators. From July 2003, customers started to choose the long-distance call operators.
b) Corporate management advisory
Represents payables in connection with corporate management advisory services provided by PT SGPS, calculated based on the rate applied on net services restated in accordance with currency fluctuations.
c) Loans and financing
Represents intercompany loans with companies of the Portugal Telecom group, as mentioned in Note 15.
d) Corporate services
Transferred to subsidiaries at the cost effectively incurred.
e) Call center services
Provided by Dedic, to users of TC and GT telecommunication services, contracted for a period of 12 months, renewable for the same period.
f) System development and maintenance services
Provided by PT Inovação.
A summary of balances and transactions with unconsolidated related parties is as follows:
Company
|
Consolidated
|
|||
2003
|
2002
|
2003
|
2002
|
|
Assets: | ||||
Trade accounts receivable |
- | - | 179,532 | 6,379 |
Receivables from subsidiaries and affiliates |
516,457 | 592,524 | 22,308 | 16,256 |
Liabilities: | ||||
Trade accounts payable |
- | - | 264,905 | 83,198 |
Loans and financing |
1,533,827 | 1,551,100 | 2,155,448 | 2,855,232 |
Payables to subsidiaries and affiliates |
38,396 | 104,401 | 27,817 | 27,904 |
2003
|
||
Company
|
Consolidated
|
|
Statement of operations: | ||
Revenue from telecommunication services: | ||
CRT Celular |
- | 1,345 |
Tele Leste Celular and subsidiaries |
- | 1,140 |
Tele Sudeste Celular and subsidiaries |
- | 4,870 |
Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. - TELESP |
- | 1,515,573 |
Telecomunicações Móveis Nacionais - TMN |
-
|
168
|
Total 2003 | -
|
1,523,096
|
Total 2002 | -
|
1,175,480
|
Cost of services provided: | ||
CRT Celular |
- | (1,552) |
Tele Leste Celular and subsidiaries |
- | (1,538) |
Tele Sudeste Celular and subsidiaries |
- | (6,168) |
Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. - TELESP |
-
|
(214,810 )
|
Total 2003 | -
|
(224,068 )
|
Total 2002 | -
|
(198,097 )
|
Selling expenses- | ||
Dedic |
-
|
(99,933 )
|
Total 2003 | -
|
(99,933 )
|
Total 2002 | -
|
(46,031 )
|
General and administrative expenses: | ||
|
- | (68,280) |
|
- | (289) |
|
- | (32,767) |
|
- | (3,496) |
|
-
|
(1,595 )
|
Total 2003 | -
|
(106,427 )
|
Total 2002 | (97 )
|
(56,424 )
|
Financial income: | ||
|
18,412 | 174,315 |
|
3,061 | 23,575 |
|
- | 7,600 |
|
117,359
|
-
|
Total 2003 | 138,832
|
205,490
|
Total 2002 | 3,465
|
596
|
2003
|
||
Company
|
Consolidated
|
|
Financial expenses: | ||
|
(166,341) | (258,064) |
|
(2,387) | (25,996) |
|
- | (7,216) |
|
-
|
(26)
|
Total 2003 | (168,728 )
|
(291,302 )
|
Total 2002 | (884,063 )
|
(1,528,800 )
|
Recovery of joint venture apportionment expenses - Brasilcel: | ||
|
- | 15,888 |
|
- | 7,468 |
|
-
|
31,175
|
Total 2003 | -
|
54,531
|
Total 2002 | -
|
7,591
|
Joint venture apportionment expenses - Brasilcel: | ||
|
- | (4,591) |
|
- | (4,519) |
|
-
|
(53,882 )
|
Total 2003 | -
|
(62,992 )
|
Total 2002 | -
|
(9,745 )
|
32. INSURANCE
The Company monitors the risks inherent in its activities. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2003, the Company had insurance to cover operating risks, civil liability, health, etc. Company management considers that the amounts are sufficient to cover possible losses. The principal assets, liabilities or interests covered by insurance are as follows:
Type |
Insured amounts
|
Operating risks | 866,760 |
General civil liability | 6,800 |
Vehicle fleet | 400 |
33. AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (ADRs) PROGRAM
On November 16, 1998, the Company began trading ADRs on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the following characteristics:
34. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 15, 2004, the Board of Directors of TCP approved the implementation of an Euro Medium-term Notes Issuance Program, in the total amount of US$500 million.
(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
Company | Consolidated | |||
ASSETS | 2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 |
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 564 | 477 | 1,158,849 | 17,803 |
Trade accounts receivable, net | - | - | 1,212,474 | 542,476 |
Receivables from subsidiaries and affiliates | 45,899 | 150,519 | 22,308 | 16,256 |
Inventories | - | - | 157,296 | 147,670 |
Deferred and recoverable taxes | 2,598 | 127,704 | 595,745 | 398,768 |
Prepaid expenses | 3,186 | - | 92,689 | 55,422 |
Derivatives | 562,123 | 13,007 | 912,612 | 15,870 |
Other assets | 239 | 129 | 82,155 | 3,904 |
614,609 | 291,836 | 4,234,128 | 1,198,169 | |
NONCURRENT ASSETS | ||||
Trade accounts receivable, net | - | - | - | 11,867 |
Receivables from subsidiaries | 470,558 | 442,005 | - | - |
Deferred and recoverable taxes | 207,604 | 419 | 893,632 | 914,833 |
Derivatives | 9,224 | 531,232 | 452,677 | 1,738,242 |
Prepaid expenses | 1,815 | - | 24,338 | 11,191 |
Other assets | 1,946 | - | 74,426 | 4,427 |
691,147 | 973,656 | 1,445,073 | 2,680,560 | |
PERMANENTE ASSSETS | ||||
Investments | 6,861,772 | 5,133,222 | 2,291,311 | 722,762 |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 897 | 906 | 5,234,280 | 4,770,670 |
Deferred charges, net | - | - | 268,522 | 282,224 |
6,862,669 | 5,134,128 | 7,794,113 | 5,775,656 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | 8,168,425 | 6,399,620 | 13,473,314 | 9,654,385 |
Company | Consolidated | |||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 |
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||
Payroll and related accruals | 725 | 490 | 69,065 | 37,436 |
Trade accounts payable | 12,942 | 16,332 | 1,254,990 | 546,438 |
Taxes payable | 644 | 3,338 | 254,378 | 141,720 |
Loans and financing | 2,999,963 | 698,563 | 3,993,316 | 2,068,070 |
Interest on capital and dividends payable | 4,595 | 5,877 | 107,322 | 9,570 |
Reserve for contingencies | 51,082 | - | 126,145 | 36,590 |
Derivatives | 166,564 | 20,623 | 322,854 | 83,183 |
Payables to subsidiaries and affiliates | 22,841 | 27,904 | 27,817 | 27,904 |
Deferred revenues | - | - | 110,158 | 4,410 |
Other liabilities | - | - | 27,561 | 67,499 |
3,259,356 | 773,127 | 6,293,606 | 3,022,820 | |
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | ||||
Loans and financing | 1,466,208 | 1,539,886 | 2,285,876 | 2,392,731 |
Reserve for contingencies | - | - | 153,482 | 100,275 |
Taxes payable | - | - | 182,813 | 118,720 |
Payables to subsidiaries and affiliates | 15,555 | 76,497 | - | - |
Accrued pension plan liability | - | - | 3,187 | 1,750 |
Derivatives | 33,992 | - | 39,659 | - |
Other liabilities | - | - | 546 | 7,979 |
1,515,755 | 1,616,383 | 2,665,563 | 2,621,455 | |
MINORITY INTEREST | - | - | 1,120,705 | - |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||
Capital | 4,373,661 | 4,373,661 | 4,373,661 | 4,373,661 |
Capital reserves | 1,089,879 | 1,067,796 | 1,089,879 | 1,067,796 |
Accumulated deficit | (2,070,379) | (1,431,500) | (2,070,379) | (1,431,500) |
3,393,161 | 4,009,957 | 3,393,161 | 4,009,957 | |
FUNDS FOR CAPITALIZATION | 153 | 153 | 279 | 153 |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 8,168,425 | 6,399,620 | 13,473,314 | 9,654,385 |
(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
Company | Consolidated (*) | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 (**) | 2002 | |
GROSS REVENUES | ||||
Telecommunication services | - | - | 6,300,290 | 3,634,347 |
Sales of products | - | - | 1,563,153 | 717,850 |
- | - | 7,863,443 | 4,352,197 | |
Deductions | - | - | (1,817,066) | (937,206) |
NET OPERATING REVENUE | - | - | 6,046,377 | 3,414,991 |
Cost of services provided | - | - | (1,798,240) | (1,190,477) |
Cost of products sold | - | - | (1,222,293) | (548,907) |
GROSS PROFIT | - | - | 3,025,844 | 1,675,607 |
OPERATING (EXPENSES) INCOME | ||||
Selling expenses | - | - | (1,264,873) | (526,871) |
General and administrative expenses | (18,578) | (10,196) | (561,302) | (343,220) |
Other operating expenses | (136,138) | (57) | (329,711) | (75,983) |
Other operating income | 5,915 | 15,617 | 184,364 | 36,150 |
Equity pick-up | 135,455 | (640,215) | - | (890,706) |
(13,346) | (634,851) | (1,971,522) | (1,800,630) | |
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE | ||||
FINANCIAL EXPENSES, NET | (13,346) | (634,851) | 1,054,322 | (125,023) |
Financial expenses | (1,378,327) | (1,250,674) | (2,561,966) | (2,443,391) |
Financial income | 751,483 | 915,610 | 1,334,333 | 1,634,969 |
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS | (640,190) | (969,915) | (173,311) | (933,445) |
Nonoperating income (expenses), net | (44) | - | (25,658) | 10,005 |
LOSS BEFORE TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE | (640,234) | (969,915) | (198,969) | (923,440) |
Extraordinary charge | - | (170,846) | - | (170,846) |
LOSS BEFORE TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST | (640,234) | (1,140,761) | (198,969) | (1,094,286) |
Income and social contribution taxes | - | - | (277,945) | (46,475) |
Minority interest | - | - | (257,749) | - |
LOSS BEFORE REVERSAL OF INTEREST ON CAPITAL | (640,234) | (1,140,761) | (734,663) | (1,140,761) |
Reversal of interest on capital | - | - | 94,129 | - |
NET LOSS | (640,234) | (1,140,761) | (640,534) | (1,140,761) |
LOSS PER THOUSAND SHARES - R$ | (0.5464) | (0.9735) | ||
(*) As of December 31, 2002, the balances related to Global Telecom S.A. and Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. were not consolidated.
The Company's investment in GT is carried under the equity method. The Company acquired TCO in April 2003.
(**) Includes 12 months of GT's operations and 8 months of TCO's operations.
(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
Company | Consolidated | |||
2003 | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | |
SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||
From operations (see below) | - | - | 965,604 | 792,923 |
Capital contribution | - | 2,403,356 | - | 2,403,356 |
From shareholders | - | 2,403,356 | - | 2,403,356 |
Dividends received | 415,670 | 159,992 | - | - |
Expired interest on capital and dividends | 1,355 | 4,715 | 1,355 | 4,715 |
Financing of deferred taxes - long term | - | - | 58,334 | - |
Receivables from subsidiary | 27,864 | 448,037 | - | - |
Loans and financing | 1,907,238 | - | 1,907,238 | - |
Working capital balances - TCO | - | - | 744,716 | - |
Transfer from permanent to current assets | - | - | - | 37,800 |
Transfer from noncurrent to current assets | 464,797 | - | 1,329,554 | 26,898 |
Other sources | 2,816,924 | 612,744 | 4,041,197 | 69,413 |
Total sources | 2,816,924 | 3,016,100 | 5,006,801 | 3,265,692 |
USE OF FUNDS | ||||
In operations (see below) | 784,897 | 247,567 | - | - |
Other investments | 34 | 35 | 34 | 35 |
Payment of interest on capital and expired dividends to minority shareholders | - | - | 92,249 | - |
Additions to property, plant and equipment | 326 | 93 | 708,639 | 327,285 |
Increase in deferred charges | - | - | 235 | 46,642 |
Advance for future capital increase | - | 319,393 | - | 319,393 |
Acquisition of interest in affiliates | 395,782 | 2,310,878 | 395,782 | 2,310,878 |
Premium paid on acquisition of interest in affiliates | 1,656,127 | 290,282 | 1,656,127 | 290,282 |
Acquisition of interest in premium reserve - TCO | 25,436 | - | 25,436 | - |
Transfer from long-term to current liabilities | 1,905,899 | - | 2,151,190 | - |
Working capital balances - GT | - | - | - | 66,397 |
Transfer from current to noncurrent assets | 4,694 | 419 | 4,694 | 825,368 |
Credits granted to GT | - | 442,005 | - | 531,439 |
Deferred taxes | 207,185 | - | 178,581 | - |
Prepaid expenses | - | - | 28,661 | - |
Total uses | 4,980,380 | 3,610,672 | 5,241,628 | 4,717,719 |
DECREASE IN WORKING CAPITAL | (2,163,456) | (594,572) | (234,827) | (1,452,027) |
REPRESENTED BY | ||||
Current assets: | ||||
Beginning of year | 291,836 | 189,851 | 1,198,169 | 947,145 |
End of year | 614,609 | 291,836 | 4,234,128 | 1,198,169 |
Increase | 322,773 | 101,985 | 3,035,959 | 251,024 |
Current liabilities: | ||||
Beginning of year | 773,127 | 76,570 | 3,022,820 | 1,319,769 |
End of year | 3,259,356 | 773,127 | 6,293,606 | 3,022,820 |
Increase | 2,486,229 | 696,557 | 3,270,786 | 1,703,051 |
DECREASE IN WORKING CAPITAL | (2,163,456) | (594,572) | (234,827) | (1,452,027) |
FUNDS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATIONS | ||||
Net loss | (640,234) | (640,234) | ||
Equity pick-up | (135,455) | 640,215 | - | 890,706 |
Minority interest | - | - | 257,749 | - |
Depreciation and amortization | 95,129 | 130 | 1,220,731 | 685,315 |
Monetary and exchange variations on long-term liabilities | (75,016) | 618,533 | (118,260) | 816,419 |
Exchange variation on noncurrent assets | (40,978) | (531,133) | 198,271 | (676,772) |
Expired dividends (subsidiary) | (4,494) | (5,397) | - | - |
Increase (decrease) in provision for contingencies | - | - | (56,165) | 8,644 |
Interest on long-term derivatives | 15,755 | - | 15,755 | - |
Increase (decrease) in accrued pension plan liability | - | - | (1,373) | 444 |
Deferred taxes | - | - | 46,440 | 24,948 |
Disposal of property, plant and equipment | 276 | - | 42,690 | 13,134 |
Income from merger of holding companies | 120 | - | - | - |
Provision for losses on investments | - | 170,846 | - | 170,846 |
Items not affecting working capital | (144,663) | 893,194 | 1,605,838 | 1,933,684 |
Total | (784,897) | (247,567) | 965,604 | 792,923 |
(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
Capital reserves | |||||
Capital | Special premium |
Premium | Accumulated deficit |
Total | |
BALANCES DECEMBER 31, 2001 | 1,873,347 | 1,065,044 | 99,710 | (295,454) | 2,742,647 |
Capital contribution in cash | 2,403,356 | - | - | - | 2,403,356 |
Transfer of special premium reserve | 96,958 | (96,958) | - | - | - |
Expired dividends - 1998 | - | - | - | 4,715 | 4,715 |
Net loss | - | - | - | (1,140,761) | (1,140,761) |
BALANCES DECEMBER 31, 2002 | 4,373,661 | 968,086 | 99,710 | (1,431,500) | 4,009,957 |
Expired dividends - 1999 | - | - | - | 1,355 | 1,355 |
Adjustment of income and social contribution tax rate on special premium reserve | - | 22,083 | - | - | 22,083 |
Net loss | - | - | - | (640,234) | (640,234) |
BALANCES DECEMBER 31, 2003 | 4,373,661 | 990,169 | 99,710 | (2,070,379) | 3,393,161 |
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
| ||
By: |
/S/
Fernando Abella Garcia
| |
Fernando Abella Garcia
Investor Relations Officer
|
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts, and are based on management's current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "plans" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.