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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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FORM 20-F |
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| ANNUAL
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 Commission file number: 1-15256 |
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
(F/K/A TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DO PARANÁ S.A. - TELEPAR)
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| Brazil Telecom Company (Translation of Registrant’s Name into English) |
The Federative Republic of Brazil (Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
SIA/Sul, ASP, Lote D, Bloco B -
71215-000 - Setor de Indústria, Brasília, DF, Brazil
(Adress of Principal Executive Offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Preferred Shares, without par value represented by American Depositary Shares* |
New York Stock Exchange |
* American Depositary Shares issuable upon deposit of Preferred Shares were registered under a separate registration statement on Form F-6 |
|
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock
as of the close of the period covered by this Annual Report:
At December 31, 2003 there were outstanding:
249,597,049,542 Common Shares, without par value
295,569,090,398 Preferred Shares, without par value
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
No
Item 18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
In this Annual Report, Brasil Telecom S.A. (previously Telecomunicações do Paraná S.A. – Telepar), a corporation organized under the laws of the Federative Republic of Brazil and its subsidiaries are referred to collectively as "Brasil Telecom," "our company," "we," “us” or the "Registrant." References to our company's businesses and operations are references to the businesses and operations of our company on a combined consolidated basis for the years 1999 and 2000 and on a consolidated basis for the years 2001, 2002 and 2003 as if our merger with each of Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre and CTMR (each as defined below) had occurred as of January 1, 1996 and as if the merger of Companhia Riograndense de Telecomunicações – CRT ("CRT") with and into our company had occurred as of July 31, 2000. See Item 4 "Information on the Company—History and development of the company—Historical Background."
References to (i) the "real" "reais" or "R$" are to Brazilian reais (plural) and the Brazilian real (singular) and (ii) "U.S. dollars," "dollars" or "U.S.$" are to United States dollars. All amounts in Brazilian currencies that existed prior to the adoption of the real as the Brazilian currency on July 1, 1994 have been restated in reais. At May 31, 2004, the Commercial Market selling rate (as defined in Item 3 "Key Information—Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rates") was R$3.1287 to U.S.$1.00 as published by the Brazilian Central Bank. The exchange rate information in this Annual Report should not be construed as a representation that any such amounts have been, would have been or could be converted at this or any other exchange rate.
Our audited consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Brazil ("Brazilian GAAP") which are similar to the Brazilian Corporation Law (Law No. 6404/76, as amended by Law No. 10.330/02), except for the effects of the recognition of inflationary effects from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2000, and are consistent with the rules and regulations of the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM — Comissão de Valores Mobiliários), and the accounting standards issued by the Brazilian Institute of Independent Auditors (Instituto dos Auditores Independentes do Brasil or "IBRACON"). Investors should note that financial statements prepared in accordance with Brazilian GAAP differ from financial statements prepared in accordance with Brazilian Corporation Law in the methodology used for the recognition of inflation, among others. See Notes 2a and 2b to our audited consolidated financial statements for (i) a summary of the principal differences between Brazilian GAAP and Brazilian Corporation Law as they relate to us and (ii) a reconciliation from Brazilian Corporation Law to Brazilian GAAP of shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and net income (loss) for each of the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Brazilian GAAP when applied to us differs in certain important respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). See Note 31 to our audited consolidated financial statements for (i) a summary of the principal differences between Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us and (ii) a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 and net income (loss) for each of the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003. These audited consolidated financial statements are referred to herein as the "Financial Statements."
Our audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2001 prepared in accordance with Brazilian GAAP and consistent with the rules and regulations of the CVM and the accounting standards issued by IBRACON included in this Annual Report, have been audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes, as stated in their report appearing in this Annual Report.
Our audited annual consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2003 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2003 prepared in accordance with Brazilian GAAP with reconciliation of shareholder's equity and income statements to U.S. GAAP, included in this Annual Report, have been audited by KPMG Auditores Independentes, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board as stated in their report appearing in this Annual Report.
The "Index of Defined Terms" that begins on page 140 lists the page where each defined term is defined within this document. Technical terms are defined in the Technical Glossary on page 141.
Certain figures included in this Annual Report have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. We may also make forward-looking statements in press releases and oral statements. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "projects," "targets" and similar words are intended to identify these forward-looking statements.
In this Annual Report, we have made forward-looking statements with respect to, but not limited to:
our regional marketing strategy;
our ability to meet our network expansion, service quality and modernization obligations;
our market share;
our compliance with International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection ("ICNIRP") standards;
the reduction of our labor force;
the payment of our debt;
the material adverse financial effect of any labor, civil or tax claims arising out of acts committed by Telebrás prior to the effective date of the breakup of Telebrás;
the retroactive application of state value-added taxes to certain services, including installation services, rendered during the five years preceding June 30, 1998;
the growth in demand for cable television services in our region;
our projected capital expenditures;
our projected subsidies and financing; and
our liquidity.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions because they relate to future events and therefore depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Our future results and shareholder values may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by these forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will determine these results and values are beyond our ability to control or predict.
Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include:
the performance of the Brazilian economy generally;
the levels of exchange rates between Brazilian and foreign currencies;
the telecommunications policy of Brazil's federal government;
the growth of the Brazilian telecommunications industry as a whole;
the introduction of competition to the Brazilian telecommunications industry in general and our region in particular;
the receipt of additional, and/or the revocation of our existing, governmental approvals and licenses;
the availability of the necessary equipment to maintain, operate and improve our network;
the existence of difficulties in the operation of our equipment and/or the provision of our services;
the availability of financing;
the availability of qualified personnel;
the business abilities and judgment of our personnel;
the emergence of new technologies and the response of our customer base to those technologies;
acquisition by us of other companies; and
other factors discussed under Item 3 "Key Information —Risk Factors."
The reader should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments. Neither our independent auditors, nor any other independent accountants, have compiled, examined, or performed any procedures, with respect to the prospective financial information contained herein, nor have they expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance on such information or its achievability, and assume no responsibility for, and disclaim any association with the prospective financial information.
PART I
ITEM 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors
We are filing an Annual Report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Accordingly, this item does not apply to us.
ITEM 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
We are filing an Annual Report under the Exchange Act. Accordingly, this item does not apply to us.
ITEM 3. Key Information
Selected Financial Data
Background
The selected financial information presented herein should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements and notes, which appear elsewhere in this Annual Report. Our selected financial information is presented on a combined consolidated basis for the years 1999 and 2000 and on a consolidated basis for the years 2001, 2002 and 2003 as if our merger with Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre and CTMR (each as defined below) had occurred as of January 1, 1996 and the merger of CRT with and into our company had occurred on July 31, 2000.
The following paragraphs discuss some important features of the presentation of the selected financial information and our Financial Statements. These features should be considered when evaluating the selected financial information.
Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP
Our Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with Brazilian GAAP, which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. See Note 31 to our Financial Statements for (i) a summary of the principal differences between Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us, and (ii) a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 and net income (loss) for each of the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Effects of Inflation
Our financial statements until the year 2000, and unless otherwise specified, all financial information included in this Annual Report until the year 2000, recognize certain effects of inflation and are restated in constant reais of December 31, 2000, all in accordance with Brazilian GAAP. We used the General Market Price Index, Índice Geral de Preços de Mercado ("IGP-M"), published by Fundação Getúlio Vargas for purposes of restating our Financial Statements. Inflationary gains or losses on monetary assets and liabilities were allocated to their corresponding income or expense caption in our combined statements of income until the year 2000. However, pursuant to Brazilian GAAP, our audited financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, no longer recognize the effects of inflation after January 1, 2001 and are not restated in constant reais.
Change in Accounting Methodology
Depreciation
During our fiscal year 1999, we shortened our depreciation schedule for our automatic switching and transmission equipment from thirteen years and ten years, respectively, to five years in order to better reflect the estimated useful life of this equipment in light of rapidly changing technology and industry practices. See Item 4 "Information on the Company—Property, plant and equipment" and Item 5 "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003—Cost of Services—Depreciation and Amortization."
Accounting Consequences of the Breakup of Telebrás
Our financial statements for the fiscal years prior to 2000 are not necessarily indicative of what our financial condition or results of operations would have been if we had merged with Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre and CTMR before February 2000.
Difference from Financial Statements Published in Brazil
Our statutory financial statements prepared in accordance with the Brazilian Corporation Law (the "Statutory Financial Statements") are the basis for dividend and tax determinations. Our audited consolidated financial statements for the year 2000 include the effects of inflation through December 31, 2000, while our Statutory Financial Statements include the effects of inflation only through December 31, 1995. See Notes 2a and 2b to our audited consolidated financial statements for (i) a summary of the principal differences between Brazilian GAAP and Brazilian Corporation Law as they relate to us and (ii) a reconciliation from Brazilian Corporation Law to Brazilian GAAP of shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and net income (loss) for each of the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Our Statutory Financial Statements also differ from our Consolidated Financial Statements in respect of certain reclassifications, presentation of comparative information and consolidation procedures.
| Selected Financial Information | |||||
| Year ended December 31, | |||||
| Income Statement Data: | 1999(1) | 2000(1) | 2001(2) | 2002(2) | 2003(2) |
| (thousands of reais, except per share data) | |||||
| Brazilian GAAP: | |||||
| Net operating revenue | 3,591,723 | 4,652,184 | 6,158,408 | 7,071,368 | 7,915,194 |
| Cost of services | 2,698,465 | 3,774,109 | 4,798,434 | 5,163,861 | 5,472,142 |
| Gross profit | 893,258 | 878,075 | 1,359,974 | 1,907,507 | 2,443,052 |
| Operating expenses: | |||||
| Selling expenses | 347,207 | 381,371 | 724,570 | 763,375 | 821,656 |
| General and administrative expenses | 548,084 | 509,993 | 604,890 | 661,060 | 847,074 |
| Other net operating expenses (income) | (31,282) | (56,964) | 56,769 | (118,496) | 214,953 |
| Operating income (loss) before net financial expenses | 29,249 | 43,675 | (26,255) | 601,568 | 559,369 |
| Net financial expenses | 4,919 | 5,577 | 236,357 | 618,899 | 844,802 |
| Operating income (loss) | 24,330 | 38,098 | (262,612) | 17,331 | (285,433) |
| Net non-operating expenses (income) | 57,510 | (3,970) | 93,071 | 64,497 | 541,691 |
| Employee's profit share | 18,869 | 18,516 | 50,834 | 41,387 | 1,076 |
| Income (loss) before taxes and minority interests | (52,049) | 23,552 | (406,517) | (123,215) | (828,200) |
| Income and social contribution tax benefits | 7,744 | 16,218 | 199,039 | 111,596 | 320,751 |
| Income (loss) before minority interests | (44,305) | 39,770 | (207,478) | (11,619) | (507,449) |
| Minority interests | --- | 77,605 | --- | --- | 14 |
| Net income (loss) | (44,305) | 117,375 | (207,478) | (11,619) | (507,435) |
| Number of Common Shares (millions)(3) | --- | 237,165 | 237,165 | 243,564 | 249,597 |
| Number of Preferred Shares (millions)(3) | --- | 292,260 | 293,218 | 292,020 | 289,850 |
| Operating Income (loss) per thousand Common Shares (reais)(3) | --- | 0.16 | (1.10) | 0.07 | (1.14) |
| Net income (loss) per thousand Common Shares (reais) (3) | --- | 0.49 | (0.87) | (0.05) | (2.03) |
| Dividends per thousand Common Shares (reais)(3) | --- | 0.33 | 0.37 | 0.51 | 0.39 |
| Dividends per thousand Common Shares (U.S. dollars)(3)(4) | --- | 0.17 | 0.16 | 0.14 | 0.14 |
| Dividends per thousand Preferred Shares(reais)(3) | --- | 0.33 | 0.37 | 0.51 | 0.39 |
| Dividends per thousand Preferred Shares(U.S. dollars)(3)(4) | --- | 0.17 | 0.16 | 0.14 | 0.14 |
| (1) | Presented in constant reais of December 31, 2000. |
| (2) | Pursuant to Brazilian GAAP, our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 no longer recognize the effects of inflation after January 1, 2001 and are not restated in constant reais. |
| (3) | Since our present capital structure was not in place for the year ended December 31, 1999, earnings and dividends per share were not presented for those periods. See Note 3r to our Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| (4) | Dividends per thousand shares were converted into dollars at the Commercial Market selling rate of R$1.955 per U.S. dollar on December 31, 2000, of R$2.32 per U.S. dollar on December 31, 2001, of R$3.5333 per U.S. dollar on December 31, 2002 and of R$2.8892 per U.S. dollar on December 31, 2003, respectively. |
| Selected Financial Information (continued) | |||||
| Year ended December 31, | |||||
| Income Statement Data (continued) | 1999(1) | 2000(1) | 2001(2) | 2002(2) | 2003(2) |
| (thousands of reais, except per share data) | |||||
| U.S. GAAP: | |||||
| Net income (loss) | (458,003) | 7,096 | (169,716) | 317,280 | (287,739) |
| Net income (loss) per thousand shares (reais) (5): | |||||
| Common Shares–Basic | (1.02) | 0.01 | (0.32) | 0.59 | (0.54) |
| Common Shares–Diluted | (0.91) | 0.01 | (0.32) | 0.59 | (0.54) |
| Preferred Shares–Basic | (1.02) | 0.01 | (0.32) | 0.59 | (0.54) |
| Preferred Shares–Diluted | (0.91) | 0.01 | (0.32) | 0.59 | (0.54) |
| (5) | In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128 "Earnings Per Share," basic and diluted earnings per share have been calculated, for U.S. GAAP purposes, using the "two class method." See Note 31e to our Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| At December 31, | |||||
| 1999(1) | 2000(1) | 2001(2) | 2002(2) | 2003(2) | |
| (thousands of reais) | |||||
| Balance Sheet Data: | |||||
| Brazilian GAAP: | |||||
| Intangibles(3) | — | 472,680 | 372,537 | 470,544 | 531,556 |
| Property, plant and equipment, net(4) | 8,522,126 | 11,498,689 | 12,240,270 | 11,260,625 | 9,567,243 |
| Total assets | 10,823,447 | 14,992,076 | 15,772,551 | 16,432,198 | 15,622,803 |
| Loans and financing – current portion | 801,410 | 1,253,861 | 530,661 | 683,276 | 1,990,274 |
| Loans and financing – non-current portion | 208,647 | 1,959,207 | 3,504,489 | 4,398,532 | 2,645,563 |
| Total liabilities (including funds for capitalization and minority interests) | 3,080,942 | 6,243,687 | 7,796,249 | 8,808,409 | 8,781,841 |
| Shareholders' equity | 7,742,505 | 8,748,389 | 7,976,302 | 7,623,789 | 6,840,962 |
| U.S. GAAP: | |||||
| Intangibles(5) | 740,869 | 1,178,789 | 873,559 | 830,328 | 978,414 |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 7,033,417 | 11,292,820 | 12,139,658 | 11,670,826 | 10,035,667 |
| Total assets | 9,948,904 | 15,807,758 | 16,546,508 | 17,202,182 | 16,538,085 |
| Loans and financing – current portion | 799,245 | 1,120,475 | 525,137 | 480,666 | 1,737,494 |
| Loans and financing – non-current portion | 208,647 | 1,959,281 | 3,504,489 | 4,252,221 | 2,455,897 |
| Total liabilities (including funds for capitalization and minority interests) | 3,474,959 | 7,590,763 | 8,711,767 | 9,390,158 | 9,281,644 |
| Shareholders' equity | 6,473,945 | 8,216,995 | 7,834,741 | 7,812,024 | 7,256,440 |
| (1) | Presented in constant reais of December 31, 2000. |
| (2) | Pursuant to Brazilian GAAP, our audited consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003 no longer recognize the effects of inflation after January 1, 2001 and are not restated in constant reais. |
| (3) | Includes the goodwill from our acquisition of a controlling stake in CRT, which was calculated based on book value. |
| (4) | Stated at indexed cost up to December 31, 2000, less accumulated depreciation. See Note 3g to our Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| (5) | Intangibles under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 1999, include the step-up goodwill paid by Solpart Participações S.A. ("Solpart") as a consequence of the exchange of shares between companies under our common control pursuant to our merger with Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre and CTMR. Intangibles under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 also include the goodwill from our merger with Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre and CTMR and our merger with CRT but do not include amounts relating to our PCS licenses. See Note 31o to our Consolidated Financial Statements. |
Exchange Rates
There are two principal foreign exchange markets in Brazil: the commercial rate exchange market (the "Commercial Market") and the floating rate exchange market (the "Floating Market"). Most foreign trade and financial foreign currency exchange transactions are carried out on the Commercial Market. Purchases of foreign exchange in the Commercial Market may be carried out only through a financial institution authorized to buy and sell currency in that market. The Floating Market rate generally applies to transactions to which the Commercial Market rate does not apply. Prior to February 1, 1999, the exchange rate in each market was established independently, resulting in different rates during some periods. Since February 1, 1999, the Central Bank authorized the unification of the exchange positions of the Brazilian financial institutions in the Commercial Market and Floating Market, which led to a convergence in the pricing and liquidity of both markets. However, each market continues to have a specific regulation. Most trade and financial transactions are carried out on the Commercial Market. The foreign currencies may only be purchased through a Brazilian financial institution authorized to operate in these markets. In both markets, rates are freely negotiated but may be strongly influenced by Central Bank intervention.
Under the Real Plan ("Real Plan"), on July 1, 1994, the real was introduced as the official unit of Brazilian currency, with each real having an exchange rate of R$l.00 to U.S.$1.00. The issuance of reais was initially subject to quantitative limits backed by a corresponding amount of U.S. dollars in reserves, but the government subsequently expanded those quantitative limits and allowed the real to float, with parity between the real/U.S. dollar (R$l.00 to U.S.$1.00) as a ceiling.
From its introduction in 1994 through March 1995, the real appreciated against the U.S. dollar. On March 6, 1995, in an effort to address concerns about the overvaluation of the real relative to the U.S. dollar, the Brazilian Central Bank introduced new exchange rate policies that established a band within which the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate could fluctuate. The Brazilian Central Bank initially set the exchange rate band with a floor of R$0.86 per U.S.$1.00 and a ceiling of R$0.90 per U.S.$1.00 and provided that, after March 10, 1995, the exchange rate band would be between R$0.88 and R$0.93 per U.S.$1.00. Thereafter, the Brazilian Central Bank periodically adjusted the exchange rate band to permit the gradual devaluation of the real against the U.S. dollar. On January 13, 1999, the Brazilian Central Bank widened the exchange rate fluctuation band in which the real was allowed to trade from between R$l.12 and R$l.22 per U.S.$1.00 to a new band of between R$1.20 and R$l.32 per U.S.$1.00. This resulted in an immediate devaluation of the real to R$1.32 per U.S.$1.00.
Since January 15, 1999 the real has been allowed to float freely. The real devalued to a low of R$2.165 per U.S.$1.00 on March 3, 1999, but subsequently appreciated to R$1.789 per U.S.$1.00 on December 31, 1999, representing a net devaluation against the U.S. dollar of 32.4% during 1999. In 2000, the real devalued by a further 8.5% against the U.S. dollar.
Further deterioration in the political and economic environment in 2001, in addition to the Brazilian energy crisis, resulted in the real devaluing by 15.7% against the U.S. dollar in the year. In the final quarter of 2001, however, the real appreciated by 15.1% from R$2.671 per U.S. $1.00 at September 30, 2001 to R$2.3204 per U.S.$1.00 at December 31, 2001.
In 2002, as a reaction to political and economic uncertainties, the global economic downturn, the crisis in Argentina and the Brazilian presidential elections, the U.S. dollar appreciated by 34.3% against the real to R$3.5333 per U.S.$1.00 at December 31, 2002. The real recovered in 2003, appreciating by 18.3% to R$2.8892 per U.S.$1.00, at December 31, 2003. During the first five months of 2004, the real has depreciated approximately 8.3% against the U.S. dollar. We cannot assure you that the real will not substantially devalue again in the future. See "—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Brazil."
As of May 31, 2004, the Commercial Market selling rate published by the Brazilian Central Bank was R$ 3.1287 per U.S.$1.00.
Commercial Market Selling Rate for U.S. Dollars
The following table sets forth the reported high and low Commercial Market selling rates for U.S. dollars for the months indicated.
| High | Low | |
| December 2003 | R$2.9434 | R$2.8883 |
| January 2004 | 2.9409 | 2.8022 |
| February 2004 | 2.9878 | 2.9042 |
| March 2004 | 2.8752 | 2.9400 |
| April 2004 | 2.9630 | 2.8755 |
| May 2004 | 3.2118 | 2.9534 |
| Source: | Brazilian Central Bank |
The following table sets forth the reported high and low, average and period-end Commercial Market selling rates for U.S. dollars for the annual periods indicated. The average Commercial Market selling rates represent the average of the month-end commercial market selling rates (R$/U.S.$) during the relevant period.
| For the Year Ended December 31, | High | Low | Average | Period |
| 1999 | R$2.165 | R$1.208 | R$1.816 | R$1.789 |
| 2000 | 1.985 | 1.723 | 1.835 | 1.955 |
| 2001 | 2.801 | 1.936 | 2.352 | 2.320 |
| 2002 | 3.955 | 2.271 | 2.915 | 3.533 |
| 2003 | 3.662 | 2.822 | 3.060 | 2.889 |
| Source: | Brazilian Central Bank |
Brazilian law provides that, whenever there is a serious imbalance in Brazil's balance of payments or reliable information to foresee such an imbalance, temporary restrictions may be imposed on remittances of foreign capital abroad. We cannot assure you that these types of measures will not be taken by the Brazilian government in the future. See "—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Brazil."
Risk Factors
The following are risk factors that relate materially to our company and to an investment in our Preferred Shares or ADSs. Our business, results of operations or financial condition could be harmed if any of these risks materialize and, as a result, the trading price of our Preferred Shares or ADSs could decline and you could lose a substantial portion or all of your investment.
The information included in this Annual Report concerning Brazil and the ownership of Telecom Italia International N.V. ("TII"), current name of STET International Netherlands N.V., Techold Participações S.A. ("Techold"), and Timepart Participações Ltda. ("Timepart"), has been included herein to the extent publicly available. We have assumed such information to be correct and have not independently verified such information.
Risks Relating to Our Company
Regulatory developments could affect our services, including placing restrictions on the rates we charge for our services, which could adversely impact our business
We operate under concessions from the Brazilian Government that authorize us to provide local fixed-line telecommunications services in our region and long-distance telecommunications services within Brazil, and require us to comply with certain obligations related to rates, quality of service, network expansion and modernization, and interconnection of our network. Our failure to comply with the terms of the concessions may result in the imposition of fines or other government actions, including the termination of our concessions. Any partial or total revocation of our concessions would have an adverse effect on our business.
Our business, including the services that we provide and the rates that we charge, is subject to comprehensive regulation under Brazilian law. Brazil's telecommunications regulatory framework is continuously evolving. The interpretation and enforcement of regulations, the assessment of compliance with regulations and the flexibility of regulatory authorities are all marked by uncertainty. Our ability to retain our concessions is a precondition to our success, but in light of the regulatory framework, we cannot assure you that Anatel will not modify the terms of our concessions in an adverse manner.
Under Brazilian law, public regime companies, like us, must have the rates that they charge for products and services approved by Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações ("Anatel"). On June 20, 2003, Anatel enacted Resolution 341, which provides for new types of Anatel concession contracts, effective from January 1, 2006 until 2025. The Form of New Concession Contract provides for changes in the way in which rates are set, for example under the current proposals, the General Price Index - Internal Availability, Índice Geral de Preços – Disponibilidade Interna (IGP-DI), will no longer be used to determine the annual inflation-based adjustments to rates. Private regime companies that compete with us, like Global Village Telecom or Intelig, do not require Anatel approval when setting their rates and may unilaterally determine the prices that they charge for their services. As a result, adverse changes in Brazilian telecommunications regulations and non-approval or even delays in the approval of rate changes by Anatel, could adversely impact our operations and competitive position.
On May 12, 2004, the Consumer Defense Committee of the House of Representatives approved a bill of law proposing the termination of the monthly subscription fees charged by the Brazilian telephone concessionaires, including Brasil Telecom, for fixed line services. The bill is still subject to the approval of other Committees within the House of Representatives, the Senate and President Lula's signature. Should this bill be approved, it will have an impact on our rate structure currently in place. As a result, our operations and competitive position could be adversely impacted.
We may need additional third party financing which may not be available in the future or on terms acceptable to us
In addition to amounts we have already borrowed in 2004, we may require additional third party financing for potential strategic acquisitions and to commence new operations. During 2003, our net debt decreased from approximately R$3,659.0 million at December 31, 2002 to approximately R$3,170.0 million at December 31, 2003. During 2004, approximately R$1,840.0 million of our debt will mature and we may decide to refinance other existing debt in order to reduce costs or extend debt maturities. We do not anticipate being able to finance all of our funding requirements from cash flow from operations and will need to rely on third party financing in the future. We cannot assure you that such third party financing will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.
Certain beneficial shareholders control a large percentage of our voting shares and their interests may conflict with the interests of our other shareholders, including minority shareholders.
We are controlled by Brasil Telecom Participações S.A., which is in turn controlled by Solpart Participações S.A. (“Solpart”), the capital of which is held by Timepart, Techold and TII. The shareholders of Solpart entered into a shareholders agreement dated July 19, 1998 and last amended as of August 27, 2002 (the "Solpart Agreement"). As our controlling shareholder Solpart has the power to modify our business plan, modify our dividend plan and sell our material assets, among others. At December 31, 2003, to the best of our knowledge, Timepart and Techold hold 20.9% and 47.5% respectively of the voting capital of Solpart. We cannot assure you that any of Solpart’s shareholders will not take any actions that are inconsistent with your interests.
TII is a company controlled by Telecom Italia S.p.A. (“"Telecom Italia”"). Telecom Italia prevented us from entering in the first auction of personal communication service (“PCS”) licenses that took place on 2001 and acquired for itself, through various subsidiaries now consolidated into TIM Celular S.A., (“TIM”), licenses to deploy PCS in the whole country, including Region II, where we provide fixed-line services. As a matter of Brazilian law, TII and we were deemed to be affiliates and therefore TIM could not initiate to exploit the PCS authorizations before January 1, 2004 unless either Telecom Italia ceased to be affiliated with us or we anticipated our 2003 universalization targets. In order to allow TIM to explore immediately its PCS licenses TII, Techold and Timepart agreed to amend the Solpart Agreement on August 27, 2002 by means of which TII had certain rights suspended subject to subsequent restoration upon the fulfillment of certain conditions and a certain number of common shares in the Solpart were sold by TII to Techold and Timepart so as to reduce TII’s indirect ownership in Solpart and consequently in us to below the affiliate level, subject to corresponding “call” and “put” rights. Since TII’s departure from our control group, the following events have occurred (i) TIM acquired authorizations to render national and international fixed-line services, in the full knowledge that we already had since 1998 an option to provide such services aiming at transforming ourselves from a regional to a national and international carrier; (ii) we, through a wholly owned subsidiary, 14 Brasil Telecom Celular S.A., acquired authorization to render PCS in Region II; and (iii) we exercised our pre-existing right aiming at providing the long distance national and international services. Therefore we and Telecom Italia now have overlapping rights to provide PCS (in Region II) and long distance national and international services (Regions I, II and III). Article 68 of the General Telecommunication Law prevents the exploitation by the same juridical person, whether directly or indirectly, of the same services in the same Region. Notwithstanding, TII is now requesting to repurchase its voting stock and return to our control group which is against our best interests as we and TIM would then be considered affiliates and therefore prevented from offering the same services in the same regions.
Disputes among our controlling shareholders have had and could in the future have a material adverse effect on our management and operations
We are controlled by Brasil Telecom Participações S.A., which is in turn controlled by Solpart. Shareholders of Solpart have entered into the Solpart Agreement. There have been disputes among the shareholders of Solpart including in respect to the ownership structure of Solpart and further disputes may arise again in the future. Such disputes may arise between and among members of our control group with respect to the interpretation, application, performance and exercise of rights under the Solpart Agreement. Any such disputes could consume significant management time and resources which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Currently, TII is involved in a dispute with Techold and Timepart relating to TII's attempt to return to our control group. As discussed above, TII is attempting to return to our control group. On December 19, 2003, Techold and Timepart submitted to the ICC a request for arbitration to resolve the dispute for Solpart’s control aiming at avoiding that TII exercise control for the benefit of Telecom Italia in an attempt to prevent us, in our own and in the public interest, from reaching our full potential as a national and international provider of telecommunications services. On January 16, 2004 Anatel consented that during an 18 month period TII may return to our control group so long as TII does not participate or vote in any matters related to the overlapping services. After the 18 month period if we and Telecom Italia do not reach an agreement Anatel reserved the right to impose sanctions. In January 2004, TII notified us of its intention to regain its voting stock in Solpart and to restore the suspended control rights in Solpart as a result of our attainment of the universalization targets. TII filed lawsuits against Solpart, Timepart, Techold and us to force its return to our control group. To date, TII’s requests have not been adjudicated. In the meantime, ANIMEC (the Brazilian Association of Investors of Capital Markets) filed an injunction before the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica ("CADE") (Brazil's Antitrust Authority) to prevent TII from returning to the control group. On March 17, 2004, the injunction was granted by unanimous decision and TII appealed from CADE’s decision. This matter is still unresolved. We cannot assure you that this dispute will not have an adverse effect on our management's time and resources or our financial condition and results of operations, particularly with respect to our mobile and long distance services.
We depend on sophisticated information and processing systems to operate our company, the failure of which could affect our financial condition and results of operations
Sophisticated information and processing systems are vital to our growth and our ability to monitor our costs, bill customers, detect fraud, provide customer service, achieve operating efficiencies and meet our service targets, particularly in light of the increasing competition in our region. We routinely evaluate, upgrade and modernize our systems as needed. Our billing and information systems are continuously being upgraded and modernized by both in-house technicians and outside service providers. However, the failure of these technicians and service providers to successfully integrate and upgrade our systems as necessary or the failure in the future of any of those systems to operate properly, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We may be liable for labor liabilities, including those related to the companies that we merged with, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations
As of December 31, 2003, we were involved in approximately 18,578 labor proceedings, which include pre-existing labor proceedings of the companies we merged with. As of December 31, 2003, contingent liabilities for labor proceedings in which the risk of loss was considered "probable" amounted to approximately R$424.0 million and contingent liabilities for which the risk was considered "possible" amounted to approximately R$625.1 million. The estimated total amount involved in these proceedings is approximately R$1,177.0 million. In particular, we acquired CRT, the leading fixed-line services provider in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in 2000 and, as a result of such acquisition, we inherited a number of labor proceedings, as well as other tax and civil proceedings. As a result of recent court decisions, we now regard a portion of our loss relating to these proceedings as "probable" and accordingly, in 2003, we provisioned R$281.5 million of contingent liabilities with respect to such proceedings. See Item 8 "Financial Information—Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings—Labor Legal Proceedings."
Contingencies classified as having a probable risk of loss are recorded under liabilities. Under Brazilian labor law, a change of control, corporate structure or ownership does not affect the enforceability of pre-existing employment contracts of an entity. Brazilian labor courts have taken the position that any entity that acquires the control of a manufacturing or commercial establishment becomes liable for the labor liabilities of its target even when such liabilities originated prior to the date of the acquisition. Although we believe that we have no other material pre-existing labor liabilities, there can be no assurance that additional material labor proceedings for actions undertaken by the companies we merged with prior to our merger with them, or any other labor liabilities, will not be brought in the future, or if they are, that an adverse judgment regarding the same would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
We may be held liable for engaging in certain activities without an environmental license, which may subject us to fines of up to R$10.0 million, total or partial suspension of activities in certain states, and/or civil and criminal sanctions. This could have an adverse effect on our results of operations
In Brazil, environmental licensing is regulated mainly by Resolution No. 237 of 1997 enacted by the Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente ("CONAMA") (Environmental National Council). This resolution lists the activities that require environmental licensing and provides that any activity that has the potential to cause a significant impact on the environment must be licensed.
In Brazil, the federal, state and local levels of government have concurrent jurisdiction to independently determine whether an activity has the potential to cause a significant impact on the environment, and to require and grant environmental permits for that activity. As part of our normal operations, we install and maintain ducts, wires, cables and towers for transmission antennae in the states in our region. The installation and maintenance of ducts, wires, cables and towers for transmission antennae are not listed in the CONAMA Resolution No. 237 of 1997 as activities that require compulsory licensing. However, there is no guarantee that a jurisdiction will not view this installation and maintenance as activities with the potential to cause a significant impact on the environment, and thereby require an environmental permit to conduct such an activity. In any jurisdiction, to the extent that we are required to obtain an environmental permit and have not obtained such a permit, we may be subject to fines of up to R$10.0 million, total or partial suspension of activities, and/or civil and criminal sanctions. Although we have never been charged with having conducted our installation and maintenance activities without a proper environmental permit, there can be no assurances that some state or local authority will not retroactively determine that we have failed to obtain the appropriate state or local environmental permit, as the case may be, prior to conducting such activities. This could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
It may be difficult to effect service of process upon, or to enforce foreign judgements upon us, our directors and our officers
We are organized under the laws of Brazil, and all of our directors and officers reside outside the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of our assets, and most or all of the assets of our directors and officers are located in Brazil. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States or other jurisdictions outside of Brazil upon our company or such persons, or to enforce against them judgments of courts in the United States, predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities or other laws of the United States.
Risks Relating to the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry
We face increasing competition in the Brazilian telecommunications industry. This may have a material adverse effect on our market share, margins, results of operations and financial condition
The telecommunications industry in Brazil is becoming increasingly competitive. Our public regime fixed-line concessions are not exclusive and Anatel could grant additional private-regime authorizations in our region. For example, in local fixed-line telecommunications services in our region, we currently face competition from Global Village Telecom Ltda. ("Global Village Telecom"). To date, Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. ("Telesp"), Tele Norte Leste Participações S.A. ("Telemar"), Embratel Participações S.A., ("Embratel") and Intelig Telecomunicações Ltda. ("Intelig") have been granted permission by Anatel to provide local fixed-line telecommunications services in our region. In intraregional long distance services in our region we currently face competition from with Global Village Telecom, Intelig and Embratel. To date, Albra Telecomunicações Ltda. ("Albra"), Portale Rio Norte S.A. ("TIM") and Global Village Telecom have been granted permission by Anatel to provide intraregional long distance services in our region.
In addition, the Brazilian telecommunications industry is consolidating which results in larger competitors. The controlling interest in Embratel has been purchased by Telefonos de Mexico S.A. de C.V. ("Telmex") subject to certain conditions precedent. Embratel also provides local and broadband services in Region I and III through its subsidiaries Vésper S.A. and Vésper São Paulo S.A. (together, "Vesper"). Telmex has also acquired the assets of AT&T do Brasil, now Telmex do Brasil Ltda. ("Telmex do Brasil") and owns the mobile operator Claro, through its subsidiary América Móviles. Telesp is majority owned and controlled by Telefônica S.A. ("Telefônica"). Telesp has been granted permission to operate in our local fixed line and long distance markets. We also compete with Telesp in the data services market outside of our region. We also expect to compete with Telefônica in the wireless market against "Vivo", its joint venture with Portugal Telecom S.A. ("Portugal Telecom").
Our ability to compete successfully will depend on the success of our marketing, financial and other resources (including our access to capital) in comparison to our competitors and on our ability to anticipate and respond to competitive factors affecting the industry, including the introduction of new services, changes in consumer preferences, changes in regulation, demographic trends, economic conditions, discount pricing strategies by competitors as well as further industry consolidation. Currently, we compete with our competitors primarily on the basis of features, pricing and customer service. However, we cannot predict exactly which factors in the future will be important in maintaining our competitive position, such as the increasing need to offer promotions, discounts and other marketing initiatives, or what expenditures will be required to develop and provide the necessary technologies, products and services to remain competitive. This may adversely affect our market share and our margins.
In addition, we may also face increased competition due to unbundling regulations. On May 13, 2004, Anatel issued Order (Despacho) no. 172, which establishes rules for partial and full unbundling of local telephone networks and requires us to make our networks available to other telecommunications service providers. This legislation limits the rate we can charge for partial unbundling to R$15.42 per line. Anatel has not yet fixed rates for full unbundling, although we expect that these rates will be lower than the rates we currently are permitted to charge. This legislation is expected to increase competition in the local fixed line and broadband internet access markets by making it easier for new telephone companies operating under either the public or private regime to enter these markets and for existing providers to provide new services or enter new regions, since the networks of all telecommunications service providers, including fixed line operators such as us, will be made available at lower rates. Similarly, this legislation makes it easier for us to provide new services and enter into new regions in competition with other operators. These regulations are recent and we cannot guarantee whether we can compete effectively in this environment.
The expected increases in consolidation of telecommunications operators in Brazil and the increase in competition in our region due to unbundling or otherwise, may have a material adverse effect on our market share, margins, results of operations and financial condition.
The telecommunications industry may not continue to grow or may grow at a slower rate
We derive most of our revenue from our fixed-line telecommunications services and have recently commenced offering wireless services. As a result, we depend on the continuing development and growth of the market for telecommunications services in Brazil. Our ability to increase our business depends partially on continuing economic development in Brazil. Any economic, technological or other developments resulting in a slowdown in growth or a reduction in demand for our fixed-line or other services may harm our business and revenues. To remain competitive we must also diversify our services and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so.
We depend on other telecommunications services providers. We may not be able to enter into favorable interconnection agreements
In order to receive or send calls from or to customers of other fixed-line and wireless Brazilian networks and international networks we must interconnect with the networks of our competitors. The Brazilian General Telecommunications Law requires all telecommunications service providers to interconnect their networks with those of other providers on a non-discriminatory basis. The rates to be paid by one network operator to the other for the use of each other's network are currently regulated by Anatel. However, beginning in July 2004, interconnection rates for wireless operators will be freely negotiated. If we are not able to negotiate favorable interconnection agreements in the future, subject to potential intervention by Anatel under its legal power to establish the terms of agreements between telecommunications companies that cannot agree on interconnection rates and terms, our operating and financial results may be adversely affected.
The failure to develop and implement the technology necessary to quantify and combat fraud on our network could adversely affect our results of operations
The fraudulent use of telecommunications networks imposes a significant cost upon service providers, who must bear the cost of services provided to fraudulent users. We suffer loss of revenue as a result of fraudulent use, and also cash costs due to our obligation to reimburse carriers for the cost of services provided to fraudulent users. During 2003, we continued to improve our systems in order to implement an "on-line" fraud management system. However, we have not yet been able to implement our "on-line" fraud management system or to implement a fraud detection system related to billing.
In addition, we rely on other long-distance carriers for interconnection, some of whom do not have anti-fraud technology in their network. In 2001, we created a fraud management department to provide specialized customer service to customers affected by fraud. During the fiscal year 2002, several automated procedures were created to detect and control possible abnormalities that could represent fraudulent activities and were placed in various parts of our operations. These control points have a preventive function, and work both pro-actively and, should a fraud occur, reactively. In 2003, we implemented controlling points to capture fraud events automatically, such as a non-billing mechanism for fraud-blocked terminals, a cut-off limit system for service usage, and a webpage to gather any fraud claim from the community. These actions achieved a better level of control in mitigating the risk of loss from frauds as compared to previous years. However, these procedures are still below the level of accuracy and effectiveness desired and expected for fraud control. Should we not be able to develop and implement the technology necessary to quantify and combat fraud on our network, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
The failure of other operators to effect bill collection may have an adverse effect on our long-distance services revenues generated through other providers, on our provision for doubtful accounts, and on the productivity ratio of our call centers.
Anatel Resolution 343, dated July 17, 2003, requires all telecommunications services providers to provide billing and collection services to other telecommunications services providers with whom they have line or access sharing agreements. As part of our entrance into new long-distance services markets, we entered into agreements with several mobile telephone operators and fixed-line operators to include our long-distance services in their telephone bills and provide collection and collection-related services to us and vice-versa. If other operators experience difficulties with bill collection or collection-related activities, our long-distance services revenues generated from the lines or accesses of other telecommunications operators, our provision for doubtful accounts, and the productivity ratio of our call centers may be adversely affected.
The failure to develop and implement the technology necessary to extract, analyze, monitor and take actions upon revenue leakage present in our revenue stream could adversely affect our results of operations in a competitive environment
Revenue leakage occurs at different stages of the billing process, from ordering the new service to the provider making network switch changes and establishing accurate billing records reflecting the change. Service providers may lose a significant portion of their annual services revenue due to services that were never billed. Since 2002 we have been implementing systems and processes which verify the accuracy of billing and improve our recording of traffic. In 2003, we introduced the following new systems or processes in order to implement our revenue leakage control which include:
a "conformity certificate" from Bureau Veritas of Quality International ("BVQI"), an international certification organization which validates the accurate rates for local, international long distance ("ILD") and domestic long distance ("DLD") calls through our carrier selection code originating from public telephones;
the renewal of a "conformity certificate", issued by BVQI and annually required by Anatel, for the collection, registry, rate and billing process, including the local measured and billed service and the public switched telephone network (Serviço Telefônico Fixo Comutado, or STFC); and
a procedure for the analysis and recovery of unpaid invoices, monitoring of the installation of telephone lines and related services, and monitoring the improper use of terminals.
Notwithstanding our efforts, we continue to face challenges in finding and preventing revenue leakage, including the gathering of data from multiple sources within our complex network/IT platforms and the reconciliation of such data in order to identify the root cause(s) of leakage. This identification, prevention, and correction process typically involves multiple operational functions throughout the organization. If we are not able to develop and implement the technology necessary to detect, quantify, and prevent revenue leakage in our network, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Developments in the global telecommunications industry and technology are difficult to predict and a failure by us to respond to such developments may have a further material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations
All companies in the global telecommunications industry must adapt to rapid and significant changes in technology that are often difficult to anticipate. While we have been upgrading our network with technologically advanced fiber optic cable with a microwave overlay, we cannot assure you that our network will not be challenged by competition from new or improved technologies in the future. Technological changes may adversely affect our competitive position, require substantial new capital expenditures and/or require write-offs of obsolete technology. This would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In the event of a natural disaster, war, significant public disturbance or for economic reasons, the Brazilian government could temporarily seize or permanently expropriate our assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations
The Brazilian government has the authority to temporarily seize all assets related to telecommunications concession in the event of natural disaster, war, significant public disturbance, threats to internal peace or for economic reasons, and for other reasons related to national security. In addition, the Brazilian government has the statutory right to permanently expropriate any telecommunications concession and claim any related assets for reasons of public interest. Brazilian law provides for compensation in connection with losses and damages related to temporary seizure or expropriation. However, in the event of a temporary seizure or expropriation of any of our assets we cannot assure you that the actual compensation paid would be adequate or that such payment would be timely. This would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to Brazil
Brazilian political and economic conditions have a direct impact on our business and the market price of the Preferred Shares underlying the ADSs
Substantially all of our operations and customers are located in Brazil. Accordingly, our financial condition and results of operations are substantially dependent on Brazil's economy, which has been characterized by frequent and occasionally drastic intervention by the Brazilian government and volatile economic cycles in the past. In 2003 the real appreciated in value by 22.3% in relation to the U.S. dollar, from 3.5333 reais per U.S. dollar at December 31, 2002 to 2.8892 reais per U.S. dollar at December 31, 2003. In 2003, the Central Bank raised Brazil's base interest rate by a total of 10.0 percentage points in an effort to stabilize the currency and decrease inflationary pressures. In the past, the Brazilian government has often changed monetary, fiscal, taxation and other policies to influence the course of Brazil's economy. We have no control over, and cannot predict, what measures or policies the Brazilian government may take in response to the current Brazilian economic situation or how Brazilian government intervention and government policies will affect the Brazilian economy and, both directly and indirectly, our operations and revenues.
Our operations, financial condition and the market price of our Preferred Shares and ADSs may be adversely affected by changes in policy involving exchange controls, tax and other matters, as well as factors such as:
fluctuations in exchange rates;
base interest rate fluctuations;
inflation; and
other political, diplomatic, social and economic developments within and outside Brazil that affect the country.
On January 1, 2003, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, from the Labor Party, took office as the new President of Brazil. Until now, the economic policies of former President Cardoso have been continued by the current administration of the Brazilian government. Although the new government has not departed significantly from previous policies, and the Real appreciated 22.3% against the U.S. dollar during 2003, concerns remain about the policies of the future of the Brazilian government. While the current administration's policies have to date not been adverse to the telecommunications industry, the uncertainty over what policies the current Brazilian government may propose or adopt in the future may have an impact on our business and may contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil and to heightened volatility in the Brazilian international securities markets and thus have an impact on our business.
If Brazil experiences substantial inflation in the future, our revenues and the market price of the Preferred Shares and ADSs may be reduced
Brazil has in the past experienced extremely high rates of inflation, with annual rates of inflation reaching as high as 2,489.1% in 1993 (according to the Brazilian National Consumer Price Index (Índice Nacional de Preços ao Consumidor) published by the IBGE). Inflation itself and governmental measures to combat inflation have in the past had significant negative effects on the Brazilian economy. Inflation, actions taken to combat inflation and public speculation about possible future actions have also contributed to economic uncertainty in Brazil and to heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities markets. If Brazil experiences substantial inflation in the future our costs may increase, and our gross profit may be affected to the extent that our rate increases and our net operating revenues do not keep up with the rate of inflation.
Inflationary pressures may also curtail our ability to access foreign financial markets and may lead to further government intervention in the economy, including the introduction of government policies that may adversely affect the overall performance of the Brazilian economy and thus reduce our revenues.
Adverse changes in Brazilian economic conditions could cause an increase in bad debt provisions for doubtful accounts, which could materially reduce our earnings
Our business is affected by customers' ability to pay their bills. If the Brazilian economy worsens because of, among other factors:
the level of economic activity;
devaluation of the real;
inflation; or
an increase in domestic interest rates.
A greater portion of our customers may not be able to pay their bills, which would increase our bad debts and provisions for doubtful accounts. Losses from accounts receivable reached R$298.0 million in 2003, against R$263.5 million in 2002, almost flat in percentage of gross revenues terms. However, should economic conditions worsen in Brazil and bad debts increase, this could materially reduce our earnings and have a material adverse effect on us.
Devaluation of the real may lead to substantial losses on our liabilities denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies and a reduction in our revenues
The Central Bank has periodically devalued the Brazilian currency during the last four decades. The exchange rate between the real and the U.S. dollar has varied significantly in recent years. For example, the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate fell from R$1.9554 per U.S. dollar at December 31, 2000 to R$3.5333 at December 31, 2002. In 2003, the real has strengthened against the U.S. dollar. At December 31, 2003 the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate was R$2.8892 per U.S. dollar.
A significant amount of our financial assets and liabilities are denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, primarily U.S. dollars. When the Brazilian currency is devalued, we incur losses on our liabilities denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, such as our U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt and foreign currency loans, and experience gains on our monetary assets denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, as the liabilities and assets are translated into reais. If a devaluation occurs when the value of such liabilities significantly exceeds the value of such assets, including any financial instruments entered into for hedging purposes, we could incur significant reduction in our revenues, even if their value has not changed in their original currency. This could adversely affect our ability to meet certain of our payment obligations.
The proposed changes in Brazilian labor law may affect labor relations
In April 2003, the Lower House reopened the discussions regarding the changes in the Brazilian Labor Law (Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho, or CLT). According to the system currently in force, labor relations are strongly regulated. Although still protecting fundamental labor rights, the committee in charge of the preparation of a new bill has proposed to include more flexibility in the rules regulating labor relations in Brazil, allowing for employers and employees to more freely negotiate certain aspects of their employment relations. A revision of union relations in Brazil may also be discussed. It is not clear whether the proposed changes, if approved by the Congress, would be well accepted by employees of Brazilian companies, including us, and their respective unions. These changes, if implemented, may adversely impact our business in the future.
Restrictions on the movement of capital out of Brazil may hinder your ability to receive dividends and distributions on, and the proceeds from any sale of the Preferred Shares
The Brazilian government may impose restrictions on capital outflow that would hinder or prevent the custodian in Brazil, or you if you have exchanged your ADSs for the underlying Preferred Shares, from converting the proceeds relating to the Preferred Shares into U.S. dollars and remitting those proceeds abroad. Brazilian law permits the government to impose these restrictions whenever there is a serious imbalance in Brazil's balance of payments or reasons to foresee such a serious imbalance. Although, there is no current material imbalance in Brazil's balance of payments, there can be no assurance that such an imbalance may not arise in the future or that the Brazilian government will not institute more restrictive exchange control policies in the future. See Item 10 "Additional Information–Taxation–Brazilian Tax Considerations."
As a holder of ADSs you may have fewer and less well-defined shareholders' rights than in the United States
Our corporate affairs are governed by our Bylaws and Brazilian Corporation Law, which may differ from the legal principles that would apply if we were incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States. Under Brazilian Corporation Law, you and the holders of our Preferred Shares may have fewer and less well defined rights to protect your interests relative to actions taken by our board of directors or the holders of our Common Shares than under the laws of other jurisdictions outside Brazil.
Restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation, rules and policies against self-dealing and regarding the preservation of shareholder interests may not be as detailed, well-established and enforced in Brazil as in the United States, which could potentially disadvantage you as a holder of our Preferred Shares and/or ADSs. For example, when compared to Delaware general corporation law, Brazilian Corporation Law and practice has less detailed and well-established rules and judicial precedents relating to the review of management decisions involving duty of care and duty of loyalty standards in the context of corporate restructurings, transactions with related parties, and sale-of-business transactions. In addition, shareholders in Brazilian companies must hold at least 5.0% of the outstanding share capital of a corporation in order to have standing to bring shareholders' derivative suits, and shareholders in Brazilian companies ordinarily do not have standing to bring class action suits.
Risks Associated with Our Preferred Shares or American Depositary Shares
The relative volatility and illiquidity of the Brazilian securities markets may substantially limit your ability to sell the Preferred Shares underlying the American Depositary Shares at the price and time you desire
Investing in securities in emerging markets, such as Brazil, involves greater risk than investing in securities from more developed countries and such investments are generally considered speculative in nature.
Brazilian investments, such as investments in our securities, are subject to economic and political risks, involving, among others:
changes in the regulatory, tax, economic and political environment that may affect the ability of investors to receive payment, in whole or in part, in respect of their investments; and
restrictions on foreign investment and on repatriation of capital invested.
The Brazilian securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid, more concentrated and more volatile than major U.S. and European securities markets, and are not as highly regulated or supervised as these markets. The relatively small capitalization and the illiquidity of the Brazilian equity markets may substantially limit your ability to sell the Preferred Shares underlying the ADSs.
Developments in other countries, including Argentina, may affect the Brazilian economy, market price of the Preferred Shares and your American Depositary Shares
The securities of Brazilian issuers have been influenced by economic and market conditions in other countries, especially other emerging market countries. Since the end of 1997, and in particular during 2001 and 2002, the international financial markets have experienced significant volatility as a result of economic problems in various emerging market countries, including the recent economic crisis in Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay and Paraguay have also experienced a significant economic downturn. Investors subsequently have had a heightened risk perception for investments in such markets. As a result, in some periods, Brazil has experienced a significant outflow of U.S. dollars and Brazilian companies have faced higher costs for raising funds, both domestically and abroad, and have been impeded from accessing international capital markets. We cannot assure investors that international capital markets will remain open to Brazilian companies, including Brasil Telecom, or that prevailing interest rates in these markets will be advantageous to us and our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms or at all. As a consequence, the market value of our securities may be adversely affected by these or other events outside of Brazil. See Item 9 "The Offer and Listing—Offer and Listing Details." There can be no assurances that future events elsewhere, especially in emerging market countries, will not have an adverse effect on the market value of our Preferred Shares and our ADSs.
Holding your Preferred Shares in ADS form may subject you to several risks and may jeopardize certain rights relating to voting, dividends and distributions, and preemptive rights, among others, that you would otherwise enjoy as a holder of Preferred Shares
In the limited circumstances where holders of Preferred Shares are able to vote, you will be able to exercise your voting rights with respect to the Preferred Shares represented by ADSs only in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement relating to the ADSs. There are practical limitations upon your ability, as an ADS holder, to exercise your voting rights due to the additional procedural steps involved in communicating with such holders. See Item 7 "Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders" and Item 10 "Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Voting Rights."
If you are a resident of the United States you may not be able to exercise your preemptive rights, or exercise other types of rights, with respect to our Preferred Shares. Your ability to exercise preemptive rights is not assured unless a registration statement is effective with respect to those rights or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") is available. We are not obligated to file a registration statement relating to preemptive rights with respect to our Preferred Shares. Moreover, there can be no assurance that we will file any such registration statement. If a registration statement is not filed and an exemption from registration does not exist, Citibank, N.A., as depositary (the "Depositary"), will attempt to sell the preemptive rights, and you will be entitled to receive your share of the proceeds of the sale. However, the preemptive rights will expire if the Depositary cannot sell them. For a more complete description of preemptive rights with respect to our Preferred Shares, see Item 10 "Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association."
Payments of cash dividends and distributions, if any, will be made in Brazilian currency to Banco Bradesco S.A., as custodian for your Preferred Shares represented by the ADSs, on behalf of the Depositary, which will then convert such proceeds into U.S. dollars and will cause such U.S. dollars to be delivered to the Depositary for distribution to you, as a holder of ADSs. Holders of ADSs could be adversely affected by devaluations of the Brazilian currency that may occur due to delays in, or a refusal to grant any, required government approval for conversions of Brazilian currency payments and remittances abroad of the Preferred Shares underlying our ADSs. See Item 10 "Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Dividends."
As an ADS holder, you will be required to pay certain fees to the Depositary in connection with certain events, such as exercising your rights to purchase additional ADSs and redemption of your ADSs by our company, among others.
We may agree with the Depositary to modify the deposit agreement at any time without your consent. We undertake to give holders of ADSs 30 days' prior notice of any modifications that would materially prejudice any of their substantial rights under the deposit agreement. You will be bound by the modifications to the deposit agreement if you continue to hold your ADSs after the modifications to the deposit agreement become effective.
Tax reform will be gradually implemented in the following years
In December 2003, the Federal Senate approved part of the tax reform bill that had been under discussion for eight months. The text approved by the Senate was consolidated in Constitutional Amendment No. 42, enacted on December 19, 2003. Constitutional Amendment No. 42 is already in force, and provides for an extension on the assessment of the Provisional Contribution of Financial Transfers (Contribuição Provisória sobre Movimentação Financeira - "CPMF"), the assessment of Programa de Integração Social ("PIS"); and Contribuição para Financiamento da Seguridade Social ("COFINS") taxes on import transactions, and the assessment of COFINS under a non-cumulative regime.
Some important issues originally provided for in the tax reform bill relate to: (i) harmonization of ICMS tax rules, which would be governed by a single federal legislation applicable to all states; (ii) equalization of ICMS rates; and (iii) limitations on granting tax incentives. If approved, such measures shall be gradually adopted in 2005 and 2007. The delay in the approval and implementation of the tax reforms bill may negatively affect the Brazilian economy and capital markets.
Changes in Brazilian tax laws may have an impact on the taxes applicable to the disposition of the ADSs
According to Law No. 10,833, enacted on December 29, 2003, the disposition of assets located in Brazil by non-residents of Brazil, whether to other non-residents of Brazil or Brazilian residents and whether made within or outside Brazil is subject to taxation in Brazil. Considering the general and unclear scope of Law No. 10,833 and the absence of judicial guidance in respect thereof, we are unable to predict how the scope of Law No. 10,833 would be interpreted in the courts of Brazil.
ITEM 4. Information on the Company
History and Development of the Company
We are one of the fixed-line telecommunications companies that resulted from the breakup and privatization of Telebrás) by the Brazilian Federal Government in 1998. We are an amalgamation of the following operating companies formerly controlled by Telebrás: Telecomunicações de Santa Catarina S.A. –Telesc ("Telesc"), Telecomunicações de Goiás S.A. – Telegoiás ("Telegoiás"), Telecomunicações de Brasília S.A. – Telebrasília ("Telebrasília"), Telecomunicações do Mato Grosso S.A. – Telemat ("Telemat"), Telecomunicações do Mato Grosso do Sul S.A. – Telems ("Telems"), Telecomunicações de Rondônia S.A. –Teleron ("Teleron"), Telecomunicações do Acre S.A. – Teleacre ("Teleacre"), Companhia Telefônica Melhoramento e Resistência – CTMR ("CTMR"), and our predecessor, Telecomunicações do Paraná S.A. – Telepar ("Telepar") and CRT, a company formerly controlled by Telefônica S.A. and acquired by us in July 2000.
Our principal executive office is located at SIA/Sul, ASP, Lote D, Bloco B – 71215-000 – Setor de Indústria e Abastecimento, Brasília, DF, Brazil, and our telephone number is (55-61) 415-1140. Our agent in the United States is CT Corporation System, located at 111 Eighth Avenue, 13th floor, New York, New York 10011.
Historical Background
Prior to the incorporation of Telebrás in 1972, there were more than 900 telecommunications companies operating throughout Brazil. Between 1972 and 1975, Telebrás acquired almost all the other telephone companies in Brazil and thus came to have a monopoly over the provision of public telecommunications services in almost all areas of the country. Beginning in 1995, the Federal Government undertook a comprehensive reform of Brazil's telecommunications regulatory system. In July 1997, Brazil's National Congress approved the Lei Geral de Telecomunicações (the "General Telecommunications Law," and together with the regulations, decrees, orders and plans on telecommunications issued by Brazil's Executive Branch, the "Telecommunications Regulations"), which provided for the establishment of a new regulatory framework, the introduction of competition and the privatization of Telebrás.
The General Telecommunications Law established Anatel as the regulator of the telecommunications industry in Brazil. Anatel is administratively independent from the Brazilian Government and financially autonomous. Anatel is required to report on its activities to the Ministry of Communications and to the Brazilian Congress on an annual basis. In addition, any proposed regulation of Anatel is subject to a period of public comment, including public hearings. Anatel's decisions may be challenged in the Brazilian courts. Among its functions are the following:
to propose the implementation or elimination of services in the public regime;
to manage the spectrum of radio frequency and the use of orbits;
to settle conflicts of interest among the companies that render telecommunications services;
to protect and defend the users' rights;
to prevent, control and punish penalties of the economic order, in the telecommunications industry;
to establish restrictions, limits or conditions to corporate groups in obtaining or transferring the concessions, permissions and authorizations, in order to assure the competition; and
to establish the rate structure for each kind of services rendered in the public regime.
On January 30, 1998, in preparation for the restructuring and privatization of Telebrás, the cellular telecommunications operations of Telebrás' operating subsidiaries were spun off into separate companies. On May 22, 1998, Telebrás was restructured to form, in addition to Telebrás, 12 new holding companies by means of a procedure under Brazilian Corporation Law called cisão, or split-up. These new holding companies were allocated virtually all the assets and liabilities of Telebrás, including the shares held by Telebrás in its operating companies. The split-up of Telebrás into 12 new holding companies is referred to herein as the "breakup of Telebrás."
These holding companies, together with their respective subsidiaries, consisted of (i) eight cellular service providers, each operating in one of the regions into which Brazil has been divided for purposes of cellular telecommunications services in the frequency range formerly used by each of the former operating companies of Telebrás, (ii) three regional fixed-line service providers, each providing local and intraregional long-distance service in one of the three regions into which Brazil has been divided for purposes of fixed-line telecommunications, and (iii) Embratel, which provides domestic (including intraregional and interregional) long-distance telephone service and international telephone service throughout Brazil.
Set forth below are maps of Brazil showing the locations of the fixed line, long-distance regions and cellular regions into which the country was split-up following the breakup of Telebrás:
Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. (previously Tele Centro Sul Participações S.A.), is our parent company, and is one of the three holding companies providing local and long-distance services in Brazil. See Item 7 "Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders." In the breakup of Telebrás, Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. was allocated all the share capital held by Telebrás in Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre, CTMR and Telepar, our previous company; companies which provided fixed-line telecommunications service in the northern, western, central and southern regions of Brazil. See "—Business Overview—Our Region." In July 1998, the Federal Government sold all its voting shares of these holding companies, including the shares it held in Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. to private sector buyers. The sale of all of the Federal Government's voting shares in the holding companies to private sector buyers is referred to herein as the "privatization of Telebrás." As a result of the merger of Telepar, Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre, CTMR and CRT, ultimately turning into Brasil Telecom S.A., we became the leading local and intraregional fixed-line telecommunications service provider in our region. The only other relevant fixed-line telecommunications service provider in our region is Global Village Telecom (Sercomtel and CTBC also operate partially in our region but we do not service the same cities). For intraregional long-distance telecommunications services, Intelig and Embratel, among others, are providers that are authorized to provide long-distance services in our region.
The other major telecommunications operators which were created as a result of the privatization of Telebrás are: Telemar which is our mirror telecommunications service provider in Region I, Telesp which is our mirror telecommunications service provider in Region III, and, Embratel which provides domestic and international long-distance service throughout Brazil. Brasil Telecom, Telemar, Telesp and Embratel all operate pursuant to public concessions granted by Anatel.
Since the privatization of Telebrás, Anatel has continued to implement regulations which further its policy of promoting competition and quality of service in the Brazilian telecommunications market place. As part of this policy initiative, Anatel has allowed new private competitors into the Brazilian market to compete directly against us. In addition, Anatel has required us and the other public concession service providers to meet certain quality and universalization targets before we could compete in other service providers' market areas. On January 19, 2004, we received certification by Anatel that we have accomplished our universalization targets. Accordingly, we are now authorized to offer local fixed and domestic and international long-distance telephone services, originated inside or outside our region as well as mobile services in our region. The certification of other service providers' compliance with universalization and expansion targets, permits other service providers to operate in our region.
History of Our Company
The following bullet points illustrate a brief history of our company:
November 27, 1963: Telepar was incorporated as a corporation under the laws of Brazil.
June 5, 1975: The control of our company was transferred to the Brazilian government and we became a subsidiary of Telebrás.
May 22, 1998: restructuring of Telebrás System, with the creation of Tele Centro Sul Participações S.A. (currently Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.), a holding company of Telesc, Telepar, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre and CTMR.
July 29, 1998: Solpart acquired our parent, Tele Centro Sul Participações S.A. (currently Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.), from the Brazilian government in the privatization process of Telebrás.
February 28, 2000: the concessionaires – Telesc, Telepar, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre and CTMR, controlled by Tele Centro Sul Participações S.A., currently Brasil Telecom Participações S.A., were reorganized and merged into Telepar and became a single company.
April 28, 2000: In accordance with our strategy of becoming a national telecommunications company, we changed our corporate name from Telecomunicações do Paraná S.A.-Telepar to Brasil Telecom S.A.
July 31, 2000: We acquired 98.8% of the corporate capital of TBS Participações S.A. ("TBS"), a company controlled by Telefônica S.A., which held 85.2% of the voting capital of CRT, representing 31.6% of the total share capital of CRT, for approximately R$1,500.0 million. CRT was the leading fixed-line telecommunications service company in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The acquisition of CRT was financed partly through the use of our own cash reserves, as well as through the domestic placement of commercial paper worth approximately R$900.0 million.
December 28, 2000: TBS was merged into CRT, and immediately afterwards CRT was merged with and into our company. Pursuant to our merger with CRT, minority shareholders of CRT were given the right to exchange their CRT shares for Preferred Shares and Common Shares of our company. The exchange of shares was made based on the market value of our company's shares compared to those of CRT.
November 1, 2001: BrT Serviços de Internet S.A. ("BrTSi") acquired 15.4% of the total capital stock of iBest Holding Corporation (which controls iBest S.A.), for approximately R$10.0 million.
November 16, 2001: We listed ADSs evidencing our Preferred Shares on the New York Stock Exchange.
December 5, 2001: We acquired 19.9% of the capital stock of Vant, a leading corporate data solutions provider, for R$3.9 million from AESCOM Sul Ltda. and Luiz Cruz Schneider together with an option to purchase the remaining 80.1% after certification by Anatel of compliance with the 2003 targets stipulated in our concession contracts.
May 9, 2002: We joined the Special Corporate Governance Level 1 of the São Paulo Stock Exchange ("BOVESPA").
June 3, 2002: Our shares listed on BOVESPA and started trading under new symbols: "BRTO3" for Common Shares and "BRTO4" for Preferred Shares.
December 18, 2002: We acquired licenses for the personal communications system ("PCS") for R$191.5 million through the auction held on November 19, 2002. The minimum price was R$182.9 million and we paid a premium of 3.6%.
February 18, 2003: We announced the acquisition of 19.9% of the capital of MTH do Brasil Ltda.("MTH"), a company that holds 99.99% of the capital of MetroRED Telecomunicações Ltda.("MetroRED"), for U.S.$17.0 million together with an option to purchase the remaining 80.1% of the capital of MTH for U.S.$51.0 million after certification by Anatel of compliance with the 2003 targets stipulated in our concession contracts.
June 11, 2003: We acquired, through BrTSi, the entire submarine fiber-optic cable system of 360 Networks Americas do Brasil Ltda. ("GlobeNet") for U.S.$46.8 million. A total of U.S.$27.6 million was payable on June 11, 2003, with the remaining U.S.$19.2 million paid within 18 months of the first installment.
June 26, 2003: We acquired the remaining capital of iBest Holding Corporation for U.S.$36.0 million.
January 19, 2004: Anatel certified that we had met our universalization targets and authorized us to provide interregional long-distance services throughout Brazil and international long-distance services, also from any point in the country. We also received authorization to offer local services out of our original concession area and to offer mobile services in our region.
March 16, 2004: CADE, released a provisory decision determining that TII, one of our former controlling shareholders could not return to Brasil Telecom's block of control, notwithstanding the authorization from Anatel that they could do so. The outcome is still pending.
May 13, 2004: We purchased the remaining 80.1% of the capital of MTH for U.S.$51.0 million which could only be possible once we received certification of our compliance with the 2003 targets stipulated by Anatel in our concession contracts.
May 13, 2004: We purchased the remaining 80.1% capital of Vant for R$15.6 million which could only be possible once we received certification of our compliance with the 2003 targets stipulated by Anatel in our concession contracts.
May 2004: We received acceptances of our offer to purchase 63.0% of the shares of Internet Group do Brasil Ltda.'s ("iG") capital stock from certain shareholders for U.S.$100.7 million. The purchase of these shares is still subject to due diligence and execution of final purchase and sale agreements.
Organizational structure
We are structured as a consolidated operational company, in which we conduct substantially all of our operations, and currently have four wholly-owned subsidiaries, BrT Serviços de Internet S.A., 14 Brasil Telecom Celular S.A., Vant Telecomunicações S.A. and MTH Ventures do Brasil Ltda. At the Brasil Telecom S.A. level, we are subdivided into eleven operational branches, Tocantins, Goiás, Acre, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, Pelotas and the Federal District. For information on our shareholding structure, please see Item 7 "Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – Major Shareholders." The following chart sets forth a summary of our organizational structure, including the percentage of voting capital held in each of our significant subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003. All of our significant subsidiaries are organized and existing under the laws of the Federative Republic of Brazil, except for Brasil Telecom Submarine Cable System (Bermuda) Ltd. incorporated under the laws of Bermuda, Brasil Telecom of America Inc. incorporated under the laws of the United States of America and Brasil Telecom de Venezuela S.A. incorporated under the laws of Venezuela.
BrT Serviços de Internet S.A.
We formed BrTSi in October 2001. Through BrTSi, we provide broadband internet services based on ADSL (Assymetric Digital Subscriber Line) technology through our internet service provider (“ISP”) BrTurbo. BrTSi is also the parent company of the subsidiaries that operate our submarine fiber optic cable system which we refer to as GlobeNet, and iBest, our free internet service provider.
iBest
In February 2002, BrTSi acquired 15.5% of iBest Holding Corporation for approximately U.S.$10.0 million. iBest Holding Corporation controls iBest S.A. (“iBest”), a free internet service provider and important brand name. On June 26, 2003, we acquired through our wholly owned subsidiary, BrTSi, the remaining capital of iBest Holding Corporation for U.S.$36.0 million, consolidating our 100% ownership of iBest.
GlobeNet (Submarine Fiber-Optic Cable System)
On June 11, 2003, we acquired, through BrTSi, the entire submarine fiber-optic cable system of 360 Networks Americas do Brasil Ltda. which we refer to as GlobeNet, for U.S.$46.8 million. A total of U.S.$27.6 million was paid on June 11, 2003, with the remaining U.S.$19.2 million payable within 18 months of the first installment. As part of this acquisition, BrTSi formed five operating subsidiaries: Brasil Telecom Cabos Submarinos (Holding) Ltda., Brasil Telecom Cabos Submarinos Ltda., Brasil Telecom of America, Inc., Brasil Telecom Subsea Cable System (Bermuda) Ltd. and Brasil Telecom de Venezuela, S.A. These companies own and operate the GlobeNet fiber optic cable system that connects the United States, Bermudas, Brazil and Venezuela. Brasil Telecom of America, Inc. is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, and coordinates all GlobeNet’s activities and supports the commercial activities of the group in the international market.
14 Brasil Telecom Celular S.A.
14 Brasil Telecom Celular S.A., is our mobile telephony services subsidiary, which we expect to be operational during the third-quarter of 2004. See "--Business Overview--Wireless Services."
Vant Telecomunicações S.A.
On May 13, 2004, we exercised our option to purchase for R$15.6 million the remaining 80.1%, giving us 100%, of the capital of Vant. This purchase was made possible once we received certification by Anatel of our compliance with our 2003 universalization targets. Vant offers internet protocol as well as other products to the corporate market throughout Brazil.
MetroRED Telecomunicações Ltda.
On May 13, 2004, we exercised our option to purchase for U.S.$51.0 million the remaining 80.1% giving us 100% of the capital of MTH. This purchase was made possible once we received certification by Anatel of our compliance with our 2003 universalization targets. MetroRED is a leading local fiber optic network provider, with 331 kilometers of local area network in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, and a 1,485 kilometer long-distance network linking these three metropolitan areas as well as an internet solutions data center in São Paulo which will provide internet support to our customers. As part of the acquisition, we also acquired a management team with expertise in these markets.
Intelig
We are engaged in on-going discussions with Intelig’s shareholders, France Telecom, Sprint Corp. and National Grid Group PLC, with respect to a possible acquisition of Intelig. Intelig started operations in 2000, and provides national and international long distance services nationwide and competes directly with Embratel. Intelig has built out an extensive fixed-line telecommunications network throughout the country. The terms of any acquisition have not been determined and accordingly, it is not possible to predict the outcome of this process.
iG
In May 2004, we received acceptances of our offer to purchase 63.0% of the shares of iG’s capital stock from certain shareholders for U.S.$100.7 million. The purchase of these shares is still subject to due diligence and execution of final purchase and sale agreements. iG is a free internet services provider. This acquisition will consolidate our already leading position in the ISP market by giving us more than 50.0% of the dial-up minutes in the Brazilian market as well as an additional three million active internet users.
Capital Expenditures
Before the breakup of Telebrás, our capital expenditures were planned and allocated by Telebrás on a system-wide basis and subject to approval by the Federal Government. These constraints on capital expenditures prevented us from making certain investments that otherwise would have been made to improve telecommunications service in our region. Since the breakup of Telebrás, we are no longer subject to these restrictions. We are now permitted to determine our own capital expenditure budget, subject to compliance with certain obligations under our concessions. See “—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Obligations of Telecommunications Companies.”
The following table sets forth our capital expenditures on plant expansion and modernization for each of the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
| Year ended December 31, | |||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| (millions of reais) | |||
| Switching | 455.8 | 235.0 | 164.0 |
| Transmission | 463.1 | 133.5 | 136.2 |
| Access Network | 1,094.1 | 212.9 | 108.8 |
| Data Network | 176.3 | 312.3 | 209.4 |
| Infrastructure | 312.5 | 148.7 | 37.4 |
| Other investments (1) | 924.0 | 935.2 | 1,138.2 |
| Total capital expenditures | 3,425.7 | 1,977.6 | 1,794.0 |
| (1) | Other investments include the acquisition of PCS licenses, the acquisition of GlobeNet, MetroRED and iBest and investments to replace plant equipment and other fixed assets generally without altering the capacity of the assets replaced and certain investments in operational and technical support such as telecommunications management network systems, IT investments and expansion projects. |
Our capital expenditures decreased approximately 9.3% to R$1,794.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2003, from R$1,977.6 million for the corresponding period in 2002. Of our total capital expenditures, R$1,328.2 million related to expansion and modernization of our fixed telephony operations, R$109.2 million to mobile telephony operations and R$356.7 million to the acquisition of the capital stock of GlobeNet, MetroRED and iBest. The capital expenditures on the expansion and modernization of our fixed telephony operations consist mainly of updating technology and upgrading capacity in relation to our transmission backbone, switching centers, data network and intelligent network.
Expected Capital Expenditures on Plant Expansion and Modernization
We currently expect to invest approximately R$725.5 million in the expansion and modernization of our network during the fiscal year 2004. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, we had invested approximately R$147.4 million in the expansion and modernization of our network. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Expenditures.” We expect to finance our remaining expected 2004 capital expenditures with internal funds generated primarily from our operations.
Acquisition of PCS Licenses
As part of our strategy of providing integrated solutions to our clients, we acquired PCS licenses for R$191.5 million, at an auction held on December 18, 2002. We paid a premium of 3.6% over the reserve price of R$184.9 million.
On December 18, 2002, we paid the equivalent of 10.0% of the total bid amount at auction. The remaining 90.0% will be paid in six equal installments annually, respectively due 36, 48, 60, 72, 84 and 96 months after the date of the signing of the term of authorization. These installments will be adjusted by the IGP-DI index plus 1.0% interest rate over the indexed amount calculated from the term execution date.
Business Overview
We provide fixed-line telecommunications services in Brazil under concessions which we assumed from each of Telepar, Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre, CTMR and CRT for each of the states in our region. These concessions were granted by the Brazilian government to us and to each of these companies as a result of the privatization process. Until January 2004, these concessions authorized us to provide local and intrastate fixed-line telecommunications services in nine states located in the northern, western, central and southern regions of Brazil and in the Federal District. These concession areas constitute our region. See “—Our region.” As a result of these original concessions, we are the leading provider of local fixed-line telecommunications services and intraregional fixed-line telecommunications services in our region. Local fixed-line telecommunications services include all calls that originate and terminate within a single local area, as well as, installation, monthly subscription, public telephones and supplemental local services. Intrastate fixed-line telecommunications services include all calls between local areas within a state.
Our business, including the service we provide and the rates we charge, is subject to comprehensive regulation by Anatel, an independent regulatory agency, under the General Telecommunications Law and various administrative enactments thereunder. The licenses and concessions under which we operate our fixed-line services imposed certain universalization, expansion and modernization targets on us. On January 19, 2004, we received certification by Anatel that we have accomplished our universalization target. Accordingly, we are now authorized to offer local fixed and domestic and international long-distance telephone services, originated inside or outside our region. We are also authorized to provide mobile telephone services in our region. Our competitors in these services are Embratel, Intelig, Global Village Telecom, Telesp, Telemar, TIM, Claro, Vivo, Companhia de Telecomunicações do Brasil Central (“CTBC Telecom”) and Sercomtel Telecomunicaçoes S.A. (“Sercomtel”).
Our Strategy
Our goal is to become a leading provider of integrated telecommunications services in Brazil and South America by maintaining our strong position in the local and intraregional long distance markets while at the same time enhancing our existing services and developing new services which complement our existing products and services. We intend to achieve this goal by implementing the following key strategies:
Offer interregional and international long-distance services
We intend to increase our market share in our principal business of providing intraregional long-distance service in Region II. Since January 22, 2004 we have begun offering interregional and international long distance services and started competing directly with other regional operators which currently provide such services. By offering interregional and international long-distance services, we expect to be able to offer our existing corporate and residential clients more competitive and integrated plans and capture market share. We intend to leverage the strength of the "Brasil Telecom" brand in Region II and to solidify Brasil Telecom as the carrier of choice through advertising campaigns that promote the use of our carrier selection code "14" and the synergies across our growing portfolio of integrated services, including wireless, data and long-distance services nationwide.
Develop our wireless telecommunications services
As we have received Anatel's certification that our 2003 universalization targets have been met, we have recently begun offering wireless telecommunications services using Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM"), technology through our subsidiary, 14 Brasil Telecom Celular S.A., and under the brand name "Brasil Telecom GSM". With the introduction of wireless services, we are the only company in Region II to offer both wireline and wireless services and we expect to leverage this to increase our brand awareness and overall market share. We are able to offer competitive wireless service plans due, among other things, to the attractive prices paid for our licenses and the favorable terms available to us from our equipment vendors. We also intend to realize the synergies between our wireline and wireless operations by marketing to our existing client database, using our existing wireline sales channels, providing integrated packages and sharing infrastructure and operational systems. We also intend to develop new mobile products and services for the corporate market.
Continue to integrate and acquire high technology network infrastructure in order to position ourselves as a market leader in the Brazilian corporate market
Our acquisition in June 2003 of GlobeNet, our submarine fiber optic cable system, and our acquisition in May 13, 2004 of MetroRED, our local fiber-optic network, provided us with a state-of-the-art broadband infrastructure as well as local network capacity. These networks consist of a 22,000 kilometer submarine fiber optic system connecting us to most of Latin America and the United States, as well as 331 kilometers of local and 1,485 kilometers of long-distance fiber-optic lines in Brasil, allowing us to expand geographically to three principal corporate markets outside our region—São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. In addition, through MetroRED we obtained an internet center in São Paulo that will host various internet services. We intend to integrate these networks and this center into our existing network and business and to use this capacity to meet the growing demands for our network and data transmission services in order to become the market leader in both residential and corporate network and data transmission services.
Develop integrated voice, data and multimedia services for residential and corporate clients
We intend to offer voice, data and multimedia products and services through our existing distribution channels as well as through new mobile phone stores, which we expect to open this year. Our strategy is to provide a one-stop shopping environment for both residential and corporate clients, satisfying all of their local, long distance, mobile, network and data transmission service needs. We intend to maximize synergies and increase client loyalty by providing value-added services and to attract new clients and maintain existing clients by offering competitively priced products. We also intend to provide integrated customer service which will allow us to improve our service quality as well as increase our sales.
Evaluation of possible participation in consolidation of Brazilian telecommunications industry
The Brazilian telecommunications industry has experienced and may continue to experience consolidation. We continue to evaluate potential consolidation opportunities in Brazil, which may include acquisitions or other methods of participation designed to increase our market share or to improve our efficiency.
We are engaged in on-going discussions with Intelig's shareholders, France Telecom, Sprint Corp. and National Grid Group PLC, with respect to a possible acquisition of Intelig. Intelig started operations in 2000, and provides national and international long distance services on a nationwide basis and competes directly with Embratel. Intelig has built out an extensive fixed-line telecommunications network throughout the country. The terms of any acquisition have not been determined and accordingly, it is not possible to predict the outcome of this process.
We are also in discussions with respect to the acquisition of iG, a free internet services provider. This acquisition would consolidate our already leading position in the ISP market by giving us more than 50.0% of the dial-up minutes in the Brazilian market as well as three million active internet users.
Our Services
The fixed-line telecommunications services that we offer to our customers consist of (i) local services, including all calls that originate and terminate within a single local area in the region, as well as, installation, monthly subscription, measured services, public telephones and supplemental local services, (ii) intraregional long-distance services which include intrastate (calls between local areas within a state in our region) and interstate (calls between states in our region), (iii) interregional and international long-distance services, (iv) network services, including interconnection, leasing of facilities and fixed-to-mobile services, (v) data transmission services, (vi) wireless mobile services and (vii) other services. We do not sell, rent or otherwise provide telephone equipment such as handsets or switchboards. On January 19, 2004, Anatel certified our compliance with universalization targets which enabled us to provide mobile services in our region and interregional and international long-distance services in all regions.
The following table sets forth our revenue by type of service for the indicated years. Our rates for each category of service are discussed below under "—Rates." Trends and events affecting our operating revenue are discussed under Item 5 "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects."
| Year ended December 31, | ||||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | ||
| (millions of reais) | ||||
| Local services | 5,548 | 6,255 | 6,900 | |
| Intraregional (Intrastate and Interstate) long-distance service | 1,341 | 1,748 | 1,923 | |
| Interregional and International long-distance service(1) | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Network services | 994 | 1,021 | 1,051 | |
| Data transmission | 324 | 505 | 764 | |
| Other | 250 | 310 | 439 | |
| Gross operating revenues | 8,458 | 9,840 | 11,077 | |
| Taxes and discounts | (2,300) | (2,769) | (3,162) | |
| Net operating revenues | 6,158 | 7,071 | 7,915 | |
| (1) | On January 19, 2004, Anatel certified our compliance with universalization targets which enabled us to provide interregional and international long-distance service. |
Local Services
Local services include all calls that originate and terminate within a single local area in our region, as well as, installation, monthly subscription, public telephones, and supplemental local services. We are the leading provider of local telecommunications services in our region with an estimated 96.5% market share. In local fixed-line services, our sole competitor is Global Village Telecom. Global Village Telecom is an independent service provider operating under an authorization from Anatel. As of December 31, 2003, we had approximately 9.85 million lines in service. We own and operate public telephones throughout our region. At December 31, 2002, we had approximately 293.3 thousand public telephones. At December 31, 2003, we had approximately 296.3 thousand public telephones and a ratio of public telephone/ 100 lines installed equal to 2.77 which meets Anatel’s service targets. We also provide a variety of other supplemental local services that include voice mail, call waiting, call forwarding, conferencing, speed dialing and caller ID.
To date, Telemar, Embratel, Intelig, Telesp, CTBC, Aerotech Telecomunicações Ltda. (“Aerotech”), Telefree do Brasil Ltda. (“Telefree”), Impsat, Easytone Telecomunicações Ltda. (“Easytone”) and Transit do Brasil Ltda. (“Transit”) have been granted permission by Anatel to provide local fixed telecommunications services in our region. We have also been authorized to provide local fixed telecommunications services outside our region, however as of May 2004, we have not done so.
Intraregional (intrastate and interstate) long-distance service
Calls from one local area in a region to another local area in the same region are referred to as “intraregional long-distance” calls. Intraregional long-distance service includes intrastate long-distance calls (calls within a given state in a region) and interstate long-distance calls (calls between states in a region). Prior to merging into us, each of Telepar, Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre, CTMR and CRT was the exclusive provider of intrastate long-distance service in its state. As a result we became and still are the leading provider of intrastate fixed-line telecommunications services in our region with an estimated 89.9% intrastate market share and an estimated 75.1% interstate market share at December 31, 2003. Until July 1999, Embratel was the exclusive provider of interstate long-distance service.
Pursuant to Anatel regulations, callers are able to choose a service provider for each long distance call by selecting a carrier selection code that identifies the carrier. Until July 6, 2003, this was permitted only for calls made from fixed line phones. Since such date mobile callers can also choose a service provider by selecting a carrier selection code. Our carrier selection code is “14".
As of July 1999, Embratel and Intelig were authorized to provide intrastate long-distance services within the states in our region, and we were authorized to begin to provide interstate long-distance services between the states in our region. See “—Competition.” As a result we have been expanding our network to provide interstate long-distance service in our region to compete against Embratel, and Embratel and Intelig have been expanding their networks to provide intrastate long-distance service to compete against us. Until we complete this expansion, we may lease transmission facilities from other carriers to complete interstate long-distance calls between states in our region. Telesp, Albra, TIM, Aerotech, CTBC Telecom, TeleNorte Leste PCS (“TNL PCS”), Telmex do Brasil, Sercomtel, Telefree, Easytone, Transit, Telenova Comunicaçoes Ltda. (“Telenova”), Tmais S.A. (“Tmais”) and Global Village Telecom have also been granted permission by Anatel to provide intraregional telecommunications services in our region.
Interregional and International Service
Historically, under Anatel rules, regional fixed-line companies, such as us, generally were not permitted to offer interregional or international long-distance services until December 31, 2003 (the date designed to correspond with the certification of our universalization targets by Anatel). As a result of Anatel having certified our compliance with universalization targets, on January 19, 2004, we began offering interregional long-distance and international long-distance services. Interregional long-distance services consist of calls between locations within Brazil. International long-distance services consist of calls between different regions within Brazil and a location outside of Brazil. In order to provide these services, we have entered into interconnection agreements with Telemar and Telesp and we will also make use of the cable network we acquired through the GlobeNet acquisition (linking Brazil with the United States, Bermuda and Venezuela) and through the MetroRED acquisition (providing network facilities in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte). To date, Telesp, Albra, TIM, Aerotech, CTBC Telecom, TNL PCS, Telmex do Brasil, Sercomtel, Telefree, Easytone, Transit, Telenova, Tmais and Global Village Telecom have been granted permission by Anatel to provide intraregional telecommunications services in our region.
Network Services
Our Network services consist of interconnection, lease of facilities and fixed-to-mobile services.
Interconnection services
Interconnection services consist of the use of our network by other telecommunications providers in order to:
-
receive calls that originate on our network;
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complete calls that terminate on our network; and
-
connect switching stations to our network.
Use of our interconnection services has grown substantially since they were introduced in 1998, as a result of:
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the spin-off of the cellular telecommunications businesses of each of Telepar, Telesc, TeleGoiás, Telebrasilia, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre and CTMR;
-
the breakup of Telebras; and
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the advent of competition in the telecommunications sector in Brazil.
Telecommunications service providers are required to provide interconnection services on a nondiscriminatory basis. Subject to certain requirements, they are free to negotiate the terms of their interconnection agreements, but if the parties fail to reach an agreement, Anatel will arbitrate the controversy and establish the terms and conditions of interconnection. See “—History and Development of the Company—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Obligations of Telecommunications Companies—Interconnection” and “—Rate Regulation.” The terms of our interconnection services, particularly the pricing and technical requirements of these services, may affect our results of operations, competitive environment and capital expenditure requirements.
We provide interconnection services to long-distance providers, such as Embratel, Intelig, Global Village Telecom,“espelhinhos”, small private regime operators, and certain operators of trunking services. We also provide interconnection services to the cellular service providers that were spun off from each of Telepar, Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre and CTMR as well as all Band B, D and E cellular service providers in our region.
Lease of Facilities
Other telecommunications service providers, particularly cellular service providers, lease trunk lines from our company for use within their own network, which are used for bulk transmission of voice and data messages. Large corporate customers lease lines from our company for use in private networks connecting different corporate sites. We also lease our telecommunications facilities to Embratel and Intelig in order to provide access to our network.
Fixed-to-Mobile Services
Fixed-to-mobile services consist of calls that originate in a fixed-line telephone and terminate on a mobile or cellular device. The use of our fixed-to-mobile services has increased significantly in the past five years as the penetration rate of mobile services in our region has increased.
Data Transmission Services
We provide a variety of data transmission services through various technologies and means of access. Since 1999, we have invested in data transmission capacity in response to the growing demand in Brazil for data, images and text transmission services, mainly for corporate networks and corporate and residential Internet access.
The primary data service that we offer to both residential and corporate clients is ADSL, which we launched in 2001. ADSL is a technology that allows normal telephone services, as well as delivery of high speed data transmission to virtual private networks or to public internet networks over existing copper lines. ADSL is an important service because it acts as a primary access or last mile for other services which we offer such as, BrTurbo, our broadband internet service provider for residential clients and corporations, and Frame Relay, our data transmission service for corporations. We also sell ADSL accesses to competing ISPs who offer ADSL accesses to their end users. In addition ADSL provides us with a platform to provide new value added services that increase the average revenue per user such as “TvFone”, which we launched in October of 2003. TvFone allows point-to-point videoconferences, over ADSL technology with more than 600kbps, using regular TV and telephone sets. We intend to continue to invest in our ADSL business in order to better serve the expected increase in demand for this type of service particularly in the Internet access market.
In 2003 we reached 346,233 ADSL installed ports and 281,900 accesses in service, which represents 120,933 new ADSL accesses added in 2003. This represents a 100.4% growth from the 140,690 accesses in service in 2002, and a growth in the ratio of active customers to 81.4% in 2003 compared to 62.5% in 2002. During 2003 we also increased the number of cities with ADSL services from 172 to 323.
| Year ended December 31, | |||
| 2002 | 2003 | % Change | |
| ADSL | |||
| Installed Ports | 225,300 | 346,233 | 53.7 |
| Accesses in Service | 140,690 | 281,900 | 100.4 |
In addition to ADSL, we offer various data transmission services that are designed specifically for corporate clients such as:
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Asynchronous Transfer Mode (“ATM”) and Frame Relay – a broadband switching service and data transmission service for corporations;
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Dedicated Internet Protocol (“Dedicated IP”) – a leased line which functions as a dedicated gate for access to internet backbone typically used by internet service providers;
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Digital Dedicated Line Service (“SLDD”) – a newly introduced leased dedicated line service which offers wider band width than Dedicated IP;
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Dial up internet access – a remote dial up internet access which we market under the name “DialNet”. DialNet is used primarily by corporate internet service providers to provide remote access to corporate networks; and
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virtual private networks based on internet protocol – a new product which we market to corporate clients under the “Vetor” brand name. The virtual private network offered by Vetor allows companies to consolidate and organize their data communications services and improve the quality of such services through a virtual private network, which we create for each client using our data transmission infrastructure.
ATM, Frame Relay, and Dedicated IP, expanded by 24.5% in 2003 compared to 2002. As of December 31, 2003, we had installed 10,245 ATM, Frame Relay or Dedicated IP ports, in 87 cities. The DialNet service increased from 89,020 ports installed at the end of 2002, to 150,174 ports installed in 180 cities at the end of 2003, representing an increase of 68.7%.
| Year ended December 31, | |||
| 2002 | 2003 | % Change | |
| DialNet | 89,020 | 150,174 | 68.7 |
| ATM / Frame Relay / Dedicated IP | 8,232 | 10,245 | 24.5 |
MetroRED
On May 12, 2004, we purchased the remaining 80.1% stake giving us 100% of the capital share of MTH, the parent company of MetroRED. MetroRED established its Brazilian branch in August 1997, beginning its commercial operations in December 1998 by providing private digital telecommunications network to the corporate segment.
Through MetroRED we intend to provide our corporate data transmission services through local fiber optic networks in the São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte markets. MetroRED has 339 km of metropolitan network in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, and 1,485 km of long-distance network connecting these three cities. In addition to its private network, MetroRED also has an Internet solution center of 3,790 square meters, which offers data center services and support such as co-location and hosting among others. As part of the acquisition, we acquired a management team with expertise in these markets. Currently, MetroRED has almost 600 clients in Brazil.
MetroRED plays a key role in our strategy to expand outside Region II, due to its excellent positioning in the key data service markets (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte) as well as its highly qualified executive team. With a technologically advanced data network which complements our existing networks, MetroRED gives us direct access to main corporate clients in Brazil to whom we can offer national as well as international services, through GlobeNet’s infrastructure. MetroRED’s integration with our other services will bring many synergies, not only on sales opportunities but also in reduction of general and administrative, information technology, and personnel costs. According to a study we conducted in 2002, approximately 80.0% of the interregional long-distance traffic originating in our region terminates in the three states where MetroRED has its network. By using MetroRED’s infrastructure, we expect to realize savings as we will no longer have to use third parties’ infrastructure to complete these calls.
Vant
On May 13, 2004, we purchased the remaining 80.1% stake giving us 100.0% of the share capital of Vant. Founded on October 1999, Vant was the first telecom company in Brazil to offer 100.0% of its services over the TCP/IP network technology. Through Vant we intend to offer Dedicated IP and other products to the corporate market throughout Brazil. The Vant acquisition will expand our corporate solutions services to the other two regions where we were not active.
GlobeNet
We offer bandwidth and interconnectivity to our clients through GlobeNet. GlobeNet was formed in 1998 to provide fiber-optic communications services in the United States and internationally between the United States and South America. GlobeNet’s system is composed of two armored submarine cable rings, representing approximately 22,000 kilometers of high quality fiber-optic cable, linking Brazil to the United States, passing through Venezuela and the Bermuda Islands, with an installed capacity of 80Gbps, with the potential to increase to 1,360Gbps.
We anticipate that the infrastructure offered by this system will assist us particularly in the expansion of our corporate data transmission services. The acquisition of GlobeNet is part of our strategy of becoming a complete telecommunications service company. The GlobeNet acquisition will allow us to offer integrated services to national and international corporate clients which includes data communications (Internet and corporate) between Brazil and the USA. In addition, we can reduce our voice and data interconnections costs, and offer international long-distance services without having to use third party links. Currently we are using only a small percentage of the capacity of GlobeNet to meet our internal needs. Telemar is also a client of GlobeNet.
Internet Services
In October 2001, we formed BrTSi (a fully owned subsidiary) which provides internet services through BrTurbo and iBest, and data communications services through GlobeNet.
BrTurbo
We offer broadband Internet services in Region II through BrTurbo, our broadband Internet service provider, based on our ADSL technology. We created BrTurbo in 2002 as a broadband ISP through which we offer our ADSL access. Through BrTurbo, we offer competitively priced broadband access as well as modems for purchase and internet content. BrTurbo’s content includes live transmission of news, entertainment channels, video channels with short-length feature films and documentaries and an exclusive on-line games channel. In November 2002, BrTurbo launched TurboMeeting service, which allows two-line video-conferences.
In 2002, we started BrTurbo Empresas, a line of services aimed at corporate clients, particularly small and medium-sized companies and small and home offices. As part of these services, we launched BrTData, a portal which offers space for backup and storage of information, e-mail account, publication of Internet sites and hosting services.
iBest
We offer free dial up internet services through iBest which we acquired in June 2003. iBest was created in 1999 to develop commercially the “Prêmio iBest” brand name, an Internet award instituted in 1995 that quickly became a national reference for Internet awards in Brazil. In December 2001, iBest extended its activities in the Internet market by providing free dial up Internet access. The acquisition of iBest is a significant step in our Internet strategy. We intend to leverage iBest’s large customer base by targeting sales of broadband services (ADSL) to iBest’s dial up customers. In addition to ADSL, we can also offer integrated services such as voice (local and long-distance), data and internet to iBest’s customers, making iBest an important sales channel for us and allowing us to protect an important customer base from our competition.
In addition, iBest is an important traffic generator (incoming calls), which balances our traffic exchange with other networks in our Region. Traffic drain occurs when a competitor offers free internet services to customers in our region. Because the interconnection regime in Brazil requires us to pay an interconnection fee to the service provider who completes a call originating from our network, free internet increases the traffic in only one direction which generates this interconnection revenue for the telecommunications provider. Without a matching increase in traffic in the other direction, the continued traffic imbalance will result in increasing costs for us. Through iBest, we have been able to minimize the risk of traffic drain by stimulating the use of iBest through dial up access thereby increasing incoming traffic to our network.
iG
We also expect to begin offering free internet through iG. Our pending acquisition of iG will consolidate our already leading position in the ISP market by giving us more than 50.0% of the dial-up minutes in the Brazilian market as well as three million active internet users.
Other Services
We provide telecommunications services beyond local, long distance, network and data transmission services including value-added services (900, follow-me, voice mail, call waiting) and advertising in the Yellow Pages and advertising on public telephone cards. However, in accordance with our concessions, we are prohibited from providing cable television services, but we may lease our network to providers of such services.
Wireless Services
As a result of our universalization targets certification by Anatel on January 19, 2004, we have begun offering wireless telephony services in our region in furtherance of our business strategy to provide integrated telecommunications services both in our region and throughout Brazil using the PCS wireless license we obtained on December 18, 2002. Our license to provide wireless service is valid for fifteen years and may be renewed for another fifteen years.
We expect to operate on the GSM technology platform throughout Region II and our wireless business will generate revenues in the following ways:
usage fees for outgoing calls made and value-added services such as access to the internet, data transmission, short messages, call forwarding, call waiting and call blocking;
monthly subscription charges;
roaming fees;
interconnection fees received from other operators on incoming calls; and
sales of handsets.
We have begun offering our wireless services using a relatively low amount of capital expenditure compared to that of some of our competitors while providing our customers with comparable level of services to that of our competitors, mainly due to lower prices we obtained for our equipment compared to the cost obtained by our competitors. We expect our coverage to be similar to the Band A operators in the main metropolitan areas and similar to the Band B operators in the other areas of Region II. We have budgeted U.S.$300.0 million in capital expenditure through the end of 2005 of which we anticipate 85.0% will be expended in 2004 principally for building out our network infrastructure and information technology systems. We expect to contain costs and meet our limited expense budget by:
containing costs via the use of our existing wireline sites and infrastructure (approximately 50.0% of the network);
sharing cell sites with other companies (approximately 45.0% of the network);
initially running our wireless business as one of our divisions and not as a separate business (as is the case for certain of our competitors), which will allow us to use existing administrative and organizational or infrastructure resources such as our billing, finance and maintenance departments;
keeping our subscriber acquisition costs low by using our existing client base and sales channels, linking our marketing strategy to our existing "Brasil Telecom" brand rather than creating an additional marketing brand (as has been the case for certain of our competitors).
Our investments in wireless network infrastructure in 2003 have already provided us with coverage in all state capitals in our region. In addition, our wireless footprint is forecasted to cover 82.0% of the GDP in Region II by the end of 2005.
We intend to provide both our new and existing clients with a complete range of telephony services, including mobile services. We will offer both pre-paid and post-paid wireless plans and we expect that the ratio of pre-paid to post-paid will initially be 3 to 1. We will target customers via direct channels such as our corporate stores and kiosks in major cities, via the internet, through our call centers, through our door-to-door salesforce and through our corporate consultants. We will also use indirect channels such as Brasil Telecom dealers, retail chains and other authorized dealers.
We anticipate that we will be able to gain customers both by targeting new wireless customers in Region II (as of December 31, 2003 market penetration for wireless services was 31.2%) and by attracting customers from our competitors.
Our Region
Until January 2004, we were authorized by our original concessions to provide fixed-line telecommunications service only in nine states of Brazil located in the western, central and southern regions of Brazil, and in the Federal District, as listed in the chart below, excluding small areas in the States of Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná, which we refer to as our region. We have a unique advantage in this region as we inherited the telecommunications business in this region upon privatization of Telebrás. Since we received certification that we had met our universalization targets, we are now authorized to provide interregional long-distance services throughout Brazil and international long-distance services, also from any point in the country. We also received authorization to offer local services out of our original concession area. Our primary source of revenues continues to come from operations in our region.
The states in our region cover an area of approximately 2.85 million square kilometers, representing approximately 33.4% of the country’s total area and generating approximately 25.0% of Brazil’s Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) in 2003. At December 31, 2003, the estimated population of our region was approximately 41.6 million, representing approximately 24.0% of the population of Brazil. Our region has four metropolitan areas with populations in excess of one million inhabitants, including Brasilia, the capital of Brazil.
The following table sets forth certain key economic data for the states in our region.
| State | Population (millions)(1) |
Population per square kilometer(1) | Percentage of Brazil's GDP for 2000(2) | Per capita income (R$) for 2000(2) |
| Paraná | 9.6 | 47.96 | 5.99 | 6,886 |
| Santa Catarina | 5.4 | 56.14 | 3.85 | 7,903 |
| Distrito Federal | 2.1 | 352.16 | 2.69 | 14,377 |
| Tocantins | 1.2 | 4.17 | 0.22 | 2,111 |
| Mato Grosso | 2.5 | 2.77 | 1.22 | 5,347 |
| Mato Grosso do Sul | 2.1 | 5.81 | 1.08 | 5,696 |
| Rondônia | 1.4 | 5.80 | 0.51 | 4,066 |
| Rio Grande do Sul | 10.2 | 36.14 | 7.73 | 8,344 |
| Acre | 0.6 | 3.65 | 0.15 | 3,042 |
| Goiás | 5.0 | 14.69 | 1.97 | 4,318 |
| (1) | Source: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica-- IBGE ("IBGE") pursuant to the 2000 national demographic census. |
| (2) | Source:
IBGE. |
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects depend in part on the performance of the Brazilian economy and the economy of our region, in particular.
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our approximate revenues in each of the states in which we operate for the year ended December 31, 2001.
| R$ millions | Acre | Rondônia | Mato Grosso | Mato Grosso do Sul |
Brasília | Goiás | Tocantins | Santa Catarina | Paraná | Rio Grande do Sul |
Total |
| Local service | 44 | 110 | 290 | 282 | 690 | 574 | 57 | 680 | 1,233 | 1,587 | 5,548 |
| Intraregional and interregional | 9 | 35 | 95 | 71 | 51 | 138 | 28 | 266 | 319 | 329 | 1,341 |
| International | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Network services | 6 | 28 | 54 | 58 | 103 | 101 | 18 | 133 | 241 | 252 | 994 |
| Data transmission | 0 | 2 | 9 | 12 | 50 | 24 | 0 | 88 | 80 | 59 | 324 |
| Other | 1 | 3 | 10 | 8 | 52 | 28 | 3 | 34 | 64 | 47 | 250 |
| Gross operating revenues | 60 | 178 | 458 | 431 | 947 | 865 | 106 | 1,201 | 1,938 | 2,274 | 8,458 |
| Taxes and discounts | (12) | (46) | (143) | (115) | (262) | (243) | (26) | (326) | (522) | (605) | (2,300) |
| Net operating revenues | 48 | 132 | 315 | 316 | 685 | 622 | 80 | 875 | 1,416 | 1,669 | 6,158 |
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our approximate revenues in each of the states in which we operate for the year ended December 31, 2002. Since 2002, our consolidated revenues also include BrTSi's revenues, which are not broken down per state.
| R$ millions | Acre | Rondônia | Mato Grosso | Mato Grosso do Sul |
Brasília | Goiás | Tocantins | Santa Catarina | Paraná | Rio Grande do Sul |
Total |
| Local service | 53 | 134 | 338 | 303 | 747 | 663 | 83 | 853 | 1,406 | 1,675 | 6,255 |
| Intraregional and interregional | 12 | 51 | 129 | 88 | 62 | 175 | 39 | 329 | 398 | 465 | 1,748 |
| International | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Network services | 7 | 26 | 66 | 62 | 114 | 101 | 29 | 131 | 239 | 246 | 1,021 |
| Data transmission | 3 | 8 | 19 | 20 | 94 | 39 | 6 | 126 | 112 | 102 | 505 |
| Other | 2 | 5 | 11 | 12 | 62 | 36 | 4 | 40 | 74 | 60 | 310 |
| Gross operating revenues | 77 | 224 | 563 | 485 | 1,079 | 1,014 | 161 | 1,479 | 2,230 | 2,548 | 9,840 |
| Taxes and discounts | (21) | (71) | (177) | (130) | (294) | (294) | (34) | (411) | (646) | (683) | (2,768) |
| Net operating revenues | 56 | 153 | 386 | 355 | 785 | 720 | 127 | 1,068 | 1,584 | 1,865 | 7,071 |
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our approximate revenues in each of the states in which we operate for the year ended December 31, 2003. Since 2002, our consolidated revenues also include BrTSi revenues, which are not broken down per state.
| R$ millions | Acre | Rondônia | Mato Grosso | Mato Grosso do Sul |
Brasília | Goiás | Tocantins | Santa Catarina | Paraná | Rio Grande do Sul |
Total |
| Local service | 57 | 147 | 384 | 341 | 790 | 723 | 98 | 973 | 1,545 | 1,832 | 6,899 |
| Intraregional and interregional | 11 | 48 | 157 | 88 | 70 | 183 | 43 | 367 | 431 | 525 | 1,923 |
| International | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Network services | 8 | 31 | 72 | 67 | 124 | 115 | 26 | 131 | 226 | 251 | 1,051 |
| Data transmission | 5 | 13 | 34 | 35 | 125 | 61 | 9 | 177 | 172 | 160 | 764 |
| Other | 2 | 7 | 18 | 16 | 82 | 42 | 7 | 51 | 105 | 78 | 439 |
| Gross operating revenues | 84 | 245 | 664 | 546 | 1,191 | 1,124 | 183 | 1,699 | 2,480 | 2,847 | |
| Taxes and discounts | (23) | (85) | (207) | (156) | (326) | (327) | (40) | (482) | (723) | (772) | (3,042) |
| Net operating revenues | 60 | 161 | 457 | 390 | 865 | 798 | 143 | 1,216 | 1,756 | 2,075 | 7,915 |
Seasonality
Our main activity, which is to provide fixed-line telecommunications services, is generally not affected by seasonal variations.
Targets Established by Anatel Applicable to Us
We are required to achieve certain targets established by Anatel and required under the terms and conditions of our concessions, in connection with the quality and universalization of our services.
Quality Targets
We are required, pursuant to the Telecommunications Regulations and our concession contracts, to meet certain service quality targets relating to call completion rates, repair requests, rate of response to repair requests, operator response periods and other aspects of our telecommunications services. Noncompliance with these quality targets can result in certain fines. See “—History and Development of the Company—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Obligations of Telecommunications Companies—Quality of Service—General Plan on Quality.”
The following table summarizes our obligations relating to our quality of service from 1999 to 2005. Our quality of service targets are set by the Telecommunications Regulations and by the concessions originally granted to each of Telepar, Teleacre, Teleron, Telemat, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telems, Telesc, CRT and CTMR.
| Quality of Service Targets beginning
on December 31, | |||||||
| 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | |
| (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | |
| Call completion rate during peak periods (% of calls attempted) - Local: | 60 | 60 | 65 | 65 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Call completion rate during peak periods (% of calls attempted) - Long-distance:. | 60 | 60 | 65 | 65 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Maximum monthly repair requests (% of lines in service) | 3 | 3 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 |
| Maximum monthly public telephone repair requests (% of public telephones in service) | 15 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Operator availability during peak periods (% response within 10 seconds) | 92 | 92 | 93 | 93 | 94 | 94 | 95 |
| Billing inaccuracy (per 1,000 bills issued) (1) | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Credit issued within one billing cycle for claimed inaccuracies (% of cases) | 95 | 95 | 96 | 96 | 97 | 97 | 98 |
| Maximum number of uncompleted calls due to network congestion - Local (% of calls attempted) | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Maximum number of uncompleted calls due to network congestion - Long-distance (% of calls attempted) | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Residential repair response speed (% within 24 hours)(2) | 95 | 95 | 96 | 96 | 97 | 97 | 98 |
| Nonresidential repair response speed (% within 8 hours)(3) | 95 | 95 | 96 | 96 | 97 | 97 | 98 |
| Public telephone repair response speed (% within 8 hours) | 95 | 95 | 96 | 96 | 97 | 97 | 98 |
| Response rate to address change requests from residential users in up to 3 business days | 95 | 95 | 96 | 96 | 97 | 97 | 98 |
| Response rate to address change requests from non-residential users in up to 24 hours | 95 | 95 | 96 | 96 | 97 | 97 | 98 |
| (1) | A bill is considered inaccurate for this purpose if a customer claims it is inaccurate. |
| (2) | Must always be within 48 hours. |
| (3) | Must always be within 24 hours. |
The following table indicates the individual performance of each of our concessions in accomplishing their respective quality of service obligations as of December 31, 2003.
| Quality Performance of Services measured on December 31, 2003 | ||||||||||
| Teleacre | Teleron | Telemat | Telegoias | Tele-brasilia | Telems | Telepar | Telesc | CRT | Pelotas | |
| Rate of completed originated local calls - Morning | 72.75 | 69.94 | 70.75 | 71.87 | 68.8 | 72.43 | 73.69 | 71.81 | 71.01 | 72.93 |
| Rate of completed originated local calls - Afternoon | 74.71 | 72.12 | 71.22 | 72.88 | 70.54 | 73.43 | 73.14 | 71.06 | 69.95 | 73.18 |
| Rate of completed originated local calls - Night | 73.89 | 66.31 | 67.79 | 59.48(1) | 67.61 | 70.04 | 69.39 | 66.26 | 68.26 | 65.98 |
| Rate of completed originated DLD calls - Morning | 72.35 | 68.86 | 67.64 | 68.20 | 66.58 | 70.47 | 70.05 | 70.41 | 68.99 | 68.80 |
| Rate of completed originated DLD calls - Afternoon | 68.17 | 68.59 | 67.86 | 69.28 | 68.69 | 70.56 | 69.81 | 70.38 | 68.65 | 68.26 |
| Rate of completed originated DLD calls - Night | 70.39 | 68.73 | 64.05(1) | 65.91 | 66.08 | 65.07 | 65.79 | 64.98(1) | 65.69 | 66.95 |
| Rate of amount of repair requests per 100 accesses in service - Integral | 1.13 | 1.55 | 1.6 | 1.73 | 1.53 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.72 | 1.6 | 1.6 |
| Rate of amount of repair requests per 100 public telephones - Integral | 6.76 | 8.58 | 10.71 | 9.42 | 11.35 | 7.77 | 7.18 | 8 | 7.51 | 5.2 |
| Response rate for user telephones of the STFC within 10 seconds - Morning | 99.51 | 99.51 | 99.14 | 99.31 | 99.76 | 99.83 | 99.84 | 99.90 | 99.83 | 100.0 |
| Response rate for user telephones of the STFC within 10 seconds - Afternoon | 99.85 | 99.58 | 99.66 | 99.59 | 99.87 | 99.43 | 99.88 | 99.92 | 99.78 | 99.65 |
| Response rate for user telephones of the SFTC within 10 seconds - Night | 99.55 | 99.42 | 98.45 | 98.96 | 99.60 | 99.17 | 99.68 | 99.23 | 99.29 | 99.45 |
| Amounts of bills with complaints of errors in every 1,000 bills issued - local mode | 2.5 | 2.06 | 1.69 | 2.36 | 1.66 | 1.34 | 2.06 | 2.27 | 1.36 | 1.55 |
| Amounts of bills with complaints of errors in every 1,000 bills issued - DLD mode | 1.91 | 0.54 | 0.55 | 0.32 | 0.17 | 0.32 | 0.2 | 0.15 | 0.21 | 0.09 |
| Rate of claimed inaccurate bills with credit issued (for each 100 bills) for the local mode - Integral | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Rate of originated DLD calls not completed due to traffic jam - Morning | 2.16 | 1.97 | 2.42 | 2.88 | 3.28 | 1.76 | 1.48 | 1.33 | 2.04 | 1.11 |
| Rate of originated DLD calls not completed due to traffic jam - Afternoon | 3.86 | 2.24 | 2.70 | 3.27 | 2.00 | 1.92 | 2.39 | 1.37 | 2.68 | 2.52 |
| Rate of originated DLD calls not completed due to traffic jam - Night | 3.93 | 2.42 | 4.05 | 5.35(1) | 3.37 | 3.15 | 1.44 | 1.91 | 4.04 | 3.38 |
| Rate of originated local calls not completed due to traffic jam - Morning | 2.60 | 4.03 | 1.26 | 0.96 | 1.55 | 1.43 | 0.80 | 0.94 | 0.74 | 1.28 |
| Rate of originated local calls not completed due to traffic jam - Afternoon | 1.39 | 2.37 | 0.98 | 0.80 | 1.02 | 0.97 | 0.88 | 1.16 | 1.64 | 0.57 |
| Rate of originated local calls not completed due to traffic jam - Night | 3.32 | 9.97(1) | 2.30 | 11.4(1) | 1.20 | 3.08 | 1.05 | 2.13 | 1.96 | 6.3(2) |
| Response rate to repair requests made by residential users in up to 24 hours - Integral | 99.77 | 99.62 | 99.15 | 99.31 | 99.26 | 99.39 | 99.73 | 99.33 | 99.54 | 99.71 |
| Response rate to repair requests made by non-residential users in up to 8 hours - Integral | 98.94 | 98.81 | 98.03 | 98.73 | 96.04 | 99.02 | 99.05 | 94.55(3) | 98.55 | 98.42 |
| Response rate to repair requests made for public telephones in up to 8 hours - Integral | 99.64 | 99.24 | 99.61 | 99.29 | 99.72 | 98.83 | 98.9 | 96.9 | 99.63 | 99.4 |
| Response rate to address change requests from residential users in up to 3 business days - Integral | 100 | 100 | 99.93 | 99.71 | 99.57 | 99.86 | 99.89 | 99.33 | 99.77 | 100 |
| Response rate to address change requests from non residential users in up to 24 hours - Integral | 100 | 100 | 99.78 | 98.94 | 99.39 | 98.58 | 99.57 | 96.38 | 98.82 | 100 |
| (1) | Numbers outside the target due to the traffic jam of Vivo mobile operator route. |
| (2) | Numbers outside the target due to the traffic jam of TIM mobile operator route. |
| (3) | Numbers outside the target due to a failure in the interface of SGE/SAC system. |
Universalization – Network Expansion
We are also required under the Telecommunications Regulations and our concessions to meet certain targets relating to network expansion and modernization. See “—History and Development of the Company—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Obligations of Telecommunications Companies—Network Expansion—General Plan on Universal Service.”
On January 19, 2004, Anatel certified the accomplishment of our network expansion and universal service targets established for 2003 in our concession contract. We thereby received authorization to provide (i) local and intraregional long-distance services in Regions I and III; (ii) international long-distance services in Regions I, II and III; (iii) interregional long-distance service to anywhere within Brazil (iv) wireless telecommunications services in our region and (v) corporate data services throughout Brazil. In anticipation of these new services, and as part of our strategy, we made investments in a number of fixed assets, including our wireless service infrastructure and the acquisition of GlobeNet and iBest in 2003 and the acquisition of the remaining shares of Vant and MetroRED in 2004.
In addition, the authorization granted to us by Anatel to provide local services out of our area of concession imposes certain scope commitments on us, since it requires us to install telephone terminals in several municipalities, including the capital cities of Regions I and II of the General Concession Plan, annually, by December 31, 2005.
The table below indicates certain of our obligations relating to the expansion and modernization of our network from 2000 to 2005, and our performance in accomplishing those obligations as of December 31, 2003.
| Company status at December 31, 2003 |
By December 31,(2) | |||
| 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | ||
| Minimum number of installed lines (millions) | 10.69 | 8.1 | 8.1 | 8.1 |
| Fixed-line service available to all communities larger than (inhabitants) | ___(3) | 600 | 600 | 300 |
| Maximum waiting time for installation of a line (weeks)(1) | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Minimum number of public telephones in service (thousands) | 296 | 216 | 216 | 216 |
| Minimum number of public telephones (per 1,000 inhabitants) | 8.3 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Minimum public telephones as a percentage of fixed lines | 2.7 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| Minimum digitalization level of network (%) | 99.0% | 95.0% | 95.0% | 99.0% |
| (1) | Applies only to areas where fixed-line service is fully available. |
| (2) | These expansion and modernization requirements are inclusive of the requirements for the CRT concession. |
| (3) | Obligation met. |
Our Rates
Our telecommunications service rates are subject to comprehensive regulation. See “Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Rate Regulation.” Since the relative stabilization of the Brazilian economy in mid-1994, there have been two major changes in rates for local and long-distance services. Effective in January 1996, rates for all services were increased, primarily to compensate for accumulated effects of inflation. Effective in May 1997, the rate structure was modified through a rate rebalancing that resulted in higher charges for measured service and monthly subscription and lower charges for intraregional, interregional and international long-distance services.
For basic plans, our concessions establish a mechanism of annual rate adjustment, based on rate baskets and the use of the IGP-DI price index. A rate basket is defined for local services (local basket) and long-distance services (DLD basket). The rates for the provision of services through payphones and the rates for address change are treated separately.
The adjustment index considers the IGP-DI price index variation, discounting the pre-established productivity factor in the Concession Contract. Within each basket, the rates have a cap price, which can be adjusted up to a percentage above the established index (up to 9.0% higher for the local basket and up to 5.0% higher for the DLD basket). However, the application of a higher index to one of the items in the basket will require a balancing of the remaining items so as not to exceed the established limit for such basket.
The local basket includes activation fees (activation of the terminal), subscriptions and local pulse, and represents the weighted average of these rates. The national long-distance basket includes the many different values of the minute distributed by distance and the times of application.
On the adjustment dates for the local and DLD baskets, the rate adjustments for network use are also approved. These rates apply when our networks are used by other telecommunications carriers.
The maximum adjustment indexes allowed for the baskets within the period of 1999 to 2003 are as follows:
| 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Local Basket | 7.9% | 14.2% | 10.4% | 8.3% | 16.0% |
| DLD Basket | 5.4% | 11.9% | 7.7% | 4.9% | 12.5% |
On June 27, 2003, Anatel authorized an increase in rates based on the IGP-DI index, in connection with local and long distance services and network usage, as provided for in our concession contract. These rate increases were equal to an average of 28.8% on local services, 24.9% on domestic long distance services and 10.5% on international long distance services. The rate adjustments gave rise to a number of judicial claims throughout Brazil challenging the adjustments. On July 11, 2003, the Superior Court of Brazil (“STJ”) provisionally ordered that, pending its final ruling, rates were to be adjusted based on the accumulated IPCA index (Índice de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo) variation over the 12 months prior to May 2003 (amounting to an average increase of approximately 17.2%). Although a final decision is still pending, on July 12, 2003, in accordance with the provisional ruling, we readjusted our rates downwards according to the IPCA index, effective retroactively to June 29, 2003.
On September 11, 2003, the Second Federal Court of the Federal District issued an injunction, stating that the rate adjustments should be based on the IPCA index and not the IGP-DI index which is set forth in the concession contracts of the regional fixed-line telecommunications companies. The injunction was amended on September 26, 2003 to stipulate that the IPCA index would replace the IGP-DI index in the concession contracts. The decision was affirmed in preliminary judgements in the 1st Region Federal Regional Court (“TRF”) on October, 20, 2003, the STJ on January, 22, 2004 and the Brazilian Supreme Court (“STF”) on March, 15, 2004. No final ruling has yet been rendered in this matter.
The following table sets forth the rate adjustments for 2003 for various services, as adjusted by Anatel pursuant to the IGP-DI index, and as actually applied by us in accordance with the STJ provisional order, pursuant to the IPCA index.
| Anatel | Actual Rate | |
| (based on IGP-DI) | (based on IPCA) | |
| Local services basket | 28.75% | 16.07% |
| Installation | 41.75% | (16.67)% |
| Residential subscription | 25.60% | 17.24% |
| Non-residential subscription | 41.75% | 17.24% |
| Trunk subscription | 41.75% | 11.22% |
| Pulses | 25.60% | 17.24% |
| Phone credits | 24.60% | 17.24% |
| Change of address | 30.05% | 17.24% |
| Local interconnection | 14.34% | 3.07% |
| Domestic long distance basket | 24.85% | 12.55% |
| Long distance interconnection | 24.85% | 12.55% |
| Average | 30.05% | 17.24% |
Local Rates
Our revenue from local services consists principally of activation and installation charges, monthly subscription charges, measured service charges and public telephone charges.
The monthly subscription charge is the amount paid for the availability of fixed switched telephone service, regardless of utilization. Payment of this charge includes 100 free pulses per month for residential clients and 90 free pulses per month for non-residential clients. Any pulses in excess of such amounts are billed to the customer as a measured service.
Since October 8, 2003, the date of the last rate adjustment, monthly subscription charges (net of taxes) have been R$22.18 for residential customers and R$29.08 for commercial customers. Since the last adjustment, the pulse charge free of tax is R$0.0894.
Users of measured service, both residential and non-residential, pay for local calls depending on usage, which is measured in pulses. Pulses occur system wide every four minutes for most local calls and every sixty seconds for local calls made between certain municipalities. These system-wide pulses are recorded independently of when the individual calls are actually made. In addition to system-wide pulses, the system records one pulse for every call when the call is connected. After the first pulse, only system-wide pulses are used in determining the charge for a call. As a result, the time between the first and the second (system-wide) pulse may vary. For example, for a call being charged using four-minute pulse increments, the time between the first pulse and the second (system-wide) pulse may vary between one second and four minutes.
Local call charges for calls made on weekdays between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. and on Saturdays between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., are determined by multiplying the number of pulses by the charge per pulse. For calls being made any weekday between midnight and 6:00 a.m., on Saturdays between 2:00 p.m. and midnight and all day on Sundays and holidays, a caller is charged for only one pulse regardless of the duration of the call.
The following table sets forth selected information regarding our subscription charges and measured service charges for local telephone services for the periods indicated.
| Year ended December 31, | |||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| (reais) | |||
| Average rates for local telephone service(1): | |||
| Monthly subscription: | |||
| Residential | 16.58 | 18.92 | 22.18 |
| Commercial | 24.59 | 24.80 | 29.08 |
| Measured service (per local pulse) | 0.07065 | 0.07624 | 0.08938 |
| (1) | Average rates, net of value-added taxes. |
| (2) | Average rates for local telephone service decreased slightly in 2000 mostly due to the monetary restatement into constant reais of December 31, 2000. |
Since the date of the last rate adjustment, which occurred in October 2003, we charge an installation fee for a new line between R$8.97 and R$69.39 (depending on the state) and a fee of R$73.04 when a subscriber changes his/her address.
Domestic Long-Distance Rates
Domestic long-distance calls are measured by the duration of the call and registered in the telephone bill call by call. The value per minute is defined by the distance involved (rate degrees from one to four), the day of the week and the time of the call. The measurement is based on a rate unit of one tenth of a minute (six seconds) and the minimum billable time is one minute.
The following table sets forth selected information regarding our domestic long-distance rates during the periods indicated.
| Year ended December 31, | |||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| (reais) | |||
| Domestic long-distance rates(1): | |||
| 0 to 50 km | 0.47 | 0.50 | 0.59 |
| 50 to 100 km | 0.70 | 0.73 | 0.82 |
| 100 to 300 km | 0.81 | 0.85 | 0.95 |
| Over 300 km | 1.07 | 1.12 | 1.15 |
| (1) | Average rates for a domestic long-distance call (interstate), three minutes in duration between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. (peak hours) on weekdays, net of value-added taxes. |
Network Usage Charges
The network usage rates, responsible for a large part of our interconnection revenue, are applied in the following situations:
-
in DLD calls originating and terminating at our network, executed with the use of the selection code of other providers;
-
in calls terminating at our network, originating from networks of mobile carriers; and
-
in local fixed-fixed type calls made between two local telephony carriers at the same location. In this case, interconnection revenue must be of the local carrier that configures a volume of traffic receipt above 55.0% of the total volume of minutes between the two networks. The revenue will be calculated over whatever exceeds this limit.
The Local Network Usage Rate (Tarifa de Uso de Rede Local — TU-RL) is applied when third parties use our local network to complete their calls. When third parties use our long-distance network the Intercity Network Usage Rate (Tarifa de Uso de Rede Interurbana — TU-RIU) is applied.
The following table sets forth the average per-minute rates that we charged for network services during the indicated years.
| Year ended December 31, | |||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| (reais)(1) | |||
| Network usage rate (local) | 0.0501 | 0.0512 | 0.05284 |
| Network usage rate (long-distance) | 0.0819 | 0.0860 | 0.09681 |
| (1) | Net of value added taxes. Network usage rates (local and long-distance) refer to the rates that we charged. |
As of the date of the last rate adjustment, network usage rates for local and long-distance services were approximately R$0.05284 and R$0.09681, respectively. The adjustment of rates for network usage in October 2003 was 3.1% for the Local Network Usage Rate and 12.6% for the Intercity Network Usage Rate.
Our revenue from network services also includes payments from other telecommunications service providers arranged on a contractual basis to use part of our network. Other telecommunications service providers, such as providers of trunking and paging services, may use our network to connect a central switching station to our network. Some cellular service providers use our network to connect cellular central switching stations to the cellular radio base stations. We also lease transmission lines, certain infrastructure and other equipment to other providers of telecommunications services.
Fixed-Mobile Rates
Cellular telecommunications service in Brazil, unlike in North America, is offered on a “calling party pays” basis. Under the policy of calling party pays, a cellular service subscriber generally pays cellular usage charges only for calls made by the cellular service subscriber and not for calls received. In addition, a subscriber pays roaming charges on calls made or received outside his or her home registration area. Calls received by a cellular service subscriber are paid for by the party that places the call in accordance with a rate based on cellular per-minute charges. For example, a fixed-line service customer pays a rate based on cellular per-minute charges for calls made to a cellular service subscriber. The cellular base rate per-minute charges are generally VC-1 (Communication Value – 1) for local calls, VC-2 (Communication Value – 2) for calls outside the cellular subscriber’s registration area but inside the region where the respective cellular provider provides service, and VC-3 (Communication Value – 3) for calls outside the subscriber’s registration area and outside the region where the respective cellular provider provides service.
We charge our fixed-line service customers per-minute charges based on either VC-1, VC-2, or VC-3 rates when a fixed-line service customer calls a cellular subscriber. In turn, we pay the cellular service provider a mobile network usage charge for such calls. For local calls, the VC-1 is applied, and for national long-distance calls, the VC-2 and VC-3 rates are applied.
The criteria for measurement of these calls are defined in the Concession Contract and have the following rules:
-
Rating unit: six seconds (one tenth of a minute);
-
Billable Minimum: 30 seconds; and
-
Billable Calls: only calls with a duration of over three seconds are billed.
Like the local and DLD basket rates, the value of rates for calls involving mobile telephones are set in the Concession Contract and are adjusted annually based on IGP-DI price index, after approval by Anatel. The month of reference for the readjustment is February.
During the same month, the values for mobile network use (VU-M) are also readjusted and are used to determine the amount that the fixed carriers will have to pay per minute, after the execution of calls of the fixed-mobile type, whether in local range or in national long-distance range.
Since July 6, 2003, by determination of Anatel, mobile telephone customers can choose, via the carrier selection code, the DLD carrier they prefer to complete their calls, following the same system adopted by the fixed telephony sector. With the introduction of this new system, the DLD carriers began to take part in this new market.
In February 2002, the VU-M was adjusted, on average, by 10.6% in our concession area. In February of 2003, it was readjusted, on average, by 22.0% in our concession area and in February 2004 it was readjusted, on average, by 9.2% in our concession area.
On February 14, 2001, Anatel established new price caps for VC-1, VC-2 and VC-3 rates. The VC-1 rate increased by 9.5% while the VC-2 and VC-3 rates each increased by approximately 7.5%, all net of taxes. In February 2002, the VC-1 rate was adjusted by 9.9% and the VC-2 and VC-3 rates were adjusted by 8.8%. In February 2003, the VC-1 rate was adjusted by 23.5% and the VC-2 and VC-3 rates were adjusted by 22.0%. In February 2004, the VC-1, VC-2 and VC-3 rates were adjusted by 6.99%.
The following table sets forth the average per-minute rates that we charged for network services during the indicated years.
| Year ended December 31, | |||
| 2001(1) | 2002 | 2003 | |
| (reais) | |||
| VC-1 | 0.306 | 0.335 | 0.414 |
| VC-2 | 0.626 | 0.694 | 0.847 |
| VC-3 | 0.689 | 0.764 | 0.932 |
| (1) | Net of Value Added Taxes (ICMS). Network usage rates (local and long-distance) refer to the rates that we charged. |
Data Transmission Rates
The majority of revenue from data transmission services is generated by monthly line rental charges for private leased circuits. The balance consists mainly of nominal charges for access to the data transmission network and measured service charges based on the amount of data transmitted. The following table sets forth selected information about our average monthly line rental charges for private leased circuits during the indicated years.
| Year ended December 31, | |||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| (reais) | |||
| Average rates for monthly line rental per leased circuit: | |||
| Local circuit | |||
| 4.8 Kbps | 174.50 | 254.75 | 302.00 |
| 9.6 Kbps | 174.50 | 254.75 | 302.00 |
| 64Kbps | 358.75 | 523.74 | 586.00 |
| 2Mbps | 4,545.11 | 6,635.45 | 6,636.00 |
| Long-distance circuit(1) | |||
| 4.8 Kbps | 750.00 | 1,094.93 | 1,303.00 |
| 9.6 Kbps | 750.00 | 1,094.93 | 1,303.00 |
| 64Kbps | 2,028.75 | 2,961.79 | 3,317.00 |
| 2Mbps | 25,731.20 | 37,565.23 | 37,566.00 |
| (1) | Average of rates, net of value-added taxes, assuming a transmission distance between 300 and 500 kilometers and a three-year contract. |
The table below sets forth the rates that we charged for ADSL services. These costs do not include the fees normally paid by customers to their Internet service providers.
| Residential Plans | Downstream/Upstream Speed | Monthly Subscription(1) |
| Turbo 300 | Up to 300 Kbps/Up to 150 Kbps | 79.90 |
| Turbo 600 | Up to 600 Kbps/Up to 300 Kbps | 99.00 |
| Mega Turbo | Up to 1.0 Mbps/Up to 300 Kbps | 199.00 |
| Corporate Plans | Downstream/Upstream Speed | Monthly Subscription(1) |
| Rápido | Up to 256 Kbps/Up to 128 Kbps | 119.90 |
| Super Rápido | Up to 768 Kbps/Up to 128 Kbps | 253.12 |
| Profissional | Up to 1.5 Mbps/Up to 256 Kbps | 593.44 |
| (1) | Monthly rates in reais, including value-added taxes. |
Taxes on Telecommunications Services
The cost of telecommunications services in Brazil includes a variety of taxes. The principal tax is a state value-added tax, the Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços (“ICMS”), which Brazilian states impose at varying rates on telecommunications services. The current average ICMS tax rate for telecommunications services is 25.0%. However, the ICMS tax rate varies between states. In the State of Acre, for example, the ICMS tax rate is 25.0%, while in the State of Mato Grosso the ICMS tax rate is 30.0%. In the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, the ICMS tax rate is 27.0%. In the State of Goiás, the ICMS tax rate is 26.0%.
The telecommunications tax burden also includes four other federal taxes, the Programa de Integração Social; (“PIS”)” and Contribuição para Financiamento da Seguridade Social (“COFINS”)” which are the two social contribution taxes based on our gross revenues and the Universal Telecommunications Service Fund (“FUST”) and the Fund for Technical Development of Brazilian Telecommunications (“FUNTTEL”).
Until February 1, 2004, PIS was applied at a 0.7% rate and COFINS was applied at a 3.0% rate. Since December 2002, we have been subject to a 1.7% PIS rate for telecommunications services and may be entitled to PIS credits calculated on our costs and expenses to offset the PIS due on our gross revenues. Since February 2004, we have been subject to a 7.6% COFINS rate for services other than telecommunications, and may be entitled to COFINS credits calculated on our costs and expenses to offset the COFINS due on our gross revenue.
The FUST and FUNTEL are imposed on certain telecommunications services at the rates of 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively, of gross operating revenues net of certain deductions. See Item 10 “Additional Information—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations—Other Brazilian Taxes.”
In 2003, taxes on telecommunications services represented approximately 27.3% of our annual operating revenues.
Billing and Collection
We send each customer of local services, long-distance services and other services a monthly bill covering all the services provided during the prior period. We group our customers into six different monthly cycles with six different payment dates. The telephone bill itemizes long-distance calls, calls made to cellular telecommunications networks, 300, 500 and 800 services and other services such as call waiting, voice mail and call forwarding.
For interregional and international long-distance services, customers either receive separate monthly bills from each company they use for long-distance calls or a combined bill issued by us. Customers make payments under agreements with various banks or other alternative agents by direct payment to a bank or an alternative agent, or by allowing their checking account to be debited.
Pursuant to Brazilian law, subscribers must receive a bill at least five days before the due date. When a payment is not made by the due date, we must send the customer, 15 days after the due date, a notice informing the customer that they have the right to contest the debt and if payment is not made within 30 days after the due date, all outgoing service will be suspended, and the customer will only be able to receive incoming calls. Thirty days after the due date we can block calls originating from such customer’s phone. If payment is not made within 45 days after the due date, we send another notice informing the customer that if payment is not made within 60 days after the due date, all services will be suspended, the contract will be cancelled and the customer’s failure to pay will be reported to a credit protection agency.
At December 31, 2003, approximately 20.1% of our customers’ accounts receivable were more than 30 days outstanding, 15.4% of our customers’ account receivables were more than 60 days outstanding, and 11.5% of our customers’ account receivables were more than 90 days outstanding. For the discussion of provisions for past due accounts, See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results.”
Network and Facilities
General
The network is the combination of the physical and logical infrastructure which provides telecommunications services and which offers support to information traffic, whether it is voice, data and/or image.
On December 31, 2003, our plant consisted of approximately 10.7 million installed lines, of which 9.85 million were in service. Of the lines in service at that time, approximately 72.7% were residential lines, 15.9% were commercial lines, 3.0% were public telephone lines and 8.4% were other. Long-distance transmission is provided by a fiber-optic cable network and by microwave lines.
The following table sets forth combined information about our network for the periods indicated.
| At and for the year ended December 31, | |||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Installed lines (millions) | 10.0 | 10.5 | 10.7 |
| Lines in service (millions) | 8.6 | 9.5 | 9.85 |
| Average lines in service for year ended (millions) | 8.5 | 9.1 | 9.7 |
| Lines in service per 100 inhabitants | 21.5 | 23.1 | 23.4 |
| Percentage of installed lines connected to digital exchanges | 97.3 | 99.0 | 99.0 |
| Employees per 1,000 lines installed | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.49 |
| Number of public telephones (thousands) | 285.7 | 293.3 | 296.3 |
We are required, under the Telecommunications Regulations and our concessions, to meet certain targets relating to network expansion and modernization. See “—History and Development of the Company—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Obligations of Telecommunications Companies—Network Expansion—General Plan on Universal Service.”
Network Expansion
During the 2001 fiscal year, we slowed our aggressive network expansion carried out in 2000, increasing lines in service by approximately 16.0%, from approximately 7.4 million in 2000 to 8.6 million in 2001, thereby increasing the telephone density in our region to 21.5 lines in service per 100 inhabitants. During the 2002 fiscal year, we increased lines in service by approximately 10.0% from approximately 8.6 million in 2001 to 9.5 million in 2002, thereby increasing the telephone density in our region to 23.1 lines in service per 100 inhabitants. At the end of 2003, we had 9.85 million lines in service and the telephone density reached 23.4 lines in service per 100 inhabitants.
Network Modernization
With respect to our network infrastructure, we apply an operating model based on operating efficiency, continuous updates and use of cutting-edge technological resources to assure flexibility and quality for our users. Our model is based on the following basic objectives:
By constantly developing our network infrastructure we work toward creating an integrated model of services and applications, as well as a single and flexible network accessible to all clients from any location and at any time.
During 2003, the following steps were taken to further the objectives listed above:
a) Duplication of the IP core, with the implementation of QoS (Quality of Service) mechanisms and security;
b) Implementation of MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switch) which enables us to provide services based on VPNs IP/MPLS (Virtual Private Networks based on IP - Redes Privadas Virtuais baseadas em IP);
c) Introduction of Media Gateway and Softswitch equipment, which enables us to offer new services that use VoIP (Voice over IP). The services provided through this equipment are based on next generation network technology;
d) Introduction of Service Gateways in the broadband aggregation layer, which enables us to offer a new set of services to our broadband users;
e) Capillarity of the broadband accesses, which uses technology based on Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer and Home Phoneline Networking Alliance; and
f) Implementation of hot spots for wi-fi access.
Competition
We operate in the local fixed-line telecommunications, domestic long distance telecommunications as well as in the data communications markets in our region. We compete primarily on the basis of features, pricing and customer service. In general, the increasingly competitive marketplace has resulted in decreasing prices for telecommunications services, driven by increasing competition, implementation of new technology and regulatory oversight. Accordingly, the cost of maintaining our market share has increased and our margins have decreased due to higher subscriber acquisition costs in the form of advertising and discounts.
As a result of the certification by Anatel that we have met our universalization targets on January 19, 2004, we started offering interregional and international long distance services and we recently began offering wireless telephony services in our region in furtherance of our business strategy to provide integrated telecommunications services both in our region and throughout Brazil. The certification of other service providers' compliance with universalization and expansion targets, permits other service providers to operate in our region. We may now have to compete in our region against competitors from outside of our region that offer a more extensive array of fixed-line, mobile, local and/or long-distance telecommunications services throughout Brazil. As the telecommunications industry continues to consolidate, we may also face competition from larger competitors with greater resources. In addition, we could face increased competition if new or competing technologies are developed and launched. There can be no assurance that increased competition will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Local Services
Currently, we are the leading local fixed-line telecommunications services provider in our region, with an estimated 96.5% market share. This estimate is based on outside consultants' statistical estimates using volume of outgoing and incoming local calls of our competitors that interconnect through our network. Global Village Telecom is our sole competitor in providing local fixed-line telecommunications services in our region. Our dominant position in the local fixed-line telecommunications market is due, among other things, to the fact that we did not face any competition in this market until the entry of Global Village Telecom in November of 2000. Global Village Telecom is an independent service provider operating under an authorization from Anatel. Since then, we have been able to maintain our market share in our region due to our extensive network and the features, prices and services we offer.
In the short-term, we could lose market share in the provision of local fixed-line telecommunications services as additional competitors are allowed to enter the fixed-line market in our region. To date, Telesp, Telemar, Embratel, Intelig, CTBC Telecom, Aerotech, Telefree, Impsat, Easytone and Transit have been granted permission by Anatel to provide local fixed telecommunications services in our region. Our fixed-line services are also subject to competition from wireless service providers, however such competition is still limited by the fact that rates for wireless calls are currently much higher than rates for calls on our fixed-line network. We also face competition from wireless service providers in the low end of the market through the offer of prepaid plans by such wireless providers. This could have a material adverse effect on our market share, margins, results of operations and financial condition. See Item 3 "Key Information – Risk Factors – Risks Relating to Our Company". Since January 2004, we have the ability to counteract losses in market share in the local fixed-line market by providing telecommunications services in other regions.
Intraregional (intrastate and interstate) Long-Distance Service
We are currently the leading intraregional long-distance telecommunications services provider in our region, with an estimated 80.0% of the intraregional market share. These estimates are based on the volume of outgoing and incoming long-distance calls that select us to carry such calls by imputing our carrier selection code. Pursuant to Anatel regulations, callers are able to choose a service provider for each long distance call by selecting a carrier selection code that identifies the carrier. Until July 6, 2003, this was permitted only for calls made from fixed line phones. Since such date mobile callers can also choose a service provider by selecting a carrier selection code. Our carrier selection code is "14". Accordingly, domestic long distance carriers including us, are now competing in the mobile-line long distance market. As our carrier selection code "14" was widely used for calls originating from fixed telephones, we quickly gained a significant share of the long-distance calls originating from mobile phones. Embratel is our most significant competitor in providing intraregional long-distance telecommunications services in our region with approximately 18.0% of the total market share. The remaining market share is divided among Global Village Telecom, Intelig and other operators. The licenses awarded to Embratel, Intelig and Global Village Telecom are not subject to the same service quality and network expansion and modernization obligations that we are subject to under our concessions.
In the short-term, we expect to lose market share in the provision of intraregional long-distance telecommunications services as additional competitors are allowed to enter the market. To date, Telesp, Albra, TIM, Aerotech, CTBC Telecom, TNL PCS, Telmex do Brasil, Sercomtel, Telefree, Easytone, Transit, Telenova, Tmais and Global Village Telecom have been granted permission by Anatel to provide intraregional telecommunications services in our region. As a result of Anatel having certified our compliance with universalization targets we expect to be able to counteract losses in market share in the interregional long-distance services market by providing these services in other regions.
Interregional and International Service
Historically, under Anatel rules, regional fixed-line companies, such as us, generally were not permitted to offer interregional or international long-distance services until December 31, 2003. Having received certification by Anatel of our compliance with universalization targets on January 19, 2004, we began offering interregional and international long-distance services. Due to our unique position in Region II combined with marketing and promotional pricing, we were quickly able to gain approximately 30.0% of the interregional market share and 15.0% of the international market share in Region II. We compete primarily against Embratel which has approximately 68.0% and 85.0% of the interregional and international market share, respectively, in our region. We expect our market share to increase as clients are no longer concerned about selecting a carrier based on where the call ends.
To date, Telesp, Albra, TIM, Aerotech, CTBC Telecom, TNL PCS, Telmex do Brasil, Sercomtel, Telefree, Easytone, Transit, Telenova, Tmais and Global Village Telecom have been granted permission by Anatel to provide interregional and international telecommunications services in our region. This could have a material adverse effect on our ability to increase our market share.
Data Transmission Services
Over the past few years, the data communications sector of the telecommunications industry has shown the highest annual growth rates and has accordingly attracted many participants. We believe that within data transmission services, the broadband market will grow substantially over the next few years as broadband, and in particular ADSL, can offer users a single access point through which they can obtain voice, data and image services. On a national level, Embratel is the largest provider of data transmission services with approximately 50.0% of the total market share.
We have increased our market share in the data communications market primarily through the development of our ADSL service. We are the leading provider of ADSL accesses in Region II with approximately 95.0% of the market share of ADSL accesses. This market share in ADSL is based upon our market share of the local service market as ADSL accesses are provided through the local telephone lines in our region. Approximately 50.0% of the ADSL accesses we provide in Region II are to our BrTurbo customers. The remaining ADSL accesses are provided to customers of third party ISP's for which we charge an access fee. Global Village Telecom also provides ADSL accesses in our region. We also face competition from cable TV operators who provide broadband access through cable modems.
In the corporate data transmissions market, our DialNet service has approximately 85.0% of the dial up service market in our region. This estimate is based upon our share of the total volume and duration of dial up calls that are made using our network, which we can identify as calls made to dial up services including our own. We compete in the dial up internet market primarily with Global Village Telecom. We have approximately 90.0% of the market share for Dedicated IP services in Region II, with the remainder offered by Embratel. We believe that MetroRED gives us approximately a 3.0% market share in its markets where it faces competition from Telesp, Embratel and Telmex do Brasil. GlobeNet competes against the submarine cable business of Telesp and Global Crossing. We may face significant competition in all of our data transmission services if we are required by Anatel to lower the rates we are permitted to charge other operators or ISPs to use our lines.
Internet Services
At December 31, 2003, BrTurbo had an approximate 47.3% market share of the monthly broadband ISP sales in Region II. BrTurbo was the leader in terms of number of active clients among the providers operating high-speed access services based on ADSL technology in Region II. At December 31, 2003, it had 104,624 residential clients and 3,320 business clients. Currently, about 50.0% of the ADSL accesses we provide are to BrTurbo's clients. BrTurbo competes primarily against the ISPs Terra.com and Globo.com and local area ISPs who operate primarily in the rural areas.
Since we acquired iBest, the company has grown mainly in Region II, where it is currently the market leader with approximately 54.0% of the free internet minutes. iBest ended 2003 with more than 4.5 million registered users of which 1.3 million were active, generating approximately 14 billion dial-up minutes during that year which represents approximately 20.0% of the national dial-up minutes. In Region II, iBest generates approximately 4.4 billion dial-up minutes which represents approximately 28.0% of the Region II dial-up minutes. The "Prêmio iBest" brand name has become the largest Internet Award in Brazil, with more than 30,000 websites registered in the 2003 edition. iBest's main competitors in Region II are iG and Pop, which is owned by Global Village Telecom.
Wireless Services
We have recently commenced offering our wireless services. Wireless services are equally competitive and we face competition in Region II from (i) a joint venture between Telefônica and Portugal Telecom (marketing under the brand name "Vivo"), (ii) Telmex, which competes against us in our region through América Móviles (marketing under the brand name "Claro") and (iii) TIM. In addition wireless services compete directly against local services.
Effects of Competition
The deregulation that started in 2002 and includes our recent certification and authorization to provide additional services inside and outside our region is expected to increase competition in our businesses. Although we believe we have a unique infrastructure in Region II (having inherited the incumbent network upon privatization of Telebrás) and we have been developing strategies to effectively protect our business, we expect that the entry of additional competitors into the market for local, long distance and wireless services in Region II as well as significant industry consolidation may adversely affect our related revenues. We anticipate, however, that growth in the Brazilian market will generate higher revenues, especially now that we are able to offer long distance and data services on a nationwide basis and wireless services in our region. While we expect that local traffic per line will continue to decline as we expand our network to lower-income customers who, on average, make fewer calls, we expect that our expansion into new business areas will provide us with new growth opportunities.
The impact of these competitive pressures will depend on a variety of factors that cannot currently be assessed at this time, some of which are beyond our control. Among such factors are the technical and financial resources available to our competitors, the business strategies and capabilities of our competitors, prevailing market conditions, the regulations applicable to new entrants and us, and the effectiveness of our efforts to prepare for increased competition and consolidation.
Customer Service
We provide customer service primarily through call centers. In addition we provide services through our website and in physical locations through lottery booths (which will take payments) and will soon provide service through post offices which will take payments as well as provide other services.
We have consolidated our call center structure, by merging our 30 pre-existing sites into four sites (Goiânia, Campo Grande, Florianópolis and Curitiba) while improving the level of service through outsourcing. In order to reduce further overlapping costs, we have closed most of our stores and centralized our customer service into the call centers.
In an effort to improve service to our corporate customers, we have created a call center which is dedicated to such customers. We have implemented a customer relationship management system which integrates our systems and provides a database of information for each customer so that we can provide better service and identify sales opportunities during each contact we have with our customers. In addition, we are targeting small and medium-sized companies, in order to render more specialized customer services to them.
Sales Channels and Marketing
We have improved our sales channels in order to render specialized customer services in different niches and sectors of our market, but primarily in the corporate market. Our sales channels consist of direct marketing, our website, and our customer service contacts. Our residential sales are primarily handled through our 800 numbers or our website. Our corporate sales are primarily handled through direct sales contacts with our sales representatives. We intend to open shops to sell our mobile services as well as other services.
We have increased our use of direct marketing in conjunction with active and receptive telemarketing as a way of targeting our market sectors (residential, commercial and corporate). At the same time, we have developed a complete portfolio of products and services, such as SLDD, Frame Relay, ATM, IP WAN, Dedicated IP, Light IP and DialNet, to meet the needs of our customers.
We have also developed and improved our website, in an effort to deliver some of our services online. Currently, customers are able to access over 16 different types of services online, including: registration for the purchase of a telephone line, issuance of a second copy of a bill, consultation of a detailed and summarized bill, download of a bill, verification of receipt of payment, and requests for repairs.
Intellectual Property
Our business is not heavily dependent on the development and exploitation of proprietary technology. We conduct research and development in the areas of telecommunications services, but do not independently develop any new telecommunications technology.
Since prior to the breakup of Telebrás, our company, as well as each of the other operating subsidiaries of Telebrás, have contributed to Fundação CPqD – Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento em Telecomunicações ("the Center"), a research and development center formerly operated by Telebrás which develops telecommunications technology in Brazil. Pursuant to our arrangement with the Center, we have access to telecommunications software developed by the Center and other technological services provided by the Center, such as equipment testing and consulting and training services. In addition to the Center, we also depend on manufacturers of telecommunications products for the development of new hardware and new telecommunications technologies. See Item 5 "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Research and Development." and "—History and Development of the company—Capital Expenditures—Research and Development."
Our Trademarks in Brazil
As of December 31, 2003, we had 107 trademarks registered with the Brazilian Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), one of which is subject to an administrative proceeding for invalidity of registration.
In Brazil, trademark registration has a term of validity of 10 years, after which it can be renewed for additional 10-year periods. The application for renewal of a trademark must be submitted to the INPI in the last year of validity of the trademark registration, or within six months after the trademark expiration date upon payment of an additional fee. INPI only refuses a renewal in the event that the renewal fees are not timely paid. Moreover, registrations are subject to forfeiture actions in case it is proven that the trademark was not used for five consecutive years. We expect to apply for renewal of registration of all of its material trademarks, so as to avoid their expiration. We believe that our significant trademarks are protected in all material respects in the markets in which we currently operate.
Besides trademarks duly registered, as of December 31, 2003, the Company had 255 requests for trademark registration filed and awaiting registration, out of which 20 were opposed by third parties. There are also 12 trademarks in the name of third parties which were transferred to the Company but whose assignments were not published yet at INPI's website. Among these 12 trademarks, there are eight registered trademarks, one trademark subject to an administrative proceeding for invalidity of registration, and four requests for trademark registration being examined by INPI, out of which three have been opposed by third parties.
In relation to trademarks filed by third parties, the Company has opposed to 52 requests for registration. Also in relation to third parties' trademarks, the Company has requested the invalidity of registration of four trademarks and the cancellation for non-use of four trademark registrations.
Only entities legally functioning in Brazil, independent service providers and natural persons are permitted to register domain names. Fees are charged for the annual maintenance of the registered domain name on the Internet.
Our Domain Name in Brazil
As of December 31 2003, we had 161 registered domain names, out of which 97 are registered in Brazil and 64 are registered abroad.
Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry
General
Our business, including the services we provide and the rates we charge, are subject to comprehensive regulation under the General Telecommunications Law and various administrative enactments thereunder. We operate in each of the states in our region based on the concessions that were granted to each of Telepar, Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre and CTMR. We also operate outside our original concession area based on the new authorizations received from Anatel as a result of the targets certification. These concessions and authorizations allow us to provide specified services and set forth certain obligations with which we need to comply (the "List of Obligations").
Anatel is the regulatory agency for telecommunications under the Regulamento da Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (the "Anatel Decree"). Anatel is administratively independent from the Government and financially autonomous. Anatel is required to report on its activities to the Ministry of Communications and to the Brazilian Congress. Any proposed regulation of Anatel is subject to a period of public comment, including public hearings, and Anatel's decisions may be challenged only in the Brazilian courts.
Concessions and Licenses
General
We operate under two public switched telephone network concessions (local and domestic long-distance), which grant us the right to offer local and domestic long-distance services in Region II.
Concessions to provide telecommunications services are granted under the public regime, while such services are provided through authorizations granted under the private regime.
In addition to us, the companies that operate in the public regime in Brazil ("public regime companies") include Telemar, Telesp, Embratel and certain other local operators. The four primary public regime companies are the primary providers of fixed-line telecommunications services in Brazil, including local services and intraregional, interregional and international long-distance service. All other telecommunications service providers, including the other companies authorized to provide fixed-line services in Region II, operate in the private regime ("private regime companies").
According to the terms of Article 63 of the General Telecommunications Law and of Article 13 of the Brazilian Telecommunications Service Regulations, public regime companies are subject to certain obligations as to continuity of service, universality of service, network expansion and modernization. Public regime companies are also subject to Anatel's supervision in regard to the rates that they may charge. On the other hand, private regime companies are generally not subject to the requirements as to universality of service or modernization, but they are subject to certain network expansion and quality of service obligations set forth in their licenses.
Public regime companies, such as Brasil Telecom, also often offer certain services in the private regime, of which the most significant are data transmission services. Our wireless services are offered under the private regime, according to a license acquired by us on November 19, 2002.
Fixed-line Services – Public Regime
Each public regime company operates under a concession that expires in 2005. Each public regime company may extend its current concession for an additional 20-year period. On June 20, 2003, Anatel approved a new General Plan on Quality, a General Plan on Universal Service and a new form of extension to the concession contracts under which all fixed-line telecommunications incumbents will operate as of January 1, 2006. See "—Obligations of Telecommunications Companies—New Telecommunications Regulations." The concessions may also be revoked prior to expiration. Every second year during the 20-year renewal period, publicly-held companies will be required to pay biannual renewal fees equal to 2.0% of their annual net revenues from the provision of telecommunications services (excluding taxes and social contributions) during the immediately preceding year.
Prior to January 2004, we were not permitted to offer interregional long-distance services. Since we achieved the expansion targets for the network and the universal services in advance, we were qualified to receive a grant for such services, following the corresponding amendments of the concession contracts, which were signed on January 20, 2004, enabling us to originate long-distance calls in our concession area and terminate them at any point in the country. See "— Obligations of Telecommunications Companies —Public Regime —Service Restrictions."
Fixed-line Services – Private Regime
The Brazilian Telecommunications Regulations provide for the introduction of competition in telephone services in Brazil by requiring the Brazilian federal government to authorize four private-regime companies—one to provide local services and intraregional long distance service in each of the three fixed-line regions and one to provide intraregional, interregional and international long distance service throughout Brazil. Anatel has already granted Global Village Telecom, a private-regime operator, the licenses to operate in Region II. Anatel has also granted licenses to two other private regime companies to operate in each of the other fixed-line regions and licenses to another private-regime company to provide intraregional, interregional and international long distance service in competition with Embratel. Concessions and authorizations have been granted in each fixed-line region for regional fixed-line companies to provide local services, fixed-line companies to provide intraregional long distance service and other companies to provide interregional long distance and international long distance service. Since 2002, the number of authorizations which can be given by the Brazilian federal government is unlimited.
After receiving the certification for the accomplishment of our universalization targets, we obtained authorization to provide local and domestic long-distance services in our Region, under the private sector regime and to regions I and III through the General Concession Plan. In addition, we were authorized to provide international long-distance services in Regions I, II and III (the entire country) through the General Concession Plan. The other primary public regime companies have received similar authorizations.
Regulation of wireless services – PCS
In September 2000, Anatel promulgated regulations regarding wireless telecommunications services for PCS. The new rules allow companies to provide wireless telecommunications services under SMP authorizations. The PCS authorizations allow new participants in the Brazilian telecommunications market to compete with existing telecommunications service providers. The PCS regulations divide Brazil into three separate regions, each of which corresponds to the regions applicable to the public regime fixed-line telephone service providers. PCS services may be provided within the 1800 MHz band, which contains Bands C, D and E. Accordingly, in addition to the conversion of the Band A and Band B service providers to PCS authorizations, up to three PCS authorizations may be granted in each PCS region. Anatel held auctions for PCS authorizations during 2001 and 2002.
The PCS license sets forth certain obligations and targets that must be met by a PCS company. Under these obligations, a PCS company is required:
to cover an area equivalent to at least 50.0% of the urban area in 50.0% of the state capitals and cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants by December 17, 2003;
to cover all state capitals and all cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants by December 17, 2004;
to cover an area equivalent to at least 50.0% of the urban area in 50.0% of the cities with more than 200,000 inhabitants by December 17, 2005;
to cover all cities with more than 200,000 inhabitants by December 17, 2006; and
to cover all cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants by December 17, 2007.
A locality is considered "covered" when the covered area contains, at least, 80.0% of total urban area. Failure to meet these targets may result in the penalties established in the regulations and, in extreme circumstances, in termination of the PCS license by Anatel.
Obligations of Telecommunications Companies
Like other telecommunications service providers, we are subject to obligations concerning quality of service and network expansion and modernization. The public regime companies are also subject to a set of special restrictions regarding the services they may offer, contained in the General Plan of Concessions and Licenses, and special obligations regarding service quality, network expansion and modernization contained in the General Plan on Universal Service and the General Plan on Quality.
New telecommunications regulations
On June 10, 2003, the Brazilian government promulgated a presidential decree (the "Decree") setting forth a number of changes in the regulation of Brazil's fixed-line telecommunications sector. The Decree sets forth general policies regarding, among others, universal access to telecommunications services, stimulation of employment and development of the Brazilian industry in the telecommunications sector, competition and adoption of rate readjustment policies that take into account Brazilian socio-economic conditions and the financial equilibrium of the existing concession contracts. The Decree also states that certain changes should be reflected in the terms of each concession contract to be entered into by each public regime company as of January 1, 2006.
Pursuant to the Decree, Anatel adopted, on June 20, 2003, a new General Plan on Universal Service, which will require fixed-line telecommunications services providers to achieve certain targets as of January 1, 2006. The purpose of the plan is to allow all Brazilians, regardless of where they are located or their socio-economic status, to have access to the public switched telephone network. The costs related to meeting the targets contemplated by the plan are to be paid for solely by the incumbent telecommunications services providers pursuant to terms stipulated in each provider's concession contract. Anatel may revise the universal service targets, pursuant to the concession contracts, as well as propose additional targets and accelerate the plan. The plan applies to local, domestic and long-distance service providers in varying degrees.
Telecommunications services providers will be required to:
install the public switched telephone network to provide access for individual residential, non-residential and "trunk" classes in areas with more than 300 inhabitants. Priority must be given to requests for individual access made by schools, hospitals, public security establishments, public libraries, museums, judiciary agencies, federal public prosecutor's agencies, and consumer protection agencies. Special care and equipment must also be provided for the hearing and speech impaired;
activate public telephones ("TUP"), which will allow any person to access the public switched telephone network, regardless of subscription or registration with the carrier, ensuring that the density of TUPs per general license plan sector is equal to or over 6 TUPs per 1,000 inhabitants from January 1, 2006 onwards. This requirement is less stringent than the targets established by the General Plan on Universal Service currently in force, which is 7.5 TUPs per 1,000 inhabitants for year-end 2003 and 8 TUPs per 1,000 inhabitants for year-end 2005. We believe this will have a lower impact on our costs and capital expenditures. When activating TUPs, providers must ensure there are at least 3 TUPs per group of 1,000 inhabitants evenly distributed over the service area. Fifty percent of the required TUPs must be installed in areas which are accessible twenty-four hours a day and 2.0% must be adapted for every kind of physical impairment. Local services providers are responsible for meeting the targets in areas located 30 kilometers or less from any other service area. Domestic and international long-distance providers must meet the targets in those service areas located thirty kilometers or more from any other service area.
Local service telecommunications services providers will be required to activate and maintain telecommunications services stations ("PST") in each general license plan sector in varying numbers. Such numbers will be determined by the population measured annually from the years 2007 to 2011. The public switched telephone network incumbent services providers must also activate one PST per general license plan sector in cooperative service stations ("UAC") in rural areas. For the years 2007 and 2008, the requirement will vary according to the size of the community. For the year ended 2009, all communities must be served.
The board of directors of Anatel also approved a public hearing with respect to the regulation of special individual access ("AICE"). The goal of AICE is to meet the needs of lower income households not yet serviced by the public switched telephone network, and the offer, utilization, rates, payment conditions, call treatment, network usage remuneration and taxation of AICE will be differentiated than for regular residential telephone services. AICE will be accessed via prepaid cards, which could be used for any type of telecommunications services. The installation orders of AICE will have to be fulfilled by the concessionaires within 30 days after the registration, according to the General Plan on Universal Service, effective as of January 1, 2006.
On June 20, 2003, Anatel also approved the Form of New Concession Contract. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business." In June 2003, we notified Anatel of our intention to extend Brasil Telecom's current concession. Brasil Telecom and Anatel are expected to formally enter into a new concession contract by the end of 2005.
The Form of New Concession Contract contains new terms reflecting the new General Plan on Quality and the new General Plan on Universal Service described above, which relate to:
new universalization targets;
changes in local rate measurement criteria from pulse to minute measurement;
changes in rate adjustment formulas, including the creation of a telecommunications industry index and a reduction in chargeable rates for local interconnection rates; and
a reduction in the number of local areas.
Both the new General Plan on Quality and the new General Plan on Universal Service were approved by Anatel on June 28, 2003. They will only come into force upon the execution of the new concession contract.
From our analysis to date, the major differences in the new Form of New Concession Contract relate to universalization targets and rate structure. Concessionaires will be required to install telecommunications service centers in a number of locations, including in smaller communities and the IGP-DI will no longer be used to determine the annual inflation-based adjustments to the rates. The Form of New Concession Contract also anticipates number portability and resale. This will enable customers to change telecom service providers without the inconvenience of having to change their contact number, which is especially important for corporate customers.
Public Regime – Service Restrictions
Until December 31, 2003, according to the General Concession Plan, all fixed telecommunications service concessionaires, such as our company, were prohibited from offering new services, such as mobile services, fixed telecommunications services in the interregional or international long-distance mode. Embratel was also prohibited from offering local or wireless services. The anticipated accomplishment of the universalization targets on behalf of the concessionaires enabled them to be exempt from this restriction. See "—Network Expansion—General Plan on Universal Service" and "—Quality of Service—General Plan on Quality." Every publicly-held fixed telecommunications service provider was authorized, or is in the process of being authorized, to offer all other telecommunications services, except cable television services, provided that they achieve their respective universalization and service expansion targets.
Public regime companies are subject to certain restrictions on alliances, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, including:
holding more than 20% of the voting stock of any other public regime company for a five-year period beginning in July 1998. This prohibition is no longer enforced so long as the acquisition is not deemed detrimental to competition, does not put at risk the execution of the concession contract and is duly authorized by the necessary agencies;
mergers between regional fixed-line services providers and wireless services providers (a prohibition that also applies to private-regime companies); and
offering cable television services, unless the company offering telephone services has won a public auction to provide cable television services in the relevant region and no other bidders participated.
Network Expansion – General Plan on Universal Service
Under the General Plan on Universal Service, each regional fixed-line service provider is required to expand fixed-line service within its region, and Embratel is required to expand access to long-distance service by installing public telephones in every location situated at a geodesic distance of more than 30 kilometers from the other region serviced by individual fixed telephone service. No subsidies or other supplemental financing are anticipated for the network expansion obligations of the public regime companies. If a public regime company fails to meet its obligations in a particular fixed-line region, Anatel may apply the penalties established in the terms and conditions of the concessions.
Quality of Services – General Plan on Quality
Each regional public and private regime company must comply with the provisions of the General Plan on Quality and also with the terms of their respective concessions, licenses and authorizations. All costs related to the attainment of the goals established by the General Plan on Quality must be exclusively borne by the respective telephone service provider. The General Plan on Quality establishes minimum quality standards with regard to:
responses to repair requests;
availability of services to users;
quality of public telephones;
operator availability;
personal services to users;
issuance of bills;
responses to requests for address changes;
modernization of the network; and
responses to mail received from users.
These quality standards are measured according to the definitions and quality indicators established by Anatel. Companies are required to make monthly reports to Anatel regarding their performance in attaining the quality goals. Additionally, companies are obligated to provide Anatel an in-depth report and analysis regarding each quality goal that is not achieved. Anatel may also collect such data from companies at any time and without prior notice.
Companies that fail to attain the Anatel quality goals may be subject to warnings, fines, intervention by Anatel, temporary suspensions of service or cancellations of concessions and authorizations. See "—Fines and Penalties" below.
Fines and Penalties
Failure to meet the network expansion and modernization obligations established by the General Plan for Universalization Targets, or any act or failure to act that harms competition in the telecommunications sector may result in fines and penalties of up to R$50.0 million, as well as potential revocation of concessions.
Failure to meet the quality of service obligations established by the General Plan for Quality Targets may result in fines and penalties of up to R$40.0 million. Although we were able to meet the requirements, we may fail to meet the service quality obligations set forth in the Plan in the future as a result of certain factors which are beyond our control. See "—Business Overview—Network and Facilities—Network Expansion" and "—Business Overview—Services."
Interconnection
General rules regarding interconnection are described in the General Interconnection Rule, promulgated by Anatel. All operating companies providing public-interest services are required, if technically feasible, to make their networks available for interconnection on a nondiscriminatory basis whenever such a request is made by any other telecommunications provider. Anatel currently sets and adjusts the interconnection rates between two fixed-line networks as well as between fixed-line and wireless networks. Anatel has allowed fixed-line and wireless network operators to freely negotiate interconnection rates, subject to a price cap imposed by Anatel.
Unbundling of local networks
On May 13, 2004, Anatel issued Order (Despacho) no. 172, which establishes rules for partial and full unbundling of local telephone networks and requires us to make our networks available to other telecommunications service providers. This legislation limits the rate we can charge for partial unbundling to R$15.42. Anatel has not yet fixed rates for full unbundling, although we expect that these rates will be lower than the rates we are currently permitted to charge. This legislation is expected to increase competition in the local fixed line and broadband internet access markets by making it easier for new telephone companies operating under either the public or private regime to enter these markets and for existing providers to provide new services or enter new regions, since the networks of all telecommunications service providers, including fixed line operators such as us, will be made available at lower rates. Similarly, this legislation makes it easier for us to provide new services and enter into new regions in competition with other operators.
Rate Regulation
For basic plans, our concessions establish a mechanism of annual rate adjustment, based on rate baskets and the use of the IGP-DI price index. A rate basket is defined for local services (local basket) and long-distance services (DLD basket). The rates for the provision of services through payphones and the rates for address change are treated separately.
The adjustment index considers the IGP-DI price index variation, discounting the pre-established productivity factor in the Concession Contract. Within each basket, the rates have a cap price, which can be adjusted up to a percentage above the established index (up to 9.0% higher for the local basket and up to 5.0% higher for the DLD basket). However, the application of a higher index to one of the items in the basket will require a balancing of the remaining items so as not to exceed the established limit for such basket.
On the adjustment dates for the local and DLD baskets, the rate adjustments for network use are also approved. These rates apply when any networks are used by other telecommunications carriers. There is a rate charged per minute of use of our local network by other carriers (TU-RL) and another for use of our intercity network (TU-RIU).
From the year 2000 to December 31, 2005, our rates and the other regional fixed-line companies have been and will be adjusted downward, in real terms, as follows:
| K-factor annual productivity adjustments | ||||||
| 2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 | |
| Fixed-line companies—local (services) | 0.0% | 1.0% | 1.0% | 1.0% | 1.0% | 1.0% |
| Fixed-line companies—local (network) | 0.0% | 5.0% | 10.0% | 15.0% | 20.0% | 20.0% |
| Fixed-line companies—long-distance and intercity network | 2.0% | 4.0% | 4.0% | 4.0% | 5.0% | 5.0% |
We may also offer alternative plans in addition to the basic service plan. Alternative plans must be submitted to Anatel for approval but are not currently subject to a price cap.
Companies holding SMP licenses are allowed to freely price their wireless services, provided they are linked to existing service plans authorized by Anatel. Price caps are adjusted annually, based on the IGP-DI. The interconnection rates are also subject to price caps fixed by Anatel and adjusted on an annual basis, up to June 2004, when the values will start to be freely negotiated between the parties.
From the third year after the starting date of our concession, Anatel may submit us to the regime of free rating, provided that there is a large-scale and effective competition among the service providers. Under this regime, the concessionaire can establish its own rates. In the event this regime is implemented, Anatel may reestablish the previous regime should arbitrary increases of profits by the carriers or practices considered harmful to the competition occur.
For information on our current rates and service plans, see Item 4 "Information on the Company—Rates".
Termination of a Concession
There are four possible ways that a public regime company's concession may terminate:
non-renewal upon the expiration of the concession;
an extraordinary situation in which the public interest is in jeopardy, during which time the Brazilian government may operate the company. In such cases, the Brazilian government must be legislatively authorized to terminate the concession and the company must be indemnified;
termination by the company (by agreement with Anatel or through legal proceedings) as a consequence of an act or omission of the Brazilian government that makes rendering services excessively burdensome to the company;
the occurrence of:
- a split-up, spin-off, amalgamation, merger, capital reduction or transfer of the company's corporate power without Anatel's authorization; |
- the transfer of the concession without Anatel's authorization; |
- the dissolution or bankruptcy of the company; or |
- an extraordinary situation where Brazilian government intervention, although legally possible, is not undertaken since such intervention would prove to be inconvenient, unnecessary or would result in unfair benefits for the company. |
In the event a concession is terminated, Anatel may occupy the company's premises and use its employees in to continue providing services.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Our main properties consist of transmission equipment, including Synchronous Digital Hierarchy - SDH and radio link systems, switching equipment, including local, tandem and transit switching centers, metallic and fiber-optic cable networks, data transmission equipment, network and infrastructure management systems, which include alternate current and direct current supply equipment, motor-generator groups, air conditioning, towers, buildings and land surveillance.
Our land and buildings consist principally of our telephone exchanges and other technical, administrative and commercial properties. Exchanges include local exchanges, "toll" exchanges that connect local exchanges to long-distance transmission facilities and "tandem" exchanges that connect local exchanges with each other and with toll exchanges.
Our properties are located in the States of Acre, Rondônia, Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, as well as in the Federal District. The buildings used by our management are primarily located in the capital cities of these states. At December 31, 2003, we made use of approximately 5,108 properties, which 3,257 were owned by our company and 1,851 were leased from third parties.
As of December 31, 2003, the net book value of our property, plant and equipment was approximately R$8,632.0 million (which includes automatic switching, transmission and other equipment, buildings and other fixed assets net of accumulated depreciation and work-in-progress regarding the same).
We have budgeted U.S.$300.0 million for capital expenditure through the end of 2005, of which we anticipate 85.0% will be expended in 2004, principally for expanding our mobile network infrastructure and information technology systems.
Environmental and Other Regulatory Matters
We, like other Brazilian telephone companies, are subject to federal, state and municipal environmental legislation and regulation. Our failure to comply with applicable environmental laws could result in administrative, civil and criminal sanctions against us.
As part of our day-to-day operations, we regularly install ducts for wires and cables and erect towers for transmission antennae. We may be subject to federal, state and/or municipal environmental licensing requirements due to our installation of cables along highways and railroads, over bridges, rivers and marshes, and through farms, conservation units and environmental preservation areas, among other places. Currently, state and municipal environmental agencies in the states within the region have not demanded that we obtain environmental licenses for the installation of transmission towers and antennae. However, there can be no assurances that state and municipal environmental agencies will not require us to obtain environmental licenses for the installation of transmission towers and antennae in the future and that such a requirement would not have a material adverse effect on the installation costs of our network or on the speed with which we can expand and modernize our network.
We must also comply with environmental legislation on the management of solid wastes. According to CONAMA Resolution No. 237 of 1997, companies responsible for the treatment and final disposal of solid industrial wastes, special wastes and solid urban wastes are subject to environmental licensing. Should the waste not be disposed of in accordance with standards established by environmental legislation, the company generating such waste may be held jointly liable for any damage caused with the company responsible for treatment of the waste. In the States of Santa Catarina, Paraná and Mato Grosso, we have already implemented management procedures promoting the recycling of batteries, transformers and fluorescent lamps. During the current year those management practices will also be implemented in the other states.
In addition, since July 1999 we have been subject, on a provisional basis, to the ICNIRP, which imposes limits on the levels and frequency of the electromagnetic fields originating from our telecommunications transmissions stations.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we believe that we are in compliance with ICNIRP standards as well as with all applicable environmental legislation and regulations. We are currently not involved in any administrative or judicial proceeding involving material liability for environmental damage.
ITEM 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes, which are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Certain important features of the presentation of our Consolidated Financial Statements are described in the introduction to "Selected Financial Data." See Item 3 "Key Information—Selected Financial Data."
Overview of Results of Operations
Our results of operations are significantly affected by a variety of factors, including:
rate increases and changes in revenues from network services;
regulatory factors;
political and economic factors;
foreign exchange and interest rate exposure;
general trends of the telecommunications services industry;
competitive factors; and
the attainment by us and other operators of certification that the universalization targets set forth by Anatel have been met.
Rates Increases and Changes in Revenue from Network Services
Rates for fixed-line telecommunications services are subject to comprehensive regulation. Our concession contract establishes a price-cap mechanism by which Anatel sets and adjusts rates on an annual basis. The price-cap mechanism consists of a maximum rate, established by Anatel, that may be charged for a particular service and a weighted average rate for a basket of basic services. The basket of local services covered by the maximum rate includes all of the services in the basic service plan, such as installation charges, monthly subscription fees and switched local services (traffic). Subject to certain limits, the rates for individual services within the basket may be increased by up to 9.0% above the limit, so long as the weighted average rate for the entire basket does not exceed the limit. Other services covered by the maximum rate include long distance services, which are determined based on five rate categories that vary with the time of day and the distance between the caller and the recipient, and network usage fees. For a further discussion of the application of prescribed rates to our individual services and average rates for baskets of services, see Item 4 "Information on the Company—Business Overview—Rates."
Rate Increases
Charges for local and non-local services changed substantially from 2000 to 2003. In 2000, Anatel authorized us to adjust the rates for our basket of local services, on average, by approximately 14.0%. In 2001, Anatel authorized us to adjust the rates for our basket of local services, on average, by approximately 10.0%. In 2002, Anatel again authorized us to adjust the rates for our basket of local services, on average, by approximately 8.0%. These rate changes had a positive effect on revenues in the corresponding periods.
On June 27, 2003, Anatel authorized an increase in rates based on the IGP-DI index in connection with local and long distance services and network usage as provided for in our concession contract. The approved rate increases were equal to an average of 28.8% on local services and 24.9% on domestic long distance services. The rate adjustments gave rise to a number of judicial claims throughout Brazil challenging the adjustments. On July 11, 2003, the STJ provisionally ordered that, pending its final ruling, rates were to be adjusted based on the accumulated IPCA index variation over the 12 months prior to May 2003 (amounting to an average increase of approximately 17.2%). Although such final decision is still pending, in accordance with the provisional ruling, on July 12, 2003 we readjusted our rates downwards according to the IPCA index, effective retroactively to June 29, 2003.
On September 11, 2003, the Second Federal Court of the Federal District issued an injunction stating that the rate adjustments should be based on the IPCA index and not the IGP-DI index as set forth in the concession contracts of the regional fixed-line telecommunications companies. The injunction was amended on September 26, 2003 to stipulate that the IPCA index would replace the IGP-DI index in the concession contracts. The decision was confirmed in preliminary judgements in the TRF on October, 20, 2003, the STJ on January, 22, 2004 and the STF on March, 15, 2004. No final ruling has yet been rendered in this matter.
The following table sets forth the adjustments in rates in 2003 for various services as adjusted by Anatel pursuant to the IGP-DI index, and as actually applied by us in accordance with the limits stipulated in the STJ's provisional order, pursuant to the IPCA index (the "Rate Increase"). The Rate Increase has had a positive impact on our revenues for 2003.
| Anatel |
Actual Rate | |
| (based on | (based on | |
| IGP-DI) | IPCA) | |
| Local services basket | 28.75% | 16.07% |
| Installation | 41.75% | (16.67)% |
| Residential subscription | 25.60% | 17.24% |
| Non-residential subscription | 41.75% | 17.24% |
| Trunk subscription | 41.75% | 11.22% |
| Pulses | 25.60% | 17.24% |
| Phone credits | 24.60% | 17.24% |
| Change of address | 30.05% | 17.24% |
| Local interconnection | 14.34% | 3.07% |
| Domestic long distance basket | 24.85% | 12.55% |
| Long distance interconnection | 24.85% | 12.55% |
| Average | 30.05% | 17.24% |
Network Services
We provide access to our network and lease certain network facilities to other telecommunications companies as part of our network service business. This generates:
interconnection fees paid to us by mobile service providers and other telecommunications operators (principally Embratel and Intelig) for the use of our network to complete calls to our subscribers;
fees from mobile companies for the leasing of transmission facilities, certain infrastructure and other equipment used in transporting mobile calls within their own internal networks; and
fees from the rental of our assets, such as points of presence, to other long-distance and mobile companies.
Interconnection fees are set by Anatel. With respect to revenue, the interconnection rate for the use of local networks (TU-RL) increased by 8.6%, 1.7% and 3.1% in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively, while the interconnection rate for the use of intercity networks (TU-RIU) increased by 7.8%, 5.0% and 12.6% in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
With respect to costs, we pay interconnection fees for using other companies' network to complete our clients' calls. To complete a fixed-to-mobile call, we pay an interconnection rate for the use of mobile networks (Tarifa de Uso Móvel - TU-M / Valor de Uso Móvel - VU-M), which increased by 11.0% and 22.0% in 2002 and 2003, respectively. To complete a fixed-to-fixed call, we also pay interconnection rate for the use of local networks (TU-RL), and interconnection rate for the use of intercity networks (TU-RIU).
The growth of wireless telecommunications and an increase in long distance usage volumes have resulted in substantial growth of network services revenues for us and our competitors in 2001 and 2002. While network services revenues have continued to grow in 2003, the rate of such growth has decreased. Any adverse effect on our competitors' systems that in turn has a negative impact on their interconnection with our network could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Regulatory factors
We operate under concessions from the Brazilian Government that authorize us to provide local fixed-line and specified types of long-distance telecommunications in our region, and require us to comply with certain obligations related to rates, quality of service, network expansion and modernization, and interconnection of our network. Our business, including the services that we provide and the rates that we charge, is subject to comprehensive regulation under Brazilian law. Brazil's telecommunications regulatory framework is continuously evolving. The interpretation and enforcement of regulations, the assessment of compliance with regulations and the flexibility of regulatory authorities are all marked by uncertainty.
Under Brazilian law, public regime companies, like us, must have the rates that they charge for products and services approved by Anatel. On June 20, 2003, Anatel enacted Resolution 341, which provides for new types of Anatel concession contracts, effective from January 1, 2006 until 2025. The Form of New Concession Contract provides for changes in the way in which rates are set. For example under the current proposals, the IGP-DI index will no longer be used to determine the annual inflation-based adjustments to the rates charged by telecommunications companies. Private regime companies that compete with us, like Global Village Telecom or Intelig, do not require Anatel approval when setting their rates and may unilaterally determine the prices that they charge for their services. As a result, adverse changes in Brazilian telecommunications regulations and non-approval or even delays in the approval of rate changes by Anatel, could adversely impact our operations and competitive position.
Political and Economic Factors
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the "Business Overview" section included in Item 4 "Information on the Company." Our financial condition and results of operations are significantly affected by Brazilian telecommunications regulations, including the regulation of rates. Our financial condition and net income have also been, and are expected to continue to be, affected by the political and economic environment in Brazil. In particular, our financial performance is affected by:
economic growth and its impact on demand for telecommunications services;
the cost and availability of financing;
devaluation of the real and increase in interest rates;
the exchange rates between Brazilian and foreign currencies; and
granting by Anatel of certain authorizations, certifications and licenses.
We are the leading provider of local fixed-line telecommunications services, as well as of intraregional fixed-line telecommunications services in our region. As of July 1999, Embratel and Intelig were authorized to and began to provide intraregional long-distance services in our region, thereby increasing competition for us. In 2000, Global Village Telecom began to provide local and intrastate fixed-line telecommunications services in our region. To date, Telemar, Embratel and Intelig, among others, have been granted permission by Anatel to provide local telecommunications services in our region. Telesp, Albra, TIM and Global Village Telecom, among others, have been granted permission by Anatel to provide intraregional, interregional and international telecommunications services in our region. See Item 3 "Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—We face increasing competition in the Brazilian telecommunications industry which may have a material adverse effect on our market share, results of operations and financial condition."
In 2002, various factors had a negative impact on the Brazilian economy, including the uncertainties relating to the political and economic future of Brazil and the political and economic uncertainties of other South American countries, including Argentina and Venezuela. These factors had an influence in 2002 on the increased unpredictability of the markets in Brazil, the decreased ability to obtain credit and the decreased investor confidence in the Brazilian marketplace.
During a period of relative economic stability in the first half of 2002, the Brazilian Central Bank decreased the base interest rate ("SELIC") to a level of 18.0% as of July 17, 2002. However, as a result of the deteriorating economic conditions and the internal political instability caused by the Brazilian presidential elections in the second half of 2002, the Central Bank increased the SELIC during the second half of 2002 to 25.0% on December 18, 2002. During 2002, GDP increased by 1.5%.
Beginning in 2003, the continued political and economic uncertainty in Brazil led the Brazilian Central Bank to raise the SELIC to 25.5% on January 22, 2003 and further to 26.5% on February 19, 2003. The base interest fell from a high of 26.5% to 16.5% at the end of 2003 due to the improving political situation in Brazil, the growth of the global economy and investors' perception of the Brazilian market.
Notwithstanding a certain amount of economic instability from 2000 to 2002, the economic policies initiated by the new government have increased stability in the market, leading to an appreciation of the real in 2003 by 18.3% to R$2.8892 per U.S.$1.00 as of December 31, 2003.
The following table shows the GDP growth, the inflation rate, the U.S. dollar exchange rate devaluation (appreciation) and the SELIC rate for the three-year period ended December 31, 2003.
| Year ended December 31, | |||
| 2001 |
2002 |
2003 | |
| GDP growth(1) | 1.4 | 1.5 | (0.2) |
| IGP—DI Inflation rate(2)% | 10.4 | 26.4 | 7.7 |
| IGP – M Inflation Rate(2)% | 10.4 | 25.3 | 8.7 |
| IPCA Inflation rate(3)% | 7.7 | 12.5 | 9.3 |
| U.S. dollar exchange rate devaluation / (appreciation)(4)% | 18.7 | 52.3 | (18.3) |
| SELIC(4)% | 19.0 | 25.0 | 16.3 |
| (1) | Source: IBGE |
| (2) | Source: Fundação Getúlio Vargas |
| (3) | Source: Consumer Price Index—IBGE |
| (4) | Source: Central Bank of Brazil |
Foreign Exchange and Interest Rate Exposure
Our current cost of financing is not materially exposed to exchange rate risk. At December 31, 2003, approximately 5.3% of our indebtedness, or R$245.6 million, was denominated in U.S. dollars. At December 31, 2003, we hedged approximately 58.4% of our indebtedness in foreign currency. For the year ended December 31, 2003, loss on foreign currency and monetary restatement amounted to approximately R$25.7 million, due to the depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar. We also face foreign exchange risk because a significant portion of our equipment costs, such as costs relating to switching centers and software used for upgrading network capacity, are denominated in U.S. dollars. Historically, approximately 35.0% our total capital expenditures have been U.S. dollar denominated. See Item 11 "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Quantitative Information About Market Risk—Exchange Rate Risk."
We are exposed to interest rate risk as a consequence of our floating rate debt. At December 31, 2003, 99.5% of our reais-denominated interest-bearing liabilities bore interest at floating rates. We have not entered into derivative contracts or made other arrangements to hedge against this risk. Accordingly, although interest rates decreased significantly in Brazil during 2003, if market interest rates (principally the TJLP (the Brazilian federal long-term interest rate) and the CDI (the Brazilian interbank deposit rate)) rise in the future, our financing expenses will increase. Furthermore, at December 31, 2003, approximately 3.1% of our total debt bore interest at floating rates based on LIBOR. At December 31, 2003, the six month LIBOR was 1.2% per annum.
We use swap contracts to limit the risk of increases in our liabilities (expressed in reais) on our foreign currency debt as a result of currency fluctuations. The swap contracts consist of currency swaps under which an obligation denominated in foreign currency is exchanged for a real-denominated obligation bearing interest at the CDI rate. The gain (loss) of swap transactions recorded under the Corporation Law Method offsets the effect of exchange rate variations on our foreign currency indebtedness.
General Trends of the Telecommunications Services Industry
In 1998, Brazil had approximately 20.0 million fixed-line telephones and by the end of 2003, there were 49.3 million. According to Anatel, wireless subscribers increased from 7.4 million in 1998 to 46.4 million in 2003. Since mid-2003, we have been observing a stabilization in the growth of the fixed-line telecommunications services market, while the wireless telecommunications services segment of our industry continues to experience consistent growth. From observing trends in the growth of the wireless intercommunications services industry in the United States and Europe, we are aware of the necessity to invest in our wireless telecommunications services segment in order to be able to offer integrated fixed-line and wireless telecommunications services, as well as data transmission services.
We do not expect future material increases in the number of installed fixed-lines and revenues from basic fixed-line telecommunications services; however, we do expect to generate revenues from wireless telecommunications services. By owning both wireless and fixed-line telecommunications services networks, we expect to be able to minimize our interconnection costs for outgoing calls and maximize interconnection revenues from incoming calls. We also expect an increase in revenues from our data transmission services due to the increased demand for our ADSL and other data transmission services.
Competitive Factors
We are the leading provider of local fixed-line telecommunications services and intrastate fixed-line telecommunications services in our region. However, we face rapidly increasing competition from companies that already operate in our region, such as Embratel, Intelig and Global Village Telecom and from companies which have been given permission to operate in our region, such as Telemar, Telesp, Albra, TIM, Telmex do Brasil, TNL PCS S.A., CTBC Telecom and Sercomtel.
The entry of new competitors in the local market, the long distance market or the other markets in which we compete may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. The extent of any adverse effects on our results of operations and market share from competition will depend on a variety of factors that cannot now be assessed with precision, some of which are beyond our control. Among these factors are the technical and financial resources available to our competitors, their business strategies and capabilities, consolidation of competitors, prevailing market conditions, the regulations applicable to us and to the new entrants, including those pertaining to providers of wireless telecommunications services, and the effectiveness of our efforts to prepare for increased competition.
Attainment of Certification that the Universalization Targets set forth by Anatel have been met
On January 19, 2004, Anatel certified the accomplishment of our network expansion and universal service targets established in our concession contract. We thereby received authorization to provide (i) local and intraregional long-distance services in Regions I and III; (ii) international long-distance services in Regions I, II and III; (iii) interregional long-distance service to anywhere within Brazil (iv) wireless telecommunications services in our region and (v) corporate data services throughout Brazil. In anticipation of these new services, and as part of our strategy, we made investments in a number of fixed assets, including our wireless service infrastructure and the acquisition of GlobeNet and iBest in 2003 and the acquisition of the remaining shares of Vant and MetroRED in 2004.
Telemar, Telesp and Embratel have also received certification from Anatel with respect to their network expansion and universal service targets and accordingly, they can provide services on a nationwide basis in direct competition with us. Having attained our certification, we now have the authorization to offer telecommunications services outside Region II and to compete directly with Telemar, Telesp, Embratel or any other telecommunications operator in their respective markets.
U.S. GAAP Reconciliation
We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with Brazilian GAAP, which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. The following table sets forth a comparison of our net income (loss) and shareholders' equity in accordance with Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as of the dates and for the periods indicated:
| At and for the year ended December 31, | |||
| 2001 |
2002 |
2003 | |
| Thousands of reais | |||
| Net income (loss) in accordance with: | |||
| Brazilian GAAP | (207,748) | (11,619) | (507,435) |
| U.S. GAAP | (169,716) | 317,280 | (287,739) |
| Shareholders' equity in accordance with: | |||
| Brazilian GAAP | 7,976,302 | 7,623,790 | 6,840,962 |
| U.S. GAAP | 7,834,741 | 7,812,024 | 7,256,440 |
See Note 31 to our Financial Statements for a description of the principal differences between Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us, and a reconciliation of net income (loss) and shareholders' equity for the dates and periods indicated therein.
Critical Accounting Policies
In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we have relied on estimates and assumptions derived from historical experience and various other factors that we deemed reasonable and relevant. "Critical accounting policies" are those that are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and utilize management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, estimates and assumptions. The application of these critical accounting policies often requires judgments made by our management regarding the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain on the carrying value of our assets and liabilities and the results of our operations. Our results of operation and financial condition may differ from those set forth in our consolidated financial statements, if our actual experience differs from management's assumptions and estimates. The following is a discussion of our critical accounting policies, including some of the variables, assumptions and sensitivities underlying the estimates relating to:
goodwill impairment;
revenue recognition;
allowance for doubtful accounts;
depreciation of property, plant and equipment;
valuation of property, plant and equipment;
provisions for contingencies;
deferred income taxes; and
provision for pensions.
Goodwill Impairment
In connection with SFAS No. 142's transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, we are required to perform an assessment of whether there was an indication that goodwill is impaired as of the date of adoption. To accomplish this, we were required to identify our reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units as of January 1, 2002. We were required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit within six months of January 1, 2002. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit, we would be required to perform the second step of the transitional impairment test, as this would be an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. Under Brazilian GAAP, the amount of goodwill and other intangible asset impairment, if any, is measured based on projected undiscounted future operating cash flows.
Under the terms of the operating concessions granted by the Brazilian Federal Government, we are obliged to provide a certain minimum level of services over the entire area covered by our fixed-line operating licenses. Also, we do not possess specific financial information to determine an allocation of assets and liabilities in a level below the consolidated business nor do we manage different areas of the concession as if they were separate businesses. We therefore consider the entire fixed-line business to be one reporting unit and accordingly we determined the fair value, under US GAAP, or the projected undiscounted future operating cash flows, under Brasilian GAAP, of our entire fixed line business.
A determination of the fair value and the undiscounted future operating cash flows of our fixed line business requires management to make certain assumptions and estimates with respect to projected cash inflows and outflows related to future revenues and expenditures and expenses. These assumptions and estimates can be influenced by different external and internal factors, such as economic tendencies, industry trends, interest rates, changes in our business strategies and changes in the type of services we offer to the market. The use of different assumptions and estimates could significantly change our financial statements. For example, if we had used more conservative assumptions and estimates the expected future net cash flow may had lead us to recognize impairment charges on goodwill, which would had decreased our results of operations and shareholders’ equity In viewing all of our fixed-line assets and liabilities as one reporting unit and performing an initial assessment on this reporting unit including the assumptions and estimates that we considered appropriate, we were not required to recognize any impairment loss under either, U.S. GAAP or Brazilian GAAP.
Revenue recognition
Under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, revenues from customer calls are based on time used, according to Brazilian law, and recognized when services are provided. Considering their high turnover and average short life, under Brazilian GAAP revenues from pre-paid phone cards for public telephones are recognized when the cards are sold. Under U.S. GAAP, revenues from sales of such pre-paid phone cards are recognized when the cards are used. Deferred revenues are determined based upon estimates of sold but unused public phone card credits outstanding as of each balance sheet date. Under Brazilian GAAP, revenues from activation and installation fees are recognized upon activation of customer services. Under U.S. GAAP, revenues and related costs from activation and installation fees are deferred and amortized over five years, the estimated average customer life.
We consider revenue recognition to be a critical accounting policy, because of the uncertainties caused by different factors such as the complex information technology required, high volume of transactions, fraud and piracy, accounting regulations, management’s determination of collectibility and uncertainties regarding our right to receive certain revenues (mainly revenues for usage of our network). Significant changes in these factors could cause us to fail to recognize revenues or to recognize revenues that we may not be able to realize in the future, despite our internal controls and procedures. We have not identified any significant need to change our revenue recognition policy for U.S. GAAP or for Brazilian GAAP.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, we provide an allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts receivables for which recoverability is considered doubtful. Through 2000, we calculated the allowance by applying the ratio of actual losses during the previous year (write-offs to gross revenues) to amounts overdue up to 90 days. For accounts over 90 days, we determined the allowance based on our historical experience on such accounts. Effective as from 2001, we based our estimate on our historical collection experience and a review of the current status of all trade accounts receivable. This estimate considers the ratio of historical losses applied to the different categories of all outstanding amounts receivable from our customers. In case the value of our estimated allowance for doubtful accounts differs from the amounts not actually collected due to a deterioration in the financial condition of our customers or otherwise, additional allowance may be required.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the underlying assets and in accordance with tax rules. The principal depreciation rates are shown in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Beginning in 1999, we shortened our depreciation schedule for our automatic switching and transmission equipment from thirteen years and ten years, respectively, to five years, in order to better reflect the estimated useful life of this equipment in light of rapidly changing technology and industry practices. Given the complex nature of our property, plant and equipment, the estimates of useful lives require considerable judgment and are inherently uncertain, due to rapidly changing technology and industry practices, which could cause early obsolescence of our property, plant and equipment. If we materially change our assumptions of useful lives and if external market conditions require us to determine the possible obsolescence of our property, plant and equipment, our depreciation expense, obsolescence write-off and consequently net book value of our property, plant and equipment could be materially different.
Valuation of property, plant and equipment
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Under Brazilian GAAP, the recoverability of assets as mentioned above, if negative, would indicate the amount that would be considered impaired.
A determination of the fair value of an asset requires management to make certain assumptions and estimates with respect to projected cash inflows and outflows related to future revenues and expenditures and expenses. These assumption and estimates can be influenced by different external and internal factors, such as economic tendencies, industry trends, interest rates and changes in the marketplace. The use of different assumptions and estimates could significantly change our financial statements, for example if we had used more conservative assumptions and estimates the expected future net cash flow may had lead us to recognize impairment charges on our property, plant and equipment, which would had decreased our results of operations and shareholders’ equity. No impairment losses have been recognized for any of the periods presented.
Provisions for contingencies
Under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, provisions for contingencies are recognized for the amounts of probable losses based on legal advice from our in-house and external legal counsel and management's opinion of the outstanding contingent matters at the balance sheet date. We continually evaluate the provisions for contingencies based on changes in relevant facts, circumstances and events, such as judicial decisions, that may impact the estimates, which could have material impact on our results of operations and shareholders’ equity. While management believes that the current provisions for contingencies is adequate, there can be no assurance that these factors will not change in the future.
Deferred income taxes
We compute and pay income taxes based on results of operations under Brazilian Corporation Law, which are significantly different from the Brazilian GAAP figures that are presented in our financial statements in this annual report. Please see note 2b and 2c for more detailed description of the differences between Brazilian Corporation Law and Brazilian GAAP. Under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We regularly review the deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized, based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. When performing such reviews, we are required to make significant estimates and assumptions about future taxable income. In order to determine future taxable income, we need to estimate future taxable revenues and deductible expenses, which are subject to different external and internal factors, such as economic tendencies, industry trends, interest rates, changes in our business strategies and changes in the type of services we offer to the market. The use of different assumptions and estimates could significantly change our financial statements. For example, if we had used more conservative assumptions and estimates with respect to our expected future taxable income, we would be required to recognize valuation allowance charges on deferred income tax assets, which would decrease our results of operations and shareholders’ equity. If we operate at a loss or are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, or if there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates, the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, or any change in our future projections, we could be required to establish a valuation allowance against all or a significant portion of our deferred tax assets resulting in a substantial increase of our effective tax rate and a material adverse impact on our operating results.
Provision for pensions
In relation to the post-retirement pension liabilities, we are required to make assumptions and estimates regarding interest rates, investment returns, levels of inflation for future periods, mortality rates and projected employment levels. The accuracy of these assumptions and estimates will determine whether we have created sufficient reserves for accrued pension and medical health care costs and the amount we are required to provide each year as our post-retirement pension costs. These assumptions and estimates are subject to significant fluctuations due to different external and internal factors, such as economic trends, social indicators, our capacity to create new jobs and our ability to retain our employees. If these assumptions and estimates are not accurate, we may be required to review our provisions for pensions, which could materially reduce the results of our operations and shareholders’ equity.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2001, FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS No. 143 requires the Company to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets. The Company also records a corresponding asset that is depreciated over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation will be adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. The Company was required to adopt SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 143 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
At the September and October 2002 meetings of the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF), the Task Force reached a conclusion on Issue No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, which outlines an approach to be used to determine when a revenue arrangement for multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting and, if separation is appropriate, how the arrangement consideration should be allocated to the identified accounting units. Specifically, in an arrangements with multiple deliverables, the delivered item(s) should be considered a separate unit of accounting if (1) the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a standalone basis, (2) there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s) and (3) if the arrangement includes a general right of return, delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor. The arrangement consideration allocable to a delivered item(s) that does not qualify as a separate unit of accounting within the arrangement should be combined with the amount allocable to the other applicable undelivered item(s) within the arrangement. The appropriate recognition of revenue should then be determined for those combined deliverables as a single unit of accounting. The adoption of EITF 00-21 on July 1, 2003 did not result in a change in the Company's revenue recognition policies.
In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34. This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. The Interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of the Interpretation are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. Adoption of FIN 45 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
In December 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which addresses how business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity through means other than voting rights and accordingly should consolidate this entity. FIN 46R replaces FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which was issued in January 2003. The Company will be required to apply FIN 46R to variable interests in VIEs created after December 31, 2003. For variable interests in VIEs created before January 1, 2004, the Interpretation will be applied beginning on January 1, 2005. For any VIEs that must be consolidated under FIN 46R that were created before January 1, 2004, the assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests of the VIEs initially would be measured at their carrying amounts with any difference between the net amount added to the balance sheet and any previously recognized interest being recognized as the cumulative effect of an accounting change. If determining the carrying amounts is not practicable, fair value at the date FIN 46R first applies may be used to measure assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests of the VIE. Management of the Company does not expect any significant impact on the Company's financial statements by applying FIN 46R.
FASB Statement No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity, was issued in May 2003. This Statement establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The Statement also includes required disclosures for financial instruments within its scope. For the Company, the Statement was effective for instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise will be effective as of January 1, 2004, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments. For certain mandatorily redeemable financial instruments, the Statement will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2005. The effective date has been deferred indefinitely for certain types of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments. The Company currently does not have any financial instruments that are within the scope of this Statement.
Emerging Issue Task Force No. 01-08 (EITF 01-08), Determining Whether an Arrangement is a Lease, provides guidance in determining whether an arrangement should be considered a lease subject to the requirements of FASB Statement No. 13 (FAS 13), Accounting for Leases. EITF 01-08 defines, amongst others, that an arrangement conveys the right to use the property, plant, and equipment if the purchaser has (i) the ability to operate the property, plant and equipment, (ii) control physical access to the property, plant and equipment, or (iii) it is remote that one or more other parties will take more than a minor amount of the output and the pricing for the output is not fixed per unit or based on current market prices at the date of delivery. The consensus is required to be applied to arrangements agreed or committed to, modified, or acquired in business combinations initiated after the beginning of an entity's next reporting period beginning after May 28, 2003. We have not entered into significant arrangements since this date.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003
The following discussion is based on and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, as well as under the caption "Summary Information." The data at December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with the Brazilian GAAP. Investors should note that financial statements prepared in accordance with Brazilian GAAP differ from financial statements prepared in accordance with Brazilian Corporation Law in the methodology used for the recognition of inflation. Pursuant to Brazilian GAAP our audited financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003 no longer recognize the effects of inflation after January 1, 2001 and are not restated in constant reais. Brazilian GAAP when applied to us differs in certain important respects from U.S. GAAP. We have not prepared a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP for any periods, including the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 or 2003.
The following table sets forth certain components of our net loss, as well as the percentage change from the prior year, for 2001, 2002 and 2003.
| Year ended December 31, |
Percentage Change | ||||
| 2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2001 - 2002 |
2002 - 2003 | |
| (thousands of reais, except percentages) | |||||
| Net operating revenues | 6,158,408 | 7,071,368 | 7,915,194 | 14.8 | 11.9 |
| Cost of services | 4,798,434 | 5,163,861 | 5,472,142 | 7.6 | 6.0 |
| Gross profit | 1,359,974 | 1,907,507 | 2,443,052 | 40.3 | 28.1 |
| Operating expenses | |||||
| Selling expenses | 724,570 | 763,375 | 821,656 | 5.4. | 7.6 |
| General and administrative expenses | 604,890 | 661,060 | 847,074 | 9.3 | 28.1 |
| Other net operating expenses (income) | 56,769 | (118,496) | 214,953 | N/A | N/A |
| Operating income (loss) before net financial expenses |
(26,255) | 601,568 | 559,369 | N/A | (7.0) |
| Net financial expenses | 236,357 | 618,899 | 844,802 | 161.8 | 36.5 |
| Operating loss | (262,612) | (17,331) | (285,433) | 93.4 | 1,547.1 |
| Net non-operating expenses | 93,071 | 64,497 | 541,691 | (30.7) | 739.9 |
| Employees' profit share | 50,834 | 41,387 | 1,076 | (18.6) | (97.4) |
| Loss before taxes and minority interests | (406,517) | (123,215) | (828,200) | (69.7) | 572.16 |
| Income and social contribution tax benefits | 199,039 | 111,596 | 320,751 | 43.9 | 187.4 |
| Loss before minority interests | (207,478) | (11,619) | (507,449) | (94.4) | 4,267.4 |
| Minority interests | — | — | 14 | N/A | N/A |
| Net loss | (207,478) | (11,619) | (507,435) | (94.4) | 4,267.31 |
Net Operating Revenues
We generate operating revenues from:
local services, including monthly subscription charges, measured service charges, public telephones and additional services;
long-distance services;
data transmission;
network services, including interconnection and leasing high-capacity lines; and
other services, including toll-free, call forwarding and caller ID services.
Gross operating revenues are offset by value-added and other indirect taxes and discounts to customers. The composition of gross operating revenues by category of service is presented in our Financial Statements and discussed below before deduction of value-added and other indirect taxes. We do not determine net operating revenues for each category of revenue as we do not believe such information to be useful to investors.
The following table sets forth certain components of our consolidated net operating revenues, as well as the percentage change from the prior year, for 2001, 2002 and 2003.
| Year ended December 31, |
Percentage Change | ||||
| 2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2001 - 2002 |
2002 - 2003 | |
| (thousands of reais, except percentages) | |||||
| Local services: | |||||
| Monthly subscription charges | 2,218,784 | 2,656,631 | 2,867,244 | 19.7 | 7.9 |
| Measured service charges | 2,863,073 | 3,106,544 | 3,490,010 | 8.5 | 12.3 |
| Public telephones | 274,218 | 341,766 | 394,525 | 24.6 | 15.4 |
| Other | 191,679 | 149,643 | 148,035 | (21.9) | (1.1) |
| Total local services | 5,547,754 | 6,254,584 | 6,899,814 | 12.7 | 10.3 |
| Long-distance services: | |||||
| Intraregional | 1,341,288 | 1,748,190 | 1,923,094 | 30.3 | 10.0 |
| Interregional and International | 718 | 594 | 562 | (17.3) | (5.3) |
| Total long-distance services | 1,342,006 | 1,748,784 | 1,923,656 | 30.3 | 10.0 |
| Data transmission | 324,690 | 504,979 | 764,059 | 55.5 | 51.3 |
| Network services | 994,343 | 1,021,308 | 1,050,821 | 2.7 | 2.9 |
| Other | 249,703 | 310,025 | 439,031 | 24.2 | 41.6 |
| Gross operating revenues | 8,458,496 | 9,839,680 | 11,077,381 | 16.3 | 12.6 |
| Value added and other indirect taxes | (2,200,580) | (2,670,871) | (3,042,487) | 21.4 | 13.9 |
| Discounts | (99,508) | (97,441) | (119,700) | (2.1) | 22.8 |
| Net operating revenues | 6,158,408 | 7,071,368 | 7,915,194 | 14.8 | 11.9 |
Net operating revenues increased 11.9% to R$7,915.2 million in 2003 from R$7,071.4 million in 2002. This growth in net revenues was principally due to: (i) a 10.3% increase in revenues from local services resulting from a 6.7% increase in the average number of lines in service to approximately 9.7 million during 2003 from approximately 9.1 million in 2002; (ii) a 51.3% increase in revenues from data transmission resulting from (a) a 100.4% increase in our ADSL accesses in service, (b) a 91.7% increase in our IP accesses (Dedicated IP, IP Light and IP Turbo) in service, and (c) a 26.8% increase in the number of our Frame Relays in service at December 31, 2002; (iii) the 10% increase in intraregional long distance services and (iv) the Rate Increase.
Net operating revenues increased by approximately 14.8% to R$7,071.4 million in 2002 from R$6,158.4 million in 2001. The growth in revenues in 2002 was principally due to: (i) a 12.7% increase in revenues from local services resulting from a 13.0% increase in our average lines in service, to approximately 9.1 million at the end of 2002 from approximately 8.0 million at December 31, 2001, higher service charges for the basket of local services, and an increase in fixed-to-mobile revenues; (ii) an increase in revenues from data transmission resulting from (a) a 309.2% increase in our ADSL accesses in service, (b) a 116.2% increase in our IP accesses (Dedicated IP, IP Light and IP Turbo) in service, (c) an 83.8% increase in the number of Frame Relays in service and (d) a 192.4% increase in the number of DialNet accesses in service; and (iii) an increase in intraregional long-distance services resulting from an increase in fixed-to-mobile revenues. The growth in revenues was lower in 2002 than in 2001 primarily due to a smaller increase of average lines in service in 2002 of 9.6%, compared to 16.0% in 2001. In addition, 2001 was the first full year in which net operating revenues reflected our increased telephone network from our acquisition of CRT.
Revenues from Local Service
Total revenues from local services increased by 10.3% to R$6,899.8 million in 2003 from R$6,254.6 million in 2002. This increase was primarily due to the Rate Increase as well as the increasing penetration of telecommunications services in our region, represented by an increase in telephone density in our region of 23.4 lines in service per 100 inhabitants at December 31, 2003 from 23.1 lines in service per 100 inhabitants at December 31, 2002. The total number of lines in service increased to 9.9 million at December 31, 2003 from 9.5 million at December 31, 2002. This increase in penetration was due primarily to increased demand resulting from continued targeted and focused marketing efforts aimed at increasing the number of lines in service.
Total revenues from local services increased by approximately 12.7% to R$6,254.6 million in 2002 from R$5,547.8 million in 2001. The growth of revenues from local service in 2002 primarily reflects the annual rate increase of the basket of local services by approximately 8.3%. In addition to the rate increase, revenues from local service increased due to the increasing penetration of telecommunications services in our region represented by an increase in telephone density in our region of 7.5%, from 21.5 lines in service per 100 inhabitants at the end of 2001 to 23.1 lines in service per 100 inhabitants by the end of 2002. This increase in penetration was due primarily to increased demand resulting from our implementation of targeted and focused marketing efforts aimed at increasing the number of lines in service.
Monthly Subscription Charges
Total revenues from monthly subscription charges increased by 7.9% to R$2,867.2 million in 2003 from R$2,656.6 million in 2002. This revenue growth is primarily due to the increase in the average number of lines in service during the period, as well as to the rate increase to residential and non-residential clients of 17.2%. The increase in monthly subscription charges was partially offset by our continued offering of discounted basic monthly plans to clients who requested line cancellations in areas where we have idle capacity. These discounted monthly plans were implemented for the purpose of retaining clients in these areas.
Total revenues from monthly subscription charges increased by 19.7% to R$2,656.6 million in 2002 from R$2,218.8 million in 2001. This growth was primarily due to the increase in the average number of lines in service during the period, as well as to the annual price adjustment of the basket of local services of 14.0% for residential customers and of 0.6% for nonresidential customers. The increase was due to our implementation of discounted plans to clients who requested line cancellations in areas where we have idle capacity. These discounted monthly plans were implemented for the purpose of retaining clients in these areas.
Measured Service Charges
Total revenues from measured service charges, which include charges for pulses used in excess of the fixed monthly allowance and charges for local fixed-line to mobile handsets, increased by 12.3% to R$3,490.0 million in 2003 from R$3,106.5 million in 2002. This increase was primarily due to a 15.1% increase in revenues from calls made from a fixed-line to mobile handsets inside the mobile subscriber's home area ("VC-1"), resulting from an increase in 2003 in the number of mobile lines in our region of 36.5%, according to Anatel estimates, as well as increased telephone density in our region. The increase in VC-1 revenues was partly offset by a decrease in total billed pulses.
Total billed pulses, which include the number of pulses that exceed the fixed amount of monthly free pulses in 2003 decreased by 8.1% to approximately 12.0 billion. A pulse represents an average of 2.5 minutes of call time. Despite the increase in telephone density, the number of billed pulses per average lines in service per month decreased to 103.2 in the year ended December 31, 2003, compared to 119.9 in the corresponding period in 2002, reflecting our increasing penetration into lower income households. This decrease in billed pulses also reflects lower overall economic growth during 2003, and is consistent with the industry-wide trend of wireless substitution for fixed-line service and increased use of our ADSL service instead of our dial-up connections. By not automatically disconnecting delinquent clients at switch centers with idle capacity, we were able to continue to realize revenues by blocking only their outgoing calls, enabling such clients to continue to generate fees for network service usage on calls they were permitted to receive on their blocked lines.
Total revenues from measured service charges increased approximately 8.5% to R$3,106.5 million in 2002 from R$2,863.1 million in 2001. This increase was due to the 15.7% increase of VC-1 calls in 2002 resulting from the 24.9% increase in the number of mobile lines in our region, according to Anatel estimates, as well as increased telephone density in our region. The increase in VC-1 revenues was partially offset by a decrease in total billed pulses.
Total billed pulses decreased by 3.3% to approximately 13 billion in 2002. Despite the increase in telephone density, the number of billed pulses per average lines in service per month decreased to 119.9 in 2002, compared to 139.5 in 2001, reflecting our increasing penetration into lower income households. This decrease in billed pulses also reflects lower overall economic growth during 2002, and is consistent with the industry-wide trend of wireless substitution for fixed-line service and increased use of our ADSL service instead of our dial-up connections.
Public Telephones
Total revenues from public telephones increased by 15.4% to R$394.5 million in 2003 from R$341.8 million in 2002, primarily due to the rate increase of 17.2%, as well as a 1.9% increase in the number of public phone credits, which is the total call time purchased by clients on phone cards, to 5.97 billion credits in 2003 from 5.86 billion credits in 2002. Our revenues from public phone credits are generated from local and long-distance calls made from public payphones in our region using our prepaid telephone cards by using us to carry the call. This increase in our revenue from public phone credits was partially driven by an increase in public phone usage by prepaid mobile phone subscribers, because the rates charged for outgoing calls on fixed-line public telephones are lower than the rates charged on outgoing calls from prepaid mobile phones. The increase in public telephone revenues was also due to a 1.0% increase in the number of public telephones in service to 296,270 at December 31, 2003 from 293,282 at December 31, 2002.
Total revenues from public telephones increased by approximately 24.6%, to R$341.8 million in 2002, from R$274.2 million in 2001. The increase was due to the 8.4% rate increase in 2002, as well as a 14.2% increase in the number of public phone credits to 5.86 billion credits in 2002 from 5.13 billion credits in 2001. This increase in our revenue from public phone credits was partially driven by an increase in public phone usage by prepaid mobile phone subscribers, because the rates charged for outgoing calls on fixed-line public telephones are lower than the rates charged on outgoing calls from prepaid mobile phones. In 2002, the number of public telephones in service increased by 2.5% to 293,282 in 2002 from 285,725 in 2001. The rate of growth of public telephones in service decreased to 2.5% in 2002 from 30.2% in 2001. This difference was primarily due to the fulfillment of the universalization targets for 2001 that required maintaining all localities with over 600 inhabitants that are not served by fixed telephony, with at least one public telephone accessible 24 hours a day and capable of making and receiving local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance calls; and at least one public telephone available every 500 meters at all localities served by fixed telephony.
Other Local Services
Total revenues from other local services which consist primarily of installation fees and line rentals decreased by 1.1% to R$148.0 million in 2003 from R$149.6 million in 2002, due to a decrease in line rental revenues offset by an increase in installation revenues. Line rental revenues decreased to R$2.2 million in 2003 from R$5.2 million in 2002 as a result of the movement of some customers from rented lines to regular services in connection with our new promotional plans. Installation revenues increased to R$35.5 million in 2003 from R$32.6 million in 2002, principally due to a reduction in the discounts we offered with respect to installation fees as part of our periodic promotional plans.
Total revenue from other local services decreased approximately 21.9% to R$149.6 million in 2002 from R$191.7 million in 2001 primarily as a result of a decrease in line rental revenues combined with a decrease in installation revenues. Installation fees in 2002 decreased by 53.7% to R$32.6 million in 2002 from R$26.7 million in 2001, principally due to the sale of promotional plans with the waiver of installation fees for lines installed. We did not offer promotional plans in 2001. Line rental revenues decreased approximately 38.8% to R$5.2 million in 2002 from R$8.5 million in 2001, as a result of the movement of some customers from rented lines to regular services in connection with our new promotional plans.
Revenues from Long-Distance Services
At December 31, 2003, our revenues from long-distance services consisted primarily of intraregional (intrastate and interstate) long-distance calls (both fixed-fixed and fixed-mobile).
Intraregional Long-distance
Our revenues from intraregional long-distance services increased by 10.0% to R$1,923.1 million in 2003 from R$1,748.2 million in 2002. This increase is due to: (i) a 6.7% increase in the average number of lines in service, with a 14.4% decrease in traffic per line in 2003; (ii) a 5.8% decrease in VC-2 minutes and a 21.9% increase in VC-3 minutes, which was fueled by the growth in the number of mobile subscribers in our region and resulting in a combined increase in VC-2 and VC-3 fixed-mobile revenues to R$473.1 million in 2003 from R$385.1 million in the corresponding period in 2002; (iii) the 12.55% average rate increase in the long-distance services basket in 2003; and (iv) the increase in our estimated average market share to 89.9% from 86.5% in the intrastate segment, and to 75.2% from 73.0% in the interstate segment, due to our targeted and focused television, radio and newspaper advertising campaigns. VC-2 minutes are fixed-mobile minutes for calls made from a fixed-line to a mobile handset outside the mobile subscriber's home area but inside the region where the respective mobile operator provides service. VC-3 minutes are fixed-mobile minutes for calls made from a fixed-line to a mobile handset outside the mobile subscriber's home area and outside the region where the respective cellular provider provides service.
Total revenues from intraregional long-distance services increased by 30.3% to R$1,748.2 million in 2002, from R$1,341.3 million in 2001. This increase was due to: (i) a 12.6% increase in the number of average lines in service in 2002; (ii) a 34.5% and 30.6% increase in the number of VC-2 and VC-3 fixed-mobile minutes respectively fueled by the growth in the number of mobile subscribers in our region, which resulted in a combined increase in VC-2 and VC-3 fixed-mobile revenues to approximately R$385.1 million in 2002 from approximately R$256.9 million in 2001; (iii) an average rate readjustment of 5.0% in the basket of long-distance services, implemented on June 28, 2002; and (iv) the increase in our average market share from 82.2% to 86.5% in the intrastate segment, and from 67.0% to 73.0% in the interstate segment due to our targeted and focused television, radio and newspaper advertising campaigns.
Interregional and International Long-distance
Revenues from interregional and international long-distance calls consist primarily of long-distance calls to bordering cities adjacent to our region. Revenues from interregional and international long-distance services decreased by 5.3% to approximately R$562,000 in 2003, from approximately R$594,000 in 2002. The decrease in 2003 was primarily due to the 30.3% decrease in borderline traffic. Revenues from interregional and international long-distance calls decreased in 2003 because the services rendered in this segment were limited to interregional long-distance calls to bordering cities adjacent to our region.
Revenues from interregional and international long-distance services decreased by 17.3% to approximately R$594,000 in 2002, from approximately R$718,000 in 2001. The decrease in 2002 was primarily due to the 15.6% decrease in borderline traffic.
Revenues from Data Transmission
Total revenues from data transmission, which include revenues from ADSL, ATM (a broadband switching technology), DialNet (a remote access service for corporations and internet service providers), Frame Relay (a data transmission service) and Dedicated IP (an internet hosting service), increased by 51.3% to R$764.1 million in 2003 from R$505.0 million in 2002. This growth was due to the 100.4% increase in the number of ADSL accesses in service to approximately 281,900 at December 31, 2003 from 140,690 accesses in service at December 31, 2002, which generated average revenues per line of approximately R$90.1 during 2003, an increase of 31.0% from approximately R$68.8 in 2002. In addition, the 91.7% increase in the number of IP access (Dedicated IP, IP Light and IP Turbo) in service to 5,057 at December 31, 2003 from 3,638 at December 31, 2002 and the 26.8% increase in the number of Frame Relay accesses in service to 13,080 at December 31, 2003 from 10,319 at December 31, 2002 also contributed to the higher revenues from data transmission over the period. The increase in ADSL subscribers was driven by increased residential demand while the increase in IP and Frame Relay accesses was due to increased corporate demand. Overall growth in all data transmission services was due to the expansion of our corporate client base and our ability to provide integrated solutions to our customers through targeted and focused marketing campaigns.
Revenues from data transmission, which include revenues from ADSL, ATM, DialNet, Frame Relay and Dedicated IP increased by 55.5% to R$505.0 million in 2002, from approximately R$324.7 million in 2001. This growth was due to the 309.2% increase in number of ADSL accesses in service to 140,690 at December 31, 2002 from 34,378 at December 2001 as a result of the continued roll out of ADSL services which were originally introduced in April 2001. The increase was also due to the 116.2% expansion in the number of IP accesses (Dedicated IP, IP Light and IP Turbo) lines in service to 2,638 at December 31, 2002 from 1,220 at December 31, 2001, the 83.8% increase in the number of Frame Relay accesses in service to 10,319 at December 31, 2002 from 5,615 at December 31, 2001, the 192.4% increase in the number of DialNet accesses in service to 59,258 at December 31, 2002 from 20,265 at December 31, 2001 and the 8.7% increase in the number of SLDD accesses in service. The increase in Dedicated IP, Frame Relay and DialNet accesses was due to increased corporate demand. Overall growth in all data transmission services was due to the expansion of our corporate client base and our ability to provide new products and integrated solutions to our customers through targeted and focused marketing campaigns.
Revenues from Network Services
Revenues from network services are generated primarily from interconnection fees paid to us by other telecommunications operators for use of our network and, to a lesser extent, from leasing fees generated from mobile service providers for the leasing of our transmission facilities, infrastructure and other equipment, and fees from the rental of our assets, such as points of presence, to other long-distance and mobile operators.
Total revenues from network services increased by 2.9% to R$1,050.8 million in 2003, from R$1,021.3 million in 2002, due to the increase in revenues generated from interconnection fees, which represent the majority of revenues from network services (R$835.3 million in 2003). Total revenues from interconnection fees consisted of R$607.1 million from fixed-to-fixed traffic and R$228.2 million from mobile-to-fixed traffic. This increase in total revenue from interconnection fees was due primarily to the growth in the number of mobile accesses in our region and, consequently, higher mobile traffic on our network combined with the Rate Increase.
Total revenues from network services increased by 2.7% to R$1,021.3 million in 2002, from R$994.3 million in 2001 due to the increase in revenues generated from interconnection fees, which represent the majority of revenues from network services (R$785.8 million in 2002). Total revenues from interconnection fees consisted of R$607.1 million from fixed-to-fixed traffic and R$178.7 million from mobile-to-fixed traffic. This increase in total revenue from interconnection fees was due primarily to the growth in the number of mobile lines in our region and, consequently, higher mobile traffic on our network, as well as growth in fixed-line traffic, combined with the rate increase in 2002. Total revenues from network services grew at a slower pace in 2002 compared to 2001 as a result of the expansion of other operators' networks which reduced such operators' need to rely upon our networks.
Revenues from Other Services
Other services consist primarily of supplementary and value-added services such as toll-free, call forwarding and caller ID. Total revenues from other services increased by 41.6% to R$439.0 million in 2003 from R$310.0 million in 2002. Revenues from supplementary and value-added services increased by 24.9% to R$348.2 million in December 31, 2003 from R$278.8 million in 2002. This increase was due to increased advertising campaigns promoting value-added services as part of our strategy to increase average revenue per line.
Total revenues from other services increased 24.2% to R$310.0 million in 2002 from R$249.7 million in 2001. Revenues from supplementary and value-added services increased by 28.8% to R$278.8 million in 2002 from R$216.5 million in 2001. This increase was due to increased advertising campaigns promoting value-added services as part of our strategy to increase average revenue per line.
Charges Against Gross Operating Revenues
Value-added and Other Indirect Taxes
The principal taxes deducted from gross operating revenues are state value added taxes "ICMS", the federal social contribution taxes, PIS and COFINS, and the telecommunications contributions, FUST and FUNTTEL. We collect these taxes from our customers and transfer them to the appropriate governmental entities. The current average rate of ICMS is 25.0%. However, the ICMS tax rate varies in some states. In the state of Rondônia, for example, the ICMS tax rate is 35.0%, while in the state of Mato Grosso, the ICMS tax rate is 27.0% and in the state of Goias, the ICMS tax rate is 26.0%. PIS and COFINS are currently imposed at a combined rate of 9.3% of gross operating revenues. FUST and FUNTTEL are currently imposed at a combined rate of 1.5% of gross operating revenues, net of certain deductions.
The total amount of value-added and other taxes increased by 13.9% to R$3,042.5 million in 2003 from R$2,670.9 million in 2002. The rate of growth in value-added and other taxes reflects the rate of growth in our gross operating revenue during the period and the change in revenue mix, as there is less tax applicable to certain services, such as interconnection services.
The total amount of value-added and other taxes increased by 21.4% to R$2,670.9 million in 2002 from R$2,200.6 in 2001. The rate of growth in value-added and other taxes reflects the rate of growth in our gross operating revenue during the period and the change in revenue mix, as there is less tax applicable to certain services, such as interconnection services.
Discounts
Discounts are generally divided into rebates on: (i) pre-paid telephone cards (typically having commissions of approximately 10.0% over the face amount sold), (ii) local wireline calls, (iii) long-distance calls, and (iv) intelligent network services (such as caller ID, call forwarding and conference calling). Discounts increased 22.8% to R$119.7 million in 2003 from R$97.4 million in 2002, primarily due to an increase in the promotions we offered to maintain our customer base.
Discounts decreased 2.1% to R$97.4 million in 2002 from R$99.5 in 2001, primarily due to a decrease in the promotions we offered to our customer base.
Cost of Services
Total cost of services increased by 6.0% to R$5,472.1 million in 2003 from R$5,163.9 million in 2002. Our cost of services increased primarily as a result of an increase in interconnection costs payable to other operators for completing calls originating on our network. However, as a percentage of net operating revenues, cost of services decreased to 69.1% in 2003 from 73.0% in 2002, primarily due to reductions in personnel costs and relatively stable materials costs.
Total cost of services increased by 7.6% to R$5,163.9 million in 2002 from R$4,798.4 in 2001. Our cost of services increased primarily as a result of an increase in interconnection costs payable to other operators for completing calls originating on our network. However, as a percentage of net operating revenues, cost of services decreased to 73.0% in 2002 from 77.9% in 2001, primarily due to reductions in personnel costs and relatively stable materials costs.
The following table sets forth certain components of our cost of services, as well as the percentage change from the prior year, for 2001, 2002 and 2003.
| Year ended December 31, | Percentage change | ||||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2001-2002 | 2002-2003 | |
| (thousands of reais, except percentages) | |||||
| Cost of Services: | |||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,630,001 | 2,635,014 | 2,535,001 | 0.2% | (3.8) |
| Personnel | 185,843 | 144,581 | 129,404 | (22.2%) | (10.5) |
| Materials | 91,746 | 78,759 | 84,262 | (14.2%) | 7.0 |
| Services | 1,689,287 | 2,057,838 | 2,370,454 | 21.8% | 15.2 |
| Other | 201,557 | 247,669 | 353,021 | 22.9% | 42.5 |
| Total cost of services | 4,798,434 | 5,163,861 | 5,472,142 | 7.6% | 6.0 |
Depreciation and Amortization
Total depreciation and amortization costs decreased by 3.8% to R$2,535.0 million in 2003 from R$2,635.0 in 2002, due to a decrease in depreciation costs associated with CRT assets resulting from the disposal of such assets which occurred at the end of the year which was partially offset by an increase in depreciation costs associated with the expansion of our network in 2003, through an increase in lines installed to 10.7 million at December 31, 2003 from 10.6 million at December 31, 2002.
Total depreciation and amortization costs increased by 0.2% to R$2,635.0 million, from R$2,630.0 million in 2001, due to the increase in lines installed in 2002. Depreciation and amortization costs grew at a slower pace in 2002 due to the slower growth in the number of lines in service during this period.
Personnel
Total personnel costs decreased by 10.5% in 2003 to R$129.4 million from R$144.6 million in 2002. This decrease in personnel costs was primarily due to the outsourcing of maintenance services for our network, which resulted in a net reduction in our labor force by approximately 305 employees during the period, partially offset by the reclassification, in 2003, of R$12.5 million of employees' profit share to personnel expenses as a result of a CVM rule that requires that employees' profit share be classified as a personnel expense when a net loss is realized. At December 31, 2003, we had approximately 5,260 employees, a decrease from 5,565 employees at December 31, 2002.
Total personnel costs decreased by approximately 22.2% to R$144.6 million in 2002, from R$185.8 million in 2001. The decrease in personnel costs in 2002 was primarily due to the outsourcing of technical and operational services for our network, which resulted in a reduction in our labor force by 2,312 employees during 2002 to 5,565 employees at December 31, 2002 from 7,877 employees at December 31, 2001.
Materials
Total costs related to materials, such as plastic phone cards and materials for network maintenance (such as cables), increased by 7.0% to R$84.3 million in 2003 from R$78.8 million in 2002. This increase in material costs was primarily due to the growth in usage of prepaid phone cards, partially offset by the transfer of costs resulting from our outsourcing of maintenance services for our network to third parties.
Total costs related to materials decreased by approximately 14.2% to R$78.8 million in 2002 from R$91.7 million in 2001. The decrease in material costs was primarily due to the outsourcing of technical and operational services for our network.
Services
The cost of third party services, which include interconnection costs and the cost of maintaining our network infrastructure, increased by 15.2% to R$2,370.5 million in 2003 from R$2,057.8 million in 2002. This increase was due to the consolidation of expenses relating to our acquisition of GlobeNet which included the maintenance of the sub-marine cables acquired thereby and, to a lesser extent, by the increased outsourcing of maintenance services for our network to third parties.
Interconnection costs increased to approximately 16.1% of gross revenues, or R$1,772.1 million, in 2003 from approximately 15.5% of gross revenues, or R$1,526.5 million, in the corresponding period in 2002. This increase was due to the fixed-to-mobile Rate Increase, mostly in VC-1 as well as directly related to the use of our carrier selection code on calls originating from mobile phones, as we must pay a fee to the originating mobile phone operator to complete these calls. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in fixed-to-mobile telephone traffic of approximately 6.8% to approximately 4.1 billion minutes in 2003 from approximately 4.4 billion minutes in 2002. The increase in costs of third party services was also due to subcontractor costs associated with maintaining our network infrastructure. Subcontracted costs increased by 12.6% to R$598.3 million in 2003 from R$531.4 million in 2002 due to our increased outsourcing of maintenance and fee readjustments resulting from inflation indexing provisions in the existing maintenance contracts.
In 2002, the total cost of third party services increased by 21.8% to R$2,057.8 million, from R$1,689.3 million in 2001. The increase in 2002 was primarily due to an increase in interconnection costs, and to a lesser extent by the outsourcing of technical and operational services for our network. In 2002, interconnection costs increased to approximately 15.5% of gross revenues in 2002 from approximately 14.9% of gross revenues in 2001. This increase was due to the rate increase in 2002 and also to an increase in fixed-to-mobile interconnection costs mostly in VC-1 which resulted from an increase in fixed-to-mobile telephone traffic. Fixed-to-mobile telephone traffic grew by approximately 10.1% to approximately 4.4 billion minutes in 2002, from approximately 3.9 billion minutes in 2001. The increase in fixed-to-mobile telephone traffic was due to the increase in the amount of pre-paid mobile phones which allow mobile customer to receive calls from fixed-line telephones free of charge in return for a flat monthly fee. The number of mobile phones in our region is estimated by Anatel to have grown by 24.9% to 9.5 million in 2002 from 7.7 million in 2001. The increase in costs of third party services was also due to subcontracted costs associated with maintaining our network infrastructure. Subcontracted costs increased by 23.6% to R$531.4 million in 2002 from R$429.2 in 2001 due to our increased outsourcing of maintenance and technical and operational services.
Other
Other costs of service, which primarily include fees paid for the rental of equipment and infrastructure, insurance and a fee imposed by Anatel on providers of telecommunications services for the inspection of switching stations and wireless terminals, referred to as Taxa de Fiscalização de Telecomunicações, or FISTEL, increased by 42.5% to R$353.0 million in 2003 from R$247.7 million in 2002. This increase was primarily due to the consolidation of iBest and GlobeNet in the third quarter of 2003.
Other costs of service, increased by 22.9% to R$247.7 million in 2002 from R$201.6 million in 2001. This increase was primarily due to the increase in internet connection fees associated with the increase in ASDL revenues.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit increased in 2003 by 28.1% to R$2,443.1 million from R$1,907.5 million in 2002, as a result of an increase in our net operating revenues in 2003. As a percentage of net operating revenues, gross profit increased to 30.9% in 2003 from 27.0% in 2002.
Our gross profit increased in 2002 by 40.3% to R$1,907.5 million from R$1,360.0 million in 2001 as a result of an increase in net operating revenues in 2002 and a smaller increase in cost of services in 2002. As a percentage of net operating revenues, gross profit increased to 27.0% in 2002 from 22.1% in 2001.
Operating expenses
Total operating expenses, which include selling expenses, general and administrative expenses and other net operating expenses, increased by 44.2% to R$1,883.7 million in 2003 from R$1,305.9 million in 2002. This increase was primarily a result of the increase in general and administrative expenses in the period, as discussed below.
Total operating expenses decreased by 5.8% to R$1,305.9 million in 2002 from R$1,386.2 million in 2001. This decrease was primarily a result of the increase in other net operating expenses (income), as discussed below.
The following table sets forth certain components of our operating expenses, as well as the percentage change from the prior year, for 2001, 2002 and 2003.
| Year ended December 31, | Percentage change | ||||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2001-2002 | 2002-2003 | |
| (thousands of reais, except percentages) | |||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||
| Selling expenses | 724,570 | 763,375 | 821,656 | 5.4 | 7.6 |
| General and administrative expenses | 604,890 | 661,060 | 847,074 | 9.3 | 28.1 |
| Other net operating expenses (income) | 56,769 | (118,496) | 214,953 | N/A | N/A |
| Total operating expenses | 1,386,229 | 1,305,939 | 1,883,683 | (5.8) | 44.2 |
Selling Expenses
Total selling expenses increased 7.6% to R$821.7 million in 2003 from R$763.4 million in 2002. This increase was due primarily to (i) a 27.3% increase in expenses for salaries and bonuses relating to our sales personnel, primarily in the corporate segment in connection with our retention programs for corporate personnel; (ii) a 13.1% increase of bad debts and provisions for doubtful accounts (connected with the correspondent increase in revenues); and (iii) the reclassification in 2003 of R$11.7 million of employees' profit share to the personnel expense component of selling expenses as a result of a CVM rule that requires that employees' profit share be classified as personnel expense when a net loss is realized. These increases were partially offset by a 27.3% decrease in advertising and marketing expenses.
Bad debts and provisions for doubtful accounts increased 13.1% in 2003 due to our increase in gross revenues. However, as a percentage of gross revenues, bad debts and provisions for doubtful accounts remained stable at 2.7% of gross revenues for 2003 in comparison to 2002. This stability in bad debts and provisions for doubtful accounts as a percentage of gross revenues reflects our continued focus on measures to control bad debt, such as the introduction of prepaid phone cards to mitigate credit risk.
In 2002, total selling expenses increased by 5.4% to R$763.4 million, from R$724.6 million in 2001, due to higher expenses of services primarily due to the outsourcing of call center services, offset by a reduction in bad debts and provisions for doubtful accounts. In 2002, bad debts and provisions for doubtful accounts decreased approximately 18.6%. As a percentage of gross revenue, bad debts and provisions for doubtful accounts decreased from 3.8% of gross revenues in 2001 to 2.7% of gross revenues in 2002. During 2002, we implemented certain successful strategies in order to reduce bad debt levels, including (i) the teleaviso service in February 2002, which involves sending a warning message to previously delinquent clients before their payment date, in order to ensure that they will pay their bills on time and (ii) sending a collection agreement letter to warn of final disconnections, offering the customers the option to pay their past-due bills in installments before their lines are cut off.
General and Administrative Expenses
Total general and administrative expenses increased 28.1% to R$847.1 million in 2003 from R$661.1 million in 2002. This increase was primarily due to an increase in (i) expenses from information technology equipment depreciation; (ii) expenses for regular office services, such as security, cleaning and maintenance and (iii) the reclassification, in 2003, of R$21.5 million of employees' profit share to the personnel expense component of the general and administrative expenses. Employees' profit share is required by the CVM to be classified as a personnel expense when a net loss is realized. As a percentage of net operating revenues, general and administrative expenses rose to 10.7% in 2003 from 9.3% in 2002.
In 2002, total general and administrative expenses increased by approximately 9.3% to R$661.1 million, from R$604.9 million in 2001, primarily due to an increase in expenses from IT equipment depreciation and in expenses for regular office services, such as security, cleaning and maintenance. As a percentage of net operating revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 9.3% in 2002 from 9.8% in 2001.
Other Net Operating Expenses (Income)
Total other net operating expenses (income) decreased from an income of R$118.5 million in 2002 to an expense of R$215.0 million in 2003. This increase in expenses resulted primarily from an increase of R$359.7 million in provision for contingent liabilities relating mainly to the operations of the Rio Grande do Sul branch, formerly CRT. This increase in provision is a result of court decisions in the fourth quarter of 2003, which now require us to regard our loss relating to a portion of these proceedings as "probable". The contingent liabilities relate to CRT's pre-existing labor, civil and tax proceedings, primarily regarding salary issues (following reallocation of CRT staff) and entitlement to bonuses in connection with dangerous working conditions. We do not expect any material losses in excess of these amounts. See Item 8 "Financial Information – Legal Proceedings".
In 2002, total other net operating expenses (income) increased, to an income of R$118.5 million, from an expense of R$56.7 million in 2001. This increase was due to the reduction in the provision for the retirement incentive plan (in 2002, we accounted lay-off expenses only until March 2002) and the reduction in the write-off of interconnection accounts receivable (recognized in 2001 as other operating expenses and no longer recognized in 2002).
Operating Income (Loss) Before Net Financial Expenses
Our total operating income before net financial expenses decreased by 7.0% to an income of R$559.4 million in 2003 from an income of R$601.6 million in 2002. As a percentage of net operating revenues, operating income before net financial expenses decreased to 7.1% in 2003 from 8.5% in 2002.
Our total operating income before net financial expenses increased to an income of R$601.6 million in 2002 from a loss of R$26.3 million in 2001 primarily as a result of an increase in gross profits combined with a decrease in operating expenses. As a percentage of net operating revenues, operating income before net financial expenses increased to 8.5% in 2002.
Net Financial Expenses
Total net financial expenses represent the net effect of interest income, interest expense and exchange rate and monetary restatement gain and loss. Our total net financial expenses increased 36.5% to R$844.8 million in 2003 from R$618.9 million in 2002 primarily as a result of:
a 57.4% increase in our interest expense, to R$1,050.9 million in 2003 from R$667.7 million in 2002 (of which approximately 27.5% (R$288.6 million) was paid to Brasil Telecom Participações S.A., our parent company) as a result of higher interest rates in Brazil in 2003 compared to 2002, which increased the cost of our real denominated indebtedness, as the average CDI in 2003 was 23.3% as compared to 19.1% in 2002.
- the increase in interest expenses was offset by a 50.1% increase in our interest income to R$302.6 million in 2003 from R$201.6 million in 2002, primarily as a result of the increase in average cash balances to R$1,444.4 million in 2003 from R$877.2 million in 2002.
In 2002, our net financial expenses increased by 161.8% to R$618.9 million, from approximately R$236.4 million in 2001, primarily as a result of:
a 132.1% increase in our interest expenses, to R$667.7 million in 2002 from R$287.7 million in 2001 (of which approximately 42.1% (R$280.9 million) was paid to Brasil Telecom Participações S.A., our parent company) as a result of:
- a 23.8% increase in our indebtedness, to R$4,997.0 million at the end of 2002 from R$4,035.0 million at the end of 2001 (of which approximately 29.2% (R$1,460.0 million) was owed to Brasil Telecom Participações S.A., our parent company);
- an increase in our interest expense from our U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness, due to a depreciation of the real during 2002; and
- an increase in our interest expense from our real denominated indebtedness, due to an increase in Brazilian interest rates as the average CDI in 2002 was 19.1% as compared to 17.5% in 2001.
Operating Loss
Our total operating loss increased 1,547.0% to R$285.4 million in 2003 from R$17.3 million in 2002, primarily as a result of the 44.2% and 36.5% increase in operating expenses and net financial expenses, respectively. As a percentage of net operating revenues, operating loss increased to 3.6% in 2003 from 0.2% in 2002
In 2002, our total operating loss decreased by 93.4%, to approximately R$17.3 million, from R$262.6 million in 2001, primarily as a result of the increase in operating income before net financial expenses, offset by the increase in net financial expenses.
Net Non-Operating Expenses
Net non-operating expenses consist principally of equipment disposal in connection with the modernization of our network.
Total net non-operating expenses increased by 739.9% to an expense of R$541.7 million in 2003 from R$64.5 million in 2002. Net non-operating expenses are comprised mainly of the amortization of goodwill we acquired as a result of the merger with CRT in December 2000. Goodwill amortization for CRT totaled R$96.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 (See note 8 to our audited consolidated financial statements). Besides the amortization of goodwill, in 2003 we wrote-off property, plant and equipment, related to an obsolescence study made especially for CRT, in the amount of R$387.0 million.
Total net non-operating expenses decreased by 30.7% to an expense of R$64.5 million in 2002, from an expense of R$93.1 million in 2001. This was due primarily as a result of the credit for unclaimed dividends in 2001.
Employees' Profit Share
According to Law No. 10,101/2000, all Brazilian companies may compensate employees, in addition to their salary and benefits, with profit sharing. The amount of such profit sharing is generally determined by negotiations between our company and the labor unions that represent our employees.
Our employees' profit share decreased 97.4% to R$1.1 million in 2003 from R$41.4 million in 2002 due to the reclassification of R$46.3 million as personnel expenses because we realized losses under Brazilian Corporation Law. Employees' profit share is required by the CVM to be classified as a personnel expense when a net loss is realized.
In 2002, our employees' profit share decreased by 18.6% to R$41.4 million, from approximately R$50.8 million in 2001. This was due to the decrease in the number of our employees by approximately 29.4% in 2002. At December 31, 2002, we had 5,565 employees.
Loss Before Taxes and Minority Interests
Our loss before taxes and minority interests increased 572.2% to R$828.2 million in 2003 from R$123.2 million in 2002 primarily as a result of the increase in operating loss and net non-operating expense. As a percentage of net operating revenues, loss before taxes and minority interests increased to 10.5% in 2003 from 1.7% in 2002.
Our loss before taxes and minority interests decreased by 69.7% to R$123.2 million in 2002 from R$406.5 million in 2001 primarily as a result of the increase in operating income before net financial expense and a decrease in net non-operating expense. As a percentage of net operating revenues, loss before taxes and minority interests decreased to 1.7% in 2002 from 6.6% in 2001 .
Income and Social Contribution Tax expenses
Income and social contribution tax benefit increased by 187.4% to R$320.8 million in 2003 from R$111.6 million in 2002, due to the increase in loss before taxes and minority interest to a loss of R$828.2 million in 2003 from a loss of R$123.2 million in 2002.
In 2002, income and social contribution tax benefit decreased by 43.9% to approximately R$111.6 million, from approximately R$199.0 million in 2001, due to the decrease in loss before taxes and minority interest to a loss of R$123.2 million in 2002 from a loss of R$406.5 million in 2001.
Minority Interests
In 2003, we allocated R$14,000 of loss to minority shareholders originating from their stakes in iBest.
In 2002, we did not allocate any gain or loss to minority shareholders because we did not have any subsidiaries that were not fully owned.
Net Loss
Our net loss increased 4,267.3% to R$507.4 million in 2003 from R$11.6 million in 2002, as a result of the increase in operating loss and net non-operating expenses. As a percentage of net operating revenues, net loss increased to 6.4% in 2003 from 0.2% in 2002.
In 2002, our net loss decreased 94.4% to R$11.6 million from a loss of R$207.5 million in 2001 as a result of the increase in our operating income before net financial expense combined with the decrease in our net non-operating expenses, employees' profit share and the reduction of the deferred tax credits accrued in 2002.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
The following table sets forth certain components of our source of funds or cash flows for the years ending December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
| Year ended December 31, | |||||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |||
| (millions of reais) | |||||
| Cash flows provided by (used in): | |||||
| Operating activities | 2,145.8 | 2,305.9 | 2,477.9 | ||
| Investing activities | (3,151.3) | (1,815.7) | (1,643.3) | ||
| Financing activities | 535.2 | 601.4 | (791.7) | ||
| Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (470.3) | 1,091.6 | 42.9 | ||
We use the net cash generated from our operations and from external financing to fund capital expenditures for our network expansion and modernization, to pay dividends, to meet our anticipated debt-service, and to invest in new businesses.
We believe that we have sufficient sources of liquidity and capital to meet these requirements for the next few years although we cannot assure you in this regard.
Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
Our primary source of funds continues to be cash generated from operations. Our cash flow from operating activities increased 7.5% to R$2,477.9 million in 2003 from R$2,305.9 million in 2002. This increase is primarily due to the 11.9% increase in net operating revenues and the resulting 28.1% increase in gross profit in 2003 compared to 2002.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment continue to be our primary use of cash flow and other capital resources. Our cash flow used in investing activities decreased 9.5% to R$1,643.3 million in 2003 from R$1,815.7 million in 2002. In 2003, we invested R$1,794.0 million to expand and modernize our network to facilitate the introduction of new products and services, enhance responsiveness to competitive challenges, increase the operating efficiency and productivity of our network and meet our network expansion and modernization goals. During the corresponding period in 2002, we invested R$1,977.7 million to expand and modernize our network.
As part of our strategy to acquire high technology network infrastructure, we invested a total of R$356.7 million during 2003 on our acquisitions of the capital stock of GlobeNet, MetroRED and iBest. This amount is part of the total R$1,794.0 million mentioned above.
Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities
We realized a cash outflow from financing activities of R$791.7 million in 2003, as compared to an inflow of R$601.4 million in 2002. The change from inflow to outflow from financing activities during 2003 was primarily due to (i) R$84.6 million in new loans incurred in 2003, compared to R$1,249.9 million in new loans incurred in 2002, (ii) a R$137.0 million increase in loans repaid, for a total of R$574.0 million in loans repaid in 2003, compared to R$437.0 million in loans repaid in 2002, and (iii) an increase in interest on shareholders' equity paid by R$72.6 million to R$262.2 million in 2003, from R$189.7 million in 2002.
Currently, we are negotiating with BNDES a new credit facility of approximately R$1.0 billion for the expansion and modernization of our network.
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
In 2003, our cash and cash equivalents increased by R$42.9 million to R$1,465.8 million, compared to an increase in cash and cash equivalents by R$1,091.5 million to R$1,422.9 million in 2002. The increase in our cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to the higher cash inflow from operating activities and the decrease in cash flow used for investing activities, partially offset by the outflow for financing activities in 2003.
Indebtedness
At December 31, 2003, we had R$4,635.8 million of indebtedness, a decrease of 8.8% from R$5,081.8 million at December 31, 2002. In the twelve months of 2003, our interest expense (including accrued interest) increased by 22.4% to R$800.0 million from R$653.5 million in 2002, as a result of higher interest rates in Brazil in 2003 compared to 2002 and the following increases in indebtedness:
On December 1, 2002, we issued R$400.0 million of public non-convertible debentures guaranteed by Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. The maturity date is December 1, 2004. Interest on the debentures is equivalent to 109.0% of the CDI rate and is payable on a semi-annual basis, on June 1 and December 1 of each year, until the maturity of the debentures.
During the year ended December 31, 2002, we drew down an additional R$325.3 million from our long-term credit facilities with BNDES. Approximately R$71.5 million was drawn from a BNDES credit facility bearing interest at the variable TJLP rate plus 6.5% per annum. The TJLP rate as of December 31, 2003 was 11.0% per annum. Approximately R$253.8 million was drawn from a BNDES credit facility bearing interest at a rate equal to the rate of appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus the Brazilian real on an annual basis plus the average annual currency basket rate published by BNDES (Cesta de Moeda) plus 3.9% per annum. See Item 10 "Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Material Contracts—BNDES Loan Agreements".
At December 31, 2003, approximately 5.3%, or R$245.6 million, of our total indebtedness was denominated in U.S. dollars, compared to 6.6%, or R$334.6 million, at December 31, 2002. Of our indebtedness affected by exchange variation at December 31, 2003, approximately 58.4% was hedged against significant variations in exchange rates (R$/U.S.$). See Note 31 to our audited financial statements and "— Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk" below.
The following table sets forth the repayment schedule of our indebtedness:
| At December 31, 2003 | |
| (thousands of reais) | |
| 2004 | 1,990,274 |
| 2005 | 957,871 |
| 2006 | 1,063,129 |
| 2007 | 528,597 |
| 2008 and after | 95,966 |
| Total Indebtedness | 4,635,837 |
Although our indebtedness decreased to R$4,635.8 million in 2003, and our interest expenses (including capitalized interest) increased to R$800.0 million for the twelve months of 2003, we expect to be able to repay substantially all of the principal and interest on our indebtedness with internally generated funds. Net cash flow from our operating activities was R$2,477.9 million in 2003, compared to R$2,305.9 million in 2002. However, there can be no assurances that net cash flow from operating activities will continue to be sufficient to cover these obligations or that we will not need additional financing in order to repay all principal and interest on our indebtedness as it comes due.
In February of 2004, we issued U.S.$200.0 million 9.375% Notes due 2014 in the international market. The notes will mature on February 18, 2014 unless extended for a period of up to eighteen months from the expected maturity date. The notes have the benefit of an irrevocable standby letter of credit, as well as an insurance policy provided by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. The net proceeds from the notes will be used to finance our 2004 and 2005 investment program.
On March 24, 2004 we entered into a Japanese Yen 21.6 billion loan facility arranged by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation ("SMBC"), guaranteed by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation ("JBIC") and granted by a syndicate of five commercial banks (including SMBC). The loan is not secured and bears interest at a rate equal to Yen (LIBOR) plus 1.92% per annum. Interest payments are due on September 24 and March 24 of each year. We borrowed the entire amount available under this facility on March 28, 2004 in the form of a single term loan, which was exchanged into approximately R$576.0 million and which we used to partially finance our 2003 capital expenditures.
Capital Expenditures
Our capital expenditures decreased approximately 9.3% to R$1,794.0 million in 2003, from R$1,977.6 million in 2002. Of our capital expenditures in 2003, R$1,328.2 million related to expansion and modernization of our fixed operations, R$109.2 million to mobile operations and R$356.7 million to the acquisition of the capital stock of GlobeNet, MetroRED and iBest. The capital expenditures on the expansion and modernization of our fixed telephony operations consist mainly of updating technology and upgrading capacity in relation to our transmission backbone, switching centers, data network and intelligent network. Such expenditures decreased approximately 34.2% compared with 2002 (R$1,783.6 million in 2002). This decrease was due to lower requirements for investment in equipment and networks due to better management as well as the general slowdown of the Brazilian economy, which resulted in lower equipment and network usage than projected.
We currently expect to invest approximately R$2,000.0 million in the expansion and modernization of our network during the fiscal year 2004, which includes investments of approximately R$850.0 million in our mobile telephone network. At December 31, 2003 we had expected capital expenditure commitments amounting to approximately R$117.7 million for 2004. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, we invested approximately R$217.0 million in the expansion and modernization of our network. See Item 5 "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Expenditures." We expect to finance our remaining expected 2004 capital expenditures with internally generated funds from operations. Net cash flow from our operating activities was approximately R$2,500.0 million, R$2,300.0 million and R$2,100.0 million in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Research and Development
We conduct research and development in the areas of telecommunications services, but we do not independently develop any new telecommunications technology. We have a group of professionals focused on the search of new technology, aiming at the application of this technology to the development of new services and, also, at adding value to the existing services. This work is performed in cooperation with suppliers of equipment and systems. As a result of this work, we are the first Brazilian carrier to launch services that use next generation network architecture.
Since prior to the breakup of Telebrás, we, and each of the other former operating subsidiaries of Telebrás, have contributed to the Center, which is a research and development center formerly operated by Telebrás that develops telecommunications technology for application in Brazil. On August 3, 2001 we entered into two service agreements with the Center, one in the amount of R$7.0 million per year for a three-year period in order to maintain our access to telecommunications software developed by the Center, and the other in the amount of R$10.0 million per year for a 2-year period in order to receive technological services provided by the Center, such as equipment testing and consulting and training services. In addition to the Center, we also depend on manufacturers of telecommunications products for the development of new hardware and new telecommunications technologies.
Our aggregate expenditures on research and development, including our contribution to the Center, were approximately R$8.0 million, R$3.8 million and R$ 2.6 million in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
Trend Information
The evolution of the communications needs of our customers has been redefining the role of telecommunications in Brazil. We believe that the mass use of computers and the internet, the evolution of wireless and data compression technology, and the deregulation of and increased competition in telecommunications services will continue to increase the demand for telecommunications services in Brazil.
Due to these developments, the value of access and long-distance networks has decreased and the value of telecommunications applications and services has increased. As a result, telecommunications companies have been seeking to integrate vertically and expand geographically in order to obtain economies of scale and leverage revenue growth. This is expected to favor those companies with sufficient access to financing. Although we believe that our company is well positioned to take advantage of this trend, there can be no assurances that we will have access to sufficient financing in the future or on terms acceptable to us.
As an immediate effect of the geographic expansion and vertical integration, the degree of difference between the traditional players has diminished and the boundaries between the communications companies (i.e., voice/data via fixed accesses, voice/data via mobile accesses, Internet and cable modem) have become increasingly narrow. In order to differentiate ourselves from our competitors, we have sought to bundle our products and services, brand our services and introduce value-added services.
The deregulation and technological evolution of the telecommunications industry in Brazil has intensified the competition in the voice sector as well as in the data sector. This may have a material adverse effect on our market share, margins, results of operations and financial condition." In terms of mobile telephony, the auction of licenses for PCS in Brazil has further boosted competition.
We believe that our main strength lies in the regional awareness of our brand name, the technologically advanced level of our network, our success in the recruitment of top quality employees and our strong internal cash flow generation.
Our key strategies for the period between 2004-2006 are to:
Offer complete and innovative solutions in telecommunications services;
Seek excellent relations with our customers;
Minimize our operational costs while expanding our network and services;
Attract, develop and retain qualified personnel; and
Participate in the consolidation of the Brazilian telecommunications sector.
“Off-Balance Sheet” Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Trading Activities
Our company does not engage in any material trading activities involving commodity contracts that are accounted for at fair value. The only risk management activities that we engage in is the hedging of some of our U.S. dollar and Yen denominated indebtedness. See Item 11 "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Quantitative information about market risk—Exchange Rate Risk."
Contractual Obligations
The following tables set forth our obligations to make future payments under contracts, such as debt and lease agreements, and under contingent commitments, such as debt guarantees.
| Payments due by period at December 31, 2003 | |||||
| Contractual Obligations | Less than 1 year |
1-3 years |
4-5 years |
After 5 years |
Total |
| (thousands of reais) | |||||
| Indebtedness | 1,990,276 | 2,021,000 | 550,182 | 74,381 | 4,635,839 |
| Capital lease obligations | 5,894 | 516 | - | - | 6,410 |
| Operating leases | 14,374 | 7,700 | 7,440 | 9,882 | 39,396 |
| Unconditional purchase obligations | 117,694 | 0 | - | - | 117,694 |
| Other long-term obligations | - | 70,615 | 70,616 | 70,616 | 211,847 |
| Total contractual cash obligations | 2,128,238 | 2,099,831 | 628,238 | 154,879 | 5,011,186 |
Dividends
We are required to distribute to our shareholders, either as dividends or as tax deductible interest on shareholder equity, 25.0% of our adjusted net income determined in accordance with Brazilian accounting principles and as adjusted in accordance with Brazilian Corporation Law including any realization of the net income reserve. We were required to pay a non-cumulative preferred dividend on our Preferred Shares in an amount equal to 6.0% of the share capital attributable to our Preferred Shares under Brazilian Corporation Law. Law No. 10,303, dated October 31, 2001, which amended the Brazilian Corporation Law requires that we pay a non-cumulative preferred dividend on our Preferred Shares of at least 3.0% per year of the book value of Shareholders' equity divided by our total number of shares. On December 19, 2002 we amended our Bylaws to comply with these new requirements. Preferred Shareholders are now entitled to receive a minimum non-cumulative dividend of Preferred Dividend equal to the greater of (i) 6.0% per year of the value of our total share capital divided by our total number of shares or (ii) 3.0% per year of the book value of our shareholders' equity divided by the total number of our shares. In 2001, 2002 and 2003 we paid dividends of approximately R$183.9 million, R$189.7 million and R$269.1 million, respectively.
Pension Plans
We participate in a multi-employer defined benefit plan, the "Sistel Plan," that covers our inactive or retired employees who were former employees of Telebrás. Under this plan, we are contingently liable, together with the other companies that comprised the Telebrás system, for our proportionate share of unfunded obligations of the plan attributable to our participating employees as well as post-retirement health care benefits for active and inactive employees that were in this condition until January 31, 2000. Contributions to this plan may be required in case of an accumulated deficit. As of December 31, 2003 the plan was running a surplus. The retirement health benefits are covered by a defined-benefit assistance plan, maintained in conjunction with other sponsors from the former Telebrás system who provide telecommunications services. This benefit assistance plan is provided for participants who were being assisted on January 31, 2000, and for those assisted under the defined-benefit plans (PBS’s) segregated from all the other Sistel sponsors. The contributions are funded by the company and represent 1.5% of the paychecks of active participants who are associated with the PBS-TCS group (incorporated to the TCSPrev plan in December 31, 2001). The company’s responsibility for this assistance plan is exclusively limited to future contributions. In 2003, the contributions of the company to this assistance plan were R$125,000. During the year 2000, we withdrew a portion of our funds from the multi-employer plan in order to establish a separate plan for our current employees who were also former employees of Telebrás. On February 28, 2000, we founded our own private pension entity implementing a defined contribution, variable benefit plan, TCSPrev ("TCSPrev") (Brasil Telecom's Pension Fund). This plan covers employees who signed terms of membership from February 28, 2000 onwards. Approximately 74.0% of our employees are covered under TCSPrev. Under TCSPrev the sponsoring companies are no longer jointly liable. Instead, each sponsor is liable only for contributions with respect to its own employees. Joint liability among the plan sponsors continues to exist only with respect to retired employees, who will necessarily continue under the Sistel Plan, or with respect to the active employees who did not sign the term of membership to join TCSPrev. The company has another health assistance defined-benefit plan under Sistel which provides health assistance to retirees and pensioners associated with the PBT-BrT group (incorporated by TCSPrev in December 31, 2001). The contributions for this plan were fully paid in July 1998 through a single payment. New contributions will be limited to the future need to cover expenses, if any occur. See Note 22 to our Financial Statements.
Prior to our acquisition of CRT, CRT created a pension program to provide retirement benefits to its employees (Fundação dos Empregados da Companhia Riograndense de Telecomunicações –"FCRT"). Unfortunately the FCRT was not fully funded by CRT. When we purchased CRT we assumed our proportionate share of the unfunded obligations of the FCRT attributable to those CRT employees that were assumed by our company (the FCRT covers approximately 25.0% of our current employees (approximately 1,174 employees as of December 31, 2003)).
We estimate that, at December 31, 2003, our proportionate share of the unfunded obligations of the FCRT attributable to our participating employees was approximately R$ 3.4 million. In an effort to eliminate the existing deficit over a period of twenty years, as of January 2002, we have been making additional monthly contributions to the FCRT in an amount equal to 57.285% of the combined salary of members of the FCRT who are employees of our company (48.92% is used for contributions which amortize the deficit and 8.365% is used for normal contributions). Since February 2003, we have been making additional monthly contributions to the FCRT in fixed amounts to amortize the deficit, which in 2003 was approximately R$90.5 million. In 2003, the normal monthly contribution represented approximately 6.72% of the combined salary of the members of the FCRT.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, the total cost of the FCRT to our company was approximately R$93,835.0 million. We have contributed approximately R$90,460.0 million to amortize the deficit, and R$3,375.0 million for normal contribution.
As a result of our potential unfunded obligations under the FCRT, in 2003 we decreased the current portion of our provision for pensions from R$92.1 million at December 31, 2002 to approximately R$28.0 million at December 31, 2003, and increased the non-current portion of our provision for pensions from approximately R$409.7 million at December 31, 2002 to approximately R$476.4 million at December 31, 2003. See Note 22 to our Financial Statements. The TCSPrev defined-benefit plan was created on February 28, 2000 and is subscribed to by approximately 80.0% of the company’s employees. In December 31, 2001, all pension plans were incorporated under Sistel, which in turn created groups with defined contributions, liquidated-benefits (benefício-saldado) and defined-benefits. The plans that joined TCSPrev, PBS-TCS, PBT-BrT, Convênio de Administração-BrT and “Termo de Relação Contratual Atípica”, maintained the conditions established by their respective original plans. As of March 2003, this plan was no longer accepting new participants.
This plan kept the same bases as the original plans for contributions by groups of participants, which are determined through actuarial studies prepared by independent actuaries in accordance with the rules currently effective in Brazil and complying with the capitalization regime for cost determination. Currently, participants and sponsors only contribute to the internal groups, PBS-TCS (defined-benefit) and TCSPrev (defined-contribution). In the TCSPrev group, both the participant and the sponsor contribute equally to the participant’s individual account, with the contribution varying from 3.0% to 8.0% of the participant’s salary, depending on the age of the participant. The participant may elect to make further contributions to the plan, although the sponsor is not required to match such contributions. In the PBS-TCS group, the sponsor’s contribution is equal to 12.0% of the participant’s monthly salary, whereas the participant’s contribution varies according to the age, seniority and salary of the participant. The participant also has the option of making additional payments into the plan and the size of this contribution depends on the age when the participant entered into the plan. The sponsors are responsible for all administrative costs and risks of the plan. In 2003, the contributions of the company to TCSPrev was, on average, 7.31% of the total value of the payroll of the participants who were members of the plan, totaling R$15.3 million.
As a result of our potential obligations to the PAMEC-BrT assistance plan, in 2003 the company constituted a long term provision for R$ 1.7 million. In 2002, there was no such provision.
ITEM 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
Board of Directors and Senior Management
Board of Directors
With the reduction of the stake held by TI in the voting capital of Solpart, directors Ludgero José Pattaro and José de Lorenzo Messina, and their respective alternates, resigned on September 11, 2002. Also, on January 28, 2003, Márcio Koch Gomes dos Santos and his alternate submitted their resignation letters from our board of directors. On April 23, 2003, our shareholders elected Ms. Daniela Maluf Pfeiffer, Mr. Rodrigo Bhering Andrade, Mrs. Maria Amalia Delfim de Melo Coutrim and their respective alternates to substitute the mentioned directors. The following are the current effective members of our board of directors, their age at December 31, 2003, their respective positions and the date they were elected.
| Name (Age) | Position | Date Elected |
| Eduardo Seabra Fagundes (67) | Chairman | April 29, 2002 |
| Maria Amalia Delfim de Melo Coutrim (46) | Director | April 23, 2003 |
| Ricardo Wiering Barros (42) | Director | April 29, 2002 |
| Eduardo Cintra Santos (49) | Director | April 29, 2002 |
| Daniela Maluf Pfeiffer (33) | Director | April 23, 2003 |
| Rodrigo Bhering Andrade (45) | Director | April 23, 2003 |
| Francisco Ribeiro de Magalhães Filho (57) | Director | April 29, 2002 |
Eduardo Seabra Fagundes, has served as a member of our board of directors since December 2000. Mr. Fagundes has served as an attorney of the state of Rio de Janeiro (1971-1996), and has been president of the Brazilian Bar Association – OAB (1979-1981), Attorney General of the state of Rio de Janeiro (1983-1986), Justice Secretary for the state of Rio de Janeiro (1986-1987), member of the board of the Brazilian Institute of Administrative Law, member of the editorial board of the Revista de Direito Tributário, chairman of the board of directors of Banco Credibanco S.A. (1991-2000) and is a founding partner of the Brazilian Institute of Monetary Law. Mr. Fagundes holds a Law degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and a post graduate degree in Law, research and teaching from Fundação Getúlio Vargas, Brazil.
Maria Amália Delfim de Melo Coutrim, has served as a member of our board of directors since February 2002. Ms. Coutrim has been a Director in CVC/Opportunity (since 1997). From 1994 to 1997, she served as a Director in Opportunity Asset Management. From 1986 to 1994, she held the position of Director and Partner in Opportunity Asset Management. From 1983 to 1985, she served as investment manager in Bradesco Seguros S.A. From 1982 to 1983, Ms. Coutrim served as an investment analyst of Triplik Corretora. Ms. Coutrim holds an Economy degree from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Ricardo Wiering de Barros, has served as a member of our board of directors since April 2001. Mr. Barros has been an investment analyst in PREVI — Caixa de Previdência dos Funcionários do Banco do Brasil (1996-1997) and in CVC/Opportunity (Since 1997). He has also served as a member of board of directors of Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (1997-2000) and Santos Brasil (Since 1997). Mr. Barros holds a graduate degree in Data Processing from Universidade Católica in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and a post graduate degree in Accounting from Fundação Getúlio Vargas – in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Eduardo Cintra Santos, has served as a member of our board of directors since April 1999. In 1980, Mr. Santos joined Perbrás – Empresa Brasileira de Perfurações Ltda., where he held the positions of director and partner-manager. From 1978 to 1980 he worked in E.C.S. Construções e Montagens Ltda., where he held the position of partner-manager. Mr. Santos holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Bahia in Brazil.
Daniela Maluf Pfeiffer, has served as a member of our board of directors since February 2003. She has been in the investor relations department of CVC/Opportunity since 2001. From 1994 to 1997, she worked in the database area of Opportunity Asset Management. From 1990 to 1994, she worked in the database area of Banco Icatu. Ms. Pfeiffer holds a degree in Business Administration from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Rodrigo Bhering Andrade, has served as a member of our board of directors since February 2003. He has served as attorney of CVC/Opportunity Equity Partners since 1997. From 1995 to 1997, he served in GP Investimentos. From 1990 to 1995, he worked for JP Morgan. From 1985 to 1990, he served in Pinheiro Neto Advogados, a Brazilian law firm. In 1985, he served in Bingham, Dana & Gould in Connecticut, USA. From 1983 to 1984, he worked for Pinheiro Neto Advogados. Mr. Andrade holds a LL.B. from the Federal University of Brasília, Brazil and a LL.M. from the Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Francisco Ribeiro de Magalhães Filho, has served as a member of our board of directors since April 1999. He has served as a member of the board of directors of telecommunications companies such as Telemig Celular, Telesc Celular and Telepar Celular. He was a director of the National Association of Capital Market Investors – ANIMEC.
Senior Management
Our senior management consists of one Chief Executive Officer, a Financial Executive Officer, a Network Executive Officer and a Human Resources Executive Officer, each elected by the board of directors for a term of three years. An executive officer may be removed from office at any time by our board of directors.
The following are our current executive officers, their age at December 31, 2003, their respective positions and the date they were elected or appointed.
| Name (Age) | Position | Date elected/appointed |
| Carla Cico (43) | Chief Executive Officer | August 28, 2003 |
| Paulo Pedrão Rio Branco (51) | Financial Executive Officer | August 28, 2003 |
| Francisco Aurélio Sampaio Santiago (49) | Network Executive Officer | August 28, 2003 |
| Carlos Geraldo Campos Magalhães (49) | Human Resources Executive Officer | August 28, 2003 |
Carla Cico, has served as Chief Executive Officer of our company since February 2001. Mrs. Carla Cico joined Italtel S.p.A. in China in 1987, working as a Resident Manager in their Chong Quing office. In 1988, she became the Chief Representative of their Beijing Office. In September 1993, she joined IRI S.p.A. in China as Chief Representative of their Beijing Office. In January 1995, she joined Stet International S.p.A. as Director of International Business Operations in Rome. From April 1999 to February 2001 (prior to joining our company), she worked as a consultant in the telecommunications field for various national and international companies. Mrs. Cico currently serves on the board of directors of Belgacom Group. Mrs. Cico holds a degree in Economics of the Pacific Rim and in Chinese language from Normal Superior University in Taiwan. She also holds a degree in Oriental Languages (Chinese) with specialization in Chinese politics and economics from University of Venice. Mrs. Cico has a masters degree in business from University of London and MBA degree from the London Business School, Sloan Program.
Paulo Pedrão Rio Branco, has served as our Chief Financial Officer since April 2000. Mr. Rio Branco joined Coelba (Companhia de Eletricidade do Estado da Bahia) in 1975, working as General Coordinator of the Presidency. In 1987, he worked as Coordinator of Energy of the Bahia State Secretariat of Mines and Energy. In April 1988, he joined CHESF (Companhia Hidrelétrica do São Francisco) as advisor to the President. In June 1989, Mr. Rio Branco became Special Coordinator of Bahia State Secretariat, becoming Secretariat of Mines and Energy of the State of Bahia in January 1990. In May 1990, Mr. Rio Branco became the Chief Financial Officer of CHESF. In 1995, he became Manager of the New Business Department at Coelba. Prior to joining Brasil Telecom, he worked as Development Director at Iberdrola Energia do Brasil Ltda. Mr. Rio Branco holds a degree in Business Administration and Economics from Universidade Católica de Salvador and a post graduate degree in corporate finance from Fundação Getúlio Vargas.
Francisco Aurélio Sampaio Santiago, has served as our Network Executive Officer since October 2002. He has also occupied the posts of Assistant Director for the Fulfillment of Targets and Assistant Network Director, from December 2000 to September 2002, and has been responsible for the Area of Operations since June 2001. He also occupied the role of Network Director of the Central Region (Brasília, Goiás and Tocantins) from May 1999 to December 1999 and of the Southern Region (Paraná, Santa Catarina and CTMR in Rio Grande do Sul) from December 1999 to December 2000. He has been in the sector for 23 years, having among other roles occupied the posts of Engineering Director, Director of Human Resources and Director of the Mobile Department of Telebrasília. He has a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Brasilia (UnB), and attended a postgraduate course in telecommunications at the École National Superièure de Telecomunication (ENST) in Paris — France in 1984 and a course on Tele-computing at UnB in 1987.
Carlos Geraldo Campos Magalhães, has served as our Human Resources Executive Officer since December 13, 2001. Prior to coming to the Company, Mr. Magalhães has served as a financial director for OAS Group, sub-secretary of finance of the State of Bahia, General Supervisor of LIGHT — Serviços de Eletricidade S.A., and Finance Director and President of Companhia de Eletricidade do Estado da Bahia — COELBA. Mr. Magalhães holds a degree in business from the Business Administration School of the State of Bahia and a degree in engineering from the Federal University of Bahia.
Solpart Shareholders' Agreement
Under the Solpart shareholders' agreement dated July 19, 1998, among Techold, TII, Timepart, Solpart and others, which we refer to as the Solpart Agreement, Solpart has agreed to vote its shares in Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. to cause the nomination and election by Techold and TII of Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.'s and Brasil Telecom S.A.'s board of directors and senior management.
Compensation
For the year ended December 31, 2003, the aggregate amount of total compensation that we paid to all of our directors and executive officers was approximately R$10.2 million, which includes the aggregate amount of bonuses paid to all of our directors and executive officers of approximately R$4.9 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, the aggregate amount for pension, retirement or similar benefits for our directors and executive officers was approximately R$222,441. We have not entered into any employment or service agreement with any of our directors or executive officers. As a result, the only benefits accruing to any of our directors or executive officers upon their termination are medical benefits and those provided under applicable Brazilian laws.
Stock Option Plan
At our Extraordinary General Shareholders Meeting held on April 28, 2000, our shareholders approved a general plan to grant stock purchase options to our officers and our employees and the employees of our subsidiaries (the "Plan"). The Plan authorizes a maximum limit of 10.0% of the shares of each class of company stock. Shares received from the exercise of options guarantee the beneficiaries the same rights granted to our other shareholders. The general terms of the Plan have been submitted to our board of directors and the administration of the Plan was entrusted to a management committee appointed by the board of directors, which decided to grant only preferred stock options.
The Brasil Telecom S.A. Plan is divided into two separate programs:
Program (A)
This program is granted as an extension of the performance of our objectives established by our board of directors for a five-year period. At December 31, 2003, no stock had been granted.
Program (B)
The strike price of the option is established by the management committee having as reference the arithmetic average of the market price of the shares for the last 20 trading sessions prior to the date of granting the option. The price will be monetarily restated by the IGP-M between the date of signing the contracts and the payment date.
The first grant of stock options under Program B occurred on December 17, 2002 with 622,364 options issued. The second grant of options occurred on December 19, 2003 with 308,033 options. 22,928 of the options granted on December 17, 2002 lapsed during 2003.
The right to exercise the option applies to: (a) 33.0% on the 24th month after the date the option was granted; (b) 33.0% in the 36th month after the date the option was granted; and (c) 34.0% in the 48th month after the date the option was granted. The periods of acquisition can be anticipated in view of the occurrence of events or special conditions set forth in the option contract. Options that are not exercised after seven years from the date of execution of the options agreements will expire without compensation.
The information related with the general plan to grant stock options is summarized below:
| 2003 | ||
| Preferred Shares | Average exercise | |
| Options (thousand) | price (R$) | |
| Balance as of 12/31/2002 | 622,364 | 11.34 |
| Granted | 308,033 | 12.48 |
| Expired | (22,928) | 11.34 |
| Balance as of 12/31/2003 | 907,469 | 11.73 |
Board Practices
We are administered by a board of directors (Conselho de Administração) and our senior management (Diretoria), and overseen by a fiscal council (Conselho Fiscal).
Board of Directors
The board of directors, whose functions resemble those of a U.S. board of directors, must be comprised of at least three individual shareholders resident in Brazil or non-resident, provided that the latter is represented in Brazil by an attorney-in fact. The board of directors is mandated to direct the company's business; elect, remove and establish the duties and responsibilities of the company's executive officers; inspect the activities of the executive officers and the company records and documents, including those with third parties; call general shareholders meetings as deemed appropriate or required; comment on reports of the officers and their accountants; provide prior commentary on company acts or contracts, as provided for in the by-laws; approve share issues or dividends; decide on the disposal of assets, encumbrances, guarantees and obligations assumed on behalf of third parties, unless the by-laws provide otherwise, and select and dismiss independent auditors. Financial statements, including annual balance sheet, accumulated profit and loss statement, income statement and source and application of funds statement must be prepared under the direction of the board of directors, audited and approved by shareholders.
In addition to the duties prescribed by law, our by-laws provides that our board of directors is also responsible for, among others:
(i) approving our annual budget, including the objectives and business strategy for the period of that budget;
(ii) authorizing the acquisition of our issued shares whether for the purpose of cancellation or otherwise;
(iii) approving our participation in or any sale of our participation in the capital of other companies;
(iv) authorizing the acquisition of fixed assets whose individual value is above 1.0% of our net equity;
(v) within the limit of our authorized capital, approving the grant of any option to purchase stock to our administrators, employees and to individuals that render services to us;
(vi) authorizing the giving of real or personal guarantees by us in favor of third parties;
(vii) authorizing certain benefits given to our employees or to the community in furtherance of our corporate responsibilities;
(viii) approving loans, financing, leasing and issues of commercial papers whose individual value is above 1.0% of our net equity;
(ix) authorizing investments in new businesses or the creation of any subsidiary;
(x) approving the complementary social security policy of the company and the collective bargaining agreements;
(xi) approving the internal rules of the board of directors;
(xii) approving any proposal of the senior management relating to our organizational structure, including the competence and duties of our senior management;
(xiii) electing and dismissing, at any moment, our senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and assigning duties to them, in accordance with the provisions of the by-laws; and
(xiv) dividing the global remuneration amount, set by the annual general shareholders meeting, between our Directors and Executive Officers and assigning their individual remuneration.
Currently, our board of directors consists of seven directors; six of which are elected by holders of our Common Shares and one of which is elected by holders of our Preferred Shares. Our directors are replaced during any absence, impediment or vacancy, by their respective alternate. In the case of a vacancy in the position of an effective director, the remaining directors will appoint among them an alternate, who will take on the role until the time of the first meeting. Anyone who occupies positions in companies with which we compete, in particular, on advisory committees, board of directors or fiscal councils; or anyone who has interests which conflict with ours shall not be elected to the board of directors.
The board of directors will meet ordinarily once every two months and holds special meetings whenever called by the Chairman or by two members of the board of directors. Voting takes place by majority of those present.
In order to comply with the rules established for companies qualified under Level 1 of Bovespa Special Corporate Governance, when a director or executive officer is elected, his investiture is conditioned upon the execution and delivery of a Statement of Consent from the senior management (Termo de Anuência dos Administradores), by means of which he personally undertakes to comply with the Differentiated Corporate Governance Practice Rules established by Bovespa for Level 1 companies. Our directors and executive officers must also report to BOVESPA the volume and characteristics of any securities directly or indirectly held by them, including derivatives.
Fiscal Council
Brazilian Corporate Law requires us to provide in our by-laws for the existence of a board of auditors which we refer to as our fiscal council, but does not require us to have one on a permanent basis. We have adopted by-laws which require us to have a permanent fiscal council that consists of four members and their respective alternates three of which are elected by holders of our common shares and one which is elected by holders of our preferred shares. The members of our fiscal council are elected at the annual general shareholders meeting and are not part of our board of directors. The fiscal council operates independently from our management and from our external auditors and has the following legal authorities:
(i) to supervise the acts of our senior management and ensure that they comply with their legal and statutory duties;
(ii) to give an opinion on the annual report of the management, including the supplementary information deemed necessary or useful for deliberation at a general meeting;
(iii) to give an opinion on any proposals of the senior management and board of directors to be submitted to a general meeting, regarding an alteration in the capital, the issue of debentures or subscription bonuses, investment plans or capital budgets, dividend distribution, transformation, merger, consolidation or division;
(iv) to report any error, fraud or criminal acts it may discover to the senior management and board of directors, and, if these fail to take the necessary steps to protect our interests, to a general meeting of shareholders suggesting an appropriate course of action;
(v)to call the annual general meeting should the senior management and board of directors delay doing so for more than one month, and an extraordinary general meeting whenever serious or urgent matters occur, including in the agenda of the meeting such matters as it may deem necessary;
(vi) to examine, at least every three months, the trial balance sheet and other financial statements periodically prepared by us;
(vii) to examine the accounts and financial statements for the fiscal year and to provide an opinion on them;
(viii) to exercise such responsibilities during a liquidation, taking into account the special provisions which regulate liquidations.
In order to comply with the rules established for companies qualified under the Special Corporate Governance Level 1 of BOVESPA, when one of the members of our fiscal council is elected, his investiture is conditional upon the execution and delivery of a statement of consent from our board of directors and our fiscal council (Termo de Anuência dos Administradores), by means of which he personally undertakes to comply with the differentiated corporate governance practice rules established by Bovespa for Level 1 companies. Our fiscal council members and board of directors must also report to BOVESPA the volume and characteristics of our securities directly or indirectly held by them, including derivatives.
The following are the current members of our fiscal council:
| Name | Date Elected |
| Luiz Otávio Nunes West (45) | April 19, 2004 |
| Gilberto Braga (43) | April 19, 2004 |
| Jorge Michel Lepeltier (55) | April 19, 2004 |
| Estácio Gonzaga de Sá (36) | April 19, 2004 |
Corporate Governance Practices
The significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the New York Stock Exchange standards can be found on our website, www.brasiltelecom.com.br/ir/. The information found at this website is not incorporated by reference into this document.
Employees
In 2003, we decreased the number of our employees by approximately 5.5%, from 5,565 employees at December 31, 2002 to 5,260 employees at December 31, 2003. All of our employees are employed on a full-time basis.
Approximately 31.8% of our employees work in the area of operations, 25.5% of our employees work in the area of marketing and other commercial activities, 10.7% of our employees work in the area of finance, 10.6% of our employees work in the area of information technology, 10.2% of our employees work in the area of support services, 4.4% of our employees work in the area of human resources and 7.0% of our employees work in the area of senior management.
Approximately 32.0% of our employees are affiliated employees of the unions, legal representatives of the category, that are affiliated to the following federations: FENATTEL - Federação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Telecomunicações (National Federation of Telecommunications Workers), or FITTEL - Federação Interestadual dos Trabalhadores em Telecomunicações (Interstate Federation of Telecommunications Workers). The base date of the category is December, time in which the salary losses for the period are negotiated, with basis on the accrued INPC index from December to November of the immediately preceding year.
The economic clauses are negotiated annually, while the social clauses are negotiated every 2 years.
The following table sets forth the breakdown of our employees by geographic region:
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| (%) | (%) | (%) | |
| Offices | |||
| Distrito Federal | 20.2 | 32.9 | 36.0 |
| Rio Grande do Sul | 27.0 | 17.9 | 14.2 |
| Paraná | 21.5 | 20.1 | 19.0 |
| Santa Catarina | 11.2 | 10.4 | 9.9 |
| Goiás/Tocantins | 11.0 | 7.9 | 7.1 |
| Mato Grosso do Sul | 4.6 | 4.3 | 3.9 |
| Mato Grosso | 2.5 | 3.9 | 4.1 |
| Rondônia | 1.5 | 2.1 | 2.2 |
| Acre | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| São Paulo (1) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 |
| Rio de Janeiro (1) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.1 |
| U.S., Venezuela and Bermudas Islands (1) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 |
| Total | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
| (1) | In 2003, there were employees in three new locations, due mainly to the operation of the São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro offices, acquisition of iBest and GlobeNet. |
Performance Bonus Plan
We renewed the collective labor agreement with several labor unions in the context of which we would pay a bonus to the employees who reached their operational targets, according to the terms and conditions set forth in the norms of the bonus plan for performance.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, we paid, in 2004, approximately R$28.3 million in performance bonuses to our officers, executives and employees.
For the year-end of December 31, 2002, we paid, in 2003, approximately R$37.7 million in performance bonuses to our officers, executives and employees.
Share Ownership
According to the Brazilian Corporation Law, all members of the board of directors of a Brazilian publicly held company must also be shareholders of that company. As a result, all members of our board of directors own at least one of our shares.
The following table indicates the amount of shares owned by each member of our board of directors and senior management.
| Number of | Number of | |
| Name(1) | Preferred Shares | Common Shares |
| Directors: | ||
| Eduardo Seabra Fagundes | — | 1 |
| Maria Amália Delfim de Melo Coutrim | 5 | — |
| Ricardo Wiering Barros | — | 49 |
| Eduardo Cintra Santos | 351 | 88 |
| Daniela Maluf Pfeiffer | 5 | 10 |
| Rodrigo Bhering Andrade | 5 | — |
| Francisco Ribeiro de Magalhães Filho | 2,426,257,468 | — |
| Senior Managers: | ||
| Carla Cico | 273 | 39 |
| Paulo Pedrão Rio Branco | — | — |
| Francisco Aurélio Sampaio Santiago | — | — |
| Carlos Geraldo Campos Magalhães | — | — |
| (1) | Of all of the persons indicated above, only Mr. Francisco Ribeiro de Magalhães Filho beneficially owns more than 0.445% of any class of our capital stock. Mr. Magalhães Filho owns approximately 0.821% of our Preferred Shares, corresponding to 18,000,000 Preferred Shares, held directly, and 2,408,257,468 Preferred Shares, held indirectly, through a participation of 47.6% in Evolution Fundo de Investimento em Ações. |
ITEM 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
Major shareholders
References to "Preferred Shares and "Common Shares" in this Annual Report are to our preferred shares and common shares, respectively. References to "American Depositary Shares" or "ADSs" are references to American Depositary Shares each representing 3,000 Preferred Shares, and references to "American Depositary Receipts" or "ADRs" are references to the American Depositary Receipts, the certificates that evidence the ADSs.
Our capital stock is comprised of Preferred Shares and Common Shares, all without par value. At December 31, 2003, there were 295,569,090,398 Preferred Shares outstanding and 249,597,049,542 Common Shares outstanding. Of the two classes of our capital stock outstanding, only our Common Shares have full voting rights. Our Preferred Shares have voting rights under the following limited circumstances:
in any decision by the General Shareholders' Meeting related to any management service agreement, including any technical assistance agreement, to be entered into by our company with any foreign entity affiliated to any of Techold, TII or Timepart; and
in any decision by the General Shareholders' Meeting, related to any matter, if our company shall have omitted to pay preferred dividends for three or more consecutive years.
The following table sets forth information concerning the ownership of our Preferred Shares and Common Shares (i) by Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. and (ii) by our directors and senior management as a group, at December 31, 2003. We are not aware of any other shareholder of record owning more than 5.0% of our Common Shares.
| Name of Owner | Number of Preferred Shares Owned |
% of Outstanding Preferred Shares |
Number of Common Shares Owned |
% of Outstanding Common Shares |
| Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. and certain indirect shareholders | 118,971,065,022 | 40.25 | 247,558,706,476 | 99.18 |
| All directors and executives officers as a group | 2,485,281,236 | 0.84 | 418,390 | 0.00 |
At December 31, 2003 our Preferred Shares were held by approximately 422,039 registered holders, of whom approximately 421,847 registered holders were located in Brazil. At December 31, 2003, our Common Shares were held by approximately 195,345 registered holders, of whom approximately 195,284 registered holders were located in Brazil.
At December 31, 2003, Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. and certain indirect shareholders owned approximately 99.18% of our Common Shares. Accordingly, Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. has the ability to elect six of our seven directors.
At December 31, 2003, Solpart owned approximately 53.6% of Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.'s common stock. Accordingly, Solpart has the ability to control the election of the board of directors of Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. and, indirectly, of our board of directors. At December 31, 2003, to the best of our knowledge, Techold, TII and Timepart owned approximately 47.5%, 31.6% and 20.9%, respectively, of the capital stock of Solpart and 19.0%, 19.0% and 62.0% of the voting capital of Solpart. On April 26, 2004, Solpart reduced its own capital stock by distributing 3,474,342,842 of Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.'s common shares and 3,491,253,373 of Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.'s preferred shares to its shareholders. As a result, Solpart reduced its interest in Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. and Timepart, Techold and TII also became direct minority shareholders.
The following is a brief description of our controlling shareholders:
We are ultimately indirectly controlled by Cvc/Opportunity Equity Partners Ltd. and Opportunity Asset Management Inc., respectively, as general partner and manager of CVC/Opportunity Equity Partners L.P. and Opportunity Fund.
CVC/Opportunity Equity Partners L.P., Investidores Institucionais FIA, PRIV FIA and Opportunity Fund hold 42.10%, 45.45%, 2.39% and 9.75% respectively of the voting capital of Opportunity Zain S.A., which in turn is the controlling shareholder of Invitel S.A.
Invitel is the holding company of Techold Participações S.A., which together with Timepart hold 47.5% and 20.9% respectively of the voting capital of Solpart.
Timepart is a company owned by Telecom Holding S.A., Privtel Investimentos S.A. and Teleunion S.A.
Telecom Holding S.A. is, to the best of our knowledge, controlled by Woog Family LP.
Privtel Investimentos S.A. is owned by Eduardo Cintra Santos, who serves on Brasil Telecom S.A.’s board of directors.
Teleunion S.A. is owned by the estate of Luiz Raymundo Tourinho Dantas.
Solpart is the controlling shareholder of Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.
For a description of Solpart's Shareholders Agreement, see "—Major Shareholders—Shareholders' agreement."
The following chart sets forth our controlling shareholders as of April 26, 2004.
Shareholders' Agreement
We have no shareholders' agreement at the company level. We are controlled by Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. Solpart, the entity that controls Brasil Telecom Participações S.A., has a shareholders' agreement. On July 19, 1998, Timepart, Techold, TII, Solpart and others, entered into an Amendment and Restated Shareholders Agreement of Solpart, to set forth their respective rights and obligations with respect to their interest in Solpart and in its then controlled companies and provides, among other things, for the following:
the rules for the nomination of the majority of our directors and executive officers;
a right of first offer, rights of first refusal and tag-along rights for TII; and
rights of first refusal for Techold with respect to the sale of TII's shares in Solpart.
Under the Solpart Shareholders' Agreement, upon the fulfillment of certain conditions, Techold and TII may be entitled to nominate and elect members of our Board of Directors and of our Senior Management. In addition, under the Solpart Shareholders' Agreement, the parties thereto have agreed, among other things, that the:
modification of our business plan, dividend policy and Bylaws;
sale of any of our material assets;
issuance by our company of additional securities;
increase or reduction of our capital;
incurrence by our company of additional indebtedness; and
merger of our company with another company,
require (i) the prior approval of an absolute majority of the voting capital of Solpart and (ii) the affirmative vote of TII in the matters defined therein as Supermajority Matters. However, according to the August 27, 2002 amendment to the shareholder's agreement, certain provisions were amended, TII's approval rights were suspended subject to subsequent restoration upon the fulfillment of certain conditions and a certain number of common shares in Solpart were sold by TII to Techold and Timepart subject to “call” and “put” rights. There are disputes pending regarding TII’s effort to restore these approval rights and exercise its call rights. See Item 3 "Key Information—Risk factors—Risks relating to our company — Certain beneficial shareholders control a large percentage of our voting shares and their interests may conflict with the interests of our other shareholders, including minority shareholders" and "—Disputes among our controlling shareholders have had and could in the future have a material adverse effect on our management and operations."
On September 16, 2003, Solpart Participações S.A., Opportunity Logica II FIA, OPP I FIA, Opportunity I FIA, Opportunity Fund and CVC/Opportunity Equity Partners LP entered into a shareholders agreement called "Acordo de Voto da Brasil Telecom Participações S.A." (hereinafter referred to as the "Voting Agreement"). The Voting Agreement establishes that the above mentioned shareholders shall vote as a block, in order to reinforce the exercise of the control of the company by its current controlling shareholders.
On October 30, 1998, Opportunity Zain S.A., Opportunity Fund, CVC/Opportunity Equity Partners FIA, PRIV FIA, Tele FIA, Fundação Petrobras de Seguridade Social, Fundação Sistel de Seguridade Social, Caixa de Previdência dos Funcionários do Banco do Brasil and Fundação Embratel de Seguridade Social entered into the Shareholders’ Agreement of Invitel (hereinafter referred to as the “Invitel Shareholders’ Agreement”). The Invitel Shareholders’ Agreement provides for rules regarding (i) appointment of Officers and Directors on the level of Invitel, Techold, Solpart and Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.; (ii) the exercise of voting rights by the Parties and the board members appointed by Invitel; and (iii) the right of first refusal on the transfer of shares issued by Invitel.
Related Party Transactions
None of the members of our board of directors or senior management, or any close member of their respective families, has or has had, since the period beginning January 1, 2001, any direct interest in any transaction effected with our company which is or was unusual in its nature or conditions, or significant to our business.
As of December 31, 2003, no outstanding loans or guarantees have been made to the members of our board of directors, senior management, or any close member of their respective families.
Transactions with Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.
From time to time, we provide certain logistic and other administrative services to our parent company, Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. on an arm's length basis. For the year 2003, we provided approximately R$2.3 million of services to Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. At December 31, 2003, Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. owed us approximately R$157,000 for the provision of these services.
On May 22, 1998, we entered into a loan agreement with Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. for a total of approximately R$50.6 million, with a variable interest rate equal to the rate of appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus the Brazilian real on an annual basis + 1.75% per annum, payable at the end of each semester. The loan matures on July 1, 2014. As of December 31, 2003, we owed approximately R$89.6 million in principal and accrued interest on this loan. See Note 26 to our consolidated audited Financial Statements.
On September 29, 2000, we received approximately R$87.0 million from Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. in advance of the issuance of certain debentures. During the year ended 2001, we issued approximately R$1.3 billion in debentures in a private placement to Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. with a variable interest rate equal to the CDI rate. The debentures are payable in three installments on July 27, 2004 (30.0%), July 27, 2005 (30.0%) and July 27, 2006 (40.0%), respectively. As of December 31, 2003, we owed Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. approximately R$1.4 billion in principal and accrued interest on these debentures.
At December 31, 2003 we owed Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. a total of approximately R$1.4 billion from all loans and debentures. For the year ended December 31, 2003 we paid Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. a total of approximately R$28.0 million in interest from such loans and debentures. See Note 21b and 26 to our Audited Financial Statements.
ITEM 8. Financial Information
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
See Item 18 "Financial Statements."
Legal Proceedings
Breakup of Telebrás
The legality of the breakup of Telebrás and privatization of Telebrás was challenged in numerous legal proceedings, the great majority of which have now been dismissed. A few, however, are still pending. We believe that the ultimate resolution of those proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
We are a party to certain legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business, including civil, administrative, tax, social security and labor proceedings. We have provided for or deposited in court amounts to cover our estimated losses due to adverse legal judgments. We believe that such actions, if decided adversely to our company, are not likely to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
Telebrás, our legal predecessor, is a defendant in a number of legal proceedings and is subject to certain other claims and contingencies. Under the terms of the breakup of Telebrás, liability for any claims arising out of acts committed by Telebrás prior to the effective date of the breakup of Telebrás remains with Telebrás, except for labor and tax claims (for which Telebrás and the 12 new holding companies into which it was broken-up are jointly and severally liable by operation of law) and any liability for which specific accounting provisions have been assigned to us. Our management believes that the chances of any such claims materializing and having a material adverse financial effect on our company are remote.
Administrative Claim Before Anatel
Embratel has filed an administrative claim against our company before Anatel challenging the legality of an association entered into by our company and other regional fixed-line companies for the rendering of 800 national services. Embratel alleges that such an association violates applicable telecommunications legislation. We are currently awaiting Anatel's decision in this matter. Should Anatel rule against the association, this may have a material adverse effect on our operations, since we consider 800 services as strategic to our business development.
Antitrust Proceedings
Embratel and other companies filed administrative complaints before Anatel, the Secretariat of Economic Law of the Ministry of Justice and CADE charging us with carrying out cartel-like practices with Telemar and Telefônica. We were only allowed to start operating outside of our concession area after January 19, 2004, following Anatel's certification that we anticipated our 2003 universalization targets. We believe these antitrust complaints are groundless and baseless.
Labor Legal Proceedings
At December 31, 2003, contingent liabilities for labor legal proceedings in which the risk of loss was considered "probable" amounted to approximately R$424.0 million. At December 31, 2003, contingent liabilities for labor legal proceedings in which the risk of loss was considered "possible" amounted to approximately R$625.1 million. As of December 31, 2003, we were involved in approximately 18,578 labor legal proceedings, 6,897 of which were brought against CRT. The estimated total amount involved in these proceedings is approximately R$1,177.0 million.
In 2003, there was an increase in labor contingent liabilities in the amount of R$107.7 million. This increase was mainly due to monetary adjustments, in the order of R$42.4 million and re-evaluation of the legal proceedings, specially in the Rio Grande do Sul branch (former CRT), particularly relating to risk premium and wage adjustments arising from collective agreement, totaling R$71.0 million.
performance bonus plan;
employee promotions;
dangerous work conditions;
overtime;
subsidiary liability;
productivity;
recognition of employment relationship;
reinstatement; and
voluntary severance plans.
As the successor of Telepar, we were the defendant in a civil public action brought by the Attorney General for Labor Matters of Curitiba (Ministério Público do Trabalho – Curitiba) based on our dismissal of a large number of employees aged 40 years or over (with an average of more than 20 years' of seniority) under our restructuring program. During 2001, a preliminary judgment was entered in this matter ordering the reinstatement of the dismissed employees and dismissing all claims for indemnification. We have appealed this judgment and the judicial order was revoked. The civil public action was dismissed and the Attorney General for Labor Matters of Curitiba filed an appeal with the Tribunal Regional do Trabalho ("Regional Labor Court"). The appeal court ordered the rehiring of the dismissed employees. Both parties filed a review appeal to the Tribunal Superior do Trabalho ("Superior Labor Court") and are still awaiting a decision of this matter. Considering that the rehiring of such employees, as opposed to their reinstatement, will have effects only as of effective rehiring, we do not expect any costs related to this action.
In 1989, the Labor Union of Rio Grande do Sul (SINTEL) filed a labor claim, as the legal substitute of 798 claimants, requesting the payment of a risk premium. The Labor Judge ordered the payment of such a risk premium. In 1999, CRT filed a rescissory action to the Superior Labor Court in order to revert the decision of the court of first instance. Before a ruling on the rescissory action was delivered, we agreed to settle the claim for R$81.9 million in May of 2004, and the action was dismissed.
We are the defendant in a labor claim filed by 1,478 employees, in 1984, requesting the payment of salary differences due to the failure in complying with the "Company Internal Rules," which established different criteria depending on an employee's seniority. In 1988, a judgment was entered in this matter ordering the payment of such differences. Since the judgment, the parties have been discussing the values involved in the action. In order to settle the values involved, a specific appeal was filed to the Regional Labor Court which ordered the exclusion of the employees who were hired after October 1976 (which represent 600 claimants). The Regional Labor Court ruled that only 814 employees are entitled to the claim, excluding 624 other claimants. The court’s appointed expert found that our exposure was equal to R$144 million, and the company is challenging this calculation. Subsequently, the parties agreed to settle the matter individually, and as of June 2004 we had settled with 565 employees for approximately R$50 million. We estimate that we may still incur approximately R$15 million in liability as not all employees are interested in amicable settlements.
We are the defendant in a labor claim filed by the Labor Union of Santa Catarina (SINTEL), in 1997, as the legal substitute of all employees, requesting the payment of differences due to the profit sharing paid by Telesc in 1996, considering a difference of criteria regarding the procedures adopted to calculate the values paid. The Labor Judge ordered the payment of such differences. However, we filed an appeal to the Regional Labor Court, which dismissed the labor claim. SINTEL filed a recurso de revista ("review appeal") to the Superior Labor Court and the decision issued by the Regional Labor Court was confirmed. In December 2003, the Labor Union’s motion was denied, and the case was remanded to the lower court for dismissal.
In 1984, 1,480 employees filed a labor claim requesting the payment of differences due to the profit sharing bonus. The Labor Judge dismissed the labor claim in 1985. An appeal filed to the Regional Labor Court modified the decision, ordering the payment of the profit sharing. Telesc filed a review appeal (recurso de revista) to the Superior Labor Court and also to the Supremo Tribunal Federal ("Superior Federal Court"), but the decision was confirmed. In 1990, an agreement was settled with the employees in order to pay the profit sharing. In 1995, a Governmental Resolution N. 10 was issued and as a result, Telesc did not pay the profit sharing as agreed but instead began to pay as established in the Resolution. In 1997, SINTEL and part of the employees requested the reopening of the labor claim to execute the differences of the profit sharing payments. The Labor Judge did not accept the request. However, the Regional Labor Court admitted the employees' request. In 1998, Telesc filed a review appeal, which was not accepted by the Superior Labor Court. In 2003, Telesc filed a recurso extraordinário ("extraordinary appeal") to the Superior Federal Court, which was not accepted. Telesc filed an agravo de instrumento ("interlocutory appeal") before the Brazilian Supreme Court in April 2003, which was not accepted. The labor claim was returned to the lower Labor Judge for the executory phase. We estimate that we would incur a cost of approximately R$20.6 million, based on our evaluation that 703 employees are eligible for indemnification. Based on a court decision dated June 15, 2004, we understand that the executory phase will determine that 1,098 employees must be indemnified, which would increase the company's exposure. The company is currently in negotiations to settle the entire case.
Legal Tax Proceedings
Application of ICMS on Cellular Activation and Other Fees
In June 1998, the governments of certain Brazilian States approved an Agreement (Convênio No. 69/98) to interpret existing Brazilian tax law to broaden the application of the state value added tax, ICMS, effective July 1, 1998, to certain services, including cellular activation and installation services, to which the ICMS had not previously been applied.
The administrative tax authorities in the Federal District and in the States of Santa Catarina, Tocantins, Acre and Rio Grande do Sul have assessed our company on this issue regarding the period of five years preceding June 30, 1998. However, our company obtained favorable judicial decisions confirming that ICMS cannot be applied retroactively to services rendered during the period prior to the Convênio No. 69/98 (June 30, 1998).
We believe that any such attempt by these States governments to extend the scope of the ICMS to apply it retroactively to services that are supplementary to basic telecommunications services is illegal and unconstitutional because:
(a) Their interpretation would subject certain services which are not telecommunications services to taxation; and
(b) Taxes may not be applied retroactively.
Additionally, the statute of limitation for the ICMS tax is of five years, which means that the State governments can only charge taxes within a five-year-period starting from the tax triggering event. Because of that, the tax authorities could not charge the company for the services rendered during the five years preceding June 30, 1998, since the term of the statute of limitation has expired.
Recently, the STJ decided in the Special Appeal No. 402.047-MG that no ICMS should be levied on the cellular installation and activation services established in Convênio No. 69/98. However, we have knowledge of other judicial decision unfavorable to the taxpayer. Even though, the STJ has not granted a final and uniform decision on this issue, we estimate a probable possibility of a favorable decision to the taxpayer, which means a low likelihood of disbursement in our proceedings. With regard to the payments of ICMS tax on such cellular activation and installation services as of July 1, 1998, we have filed judicial claims (declaratory actions) in the States of our region to avoid such collections. As of December 2003, we deposited in court approximately R$166.0 million in order to guarantee the judicial discussion without the application of interest and fees. In case the legality of Convênio No. 69/98 is confirmed by Superior Courts, the deposited amount will be converted into revenue to the state treasury department without new disbursements by the company. However, if Superior Courts consolidate the opinion that the terms of Convênio No. 69/98 are illegal, the deposited amount will be returned to us.
Services Tax Applying on Complementary Telecommunications services
Several municipal governments assessed our company in order to collect the Services Tax ("ISS") on the complementary telecommunications services. These assessments constitute a relevant contingency for our company. The company understands that these complementary telecommunications services, which are considered accessory services in the telecommunications services, are subject to ICMS instead of the ISS. Consequently, our company is not paying the ISS on these services. Our company's legal counsel estimates as reasonable the likelihood of disbursement considering the absence of judicial precedent in superior judicial courts. The amount of this tax contingency that corresponds to a possible contingency is approximately R$236.1 million. This amount is not provisioned in our company's balance sheet.
State Value-Added Tax Credits
Several States Treasury Department assessed our company in order to discuss the use of the ICMS tax credits. Our company presented administrative and judicial defenses against the assessments. In some administrative proceedings, the decision at the first administrative level was unfavorable to the company. According to the State tax authorities, the procedure adopted by our company for registering the ICMS credits is not in accordance with the law. On the other hand, our company's legal counsel understands that the likelihood of disbursement is low in the judicial level since ICMS tax credits are guaranteed by the Brazilian Constitution. The amount involved in the discussion that corresponds to a possible contingency is approximately R$70.7 million. This amount is not provisioned in our company's balance sheet.
State Value-Added Tax Applying on International Telecommunications services
Several States Treasury Departments assessed our company in order to collect the ICMS tax on international telephone calls. The tax authorities understand that international telephone calls are services rendered in Brazil and subject to ICMS tax since the request and the payment for the services are executed in Brazil. Our company presented administrative defenses against the assessments. The amount involved in the administrative proceedings that corresponds to a possible contingency is approximately R$83.3 million. This amount is not provisioned in the company's balance sheet. Our company's legal counsel understands the ICMS tax is not applicable to the international telephone call services and estimates the likelihood of disbursement as low.
Social Security Contribution Applying on Several Issues
The National Welfare Agency filed administrative and judicial proceedings against our company in order to collect the Social Welfare Contribution ("INSS"), which is levied on payments of salaries, on several types of payments made to our company's employees. Our company presented defenses against all these proceedings. The amount involved in those proceedings that corresponds to a possible contingency is approximately R$329.4 million not provisioned in the company's balance sheet. Our company's legal counsel understands that the possibility of success is reasonable in the judicial level, which means the likelihood of disbursement as low.
State Value-Added Tax Applying on Sale of Pre-paid Telephone Cards
The State Treasury Department of the States of Mato Grosso and Tocantins assessed our company to collect the ICMS on sale of pre-paid telephone cards used in public telephones. Our company presented administrative defenses against all these assessments. The amount involved in the administrative proceedings that correspond to a possible contingency is approximately R$24.9 million. This amount is not provisioned in the company's balance sheet. Our company's legal counsel understands the possibility of success is reasonable in the judicial level, which means the likelihood of disbursement as low.
Costs of the Social Contribution on Gross Revenue Transferred to the Users of the Telecommunications services
The civil class action was filed by a federal prosecutor and ANDEC (" Associação Nacional de Defesa dos Consumidores de Cartão de Crédito ") in order to suspend the transfer of the cost of the PIS/COFINS to the users of the telecommunications services. Our company presented defenses against the assessments. The amount involved in these judicial proceedings that correspond to a possible contingency is approximately R$207.1 million. This amount is not provisioned in the company's balance sheet. Our company's legal counsel understands the possibility of success is reasonable in the judicial level, which means the likelihood of disbursement as low.
REFIS
The REFIS (the "REFIS") is a program created by the Federal government in order to provide the opportunity to legal entities to pay their debts related to taxes managed by the Federal Revenue Service and the National Welfare Agency ("INSS").
On November 16, 2000, the company filed the request to include in the REFIS program its debts related to the taxes managed by the INSS. As of December 2003, the total amount of the debt included in the REFIS is approximately R$76.0 million. In the calculation of the total amount included in the REFIS, (allowed by law) the company used both (i) a 40% of reduction of the penalty fee applied issued in the assessments and (ii) its own and third parties net operating losses, to offset with the tax debts included in the REFIS.
PAES
The PAES is a program created by the Federal government in order to provide the opportunity to taxpayers to pay their debts (related to taxes managed by the INSS) in 120 installments. In 2003, the company filed the request to pay in installments R$43.9 million of federal tax debts, and as of December 2003, there are 116 outstanding installments.
Civil Legal Proceedings
At December 31, 2003, we had provisions of approximately R$208.1 million of contingent liabilities for civil lawsuits classified as "probable" risks. The increase in "probable" contingent liabilities was primarily due to an increase of R$157.0 million in the civil lawsuits proposed against CRT, as a result of the Rio Grande do Sul courts' understandings that CRT has misapplied certain rules provided by the Communications Ministry. At December 31, 2003, contingent liabilities for civil lawsuits classified as "possible" risks amounted to approximately R$740.5 million. The increase in "possible" contingent liabilities was primarily due to an increase of R$398.8 million in the lawsuits arising from the capitalization process, where a higher number of shares and amount of dividends is requested.
Most of the civil suits filed against us would not, if determined in a manner adverse to our company, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. The most significant civil suits against us are the following:
CRT is a defendant in certain lawsuits in connection with certain illegalities that are alleged to have occurred during the privatization and sale of CRT. Although we believe that we will prevail in this dispute, there can be no assurance that the courts will rule in our favor. If the plaintiffs in these lawsuits are successful, the courts could void the privatization of CRT, which would result in our loss of control of CRT. Although we would be entitled to recover the purchase price paid for CRT from the State of Rio Grande do Sul, such an adverse ruling could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
As the successor of CRT, we are the defendant in a Civil Public Action brought by the Federal Attorney General ( Ministério Público ) for Rio Grande do Sul against CRT claiming indemnification of amounts paid by customers as a result of allegedly abusive commercial practices in connection with 0900/900 telephone services. An adverse judgment has been issued against us in this action. Although the court did not award any damages in this action, it enjoined us from offering 0900/900 telephone services and from disconnecting service to customers for the non-payment of any 0900/900 services incurred prior to the date of the judgment. Both parties have filed appeals against the decision at first instance and the appeals have not yet been decided. Customers seeking to recover damages in this matter will have to bring their own separate actions. Our ultimate liability will depend on how many of our customers initiate and succeed in any such proceedings.
Splice do Brasil – Telecomunicações e Eletrodomésticos Ltda . has filed a lawsuit against us to collect amounts owed under equipment supply agreements. The court's decision was favorable to the plaintiff and the lawsuit is currently in the execution phase. The expert has already presented its appraisal report, which sets the amount of the claim at R$25,472,276.87. The ratification of the appraisal by the court is still pending. We have already provisioned for this probable contingency in our balance-sheet.
Actions by us against TII and certain shareholders
We have instituted lawsuits to recover damages suffered as a result of actions taken by TII and the board members nominated by TII to our board of directors. These actions include acts and/or omissions of these persons and a number of Brazilian pension funds related, among other things, to the negotiation process for the acquisition of CRT and certain other acquisition, concession and financing opportunities which we assert were improperly interfered with by TII due to its interests in our competitors or potential competitors. We also understand that there are legal proceedings pending relating to efforts by TII to resume a controlling position in our company. See Item 3 “Key Information – Risk Factors –Certain beneficial shareholders control a large percentage of our voting shares and their interests may conflict with the interests of our other shareholders, including minority shareholders.” In addition, we have suffered damages from the diversion of management attention and other turbulence caused as a result of past actions of TII, its affiliates and its agents and are continuing to suffer similar damages from the uncertainty caused to our business by these efforts to retake control. The recovery of such damages will be subject to further lawsuits.
Dividend Policy
Pursuant to our by-laws, we are required to distribute as dividends in respect of each fiscal year ending on December 31, to the extent amounts are available for distribution, an aggregate amount equal to at least 25% of Adjusted Net Income (as defined below) on such date (the "Mandatory Dividend "). The annual dividend distributed to holders of Preferred Shares (the "Preferred Dividend ") has priority in the allocation of Adjusted Net Income. Remaining amounts to be distributed are allocated first to the payment of a dividend to holders of Common Shares in an amount equal to the Preferred Dividend, and subsequently distributed equally among holders of Preferred Shares and Common Shares. Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, a company is permitted to suspend the Mandatory Dividend in respect of common shares and preferred shares not entitled to a fixed or minimum dividend if its board of directors and fiscal council report to the shareholders' meeting that the distribution would be incompatible with the financial circumstances of such company and the shareholders ratify this conclusion at the shareholders' meeting. In this case, (i) the board of directors must forward to the CVM within five days of the shareholders' meeting an explanation justifying the information transmitted at the meeting and (ii) the profits which were not distributed for such reason are to be recorded as a special reserve and, if not absorbed by losses in subsequent fiscal years, are to be paid as dividends as soon as the financial situation of such company permits. Our Preferred Shares are entitled to a minimum dividend and thus the Mandatory Dividend may be suspended only with respect to the Common Shares. See "—Priority and Amount of Preferred Dividends."
Under our by-laws, we may pay dividends out of retained earnings or accumulated profits in any given fiscal year. For the purposes of the Brazilian Corporation Law, accumulated profits are defined as net income after income and social contribution taxes for such fiscal year, net of any accumulated losses from prior fiscal years and any amounts allocated to founders' shares, income bonds, employees' and management's participation in a company's profits. Retained earnings are defined as the amount of our net income in prior years that was not paid out as dividends in the year in which it was earned, but rather was retained in accordance with a proposal of the board of directors duly approved by a shareholders meeting.
At each annual shareholders' meeting, our board of directors is required to recommend how net profits for the preceding fiscal year are to be allocated. Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, we are required to maintain a statutory reserve, to which we must allocate 5.0% of net profits for each fiscal year until the amount of such reserve equals 20.0% of our paid-up share capital (the "Statutory Reserve "). This reserve can only be used to increase capital or offset accumulated losses. Net losses, if any, may be charged against the statutory reserve.
The Brazilian Corporation Law also provides for two additional discretionary allocations of net profits that are subject to approval by shareholders at the annual shareholders' meeting. First, a percentage of net profits may be allocated to the contingency reserve for anticipated losses that are deemed probable in future years (the "Contingency Reserve "). Any amount so allocated in a prior year must be either (i) reversed in the fiscal year in which the loss was anticipated if such loss does not in fact occur or (ii) reversed in the event that the anticipated loss occurs. Second, if the amount of Unrealized Revenue (as defined below) exceeds the sum of (i) the statutory reserve ( Reserva Legal ), (ii) the Contingency Reserve and (iii) retained earnings, such excess may be allocated to the reserve (the "Unrealized Revenue Reserve "). Such allocations may not hinder the payment of minimum dividends on our Preferred Shares. "Unrealized Revenue " is defined under the Brazilian Corporation Law as the sum of (i) the share of equity earnings of affiliated companies which is not paid as cash dividends and (ii) profits from installment sales to be received after the end of the next succeeding fiscal year.
For the purposes of the Brazilian Corporation Law, and in accordance with our by-laws, "Adjusted Net Income " is an amount equal to our net profit adjusted to reflect allocations to and reversion from (i) the Reserva Legal; (ii) the Contingency Reserve and (iii) the Unrealized Revenue Reserve.
The amounts available for distribution are determined on the basis of our financial statements prepared in accordance with the Brazilian Corporation Law, which differ from financial statements, such as our Financial Statements included herein, that are prepared using the constant currency method according to Brazilian GAAP.
In order to allow the payment of dividends after the breakup of Telebrás, the shareholders of Telebrás approved the allocation and transfer of a proportional part of the retained earnings and reserves of Telebrás to our company as retained earnings. These earnings and reserves (which amount to approximately R$670.2 million) are available to be used by our company for payment of future dividends, if so approved by our shareholders, although we are not legally obligated to do so.
Priority and Amount of Preferred Dividends
Our by-laws provide for a minimum non-cumulative dividend of Preferred Dividend equal to the greater of (i) 6.0% per year of the value of our total share capital divided by the total number of shares or (ii) 3.0% per year of the book value of our shareholders' equity divided by our total number of our shares. As a result of such provision, holders of Preferred Shares are entitled to receive, in any year, distributions of cash dividends prior to the holders of Common Shares receiving any distribution of cash dividends in such year. In addition, distributions of cash dividends in any year are made:
-
first, to the holders of Preferred Shares, up to the amount of the Preferred Dividend of our Preferred Shares for such year;
-
then, to the holders of Common Shares, until the amount distributed in respect of each Common Share is equal to the amount distributed in respect of each Preferred Share; and
-
thereafter, to the Common Shares and Preferred Shares on a pro rata basis.
If the Mandatory Dividend in any year is less than or equal to the Preferred Dividend payable to the holders of Preferred Shares in such year, the holders of Common Shares will not be entitled to receive any cash dividends distributed by our company in such year, unless the holders of Common Shares approve dividends in excess of the Mandatory Dividend. In such circumstances, however, holders of Preferred Shares will be entitled to the amount available for payment of dividends up to an aggregate amount equal to the Preferred Dividend plus, in the event the Preferred Dividend is higher than the amount available for payment of dividends for such year, any retained earnings from previous years may be used to make up for such shortfall. If the Preferred Dividend is not paid for a period of three years, holders of Preferred Shares shall be entitled to full voting rights until such time as the minimum dividend is paid in full for any year.
Payment of Dividends
We are required by Brazilian law (Law 6,404, article 132) and our by-laws to hold an annual shareholders' meeting within four months after the end of each fiscal year at which, among other things, an annual dividend may be declared by decision of the shareholders on the recommendation of our executive officers and our board of directors. The payment of annual dividends is based on our financial statements prepared for each fiscal year ended December 31 in accordance with Brazilian Corporation Law. Under Brazilian Corporation Law, dividends are required to be paid within 60 days following the date the dividend distribution is declared to shareholders of record, unless a shareholders' meeting resolution sets forth another date of payment, which must occur prior to the end of the fiscal year in which such dividend distribution was declared. A shareholder has a three-year period from the dividend payment date to claim dividends in respect of its shares, after which our company has no liability for such payment. Because our shares are issued in book-entry form, dividends with respect to any share are automatically credited to the account holding such share and no action is required on the part of the shareholder. We are not required to adjust the amount of paid-in capital for inflation. Annual dividends may be paid to shareholders of newly issued shares on a pro rata basis according to the date when the subscription price for such newly issued shares was paid to us.
Shareholders who are not residents of Brazil must register with the Brazilian Central Bank in order for dividends, sales proceeds or other amounts with respect to their shares to be eligible to be remitted outside of Brazil . The Preferred Shares underlying the ADSs are held in Brazil by Banco Bradesco S.A. , as agent for the Depositary, which has registered with the Brazilian Central Bank as the registered owner of our shares.
Payments of cash dividends and distributions, if any, will be made in Brazilian currency to Banco Bradesco S.A., as custodian for our Preferred Shares represented by the ADSs, on behalf of the Depositary. Banco Bradesco S.A. will then convert such proceeds into U.S. dollars and will cause such U.S. dollars to be delivered to the Depositary for distribution to holders of ADSs. In the event that the custodian is unable to immediately convert the Brazilian currency received as dividends into U.S. dollars, the amount of U.S. dollars payable to holders of ADSs may be adversely affected by devaluations of the Brazilian currency that occur before such dividends are converted and remitted. Dividends in respect of our Preferred Shares paid to resident and non-resident shareholders, including holders of ADSs, are not currently subject to Brazilian withholding tax. See Item 10 "Additional Information—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations."
ITEM 9. The Offer and Listing
Offer and Listing Details
Our Preferred Shares commenced trading separately on the Brazilian stock exchanges on July 10, 1992. The following table sets forth the reported high and low closing sale prices for our Preferred Shares on the São Paulo Stock Exchange and the approximate average daily trading volume for the annual periods indicated.
|
Nominal reais per 1,000 Preferred Shares |
Average Daily Trading Volume |
|
|
High |
Low |
|
|
|
|
(millions of shares) |
Year-end 1999 |
15.13 |
4.87 |
134.8 |
Year-end 2000 |
19.62 |
11.88 |
379.2 |
Year-end 2001 |
19.09 |
7.80 |
889.1 |
Year-end 2002 |
14.54 |
9.48 |
814.3 |
Year-end 2003 |
14.08 |
9.37 |
1,137.6 |
Source: São Paulo Stock Exchange |
The following table sets forth the reported high and low closing sale prices for our Preferred Shares on the São Paulo Stock Exchange and the approximate average daily trading volume for the quarterly periods indicated.
|
Nominal reais per 1,000 Preferred Shares |
Average Daily Trading Volume |
|
|
High |
Low |
|
|
|
|
(millions of shares) |
First quarter 2002 |
14.54 |
11.79 |
754.4 |
Second quarter 2002 |
13.69 |
10.04 |
772.1 |
Third quarter 2002 |
12.19 |
9.48 |
822.0 |
Fourth quarter 2002 |
12.68 |
10.59 |
908.8 |
First quarter 2003 |
12.39 |
9.37 |
978.1 |
Second quarter 2003 |
14.00 |
11.17 |
1,175.6 |
Third quarter 2003 |
14.50 |
11.16 |
1,043.7 |
Fourth quarter 2003 |
16.08 |
13.16 |
1,353.1 |
First quarter 2004 |
18.00 |
12.35 |
1,499.3 |
Source: São Paulo Stock Exchange |
The following table sets forth the reported high and low closing sale prices for our Preferred Shares on the São Paulo Stock Exchange and the approximate average daily trading volume for the monthly periods indicated.
|
Nominal reais per 1,000 Preferred Shares |
Average Daily Trading Volume |
|
|
High |
Low |
|
|
|
(millions of shares) |
|
December 2003 |
16.08 |
14.55 |
1,481.1 |
January 2004 |
18.00 |
15.70 |
1,617.5 |
February 2004 |
16.49 |
14.20 |
1,619.9 |
March 2004 |
14.91 |
12.35 |
1,297.1 |
April 2004 |
13.49 |
9.58 |
1,221.9 |
May 2004 |
10.90 |
9.13 |
1,569.2 |
Source: São Paulo Stock Exchange |
Our ADSs, each representing 3,000 Preferred Shares, commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange on November 16, 2001. The following table sets forth the reported high and low closing sale prices for our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange and the approximate average daily trading volume for the annual periods indicated.
|
Nominal U.S. dollars per ADS |
Average Daily Trading Volume |
|
|
High |
Low |
|
|
|
|
(millions of shares) |
November 16 – December 31, 2001 |
17.85 |
15.20 |
25,857.14 |
Year-end 2002 |
18.78 |
8.20 |
5,356.311 |
Year-end 2003 |
16.22 |
7.80 |
7,978.279 |
Source: New York Stock Exchange |
The following table sets forth the reported high and low closing sale prices for our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange and the approximate average daily trading volume for the quarterly periods indicated.
|
Nominal U.S. dollars per ADS |
Average Daily Trading Volume |
|
|
High |
Low |
|
|
|
|
(millions of shares) |
First quarter 2002 |
18.78 |
14.45 |
8.5 |
Second quarter 2002 |
17.75 |
10.30 |
2.8 |
Third quarter 2002 |
12.25 |
8.35 |
3.2 |
Fourth quarter 2002 |
10.45 |
8.20 |
7.3 |
First quarter 2003 |
11.35 |
7.80 |
2.4 |
Second quarter 2003 |
14.60 |
10.17 |
6.1 |
Third quarter 2003 |
14.79 |
11.00 |
7.2 |
Fourth quarter 2003 |
16.22 |
13.73 |
15.5 |
First quarter 2004 |
18.78 |
14.45 |
19.9 |
Source: New York Stock Exchange |
The following table sets forth the reported high and low closing sale prices for our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange and the approximate average daily trading volume for the monthly periods indicated.
|
Nominal U.S. dollars per ADS |
Average Daily Trading Volume |
|
|
High |
Low |
|
|
|
(millions of shares) |
|
December 2003 |
16.22 |
14.78 |
16.8 |
January 2004 |
19.19 |
16.18 |
22.1 |
February 2004 |
16.70 |
14.45 |
25.6 |
March 2004 |
15.60 |
12.52 |
13.4 |
April 2004 |
14.10 |
11.45 |
10.1 |
May 2004 |
10.90 |
8.46 |
23.2 |
Source: New York Stock Exchange |
There are no restrictions on ownership of our Preferred Shares or Common Shares by individuals or legal entities domiciled outside Brazil .
The right to convert dividend payments and proceeds from the sale of shares into foreign currency and to remit such amounts outside Brazil is subject to restrictions under foreign investment regulations which generally require, among other things, that the relevant investments have been registered with the Brazilian Central Bank. Banco Bradesco S.A. , as custodian for our Preferred Shares represented by the ADSs, has registered with the Brazilian Central Bank on behalf of the Depositary the Preferred Shares that it will hold. This enables holders of ADSs to convert dividends, distributions or the proceeds from any sale of such Preferred Shares, as the case may be, into U.S. dollars and to remit such U.S. dollars abroad. However, holders of ADSs could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant any, required government approval for conversions of Brazilian currency payments and remittances abroad of the Preferred Shares underlying our ADSs.
In Brazil , there are a number of mechanisms available to foreign investors interested in trading directly on the Brazilian stock exchanges or on organized over-the-counter markets.
Under the regulations issued by the National Monetary Council, on January 26, 2000 ("Resolution No. 2,689 "), foreign investors seeking to trade directly on a Brazilian stock exchange or on an organized over-the-counter market, must meet the following requirements:
-
Investments must be registered with a custody, clearing or depositary system authorized by CVM or the Brazilian Central Bank;
-
Trades of securities are restricted to transactions performed on the stock exchanges or organized over-the-counter markets authorized by the CVM;
-
You must establish a representative in Brazil ;
-
You must complete a form annexed to the Resolution No. 2,689; and
-
You must register with the CVM and register the inflow of funds with the Brazilian Central Bank.
If these requirements are met, foreign investors will be eligible to trade directly on the Brazilian stock exchanges or on organized over-the-counter markets. These rules extend favorable tax treatment to all foreign investors investing pursuant to these rules. See Item 10 "Additional Information—Taxation." These regulations contain certain restrictions on the offshore transfer of the title of the securities, except in the case of corporate reorganizations effected abroad by a foreign investor.
A certificate of foreign capital registration has been issued in the name of the Depositary with respect to the ADSs and is maintained by Banco Bradesco S.A. , as custodian for our Preferred Shares represented by the ADSs, on behalf of the Depositary. Pursuant to such certificate of foreign capital registration, we expect that Depositary will be able to convert dividends and other distributions with respect to the Preferred Shares represented by ADSs into foreign currency and remit the proceeds outside of Brazil .
In the event that a holder of ADSs exchanges such ADSs for Preferred Shares, such holder will be entitled to continue to rely on the Depositary's certificate of foreign capital registration for five business days after such exchange, following which such holder must seek to obtain its own certificate of foreign capital registration with the Brazilian Central Bank. Thereafter, any holder of Preferred Shares may not be able to convert into foreign currency and remit outside Brazil the proceeds from the disposition of, or distributions with respect to, such Preferred Shares, unless such holder qualifies under Resolution No. 2,689 or obtains its own certificate of foreign capital registration. A holder that obtains a certificate of foreign capital registration will be subject to less favorable Brazilian tax treatment than a holder of ADSs. See Item 10 "Additional Information—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations."
Under current Brazilian legislation, the Federal Government may impose temporary restrictions on remittances of foreign capital abroad in the event of a serious imbalance or an anticipated serious imbalance of Brazil 's balance of payments. For approximately six months in 1989 and early 1990, the Federal Government froze all dividend and capital repatriations held by the Brazilian Central Bank that were owed to foreign equity investors in order to conserve Brazil's foreign currency reserves. These amounts were subsequently released in accordance with Federal Government directives. There can be no assurance that the Federal Government will not impose similar restrictions on foreign repatriations in the future.
Markets
Our Preferred Shares are traded on the Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo (the São Paulo Stock Exchange) under the symbol "BRTO4." At December 31, 2003, we had approximately 450,000 shareholders.
Our Preferred Shares are also listed on the New York Stock Exchange in the form of ADSs under the symbol "BTM," with each ADS representing 3,000 Preferred Shares, issued by the Depositary pursuant to the deposit agreement, dated November 16, 2001, among our company, the Depositary and the registered holders and beneficial owners from time to time of ADSs. Preferred Shares represented by ADSs are held in custody in Brazil by Banco Bradesco S.A. , as custodian for our Preferred Shares represented by the ADSs.
Our Common Shares are also traded on the São Paulo Stock Exchange under the symbol "BRTO3."
Trading on the São Paulo Stock Exchange
The São Paulo Stock Exchange is a non-profit entity owned by its member brokerage firms. Trading on the São Paulo Stock Exchange is limited to member brokerage firms and a limited number of authorized non-members. The São Paulo Stock Exchange has open outcry trading sessions and an automated system on which trading can be conducted during the trading day. In 1999, the São Paulo Stock Exchange began operating an "after-market" which allows for limited after-hours trading to take place. There are no specialists or market makers for our shares on the São Paulo Stock Exchange. Trading in securities listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange may be effected off the exchanges in certain circumstances, although such trading is very limited.
Settlement of transactions is effected three business days after the trade date without adjustment of the purchase price for inflation. Payment for shares or delivery of shares are made through the facilities of separate clearinghouses for each exchange, which maintain accounts for member brokerage firms. The clearinghouse for the São Paulo Stock Exchange is Companhia Brasileira de Liquidação e Custodia S.A. — CBLC .
In order to better control volatility, the São Paulo Stock Exchange has adopted a "circuit breaker" system pursuant to which trading sessions may be suspended for a period of 30 minutes or one hour whenever the indices of this stock exchange fall below the limit of 10.0% in relation to the index registered in the previous trading session.
At December 31, 2003, the aggregate market capitalization of all of the companies listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange was approximately R$677.0 billion. Although all the outstanding shares of an exchange-listed company may trade on a São Paulo Stock Exchange, in most cases less than half of the listed shares are actually available for trading by the public, the remainder being held by small groups of controlling persons that rarely trade their shares. For this reason, data showing the total market capitalization of São Paulo Stock Exchange tends to overstate the liquidity of the Brazilian equity securities market.
The Brazilian equity market is relatively small and illiquid as compared to major world markets. In 2003, the daily trading volume on the São Paulo Stock Exchange averaged approximately R$818.3 million. In 2003, the ten most actively traded issues represented approximately 53.5% of the total trading in the cash market (standard lot) on the São Paulo Stock Exchange.
Trading on the São Paulo Stock Exchange by nonresidents of Brazil is subject to certain limitations under Brazilian foreign investment legislation, which generally require, among other things, that the relevant investments have been registered with the Brazilian Central Bank, according to Resolution No. 2,689. See "—Offer and Listing Details."
The Special Corporate Governance Levels of the São Paulo Stock Exchange
On December 11, 2000, the São Paulo Stock Exchange or, BOVESPA, launched three new listing segments designed for the trading of shares issued by publicly held companies: the Special Corporate Governance Level 1, the Special Corporate Governance Level 2 and the "Novo Mercado" of BOVESPA.
Such new listing segments were designed for the trading of shares issued by companies that voluntarily undertake to abide by more stringent corporate governance practices and disclosure requirements than those currently requested by the Brazilian legislation.
The inclusion of a company in any of the new segments implies the adhesion of such company to a series of corporate governance rules known generally as "good corporate governance practices." These rules, which are consolidated in the listing regulations of the exchange, are meant to enhance the quality of information provided by Brazilian corporations and increase shareholder's rights, depending on the considered level.
On March 27, 2002, our board of directors approved our adhesion to the Special Corporate Governance Level 1 of BOVESPA. Our shares joined the Special Corporate Governance Level 1 of BOVESPA on May 9, 2002.
In order to join the Special Corporate Governance Level 1, we agreed to undertake the following corporate governance practices:
1) the maintenance of a free-float of at least 25.0% of our capital stock;
2) holding of public offerings for share placements through mechanisms that favor capital dispersion to a broader spectrum of shareholders;
3) disclosing improved quarterly information, including consolidated figures and special audit revisions on a quarterly basis;
4) complying with the enhanced disclosure rules of the exchange for transactions involving assets, including transactions with our controlling shareholders and our management;
5) disclosing shareholder agreements and stock option programs; and
6) the publication of an annual calendar of corporate events.
Regulation of Brazilian Securities Markets
The Brazilian securities markets are regulated by the CVM, which has authority over stock exchanges and the securities markets generally, and by the Brazilian Central Bank, which has, among other powers, licensing authority over brokerage firms and regulates foreign investment and foreign exchange transactions. The Brazilian securities market is governed by Law 6,385 as amended (the "Brazilian Securities Law ") and the Brazilian Corporation Law.
Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, a company is either publicly-held, a companhia aberta , such as our company (whose shares are publicly traded on the São Paulo Brazilian stock exchanges) or privately-held, a companhia fechada . All publicly-held companies are registered with the CVM and are subject to reporting requirements. A company that is registered with the CVM may have its securities traded either on the Brazilian stock exchanges or on the Brazilian over-the-counter market. The shares of a public company may also be traded privately, subject to certain limitations. To be listed on the Brazilian stock exchanges, a company must apply for registration with the CVM and the stock exchange where the head office of the company is located. Once this stock exchange has admitted a company to listing and the CVM has accepted its registration as a publicly-held company, its securities may be traded on the São Paulo Stock Exchange.
Trading in securities on the São Paulo Stock Exchange may be suspended at the request of a company in anticipation of a material announcement. Trading may also be suspended on the initiative of the São Paulo Stock Exchange or the CVM, among other reasons, based on or due to a belief that the company has provided inadequate information regarding a material event or has provided inadequate responses to inquiries by the CVM or the relevant stock exchange.
The Brazilian Securities Law provides for, among other things, disclosure requirements, restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation, and protection of minority shareholders. However, the Brazilian securities markets are not as highly regulated and supervised as the U.S. securities markets or markets in certain other jurisdictions.
ITEM 10. Additional Information
Memorandum and Articles of Association
The summary of the material provisions concerning our Preferred Shares and Common Shares, our by-laws, and Brazilian Corporation Law contained in Item 10 "Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association" under Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form 20-F (File No. 1-15256), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2001, as amended (the "Registration Statement ") is incorporated herein by reference. Such description contained in the Registration Statement is qualified to the extent applicable by this section, as well as by reference to our by-laws, which have been filed (together with an English translation) as an exhibit to this Annual Report, and to Brazilian Corporation Law. A copy of our by-laws (together with an English translation) is available for inspection at the principal office of the Depositary.
Our Capital Stock is comprised of Preferred Shares and Common Shares, all without par value. At December, 31 2003, there were 295,569,090,398 Preferred Shares outstanding and 249,597,049,542 Common Shares outstanding.
Changes to the Brazilian Corporation Law
On October 31, 2001, Law No. 10,303 amended the Brazilian Corporation Law, establishing, among other provisions, the following applicable to companies such as ours:
-
disputes among our shareholders will be subject to arbitration if provided for in our by-laws;
-
a tender offer at a purchase price equal to fair value for all outstanding shares will be required upon a de-listing or a substantial reduction in liquidity of our shares as a result of purchases by any controlling shareholder;
-
non-controlling shareholders representing at least 15.0% of our Common Shares will have the right to elect one member of our board of directors by separate vote;
-
non-voting non-controlling shareholders representing at least 10.0% of our outstanding capital stock will have the right to elect one member of our board of directors by separate vote;
-
any sale of control will require the purchaser to offer to purchase the minority shareholders' common shares at a purchase price at least equal to 80.0% of the price per share paid to a controlling shareholder;
-
insiders (i.e., controlling shareholders, the shareholders that elect members to our board of directors and fiscal council, the members of our board of directors and fiscal council and our executive officers) will be required to disclose any purchase or sale of our shares to the CVM and the São Paulo Stock Exchange;
-
the chairman of any shareholders', board of directors' or executive officers' meeting will be entitled to enforce the voting provisions of any shareholders' agreement which has been duly filed with our company; and
-
the first and second calls for shareholders' meetings will have to be made fifteen and eight days, respectively, before such meeting, except that the CVM can also require the first call 30 days before a shareholders' meeting.
Material Contracts
The following summaries are not intended to be complete and reference is made to the agreements themselves, which are included as exhibits to this Form 20-F or other filings with the SEC as indicated below.
Our Concessions for Local Fixed-Line Switched Telecommunications services
As successor in interest to each of Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre, CTMR and CRT, we have assumed their public regime concessions to provide fixed-line local switched telecommunications services, for calls originating in the following geographic areas: Paraná, Santa Catarina, Distrito Federal, Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia, Acre and Rio Grande do Sul.
Switched fixed-line local telecommunications services are services that, through the transmission of voice and other signals, allow for communications between fixed predetermined points within a local calling area.
The term of our respective concessions, which were originally granted free of charge, ends on December 31, 2005. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we have the right to a one-time extension of twenty years for each concession provided that we meet certain conditions set forth in each such concession. See Item 4 "Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry."
Our Concessions for Intraregional Fixed-Line Switched National Long-distance Telecommunications services
As successor in interest to each of Telesc, Telegoiás, Telebrasília, Telemat, Telems, Teleron, Teleacre, CTMR and CRT, we have assumed their public regime concessions to provide fixed-line switched telecommunications services for calls originating in the following geographic areas: Paraná, Santa Catarina, Distrito Federal, Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia, Acre and Rio Grande do Sul.
The terms of our respective concessions, which were originally granted free of charge, end on December 31, 2005. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we have the right to a one-time extension of twenty years for each concession, provided that we meet certain conditions set forth by each such concession. See Item 4 "Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry."
BNDES Loan Agreements
We have entered into loan agreements with the BNDES. BNDES is our principal creditor. At December 31, 2003, we had outstanding loans to BNDES in the aggregate principal amount of approximately R$1.98 billion. The interest payable by our company on such Real -denominated debt is based either on the TJLP rate + 3.85% per annum or on a rate equal to the rate of appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus the Brazilian real on an annual basis + the average annual currency basket rate published by BNDES ( Cesta de Moeda ) + 3.85% per annum. The TJLP rate in Brazil as of December 31, 2003 was 11.0% per annum. The currency basket devalued 15.7% against Brazilian Real throughout 2003.
The proceeds from the BNDES loans were used to finance the expansion and modernization of our network from June 1998 to December 2003, in order to meet the service requirements under our concessions.
Indenture
We issued U.S.$200.0 million 9.375% Notes due 2014 under an indenture dated February 17, 2004, among Brasil Telecom, The Bank of New York, as indenture trustee, registrar, New York paying agent and transfer agent, and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ltd., as principal paying agent. Pursuant to the indenture, the notes will be payable in full in a single payment upon maturity unless redeemed earlier or extended pursuant to the terms of the indenture. The notes will bear interest at a fixed rate of 9.375% per annum from the date of issuance until all required amounts due in respect thereof have been paid. Interest on the notes will be paid semiannually in arrears on February 17 and August 17 of each year, commencing on August 17, 2004, to the noteholders registered as such as of the close of business on a record date being the tenth business day preceding such payment date. Interest for the first interest period will accrue from February 17, 2004. Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
The indenture describes covenants with which we must comply, including:
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compliance with all applicable laws;
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maintenance our properties and corporate existence;
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observations of certain interest coverage and leverage ratios;
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restrictions with respect to certain mergers, consolidations or similar transactions;
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restrictions with respect to creation of certain liens on our assets; and
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restrictions with respect to certain sale and lease-back transactions.
These covenants are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions as described in the indenture.
The indenture will contain certain events of default, consisting of, among others, the following:
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failure to pay principal when due;
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failure to pay interest and other amounts (i) within 30 calendar days of the due date therefor in the case of payments made in respect of any interest payment dates occurring prior to the expected maturity date, and (ii) when due, in the case of any interest payment date occurring on or after the expected maturity date; and
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breach by us of any covenant or agreement in the indenture or any of the other relevant transaction documents.
Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with our issuance of U.S.$200.0 million 9.375% Notes due 2014, we entered into a registration rights agreement among us and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. as initial purchaser dated February 17, 2004. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement we agreed to conduct a registered exchange offer for the notes under the Securities Act on or before February 17, 2005. If the exchange offer is not completed or, if required, the shelf registration statement is not declared effective on or before February 17, 2005, the annual interest rate applicable to the notes will be increased by 0.50% per annum. This increase in the interest rate will end and the rate of interest due on the notes shall be reduced to the initial interest rate applicable to the notes upon the earlier of (i) completion of the exchange offer, (ii) the effectiveness of a shelf registration, and (iii) the notes becoming freely tradable under the Securities Act.
Company Support Agreement
In connection with our issuance of U.S.$200.0 million 9.375% Notes due 2014 we entered into a company support agreement between us and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation ("OPIC") dated February 17, 2004. Under the company support agreement we agree to, among other things, make certain representations and warranties and covenants with respect to our compliance with environmental, workers' rights, foreign corrupt practices and other matters. A breach by us of any of our representations and warranties or covenants in the company support agreement which results in an Event of Termination (as defined therein) would entitle OPIC to terminate the insurance policy relating to the U.S.$200.0 million 9.375% Notes due 2014 or to withhold any amount otherwise payable by OPIC under such insurance policy. If the insurance policy is terminated or otherwise ceases to be in full force and effect, or OPIC withholds any amount otherwise payable by OPIC under the insurance policy, in each case for any reason attributable to acts or omissions of Brasil Telecom, an event of default under the indenture will have occurred.
Insurance Trust Agreement
In connection with our issuance of U.S.$200.0 million 9.375% Notes due 2014, we entered into an insurance trust agreement dated February 17, 2004, between us and The Bank of New York, as insurance trustee. The insurance trust agreement establishes a grantor trust (the "Insurance Trust") under New York law for the benefit of the noteholders. Pursuant to an insurance trust agreement the Insurance Trustee will hold the insurance as credit enhancement and support for the notes to the extent of the coverage set forth in the insurance policy.
JBIC-Guaranteed Loan
On March 24, 2004 we entered into a Japanese Yen 21.6 billion loan facility arranged by SMBC, guaranteed by JBIC and granted by a syndicate of five commercial banks (including SMBC). The loan is not secured and bears interest at a rate equal to Yen (LIBOR) plus 1.92% per annum. Interest payments are due on September 24 and March 24 of each year. We borrowed the entire amount available under this facility on March 28, 2004 in the form of a single term loan, which was exchanged into approximately R$576.0 million and which we used to partially bear our 2003 capital expenditures.
Overdue amounts bear interest at a rate equal to Yen (LIBOR) plus 1.92% per annum. The interest payments and arrangement fee and agency fee on this loan are subject to withholding in Brazil at a rate of 12.5%, and we are required to gross-up such interest payments to ensure the lenders receive the amounts they would have received in the absence of this withholding. The principal amount of this loan is repayable in Japanese Yen in ten equal installments due on the interest payment dates referred to above. We may prepay all or a portion of this loan on any payment date subject to certain conditions.
JBIC, pursuant to its untied guarantee program, has guaranteed the repayment of 97.5% of the principal amount of and interest due on this loan. For this guarantee JBIC receives a fee in the amount of 1.25 per annum of 97.5% of the aggregate principal amount of the loan outstanding from time to time. In order to induce JBIC to guarantee the Japanese Yen 21.6 billion loan facility, on March 18, 2004 we entered into a loan facility in Yen in an aggregate amount of approximately R$3.0 million with JBIC and the participating financial institutions. The proceeds from such loan were used for the acquisition of Japanese goods.
The loan agreements impose certain restrictions on us, including limitations on liens (subject to customary exceptions), limitations on assets sales and limitations on mergers and similar transactions. Under the loan agreements we are also subject to financial covenants including an interest coverage ratio, debt coverage ratio and leverage ratio. If we fail to comply with these financial covenants, in addition to the other remedies available to the lenders, we may be required to provide to the lenders and JBIC collateral security for the loan, including a guarantee from a bank or parent company. The loan agreements include customary events of default, subject to certain grace periods and customary exceptions.
Exchange Controls
There are no restrictions on ownership of the ADSs or the Preferred Shares by individuals or legal entities domiciled outside Brazil .
The right to convert dividend payments and proceeds from the sale of shares into foreign currency and to remit such amounts outside Brazil may be subject to restrictions under foreign investment legislation which generally requires, among other things, that the relevant investments be registered with the Brazilian Central Bank. If any restrictions are imposed on the remittance of foreign capital abroad, they could hinder or prevent Banco Bradesco S.A. , as custodian for our Preferred Shares represented by the ADSs, or registered holders who have exchanged ADSs for Preferred Shares, from converting dividends, distributions or the proceeds from any sale of such Preferred Shares, as the case may be, into U.S. dollars and remitting the U.S. dollars abroad.
Foreign investors may register their investment under Law 4,131/62 or Resolution No. 2,689. Registration under Resolution No. 2,689 affords favorable tax treatment to foreign investors who are not resident in a tax haven, as defined by Brazilian tax laws. See "—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations."
Under Resolution No. 2,689, foreign investors may invest in almost all financial assets and engage in almost all transactions available in the Brazilian financial and capital markets, provided that certain requirements are fulfilled. In accordance with Resolution No. 2,689, the definition of foreign investor includes individuals, legal entities, mutual funds and other collective investment entities, domiciled or headquartered abroad.
Under Resolution No. 2,689, a foreign investor must:
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appoint at least one representative in Brazil , with powers to perform actions relating to its investment;
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appoint an authorized custodian in Brazil for its investments;
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register as a foreign investor with the CVM; and
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register its foreign investment with Brazilian Central Bank.
Under Resolution No. 2,689, securities and other financial assets held by a foreign investor must be registered or maintained in deposit accounts or under the custody of an entity duly licensed by the Brazilian Central Bank or the CVM. In addition, any transfer of securities held under Resolution No. 2,689 must be carried out in the stock exchanges or through organized over-the-counter markets licensed by the CVM, except for transfers resulting from a corporate reorganization, or occurring upon the death of an investor by operation of law or will or as a consequence of the de-listing of the relevant shares from a Brazilian stock exchange and the cancellation of the registration of the relevant company from the CVM.
Holders of ADSs who have not registered their investment with the Brazilian Central Bank could be adversely affected by delays in, or refusals to grant, any required government approval for conversions of payments made in reais and remittances abroad of these converted amounts.
Resolution No. 1,927 of the National Monetary Council, which restated and amended Annex V to Resolution No. 1,289, provides for the issuance of depositary receipts in foreign markets in respect of shares of Brazilian issuers. We have obtained approval for the American Depositary Shares under Annex V to Resolution No. 1,289, in order to (i) allow the proceeds from the sale by holders of ADSs outside Brazil to be free of Brazilian foreign investment controls, and (ii) allow holders of ADSs who are not resident in a tax haven to be entitled to favorable tax treatment in Brazil. See "—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations."
A certificate of foreign capital registration has been issued in the name of the Depositary with respect to the ADSs and is maintained by Banco Bradesco S.A. , as custodian for our Preferred Shares represented by the ADSs, on behalf of the Depositary. Pursuant to such certificate of foreign capital registration, we expect that the Depositary will be able to convert dividends and other distributions with respect to the Preferred Shares represented by ADSs into foreign currency and remit the proceeds outside of Brazil . See Item 9 "Offer and listing—Offer and listing details" and Item 9 "Offer and Listing—Markets—Trading on the São Paulo Stock Exchange."
In the event that a holder of ADSs exchanges the ADSs for Preferred Shares, such holder will be entitled to continue to rely on the Depositary's certificate of foreign capital registration for only five business days after such exchange, following which such holder must seek to obtain its own certificate of foreign capital registration with the Brazilian Central Bank. Thereafter, any holder of Preferred Shares may not be able to convert into foreign currency and remit outside Brazil the proceeds from the disposition of, or distributions with respect to, such Preferred Shares, unless such holder qualifies under Resolution No. 2,689 or obtains its own certificate of foreign capital registration. A holder of Preferred Shares that obtains a certificate of foreign capital registration will be subject to less favorable Brazilian tax treatment than a holder of ADSs. See "—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations."
Taxation
The following summary contains a description of the principal Brazilian and U.S. federal income tax considerations of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Preferred Shares or ADSs, but it does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all the tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase Preferred Shares or ADSs. The summary is based upon the tax laws of Brazil and regulations thereunder and on the tax laws of the U.S. and regulations thereunder as in effect on the date hereof, all of which authorities are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. Each holder should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Preferred Shares or ADSs.
Although there is at present no income tax treaty in force between Brazil and the U.S. , the tax authorities of the two countries have had discussions that may culminate in such a treaty. No assurance can be given, however, as to whether or when a treaty will enter into force or how it will affect the U.S. holders of Preferred Shares or ADSs. Prospective holders of Preferred Shares or ADSs should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Preferred Shares or ADSs in their particular circumstances.
Brazilian Tax Considerations
The following discussion summarizes the principal Brazilian tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Preferred Shares or ADSs by a holder not deemed to be domiciled in Brazil for Brazilian tax purposes (a "non-Brazilian holder "). This discussion does not address all the Brazilian tax considerations that may be applicable to any particular non-Brazilian holder, and each non-Brazilian holder should consult his or her own tax advisor about the Brazilian tax consequences of investing in Preferred Shares or ADSs.
Individuals domiciled in Brazil and Brazilian companies are taxed in Brazil on the basis of their worldwide income which includes earnings of Brazilian companies' foreign subsidiaries, branches and affiliates. The earnings of branches of foreign companies and non-Brazilian residents ("Nonresidents") in general are taxed in Brazil only on income derived from Brazilian sources.
Taxation of Dividends
Dividends paid by our company in cash or in kind from profits of periods beginning on or after January 1, 1996 (i) to the Depositary in respect of Preferred Shares underlying ADSs or (ii) to a non-Brazilian holder in respect of Preferred Shares will not be subject to Brazilian withholding tax. Dividends paid from profits generated before January 1, 1996 may be subject to Brazilian withholding tax at varying rates, except that stock dividends are not subject to Brazilian tax unless we subsequently redeem the stock, or the non-Brazilian holder sells the stock in Brazil , within five years after the distribution.
The only Brazilian tax treaty now in effect that would (if certain conditions are met) reduce the rate of the withholding tax on dividends paid from profits generated before January 1, 1996 is the treaty with Japan, which would reduce the rate to 12.5% under the circumstances set forth in the treaty.
Taxation of Gains
Brazilian law distinguishes between, on the one hand, direct foreign investments in Brazilian companies and, on the other hand, foreign investments in securities issued by Brazilian companies through the Brazilian capital markets. Under Resolution No. 2,689, which became effective on March 31, 2000, superseding previous regulations (Annex IV) which restrict such foreign investment portfolios to institutional investors, foreign investors may invest directly in Brazilian financial markets, as long as they meet certain requirements. See "—Exchange Controls" above.
Until recently, gains realized outside Brazil by a non-Brazilian holder on the disposition of ADSs to another non-Brazilian holder were not subject to Brazilian tax. However, Law No. 10,833, published on December 29, 2003, established that the disposition of assets located in Brazil by Nonresidents, whether to other Nonresidents or Brazilian residents and whether made within or outside Brazil, is subject to taxation in Brazil at a rate of 15.0%, or 25.0%, if the Nonresident is domiciled in a country that does not tax income or that taxes it at a maximum rate of 20.0%.
As a result, the disposition of ADSs, the deposit of Preferred Shares in exchange for ADSs or the withdrawal of Preferred Shares upon cancellation of ADSs may be characterized as assets located in Brazil and could be subject to the income tax according to Law No. 10,833/03, if there is gain in the transaction, at a 15.0% rate or 25.0% rate, if the beneficiary of the gain is domiciled in a country that does not tax income or that taxes it at a maximum rate of 20.0%.
Gains realized by non-Brazilian holders on dispositions of Preferred Shares in Brazil or in transactions with Brazilian residents, if they observe the requirements of Resolution No. 2,689, are exempted from withholding income tax, unless the foreign investor is located in a jurisdiction which does not impose income tax or which has an income tax rate lower than 20.0%, in which case it will be subject to the same general taxation rules applicable to Brazilian residents.
Gains on the disposition of Preferred Shares obtained upon cancellation of ADSs are not taxed in Brazil if such disposition is made, and the proceeds are remitted abroad, within five business days after cancellation.
Any gains realized by a non-Brazilian resident upon the redemption of Preferred Shares will be treated as gains from the disposition of such Preferred Shares to a Brazilian resident occurring off of a stock exchange and will accordingly be subject to tax at a rate of 20.0%, except for gains realized by a non-Brazilian resident located in a jurisdiction which does not impose income taxes or which has an income tax rate lower than 20.0%, in which case such gain will be subject to tax at a rate of 25.0%.
Gain is measured by the difference between the amount in Brazilian currency realized on the sale or exchange and the acquisition cost of the shares sold, measured in Brazilian currency without any correction for inflation; the acquisition cost of shares registered as an investment with the Brazilian Central Bank is calculated on the basis of the foreign currency amount registered with the Brazilian Central Bank.
There can be no assurance that the current preferential treatment for holders of ADSs and non-Brazilian holders of Preferred Shares will be maintained.
Any exercise of preemptive rights relating to our Preferred Shares or ADSs will not be subject to Brazilian taxation. Gains on the sale or assignment of preemptive rights relating to our Preferred Shares will be treated differently for Brazilian tax purposes depending on (i) whether the sale or assignment is made by the Depositary or by you, and (ii) whether the transaction takes place on a Brazilian stock exchange. Gains on sales or assignments made by the Depositary on a Brazilian stock exchange are not taxed in Brazil , but gains on other sales or assignments may be subject to tax at rates up to 20.0%.
Distributions of Interest on Capital
Brazilian corporations may make payments to shareholders characterized as interest on our capital as an alternative form of making dividend distributions. The rate of interest may not be higher than the TJLP rate as determined by the Brazilian Central Bank from time to time (11.0% per annum for the three month period beginning October 1, 2003). The total amount distributed as interest on capital may not exceed the greater of (i) 50.0% of net income (before taking such distribution and any deductions for income taxes into account) for the year in respect of which the payment is made or (ii) 50.0% of retained earnings for the year prior to the year in respect of which the payment is made. Payments of interest on capital are decided by the shareholders on the basis of recommendations of our board of directors.
We may deduct distributions of interest on capital paid to Brazilian and non-Brazilian holders of Preferred Shares, including payments to the Depositary in respect of Preferred Shares underlying ADSs, for Brazilian corporate income tax purposes. Such payments are subject to Brazilian withholding tax at the rate of 15.0%, except for payments to persons who are exempt from tax in Brazil, which are free of Brazilian tax, and except for payments to persons situated in jurisdictions deemed to be tax havens (i.e., countries that either have no income tax or in which the income tax rate is less than 20.0%), which will be subject to tax at a 25.0% rate.
No assurance can be given that our board of directors will not recommend that future distributions of profits should be made by means of interest on capital instead of by means of dividends.
Amounts paid as interest on capital (net of applicable withholding tax) may be treated as payments in respect of the dividends that we are obligated to distribute to its shareholders in accordance with its Charter and the Brazilian Corporation Law. Distributions of interest on capital in respect of our Preferred Shares, including distributions to the Depositary in respect of Preferred Shares indemnifying ADSs, may be converted into U.S. dollars and remitted outside of Brazil , subject to applicable exchange controls.
Other Brazilian Taxes
There are no Brazilian inheritance, gift or succession taxes applicable to the ownership, transfer or disposition of Preferred Shares or ADSs by a non-Brazilian holder except for gift and inheritance taxes levied by some states in Brazil on gifts made or inheritances bestowed by individuals or entities not resident or domiciled in Brazil or in the relevant State to individuals or entities that are resident or domiciled within such State in Brazil. There are no Brazilian stamp, issue, registration, or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of Preferred Shares or ADSs.
A financial transaction tax (the "IOF tax ") may be imposed on the conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign currency (e.g., for purposes of paying dividends and interest). The rate of the IOF tax on such conversions is currently 0%, but the Minister of Finance has the legal power to increase the rate to a maximum of 25.0%. Any such increase will be applicable only prospectively.
In addition to the IOF tax, a second, temporary tax that applies to the removal of funds from accounts at banks and other financial institutions (the "CPMF tax ") will be imposed on our distributions in respect of ADSs at the time such distributions are converted into U.S. dollars and remitted abroad by Banco Bradesco S.A. , as custodian for our Preferred Shares represented by the ADSs. Currently, the CPMF tax rate is 0.38%.
FUST – Universal Telecommunications Service Fund
The Universal Telecommunications Service Fund, introduced by Law 9,998/00, Oficio Circular No. 58/04, and Despacho No. 29/03 (Anatel), was created to raise funds to meet the cost of the universalization of the telecommunications services, which are not recoverable through the efficient exploration of the service. According to the law, one of FUST's forms of income is the contribution by both public and private telecommunications providers, of 1.0% of the gross operating revenue from the rendering of telecommunications services. The value will be calculated after certain tax deductions and will exclude interconnection costs. The funds are supposed to be paid to Anatel and will be invested according to the policies laid out by the Ministry of Communication.
FUNTEL – Fund for the Technological Development of the Telecommunications
Law 10,052/00 established the Fund for the Technological Development of Telecommunications. Pursuant to this regulation, the fund was created to foster technological development, encourage human intellectual capital, encourage employment, promote capital access to small and medium sized business, all in order to enlarge the competitiveness of the Brazilian Telecommunications' Industry. This fund received a contribution of 0.5% of the gross operating income, after tax deduction, earned through the exploration of telecommunications services by both public and private companies. A directive board composed of governmental representatives will manage the fund and determine how the funds will be invested.
Registered Capital
Amounts invested in Preferred Shares by a non-Brazilian holder who qualifies under the Resolution No. 2,689 and obtains registration with the CVM, or by the Depositary representing an ADS holder, are eligible for registration with the Brazilian Central Bank. Such registration (the amount so registered is referred to as "Registered Capital ") allows the remittance outside Brazil of foreign currency, converted at the Commercial Market Rate, acquired with the proceeds of distributions on, and amounts realized through dispositions of such Preferred Shares. The Registered Capital per Preferred Share purchased in the form of an ADS, or purchased in Brazil and deposited with the Depositary in exchange for an ADS, will be equal to its purchase price (stated in U.S. dollars). The Registered Capital per Preferred Share withdrawn upon cancellation of an ADS will be the U.S. dollar equivalent of (i) the average price of a Preferred Share on the Brazilian stock exchange on which the most Preferred Shares were traded on the day of withdrawal or, (ii) if no Preferred Shares were traded on that day, the average price on the Brazilian stock exchange on which the most Preferred Shares were traded in the fifteen trading sessions immediately preceding such withdrawal. The U.S. dollar equivalent will be determined on the basis of the average Commercial Market rates quoted by the Brazilian Central Bank on such date or dates.
A non-Brazilian holder of Preferred Shares may experience delays in effecting Brazilian Central Bank registration, which may delay remittances abroad. Such a delay may adversely affect the amount in U.S. dollars, received by the non-Brazilian holder.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The statements regarding U.S. federal income tax law set forth below are based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code "), its legislative history, existing and proposed Treasury regulations thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, as in force on the date of this Annual Report, and changes to such law subsequent to the date of this Annual Report may affect the tax consequences described herein, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary describes the principal tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Preferred Shares or ADSs, but it does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a decision to own or dispose of Preferred Shares or ADSs. This summary applies only to purchasers of Preferred Shares or ADSs who will hold the Preferred Shares or ADSs as "capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (i.e., generally, property held for investment) and does not apply to special classes of holders such as dealers or brokers in securities or currencies, holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, holders of 10.0% or more of our shares (by vote or by value, and directly or by attribution, taking into account shares held directly through depositary arrangements), tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, holders liable for the alternative minimum tax, securities traders who elect to account for their investment in Preferred Shares or ADSs on a mark-to-market basis, and persons holding Preferred Shares or ADSs in a hedging transaction or as part of a straddle, conversion or constructive ownership transaction.
Each holder should consult such holder's own tax advisor concerning the overall tax consequences to it, including the consequences under tax laws other than U.S. federal income tax laws, of an investment in the Preferred Shares or ADSs.
As used in this summary, references to "ADSs " also refer to "Preferred Shares." As used in this summary, the term "U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of ADSs that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or other entity (treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized in or under the laws of the United States or its political subdivisions, (iii) a trust subject to the control of a U.S. person (as defined in the Code) and the primary supervision of a U.S. court or (iv) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source. As used in this summary, the term "non-U.S. holder " means a beneficial owner of ADSs that is not a U.S. holder. In the case of a holder of the common shares that is, or is treated as, a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Therefore, partners of a partnership holding our common shares should consult their tax advisor.
For purposes of the U.S. federal income tax laws, holders of ADSs will be treated as owners of the ADSs represented by such ADSs.
Taxation of Dividends
Subject to the "Passive Foreign Investment Company" discussion below, a U.S. holder will recognize ordinary dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the amount of any cash and the value of any property that we distribute as a dividend, to the extent that such distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits ("e&p "), as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in accordance with the U.S. holder's regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent that such a distribution exceeds our e&p, it will be treated as a nontaxable return of capital, to the extent of the U.S. holder's tax basis in the ADS (or Preferred Shares, as the case may be), and thereafter as capital gain. The amount of any distribution will include the amount of Brazilian tax withheld on the amount distributed and the amount of a distribution paid in reais will be measured by reference to the exchange rate for converting reais into U.S. dollars in effect on the date the distribution is received by Banco Bradesco S.A. , as custodian for our Preferred Shares represented by the ADSs, or by a U.S. holder, in the case of a holder of Preferred Shares. If the custodian or U.S. holder, in the case of a holder of Preferred Shares, does not convert such reais into U.S. dollars on the date it receives them, it is possible that the U.S. holder will recognize foreign currency loss or gain, which would be ordinary loss or gain, when the reais are converted into U.S. dollars. Dividends that we have paid will generally not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code.
Distributions out of e&p with respect to the ADSs generally will be treated as dividend income from sources outside of the U.S. and generally will be treated separately along with other items of "passive" (or, in the case of certain U.S. holders, "financial services") income for purposes of determining the credit for foreign income taxes allowed under the Code. Subject to certain limitations, Brazilian income tax withheld in connection with any distribution with respect to the ADSs may be claimed as a credit against the U.S. federal income tax liability of a U.S. holder if such U.S. holder elects for that year to credit all foreign income taxes. Such Brazilian withholding tax may be taken as a deduction at the U.S. Holder's election, only if the U.S. Holder does not claim a credit for any Brazilian or other foreign taxes paid or accrued in that year. Foreign tax credits will not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain short-term or hedged positions in securities or in respect of arrangements in which a U.S. holder's expected economic profit, after non-U.S. taxes, is insubstantial. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the implications of these rules in light of their particular circumstances.
Distributions of additional shares to holders with respect to their ADSs that are made as part of a pro rata distribution to all of our shareholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.
A non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on distributions with respect to ADSs that are treated as dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on distributions with respect to ADSs that are treated as capital gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless such holder would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs, as discussed below.
Taxation of Capital Gains
Subject to the "Passive Foreign Investment Company" discussion below, in general, upon the sale or other taxable disposition of an ADS, a U.S. holder will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized in consideration for the disposition of the ADS (excluding the amount of any distribution paid to the custodian but not distributed by the custodian prior to the disposition) and the U.S. holder's tax basis in the ADS. Such gain or loss generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax and will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares were held as a capital asset and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year on the date of such sale or disposition. Under U.S. legislation enacted in 2003, long term capital gains realized upon a sale or other disposition of ADSs after May 5, 2003 and before the end of a taxable year which begins before January 1, 2009 generally will be subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 15%. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations. Gain or loss realized by a U.S. holder on a sale or disposition of ADSs generally will be treated as U.S. source gain or loss. Consequently, if Brazilian tax is imposed on such gain, the U.S. holder will not be able to use the corresponding foreign tax credit, unless the holder has other foreign source income of the appropriate type in respect of which the credit may be used.
A non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on gain realized on the sale or other disposition of an ADS unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the holder of a trade or business in the U.S., (ii) such holder is a former citizen or long-term resident of the United States, a "controlled foreign corporation", a "foreign personal holding company", a corporation which accumulates earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax, or is of a certain type of foreign charitable organization, each within the meaning of the Code, or (iii) such holder is an individual who is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions are met.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
We believe that we are not a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC ") for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the current taxable year and do not expect to become a PFIC in future taxable years. However, because the determination of whether the offered shares constitute shares of a PFIC will be based upon the composition of our income and assets on an annual basis, there is no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for any subsequent year. If the offered shares were shares of a PFIC for any fiscal year, a U.S. holder of the offered shares could be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences with respect to any gains realized on the sale or other disposition of the offered shares and certain distributions received with respect to the offered shares. We do not intend to provide you with information necessary for the "qualified electing fund" election in the case that we are deemed a PFIC. Holders and prospective purchasers of the ADSs should consult their own tax advisers regarding the PFIC rules and their effect on holding or purchasing the shares.
U.S. Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Distributions made in respect of offered shares, and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of offered shares, payable to a U.S. holder by a U.S. paying agent or other U.S. intermediary will be subject to information reporting requirements. If information reporting requirements apply, distributions made to the U.S. holder will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS ") and to the U.S. holder as may be required under applicable Treasury regulations. Backup withholding will also apply to any payments made to a U.S. holder if such U.S. holder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number (social security number, individual taxpayer identification number or employer identification number) or certification of exempt status or is notified by the IRS that it has failed to report all dividends or interest required to be shown on its U.S. federal income tax return. In addition, certain penalties may be imposed by the IRS on a U.S. holder that is required to supply such information but that does not do so.
Information reporting and backup withholding are generally not required with respect to payments made by a U.S. paying agent or other U.S. intermediary to certain exempt U.S. holders (e.g., corporations and tax-exempt organizations) and non-U.S. holders, provided that, in the case of non-U.S. holders, such non-U.S. holders file a timely and properly completed IRS Form W-8 or W-8BEN with the U.S. paying agent or intermediary. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rulings will be allowed as a refund or credit against a holder's U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner. Each holder should consult its own tax advisor concerning the effect of the New Regulations on its ownership and disposition of Preferred Shares or ADSs.
Independent Auditors
Our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2001 and for the year ended December 31, 2001 have been audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, independent auditors. The offices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu are located at Rua Alexandre Dumas 1981, 04717-906, São Paulo , SP, Brazil .
Our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 prepared in conformity with Brazilian GAAP with reconciliation of shareholders' equity and statements of operations to U.S. GAAP, included in this annual report, have been audited by KPMG Auditores Independentes, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board as stated in their report which is included herein. The offices of KPMG Auditores Independentes are located at Avenida Almirante Barroso 52, 17 o andar, Rio de Janeiro, RJ – 20031-000, Brazil.
Documents on Display
Statements contained in this Annual Report regarding the contents of any contract or other document are complete in all material respects, however, where the contract or other document is an exhibit to this Annual Report, each of these statements is qualified in all respects by the provisions of the actual contract or other documents.
This Annual Report may be reviewed without charge at the Public Reference Section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W. , Room 1300, Washington , D.C. 20549.
Copies of all or any portion of this Annual Report can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W. , Room 1300, Washington , D.C. 20549, upon payment of fees prescribed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. For further information on the public reference rooms, call the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330.
We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to a foreign private issuer, and accordingly, we must file or furnish reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, reports on Form 6-K, and other information, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports and other information can be inspected at, and subject to the payment of any required fees, copies may be obtained from, the public reference facilities maintained by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as described above. These reports and other information may also be inspected and copied at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street , New York , New York 10005. As a foreign private issuer, however, we will be exempt from the proxy requirements of Section 14 of the Exchange Act and from the short-swing profit recovery rules of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, although the rules of the New York Stock Exchange may require that we solicit proxies from our shareholders under some circumstances.
Our website is located at http://www.brasiltelecom.com.br. The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report.
ITEM 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Quantitative Information About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk from changes in both foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk because certain of our costs are denominated in currencies (primarily the U.S. dollar) other than those in which we earn revenues (primarily the real ). Similarly, we are subject to market risk deriving from changes in interest rates that may affect the cost of our financing.
The principal market for our products and services is Brazil and substantially all of our revenues are denominated in reais . We have described under Item 4 "Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company" the manner in which the Brazilian government has controlled, and continues to control, the prices we charge.
Prior to our merger with CRT, we did not use derivative instruments to hedge against currency risks. However, after our merger with CRT, we became responsible for, among other things, CRT's U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities. Due to these circumstances and the increasing volatility of U.S. dollar rates, we decided to hedge some of our U.S. dollar-denominated indebtedness. We do not hold or issue derivative or other financial instruments for trading purposes.
Exchange Rate Risk
We also face foreign exchange risk because a significant portion of our equipment costs, such as costs relating to switching centers and software used for upgrading network capacity, are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. Since 2001, approximately 35.0% of our total capital expenditures have been U.S. dollar denominated. Our cost of financing, however, is not materially exposed to exchange rate risk. At December 31, 2003, approximately 5.3%, or R$245.6 million, of our indebtedness was denominated in foreign currency with substantially all of such amount denominated in U.S. dollars. At December 31, 2003, we hedged approximately 33.47% of our foreign currency indebtedness, including the majority of our U.S. dollar denominated debt maturing through the end of 2005 against significant variations in exchange rates (R$/U.S.$) by using foreign currency swap contracts. The aggregate notional principal amount of the swap contracts is approximately U.S.$82.8 million, of which approximately U.S.$35.5 million matures within one year and approximately U.S.$38.4 million matures in one to three years. At December 31, 2003, the fair value of the swap contracts amounted to approximately R$8.1 million. See Notes 29b and 29c to our audited financial statements for additional information regarding the swap contracts.
In 2003, losses on foreign currency and monetary restatement amounted to approximately R$83.2 million, due to the appreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar. At December 31, 2003, the potential immediate loss in earnings that we could sustain from a hypothetical 10.0% change in foreign currency exchange rates would be approximately R$12.7 million.
Interest Rate Risk
At December 31, 2003, we had approximately R$4,635.8 million in loans and financing outstanding, of which R$4,523.5 million bore interest at floating rates and R$112.3 million bore interest at fixed rates. We invest our excess liquidity (approximately R$1,465.8 million in 2003) mainly in short-term instruments. The potential loss in earnings to us over one year that would have resulted from a hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable change of 1.0% in the interest rates applicable to our financial assets and liabilities in 2003 would be approximately R$7.1 million. The above sensitivity analysis is based on the assumption of an unfavorable 1.0% movement of the interest rates applicable to each homogeneous category of financial assets and liabilities and sustained over a period of one year. A homogeneous category is defined according to the currency in which financial assets and liabilities are denominated and assumes the same interest rate movement within each homogeneous category ( e.g. , reais ). As a result, our interest rate risk sensitivity model may overstate the impact of interest rate fluctuation for such financial instruments as consistently unfavorable movements of all interest rates are unlikely.
The table below provides summary information regarding our exposure to interest rate and exchange rate risk in our total debt portfolio as of December 31, 2003:
|
Total Debt Portfolio |
|
|
R$ million |
% |
Floating rate debt: |
|
|
Real denominated |
4,369.8 |
94.3 |
Foreign currency denominated |
153.7 |
3.3 |
|
|
|
Fixed rate debt: |
|
|
Real denominated |
20.4 |
0.4 |
Foreign currency denominated |
91.9 |
2.0 |
Total |
4,635.8 |
100.0 |
As of December 31, 2003, approximately 51.0% of our total debt portfolio was tied to the CDI rate. As of December 31, 2003, the CDI rate accumulated for the year was 23.2% per annum.
The table below provides information about our debt obligations as of December 31, 2003, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates and exchange rates. This table presents, by expected maturity dates and currency, the principal cash flows and related average interest rates of these obligations. Variable interest rates are based on the applicable reference rate (LIBOR, CDI or TJLP) as of December 31, 2003:
Debt Obligation |
Total–Short-Term Debt 2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
After 2008 |
Total–Long Term Debt |
Fair Value–Long Term Debt |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt in U.S. Dollars: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed rate debt |
9,351 |
8,266 |
8,266 |
8,266 |
8,266 |
49,490 |
82,554 |
82,554 |
Average interest rate |
1.8% |
1.8 |
1.8% |
1.8% |
1.8% |
1.8% |
— |
— |
Variable rate debt |
43,060 |
39,949 |
19,686 |
13,199 |
12,903 |
24,890 |
110,627 |
110,627 |
Average interest rate |
3.5% |
3.5% |
2.9% |
1.8% |
1.7% |
1.7% |
— |
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt in Brazilian reais : |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed rate debt |
5,023 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
417 |
0,0 |
15,417 |
15,417 |
Average interest rate |
14% |
14% |
14% |
14% |
14% |
- |
— |
— |
Variable rate debt (1) |
1,932,840 |
904,656 |
1,030,177 |
502,132 |
0,0 |
0,0 |
2,436,965 |
2,436,965 |
Average interest rate |
16.8% |
15.9% |
16% |
15.6% |
- |
- |
— |
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total debt obligations (1) |
1,990,274 |
957,871 |
1,063,129 |
528,597 |
21,586 |
74,380 |
2,645,563 |
2,645,563 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hedging Policy
We constantly evaluate and consider alternatives with respect to hedging foreign exchange risk in connection with our foreign currency indebtedness and have currently entered into hedging contracts with respect to short-term payments of our foreign currency debt.
ITEM 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
We are filing an Annual Report under the Exchange Act. Accordingly, this item does not apply to us.
PART II
ITEM 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
Not applicable.
ITEM 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
We were required to pay a non-cumulative preferred dividend on our Preferred Shares in an amount equal to 6.0% of the share capital attributable to our Preferred Shares under Brazilian Corporation Law. Law No. 10,303, dated October 31, 2001, which amended the Brazilian Corporation Law requirement that we pay a non-cumulative preferred dividend on our Preferred Shares of at least 3.0% per year of the book value of Shareholders' equity divided by our total number of shares. On December 19, 2002 we amended our Bylaws to comply with these new requirements. Preferred Shareholders are now entitled to receive a minimum non-cumulative dividend of Preferred Dividend equal to the greater of (i) 6.0% per year of the value of our total share capital divided by our total number of shares or (ii) 3.0% per year of the book value of our shareholders' equity divided by the total number of our shares.
ITEM 15. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our Chief Executive Officer, Carla Cico, and our Financial Executive Officer, Paulo Pedrão Rio Branco after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in U.S. Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 20-F, have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in internal controls. There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2003 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Because we have not established an audit committee, our entire board of directors is deemed our audit committee under section 3(a)(58) of the Exchange Act. Our board of directors has not yet determined whether any of the members of the board of directors is an audit committee financial expert as such term is defined for the purposes of this Item 16A. We believe that none of the members of our board of directors qualify as such an audit committee financial expert. We do not have such an audit committee financial expert because we are not required to do so under Brazilian law.
ITEM 16B. Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all officers and employees. A copy of the code of ethics may be obtained free of charge by contacting our investor relations department at (+55) 61 415-1256. No waivers, either explicit or implicit, of provisions of the code of ethics were granted in 2003.
ITEM 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
KPMG Auditores Independentes served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 appearing in this annual report on Form 20-F.
The following table presents the aggregate fees for professional services and other services rendered by KPMG Auditores Independentes to us in 2002 and 2003 in thousands of reais.
| 2003 |
2002 | |
| Audit Fees | R$1,528 | R$739 |
| Audit-related Fees | - | 10 |
| Tax Fees | 41 | 34 |
| All Other Fees | - |
- |
| Total | R$1,569 |
R$783 |
Audit fees are fees agreed upon with KPMG Auditores Independentes for the fiscal years 2002 and 2003, (including related expenses) for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements and for the reviews of our quarterly financial statements submitted on Form 6-K, including the reviews of our annual report on Form 20-F. They also include fees billed for other audit services such as the provision of comfort letters.
Audit-related Fees consist of fees billed by KPMG Auditores Independentes for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the company's financial statements or that are traditionally performed by the external auditor, and include consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards, internal control reviews, review of security controls and operational effectiveness of systems and due diligence related to acquisitions.
Tax Fees include fees billed for tax compliance services, including the review of the original, as well as seminars and training regarding changes in, Brazilian tax legislation.
Audit committee pre-approval policies and procedures
Our board of directors requires management to obtain the board’s approval before engaging independent outside auditors to provide any audit or permitted non-audit services to us, or our subsidiaries. Pursuant to this policy, our board of directors pre-approves all audit and non-audit services provided by KPMG Auditores Independentes, our principal auditor. Pursuant to the board’s pre-approval process, each year, KPMG prepares a detailed list of services that it proposes to perform during the coming year. These proposed services are presented to the board of directors, which considers and approves the services. Management is not permitted to engage our outside auditors for any audit or non-audit service that is not on the list of services approved by the board of directors without first returning the board of directors for approval of such additional services.
PART III
ITEM 17. Financial Statements
We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this Item.
ITEM 18. Financial Statements
Reference is made to pages F-1 through F-68 for our Financial Statements.
ITEM 19. Exhibits
The following is a list of all exhibits filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F:
| Exhibit Number |
Exhibit
|
| 1.1 | Amended and Restated Charter of the Registrant.
(1) |
| 1.2 | Amended and Restated Charter of the Registrant
(English translation). (1) |
| 2.1 | Form of Deposit Agreement to be executed
among the Registrant, Citibank N.A., as Depositary, and the Holders and
Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by American
Depositary Receipts issued thereunder. (2) |
| 2.2 | |
| 3.1 | Amendment to the Amended and Restated Shareholders'
Agreement.(3) |
| 4.1 | Standard Concession Agreement for Local,
Switched, Fixed-Line Telephone Service. (2) |
| 4.2 | Standard Concession Agreement for Local,
Switched, Fixed-Line Telephone Service and Schedule of Omitted Concession
contracts (English translation). (2)(4) |
| 4.3 | Standard Concession Agreement for Domestic
Long-Distance, Switched, Fixed-Line Telephone Service. (2) |
| 4.4 | Standard Concession Agreement for Domestic
Long-Distance, Switched, Fixed-Line Telephone Service and Schedule of
Omitted Concession Agreements (English translation). (2)(4) |
| 4.5 | |
| 4.6 | |
| 4.7 | |
| 4.8 | |
| 4.9 | |
| 8.1 | |
| 12.1 | |
| 12.2 | |
| 13. |
| (1) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on July 15, 2002. |
| (2) | Filed as an Exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F, filed on October 31, 2001. |
| (3) | Filed with the company's Report on Form 6-K, filed on October 9, 2002. |
| (4) | Pursuant to Rule 12b-31 under the Exchange Act the Registrant is not filing a copy of each concession agreement for each region because such agreements are substantially identical in all material respects except as enumerated in the schedule attached to each standard concession agreement. |
INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
| Adjusted Net Income | 116 |
| ADRs | 105 |
| ADSs | 105,131 |
| American Depositary Shares | 105 |
| Anatel | 33 |
| Anatel Decree | 61 |
| ATM | 38 |
| BOVESPA | 103 |
| Brazilian Securities Law | 121 |
| BrTSi | 29 |
| BrTurbo | 37 |
| BVQI | 20 |
| CADE | 16 |
| Center | 95 |
| Code | 130 |
| COFINS | 25,54 |
| Commercial Market | 13 |
| Common Shares | 105 |
| CONAMA | 17 |
| Conformity Certificate | 20 |
| Contingency Reserve | 115 |
| CPMF | 25 |
| CPMF tax | 129 |
| CRT | 4 |
| CTMR | 25 |
| CVM | 4 |
| Dedicated IP | 38 |
| Depositary | 24 |
| DialNet | 38 |
| DLD basket | 48,67 |
| e&p | 131 |
| Embratel | 28 |
| Exchange Act | 7 |
| FCRT | 97 |
| FENATTEL | 104 |
| FISTEL | 88 |
| FITTEL | 104 |
| Floating Market | 13 |
| FUNTTEL | 85 |
| FUST | 85 |
| GDP | 42 |
| General Telecommunications Law | 26 |
| Global Crossing | 58 |
| Global Village Telecom | 36 |
| GlobeNet | 29 |
| GSM | 40 |
| iBest | 31 |
| IBGE | 42,73 |
| ICMS | 54 |
| ICNIRP | 5 |
| iG | 34 |
| IGP-DI | 15 |
| IGP-M | 7 |
| INPI | 60 |
| Intelig | 35 |
| IOF tax | 129 |
| IPCA index | 49 |
| IRS | 132 |
| ISP | 37 |
| Light IP | 143 |
| List of Obligations | 61 |
| local basket | 48,67 |
| Mandatory Dividend | 115 |
| MetroRED | 29 |
| MTH | 29 |
| non-Brazilian holder | 127 |
| non-U.S. holder | 131 |
| PCS | 29 |
| PFIC | 132 |
| PIS | 54 |
| Preferred Dividend | 115 |
| Real Plan | 13 |
| Registered Capital | 130 |
| Registrant | 4 |
| Registration Statement | 122 |
| Resolution No. 2,689 | 119 |
| Securities Act | 24 |
| SFAS | 11 |
| Sistel Plan | 96 |
| SLDD | 38 |
| Statutory Reserve | 115 |
| STF | 49 |
| STJ | 49 |
| TBS | 28 |
| TCSPrev | 97 |
| Teleacre | 25 |
| Telebrás | 25 |
| Telebrasília | 25 |
| Telecommunications Regulations | 26 |
| Telefônica | 18 |
| Telegoiás | 25 |
| Telemar | 28 |
| Telemat | 25 |
| Telems | 25 |
| Telepar | 25 |
| Teleron | 25 |
| Telesc | 25 |
| TII | 14 |
| TJLP | 73 |
| TU-M | 71 |
| TU-RIU | 71 |
| TU-RL | 71 |
| U.S. GAAP | 4 |
| Unrealized Revenue | 115 |
| Unrealized Revenue Reserve | 115 |
| Vant | 31 |
| VC-1 | 82 |
| VC-2 | 83 |
| VC-3 | 83 |
| Vetor | 38 |
| VU-M | 53,71 |
TECHNICAL GLOSSARY
The following explanations are not intended as technical definitions, but to assist the general reader to understand certain terms as used in this Annual Report.
Access charge: Amount per minute charged by network operators for the use of their network by other network operators. Also known as an "interconnection charge" or "network usage charge."
Access gates: The points of interface between the network equipment (either dedicated or switched) and the transmission media that connect network equipment to the end user.
Analog: A mode of transmission or switching which is not digital and therefore not represented in discrete terms such as voltage on/off or light pulse on/off.
Analog network: A network using analog technology with circuit switching, capable of connecting one user with all users, but with limited transmission capacity.
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode): A broadband switching technology that permits the use of one network for different kinds of information, such as voice, data and video.
Band A Service Provider: A former Telebrás operating subsidiary that has been granted a concession to provide cellular telecommunications services in a particular area within a radio spectrum frequency range referred to by Anatel as "Band A."
Band B Service Provider: A cellular service provider that has been granted a concession to provide cellular telecommunications services in a particular area within a radio spectrum frequency range referred to by Anatel as "Band B."
Base station: A radio transmitter/receiver that maintains communications with the cellular telephones within a given cell. Each base station in turn is interconnected with other base stations and with the public switched telephone network.
Broadband services: Services characterized by a transmission speed of 2 Mbit/second or more. According to international standards, these services are divided into two categories: (i) Interactive Services, including video-telephone/video-conferencing (both point-to-point and multipoint), video-monitoring, interconnection of local networks, file transfer, high-speed fax, e-mail for moving images or mixed documents, broadband videotext, video on demand, retrieval of sound programs or fixed and moving images, and (ii) Broadcast Services, such as sound programs, television programs (including high-definition TV and pay TV) and selective document acquisition.
CATV (Cable Television): Cable or fiber-based distribution of TV programs.
Cell: The geographic area covered by a single base station in a cellular telecommunications system.
Cellular service: A mobile telecommunications service provided by means of a network of interconnected low-powered base stations, each of which covers one small geographic cell within the total cellular telecommunications system service area.
CGI (Common Gateway Interface)-bins: A directory on a web server in which CGI programs are stored. CGIs are programs or scripts, usually executed on the web server, that perform actions (like searching or running applications) when the user clicks on certain buttons or parts of the web screen.
Dedicated IP: A service for Internet hosting that does not use the virtual shared hosting system. The virtual shared hosting system is a system in which an IP number is assigned to multiple dominion names. Dedicated IP hosting accounts allow users to have their own log files, true CGI-bins, telnet accounts, and many other unique configuration files. The service provides a foundation for other IP applications, such as e-mail, web hosting, eCommerce, and home banking and enables business productivity through the use of web access, file transfer, multimedia presentation, video-conferencing, collaborative applications and new readers.
DialNet: A service that offers remote access through a switched telephone network to Internet providers or corporations.
Digital: A mode of representing a physical variable, such as speech, using digits 0 and 1. The digits are transmitted in binary form as a series of pulses. Digital networks allow for higher capacity and higher flexibility through the use of computer-related technology for the transmission and manipulation of telephone calls. Digital systems offer lower noise interference and can incorporate encryption as a protection from external interference.
Digital penetration: The substitution of analog transmission equipment for equipment capable of transmitting digital signals.
Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer: a network device, usually at a telephone company central office, that receives signals from multiple customer Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) connections and puts the signals on a high-speed backbone line using multiplexing techniques. Depending on the product, DSLAM multiplexers connect DSL lines with some combination of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), frame relay, or Internet Protocol networks. DSLAM enables a phone company to offer business or homes users the fastest phone line technology (DSL) with the fastest backbone network technology (ATM).
Exchange: See Switch.
Frame Relay: A data transmission service using protocols based on direct use of transmission lines.
Home Phoneline Networking Alliance: a home networking standard developed by the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance is an industry standard, high-speed, reliable networking (LAN) technology that uses the existing phone wires in your home to share a single Internet connection with several PCs in your home. Using HomePNA, multiple computer users in a home can share a single Internet connection, open or copy files from different computers, share printers, and play multiuser computer games. HomePNA can be used without interrupting normal voice or fax services.
Internet: A collection of interconnected networks spanning the entire world, including university, corporate, government and research networks from around the globe. These networks all use the IP communications protocol.
IP WAN: A service that allows for the interconnection of corporate networks located in several distant locations for applications that do not need band guarantee. This service also provides for the formation of data communications networks without protocol conversion.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network): A system in which several services (e.g., speech and data) may be simultaneously transmitted end-to-end in digital form.
IP (Internet Protocol): The language of the Internet; a set of rules that specify how information is divided into jackets and addressed for delivery between computer systems.
IT (Information Technology): The equipment, processes, procedures and systems used to provide and support information systems (computerized and manual) within an organization and those reaching out to customers and suppliers.
Kbps: Kilobytes per second.
Leased high-speed data communication: The digital exchange of information at speeds exceeding 64 Kbps transmitted through mediums that are leased to users for their exclusive use.
Light IP: A service for Internet hosting that uses the virtual shared hosting system. The virtual shared hosting system is a system in which an IP number is assigned to multiple dominion names.
Local loop: The system used to connect a subscriber to the nearest switch. It generally consists of a pair of copper wires, but may also employ fiber-optic circuits, microwave links or other technologies.
Log files: Files that track access activity for a host resource. For instance, a log file might contain information relative to those who access a web site.
Mbps: Megabytes per second.
Mux: A multilever that slices up individual traffic streams and combines individual time slots to create a high-speed transmission stream of information.
Network: An interconnected collection of elements. In a telephone network, these consist of switches connected to each other and to customer equipment. The transmission equipment may be based on fiber-optic or metallic cable or point-to-point radio connections.
Network usage charge: See Access charge
Optical fiber: A transmission medium which permits extremely high capacities of data transmission. It consists of a thin strand of glass that provides a pathway along which waves of light can travel for telecommunications purposes.
Packet-switched data communications services: Data services that are based on parceling or breaking data stream into packets and switching the individual packets. Information that is transmitted is segmented into cells of a standardized length, which are then transmitted independently of one another, allowing maximization of available capacity and usage of a single transmission path for multiple communications. The cells are then reassembled upon reaching their destination.
Packet switching: A method of data transmission in which small blocks of data are transmitted rapidly over a channel dedicated to the connection only for the duration of the packet's transmission.
PBX (Private Branch Exchange): Telephone switchboard for private use, but linked to a national telephone network.
Penetration: The measurement of the take-up of services. Penetration is calculated by dividing the number of subscribers at any given time by the population to whom the service is available and multiplying the quotient by 100.
Private leased circuits: Voice, data or image transmission mediums leased to users for their exclusive use.
Repeater: A device that amplifies an input signal for re-transmission.
Satellite services: Used for links with countries that cannot be reached by cable, or as an alternative to cable, and to form closed user networks.
SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy): A hierarchical set of digital transport structures, standardized for the transport of suitably adapted payloads over physical transmission networks.
Sectorization: The process of dividing cells into sectors by using directional antennae at the base station. Sectorization reduces co-channel interference which permits smaller cells and increases network capacity.
Services control points (SCP): A database that is able to screen the full ten digits of an 800 number and route calls to the appropriate, customer-designated long-distance carrier.
Signaling network: A network used for signaling by one or more users and consisting of signaling points and connecting signal links.
SLDD: A digital dedicated line service with speed options varying between 1.2Kbps and 2Mbps, that allows data transfer with practically null delay and transparency to protocols. SLDD makes it possible to form point to point or multi-point networks by means of dedicated circuits.
SLS (Specialized Limited Service): Limited telephonic, telegraphic, data-communications service or any other type of telecommunications service for one person or a group of persons for the accomplishment of specific activity.
STFC: The public switched telephone network that delivers basic telephone service and, in certain circumstances, more advanced services.
Switch: Used to set up and route telephone calls either to the number called or to the next switch along the path. They may also record information for billing and control purposes. Also known as an "exchange."
TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access): A standard of digital cellular telecommunications technology.
Telnet: A program that allows the user to connect to other computers on the Internet. The process by which a person using one computer can sign on to a computer in another city, state or country.
Universal service: The obligation to supply basic service to all users throughout the national territory at reasonable prices.
Value Added Services: Services that provide additional functionality to the basic transmission services offered by a telecommunications network.
VC-1: Rate for local calls made from fixed-line to cellular.
VC-2: Rate for calls made from fixed-line to cellular, outside the cellular subscriber's registration area but inside the region where the respective cellular provider provides service.
VC-3: Rate for calls made from fixed-line to cellular, outside the cellular subscriber's registration area and outside the region where the respective cellular provider provides service.
VSAT (Satellite Network Technology): A telecommunications system based on wireless satellite technology. The term "VSAT" stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal. VSAT technology is comprised of a small satellite earth station and an antenna of approximately 1.8 meters in diameter.
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
| BRASIL TELECOM S.A. | ||
| By: /s/ Carla Cico | ||
| Name: Carla Cico Title: Chief Executive Officer |
||
| By: /s/ Paulo Pedrão Rio Branco | ||
| Name: Paulo Pedrão
Rio Branco Title: Financial Executive Officer |
||
| Dated: June 23, 2004 | ||
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| Exhibit Number |
Exhibit
|
Sequential Numbering |
| 1.1 | Amended and Restated Charter
of the Registrant (1) |
— |
| 1.2 | Amended and Restated Charter
of the Registrant (English translation) (1) |
— |
| 2.1 | Form of Deposit Agreement
to be executed among the Registrant, Citibank N.A., as Depositary, and
the Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced
by American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder (2) |
— |
| 2.2 | ||
| 3.1 | Amendment to the Amended
and Restated Shareholders' Agreement (3) |
— |
| 4.1 | Standard Concession Agreement
for Local, Switched, Fixed-Line Telephone Service (2) |
— |
| 4.2 | Standard Concession Agreement
for Local, Switched, Fixed-Line Telephone Service and Schedule of Omitted
Concession Agreement (English translation) (2)(4) |
— |
| 4.3 | Standard Concession Agreement
for Domestic Long-Distance, Switched, Fixed-Line Telephone Service (2) |
— |
| 4.4 | Standard Concession Agreement
for Domestic Long-Distance, Switched, Fixed-Line Telephone Service and
Schedule of Omitted Concession Agreements (English translation) (2)(4) |
— |
| 4.5 | — | |
| 4.6 | — | |
| 4.7 | — | |
| 4.8 | — | |
| 4.9 | — | |
| 8.1 | — | |
| 12.1 | — | |
| 12.2 | — | |
| 13. | — |
| (1) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on July 15, 2002. |
| (2) | Filed as an Exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F, filed on October 31, 2001. |
| (3) | Filed with the Company´s Report on Form 6-K, filed on October 9, 2002. |
| (4) | Pursuant to Rule 12b-31 under the Exchange Act the Registrant is not filing a copy of each concession Agreement for each region because such agreements are substantially identical in all material respects except as enumerated in the schedule attached to each standard concession Agreement. |
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2003 AND FOR EACH OF THE YEARS IN THE
THREE YEAR
PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of December 31, 2002 and 2003 and for each of the
years
in the three year period ended December 31, 2003
CONTENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Brasil Telecom S.A.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of Brasil Telecom S.A. (a Brazilian Corporation) and subsidiaries (the Company) for the year ended December 31, 2001, all adjusted for price level changes through December 31, 2000. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ( United States ). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of Brasil Telecom S.A. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting practices adopted in Brazil .
Accounting practices adopted in Brazil vary in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). Application of U.S. GAAP would have affected the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2001, to the extent summarized in Note 31 to the consolidated financial statements.
/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes
June 10, 2002, except for Notes 31 and 32 as to which the date is June 26, 2002
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Brasil Telecom S.A.
Brasília, DF
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Brasil Telecom S.A. as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ( United States ). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Brasil Telecom S.A. as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, and its results of operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with Brazilian generally accepted accounting principles (Brazilian GAAP), including recognition of the effects of changes in the purchasing power of the Brazilian currency through December 31, 2000, as discussed in Note 2.a and 2.b.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Brazil vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 31 to the consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG Auditores Independentes
March 18, 2004, except as to Note 30.b and 30.e, which is as of May 18, 2004.
Brasília, DF
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
As
of December 31, 2002 and 2003
(In
thousands of Brazilian reais)
| 2002 | 2003 | ||
| Current assets: | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents | Note 11 | 1,422,899 | 1,465,765 |
| Trade accounts receivable, net | Note 12 | 1,542,851 | 1,859,713 |
| Deferred and recoverable taxes | Note 13 | 314,057 | 501,281 |
| Other assets | Note 14 | 189,933 | 158,766 |
| Total current assets | 3,469,740 | 3,985,525 | |
| Non-current assets: | |||
| Deferred and recoverable taxes | Note 13 | 657,726 | 736,367 |
| Other assets | Note 14 | 448,632 | 626,695 |
| Total non-current assets | 1,106,358 | 1,363,062 | |
| Permanent assets: | |||
| Investments | Note 15 | 124,931 | 175,417 |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | Note 16 | 11,260,625 | 9,567,243 |
| Intangibles | Note 17 | 470,544 | 531,556 |
| Total permanent assets | 11,856,100
|
10,274,216
|
|
| Total assets | 16,432,198 | 15,622,803 | |
| Current liabilities: | |||
| Payroll and related accruals | Note 18 | 44,090 | 61,550 |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 997,670 | 987,403 | |
| Taxes other than income taxes | Note 19 | 351,905 | 439,215 |
| Dividends and employees' profit sharing | Note 20 | 349,625 | 296,248 |
| Income taxes | Note 9 | 64,263 | 61,829 |
| Loans and financing | Note 21 | 566,823 | 1,591,797 |
| Loans and financing - controlling shareholder | Note 21 | 116,453 | 398,477 |
| Provisions for contingencies | Note 22 | 3,232 | 48,509 |
| Provision for pensions | Note 23 | 92,144 | 28,022 |
| Other liabilities | 87,303
|
83,921
|
|
| Total current liabilities | 2,673,508 | 3,996,971 | |
| Non-Current liabilities: | |||
| Income taxes | Note 9 | 358,751 | 106,523 |
| Taxes other than income taxes | Note 19 | 344,452 | 583,194 |
| Loans and financing | Note 21 | 2,989,675 | 1,655,028 |
| Loans and financing - controlling shareholder | Note 21 | 1,408,856 | 990,535 |
| Provision for pensions | Note 23 | 409,696 | 478,068 |
| Provisions for contingencies | Note 22 | 385,992 | 650,236 |
| Other liabilities | 237,478 | 321,279 | |
| Total non-current liabilities | 6,134,900 | 4,784,863 | |
| Minority interest | - | 7 | |
| Shareholders' equity: | |||
| Share capital | 4,917,927 | 4,955,254 | |
| Capital reserves | 2,371,398 | 2,337,916 | |
| Income reserves | 379,929 | 379,929 | |
| Retained earnings (accumulated losses) | 15,365 | (756,489) | |
| Treasury shares | (60,829) | (75,648) | |
| Total shareholders' equity | Note 24 | 7,623,790 | 6,840,962 |
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | 16,432,198
|
15,622,803
|
See the accompanying notes to the financial statements
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003
(In thousands of Brazilian
reais, except losses per lot of one thousand shares)
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | ||
| Net operating revenue | Note 4 | 6,158,408 | 7,071,368 | 7,915,194 |
| Cost of services | Note 5 | 4,798,434 | 5,163,861 | 5,472,142 |
| Gross profit | 1,359,974 | 1,907,507 | 2,443,052 | |
| Operating expenses: | ||||
| Selling expenses | 724,570 | 763,375 | 821,656 | |
| General and administrative expenses | 604,890 | 661,060 | 847,074 | |
| Other net operating expenses (income) | Note 6 | 56,769 | (118,496) | 214,953 |
| Operating income (loss) before net financial expenses | (26,255) | 601,568 | 559,369 | |
| Net financial expenses | Note 7 | 236,357 | 618,899 | 844,802 |
| Operating loss | (262,612) | (17,331) | (285,433) | |
| Net non-operating expenses | Note 8 | 93,071 | 64,497 | 541,691 |
| Employees' profit share | 50,834 | 41,387 | 1,076 | |
| Loss before taxes and minority interests | (406,517) | (123,215) | (828,200) | |
| Income and social contribution taxes benefit | Note 9 | 199,039 | 111,596 | 320,751 |
| Loss before minority interests | (207,478) | (11,619) | (507,449) | |
| Minority interests | - | - | 14 | |
| Net loss | (207,478) | (11,619) | (507,435) | |
| Shares outstanding at the balance sheet date (thousands) | 530,383,166 | 535,584,460 | 539,447,369 | |
| Losses per lot of one thousand shares outstanding at the | ||||
| balance sheet date | (0.39) | (0.02) | (0.94) | |
See the accompanying notes to the financial statements
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003
(In
thousands of Brazilian reais)
| Income Reserves
|
|||||||
| Unrealized | |||||||
| Share | Capital | Legal | Profit | Treasury | Retained | ||
| Capital | Reserves | Reserve | Reserve | Shares | Earnings (Accumulated Losses) | Total | |
| Balances at December 31, 2000 | 4,872,972 | 2,415,274 | 343,861 | 62,293 | (74,572) | 1,128,561 | 8,748,389 |
| Prior year adjustments | |||||||
| Provision for pensions | - | - | - | - | - | (490,743) | (490,743) |
| Deferred income tax on provision for pensions | - | - | - | - | - | 162,362 | 162,362 |
| Donations and subsidies for investments | - | 15 | - | - | - | - | 15 |
| Fiscal incentives | - | 510 | - | - | - | - | 510 |
| Decrease in income tax, due to change in tax rate | - | (5,053) | - | - | - | - | (5,053) |
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (207,478) | (207,478) |
| Realization of unrealized profit | - | - | - | (62,293) | - | 62,293 | - |
| Issuance of treasury stock | - | - | - | - | 14,448 | (14,448) | - |
| Transfer to/from reserves | 5,364 | (5,364) | 14,062 | - | - | (14,062) | - |
| Dividends | - | - | - | - | - | (231,700) | (231,700) |
| Balances at December 31, 2001 | 4,878,336 | 2,405,382 | 357,923 | - | (60,124) | 394,785 | 7,976,302 |
| Capital increase: | |||||||
| Fiscal benefits on amortization of goodwill | 39,591 | (39,591) | - | - | - | - | - |
| Donations and subsidies for investments | - | 554 | - | - | - | - | 554 |
| Increase in income tax, due to change in tax rate | - | 5,053 | - | - | - | - | 5,053 |
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (11,619) | (11,619) |
| Issuance of treasury stock | - | - | - | - | 21,147 | (21,147) | - |
| Acquisition of treasury stock | - | - | - | - | (21,852) | - | (21,852) |
| Transfer to/from reserves | - | - | 22,006 | - | - | (22,006) | - |
| Dividends | - | - | - | - | - | (324,648) | (324,648) |
| Balances at December 31, 2002 | 4,917,927 | 2,371,398 | 379,929 | - | (60,829) | 15,365 | 7,623,790 |
| Capital increase: | |||||||
| Fiscal benefits on amortization of goodwill | 37,327 | (37,327) | - | - | - | - | - |
| Donations and subsidies for investments | - | 3,845 | - | - | - | - | 3,845 |
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (507,435) | (507,435) |
| Issuance of treasury stock | - | - | - | - | 18,199 | (18,199) | - |
| Acquisition of treasury stock | - | - | - | - | (33,018) | - | (33,018) |
| Consolidation adjustments - others | - | - | - | - | - | (20) | (20) |
| Dividends | - | - | - | - | - | (246,200) | (246,200) |
| Balances at December 31, 2003 | 4,955,254 | 2,337,916 | 379,929 | - | (75,648) | (756,489) | 6,840,962 |
See the accompanying notes to the financial statements
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003
(In
thousands of Brazilian reais)
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Operating Activities | |||
| Net loss | (207,478) | (11,619) | (507,435) |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by | |||
| operating activities: | |||
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,764,783 | 2,847,176 | 2,851,358 |
| Foreign exchange losses | 84,586 | 102,385 | 31,927 |
| Minority share of net loss | - | - | (14) |
| Loss (gain) on permanent asset disposals | (7,293) | (28,733) | 466,864 |
| Other provisions | 15,220 | (2,580) | (8,259) |
| Increase (decrease) in provisions for contingencies | (12,396) | 10,746 | 309,450 |
| Increase (decrease) in provision for pensions | (9,920) | 11,096 | 4,250 |
| Increase in allowance for doubtful accounts | 88,280 | 10,203 | 29,223 |
| Net (increase) decrease in income tax, due to change in rate | (5,053) | 5,053 | - |
| Increase in trade accounts receivable, gross | (121,001) | (322,117) | (336,773) |
| (Increase) decrease in other current assets | (17,675) | 25,946 | 59,035 |
| Increase in other non-current assets | (223,475) | (164,412) | (127,224) |
| Increase (decrease) in payroll and related accruals | 26,139 | (47,650) | 16,033 |
| Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses | 372,547 | (296,846) | (64,261) |
| Increase in taxes other than income taxes | 38,999 | 80,224 | 86,875 |
| Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities | 14,687 | (18,944) | (20,445) |
| Increase (decrease) in accrued interest | (253,798) | 3,505 | (44,602) |
| Decrease in deferred income taxes | (411,383) | (89,488) | (309,060) |
| Increase in other non-current liabilities | 10,033 | 191,896 | 41,004 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,145,802 | 2,305,841 | 2,477,946 |
| Investing activities: | |||
| Additions to investments | (6,485) | (15,532) | (54,202) |
| Cash paid for the acquisition
of new companies, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired of R$33,463 |
- | - | (144,516) |
| Additions to property, plant & equipment | (3,162,082) | (1,633,076) | (1,340,169) |
| Additions to intangibles assets | - | (191,495) | (123,541) |
| Proceeds from asset disposals | 17,311 | 24,416 | 19,063 |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (3,151,256) | (1,815,687) | (1,643,365) |
| Financing activities: | |||
| Loans repaid | (1,249,562) | (436,993) | (574,021) |
| New loans obtained | 1,986,714 | 1,249,898 | 84,565 |
| Expansion plan and other contributions paid back | (18,086) | - | (190) |
| Purchase of treasury shares | - | (21,852) | (33,018) |
| Dividends paid | (183,891) | (189,670) | (269,051) |
| Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | 535,175 | 601,383 | (791,715) |
| Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (470,279) | 1,091,536 | 42,866 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 801,642 | 331,363 | 1,422,899 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | 331,363 | 1,422,899 | 1,465,765 |
See the accompanying notes to the financial statements
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of Brazilian reais )
1. a) Operations and background
Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. is the controlling shareholder of Brasil Telecom S.A. ("the Company" and/or “BrT”) which is the principal provider of Switched Fixed Telephone Service (“STFC”) in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Rondônia, Acre, and the Federal District under the terms of concessions granted by the Federal Government which will expire on December 31, 2005 and may be renewed for a further term of 20 years. The Company presented to Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL), the regulatory authority for the Brazilian telecommunications industry, its formal manifestation of express and unequivocal interest in the extension of the periods of the concessions of STFC of which it is holder, for an additional contractual period of 20 years, as from January 1, 2006, and it is waiting the signing of the juridical instruments concerning the contractual terms of extension.
The Company's business, including the services it may provide and the rates charged, is regulated by ANATEL, pursuant to Law Nr. 9,472 of July 16, 1997 and the related regulations, decrees, orders and plans.
On February 28, 2000, Brasil Telecom Participações S.A. reorganized its investments in fixed-line telecommunication companies, by exchanging its shares in its eight smaller operating subsidiaries for newly issued shares of its main operating subsidiary, Telecomunicações do Paraná S.A. – TELEPAR. The minority shareholders of the smaller operating companies also exchanged their shares for newly issued shares of TELEPAR. These companies were then merged into TELEPAR. After the merger, the name of TELEPAR was changed to Brasil Telecom S.A..
On July 31, 2000, the Company and Brasil Telecom Participações S.A., agreed to purchase all the outstanding shares of TBS Participações S.A. (TBS), the holding company of Companhia Riograndense de Telecomunicações (CRT). Effective December 1, 2000, the Company acquired the minority interest of CRT through the exchange of its outstanding shares for new shares issued by the Company.
b) Subsidiaries
Brasil Telecom Celular S.A. (“BrT Celular”) is a wholly owned subsidiary formed in December 2002 to operate the Mobile Personal Service (“SMP”), holding a license to serve the same coverage area where the Company operates STFC, over the following 15 years. At the balance sheet date, BrT Celular was in the pre-operating phase. The beginning of its activities is forecasted for the second semester of 2004.
BrT Serviços de Internet S.A. (“BrTI”) is a wholly owned subsidiary formed in October 2001, engaged in the provision of internet services and related activities. It started its activities in 2002. During the second quarter of 2003, BrTI invested, as shareholder or quotaholder, and started to have control of the following companies:
(i) Group BrT Cabos Submarinos (formerly known as GlobeNet Group)
This group of companies provides data transmission services through a system of submarine fiber optics cables, with points of connection in the United States, Bermuda Islands, Venezuela and Brazil, Group BrT Cabos Submarinos offers its services through packages of integrated services, offered to local and international corporate customers. The following companies acquired as part of the purchasing program of the GlobeNet Group, comprise it: |
-
Brasil Telecom Cabos Submarinos do Brasil (Holding) Ltda. (“BrT CSH”): company acquired on June 11, 2003, as part of the purchasing program of the GlobeNet Group.
-
Brasil Telecom Cabos Submarinos do Brasil Ltda. (“BrT CS Ltda.”): company acquired on June 11, 2003, in which BrTI has direct control and the full control jointly with BrT CSH, being also part of the purchasing program of the GlobeNet Group.
-
Brasil Telecom Subsea Cable Systems (Bermuda) Ltd. (“BrT SCS Bermuda”): company incorporated under the laws of the Bermudas, for which the transfer of resources by BrTI for payment of subscribed capital occurred on May 30, 2003. It is also part of the purchasing program of the GlobeNet Group. BrT SCS Bermuda holds the total shares of Brazil Telecom of America Inc. and of Brasil Telecom de Venezuela S.A.
No-significant goodwill was generated as a result of this acquisition. |
(ii) Group iBest
BrTI has held since February 2002, a minority interest in the iBest Holding Corporation (“IHC”), a company incorporated in the Caiman Islands. In June 2003, as a result of several statutory acts in IHC and in its subsidiaries, BrTI acquired the control of the Group iBest, which the main companies are: (i) iBest Holding Corporation; (ii) iBest S.A.; (iii) Febraio S.A.; and (iv) Freelance S.A. The acquisition of iBest generated a goodwill as mentioned in Note 17. iBest was incorporated in January 1999, with the objective of organizing the “iBest Prize”, trading advertising space for the event. In December 2001 it extended its activities, when it started to offer and to concentrate its operations on providing dialed access to the Internet. |
2. Presentation of the consolidated financial statements
a) Indexation of the consolidated financial statements
Partially as a result of past high levels of inflation in Brazil, two methods of inflation accounting evolved: the “Brazilian GAAP” and the “Brazilian Corporation Law” methods. Financial statements prepared under Corporation Law are required for virtually all Brazilian entities, and are the basis for determination of taxable income and dividends payable, while the financial statements prepared under Brazilian GAAP used to be required for information purposes by the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) until 1996, after which their disclosure became optional.
The most important difference between these methods, which has an effect on the financial statements of subsequent periods, is the date of cessation of the recognition of inflationary adjustments in the carrying values of permanent assets. This was December 31, 2000 under Brazilian GAAP and December 31, 1995 under Brazilian Corporation Law.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company were prepared on a fully indexed basis to recognize the effects of changes in the purchasing power of the Brazilian currency until December 31, 2000, under the methodology known Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Brazil (Brazilian GAAP).
b. Previously published financial information
The presentation of the consolidated financial statements under Brazilian GAAP is consistent with the presentation of the published financial statements under Brazilian Corporation Law of the Companies, from which the accompanying financial information was extracted, except for certain adjustments mainly related to effects of indexation applied on shareholders' equity and net income (loss), detailed in the tables below, and certain reclassifications within the balance sheets and the statements of operations.
The tables below present a reconciliation of net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and shareholders' equity at those dates in accordance with Brazilian Corporation Law to net income (loss) and shareholders' equity reported herein, under Brazilian GAAP:
| Year ended
December 31,
|
|||
| Net income (loss): | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
| Net income (loss) in accordance with Brazilian Corporation Law | 281,243 | 440,117 | (25,297) |
| Effect of the indexation of non-monetary assets through December 31, 2000 (mainly an increased depreciation charge) | (782,166) | (674,760) | (744,869) |
| Effect of deferred taxation of the above adjustments | 293,445 | 223,024 | 262,731 |
| Net loss as reported herein | (207,478) | (11,619) | (507,435) |
| As of December 31,
|
|||
| Shareholders' equity: | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
| Shareholders' equity in accordance with Brazilian Corporation Law | 6,864,313 | 6,963,535 | 6,662,844 |
| Effect of the indexation of non–monetary assets through December 31, 2000 | 1,716,429 | 1,041,669 | 296,802 |
| Effect on deferred taxation on the above adjustment | (604,440) | (381,414) | (118,684) |
| Shareholders' equity as reported herein | 7,976,302 | 7,623,790 | 6,840,962 |
c. Principles of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Companies mentioned in Note 1 to these financial statements. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.
d. Consolidated statements of cash flows
These consolidated financial statements include consolidated statements of cash flows, which better reflect the source and use of funds in order to provide more significant information, instead of the statements of sources and uses of funds, which are usually disclosed in accordance with Brazilian GAAP.
3. Summary of principal accounting practices
a. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents are considered to be all highly liquid temporary cash investments with original maturity dates of three months or less. They are recorded at original cost plus income earned to the balance sheet date and do not exceed market value .
b. Trade accounts receivable
Accounts receivable from telephone subscribers are calculated at the tariff rate on the date the service was rendered. Customer accounts receivable also include services provided to customers to the balance sheet date but not yet billed and the related taxes are accounted for on the accrual basis. Interest on overdue accounts receivable from customers is recorded when received.
c. Allowance for doubtful accounts
An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for accounts receivable for which recoverability is considered doubtful. Effective as from 2001, the computation basis became the historical collection experience and a review of the current status of all trade accounts receivable. Current loss provision is estimated considering the ratio of historical losses applied to the different categories of all outstanding amounts receivable from customers . Customers Accounts Receivable over 180 days due, are written-off from the balance sheet.
d. Foreign currency transactions
Transactions in foreign currency are recorded at the exchange rate at the time of the related transactions. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Exchange rate variations are recognized in the statements of operations as they occur.
e. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost of inventories is determined on a weighted average cost basis. Inventories are separated into network expansion and maintenance inventories. Inventories for use in network expansion are classified as "Construction-in-progress" under "Property, plant and equipment". Maintenance inventories are classified as other current assets.
f. Investments
Consist principally of investments with less than a 20% ownership stake, including fiscal incentive investments, recorded at indexed cost through December 31, 2000, less a reserve for losses when considered necessary.
g. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at indexed cost through December 31, 2000, less accumulated depreciation.
Up to December 31, 1998, interest attributable to construction-in-progress was calculated, at the rate of 12% per annum of the construction-in-progress balance and the part related to third party loans was credited to interest expense based on actual interest costs with the balance relating to self-funding being credited to capital reserves, within shareholders' equity. Starting 1999, the Company has been recording capitalization of interest on loans specifically related to financing of construction in progress, and interest on self-financing is no longer recorded.
Improvements to existing property are capitalized while maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Materials allocated to specific projects are added to construction-in-progress.
Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the underlying assets and in accordance with tax rules. The principal depreciation rates are shown in Note 16.c.
The Company’s management reviews property, plant and equipment for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable on the basis of undiscounted future cash flows. These reviews have not indicated the need to recognize any impairment losses during the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Write-down of property, plant and equipment assets is recorded when and if necessary. In 2003 a write-off of certain plant and equipment that will no longer be used in operations was recorded based upon an obsolescence study as mentioned in Note 8.
h. Vacation pay accrual
Employees cumulative vacation pay is accrued as earned.
i. Income and social contribution taxes
Income and social contribution taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to (a) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (b) tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date in relation to all temporary differences, except for the future benefit arising out of the goodwill amortization, where the effect of a change in rates is recognized in capital reserves within shareholders' equity.
j. Loans and financing
Loans and financing include accrued interest and monetary or exchange variations to the balance sheet date.
k. Reserve for contingencies
Reserves for contingencies are recognized for the estimated amounts of probable losses based on legal advice and management's opinion of the outstanding matters at the balance sheet date. The basis and nature of the provisions are described in Note 22.
l. Revenue recognition
Revenues are generally recognized on accrual basis. Revenues from customer calls are based on time used, according to Brazilian law, and are recognized when services are provided. Services provided and not billed at the end of each month are estimated and recorded on accrual basis. Considering their high turnover and short average life, revenues from phone cards for public telephones are recorded as the cards are sold. Revenues from activation and installation fees are recognized upon the activation of customer services. For the fixed terminals activated on a pre-paid basis, the amounts received are recorded as advances from customers and revenue is recorded according to the provision of the services.
m. Interest income and expenses
Interest income represents interest earned and gains and losses on temporary cash investments.
Interest expense represents interest incurred and charges on loans and financing and exchange gains and losses on foreign currency loans and financing.
n. Research and development
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Total research and development costs were R$8,000, R$3,761 and R$2,566 for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
o. Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
Private pension plans and other retirement benefits sponsored by the Company for their employees are managed by SISTEL and Fundação CRT. Contributions are determined on an actuarial basis, when applicable, and accounted for on an accrual basis. As of December 31, 2001, to comply with CVM Instruction Nr. 371/00, Brasil Telecom S.A. recorded the actuarial deficit on the balance sheet date against shareholders' equity, excluding the corresponding tax effects. As from the beginning of 2002, adjustments to the actuarial deficit provision are being recognized as a period expense.
p. Employees' profit sharing
The Company has made a provision for granting employees the right to a share of its profits. The amount, determined to be paid in the year following the recorded provision, is in accordance with the agreement with the union, the Company's bylaws and the labor agreement.
q. Advertising costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to R$120,145, R$117,558 and R$85,712 during the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
r. Earnings (loss) per share
Earnings (loss) per thousand shares have been calculated based on the number of outstanding shares at the balance sheet date, net of treasury stock.
s. Derivatives
The Company has entered into derivative transactions to manage partially its exposure in foreign currency exchange rates, basically through currency swap contracts. Gains and losses from swap contracts are recognized monthly on an accrual basis by comparing contractual exchange rates to month end exchange rates, regardless of the contracted settlement terms.
Management of the Company does not operate with derivatives for trading purposes.
t. Segment information
The Company currently has operating activities substantially in one segment for local and regional fixed-line telecommunications. All revenues are generated in relation to services provided in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Rondônia, Acre and in the Federal District.
u. Use of estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount and recoverability of property, plant and equipment, and intangibles (including the estimates of the level of future revenues and expenses by the reporting units where the goodwill has been allocated subject to impairment analysis under SFAS Nr. 142); valuation allowances for receivables, inventories, deferred income tax assets and also provisions for contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
4. Net operating revenue
| Year ended
December 31,
|
|||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Local services: | |||
| Monthly charges | 2,218,784 | 2,656,631 | 2,867,244 |
| Measured service charges | 2,863,073 | 3,106,544 | 3,490,010 |
| Public telephones | 274,218 | 341,766 | 394,525 |
| Other | 191,679 | 149,643 | 148,035 |
| Total | 5,547,754 | 6,254,584 | 6,899,814 |
| Non-local services: | |||
| Intrastate and Interstate | 1,341,288 | 1,748,190 | 1,923,094 |
| International | 718 | 594 | 562 |
| Total | 1,342,006 | 1,748,784 | 1,923,656 |
| Data transmission | 324,690 | 504,979 | 764,059 |
| Network services | 994,343 | 1,021,308 | 1,050,821 |
| Other | 249,703 | 310,025 | 439,031 |
| Gross operating revenues | 8,458,496 | 9,839,680 | 11,077,381 |
| Value added and other taxes | (2,200,580) | (2,670,871) | (3,042,487) |
| Discounts | (99,508) | (97,441) | (119,700) |
| Net operating revenue | 6,158,408 | 7,071,368 | 7,915,194 |
There are no customers who individually account for more than 5% of gross operating revenues.
5. Cost of services
The costs incurred in the generation of services rendered are as follows:
| Year ended
December 31,
|
|||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,630,001 | 2,635,014 | 2,535,001 |
| Personnel | 185,843 | 144,581 | 129,404 |
| Materials | 91,746 | 78,759 | 84,262 |
| Services | 1,689,287 | 2,057,838 | 2,370,454 |
| Other | 201,557 | 247,669 | 353,021 |
| 4,798,434 | 5,163,861 | 5,472,142 | |
6. Other net operating expenses (income)
Following are presented the remaining income and expenses attributed to operational activities:
| Year ended
December 31,
|
|||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Taxes other than income taxes | 16,394 | 22,496 | 31,869 |
| Provision for retirement incentive plan and layoffs (a) | 98,173 | 3,295 | 8,434 |
| Technical and administrative services | (31,037) | (34,630) | (41,998) |
| Provision for contingencies, net of reversal (Note 22) | 8,015 | 29,159 | 359,713 |
| Fines and expenses recovered (b) | (76,969) | (95,184) | (114,587) |
| Write-off - Interconnection accounts receivable (c) | 74,963 | - | - |
| Infrastructure rentals | (27,006) | (36,146) | (44,033) |
| Unclaimed dividends | (19,162) | (6,468) | (10,544) |
| Other | 13,398 | (1,018) | 26,099 |
| 56,769 | (118,496) | 214,953 | |
(a) The provisions for the retirement incentive plan and layoff expenses related primarily to the following termination plan:
| Plans
|
Period covered |
Number of employees |
Termination costs |
| Apoio Daqui | Oct 99- Mar 02 | 6,151 | 234,450 |
The plan included termination benefits as part of the Company's overall restructuring plan. The costs at each year-end were provided considering the projected employees for each branch, department and job position.
(b) Fines and expenses recovered primarily represent penalties collected on past due accounts receivable and recovery of sales taxes of prior periods. The amount of penalties collected on past due accounts receivable amounted to R$55,372, R$67,889 and R$80,383 in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively .
(c) In 2001, the Company created an interconnection function to support and coordinate all matters concerning relations with other telecommunications companies, with the objective of reevaluating outstanding contracts and renegotiating the balances from previous years. As a result, provisions for write-off totaling R$74,963 were recognized as other operating expenses in 2001, on the basis of the expectation of realization of the related accounts receivable.
7. Net financial expenses
| Year ended
December 31,
|
|||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Financial income: | |||
| Interest income | (178,120) | (201,632) | (302,563) |
| Financial expenses: | |||
| Losses on foreign currency financing and monetary variations | 126,730 | 152,788 | 96,447 |
| Interest expense | 287,747 | 667,743 | 1,050,918 |
| 236,357
|
618,899
|
844,802
|
|
8. Net non-operating expenses
| Year ended
December 31,
|
|||
| 2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
|
| Gain (losses) on disposal of permanent assets | (7,293) | (28,733) | 67,953 |
| Write-off of permanent assets CRT | - | - | 386,977 |
| Amortization of goodwill on merger of CRT | 96,133 | 96,133 | 96,133 |
| Other | 4,231 | (2,903) | (9,372) |
| 93,071
|
64,497
|
541,691
|
|
The write-off of permanent assets results from the identification in 2003 of certain plant and equipment that will no longer be used in operations due to its obsolescence and/or replacement with more technologically advanced telecommunications equipment based upon the Company’s current capital expenditure and modernization program. The specific plant and equipment written off was identified in an obsolescence study performed by the Company with the support of a specialized third party firm.
9. Income and social contribution taxes expenses
Brazilian income taxes comprise federal income and social contribution taxes. In 2001, 2002 and 2003, the rate for income tax was 25% and 9% for social contribution tax producing a combined statutory rate of 34%.
Deferred taxes are provided on temporary differences, which include the effects of indexation adjustments that will not give rise to deductions when the related assets are subsequently depreciated, amortized or disposed of.
Income and social contribution taxes are booked on an accrual basis, with the temporary differences being deferred. The provisions for income and social contribution taxes recognized in the statements of operations are as follows:
| Year ended
December 31,
|
|||
| 2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
|
| Social contribution tax | (22,176) | (7,592) | (2,573) |
| Income tax | (67,831) | (53,048) | (23,868) |
| Deferred taxes | 289,046 | 172,236 | 347,192 |
| Total | 199,039 | 111,596 | 320,751 |
The following is a reconciliation of the amounts calculated by applying the combined statutory tax rates to the reported income before taxes and the reported income tax:
| Year ended
December 31,
|
|||
| 2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
|
| Loss before taxes as reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements | (406,517) | (123,215) | (828,200) |
| Combined statutory rate | 34% | 34% | 34% |
| Tax benefit at the combined statutory rate | 138,216 | 41,893 | 281,588 |
| Permanent additions: | |||
| Goodwill amortization on CRT merger | (32,685) | (32,685) | (32,685) |
| Other non-deductible expenses | (7,157) | (6,236) | (9,892) |
| Permanent exclusions: | |||
| Interest on shareholders' equity. | 78,778 | 110,381 | 83,708 |
| Non-taxable income | 10,650 | 4,193 | 3,046 |
| Other items: | |||
| Unrecognized tax loss BrTI | - | - | (6,125) |
| Effect of rate changes | 11,958 | (8,076) | - |
| Other, net | (721) | 2,126 | 1,111 |
| Income and social contribution tax benefit as reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements | 199,039 | 111,596 | 320,751 |
In 2001, 2002 and 2003, the dividends proposed by the Company for payment at the end of the year were characterized as interest on shareholders' equity. As a result, under Brazilian tax law, the dividends were treated as a deduction for income tax purposes.
The composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities, based on temporary differences, is as follows:
| December 31,
|
||
| 2002
|
2003
|
|
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Provision for contingencies | 132,097 | 236,754 |
| Provision for actuarial deficiency– FCRT | 170,626 | 172,071 |
| Goodwill amortization (see Note 17) | 187,749 | 123,378 |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | 52,281 | 62,224 |
| Other | 71,635 | 101,980 |
| Total (see Note 13) | 614,388 | 696,407 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
| Additional indexation expense from pre-1990 | 20,775 | 14,303 |
| Effect of full indexation | 381,414 | 118,683 |
| Total | 402,189 | 132,985 |
Deferred tax liabilities on the effects of full indexation relate to the difference between the tax basis of permanent assets, which were not indexed for inflation subsequent to December 31, 1995, and the reporting basis, which includes indexation through December 31, 2000.
The composition of tax liabilities is as follows:
| December 31,
|
||
| 2002
|
2003
|
|
| Federal income tax payable | 20,825 | 35,367 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 402,189 | 132,985 |
| Total | 423,014 | 168,352 |
| Current | 64,263 | 61,829 |
| Non-current | 358,751 | 106,523 |
The Company has not provided a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2003 arising out of temporary differences based upon management's belief that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax asset will be realized in the future through reversal of the differences and the generation of taxable income by the Company. The taxable income, basis for the registration of the deferred tax assets is calculated under Brazilian Corporation Law, which was positive in the last three years as demonstrated on the Note 2.b, which result in taxes expenses demonstrated in Note 9.
The periods during which the deferred tax assets are expected to be realized are given below. The realization periods are based on a technical study using forecast future taxable income, generated in financial years when the temporary differences will become deductible expenses for tax purposes. This asset is maintained according to the requirements of CVM Instruction 371/02, the technical study having been approved by the executive and Board of Directors and examined by the fiscal council.
2004 |
199,000 |
2005 |
131,726 |
2006 |
70,634 |
2007 |
63,348 |
2008 |
63,346 |
2009 a 2011 |
72,737 |
2012 a 2013 |
28,684 |
2013 and after |
66,932 |
TOTAL |
696,407 |
Current |
197,757 |
Non current |
498,650 |
The recoverable amount foreseen after the year 2013 relates to a provision to cover the actuarial deficit of the FCRT pension plan (see Note 23), the liability for which is being paid over 18 years, the maximum period established by the Supplementary Pensions Department (SPC). Despite the time limit stipulated by the SPC, based on estimated future taxable income, the Company would be able to recover the deferred tax balance entirely within the next 10 years if it decided to prepay the FCRT liability that year.
10. Cash flow information
| Year ended
December 31,
|
|||
| 2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
|
| Income and social contribution tax paid | 22,336 | 36,431 | 94,888 |
| Interest paid | 521,405 | 521,619 | 778,996 |
11. Cash and cash equivalents
| December 31,
|
||
| 2002
|
2003
|
|
| Cash | 2 | 5 |
| Bank accounts | 62,666 | 150,664 |
| Temporary cash investments | 1,360,231 | 1,315,096 |
| 1,422,899 | 1,465,765 | |
Temporary cash investments represent amounts invested in portfolios managed by financial institutions and refer to federal bonds with an average yield equivalent to interbank deposit rates (DI CETIP - CDI), contracts in the Futures and Commodities Exchange - BM&F, linked to foreign exchange variation and interest of around 2% per year and in an investment fund, bearing exchange variation plus six-month LIBOR rate tax plus interest of 1.5% per annum.
12. Trade accounts receivable, net
The amounts related to accounts receivable are as follows:
| December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Unbilled amounts | 572,453 | 707,130 |
| Billed amounts | 1,124,166 | 1.335,606 |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | (153,768) | (183,023) |
| 1,542,851 | 1,859,713 | |
The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
| Year ended December 31, | |||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Beginning balance | 55,287 | 143,565 | 153,768 |
| Provision charged to selling expense | 375,526 | 262,505 | 297,858 |
| Write-offs | (287,248) | (252,302) | (268,603) |
| Ending balance | 143,565 | 153,768 | 183,023 |
13. Deferred and recoverable taxes
| December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Recoverable social contribution tax | 1,448 | 20,998 |
| Recoverable income tax | 14,249 | 80,446 |
| Deferred tax assets (Note 9) | 614,388 | 696,407 |
| Sales and other taxes | 341,698 | 439,797 |
| 971,783 | 1,237,648 | |
| Current | 314,057 | 501,281 |
| Non-current | 657,726 | 736,367 |
Most of the sales and other taxes is related to the ICMS (value added tax) recoverable which arose from credits recorded on the acquisition of fixed assets, whose compensation with ICMS payable is recorded in 48 equal installments.
14. Other assets
| December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Maintenance inventories | 63,171 | 27,095 |
| Prepayments | 48,841 | 36,954 |
| Accounts receivable from telecommunications companies | 47,515 | 103,338 |
| Accounts receivable from asset disposals and others | 7,032 | 5,527 |
| Recoverable advances | 78,333 | 33,204 |
| Court deposits | 332,088 | 457,977 |
| Escrow agreements | 15,787 | 69,251 |
| Assets available for sale | 2,412 | 9,269 |
| Tax incentives | 14,473 | 18,315 |
| Advance for future paid-in capital | 1,809 | 6,965 |
| Other | 27,104 | 17,566 |
| 638,565 | 785,461 | |
| Current | 189,933 | 158,766 |
| Non-current | 448,632 | 626,695 |
The majority of the court deposits relates to the labor and tax cases, with the most significant individual item being the ICMS (State VAT) as mentioned in Note 19.
15. Investments
| December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Fiscal incentive and other investments | 124,931 | 175,417 |
Investments stated at cost are represented by minority interests in various companies of which the more important are the February 17, 2003 investment in MTH do Brazil Ltda in the amount of R$61,463 and the 2002 investment in Vant Telecomunicações S.A., in the amount of R$36,018 which acquisition of the controlling interest occurred on May 13, 2004, as described in the Note 30.b.
Fiscal incentive investments are stated at cost and refer mainly to equity interests obtained by converting into shares or capital quotas income tax incentive investments in regional funds, information technology companies and audiovisual projects. Most are shares of other telecommunication companies located in the regions covered by such regional incentives.
16. Property, plant and equipment, net
a. Composition:
| December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Construction-in-progress | 1,209,507 | 493,961 |
| Automatic switching equipment | 7,703,242 | 6,533,143 |
| Transmission and other equipment | 15,571,974 | 15,017,188 |
| Buildings | 5,250,618 | 5,329,572 |
| Other assets | 2,241,465 | 2,713,582 |
| Total cost | 31,976,806 | 30,087,446 |
| Accumulated depreciation | (20,716,181) | (20,520,203) |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 11,260,625 | 9,567,243 |
Transmission and other equipment include: transmission equipment, aerial, underground and building cables, teleprinters, private automatic exchanges, generating equipment and furniture.
Other assets include: underground cables, computer equipment, vehicles, land and other assets. Within "Other assets" the book value of land is R$112,059 and R$114,485 at December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
According to the STFC concession contracts, the Company assets that are indispensable for providing the service and qualified as “reversible assets” at the time of expiration of the concession will automatically revert to ANATEL, and the Company will be entitled to the right of compensation stipulated in the legislation and the corresponding contracts.
Changes in net property plant, and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 are:
| Year ended | Year ended | |
| December 31, | December 31, | |
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Beginning balance | 12,240,270 | 11,260,625 |
| Additions | 1,775,775 | 1,546,287 |
| Disposals | (4,377) | (481,030) |
| Depreciation | (2,751,043) | (2,758,639) |
| Ending balance | 11,260,625 | 9,567,243 |
See Note 8 for description as to the nature of the write off recorded in 2003.
b. Capitalized interest
As required of companies in the telecommunications industry at that time, the Company capitalized interest attributable to construction-in-progress, up to December 31, 1998, at the rate of 12% per annum of the balance of construction-in-progress. Starting in 1999, the Company capitalizes interest on loans specifically related to financing of construction in progress, and interest on internal financing is no longer capitalized. The amounts of R$247,380, R$127,979 and R$61,330 were capitalized in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. Capitalized interest is depreciated over the same period as the associated assets.
c. Depreciation rates
The annual depreciation rates applied to property, plant and equipment are as follows:
| % | |
| Automatic switching equipment | 20.00 |
| Transmission and other equipment | 20.00 |
| Buildings | 4.00 |
| Other assets (excluding land) average rate | 10.47 |
d. Rentals
The Company rents equipment, premises, dedicated lines and electrical energy public posts through a number of agreements that expire at different dates. Total annual rent expense under these agreements, which are operating and capital leases, was as follows:
| Year ended December 31 | |||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Rent expense | 164,814 | 157,555 | 189,997 |
Rental commitments relating to these contracts where the future minimum rental payments under leases with remaining terms in excess of one year that are non-cancelable without payment of a penalty are:
Year ending December 31, 2003
| 2004 | 20,268 |
| 2005 | 4,300 |
| 2006 | 3,916 |
| 2007 | 3,785 |
| 2008 | 3,655 |
| 2009 | 3,524 |
| 2010 and after | 6,358 |
| Total | 45,806 |
17. Intangibles
| December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Goodwill on merger of CRT (a) | 276,404 | 180,266 |
| Goodwill on acquisition of iBest (b) | - | 117,216 |
| Mobile personal services licenses (c) | 194,140 | 228,398 |
| Goodwill on acquisition of GlobeNet (note 1b.i) | - | 5,676 |
| 470,544 | 531,556 | |
(a) On December 28, 2000, a corporate reorganization resulted in the merger of CRT into the Company with effect from December 1, 2000. The restructuring process included a down-stream merger performed in accordance with the requirements of Instructions 319/99 and 320/99 of the Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM) with the objective of achieving the deductibility for income tax purposes of amortization of the goodwill. As a consequence, a special goodwill reserve was recorded at the CRT level in shareholders' equity with the related tax benefit of the future goodwill amortization recorded as a deferred tax asset in the amount of R$321,856 (the remaining balance of this tax benefit is shown in the consolidated balance sheet as part of deferred and recoverable taxes as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 in the amounts of R$187,749 and R$123,378 respectively - see Note 9). As a result of this corporate reorganization, in the Brasil Telecom books goodwill was recomputed reducing its amount to R$480,691, net of the tax benefit, including the unamortized balance of goodwill recognized in previous acquisitions. The remaining unamortized balance of goodwill is presented in this account.
(b) In June 2003, as a result of several statutory acts in iBest Holding Corporation - IHC and in its subsidiaries, BrTI acquired the control of the Group iBest. The acquisition of iBest generated a goodwill of R$117,216, which will be amortized over the upcoming years proportionally to the profits generated by Group iBest.
(c) Relates to three Mobile Personal Service (“SMP”) license contracts signed with ANATEL in 2002 by the wholly-owned subsidiary Brasil Telecom Celular S.A. The cost of these licenses, which guarantee the operation of SMP over the next 15 years in the same operating area where the Company has its fixed telephone concession, amounted to R$ 191,495, of which 10% was paid upon signing the contract. The balance of R$ 172,345 corresponding to the remaining 90%, was recognized as a liability of the subsidiary and is payable in six equal and successive annual installments falling due between 2005 and 2010. The outstanding balance is subject to price-level restatement based on the variation of the IGP-DI index plus interest of 1% per month. On December 31, 2003, the restated liability was R$ 211,847 (R$ 174,990 in 2002) and is presented under the caption other liabilities, in non current liabilities.
18. Payroll and related accruals
| December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Salaries and wages | 3,055 | 243 |
| Accrued social security charges | 37,830 | 56,496 |
| Accrued benefits | 3,205 | 4,811 |
| 44,090 | 61,550 | |
19. Taxes other than income taxes
| December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| ICMS (Value-added tax) | 607,318 | 859,023 |
| Other taxes on operating revenues | 89,039 | 163,386 |
| 696,357 | 1,022,409 | |
| Current | 351,905 | 439,215 |
| Non-current | 344,452 | 583,194 |
The non-current portion refers to ICMS (State VAT), related to income from other services not directly related to telecommunications as from 1998, which the Company is challenging in court and for which escrow deposits are being made. It also includes the deferred ICMS arising on account of an incentive scheme offered by the government of the State of Paraná, which grants four years postponement without interest charges.
20. Dividends and employees’ profit sharing
| December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Dividends payable to: | ||
| Controlling shareholder | 181,362 | 138,062 |
| Minority shareholders (a) | 128,936 | 109,180 |
| Employees’ profit sharing | 39,327 | 49,006 |
| 349,625 | 296,248 | |
(a) Includes R$37,972 in 2002 and R$34,345 in 2003 of unclaimed dividends from prior years, which will be reversed to retained earnings if not claimed within three years.
21. Loans and financing
| December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Financial institutions (a) | 2,424,901 | 1,886,605 |
| Loans from Controlling Shareholder (b) | 119,223 | 89,012 |
| Loans from suppliers (c) | 17,600 | 4,574 |
| Debentures issued to Controlling Shareholder (d) | 1,300,000 | 1,300,000 |
| Public debentures (e) | 900,000 | 900,000 |
| Hedge (i) | (19,338) | 54,704 |
| Accrued interest | 339,421 | 400,942 |
| 5,081,807 | 4,635,837 | |
| Current | 683,276 | 1,990,274 |
| Non-current | 4,398,531 | 2,645,563 |
a. Financial institutions
Financing from financial institutions denominated in local currency, as of December 31, 2003, bore fixed interest of 14% per annum and variable interest based on one of the following reference rates: TJLP (Brazilian long-term interest rates, which was 11.0% per annum at December 31, 2003) plus 3.85% to 6.5% per annum, UMBNDES (National Bank for Economic and Social Development currency, which was –15.69% per annum at December 31, 2003) plus 3.85% to 6.5% per annum, 100% and 109% of CDI (Interbank Deposit rate, which was 23.25% per annum at December 31, 2003) and IGP-M (General Market Price Index, which was 8.71% per annum at December 31, 2003) plus 12% per annum. In 2003 this resulted in an average rate of 16.3% per annum.
Financing denominated in foreign currency bears a fixed interest rate of 1.75% per annum, and a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.5% to 4.0% per annum, resulting in an average rate of 2.79% per annum. The LIBOR rate was 1.22% per annum on December 31, 2003 for semi-annual payments.
b. Loans from Controlling Shareholder
Loans from the Controlling Shareholder are denominated in U.S. dollars and in Brazilian reais. Amounts denominated in U.S. dollars are repayable in monthly installments up to 2014 and with a variable interest rate equal to the rate of appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus the Brazilian real on an annual basis plus 1.75% per annum. Amounts denominated in Brazilian reais bear local short-term market interest rates.
c. Loans from suppliers
Loans from suppliers of telecommunication equipment denominated in U.S. dollars bear interest at either a fixed rate of 1.75% per annum or a variable rate of LIBOR plus 0.5% to 2.95% per annum.
d. Debentures issued to Controlling Shareholder
On January 27, 2001, the Company offered up to 1,300 debentures to the Controlling Shareholder in a private placement. These non convertible debentures were issued at R$1,000 each, and totaled R$1,300,000. They were issued for the purpose of financing part of the investment program. The Controlling Shareholder subscribed all the debentures in 2001.
The outstanding balance of the debentures will be amortized in three installments, the first equivalent to 30% maturing on 07/27/2004, the second equivalent to 30% maturing on 07/27/2005, and the third and final installment, equivalent to 40%, maturing on 07/27/2006. The debentures pay 100% of CDI (Interbank deposit rates), payable semiannually.
e. Public debentures
First public issue: 50,000 non-convertible debentures of R$ 10, totaling R$ 500,000, issued on May 1, 2002. The term is for two years maturing on May 1, 2004. Interest of 109% of the CDI is payable half-yearly on November 1 and May 1 from the date of issue to the maturity of the debentures.
Second Public Issue: 40,000 non-convertible debentures of R$ 10, totaling R$ 400,000, issued on December 1, 2002. The term is for two years maturing on December 1, 2004. Interest of 109% of the CDI is payable half-yearly on June 1 and December 1 from the date of issue to the maturity of the debentures.
As of December 31, 2003, no debentures issued by the Company had been repurchased.
f. Repayment schedule
Non-current debt is scheduled to be paid as follows:
| 2003 | |
| 2005 | 957,871 |
| 2006 | 1,063,129 |
| 2007 | 528,597 |
| 2008 and after | 95,966 |
| 2,645,563 | |
g. Interest Rate and Currency analysis
Total debt is denominated in the following currencies:
| Exchange rate at | |||
| December 31, 2002 and 2003 | December 31, | ||
| (Units of one Brazilian real) |
2002 |
2003 | |
| Floating Rate Debt: | |||
| Brazilian reais | 4,747,146 | 4,369,806 | |
| U.S. dollars | 3.5333 and 2.8892, respectively | 175,721 | 153,686 |
| 4,922,866 |
4,523,492 | ||
| Fixed Rate Debt: | |||
| Brazilian reais | 29 | 20,439 | |
| U.S. dollars | 3.5333 and 2.8892, respectively | 158,912 | 91,906 |
| 158,941 | 112,345 | ||
| 5,081,807 | 4,635,837 | ||
h. Covenants and guarantees
The loans from financial institutions require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, which, if they are not met, present the creditors with the right to anticipate the maturity and require additional charges. During 2003, the Company amended its loan agreement with BNDES, modifying some covenants, in order to adjust them according to the actual market conditions. As of December 31, 2003, the Company was in compliance with all of its loan covenants
The loans and financing are guaranteed by the credits derived from the provision of telephone services and the Parent Company’s guarantee.
i. Swap contracts
As of December 31, 2003, the Company had R$ 245,593 (R$ 334,632 as of December 31, 2002) of debt denominated in U.S. dollars.
The Company entered into several swap transactions in order to limit losses from fluctuations of the Brazilian real. The market risk on these swap contracts results from changes in the Brazilian deposit certificate rates (CDI) versus changes in the exchange rate. The main terms of these swap transactions are as follows:
(a) The interbank deposit certificate rate is that quoted by CETIP (Central de Custódia e de Liquidação).
(b) The change in the exchange rate is that quoted by the Brazilian Central Bank, plus an annual fixed interest rate of from 5.86% to 30.3% per annum.
If the amount calculated under the terms described in (a) is greater than the amount calculated under (b), the Company must pay the banks the difference between the two calculations. If the amount calculated under the terms of (b) is greater than the amount calculated under (a), the banks must pay the difference to the Company.
The details of the notional values and maturity periods are as follows:
| December 31, 2003 | |
| Number of contracts | 48 |
| Original values (U.S.$ thousand) | 82,758 |
| Maturity periods (U.S.$ thousand): | |
| Up to 1 year | 35,545 |
| 1 to 3 years | 38,431 |
The Company accounts for these swap transactions by calculating the unrealized gain or loss at each balance sheet date based on what would have been the results of settlement of the outstanding contracts at that date. The gain or loss for a period is recorded in financial income or expense of such period.
The swap operations resulted in a loss of R$2,358, gain of R$28,874 and loss of R$83,188 during the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively, which were recorded in financial expense and financial income, accordingly.
22. Provisions for contingencies
The Company and its subsidiaries periodically perform an assessment for contingencies risks, and also review lawsuits taking into consideration the legal, economic, taxes and accounting aspects. The assessment of these risks aims at classifying them according to the chances of an unfavorable outcome between the alternatives of probable, possible or remote, taking into account, according to the circumstances, the opinion of its legal counselors.
Provisions are recognized for those contingencies where the risks are classified as probable. Contingencies classified as possible or remote are discussed in this Note. In certain situations, due to legal requirements or precautionary measures, judicial deposits are made to guarantee the continuity of the cases in litigation. These lawsuits are in progress in various courts, including administrative, lower, and higher courts.
Labor Claims
The provision for labor claims includes an estimate by the Company’s management, supported by the opinion of its legal counselors, of the probable losses related to lawsuits filed by former employees of the Company and of service providers.
Tax Suits
The provision for tax contingencies refers mainly to matters related to tax collections due to differences in interpretation of the tax legislation by the Company’s legal counsel and the tax authorities.
Civil Suits
The provision for civil contingencies refers to cases related to contractual adjustments arising from Federal Government economic plans and other cases related to community telephony plans.
Classification by Risk Level
Contingencies with Probable Risk
Contingencies classified as having a probable risk of loss, for which provisions are recorded under liabilities, have the following balances:
| Year ended December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Labor | 316,334 | 424,097 |
| Tax | 11,905 | 65,970 |
| Civil | 60,985 | 208,678 |
| TOTAL | 389,224 | 698,745 |
| Current | 3,232 | 48,509 |
| Noncurrent | 385,992 | 650,236 |
Changes in the provision for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, were as follows:
| Year ended December 31, | |||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Beginning balances | 390,874 | 378,478 | 389,224 |
| Contingencies paid during the year | (20,411) | (18,413) | (50,192) |
| Additional provisions | 50,558 | 55,475 | 386,976 |
| Reversal of provisions | (42,543) | (26,316) | (27,263) |
| Ending balances | 378,478 | 389,224 | 698,745 |
Labor
There was a increase in labor contingences in 2003 of R$107,763. The composition of this increase arises, mainly, from monetary restatement in the amount of R$42,424 and from the revaluation of the cases, especially in the Rio Grande do Sul Branch (former CRT), whose main objects refer to additional remuneration for hazardous activities and salary readjustments resulting from collective agreements, in a total amount of R$71,000. Moreover, there were reversals of provisions, favorable to the Company, in the amount of R$13,116.
The main objects that affect the provisions for labor claims are the following:
(i) Additional Remuneration for Hazardous Activities - related to the claim for payment of additional remuneration for hazardous activities, based on Law 7,369/85, regulated by Decree 93,412/86, due to the supposed risk of contact by the employee with the electric power system;
(ii) Salary Differences and Consequences - related, mainly, to requests for salary increases due to supposedly unfulfilled union negotiations. They are related to the repercussion of the salary increase supposedly due on the others sums calculated based on the employees’ salaries;
(iii) Career plan - related to the request for application of the career and salaries plan for employees of the Santa Catarina Branch (formerly Telesc), with promotions for seniority and merit, supposedly not granted by the former Telesc; and
(iv) Joint Responsibility - related to the request to ascribe responsibility to the Company, made by outsourced personnel, due to supposed nonobservance of their labor rights by their real employers;
Tax
During 2003 there was an increase of R$54,065 due, mainly, to notifications related to the collection of the education allowance, differential in rate of ICMS in interstate acquisitions, incorrect compensation of tax losses, non-collection of social security and CPMF taxes, in the amount of R$42,019. Also the provision for lawyers’ success fees and monetary updating contributed for the increase recorded in 2003, in total amount of R$15,533. Due to revaluations of the cases during the year a total of R$15,701 was reversed from the provision.
The main lawsuits provided for are as follows:
(i) Social security - Related to the non-collection of social security education allowance;
(ii) Federal Revenue Department - Incorrect compensation of tax losses;
(iii) State Revenue Department - Non-collection of differential in rate of ICMS; and
(iv) CPMF - Non-collection of the contribution on financial activities.
Civil
The increase in 2003 in the amount of R$147,693 is represented, mainly, by the increase of R$157,000 related to civil lawsuits of the former CRT, merged by the Company, monetary restatement in the amount of R$11,583 and reductions of R$24,282, related to write-offs due to revaluations.
The lawsuits provided are the following:
(i) Review of contractual conditions - Lawsuit where a company which supplies equipment filed legal action against the Company, asking for a review of contractual conditions due to economic stabilization plans;
(ii) Contracts of Financial Participation - The position related to the incorrect procedure previously adopted by the former CRT in processes related to the application of a rule enacted by the Ministry of the Communications has been agreed to in the Court of Appeals of Rio Grande do Sul. Such cases are in various phases: First instance, Court of Appeals and Higher Court of Appeals; and
(iii) Other lawsuits - related to various ongoing lawsuits such as indemnification for pain and suffering and material damages to consumers, indemnification for contractual rescission, indemnification for accidents, as well as lawsuits that are in Special Civil Courts whose claims, separately, do not exceed forty minimum salaries.
Contingencies with Possible Risk
The position of contingencies with levels of risk considered to be possible, and therefore not recorded in the accounts, is the following:
| Year ended December 31, | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Labor | 440,798 | 625,266 |
| Tax | 570,460 | 863,967 |
| Civil | 253,771 | 740,535 |
| TOTAL | 1,265,029 | 2,229,768 |
Labor
The increase in labor contingencies in 2003, of R$184,468 is attributed, mainly, to monetary restatements in the amount of R$86,941 and for the filing of new lawsuits in the amount of R$158,787, and pointing out that there were revaluations which had resulted in a reduction of R$75.039.
The main objects that comprise the possible losses of a labor nature are related to additional remuneration for hazardous activities, promotions and joint responsibility, the evaluation of which processes by the legal assessors resulted in a level of risk of loss evaluated only as possible. As well as the cited objects, the following demands also contribute to the aforementioned amount:
(i) Petition for remunerative consideration for hours of works supposedly exceeding the normal working hours agreed upon between the parties; and
(ii) Petition for application of a regulation that stipulated the payment of a percentage on the Company’s profits, attributed to the Santa Catarina Branch.
Tax
The increase occurring in 2003 of R$293,507 refers, mainly, to the following amounts and respective objects: R$209,445 related to ISS not collected and/or under-collected, R$107,666 related to an interstate differential rate of ICMS (State VAT), R$45,364 related to ICMS on the international calls, R$19,265 related to immunity from COFINS, R$9,851 related to social security contribution and workers’ compensation insurance, R$9,618 related to income tax at source on hedge and swap operations, and also taking into consideration R$18,721 related to success fees. It should be mentioned that the monetary restatement totaled R$107,841 and there were reductions for revaluation or reversion favorable to the Company in the amount of R$249,066.
The main lawsuits considered as possible loss are presented as follows:
(i) ICMS (State VAT) - On international calls;
(ii) ICMS (State VAT) - Differential of rate in interstate acquisitions;
(iii) ICMS (State VAT) - Exploitation of credits related to the acquisition of fixed assets for use and consumption;
(iv) ISS (Service Tax) - Not collected and/or under-collected;
(v) IRPJ and CSLL (Income and Social Contribution Taxes) - Monetary variation on credits overpaid in 1997 and 1998;
(vi) INSS (Social Security) - Related to the Bresser and Summer Plans, as well as others social security and SAT payments;
(vii) COFINS - REPASS; and
(viii) Withholding tax (IRRF) - Operations related to hedge for covering debts.
Civil
The increase occurring in 2003 was R$486,764 and is represented, mainly, by an increase of R$398,830 related to shares originating in a capitalization process where a larger number of shares in the capital is demanded in relation to that which was issued, as well as corresponding dividends claimed. The increase also is composed of monetary restatements in the amount of R$59,851.
The main lawsuits are presented as follows:
(i) Repayments resulting from Community Telephony Program lawsuits (PCT) - the plaintiffs intend to pay the compensations related to the contracts resulting from the Community Telephony Program. Such proceedings are encountered in various phases: First instance, Court of Appeals and Higher Court of Appeals;
(ii) Lawsuits of a consumer nature;
(iii) Contractual - Lawsuits related to the claim for a percentage resulting from the Real Plan, to be applied in a contract for rendering services, review of conversion of installments in URV and later in reais, related to the supply of equipment and rendering of services; and
(iv) Attendance for customers points - Public civil lawsuits arising from the closing of customer attendance points.
Contingencies with Remote Risk
In addition to the claims mentioned above, there are also contingencies considered to be of remote risk in the amount of R$1,265,978 (R$717,097 in 2002).
Management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of any litigation described above will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, or results of operations after consideration of the provisions described above.
Letters of Guarantee
The Company has contracts for letters of guarantees signed with financial institutions, as a complementary guarantee for lawsuits in provisory execution, in the amount of R$124,947. Most of these contracts, representing 84%, have a stated period for termination during 2004 and the remainder is for an indeterminated period of time. The remuneration for these contracts varies between 0.74% p.a and 2.00% p.a..
The judicial deposits related to the contested contingencies and tributes (suspended liability) are presented in Note 19.
23. Provision for pensions and other benefits
a. Pension and other post employment benefit plans
Brasil Telecom sponsors various private pension plans designed to provide retirement benefits and medical assistance to employees and their dependents. These plans are managed by Fundação de Seguridade Social (SISTEL), which managed plans for pension and other post retirement benefits for most companies of the former Telebrás System, and Fundação dos Empregados da Companhia Riograndense de Telecomunicações (FCRT), which administered the benefit plans of CRT, acquired in 2000.
The status of each plan is reviewed annually by independent actuaries at the balance sheet date. In the case of defined benefit plans, immediate recognition is given to actuarial gains and losses and as from 2001 the Company has established a liability in the balance sheet for the deficits of those plans showing deficits, following the requirements of CVM Instruction Nr. 371/00. In the case of plans that show surpluses, no assets are recognized due to the legal impossibility of distributing the surpluses.
Details of the pension plans are as follows:
a.1 SISTEL
a.1.1 Description of the plans
PBS-A - Defined benefit pension plan and PAMA - Retirees’ health care plan
The Company, together with other companies, sponsors a defined benefit private pension plan and a post-retirement benefit health care plan managed by Fundação SISTEL de Seguridade Social ("SISTEL"), the PBS-A and PAMA plans. Until December 1999, all sponsors of the plans managed by SISTEL were jointly and severally liable as to these plans. On December 28, 1999, the sponsors negotiated conditions to create plans individualized by sponsor with the maintenance of joint and several liability only for the participants already receiving benefits. This restructuring of SISTEL was approved by the government regulator, the Supplementary Pensions Secretariat (“SPC”), on January 13, 2000.
The PAMA plan was subsequently expanded to cover all the beneficiaries of the PBS-TCS Group, incorporated into TCSPREV (see below) on December 31, 2001, except for those in the PBT-BrT plan. According to legal and actuarial opinions, the sponsor's liability for contributions to the PAMA plan is exclusively limited to 1.5% of the payroll of active participants.
TCSPREV - Defined contribution plans
This defined contribution plan and settled benefits plan was introduced on February 28, 2000, with the adherence of around 80% of employees at that time. On December 31, 2001, all the other pension plans sponsored by the Company and managed by SISTEL were transformed into defined contribution plans with settled benefits and were merged into TCSPREV. The reorganization was subsequently approved by the SPC. The plans that were merged into TCSPREV were the PBS-TCS, PBT-BrT, the BrT Management Agreement plan and the Supplementary Plan for the Paraná branch employees. TCSPREV currently serves around 74% of active employees.
PAMEC-BrT - Health-care plan
This health care plan covers retirees in the PBT-BrT pension plan, which was incorporated into the TCSPREV plan on December 31, 2001.
a.1.2 Contributions
PBS-A - Defined benefit pension plan and PAMA - Retirees’ health care plan
Contributions to the PBS-A plan are only required in case of an actuarial deficit. As of December 31, 2003, the PBS-A plan was in surplus.
The PAMA plan is maintained with contributions of 1.5% of the payroll of active participants linked to the PBS plans, segregated and sponsored by the several SISTEL sponsors.
TCSPREV - Defined contribution plan
Contributions to this plan were maintained on the same basis as the original plans incorporated in 2001 for each group of participants, and were established based on actuarial studies prepared by independent actuaries according to regulations in force in Brazil, using the capitalization system to determine costs. In the case of the PBS-TCS defined benefit plan group, the Company’s contribution was 12% of the payroll of the participants, whilst the employees' contribution varied according to the age, service time and salary. In the remaining TCSPREV defined contribution plan groups, the contributions are made equally by the employee and the Company and are credited into individual accounts of each participant. The basic contribution percentages vary between 3% and 8% of the participant's salary, according to age. In addition, participants have the option to contribute voluntarily and sporadically to the plan above the basic contribution, but without equal payments from the Company. The Company is responsible for the administrative cost of the plan and disbursement of the benefits. In 2003 contributions by the Company to the TCSPREV group represented on average 7.31% of the payroll of the plan participants whilst the average employee contribution of plan participants was 6.58% (2002, 7.14% and 6.75% respectively).
PAMEC-BrT - Health-care plan
Contributions for this plan were fully paid in July 1998.
a.2 FCRT
a.2.1 Description of the plans
BrTPREV plan
The BrTPREV plan was introduced on October 21, 2002 as a defined contribution and settled benefits plan to provide supplementary pension benefits to employees of the former CRT. In March 2003 this plan was also opened to the new employees of the Company and its subsidiaries who wished to participate in the sponsored complementary social security plans. BrTPREV currently covers approximately 25% of employees.
Brasil Telecom Founder and Alternative plans
The Brasil Telecom Founder and Alternative plans are defined contribution and settled benefit plans, now closed to the entry of new participants.
a.2.2 Contributions
BrTPREV plan
Contributions are made equally by the employee and the Company and are credited into individual accounts of each participant. The basic contribution percentages vary between 3% and 8% of the participant's salary, according to age. In addition, participants have the option to contribute voluntarily and sporadically to the plan above the basic contribution, but without equal payments from the Company. The Company is responsible for the administrative cost of the plan and the disbursement of the benefits. In 2003 contributions by the Company represented on average 6.79% of the payroll of the plan participants, whilst the average employee contribution was 5.87% (2002 1.32% and 1.34% respectively).
Brasil Telecom Founder and Alternative plans
The regular Company contributions in 2003 to the Founder plan were an average of 5.43% of the participants’ payroll. Employees contributed at variable rates according to age, service time and salary, at an average rate in 2003 of 5.18% (2002 – 7.87%). In the Alternative Brazil Telecom plan, the participants also pay an entrance fee, depending on age when joining the plan.
The technical deficit corresponding to the current value of the Company's supplementary contribution, due to the actuarial deficiency of the plans managed by FCRT, must be amortized within the maximum established period of 20 years as from January 2000, in accordance with the requirements of the Pensions regulator. Of the maximum period established, 18 years still remain for complete settlement.
a.2.3 Resolution CVM 371/2000
In accordance with CVM resolution 371/2000, Brasil Telecom S.A. recognized the entire actuarial deficit of R$490,744 of the FCRT plan at December 31, 2001 directly in shareholders' equity, net of the corresponding taxes. The net amount recorded in shareholders’ equity was R$ 490,744 together with the corresponding tax benefit of R$ 162,362.
As a result of a new actuarial valuation of these plans at December 31, 2003 the deficit increased to R$ 504,404 (R$501,840 in 2002) and consequently the liability was increased to the same amount, the difference was charged to expenses.
a.3 Status of the SISTEL and FCRT plans
The status of the SISTEL and FCRT plans at December 31, 2002 and 2003 is presented below, in accordance with CVM Resolution 371/2000:
| FCRT - BrTPREV | SISTEL - TCSPREV | |||
| 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| CONCILIATION OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | ||||
| Actuarial liabilities with benefits granted | 772,989 | 891,269 | 154,657 | 145,934 |
| Actuarial liabilities with benefits to be granted | 149,161 | 99,483 | 349,072 | 273,001 |
| (-) Payments of defined contributions | - | - | - | (137,132) |
| (=) Total present value of actuarial liabilities | 922,150 | 990,752 | 503,729 | 281,803 |
| Fair value of plan assets | (420,310) | (486,348) | (503,729) | (573,834) |
| (-) Payments of defined contributions | - | - | - | 137,132 |
| Fair value of plan assets | (420,310) | (486,348) | (503,729) | (436,702) |
| (=) Net Actuarial Liability/(Asset) | 501,840 | 504,404 | - | (154,899) |
| CHANGES IN NET ACTUARIAL LIABILITY/ (ASSETS) | ||||
| Present value of actuarial liability - beginning of period(1) | 958,877 | 922,150 | 491,091 | 503,729 |
| Cost of interest(1) | 14,210 | 163,035 | - | 84,790 |
| Current service cost | 12,717 | 6,502 | 30,752 | 33,827 |
| Current service cost of the sponsor(1) | 3,090 | 6,502 | 16,247 | 33,827 |
| Current service cost of the participants | 9,627 | - | 14,505 | - |
| Net benefits paid(1) | (142,003) | (125,634) | (45,399) | (38,629) |
| Administrative cost of the plan | (5,029) | - | (5,386) | - |
| Actuarial (gain) or loss on actuarial liability | 83,378 | 24,699 | 32,671 | (164,782) |
| Value of the liability at the end of the year in respect of defined contributions received | - | - | - | (137,132) |
| Present value of actuarial liability – end of period | 922,150 | 990,752 | 503,729 | 281,803 |
| Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the period(1) | 468,133 | 420,310 | 491,091 | 503,729 |
| Expected income from plan assets | - | 98,832 | - | 80,457 |
| Regular contributions received by the plan | 13,412 | 2,380 | 30,490 | 28,277 |
| Sponsor(1) | 3,785 | 149 | 15,985 | 13,935 |
| Participants(1) | 9,627 | 2,231 | 14,505 | 14,342 |
| Amortization contributions received from the sponsor | 14,210 | 90,460 | - | - |
| Other funds collected | 1,125 | - | - | - |
| Payment of benefits(1) | (142,003) | (125,634) | (45,399) | (38,629) |
| Administrative expenses of the plan | (6,154) | - | (5,124) | - |
| Actuarial gains on plan assets | 71,587 | - | 32,671 | - |
| Value of the Obligations at the end of the exercise (payment of defined contributions) | - | - | - | (137,132) |
| Fair value of plan assets at the end of the period | 420,310 | 486,348 | 503,729 | 436,702 |
| (=) Value of the Net Actuarial Liabilities/(Assets) (2) | 501,840 | 504,404 | - | (154,899) |
| (1) | TCSPREV Plan: This includes contributions to both the defined benefit and defined contribution plans. |
| (2) | The Company does not recognize an asset when the plan is in surplus. |
| EXPENSE RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||
| Current service cost | 12,717 | 6,353 | 30,752 | 33,827 |
| Contributions from participants | (9,627) | (2,231) | (14,505) | (14,342) |
| Cost of interest | 14,210 | 163,035 | - | - |
| Income from plan assets | - | (98,832) | - | - |
| Actuarial losses recognized | 11,791 | 24,699 | - | - |
| Total expense recognized | 29,091 | 93,024 | 16,247 | 19,485 |
| PRINCIPAL ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS USED | ||||
| Discount rate for actuarial liability | 6% | 6% | ||
| Total income expected from plan assets | 17.68% | 16.18% | 17.68% | 11.83% |
| Estimated index for salary increase | - | 2% | N/A | 2% |
| Mortality table | UP84 | UP84 + 1 | ATM 2000 M | |
| Disability table | Álvaro Vindas | Mercer Disability | Álvaro Vindas | |
| Mortality rate of disabled | IAPB-57 | IAPB-57 | IAPB-57 | |
| Turnover | - | - | N/A | 0.15/ (working time +1, if <50 years) |
| Retirement age | 60 years | 60 years | ||
| Inflation rate | 11.02% | 9.60% | 11.02% | 5.00% |
| N/A: | Not Applicable |
| SISTEL - PBS-A | SISTEL - PAMEC | |||
| 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | ||||
| Actuarial liabilities with granted benefits | 430,459 | 514,254 | 844 | 2,651 |
| Actuarial liabilities with benefits to grant | - | - | - | 27 |
| (=) Present value of actuarial liabilities | 430,459 | 514,254 | 844 | 2,678 |
| Fair value of plan assets | (542,744) | (614,450) | (844) | (992) |
| (=) Net actuarial liability/(asset) | (112,285) | (100,196) | - | 1,686 |
| CHANGES IN NET ACTUARIAL LIABILITY/(ASSET) | ||||
| Present value of actuarial liability - beginning of period | 412,664 | 430,459 | 710 | 844 |
| Cost of interest | 44,826 | 46,683 | 43 | 147 |
| Current service cost | - | - | - | 1 |
| Current service cost of sponsor | - | - | - | 1 |
| Net benefits paid | (36,731) | (40,283) | (26) | (5) |
| Administrative cost of plan | - | - | (2) | - |
| Actuarial (gain) or loss on actuarial liability | 9,700 | 77,395 | 119 | 1,691 |
| Present value of actuarial liability – end of period | 430,459 | 514,254 | 844 | 2,678 |
| Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the period(1) | 472,118 | 542,744 | 710 | 844 |
| Income from plan assets | 107,357 | 111,989 | 43 | 153 |
| Payment of benefits | (36,731) | (40,283) | (26) | (5) |
| Administrative expenses of the plan | - | - | (2) | - |
| Actuarial gains (losses) on plan assets | - | - | 119 | - |
| Fair value of plan assets at the end of the period | 542,744 | 614,450 | 844 | 992 |
| (=) Value of the Net Actuarial Liabilities/(Assets) (2) | (112,285) | (100,196) | - | 1,686 |
| (2) | The Company does not recognize an asset when the plan is in surplus. |
| EXPENSE RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||
| Constitution of the actuarial liabilities | - | - | - | 1,686 |
| Total expense recognized | - | - | - | 1,686 |
| PRINCIPAL ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS USED | ||||
| Discount rate for actuarial liability | 6% | 6% | ||
| Total income expected from plan assets | 14.45% | 11.30% | 17.68% | 11.30% |
| Estimated index for increase in benefits | 5.00% | 5.00% | - | 5.00% |
| Mortality table | UP84 | UP84 + 1 | EB7/75 | UP84 + 1 |
| Disability table | N/A | Álvaro Vindas | Mercer Disability | |
| Mortality rate of disabled | N/A | Exp. Ex. CAP | IAPB-57 | |
| Starting age for benefits | N/A | 100% on retirement | ||
| Inflation rate | 5.00% | 5.00% | 11.02% | 5.00% |
| N/A: | Not Applicable |
b. Stock option plans
On April 28, 2000 the shareholders approved a stock option plan for officers and employees. A maximum of 10% of each kind of Company stock may be used for the plan. Shares derived from exercising options guarantee the beneficiaries the same rights granted to other Company shareholders. Administration of this plan was entrusted to a management committee appointed by the Board of Directors, which decided to grant options using only preferred stock. The plan is divided into two separate programs:
b.1 Program A:
This program is granted as an extension of management’s performance objectives for the Company established by the Board of Directors for a five-year period. Up to December 31, 2003, no stock had been granted under this program.
b.2 Program B:
The exercise price of the option is established by the management committee having as reference the market price of 1000 shares in the date of granting the option, and will be monetarily restated by the IGP-M between the date of signing the contracts and the payment date.
The first grant of stock options under Program B occurred on December 17, 2002 with 622,364 options issued. The second grant of options occurred on December 19, 2003 with 308,033 options. 22, 298 options of the first grant lapsed during the year.
The right to exercise the option is given within the following periods as follows:
| First Grant | Second Grant | |||
| From | End of period | From | End of period | |
| 33% | 01/01/04 | 12/31/08 | 12/19/05 | 12/31/10 |
| 33% | 01/01/05 | 12/31/08 | 12/19/06 | 12/31/10 |
| 34% | 01/01/06 | 12/31/08 | 12/19/07 | 12/31/10 |
Vesting can be anticipated as a result of the occurrence of events or special conditions established in the option contract.
The information related to the general plan to grant stock options is summarized below:
| 2002 | 2003 | |||
| Preferred stock options (thousand) | Average exercise price R$ | Preferred stock options (thousand) | Average exercise price R$ | |
| Opening balance | - | - | 622,364 | 11.34 |
| Granted | 622,364 | 11.34 | 308,033 | 12.48 |
| Lapsed options | - | - | (22,928) | 11.34 |
| Closing balance | 622,364 | 11.34 | 907,469 | 11.73 |
None of the options granted had been exercised as of the balance sheet date and the balance of the options represents 0.17% the total outstanding stocks at that date (0.12% in 2002).
Considering the hypothesis that the options will be fully exercised, the opportunity cost of the premiums of the respective options, calculated by the Black-Scholes method, for the Company would be R$829 (R$35 in 2002).
c. Other employee benefits
Other benefits granted to employees include private health and dental care plans, meal allowances, group life insurance, occupational accident insurance, sickness allowance and transportation subsidies.
24. Shareholders' equity
a. Share capital
Authorized capital stock as of December 31, 2003 was 560 billion shares. The Company’s issued and paid up capital stock is comprised of preferred shares and common shares, all without par value, as shown in the table below:
| In thousands of shares | |||||
| Common | Preferred | Subtotal | Treasury shares | Total | |
| Number of shares as of December 31, 2001 | 237,165,397 | 295,569,091 | 532,734,488 | (2,351,322) | 530,383,166 |
| Issuance of shares | 6,398,733 | (1) | 6,398,732 | (1,197,438) | 5,201,294 |
| Number of shares as of December 31, 2002 | 243,564,130 | 295,569,090 | 539,133,220 | (3,548,760) | 535,584,460 |
| Issuance of shares | 6,032,920 | - | 6,032,920 | (2,170,011) | 3,862,909 |
| Number of shares as of December 31, 2003 | 249,597,050 | 295,569,090 | 545,166,140 | (5,718,771) | 539,447,369 |
The capital may be increased only by a decision taken at a shareholders’ meeting in connection with the capitalization of profits or reserves previously allocated to capital increases at a shareholders’ meeting.
The preferred shares are non-voting except under limited circumstances and are entitled to a minimum preferential non-cumulative dividend of 6% of the capital value per share or, as from 2002, 3% of the net book value per share, whichever is greater. Also the preferred shares have priority over the common shares in the case of liquidation of the Company. Under Brazilian Corporation Law, the number of non-voting shares or shares with limited voting rights, such as the preferred shares, may not exceed two-thirds of the total number of shares.
b. Treasury stock
Treasury shares are derived from two separate events:
The merger of CRT
The Company is holding in treasury preferred stock resulting from the conversion into its own stock of treasury stock of CRT acquired by that company in the first half of 1998. Since the merger, of CRT into Brasil Telecom S.A., the Company has only placed shares in circulation to comply with court rulings in favor of potential subscribers of shares of the merged company.
The average acquisition cost of CRT was R$ 1.24 per share. With the swap ratio of the stock as a result of the merger process, each CRT share was swapped for 48.565 shares of Brasil Telecom S.A., resulting in an average cost of R$ 0.026 for each treasury share.
The movements of treasury stock derived from the merged company were the following:
| 2002 | 2003 | |||
| Preferred shares (thousands) | Amount | Preferred shares (thousands) | Amount | |
| Opening balance | 2,351,322 | 60,124 | 1,567,960 | 38,977 |
| Number of shares replaced in circulation | (783,362) | (21,147) | (696,389) | (18,199) |
| Closing balance | 1,567,960 | 38,977 | 871,571 | 20,778 |
The retained earnings account represents the origin of the funds invested in acquiring the stock held in treasury.
The Stock Repurchase Program – Press Releases of October 1, 2002, December 27, 2002 and August 5, 2003
The Company’s Board of Directors approved, on the above mentioned dates, a preferred stock repurchase programs, under the following terms and conditions: (i) the retained earnings account would be the origin of the funds invested in purchasing the stock; (ii) the authorized limit for repurchase was limited to 10% of preferred shares outstanding in the market; and (iii) the period determined for the acquisition was three months as from the press releases for the programs published in 2002, and 365 days for the program published in 2003, in accordance with CVM Instruction 390/03.
The repurchase of preferred shares issued by the Company for holding in treasury, is authorized up to the limit of 18,078,192,282 shares of this nature. To reach this limit, the Company could acquire the quantity of 11,747,081,779 additional shares.
The movement of shares held in treasury arising from the programs for repurchase of shares was the following:
| 2002 | 2003 | |||
| Preferred shares (in thousand) |
Value | Preferred shares (in thousand) |
Value | |
| Balance at the beginning of the year | - | - | 1,980,800 | 21,852 |
| Number of shares acquired | 1,980,800 | 21,852 | 2,866,400 | 33,018 |
| Balance at the end of the year | 1,980,800 | 21,852 | 4,847,200 | 54,870 |
| Unit cost of repurchase of shares (R$) | 2002 | 2003 |
| Average | 11.02 | 11.32 |
| Minimum | 10.55 | 10.31 |
| Maximum | 11.26 | 13.80 |
The acquisition unit cost considers the total cost for the stock repurchase programs.
None of the preferred stocks acquired were sold up to the 2003 balance sheet date.
On December 31, 2002 and 2003, the Company's preferred stock was quoted on the BOVESPA exchange at R$11.30 and R$15.20, respectively per thousand shares. At this market price, the total value of the 3,548,760 thousand and 5,718,771 thousand respectively preferred shares held in treasury as a result of the merger of CRT and the stock repurchase programs approved, was R$40,101 and R$86,925.
c. Capital Reserves
Reserve for Share Subscription Premium
This reserve arose from the difference between the amount paid on subscription and the value of the corresponding capital.
Special Goodwill Reserve
The Special Goodwill Reserve arose out of the corporate restructuring described in Note 1 and represents the value of the tax benefits, which it management believe, will be generated by future amortization of the goodwill. Each year an amount of the reserve, corresponding to the realized benefit, may be capitalized to the benefit of the controlling shareholder, by the issue of new shares. Minority shareholders are ensured the right to preference, in proportion to their respective holdings in type and class of shares, and the consideration for such acquisitions as they choose to make, will be paid to the controlling shareholder in accordance with the terms of CVM instruction 319/99. On April 4, 2001, March 27, 2002 and March 17, 2003, the shareholders meetings and for the latest two, the Board of Directors, approved capital increases of R$5,364, R$39,591 and R$37,327, respectively, corresponding to the 2000, 2001 and 2002 realized portion of the tax benefit.
Reserve for Donations and Subsidies for Investments
This reserve relates to donations and subsidies received, corresponding to assets received by the Company.
Reserve for Special Monetary Restatement as per Law 8.200/91
This reserve arose out of an additional price-level restatement adjustment recorded in order to compensate for understatements of the monetary restatement indices used prior to 1990.
Other Capital Reserves
These reserves arose out of the accounting methodologies used for recording interest on work in progress up to December 31, 1998 and the benefits arising from funds channeled into income tax incentives that would otherwise have been payable as income taxes.
d. Income Reserves
Legal Reserve
A Brazilian company is required to appropriate 5% of annual net income to a legal reserve until that reserve equals 20% of paid-up share capital or 30% of paid-up share capital plus capital reserves; thereafter, appropriations to this reserve are not compulsory. The legal reserve can only be used to increase capital or to offset accumulated losses.
Unrealized income reserve
This reserve represents income recognized but not yet received relating to net gains on indexation through December 31, 1995 and to adjustments to investments valued on the equity basis.
e. Dividends and interest on Shareholders’ Equity
Pursuant to its by-laws and Brazilian Corporation Law, the Company is required to distribute as dividends in respect of each fiscal year ending December 31, to the extent amounts are available for distribution, an aggregate amount equal to at least 25% of Adjusted Net Income on such date. Under Brazilian Corporation Law, the definition of Adjusted Net Income is as follows: statutory net income reduced by amounts allocated to legal reserve, unrealized profits reserve (if any) and contingency reserve (if any), and increased by the realized portion of the unrealized profits reserve and by any reversals of the reserve for contingencies. The annual dividend distributed to holders of preferred shares (the “Preferred Dividend”) has priority in the allocation of Adjusted Net Income, as mentioned in Note 24.a above. Remaining amounts to be distributed are allocated first to the payment of a dividend to holders of common shares in an amount equal to the Preferred Dividend and the remainder is distributed equally among holders of preferred shares and common shares.
Brazilian corporations may make payments to shareholders characterized as interest on shareholders’ equity (the “JSCP”). The rate of interest may not be higher than the Federal Government’s long-term interest rate (the “TJLP”) as determined by the Central Bank from time to time. The Company elected to characterize dividends for 2002 and 2003 as JSCP. This is a deductible expense for income tax purposes, but is treated as dividends for accounting purposes and is deducted from compulsory dividends, net of withholding income tax.
The calculation of Adjusted Net Income and the determination of the mandatory minimum dividends in accordance with Brazilian Corporation Law and the Company’s by-laws are shown in the table below:
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Loss for the year | (11,619) | (507,435) |
| Adjustments necessary to reach net income (loss) on a Brazilian Corporation Law basis | 451,736 | 482,133 |
| Goodwill amortization (Corporation Law basis) | 124,014 | 124,014 |
| Transfer to legal reserve | (22,006) | - |
| Adjusted Net Income | 542,125 | 98,712 |
| Minimum dividends - 25% | 135,531 | 24,678 |
Dividends attributable to preferred and common shareholders in identical conditions were:
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| 3% OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 3% OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |
| COMMON | 99,432 | 95,902 |
| PREFERRED | 119,214 | 111,369 |
| TOTAL | 218,646 | 207,271 |
Interest on shareholders’ equity – JSCP
The Company credited Interest on Shareholders’ Equity to its shareholders according to the stock position on the date of each credit made during the financial year. The JSCP Interest on Shareholders’ Equity was allocated to dividends, net of withholding tax, on the closing date of the financial year, as a proposal for approval by the general shareholders' meeting.
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| INTEREST ON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (JSCP) CREDITED TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||
| COMMON STOCK | 147,315 | 112,957 |
| PREFERRED STOCK | 177,333 | 133,243 |
| 324,648 | 246,200 | |
| WITHHOLDING TAX (IRRF) | (48,698) | (36,930) |
| JSCP, NET | 275,950 | 209,270 |
Allocation of interest on shareholders’ equity to the compulsory dividend was:
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| JSCP, NET | 275,950 | 209,270 |
| LESS | ||
| MINIMUM COMPULSORY DIVIDEND | (135,531) | (24,674) |
| ADDITIONAL INTEREST TO MINIMUM COMPULSORY DIVIDEND | 140,419 | 184,596 |
| TOTAL DIVIDENDS PER THOUSAND SHARES (IN REAIS) | 2002 | 2003 |
| COMMON | 0.514109 | 0.387934 |
| PREFERRED | 0.514109 | 0.387934 |
Total remuneration for the shareholders in 2003 and 2002 is based on the distribution of interest on Shareholders’ Equity (JSCP), the value of which net of withholding tax exceeded the amount of the compulsory dividend, and also exceeded the amount of the priority dividend and dividend on common stock calculated under equal conditions.
25. Expansion plan contributions
Expansion plan contributions were the means by which Brazilian telecommunication companies financed the growth of their telecommunications network up to July 1997.
Contributions were made by companies or individuals wishing to be connected to the national telephone network. The Companies' expansion plan contribution program was terminated, with no new contracts being signed after June 30, 1997. The R$ 8,159 and R$ 7,974 remaining balance as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, presented within “other non-current liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheet, arose from plans realized before termination, the corresponding net assets of which are already included in the Company’s fixed assets through the Community Expansion Plan. The Company must await final court decisions arising from lawsuits filed by interested parties before the corresponding shares can be issued.
26. Transactions with related parties
Transactions with related parties refer to transactions with the parent company, Brasil Telecom Participações S.A., with the subsidiaries mentioned in Note 1.b and with the equity accounted minority investment, Vant Telecomunicações S.A.
Transactions between the Company and related parties are carried out on an arms-length basis. The principal transactions are:
a. Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.
Dividends and Interest on Shareholders’ Equity – JSCP
R$ 162,425 (213,367 in 2002) of the dividends credited in 2003 were allocated to the parent company. As of December 31, 2003, the remaining balance of dividends payable amounted to R$ 138,062 (R$ 181,362 as of December 31, 2002).
Loans
This liability, which arose from the intercompany balances that existed at the time of the Telebrás spin-off, is indexed to the US dollar exchange variation and bears interest at 1.75% per year and amounted to R$ 89,653 at December 31, 2003 (R$ 120,081 in 2002). The charge to financial expenses amounted to R$ 18,965 in 2003 (R$ 44,591 in 2002 and R$ 20,252 in 2001).
Debentures
On January 27, 2001, the Company issued 1,300 private non-convertible debentures, at a unit price of R$ 1,000, in the total amount of R$ 1,300,000, for the purpose of funding part of its investment program. The entire issue of debentures was acquired by Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.
The face value of these debentures will be amortized in three installments equivalent to 30%, 30% and 40%, with maturity on July 27, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The remuneration of the debentures is equivalent to 100% of the CDI inter-bank deposit rate, paid semiannually. As of December 31, 2003, the liability is R$ 1,408,190 (R$ 1,405,228 in 2002) and charges recognized in expenses for 2003 amount to R$ 286,911 (R$ 236,356 in 2002 and R$ 130,539 in 2001).
Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
The balances arise from transactions related to operating income and expense for use of installations and logistical support. As of December 31, 2003, the payable balance amounted to R$ 157 (R$ 663 receivable in 2002) and the amounts recorded in the statements of operations were: Operating income: R$ 2,301 (R$ 2,352 in 2002 and R$ 2,466 in 2001) and Operating expenses: R$ 256 in 2002 and R$ 4,182 in 2001.
b. Vant Telecomunicações S.A.
Collateral
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002 R$ 15,575, deposited as collateral as a guarantee for a future purchase of shares, is recorded in non-current assets.
Advances for Future Capital Increase
The amount of the advances for future capital increase as of December 31, 2003, is R$ 6,965 (R$ 1,809 in 2002).
c. BrT Serviços de Internet S.A.
Revenues, Expenses and Accounts Receivable and Payable
They result from transactions related to the use of installations, logistic support and telecommunications services. The balance payable is R$7,359 (R$5,643 at December 31, 2002). Amounts recorded in the statements of operations accounts in 2003 are R$38,201 as operating revenue (R$24,573 in 2002) and R$ 136,250 as operating expenses (R$84,793 in 2002).
d. Brasil Telecom Cabos Submarinos Ltda.
Loans
On August 21, 2003, the Company made a loan agreement, granted in the value of R$750, bearing interest of 100% of the CDI, falling due within 6 months. The balance of this asset is R$799 at December 31, 2003 and the financial income in the year is of R$49.
27. Commitments
a. Capital expenditure
At December 31, 2003, the Company had capital expenditure commitments in the amount of R$117,694, which is expected to be invested during 2004. These commitments are in relation to the continuing expansion and modernization of the Company’s plant, including transmission equipment and data transmission equipment.
b. Services rendered due to acquisition of assets
BrT SCS Bermuda acquired fixed assets from a third party company. Concurrently with the assets acquired, basically underwater cables, it assumed the obligation of providing data traffic services, initially contracted with the company that sold the assets, which was a beneficiary of the financial resources of the respective advances. The time remaining for the supplying of such assumed services is around twenty years, which is the same period considered for the depreciation of such cables, within property, plant and equipment.
28. Insurance (not audited)
The Company has insurance covering operational risks, loss of profit, guarantee on contractual commitments, comprehensive general liability (including officers’liability), national and international cargo, vehicle and life. At December 31, 2003, in the opinion of management, all significant and high-risk assets and obligations were insured.
29. Fair value of financial instruments and risk analysis
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument. The fair value estimates are made at a discrete point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on considerable management’s judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of the various financial instruments and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. The use of different assumptions for calculation of market value or fair value may have a material effect on the amounts obtained. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
The selection of assets and liabilities presented in this Note was made based on their materiality. Those instruments, the value of which approximates fair value and risk assessment is not considered significant by the Company, are not mentioned.
a. Fair Value of current assets and liabilities
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term financing approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
b. Foreign currency loans and financing (primarily exchange rate risk)
The Company has loans and financing contracted in foreign currency with risk related to the possibility of fluctuations in exchange rates which may increase the balance of these liabilities. Loans subject to this risk represent 5.1% of total loans and financing (7.2% in 2002). To protect it from foreign currency risk, the Company enters into currency swap contracts with financial institutions. Of its debts in foreign currency, 30% is covered by swap contracts agreements (38% in 2002).
The book and market values of the foreign currency loans and financing and the swap contracts as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 was as follows:
| 2002 | 2003 | |||
| Book Value | Market Value | Book Value | MarketValue | |
| LIABILITIES | ||||
| Loans and financing | 363,147 | 347,106 | 235,784 | 229,596 |
| Swap Contracts | (28,514) | (27,980) | 9,809 | 4,920 |
| TOTAL | 334,633 | 319,126 | 245,593 | 234,516 |
| Current | 57,524 | 52,495 | 52,412 | 48,599 |
| Non-Current | 277,109 | 266,631 | 193,181 | 185,917 |
The method used for calculation of the market value (fair value) of foreign currency loans and financing was the discounted cash flow method, using the market rates prevailing on the balance sheet dates.
The fair value of the swap contracts was estimated using specific data available for these financial instruments, including using prices currently charged to enter into similar agreements, or discounting projected cash flows at market discount rates that reflect the credit, interest and foreign currency risk associated with these financial instruments.
c. Local currency loans and financing (primarily interest rate risk)
The Company has loans and financing contracted in local currency, subject to interest linked to various reference rates (TJLP, UMBNDES, CDI, etc) with the risk of fluctuations in these rates. The Company has contracted derivative contracts to hedge 79% (75% in 2002) of the liabilities subject to the UMBNDES rate, using exchange rate swap contracts, considering the influence of the dollar on the basket of currencies within the UMBNDES interest rate. The other market rates are continually monitored to evaluate the need to contract derivatives to protect against the risk of volatility of these rates.
In addition to its loans and financing, the Company issued non-convertible private and public debentures. These liabilities were contracted at interest rates tied to the CDI and the risk linked with this liability is the result of the possible increase in the rate.
The aforementioned liabilities at the balance sheet date are as follows:
| 2002 | 2003 | |||
| Book Value | Market Value | Book Value | MarketValue | |
| LIABILITIES | ||||
| Debentures – CDI | 2,329,845 | 2,329,845 | 2,328,137 | 2,328,137 |
| Loans linked to TJLP | 2,075,065 | 2,075,065 | 1,766,025 | 1,766,025 |
| Loans linked to UMBNDES | 307,413 | 307,413 | 209,011 | 209,011 |
| Loans linked to IGPM | 25,647 | 25,647 | 21,739 | 21,739 |
| Other loans | 29 | 29 | 20,439 | 20,439 |
| Swap Contracts | 9,176 | (858) | 44,895 | 3,239 |
| TOTAL | 4,747,175 | 4,737,141 | 4,390,246 | 4,348,590 |
| Current | 625,752 | 615,718 | 1,937,864 | 1,896,208 |
| Non-Current | 4,121,423 | 4,121,423 | 2,452,382 | 2,452,382 |
Book Values are roughly equivalent to market values because the current contractual conditions for these types of financial instruments are similar to those in which they were originated. In case of a hypothetical variation of 1% in the aforementioned rates, unfavorable to the Company, the annual negative impact on income would be approximately R$ 7,072.
The fair value of the swap contracts was estimated using specific data available for these financial instruments, including using prices currently charged to enter into similar agreements, or discounting projected cash flows at market discount rates that reflect the credit, interest associated with these financial instruments.
d. Credit Risk
Most services provided by the Company are related to the Concession Contract and a significant portion of these services is subject to the determination of tariffs by the regulatory agency. The credit policy, in the case of public telecommunications services, is subject to legal rules established by the concession authority. The risk exists since the Company may incur losses arising from difficulty in receiving amounts billed to its customers. In 2003, the Company’s default was 2.68% of gross revenue (2.67% in 2002). By means of internal controls, the level of accounts receivable is constantly monitored by the Company, thus limiting the risk of past due accounts by cutting off access to the service (outgoing calls) if the bill is overdue for over 30 days. Exceptions are made for telephone services that should be maintained for national security or safety.
e. Cash Investment Risks
The company has temporary cash investments in exclusive financial investment funds (FIFs), in the amount of R$1,315,096 (R$1,360,231 at December 31, 2002), whose assets are constituted of floating federal securities, future contracts indexed to the exchange rate of the Futures and Commodities Exchange - BM&F and in an investment fund in foreign currency, with no credit risks in such operations. Income earned to the balance sheet date is recorded in financial income and amounts to R$151,076 (R$75,714 in 2002).
f. Risk of Not Linking Monetary Restatement Indexes of loans and financing to accounts receivable
Loans and financing rates contracted by the Company are not correlated to amounts of accounts receivable. Telephony tariff adjustments do not necessarily follow increases in local interest rates, which affect the Company’s debts. Consequently, a risk arises from this lack of correlation.
g. Risk of Anticipated Settlement of Loans and Financing
Some of the loans and financing contracts signed by the Company with its creditors contain covenants that stipulate the advance payment of them in cases where minimum values for certain indicators are not achieved, such as indebtedness, liquidity, cash generation and others. The indicators required in these clauses, which are common in loan and financing transactions, were fully achieved by the Company as mentioned in Note 21.h.
h. Contingency Risks
Contingency risks are assessed as probable, possible, or remote according to loss hypotheses. Contingencies considered as probable risk are recorded. Details on this risk are presented in Note 22.
i. Concession
For conducting its business, the Companies are fully dependent upon the fixed-line telecommunications concession as granted by the Federal Government, as mentioned in Note 1.a.
j. Labor union
Approximately 35,4% of all employees are members of state labor unions associated either with the Federação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Telecomunicações ("Fenattel"), or with the Federação Interestadual dos Trabalhadores em Telecomunicações ("Fittel"). Management negotiates new collective labor agreements every year with the local unions. The collective agreements currently in force expire in November 30, 2004.
Management understands that there is no concentration of available sources of labor, services, concessions or rights, other than those mentioned above, that could, if suddenly eliminated, severely impact the Companies' operations.
30. Subsequent events
a. Execution of obligations of universalization (unaudited)
Under terms of the legislation, by which the Federal Government granted concessions for the operation of fixed line telephony in Brazil, the country was divided into 3 regions and the Company had until 2003, the concession to operate only in Region II.
On January 19, 2004, through an announcement in the Official Gazette, ANATEL recognized that the Company had achieved compliance with the minimum coverage requirements established for its concession area in the Brazilian government’s General Plan for Universal Goals - (PGMU), prior to the deadline of December 31, 2003. Consequently, the restriction that would have prohibited the Company, its controlling corporations, subsidiaries and associated companies from providing telecommunications services in other areas, without new authorizations from the regulator, ceases to have effect. In the same publication, ANATEL issued authorizations to the Company to offer STFC services in the following service modalities and areas: (i) Local and National Long Distance calls in Regions I and III and Sectors 20, 22 and 25 of Region II of the General Plan of Grants (“PGO”); and (ii) International Long Distance calls, in Regions I, II and III of the PGO.
b. Acquisition of interests in MTH do Brasil Ltda. and Vant Telecomunicações S.A.
On January 20, 2004, BrT gave notice to (i) MetroRED Telecommunications Group Ltd. (“MetroRED”) and FTT Ventures Limited (“FTT”) of its intention to exercise its option to purchase 80.1% of the corporate capital of MTH do Brasil Ltda. (“MTH”), which holds 99.9% of the corporate capital of MetroRED Telecomunicações Ltda. (“MetroRED Brasil”), under the terms of the Option Agreement entered into on February 17, 2003, and (ii) Aescom Sul Ltda. (“Aescom”) of its intention to exercise the option to purchase 80.1% of the corporate capital of Vant Telecomunicações S.A. (“Vant”) under the terms of the Option Agreement entered into on December 5, 2001.
The transfer of control of MetroRED and Vant to BrT was approved at the Meetings of the Board of Directors of the National Telecommunications Agency – Anatel held on April 28, 2004 and May 5, 2004, respectively. Accordingly, on May 13, 2004 MetroRED and FTT have executed instruments that transferred to BrT quotas representing 80.1% of the corporate capital of MTH and 1 (one) quota of MetroRED Brasil, and receive in exchange a price of US$51 million. Likewise, Aescom has on May 13, 2004 executed instruments that transferred to BrT shares representing 80.1% of the corporate capital of Vant, and receives in exchange a price of R$15,575,284.80 (fifteen million, five hundred and seventy-five thousand, two hundred and eight-four Brazilian reais and eighty cents). Upon conclusion of these transactions, BrT became the direct and indirect holder of the entire corporate capital of MTH and consequently of MetroRED Brasil, and of the entire corporate capital of Vant.
MetroRED Brasil is a provider of private telecommunications network services through fiber-optic digital networks, and has 339 km of local networks in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte and 1,485 km of long distance network connecting these three major metropolitan commercial centers. It also owns an Internet Solutions Center with an area of 3,500 m2 in São Paulo, which offers co-location, hosting and added-value services.
Vant is a service provider company for corporate networks, founded in October 1999. Initially with focus on TCP/IP networks, Vant began in Brazil with a network 100% based in this technology. Vant operates throughout Brazil, and is present in the main Brazilian capitals and offers a wide portfolio of voice and data products.
The acquisition of MetroRED and Vant has a fundamental role in BrT’s strategy for expansion beyond Region II, in light of their position in the corporate market, their focus on data transmission services and the fact that their networks complement BrT’s.
c. Credit of Interest on Shareholders’ Equity - JSCP
The Management of the Company decided on January 30, 2004, by delegation of the Board of Directors in a meeting held on December 12, 2003, to pay Interest on Shareholders’ Equity (JSCP) in the amount of R$238,100 (R$202,385 net of withholding tax - IRRF). The date determined for the accounting recognition of the JSCP is January 30, 2004. The JSCP can be imputed to the dividends for 2004 that will be subject to the approval of the shareholders’ general meeting to be held in 2005, which will decide the date of payment.
d. Funding of Resources with Issuance of Bonds
The Company began an offer on February 9, for the placement of bonds, in the total value of US$200 million, with maturity in 2014, remunerated at the rate of 9.375% per year payable each six months. The payment of the principal will always fall on the dates of August 17 (of 2004 for the first payment) and February 17 (of 2014 for the last payment). The placement was private, destined to institutional investors and the leadership of the operation fell to Citigroup. The closing of the operation occurred on February 17, 2004, when the legal instruments related to the operation were signed, with the consequent financial settlement. The funds will be used for the Company’s capital investment program, related to 2004 and 2005.
e. Acquisition of interests in Internet Group Limited (“iG”)
In response to the binding offers sent by Brasil Telecom S.A., in compliance with the deliberation which occurred in the Board of Directors’ meeting held on December 18, 2003, for the acquisition of the shares of Internet Group Limited (“iG”), acceptance confirmations were received from the following shareholders on May 18, 2004: GP Holdings Inc.; Global Internet Investments; Digital Network Investments Ltd.; Andrade Gutierrez Contractors; Infinity Trading Ltd.; NG9 Internet Investments; Blue Star I, LLC; TH Lee Putnam Parallel Ventures, LP; TH Lee Putnam Ventures, LP; THLi Coinvestments Partners, LLC; UBS Capital Americas III, LP; UBS Capital Americas Nominees B.V.; Ideas & Solutions; Al Nahda Investment, Dunial Khazal Company, and company management.
The transactions represent the acquisition of different classes of shares, with and without voting rights, equivalent to 63% of iG´s corporate capital in the amount of US$100.7 million, with an implied value of US$137.7 million for 100% of iG shares, and consider that iG has a cash position of approximately US$16 million. Including the stake of 9.45% already held by Brasil Telecom Participações S.A., both Companies together will control 72.45% of iG’s corporate capital.
The acquisitions are subject to the fulfillment of certain usual terms concerning transactions of this nature, including due diligence and the negotiation of final contract agreements, as well as the necessary approval by the ruling authorities.
With these acquisitions, Brasil Telecom positions itself as the leader in the Brazilian Internet market and consolidates its strategy to offer integrated and convergent telecommunications services.
31. Summary of the differences between Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Brazilian generally accepted accounting principles (“Brazilian GAAP”), which differ in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
The following is a summary of the significant policies and adjustments to net income (loss) and shareholders’ equity required when reconciling such amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements to the corresponding amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP, considering the significant differences between Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP:
a. Different criteria for capitalizing and amortizing capitalized interest
Until December 31, 1993, capitalized interest was not added to the individual assets in property, plant and equipment; instead, it was capitalized separately and amortized over a time period different from the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Under U.S. GAAP, capitalized interest is added to the individual assets and is amortized over their estimated useful lives.
Also, under Brazilian GAAP, as applied to companies in the telecommunications industry, interest attributable to construction-in-progress was calculated, up to December 31, 1998, at the rate of 12% per annum of the balance of construction-in-progress and that part which related to interest on third party loans was credited to interest expense based on actual interest costs with the balance relating to self-funding being credited to capital reserves. Starting 1999, Brazilian GAAP required capitalization of interest on loans specifically related to financing of construction in progress, and interest on self-financing is no longer allowed.
Under U.S. GAAP, in accordance with the provisions of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) Nr. 34, “Capitalization of Interest Cost,” interest incurred on borrowings is capitalized to the extent that borrowings do not exceed the balances of construction-in-progress. The credit is a reduction of interest expense. Under U.S. GAAP, the amount of interest capitalized excludes the monetary gain associated with the borrowings and the foreign exchange gains and losses on foreign currency borrowings.
The effects of these different criteria for capitalizing and amortizing capitalized interest are as follows:
| Year ended December 31 | |||
| Capitalized Interest difference | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
| U.S. GAAP Capitalized Interest: | |||
| Interest which would have been capitalized and credited to income under U.S. GAAP (Interest accrued on loans, except in periods when total loans exceeded total construction-in-progress, when capitalized interest was reduced proportionately) | 279,063 | 280,026 | 113,926 |
| Accumulated capitalized interest on disposals | (11,531) | (22,667) | (184,666) |
| 267,532 | 257,359 | (70,740) | |
| Less Brazilian GAAP Capitalized Interest: | |||
| Interest capitalized and credited to income under Brazilian GAAP (Up to the limit of interest incurred on loans obtained for financing capital investments) | (247,380) | (127,979) | (61,330) |
| Accumulated capitalized interest on disposals | 22,349 | 39,337 | 281,706 |
| Total capitalized interest under Brazilian GAAP | (225,031) | (88,642) | 220,376 |
| U.S. GAAP Difference | 42,501 | 168,717 | 149,636 |
| Amortization of capitalized interest difference | |||
| Amortization under Brazilian GAAP | 234,908 | 228,111 | 230,485 |
| Less: Amortization under U.S. GAAP | (128,602) | (140,645) | (154,500) |
| Difference in accumulated amortization on disposals | (12,837) | (22,551) | (136,097) |
| U.S. GAAP Difference | 93,469 | 64,915 | (60,113) |
b. Dividends and interest on shareholders' equity
Although under Brazilian Corporation Law proposed dividends require approval at a shareholders’ meeting, under Brazilian Corporation Law they are accrued for in the consolidated financial statements in anticipation of their approval by the shareholders’ meeting. Distributions characterized as interest on shareholders’ equity as well as minimum compulsory dividends are accrued for under both Brazilian and US GAAP. Any excess of proposed dividends over either the minimum compulsory dividend or distributions characterized as interest on shareholders’ equity would not be accrued for under US GAAP, if such proposed dividends is subject to approval at the annual Shareholders’ Meeting. There was no such excess in 2001, 2002 or 2003.
c. Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
Refer to Note 32.a for a discussion of differences between Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to pensions and other post-retirement benefits. For purposes of the U.S. GAAP reconciliation, the provisions of SFAS Nr. 87, “Employers' Accounting for Pensions” (“SFAS 87”) and SFAS Nr. 106, “Employers' Accounting for Post-retirement Benefits Other than Pensions” (“SFAS 106”) have been applied. The provisions of SFAS 87 were applied with effect from January 1, 1992 because it was not feasible to apply them from the effective date specified in the standard. As a result, R$292,131 of the transition liability was transferred directly to shareholders' equity at the implementation date.
Under Brazilian GAAP, the Company adopted CVM Deliberation 371 during the year ended December 31, 2001 and recorded an adjustment to opening shareholders’ equity amounting to R$328,381, net of R$162,362, which was recorded as deferred income tax on provision for pension. This adjustment was reversed for U.S. GAAP purposes, since all effects of pensions and other post-retirement benefits have already been recognized after applying SFAS 87 and SFAS 106.
d. Items recorded directly in shareholders’ equity accounts
Under Brazilian GAAP, some items are recorded directly in shareholders' equity, which under U.S. GAAP would be recorded in the statements of operations, such as fiscal incentives in regional funds converted into shares or capital quotas of telecommunication companies, detailed in item (l) and tax incentives that are granted to the Company and became effective immediately.
e. Earnings (losses) per share
Under Brazilian GAAP, net income (loss) per share is calculated on the number of shares outstanding at the balance sheet date. In these financial statements, information is disclosed per lot of one thousand shares, because generally this is the minimum number of shares that can be traded on the Brazilian stock exchanges. Each American Depositary Share (“ADS”) is equivalent to 3,000 shares.
As determined by SFAS Nr. 128, "Earnings Per Share", since the preferred and common stockholders have different dividend, voting and liquidation rights, basic and diluted earnings per share have been calculated using the "two-class" method. The "two-class" method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for preferred and common stock according to the dividends to be paid as required by the Company's by-laws.
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Net income available to preferred shareholders is the sum of the preferred stock dividends (a minimum of 6% of preferred capital, or, as from 2002, 3% per annum calculated on the amount resulting from dividing the net book shareholders' equity by the total number of Company shares, whichever is greater, as defined in the Company's by-laws) and the preferred shareholders' portion of undistributed net income. Undistributed net income is computed by deducting total dividends (the sum of preferred and common stock dividends) from adjusted net income. Undistributed net income is shared equally by the preferred and common shareholders on a pro rata basis. Total dividends are calculated as described in Note 24.e. Diluted earnings per share is computed by increasing the number of shares, calculated by dividing the value of funds for capitalization and stock options, as mentioned below, by the equivalent value of the shares at the merger date.
The weighted-average number of common shares used in computing basic earnings per share as of December 31, 2003 was 248,591,563,000 (241,964,447,000 in 2002 and 237,165,397,000 in 2001). The weighted-average number of preferred shares used in computing basic earnings per share as of December 31, 2003 was 291,839,496,000 (292,319,690,000 in 2002 and 293,217,769,000 in 2001). The Company has received certain contributions from customers or customers have independently paid suppliers of telecommunication equipment and services for the installation of fixed line services. These amounts are reflected as "funds for capitalization" within other non-current liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. Once the installation is essentially complete and the contributions have been received, the funds will be converted into equity (see Note 25). The shares are treated as outstanding and included in the basic EPS calculation only when such funds are converted to equity and the shares issued. The shares are treated as outstanding for diluted EPS purposes when expansion plan contributions are received or when Community Expansion Plan agreements have been approved. Additionally, the 907,469 thousand preferred stock options granted under the stock option program for officers and employees mentioned in Note 23.b were considered in the calculation of the diluted earnings per share.
If the Company is able to pay dividends in excess of the minimum requirement for preferred shareholders and the remainder of the net income is sufficient to provide equal dividends to both common and preferred shareholders, then the basic and the diluted earnings per share will be the same for both common and preferred shareholders.
The Company's preferred shares are non-voting except under certain limited circumstances and are entitled to a preferential non-cumulative dividend and to priority over the common shares in the event of liquidation of the Company. In 2001, 2002 e 2003, the amount of dividends paid to the preferred shareholders exceeded the minimum guaranteed dividends, and was equal to the amount paid to the common shareholders.
f. Disclosure requirements
U.S. GAAP disclosure requirements differ from those required by Brazilian GAAP. However, in these consolidated financial statements, the level of disclosure has been expanded to comply with U.S. GAAP.
g. Income taxes
The Company fully accrues for deferred income taxes on temporary differences between tax and reporting records. The existing policies for accounting for deferred taxes are substantially in accordance with SFAS Nr. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (“SFAS 109”).
Under SFAS 109, the provisional measures, which are temporary measures used by the Government to determine changes in tax rates, are not considered to be enacted law. Therefore, the deferred tax effect calculated using the social contribution rate of 9% as described in Note 9, would be changed to 8% for U.S. GAAP purposes in 2001.
h. Interest expense, interest income and accrued interest
Brazilian GAAP requires interest expense and income to be shown as part of operating income (expense) and accrued interest as a part of loans and financing within liability balance. Under U.S. GAAP, interest expense and income would be shown after operating income (expense) within statements of operations and accrued interest would be included in accounts payable within the balance sheet.
i. Employees’ profit sharing
Brazilian GAAP requires employees' profit sharing to be shown as an appropriation of net income for the year. Under U.S. GAAP, employee profit sharing is included as an expense in arriving at operating income (expense).
j. Permanent assets
Brazilian GAAP has a class of assets called permanent assets. This is the collective name for all assets on which indexation adjustments were calculated in the corporate and fiscal law accounts of Brazilian companies. Under U.S. GAAP, the assets in this classification would be non-current assets and property, plant and equipment. Gains and losses on the disposal of permanent assets are presented in Note 8. Such gains and losses are classified as non-operating expense for Brazilian GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, such gains and losses would affect operating income (expense).
k. Price-level adjustments and U.S. GAAP presentation in respect of accounting periods through December 31, 2000
The effects of price-level adjustments have not been eliminated in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP, because the application of inflation restatement as measured by the IGP-M, applied until December 31, 2000 under Brazilian GAAP, represents a comprehensive measure of the effects of price level changes in the Brazilian economy and, as such, is considered a meaningful presentation for both Brazilian and U.S. accounting purposes.
See the reconciliation of net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and shareholders’ equity as at that date in accordance with Brazilian Corporation Law to net loss and shareholders’ equity in accordance with Brazilian GAAP reported herein in Note 2.b and a summary explanation of these 2 sets of Brazilian accounting principles in Note 2.a.
l. Funds for capitalization
i. Resources for capital increase and expansion plan contributions
Under Brazilian GAAP, resources for capital increases and expansion plan contributions received are included in the balance sheet as non-current liabilities until the subscribers have paid for their telephone connection in full and a general meeting of shareholders approves the capital increases.
Effective January 1, 1996, indexation of the expansion plan contributions was no longer applied and, for contracts signed as from that date, Telebrás (the former controlling shareholder) was allowed the option of using a value per share equal to the market value, when this was higher than book value. For U.S. GAAP purposes, a portion of the resources for capital increase and expansion plan contributions would be allocated to shareholders' equity based on the market value of the shares to be issued to subscribers. The remainder of the resources for capital increase and expansion plan contributions would be classified as a deferred credit and amortized to reduce depreciation expense from the time the related construction-in-progress is completed.
ii. Donations and subsidies for investments
Under Brazilian GAAP, those amounts which comprise principally the excess of the value of property, plant and equipment incorporated into the Company's assets over the corresponding credits for expansion plan contributions received are recorded as a credit to other capital reserves. For U.S. GAAP purposes, the credit to capital reserves would be classified as a deferred credit and amortized to reduce depreciation expense.
m. Valuation of long-lived assets
SFAS Nr. 144 provides a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of. SFAS Nr. 144 also changes the criteria for classifying an asset as held for sale; and broadens the scope of businesses to be disposed of that qualify for reporting as discontinued operations and changes the timing of recognizing losses on such operations. The Company adopted SFAS Nr. 144 on January 1, 2002. The adoption of SFAS Nr. 144 did not affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In accordance with SFAS Nr. 144, long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS Nr. 144, the Company accounted for long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS Nr. 121, Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of.
Brazilian GAAP does not require the 2 steps approach to determine potential asset impairment, but requires measurement of recoverability for long-lived assets on a recurring basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. For all periods presented, no impairment losses were recognized under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP.
Under Brazilian GAAP, impairment losses would be recorded as non-operating expenses. Under U.S. GAAP, impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses. Additionally, under Brazilian GAAP the gains (losses) on disposal of permanent assets and write-off of permanent assets due to obsolescence (as presented in Note 8) are considered a non-operating item, while under U.S. GAAP they are all considered operating expenses.
n. Stock options
Under U.S. GAAP, the Company accounts for stock options in accordance with SFAS Nr. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," which establishes a fair-value method of accounting for employee stock options or similar equity instruments. For US GAAP, the Black-Scholes option-pricing model was used to estimate the grant date fair value of its options granted. Under Brazilian GAAP, there is no requirement to account for stock options at fair value. The adjustment to reflect the difference in valuation basis between U.S. GAAP and Brazilian GAAP is as follows:
| First Gant | Second Grant | |
| Number of options granted (in thousands) | 622,364 | 308,033 |
| Fair value of option at date of grant* | $0.00409 | $0.00556 |
| Fair value of options granted at grant date | $2,544 | $1,713 |
The fair value of options is recognized over the expected vesting term of the option for US GAAP purposes, which is three years. An amount of R$829 was recognized for U.S. GAAP purposes as stock option compensation expense (2002: R$35). No stock option compensation expense was recognized for Brazilian GAAP purposes.
* The assumptions underlying the calculation of the fair value of the option are detailed in note 32.b.
o. Goodwill & other intangible assets and business combination
Goodwill & other intangible assets
Under Brazilian GAAP goodwill represents the difference between historical book value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the purchase price, and it is amortized over the estimated period over which the Company expects to benefit from the goodwill. This period is determined based on the reasons attributed by management for the payment of goodwill. Impairment, if any, is measured to the extent that the unarmotized balance of goodwill exceeds the expected future profits of the business.
Under US GAAP, goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS Nr. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, as of January 1, 2002. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS Nr. 142. SFAS Nr. 142 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS Nr. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.
In connection with SFAS Nr. 142’s transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, the Statement required the Company to perform an assessment of whether there was an indication that goodwill is impaired as of the date of adoption. To accomplish this, the Company was required to identify its reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units as of January 1, 2002. The Company was required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit within six months of January 1, 2002. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company would be required to perform the second step of the transitional impairment test, as this would be an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired.
Under the terms of the operating concessions granted by the Federal Government, the Company is obliged to provide a certain minimum level of services over the entire area covered by its fixed-line operating licenses. Also, the Company does not possess discrete financial information that could allow a determination of assets and liabilities (and goodwill) allocation in a level below the entire fixed-line business and neither does it manage different areas of the concession as if they were separate businesses and has thus considered the entire fixed-line business to be one reporting unit. In viewing all the fixed-line assets and liabilities of the Company as one reporting unit and performing an initial assessment on this reporting unit as to whether there was an indication that goodwill is impaired (based on a valuation performed by an independent third party), the second step of the transitional impairment test was not required. Consequently, the Company was not required to recognize an impairment loss.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS Nr. 142, for US GAAP purposes goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected periods to be benefited, and assessed for recoverability by determining whether the amortization of the goodwill balance over its remaining life could be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired operation. All other intangible assets were amortized on a straight-line basis. The amount of goodwill and other intangible asset impairment, if any, was measured based on projected discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company’s average cost of funds.
Under Brazilian GAAP, goodwill amortization is classified in non-operating expenses. Under U.S. GAAP, goodwill amortization was classified in operating expenses until December 31, 2001.
Business combinations
i) Purchase of minority interests in the eight operating companies formerly held directly by Brasil Telecom Participações S.A.
On February 28, 2000, in connection with the combination of the eight operating companies under common control with Telepar, the Company made an offer to exchange Telepar shares for the shares held by minority shareholders in each of the operating companies. The exchange was made based on the book value of the shares of Telepar compared to the book value of the shares of the operating companies. The book value of the shares was calculated by dividing stockholders' equity by the number of shares outstanding. In the exchange offer, Telepar acquired almost 100% of the minority shares.
Under U.S. GAAP, the purchase price of these shares must be calculated based on the traded market value of Telepar shares at the time of the exchange. The purchase price is then compared to the fair value of the assets and liabilities of each of the operating companies to determine goodwill. These differences, which were being amortized on the straight-line basis over five years for U.S. GAAP, but ceased in 2001, are summarized as follows:
| Market value of the TELEPAR shares exchanged for minority interests | 1,188,388 |
| Fair value of the minority interests exchanged (which approximates book value) | (1,161,690) |
| Goodwill as of January 31, 2000 | 26,698 |
| Amortization of goodwill in 2000 | (4,895) |
| Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2000 | 21,803 |
| Amortization of goodwill in 2001 | (5,339) |
| Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2001 | 16,464 |
ii) Purchase of controlling interest in CRT.
On July 31, 2000, the Company purchased the controlling interest in CRT for R$1,499,760. Under U.S. GAAP, goodwill for this purchase is calculated at the difference between the fair value of the net assets purchased and the purchase price.
Under Brazilian GAAP, goodwill for the purchase is calculated at the difference between historical book value of the assets and liabilities assumed and the purchase price. Also, as mentioned in Notes 9 and 17.a, goodwill under Brazilian GAAP was accounted for partially as a deferred tax asset which, for U.S. GAAP purposes, should be included as part of intangibles.
The adjustments under U.S. GAAP to reflect the difference in depreciation and amortization resulting from the purchase price allocation differences explained above are as follows:
| Net assets purchased under U.S. GAAP | 483,030 |
| Adjustment to state fixed assets at fair value | (48,183) |
| Fair value of net assets purchased from CRT | 434,847 |
| Purchase price | 1,499,760 |
| Goodwill under U.S. GAAP | 1,064,913 |
| Goodwill under Brazilian GAAP | 820,547 |
| Difference in goodwill as of July 31, 2000 | 244,366 |
| Amortization of the difference of goodwill - | |
| For the five months ended Dec. 31, 2000 | (20,363) |
| For 2001 | (48,875) |
| Effect of depreciation related to the adjustment to state fixed assets at fair value | |
| For the five months ended Dec. 31, 2000 | 2,610 |
| For 2001 | 6,264 |
| For 2002 | 4,298 |
| For 2003 | 4,712 |
For U.S. GAAP, the difference in goodwill was amortized, until 2001, on the straight-line basis over five years.
The depreciation related to the adjustment to state fixed assets at fair value is being calculated at a rate per annum compatible with the fixed assets realization.
Additionally, the amortization of the recomputed goodwill recognized in 2002 and 2003 under BR GAAP, as mentioned in Note 17, in the amount of R$96,133 and R$96,133 respectively, has been reversed under US GAAP in connection with the adoption of SFAS 142.
iii) Purchase of minority interest in CRT.
On December 28, 2000, the Company exchanged its shares for the remaining outstanding shares of CRT. The exchange ratio was based on the market value of CRT shares and the market value of the Company's shares at December 1, 2000. The purchase was recorded under Brazilian GAAP based on the book value of the CRT shares as of December 1, 2000, so no goodwill arose for Brazilian GAAP purposes.
Under U.S. GAAP, the purchase price of the minority interest in CRT was determined based on the traded market value of Brasil Telecom shares as of December 1, 2000. U.S. GAAP also requires that this acquisition of the minority interest in CRT be recorded as of the transaction closing date, December 28, 2000. As discussed in (ii) above, there are also differences between U.S. GAAP and Brazilian GAAP in the allocation of the purchase price to the assets and liabilities acquired which result in a difference in depreciation and amortization expense. The adjustments to reflect the differences between U.S. GAAP and Brazilian GAAP discussed above are as follows:
| Book value of net assets purchased under U.S. GAAP | 900,692 |
| Adjustment to fixed assets to reach fair value | (113,898) |
| Fair value of net assets purchased from CRT | 786,794 |
| Market value of Brasil Telecom S.A. shares issued in exchange | 948,927 |
| Goodwill under U.S. GAAP | 162,133 |
| Net effect of recording transaction on December 28, 2000 rather than | |
| December 1, 2000 | (6,453) |
| Amortization of goodwill for 2001 | (32,427) |
| Reversal of depreciation for 2001 | 14,808 |
| (17,619) | |
| Reversal of depreciation for 2002 | 10,161 |
| Reversal of depreciation for 2003 | 10,539 |
For U.S. GAAP, the goodwill was amortized, until 2001, on the straight-line basis over five years. The depreciation related to the adjustment to state fixed assets at fair value is being calculated at a rate per annum compatible with the fixed assets realization.
iv) Step up in basis of companies under common control
Under U.S. GAAP, Emerging Issues Task Force Nr. 90-5, "Exchanges of Ownership Interests between Entities under Common Control," when an exchange of shares between companies under common control takes place, the parent company's basis in the subsidiaries should be reflected (or "pushed down") as the basis in the financial statements of the surviving entity. The parent company, which originally acquired the nine operating companies in the privatization auction (Solpart) in August 1998, recorded significant goodwill in that purchase. This goodwill, along with the step up in the basis of the fixed assets to fair value at the time of the purchase, results in an increase in the combined assets, as well as in shareholders' equity of the Company of R$982,090 (R$589,630 of future profitability and R$392,460 of assets value). The increase in amortization and depreciation under U.S. GAAP for these assets was R$170,233, R$28,399 and R$29,453 during the years ended December 31 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
For U.S. GAAP, the goodwill was amortized, until 2001, on the straight-line basis over five years. The depreciation related to the adjustment to state fixed assets at fair value is being calculated at a rate per annum compatible with the fixed assets realization.
v) Purchase of controlling interest in iBest
On June 26, 2003, the Company purchased the remaining capital of 50,5% of iBest S/A and became owner of 100% of its capital share. The results of iBest operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements as from such date.
The Company obtained third party valuation appraisal for the intangibles, as due to the nature of iBest business (free internet access), the greater part of its value is associated with intangibles. Below is the summary of the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
| Net assets purchased under U.S. GAAP | June 26, 2003 |
| Current assets | 40,103 |
| Non-curent assets | 7,323 |
| Investments | 61 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 2,948 |
| Customer List | 11,572 |
| Trademark | 67,043 |
| Total assets acquired | 129,050 |
| Current liabilities | 10,315 |
| Non-current liabilities | 283 |
| Deferred taxes on intangible assets | 26,729 |
| Total liabilities assumed | 37,327 |
| Total purchase price (including R$10,000 for minority interests owned previously) | 157,045 |
| Goodwill under US GAAP | 65,322 |
| Customer List Amortization: | |
| 2003 | 9,708 |
| Reversal of Deferred Taxes Liabilities | |
| 2003 | 3,301 |
The Brazilian GAAP goodwill amounted to R$117,216 and has not been amortized until December 31, 2003. Intangible assets consist of the customer list and trademark value. The amortization related to the customer list is being calculated at the estimated churn rate and the future free cash flow generated by the customer list existing at the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation is temporary and subject to change as to the purchase price that will ultimately be assigned to the trademark. To the extent that the trademark valuation is changed upon the finalization of the purchase price allocation, goodwill would be adjusted. Trademark and goodwill acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS Nr. 142. The amount of goodwill and intangible assets impairment, if any, was measured based on projected discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company’s average cost of funds. Under Brazilian GAAP, goodwill for the purchase is calculated at the difference between historical book value of the assets and liabilities assumed and the purchase price.
vi) Goodwill Group BrT Cabos Submarinos (GlobeNet)
During the second quarter of 2003, BrTI invested, as shareholder or quotaholder, of the Group BrT Cabos Submarinos (formerly known as GlobeNet). This acquisition generated an insignificant goodwill, which is being amortized under Brazilian GAAP in five years, and has been reversed under US GAAP in connection with the adoption of SFAS 142.
p. Revenue recognition
i) Activation and installation fees
Under Brazilian GAAP, revenues from activation and installation fees are recognized upon activation of customer services. Under U.S. GAAP, revenues and related taxes from activation and installation fees are deferred and amortized over five years, the estimated average customer life. For U.S. GAAP purposes, the Company has adopted this revenue recognition policy for activation and installation fees effective January 1, 2000 pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Nr. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements” (“SAB 101”). The application of this revenue recognition policy subsequent to January 1, 2000 resulted in a (decrease) increase in income of R$(29,399), R$ 13,332 and R$11,448, for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. The adoption by the Company of Staff Accounting Bulletin Nr. 104 and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue Nr. 00-21 – Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables in 2003 did not have any effect .
ii) Sales of public telephone cards
Under Brazilian GAAP revenues from public telephone phone cards are recognized when the cards are sold. Under U.S. GAAP, revenues generated from sales of public telephone phone cards are recognized as such services are provided. For U.S. GAAP, deferred revenues at each consolidated balance sheet date are determined based upon estimates of sold but unused public phone card credits outstanding as of each consolidated balance sheet date.
q. Provision for retirement incentive plan
Under Brazilian GAAP, the Company recorded a provision for a retirement incentive plan during the year ended December 31, 2001 in connection with the intended rationalization of certain business activities of CRT (under the Apoio Daqui plan). Under U.S. GAAP, such costs may only be accrued if they are part of a formal restructuring plan approved by management that specifically identifies the significant actions to be taken to complete the plan, the number and job classifications of employees to be terminated, and other strict criteria. As all of the criteria for accrual have not been met, the provision was reversed for U.S. GAAP purposes on December 31, 2001. There was no such provision in the liabilities as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, as the retirement incentive plan was carried out and settled during 2002.
r. Derivative financial instruments
Under Brazilian GAAP, swap contracts are recorded on the balance sheet based on the net amount to be received or paid. For U.S. GAAP purposes, the Company adopted SFAS Nr. 133, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS Nr. 137 and SFAS Nr. 138 (collectively, “SFAS 133”) on January 1, 2000. Under SFAS 133, the swap contracts are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings unless specific hedge criteria are met. The Company did not account for any transaction as hedging activity.
s. Unclaimed dividends and dividends in excess of retained earnings (deficit)
Under Brazilian GAAP, dividends unclaimed by shareholders after three years are reversed against income. Under US GAAP, such unclaimed dividends are reversed against retained earnings.
Under Brazilian GAAP, dividends in excess of accumulated balance of retained earnings (deficit) are presented in these financial statements under retained earnings (deficit), within shareholders’ equity. Under Brazilian Corporate Law this situation would not be possible, as dividends cannot be paid if there is negative balance in retained earnings, but any excess distributed would be presented as an advance to shareholders as an asset balance. Under US GAAP, dividends in excess of accumulated balance of retained earnings would be presented as a reduction of paid-in-capital.
t. Capital lease
Brazilian GAAP does not require capitalization of assets acquired through capital lease arrangements. Virtually all lease contracts are considered as operating lease, with charges being recorded in statements of operations throughout the period of the lease arrangement. The residual value, often reached at a bargain purchase option, after the period of the lease arrangement is capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful remaining life.
US GAAP requires capital lease arrangements defined under SFAS Nr. 13 to be capitalized as property, plant and equipment and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset.
u. Pre-operating costs
According to Brazilian GAAP all expenses registered during the pre-operating stage of the subsidiary BrT Celular is deferred until the subsidiary starts its operations, when the deferred expenses are amortized over the future period of which the subsidiary expects to benefit from these expenses.
Under US GAAP, expenses registered during the star-up stage and organizations of a development stage entity are expensed as incurred.
v. Issue of treasury stock
Brazilian GAAP requires issue of treasury stock to be added to retained earnings (deficit), while under US GAAP this would be considered an addition to paid-in-capital.
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)
Net income (loss)
reconciliation of the differences between Brazilian GAAP and U. S. GAAP
Years
ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | ||
| Net loss as reported under Brazilian GAAP | (207,478) | (11,619) | (507,435) | |
| Add/(deduct): | Note 31 | |||
| Different criteria for: | ||||
| Capitalized interest | (a) | 42,501 | 168,717 | 149,636 |
| Amortization of capitalized interest | (a) | 93,469 | 64,915 | (60,113) |
| Pensions and other post-retirement benefits | ||||
| SISTEL | ||||
| U.S. GAAP prepaid (accrued) pension (cost) benefit | (c) | (9,493) | 27,981 | 13,247 |
| FCRT | ||||
| U.S. GAAP prepaid pension cost | (c) | 403,949 | 5,736 | 20,799 |
| Reversal of Brazilian GAAP provision for pensions charged to equity |
(c) | (490,743) | - | - |
| Reversal of deferred income tax on Brazilian GAAP provision for pensions charged to equity |
(c) | 162,362 | - | - |
| Items posted directly to shareholder's equity: | ||||
| Fiscal incentive received | (d) | 525 | 554 | 3,845 |
| Social contribution rate change not enacted | (g) | (13,400) | 4,803 | - |
| Amortization of deferred credit on contributions plan expansion | (l) | 85,439 | 70,863 | 73,493 |
| Compensation cost of stock options | (n) | - | (35) | (829) |
| Amortization of goodwill attributable to purchase of minority interests in eight operating companies |
(o) (i) | (5,339) | - | - |
| Amortization of goodwill attributable to purchase of controlling interest in CRT until 2001, net of reduction in depreciation due | ||||
| to step-down in fair value | (o) (ii) | (42,611) | 4,298 | 4,711 |
| Reversal of amortization of goodwill recomputed | (o) (ii) | - | 96,133 | 96,133 |
| Purchase of minority interest in CRT: | ||||
| Amortization of goodwill until 2001, net of reduction in depreciation due to step-down in fair value |
(o) (iii) | (17,619) | 10,161 | 10,539 |
| Amortization until 2001 and depreciation of step-up in basis of companies under common control |
(o) (iv) | (170,233) | (28,399) | (29,453) |
| Amortization customer list of iBest | (o) (v) | - | - | (9,708) |
| Reversal of amortization of goodwill GlobeNet | o (vi) | - | - | 649 |
| Deferred revenue, net of related costs - activation and installation fees | (p) (i) | (29,399) | 13,332 | 11,449 |
| Deferred revenue - public telephone cards | (p) (ii) | 409 | 2,981 | (1,835) |
| Reversal of provision for retirement incentive plan | (q) | |||
| 33,000 | (33,000) | - | ||
| Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments | (r) | 3,548 | 3,976 | 37,045 |
| Reversal of gain attributable to unclaimed dividends | (s) | (19,162) | (6,468) | (10,544) |
| Capital leases | (t) | - | - | 116 |
| Pre-operating costs of mobile operations | (u) | - | - | (22,256) |
| Consolidation adjustments – others | - | - | (20) | |
| Deferred tax effect of above adjustments | 10,559 | (77,648) | (67,208) | |
| U.S. GAAP net income (loss) | (169,716) | 317,280 | (287,739) | |
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Net income (loss) per thousand shares in accordance with U.S. GAAP: | |||
| U.S. GAAP net income (loss) - allocated to common shares - basic and diluted | (75,890) | 143,689 | (132,356) |
| U.S. GAAP net income (loss) - allocated to preferred shares - basic and diluted | (93,826) | 173,591 | (155,383) |
| Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands) | |||
| Common shares – basic | 237,165,397 | 241,964,446 | 248,591,562 |
| Common shares – diluted | 237,165,397 | 241,964,446 | 248,591,562 |
| Preferred shares – basic | 293,217,769 | 292,319,690 | 291,839,496 |
| Preferred shares – diluted | 293,217,987 | 292,321,007 | 291,840,928 |
| U.S. GAAP net income (loss), per thousand shares | |||
| Common shares – basic | (0.32) | 0.59 | (0.54) |
| Common shares – diluted | (0.32) | 0.59 | (0.54) |
| Preferred shares – basic | (0.32) | 0.59 | (0.54) |
| Preferred shares – diluted | (0.32) | 0.59 | (0.54) |
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)
Shareholders’ equity
reconciliation of the differences between Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP
As
of December 31, 2002 and 2003
| 2002 | 2003 | ||
| Total shareholders' equity as reported under Brazilian GAAP | Note 31 | 7,623,790 | 6,840,962 |
| Add/(deduct): | |||
| Different criteria for: | |||
| Capitalized interest | (a) | (540,031) | (390,395) |
| Amortization of capitalized interest | (a) | 726,820 | 666,707 |
| Pension and other post-retirement benefits | |||
| SISTEL | |||
| U.S. GAAP gain on plan curtailment and settlement | (c) | 176,607 | 176,607 |
| U.S. GAAP accrued pension cost | (c) | (253,094) | (239,847) |
| FCRT | |||
| U.S. GAAP prepaid accrued pension cost | (c) | 405,434 | 426,233 |
| Contributions to plant expansion: | |||
| Amortization of deferred credit | (l) | 531,532 | 605,025 |
| Subscribed capital stock | (l) | (611,449) | (611,449) |
| Donations and subscriptions for investment | (l) | (182,861) | (182,861) |
| Goodwill attributable to purchase of minority interests in eight operating companies | (o) (i) | 16,464 | 16,464 |
| Amortization of goodwill attributable to purchase of controlling interest in CRT until 2001, net of reduction in depreciation due to step-down in fair value |
(o) (ii) | (56,066) | (51,355) |
| Reversal of amortization of goodwill recomputed | (o) (ii) | 96,133 | 192,266 |
| Purchase of minority interest in CRT: | |||
| Net effect of recording purchase on transaction closing date | (o) (iii) | (6,453) | (6,453) |
| Amortization of goodwill (until 2001), net of reduction in depreciation due to step-down in fair value |
(o) (iii) | (7,458) | 3,081 |
| Difference in book value and market value of shares issued in exchange | (o) (iii) | (347,268) | (347,268) |
| Step-up in basis of companies under common control, net of amortization until 2001 and depreciation |
(o) (iv) | 371,989 | 342,536 |
| Amortization customer list of iBest | o (v) | - | (9,708) |
| Reversal of amortization of goodwill GlobeNet | o (vi) | - | 649 |
| Deferred revenue, net of related costs - activation and installation fees (including cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in 2000) |
(p) (i) | (69,143) | (57,694) |
| Deferred revenue – public telephone cards | (p) (ii) | (8,280) | (10,115) |
| Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments | (r) | 9,500 | 46,545 |
| Capital leases | (t) | - | 116 |
| Preoperating costs of mobile operations | (u) | - | (22,256) |
| Deferred tax effect of above adjustments | (64,142) | (131,350) | |
| Total shareholders’ equity under US GAAP | 7,812,024 | 7,256,440 | |
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)
Statements of
changes in shareholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP
As
of December 31, 2002 and 2003
| Note | Total | |
| Balance, December 31, 2001 | 7,834,741 | |
| Forfeiture of unclaimed dividends | 31 (s) | 6,468 |
| Increase in treasury stock | 24 (b) | (21,852) |
| Declaration of dividends | 24 (e) | (324,648) |
| Contribution by the employees related to the costs of the stock compensation plan | 31 (n) | 35 |
| Net loss for the year | 317,280 | |
| Balance, December 31, 2002 | 7,812.024 | |
| Forfeiture of unclaimed dividends | 31 (s) | 10,544 |
| Increase in treasury stock | 24 (b) | (33,018) |
| Declaration of dividends | 24 (e) | (246,200) |
| Contribution by the employees related to the costs of the stock compensation plan | 31 (n) | 829 |
| Net loss for the year | (287,739) | |
| Balance, December 31, 2003 | 7,256,440 | |
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)
32. Additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP
a. Pension and other post-retirement benefits:
i. Plans administered by SISTEL
The Company, together with other former companies in the Telebrás group, sponsored multi-employer defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, through the end of 1999, which are operated and administered by SISTEL. In December 1999, the Company and the other companies that participate in the SISTEL plan reached an agreement to withdraw the active participants to the pension plan and establish a new plan for each of the New Holding Companies. The parties agreed to allocate the plan assets based on the liabilities in accordance with Brazilian GAAP. The allocation of the initial transition obligation and unamortized gains and losses was based on the projected benefit obligation (PBO) of each individual sponsor divided by the total PBO of SISTEL at December 31, 1999. The inactive employees of all of the New Holding Companies that participated in the SISTEL defined benefit pension plan will remain as part of the multiemployer plan in SISTEL. The post-retirement benefit plans will also remain as a multiemployer plan; however, SISTEL no longer subsidizes life insurance premiums for inactive (retired) employees after December 31, 1999.
The Company remains jointly and severally liable for the multiemployer portion of the plan, therefore, no amounts were recorded under those plans.
A summary of the liability as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 for the Company’s active employees’ defined benefit pension plan was as follows:
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Funded status: | ||
| Accumulated benefit obligation: | ||
| Vested | 377,510 | 288,888 |
| Non-vested | 3,344 | 33,181 |
| Total | 380,854 | 322,069 |
| Projected benefit obligation | 384,564 | 418,935 |
| Allocated assets | 492,384 | 573,834 |
| Projected obligation in excess of assets | (107,820) | (154,899) |
| Unrecognized gains | 68,284 | 106,451 |
| Unrecognized prior service cost | 125,057 | 119,421 |
| Unrecognized net transition obligation | (9,034) | (7,733) |
| Accrued pension cost | 76,487 | 63,240 |
A summary of the SISTEL pension plan as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 for the multiemployer portion (inactive employees pension plan) is as follows:
| December 31 | ||
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Projected benefit obligation (100% vested) | 2,922,542 | 3,484,245 |
| Fair value of plan assets | (3,684,883) | (4,163,102) |
| Excess (deficiency) of assets over projected obligation | (762,341) | (678,857) |
In March 2000, the Company offered a new defined contribution plan, and approximately 80% of the active employees migrated to the new plan. The accumulated benefit of each employee who migrated was transferred to an individual account for each employee, with 100% vesting in this amount. The effect of settlement and curtailment of this portion of the defined benefit plan under SFAS Nr. 88 “Employers' Accounting and Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits “ was a gain of R$176,607, which is reflected in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP net income.
The net periodic pension cost for 2002 and 2003 for the SISTEL administered plans was as follows:
| 2002 | 2003* | |
| Service cost | 15,911 | 30,752 |
| Interest cost | 15,849 | 15,779 |
| Expected return on assets | (36,219) | (23,808) |
| Amortization of gains | (7,536) | (7,417) |
| Expected Participants Contributions | - | (14,504) |
| Net periodic pension cost (income) | (11,995) | 802 |
*Values as from January 1, 2003 include both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution portions of the plan.
The changes in the accrued pension cost for the SISTEL administered plans for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 is as follows:
| Accrued pension cost as of December 31, 2001 | 104,468 |
| Net periodic cost for 2002 | (11,995) |
| Company contributions during 2002 | (15,986) |
| Accrued pension cost as of December 31, 2002 | 76,487 |
| Net periodic cost for 2003 | (12,043) |
| Company contributions during 2003 | (1,204) |
| Accrued pension cost as of December 31, 2003 | 63,240 |
The net pension cost for 2003 in the accrued reconciliation includes the expected company contributions of R$12,845 (different from actual to reconcile with opening balances as actuaries last year had slightly different figures) at December 31, 2002 for purposes of comparability.
The actuarial assumptions used in 2001, 2002 and 2003 were as follows:
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
| Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligations | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6,0% |
| Rate of increase in compensation levels | 3.00% | 1.00% | 2,0% |
| Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 9.00% | 9.00% | 6,5% |
The rates are real rates and exclude inflation.
The Company maintains jointly with other companies a post-retirement benefit plan (PAMA) for the participants already covered who were in such position on January 31, 2000. Based on legal and actuarial opinions, the Company’s liability is exclusively limited to 1.5% of the payroll of the active participants.
The funded status of the pension and post retirement plans under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP differ. Benefit obligations differ because they have been prepared using different actuarial assumptions permitted under Brazilian and U.S. GAAP.
The net assets of the plans differ under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP principally due to the accrual of income tax contingencies of the pension fund for U.S. GAAP purposes in the amount of R$426,032 (R$364,644 in 2002), respectively. The contingency arises out of uncertainty as to the income tax status of Brazilian pension funds in general because the tax law is unclear as to whether these funds are exempt from tax on their investment gains. Under Brazilian GAAP, two methods of accounting for the income tax contingency are currently permitted. The tax is either deducted from plan assets for the purposes of determining the funded status of the plan or it is not deducted, but is disclosed in a note as being a contingency. Management of the pension fund has determined that the Brazilian GAAP financial statements of the fund be prepared on the basis that the legal arguments against assessment of the tax on the investment gains are sufficiently strong as to avoid the need for the potential liability to be recognized. However, for U.S. GAAP purposes, management of the Company believes that the assessment of this potential income tax liability is probable. Accordingly, in determining the funded status for U.S. GAAP purposes, the potential income tax liability (calculated in accordance with SFAS 109) has been deducted from the fair value of the plan assets.
ii. Plan administered by Fundação CRT (FCRT)
On
July 31, 2001, the subsidiary Brasil Telecom S.A. acquired the controlling interest in
CRT, and in December 2001, acquired the minority interest. At the acquisition dates,
the liability for defined benefit plans of CRT were recorded under U.S. GAAP as part of
the fair value. The net pension cost for 2002 and 2003 under U.S. GAAP is reflected from
the dates of acquisition until December 31, 2003.
In
October 2002, the Company offered employees the option to transfer to a new defined
contribution settled benefits plan, BrTPREV. The benefit obligation relating to
each employee that opted to migrate was transferred to an individual account at 100% of
the obligation under the previous plan in the amount of R$362,469. The employees that
did not opt to migrate to BrTPREV remained in their previous plans.
A summary of the liability as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 (Alternative, Founder and BrTPREV are presented consolidated) for the CRT employees’ benefit plans was as follows:
| Funded status: | 2002 | 2003 |
| Accumulated benefit obligation: | ||
| Vested | 909,528 | 891,269 |
| Non-vested | 10,649 | 83,739 |
| Total | 920,177 | 975,008 |
| Projected benefit obligation | 922,150 | 990,752 |
| Allocated assets | 420,311 | 486,348 |
| Projected obligation in excess of assets | 501,839 | 504,404 |
| Unrecognized gains | 324,970 | 280,978 |
| Unrecognized prior service cost | (25,541) | (23,989) |
| Unrecognized net transition obligation | (362,468) | (343,392) |
| Accrued pension cost | 438,800 | 418,001 |
The net periodic pension cost for CRT for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 (Alternative, Founder and BrTPREV are presented consolidated) was as follows:
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Service cost | 11,853 | 6,502 |
| Interest cost | 55,607 | 154,784 |
| Expected return on assets | (26,689) | (113,926) |
| Amortization of (gains) losses | (17,416) | 22,450 |
| Net periodic pension cost | 23,355 | 69,810 |
The changes in the accrued pension cost for the plans administered by FCRT for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 (Alternative, Founder and BrTPREV are presented consolidated) were as follows:
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Accrued pension cost at the beginning of the year | 795,910 | 438,800 |
| Net periodic cost for the year | 23,355 | 69,810 |
| Company contributions during the year | (17,997) | (90,609) |
| Unrecognized net transition obligation | (362,468) | - |
| Accrued pension cost at the end of the year | 438,800 | 418,001 |
The actuarial assumptions used in 2002 and 2003 were follows:
| 2002 | 2003 | |
| Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligations | 6.00% | 6.00% |
| Rate of increase in compensation levels | 0.00% | 2,00% |
| Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 6.00% | 6.00% |
The above are real rates and exclude inflation.
b. Stock options
On December 17, 2002, the Company granted 622,364 thousand stock options under Stock Option Program B (refer to Note 23.b for the conditions of the program). The per share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2002 on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model was R$4.09 with the following weighted average assumptions: 2002 – expected dividend yield 5.1%, risk-free interest rate of 23% p.a. (which equals the SELIC interest rate), and an expected vesting term of 3 years.
On December 19, 2003 , the Company granted 308,033 thousand stock options under Stock Option Program B (refer to Note 23.b for the conditions of the program). The per share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2003 on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model was R$5.56 with the following weighted average assumptions: 2002 – expected dividend yield 3.2%, risk-free interest rate of 8.6% p.a. (which equals the National Treasury Notes interest rate), and an expected vesting term of 3 years.
c. Transitional disclosures due to cessation of goodwill amortization
As the Company adopted SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002 the amortization of goodwill mentioned in Note 31.o was ceased for US GAAP purposes on that date. If adoption of SFAS had occurred on December 31, 2000, reported US GAAP net income and related basic and diluted earnings per share would have been the following in 2001, exclusive amortization expense (net of income tax):
| 2001 | |
| Reported net income (loss) | (169,716) |
| Add back: goodwill amortization | 233,193 |
| Adjusted net income (loss) | 163,477 |
| Adjusted net income - allocated to common shares – basic and diluted | 28,264 |
| Adjusted net income - allocated to preferred shares – basic and diluted | 35,213 |
| Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands) | |
| Common shares – basic | 237,165,397 |
| Common shares – diluted | 237,165,397 |
| Preferred shares – basic | 295,467,802 |
| Preferred shares – diluted | 295,468,020 |
| U.S. GAAP net income, per thousand shares | |
| Common shares – basic | 0.12 |
| Common shares – diluted | 0.12 |
| Preferred shares – basic | 0.12 |
| Preferred shares – diluted | 0.12 |
d. New accounting pronouncements
In June 2001, FASB issued SFAS Nr. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS Nr. 143 requires the Company to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets. The Company also records a corresponding asset that is depreciated over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation will be adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. The Company was required to adopt SFAS Nr. 143 on January 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS Nr. 143 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
At the September and October 2002 meetings of the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF), the Task Force reached a conclusion on Issue Nr. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, which outlines an approach to be used to determine when a revenue arrangement for multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting and, if separation is appropriate, how the arrangement consideration should be allocated to the identified accounting units. Specifically, in an arrangements with multiple deliverables, the delivered item(s) should be considered a separate unit of accounting if (1) the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a standalone basis, (2) there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s) and (3) if the arrangement includes a general right of return, delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor. The arrangement consideration allocable to a delivered item(s) that does not qualify as a separate unit of accounting within the arrangement should be combined with the amount allocable to the other applicable undelivered item(s) within the arrangement. The appropriate recognition of revenue should then be determined for those combined deliverables as a single unit of accounting. The adoption of EITF 00-21 on July 1, 2003 did not result in a change in the Company’s revenue recognition policies.
In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation Nr. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements Nr. 5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FASB Interpretation Nr. 34. This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. The Interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of the Interpretation are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. Adoption of FIN 45 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
In December 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation Nr. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which addresses how business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity through means other than voting rights and accordingly should consolidate this entity. FIN 46R replaces FASB Interpretation Nr. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which was issued in January 2003. The Company will be required to apply FIN 46R to variable interests in VIEs created after December 31, 2003. For variable interests in VIEs created before January 1, 2004, the Interpretation will be applied beginning on January 1, 2005. For any VIEs that must be consolidated under FIN 46R that were created before January 1, 2004, the assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests of the VIEs initially would be measured at their carrying amounts with any difference between the net amount added to the balance sheet and any previously recognized interest being recognized as the cumulative effect of an accounting change. If determining the carrying amounts is not practicable, fair value at the date FIN 46R first applies may be used to measure assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests of the VIE. Management of the Company does not expect any significant impact on the Company’s financial statements by applying FIN 46R.
FASB Statement Nr. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity, was issued in May 2003. This Statement establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The Statement also includes required disclosures for financial instruments within its scope. For the Company, the Statement was effective for instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise will be effective as of January 1, 2004, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments. For certain mandatorily redeemable financial instruments, the Statement will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2005. The effective date has been deferred indefinitely for certain types of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments. The Company currently does not have any financial instruments that are within the scope of this Statement.
Emerging Issue Task Force Nr. 01-08 (EITF 01-08), Determining Whether an Arrangement is a Lease, provides guidance in determining whether an arrangement should be considered a lease subject to the requirements of FASB Statement Nr. 13 (FAS 13), Accounting for Leases. EITF 01-08 defines, amongst others, that an arrangement conveys the right to use the property, plant, and equipment if the purchaser has (i) the ability to operate the property, plant and equipment, (ii) control physical access to the property, plant and equipment, or (iii) it is remote that one or more other parties will take more than a minor amount of the output and the pricing for the output is not fixed per unit or based on current market prices at the date of delivery. The consensus is required to be applied to arrangements agreed or committed to, modified, or acquired in business combinations initiated after the beginning of an entity’s next reporting period beginning after May 28, 2003. We have not entered into significant arrangements since this date.