Provided by MZ Data Products
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 6-K
 
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the month of March, 2004

Commission File Number 1-14493
 

 
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

Telesp Cellular Holding Company
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
 

Av. Roque Petroni Jr., no.1464, 6th floor – part, “B”building
04707-000 - São Paulo, SP
Federative Republic of Brazil
(Address of principal executive office)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. 

Form 20-F ___X___ Form 40-F _______

 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 Company’s 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.

BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian reais - R$)


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 





The acompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)

TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian reais - R$, except for per share data)


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.

The acompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)

TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian reais - R$)


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 





The acompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)

TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian reais - R$)


  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 






The acompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)

TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002
(Amounts in thousands of Brazilian reais - R$, unless otherwise indicated)

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 TCO’s 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 GT’s 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:

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 Company’s 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 Consolidated
Company 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
liabilities


(501,599)


(1,079,818)


(721,105)


(2,095,611)

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


-  


-  


(277,945 )


(46,475 )

 



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

  • Credit risk: arising from any difficulty in collecting telecommunication services provided to customers and revenues from the sale of handsets by the distribution network.
  • Interest rate risk: resulting from debt and premiums on derivative instruments contracted at floating rates and involving the risk of interest expenses increasing as a result of an unfavorable upward trend in interest rates (primarily LIBOR, EURIBOR, TJLP and CDI).
  • Currency risk: related to debt and premiums on derivative instruments contracted in foreign currency and associated with potential losses resulting from adverse exchange rate movements.

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  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 
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  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:    

Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A.

(68,280)

PT SI

(289)

Primesys Soluções Empresariais S.A.

(32,767)

PTI Brasil

(3,496)

PTI

-
(1,595 )
Total 2003 -
(106,427 )
Total 2002 (97 )
(56,424 )
     
Financial income:    

Portugal Telecom International Finance B.V.

18,412  174,315 

Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A.

3,061  23,575 

PTI Brasil

7,600 

Global Telecom

117,359
-
Total 2003 138,832
205,490
Total 2002 3,465
596

  2003
  Company
Consolidated
     
Financial expenses:    

Portugal Telecom International Finance B.V.

(166,341) (258,064)

Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A.

(2,387) (25,996)

PTI Brasil

(7,216)

PT Prime Tradecom

-
(26)
Total 2003 (168,728 )
(291,302 )
Total 2002 (884,063 )
(1,528,800 )
     
Recovery of joint venture apportionment expenses - Brasilcel:    

CRT Celular

15,888 

Tele Leste Celular and subsidiaries

7,468 

Tele Sudeste Celular and subsidiaries

-
31,175
Total 2003 -
54,531
Total 2002 -
7,591
     
Joint venture apportionment expenses - Brasilcel:    

CRT Celular

(4,591)

Tele Leste Celular and subsidiaries

(4,519)

Tele Sudeste Celular and subsidiaries

-
(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.

BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian reais - R$)


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 





The acompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)

TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian reais - R$, except for per share data)


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.

The acompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)

TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian reais - R$)


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 





The acompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

(Convenience Translation into English from the Original Previously Issued in Portuguese)

TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian reais - R$)


  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 






The acompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 


 

 
SIGNATURE
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: March 31, 2004

 
TELESP CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
By:
/S/  Fernando Abella Garcia

 
Fernando Abella Garcia
Investor Relations Officer
 

 

 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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.