SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 

 
FORM 6-K
 
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For August 16, 2004

(Commission File No. 1-31317)
 

 
Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo - SABESP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Basic Sanitation Company of the State of Sao Paulo - SABESP
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
 


Rua Costa Carvalho, 300
São Paulo, S.P., 05429-900
Federative Republic of Brazil
(Address of Regristrant's principal executive offices)



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 if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K
in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1)__.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K
in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7)__.

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___

If "Yes" is marked, indicated below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):

 


CIA. DE SANEAMENTO BÁSICO DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - SABESP
Rui de Britto Álvares Affonso
Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations Officer
Sérgio Tuffy Sayeg
Head of Capital Markets and Investor Relations
Phone: (5511) 3388-8664 / Fax: (5511) 3388-8669
e-mail: stsayeg@sabesp.com.br

SABESP announces second quarter 2004 results

São Paulo, August 13th, 2004 A SABESP – Cia. de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – (Bovespa: SBSP3; NYSE: SBS), the largest water and sewage utility company in the Americas and the third largest in the world, according to its number of customers, today announces its results for the second quarter 2004 (2Q04). The Company’s operating and financial information, except when indicated otherwise, is shown in Brazilian Reais, in accordance with the Brazilian corporate law. All comparisons in this release, unless otherwise stated, refer to the second quarter of 2003.

Highlights

1. SABESP posted 6.8% net revenue growth with a small variation in EBITDA.

(R$ million)

Highlights 2Q03  2Q04  Chg.%




Net Operating Revenues 972.4 1,038.9 6.8%
EBIT 299.5 291.5 (2.7%)
EBITDA (*) 435.3 440.8 1.3%
EBITDA Margin 44.8% 42.4%  
Net Income/Loss 332.6 (73.3)  

(*)

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization

SABESP recorded net revenue of R$ 1,038.9 million and EBITDA of R$ 440.8 million in 2Q04. Despite net revenue growth, 6.8% real exchange rate devaluation originated a negative impact on the period. The final result was net loss of R$ 73.3 million.

2. Gross Operating Revenue – 6.4% growth

Gross operating revenues posted R$ 64.8 million growth, or 6.4%. This quarter reflects the consumer education campaign aimed at the rational use of water initiated last March for the whole SP metro area, which is responsible for approximately 70% of the Company’s revenue. During the quarter, a total R$ 34.9 million bonus was paid, equivalent to 4.7% of total water and sewage billing in the SP metro area.

Besides the direct impact on revenues of bonus payments, a considerable number of customers (around 20% of total connections) reached close to the water-usage consumption reduction demanded in order receive the bonus. This caused a decrease in the average tariff, resulting in a modest growth in revenues in the period.

Volume of water and sewage billed to the retail market increased by 1.2% with the inclusion of São Bernardo do Campo on the Company’s retail volume. Disregarding this county, there was a 3.9% decrease in the volume of water and sewage billed to the retail market at the SP metro area and 2.2% in Sabesp’s total volume.

The following tables show the water and sewage services volume billed to retail by type of use and region, in the second quarter of 2003 and 2004 (not audited):

VOLUME OF WATER AND SEWAGE BILLED TO THE RETAIL MARKET - million m3         
Type of use Water Chg. Sewage Chg. Water + Sewage Chg.
  2Q03  2Q04  2Q03  2Q04  2Q03  2Q04 
Residential 296.2 298.4 0.7 226.8 231.6 2.1 523.0 530.0 1.3
Commercial 35.5 35.2 (0.8) 31.2 31.7 1.6 66.7 66.9 0.3
Industrial 7.6 7.8 2.6 7.2 7.8 8.3 14.8 15.6 5.4
Public 11.9 11.6 (2.5) 9.3 9.1 (2.2) 21.2 20.7 (2.4)
Total 351.2 353.0 0.5 274.5 280.2 2.1 625.7 633.2 1.2

VOLUME OF WATER AND SEWAGE BILLED TO THE RETAIL MARKET - m3         
By Region Water Chg. Sewage Chg. Water + Sewage Chg.
  2Q03  2Q04  2Q03  2Q04  2Q03  2Q04 
Metropolitan 233.8 234.7 0.4 185.6 189.7 2.2 419.4 424.4 1.2
Regional Systems * 117.4 118.3 0.8 88.9 90.5 1.8 206.3 208.8 1.2
Total 351.2 353.0 0.5 274.5 280.2 2.1 625.7 633.2 1.2
(*)

Composed of the coastal and interior regions.

3. Costs, Administrative and Selling Expenses

Costs, Administrative and Selling expenses increased R$ 74.5 million or 11.1%.


  2Q03  2Q04  Difference Chg.% 





Salaries and Payroll Charges 264.2 269.9 5.7 2.2
General Supplies 19.9 20.8 0.9 4.5
Treatment Supplies 20.8 22.6 1.8 8.7
Third Party Services 78.5 98.6 20.1 25.6
Electric Power 77.8 90.7 12.9 16.6
General Expenses 26.5 23.5 (3.0) (11.3)
Depreciation and Amortization 135.8 149.3 13.5 9.9
Credit Write-offs 41.3 66.8 25.5 61.7
Tax Expenses 8.1 5.2 (2.9) (35.8)





Costs, Administrative and Selling Expenses 672.9 747.4 74.5 11.1

Bellow we present the main variations:

3.1. Salaries and Payroll Charges

Salaries and payroll charges grew R$ 5.7 million or 2.2%. This increase is mainly related to the increase in wages of 4.18% beginning May 2004, as a result of the collective labor agreement.

3.2. General Supplies

General supplies posted a R$ 0.9 million increase or 4.5%, mainly due to maintenance of residential connections.

3.3. Treatment Supplies

Treatment Supplies rose by R$ 1.8 million or 8.7%, principally due to higher consumption of active carbon and aluminum sulfate. With weather changes and fountainhead conditions, the proliferation of algae leaves, odor and taste in the water when dead, removed by the application of active carbon.

3.4. Third Party Services

Third Party Services increased by R$ 20.1 million or 25.6%, motivated by higher advertising and marketing expenses due to institutional campaigns promoted by Sabesp (“Olha o Nível”, “Racionamento 2004” and “Programa de Incentivo à Redução do Consumo de Água”). Other expenses that can justify such an increase are Paving, Sidewalk Replacements, and also Technical Professional Services.

3.5. Electric Power

Electric Power presented an increase of R$ 12.9 million or 16.6%, motivated by the average increase of 14.3% in electric power tariffs and 1.3% Emergency Capacity Charge (ECE) readjustment. Regarding electric power consumption, there was a 1% drop in the second quarter of 2004 (510,576 MWh) in comparison to the same period of 2003 (515,807 MWh) due to consumer education campaign aimed at the rational use of water, started in March.

3.6. General Expenses

General expenses recorded a drop of R$ 3.0 million or 11.3%, mainly due to contingencies. The provision for 2Q04 was lower than the one of 2Q03.

3.7. Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and Amortization grew by R$ 13.5 million or 9.9%, as a result of transfer of works in place from Permanent Asset to Operating Permanent Assets.

3.8. Credit Write-offs

Grew by R$ 25.5 million or 61.7%, due to the provisions occurred on June 2004 regarding credits over R$ 30,000.00, past due for more than one year and with lawsuits.

3.9. Tax Expenses

Tax expenses posted a decrease of R$ 2.9 million or 35.8% in comparison to 2Q03, when an amount was paid in response to the Provisional Contribution on Financial Activities – CPMF due to the maturity of Eurobonds 2003.

4. Financial Expenses and Monetary Variations

4.1 Financial Expenses

Financial Expenses decreased by R$ 90.2 million or 31.1%, due to:

4.2 Monetary Exchange Variation

The monetary Exchange variation presented a R$ 613.3 million variation, due to Real exchange rate devaluation versus US dollars of 6.8% in 2Q04 compared to an appreciation of 14.4% which occurred in 2Q03, affecting loans denominated in foreign currency.

5. Operating Indicators

As can be seen in the following table, the Company continues to expand its services (not audited data).


Operational Indicators 2Q03  2Q04  Chg.% 




Water Connections (1) 5,975  6,285  5.2
Sewage Connections (1) 4,385  4,673  6.6
Population directly served - water (2) 21.2 22.2 4.7
Population directly served – sewage (2) 17.0 18.0 5.9
Bulk Water Sales billed (3) 86.4 62.3 (27.9)
Retail Water Sales billed (3) 351.2 353.0 0.5
Sewage Services Sales billed (3) 274.5 280.2 2.1
Number of employees 18,355  17,807  (3.0)
Operating productivity (4) 564  615  9.0

Notes:

(1)

In 1,000 units at the end of the period.

(2)

Million of inhabitants at the end of the period (does not include bulk services).

(3)

In million m³.

(4)

Number of water and sewage connections per employee.

6. Funding

6.1. Water and Sewage System Program (Programa Pró-Saneamento)

In 2003, SABESP signed 16 financing contracts for water and sewage works with resources from FGTS, and its financial agent Caixa Econômica Federal, interest of 8.0% + TR p.a. for water systems, and 6.5% + TR p.a. for sewage systems, besides the management fee of 2% p.a. and a credit risk rate ranging between 2 and 2.5% p.a., with up to 36 months of grace period and repayable over 180 months. The total amount of the financing was R$ 324.5 million for a total investment needed of R$ 361 million, of which R$ 36.5 million came from the Company’s own resources.

SABESP requested through the Ministry of Cities and through Caixa Econômica Federal – FGTS’s financial agent, funding for new 40 projects, totaling R$ 714.2 million (total investment needed of R$ 793.6 million), in the Water and Institutional Development categories. From the total, 4 projects were approved to be hired, a total of R$ 172.0 million investment and R$ 154.8 million of funding. The Proposals for the remaining 36 enterprises are under analysis of the Ministry of Cities (responsible for the allocation of FGTS resources), with the possibility of being selected and hired by years end. Public sector contingencies are normalized by Resolution # 3.201/04 of the National Monetary Council of May 27, 2004.

6.2. BNDES

SABESP is in the final stage of formalizing, in the second half of 2004, a new loan contract of R$ 298.2 million. R$ 133.7 million, of which will be used to finance part of the domestic portion of the Environmental Recovery Program for the Santos metro area. This project will be funded by the JBIC for sewage system projects and the remaining R$ 164.6 million will be allocated to water systems project, foreseen in the contract with JBIC for the Santos metro area.

Payment conditions for the water systems will be: 10 years maturity, including a 3 year grace period. Interest rate equivalent to 4.5% p.a. (2% p.a., 1% p.a. for large corporate interest rate, plus 1.5% p.a. for credit risk rate) and TJLP as index 6% p.a. being the amount exceeding capitalized as debit balance. For the sewage systems the condition will be: 10 years maturity, including a 3 year grace period, interests of 4.0% p.a. (2% of interest rate, plus 1% p.a. of large corporate interest and e 1.5% p.a. of credit risk rate, minus the 0.5% p.a. main services sector discount) and 6% p.a. TJLP, being the amount exceeding capitalized as debit balance.

6.3. Japan Bank for International Cooperation – JBIC

SABESP signed, on August 6, 2004, the financing contract with JBIC - Japan Bank for International Cooperation guaranteed by the Federal Government, for the amount of ¥ 21,320 million, equivalent to approximately R$ 588.0 million, the funds will be used in the Environmental Recovery Program for the Santos metro area, a total investment of ¥ 39,221 million, equivalent to approximately R$ 1.1 billion, of which SABESP will provide the remaining amount of ¥ 17,901 million, equivalent to approximately R$ 493.0 million. Maturing of the total investment is over a period of 25 years, repayable over 18 years with a 7 year grace period. Interest will be half yearly, of which 2.5% per year of sewage systems and 1.8% per year development of sewage treatment stations.

6.4. Debentures and Promissory Note

On June 17, 2004, Sabesp’s Board of Directors approved: (i) the request for filing the Securities Distribution Program, as foreseen in Instruction # 400 of the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (“CVM”), in the amount of: R$ 1.5 billion, with maximum maturity of 2 years; (ii) issuance of promissory notes for public distribution, apart from the program, in the total amount of R$ 200 million, of which R$ 130 million were distributed July 16, 2004, as bridge operation; and the (iii) 6th Plain Debenture issuance, not guaranteed, on the amount of R$ 600 million, as foreseen at the Distribution Program.

7. Settlement of Loans and Financing

Total indebtedness payable by the end of 2004 amounts to R$ 713 million on June 30, not considering the abovementioned promissory notes. The main part refers to the 3rd issuance of debentures on the amount of R$ 417 million. The amount denominated in US dollars corresponds to R$ 159 million.

(R$ million)

INSTITUTION Jul-Dec 2004 2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010 and onwards TOTAL 









DOMESTIC
Banco do Brasil 81  172  187  203  221  241  1,286  2,391 
Caixa Econômica Federal 18  38  40  44  49  49  272  510 
Debentures 417  246  246  146  1,055 
BNDES 20  20  21  21  58  145 
Other 28 
Interest and Charges 37  41 









Domestic Total 554  468  497  417  295  315  1,624  4,170 









 
INTERNATIONAL
BIRD 14  13  41 
Société Génerale
IDB 58  117  129  128  88  88  782  1,390 
Eurobonus 855  699  1,554 
Deutsche Bank Luxembourg 31  62  93 
Interest and Charges 61  61 









Total International 159  1,051  146  135  787  88  782  3,148 









Total 713  1,519  643  552  1,082  403  2,406  7,318 

8. Cantareira System Renewal of Authorization

The conditions for renewal of authorization to use Bacia de Piracicaba’s water by the Cantareira System, responsible for supplying approximately 48% of SP metro area, were established by Ordinance DAEE # 1213, on August 6, 2004, for a 10 year period and in general terms regulating that:

- Sabesp has guarantee to withdrawal 31.0 m3/s, during 83% of the time;

- During the remaining period, the withdrawals can vary between 31.0 m3/s and 24.8 m3/s (minimum). We want to reiterate that the probability of a minimum withdrawal is low, having occurred only once in 74 years.

9. Conference Call and Webcast Details

English: Thursday, August 19, 2004
  12 p.m. – US ET (New York)
  Phone: +1 (973) 935-8511
  Conference Call ID: SABESP or 4986712

Portuguese: Thursday, August 19, 2004
  10 a.m. – US ET (New York)
  Phone: (55 11) 2101-1490
  Conference Call ID: SABESP

For additional information please contact the Investor Relations Department:

Sérgio Tuffy Sayeg Marisa Guimarães
(11) 3388-8664 (11) 3388-9135
stsayeg@sabesp.com.br marisag@sabesp.com.br

www.sabesp.com.br

Statements contained in this press release may contain information that is forward-looking and reflects management's current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, SABESP performance, and financial results. Any statements, expectations, capabilities, plans and assumptions contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts, such as statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the direction of future operations, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that these 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.


Income Statement

Brazilian Corporate Law       R$000

  2Q04  2Q03 

Sales/Services Gross Revenues 1,078,647  1,013,850  6.4
Water Supply - Retail 551,635  514,989  7.1
Water Supply - Wholesale 52,648  61,405  (14.3)
Sewage Collection and Treatment 449,545  414,511  8.5
Other Services 24,819  22,945  8.2
 
Gross Revenue Deductions (Cofins/Pasep) (39,712) (41,406) (4.1)
 
Net Sales 1,038,935  972,444  6.8
 
Cost of Goods and/or Services Sold (546,541) (507,570) 7.7
 
Gross Profit 492,394  464,874  5.9
 
Selling Expenses (132,245) (106,256) 24.5
General & Administrative Expenses (68,637) (59,067) 16.2
Net Interest Income (Expense) (365,768) 167,052  (319.0)
 
Operating Result (74,256) 466,603  (115.9)
 
Non Operating Expenses (Income) (11,001) (2,287) 381.0
 
Income Before Taxes (85,257) 464,316  (118.4)
 
Provivision for Income Tax/Social Contribution 17,843  (76,553) (123.3)
Provivision for Deferred Income Tax/Social Contribution 2,859  (46,350) (106.2)
 
Extraordinary Item Net of IT and SC (8,780) (8,782)
 
Net Income (73,335) 332,631  (122.0)
 
Shares Outstanding (1000 shares) 28,479,577  28,479,577 
EPS (R$/1000 shares) (2.58) 11.68  (122.0)
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization 149,242  135,789  9.9
EBITDA 440,754  435,340  1.2
% of net sales 42.4% 44.8%   

Balance Sheet

Brazilian Corporate Law    R$000

ASSETS 06/30/04  12/31/03 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 102,905  281,013 
Clients - Accounts Receivables 773,407  811,701 
Inventory 20,347  22,308 
Tax loss carryforwards
Deferred Taxes and Contributions 30,361  29,684 
Other Receivables 60,423  13,015 
 

Total Current Assets 987,443  1,157,721 
 
Clients - Accounts Receivables 235,460  185,090 
Accounts Receivable from Shareholders
GESP Agreement 497,513  484,800 
Accounts Receivables 206,997  170,363 
Indemnities Receivable 148,794  148,794 
Judicial Deposits 16,805  17,576 
Deferred Taxes and Contributions 246,090  222,804 
Other Receivables 27,866  30,583 
 

Total Long-Term Assets 1,379,525  1,260,010 
 
Investments 1,917  740 
Permanent Assets 14,029,873  14,063,248 
Deferred Assets 42,766  48,951 
 

Total Permanent Assets 14,074,556  14,112,939 
 
 

Total Assets 16,441,524  16,530,670 
 

 

LIBILITIES 06/30/04  12/31/03 

Suppliers and Constructors 24,264  51,934 
Loans and Financing 1,116,403  996,998 
Salaries and Payroll Charges 157,301  135,294 
Provivion for Judicial Pendencies 21,258  19,266 
Interest on Own Capital Payable 93,029  242,524 
Taxes and Contributions 68,827  84,488 
Deferred Taxes and Contributions 62,971  45,502 
Other Payables 77,429  152,316 
 

Total Current Liabilities 1,621,482  1,728,322 
 
Loans and Financing 6,202,048  6,267,265 
Deferred Taxes and Contributions 127,799  121,117 
Taxes and Contributions 278,132  282,214 
Provision for Contingencies 420,850  384,571 
Pension Fund Obligations 183,905  145,540 
Other Payables 26,398  24,698 
 

Total Long-Term Liabilities 7,239,132  7,225,405 
 
Capital Stock 3,403,688  3,403,688 
Capital Reserves 51,857  50,739 
Revaluation Reserves 2,666,336  2,723,720 
Profit Reserves 1,398,796  1,398,796 
Retained Earnings 60,233 
 

Shareholder's Equity 7,580,910  7,576,943 
 
 

Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity 16,441,524  16,530,670 
 

Statements of Cash Flow

Brazilian Corporate Law    R$ 000 

Description Apr-Jun/04 Jan-Jun/04 

Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss) for the period (73,335) 42,151 
Adjustments for reconciliation of net income (loss)
Deferred income tax and social contribution (406) 188 
Provisions for contingencies 12,905  38,271 
Liabilities related to pension plans 19,256  38,365 
Property, plant and equipment received as donations (Private Sector) (2,286) (2,587)
Loss in the wirte-off of property, plant and equipment 13,310  16,276 
Gain in the sale of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation 138,865  274,067 
Amortization 10,377  18,678 
Interest calculated on loans and financing payable 176,175  350,130 
Foreign exchange loss on loans and financing 191,557  222,657 
Monetary exchange loss on interest on own capital 5,389  6,493 
Provisions for bad debt 66,787  106,317 
 

  558,594  1,111,006 
 

(Increase) decrease in assets
Clients 10,942  (68,023)
Accounts receivable from shareholders
Inventories 805  1,961 
Tax loss carryforwards (21,361) (31,375)
Other accounts receivable (9,610) (16,033)
Clients – long term (39,664) (50,370)
Accounts receivable - Agreement w/ State of São Paulo Government (12,713)
Accounts receivable - State of São Paulo Government (21,024) (36,634)
Judicial deposits 696  771 
Other long term receivables 3,517  2,717 
 

  (75,699) (209,699)
 

Increase (decrease) in liabilities
Accounts payable to suppliers and contractors (2,172) (27,670)
Salaries and payroll charges 15,917  22,007 
Interest on own capital payable
Taxes and contributions 4,687  (15,661)
Other accounts payable 87,800  3,133 
Taxes and contributions – long term (2,318) (4,082)
Other accounts payable - long term 809  1,700 
 

  104,723  (20,573)
 

 
Net cash from operating activities 587,618  880,734 
 

 
Cash flow from investing activities
 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (242,212) (317,691)
Investment Acquisition (1,177) (1,177)
Sale of property, plant and equipment 176 
Increase in Deferred Assets (56) (124)
 

 
Net cash used in infesting activities (243,445) (318,816)
 

 
Cash flow from financing activities
 
Loans and Financing - long term
Funding 51,309  103,202 
Payments (349,450) (647,938)
Interest on own Capital
Interest on own capital payment (188,274) (189,663)
Balancing Accounts 13,640  (5,627)
 

 
Net cash used in financing activities (472,775) (740,026)
 

 
Net increase (decrease) in cash equivalents (128,602) (178,108)
 

 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 231,507  281,013 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 102,905  102,905 
 
Change in Cash (128,602) (178,108)
 

 
Additional information on cash flow
Capitalization of interest and financial charges 19,950  26,138 
Payable income tax and social contribution 67,710 
Property, plant and equip. received as donations and/or paid in stocks 801  1,117 
COFINS and PASEP taxes payable 36,238  88,982 
 
Acquisition regarding São Bernardo do Campo:
Acquisition price 415,471  415,471 
Carryforward accounts receivable (265,432) (265,432)
Amount payable (71,268) (22,506)
Amount paid 29,258  78,020 

 


 
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, in the city São Paulo, Brazil.

Date: August 16, 2004

 
Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo - SABESP
By:
/S/  Rui de Britto Álvares Affonso

 
Name: Rui de Britto Álvares Affonso
Title: Economic-Financial Officer and 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.