Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes _______ No ___X____
Tele Sudeste Celular Participações S.A. Interim Financial Statements for the
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes |
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REVIEW REPORT
To the Shareholders and Management of
Tele Sudeste Celular Participações S.A.
Rio de Janeiro - RJ
1. We have conducted a special review of the interim financial statements of Tele Sudeste Celular Participações S.A. and subsidiaries for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004, prepared under the responsibility of the Company's management, in conformity with accounting practices adopted in Brazil, which includes the balance sheets, individual and consolidated, the related statements of income and the performance reports.
2. We conducted our review in accordance with specific standards established by the Brazilian Institute of Independent Auditors (IBRACON), together with the Federal Accounting Council, which consisted principally of: (a) inquiries of and discussions with persons responsible for the accounting, financial and operating areas as to the criteria adopted in preparing the interim financial statements, and (b) review of the information and subsequent events that had or might have had significant effects on the financial position and operations of the Company and its subsidiaries.
3. Based on our special review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the interim financial statements referred to in paragraph 1 for them to be in conformity with accounting practices adopted in Brazil and standards issued by the Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM), specifically applicable to the preparation of mandatory interim financial statements.
4. We had previously reviewed the Company's individual and consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2004 and the individual and consolidated statements of income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, presented for comparative purposes, and our review reports thereon, dated July 19, 2004 and October 20, 2003, respectively, were unqualified.
5. The accompanying interim financial statements are an adaptation and a translation of the interim financial statements originally issued in Portuguese and have been prepared into English for the convenience of readers outside Brazil.
São Paulo, October 26, 2004
DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU |
José Domingos do Prado |
Auditores Independentes |
Engagement Partner |
TELE SUDESTE CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
BALANCE SHEETS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30 AND JUNE 30, 2004
(In thousands of Brazilian reais - R$)
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
ASSETS |
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
8,103 |
8,460 |
370,650 |
337,916 |
Trade accounts receivable, net |
- |
- |
372,975 |
394,848 |
Inventories |
- |
- |
101,762 |
90,213 |
Deferred and recoverable taxes |
1,841 |
1,691 |
360,619 |
348,414 |
Derivatives |
- |
- |
3,922 |
3,633 |
Prepaid expenses |
- |
- |
37,889 |
50,296 |
Other current assets |
53,115 |
52,853 |
76,644 |
80,020 |
Total current assets |
63,059 |
63,004 |
1,324,461 |
1,305,340 |
|
|
|
|
|
NONCURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
Deferred and recoverable taxes |
49,460 |
47,766 |
185,031 |
186,279 |
Derivatives |
- |
- |
1,044 |
7,518 |
Prepaid expenses |
- |
- |
15,237 |
14,433 |
Other noncurrent assets |
- |
- |
5,755 |
5,755 |
Tax incentive |
530 |
530 |
1,479 |
1,479 |
Total noncurrent assets |
49,990 |
48,296 |
208,546 |
215,464 |
|
|
|
|
|
PERMANENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
Investments |
1,938,400 |
1,916,964 |
409 |
409 |
Property, plant and equipment, net |
538 |
646 |
1,223,157 |
1,221,034 |
Deferred assets, net |
- |
- |
566 |
547 |
Total permanent assets |
1,938,938 |
1,917,610 |
1,224,132 |
1,221,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS |
2,051,987 |
2,028,910 |
2,757,139 |
2,742,794 |
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
TELE SUDESTE CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
BALANCE SHEETS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30 AND JUNE 30, 2004
(In thousands of Brazilian reais - R$)
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
LIABILITIES, SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
AND FUNDS FOR CAPITALIZATION |
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
Payroll and related accruals |
434 |
289 |
25,058 |
21,830 |
Trade accounts payable |
4,934 |
4,560 |
431,638 |
389,187 |
Taxes payable |
631 |
68 |
58,056 |
46,177 |
Loans and financing |
- |
- |
50,848 |
87,521 |
Dividends and interest on shareholders' equity |
48,467 |
48,592 |
50,393 |
50,536 |
Reserve for contingencies |
- |
- |
61,685 |
57,633 |
Derivatives |
- |
- |
10,656 |
2,363 |
Other liabilities |
9,436 |
8,537 |
38,929 |
39,099 |
Total current liabilities |
63,902 |
62,046 |
727,263 |
694,346 |
|
|
|
|
|
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: |
|
|
|
|
Loans and financing |
- |
- |
19,542 |
52,319 |
Reserve for contingencies |
- |
- |
20,937 |
28,287 |
Derivatives |
- |
- |
321 |
20 |
Other liabilities |
- |
- |
991 |
958 |
Total long-term liabilities |
- |
- |
41,791 |
81,584 |
|
|
|
|
|
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
Capital stock |
891,460 |
891,460 |
891,460 |
891,460 |
Capital reserve |
206,934 |
206,934 |
206,934 |
206,934 |
Income reserve |
167,837 |
167,837 |
167,837 |
167,837 |
Retained earnings |
721,723 |
700,502 |
721,723 |
700,502 |
Total shareholders' equity |
1,987,954 |
1,966,733 |
1,987,954 |
1,966,733 |
|
|
|
|
|
FUNDS FOR CAPITALIZATION |
131 |
131 |
131 |
131 |
|
|
|
|
|
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND FUNDS FOR CAPITALIZATION |
1,988,085 |
1,966,864 |
1,988,085 |
1,966,864 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES, SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND FUNDS FOR CAPITALIZATION |
2,051,987 |
2,028,910 |
2,757,139 |
2,742,794 |
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
TELE SUDESTE CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 AND 2003
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais - R$, except per share amounts)
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
|
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
GROSS OPERATING REVENUE |
|
|
|
|
Telecommunication services |
- |
- |
1,561,224 |
1,603,334 |
Products sales |
- |
- |
395,657 |
256,786 |
Deductions |
- |
- |
(548,751) |
(465,988) |
|
|
|
|
|
NET OPERATING REVENUE |
- |
- |
1,408,130 |
1,394,132 |
Cost of services provided |
- |
- |
(418,856) |
(525,452) |
Cost of goods sold |
- |
- |
(344,860) |
(234,849) |
|
|
|
|
|
GROSS PROFIT |
- |
- |
644,414 |
633,831 |
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSES) |
|
|
|
|
Selling expenses |
- |
- |
(358,079) |
(279,248) |
General and administrative expenses |
(4,041) |
(8,097) |
(157,021) |
(162,475) |
Other net operating expenses |
(31) |
(710) |
(30,599) |
(34,365) |
Other net operating income |
- |
- |
31,473 |
20,482 |
Equity in earnings |
84,894 |
101,267 |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE FINANCIAL INCOME, NET |
80,822 |
92,460 |
130,188 |
178,225 |
Financial expenses |
(43) |
(61) |
(65,784) |
(144,577) |
Financial income |
5,216 |
8,729 |
72,788 |
123,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS |
85,995 |
101,128 |
137,192 |
157,476 |
Nonoperating expenses, net |
- |
(3,059) |
(103) |
(8,428) |
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME BEFORE TAXES |
85,995 |
98,069 |
137,089 |
149,048 |
Income and social contribution taxes |
(1,404) |
1,093 |
(52,498) |
(50,154) |
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME |
84,591 |
99,162 |
84,591 |
98,894 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shares outstanding at September 30 (thousands) |
449,009,994 |
432,598,218 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income per thousand shares outstanding at the balance sheet date (Brazilian reais) |
0.19 |
0.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
TELE SUDESTE CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE NINE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
(Amounts in thousands of Brazilian reais - R$, unless otherwise indicated)
1. OPERATIONS
Tele Sudeste Celular Participações S.A. ("Tele Sudeste" or "Company"), is a publicly-traded company, which, as of September 30, 2004, is owned by Brasilcel N.V. (51.61% of total capital), Sudestecel Participações S.A. (24.27% of total capital), and Tagilo Participações Ltda. (10.80% of total capital). Sudestecel and Tagilo are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Brasilcel N.V.
Brasilcel N.V. is jointly owned by Telefónica Móviles, S.A. (50.00% of total capital), by PT Móveis, Serviços de Telecomunicações, SGPS, S.A. (49.999% of total capital) and by Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A. (0.001% of total capital).
Tele Sudeste is the controlling shareholder of Telerj Celular S.A. ("Telerj") and Telest Celular S.A. ("Telest"), which provide, through authorizations granted, mobile telephone services in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, respectively, including related services.
Authorizations granted to Telerj and to Telest are in effect until November 30, 2005 and November 30, 2008, respectively, and are renewable once, for a period of 15 years, through payment of charges equivalent to approximately 1% of the operator's annual income.
On July 6, 2003, the operators implemented the Carrier Selection Code ("CSP"), for selection of long distance and international service carriers, in accordance with the Personal Mobile Service ("SMP") rules. The operators no longer receive revenues from these long distance and international services instead they receive interconnection fees from the use of their networks on these calls.
Telecommunication services provided by the subsidiaries, including related services, are regulated by the Federal regulatory authority, the National Telecommunication Agency ("ANATEL"), as authorized by Law No. 9,472, of July 16, 1997, and the respective regulations, decrees, decisions and plans.
2. PRESENTATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The interim financial statements include balances and transactions of the Company and its subsidiaries. In consolidation all intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
The financial statements as of June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003 have been reclassified, where applicable, for comparability purposes.
3. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
The interim financial statements ("ITRs") are presented in thousands of Brazilian reais (R$) and have been prepared in accordance with accounting practices adopted in Brazil and standards established by the Brazilian Securities Commission ("CVM"), which do not provide for the recognition of inflation effects beginning January 1, 1996.
The accompanying interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with principles and practices applied consistently with those used to prepare the financial statements presented at the last year-end and should be analyzed together with those financial statements.
4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and banks |
729 |
483 |
21,377 |
12,527 |
Temporary cash investments |
7,374 |
7,977 |
349,273 |
325,389 |
Total |
8,103 |
8,460 |
370,650 |
337,916 |
Temporary cash investments refer principally to fixed-income investments which are indexed to interbank deposit (CDI) rates.
5. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
|
Consolidated |
|
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
Unbilled amounts from services rendered |
74,426 |
78,876 |
Billed amounts |
123,108 |
110,070 |
Interconnection |
105,239 |
112,368 |
Goods sold |
115,057 |
135,259 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
(44,855) |
(41,725) |
Total |
372,975 |
394,848 |
Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
|
Consolidated |
|
|
2004 |
2003 |
|
|
|
Beginning balance |
31,685 |
31,867 |
Additions in the first quarter |
11,462 |
9,750 |
Write-offs in the first quarter |
(4,899) |
(7,692) |
Balance as of March 31 |
38,248 |
33,925 |
|
|
|
Additions in the second quarter |
8,329 |
8,777 |
Write-offs in the second quarter |
(4,852) |
(7,120) |
Balance as of June 30 |
41,725 |
35,582 |
|
|
|
Additions in the third quarter |
9,784 |
9,589 |
Write-offs in the third quarter |
(6,654) |
(8,994) |
Balance as of September 30 |
44,855 |
36,177 |
6. INVENTORIES
|
Consolidated |
|
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
Digital handsets |
129,005 |
115,660 |
Other |
6,924 |
6,918 |
(-) Reserve for obsolescence |
(34,167) |
(32,365) |
Total |
101,762 |
90,213 |
7. DEFERRED AND RECOVERABLE TAXES
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid income and social contribution taxes |
49,184 |
47,491 |
164,516 |
153,484 |
Withholding income tax |
1,249 |
1,097 |
8,871 |
3,163 |
Recoverable ICMS (state VAT) |
- |
- |
66,927 |
64,376 |
ICMS on deferred sales |
- |
- |
11,672 |
6,600 |
Other |
531 |
594 |
34,932 |
29,404 |
Total |
50,964 |
49,182 |
286,918 |
257,027 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income and social contribution taxes |
337 |
275 |
258,732 |
277,666 |
Total |
51,301 |
49,457 |
545,650 |
534,693 |
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
1,841 |
1,691 |
360,619 |
348,414 |
Long term |
49,460 |
47,766 |
185,031 |
186,279 |
The main components of deferred income and social contribution taxes are as follows:
|
Consolidated |
|
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
Merged tax credit (corporate restructuring) |
97,294 |
120,979 |
Tax credits on: |
|
|
Provision for obsolescence |
11,617 |
11,004 |
Provision for contingencies |
28,091 |
29,213 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
15,250 |
14,186 |
|
|
|
Tax loss carryforward and social contribution negative basis |
66,474 |
66,135 |
Other |
40,006 |
36,149 |
Total deferred taxes |
258,732 |
277,666 |
|
|
|
Current |
147,074 |
160,662 |
Long term |
111,658 |
117,004 |
Deferred taxes have been recorded based on the assumption of their future realization, as follows:
a) Tax loss carryforward and negative basis of the subsidiary Telerj will be offset to a limit of 30% per year of taxable income for the next years. Telerj, based on projections of future results, estimates that its tax loss and negative basis will be fully compensated in four years.
b) Merged tax credit: consists of the net balance of goodwill and the reserve for maintenance of integrity of shareholders' equity (Note 28) and is realized proportionally to the amortization of the goodwill in its subsidiaries, which will occur in five years. Outside consultants' studies used in the corporate restructuring process support the tax credit recovery in these periods.
c) Temporary differences will be realized upon payment of the accruals, effective losses on bad debts and realization of inventories.
Technical feasibility studies, approved by the Board of Directors, indicate full recovery of the deferred taxes recognized as determined by CVM Resolution No. 371/02. Realization of the tax credits is estimated as follows:
Period |
Consolidated |
|
|
2004 |
15,337 |
2005 |
142,740 |
2006 |
20,940 |
2007 (forward) |
79,715 |
Total |
258,732 |
CVM Resolution No. 371/02 determines that periodic studies must be carried out to support the maintenance of the amounts recorded.
8. PREPAID EXPENSES
|
Consolidated |
|
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
FISTEL taxes |
24,845 |
36,054 |
Rentals |
9,034 |
9,030 |
Financial charges |
61 |
199 |
Insurance premiums |
546 |
820 |
Advertising material to be distributed |
9,032 |
9,691 |
Commercial incentives |
1,179 |
1,772 |
Personnel benefits |
2,114 |
1,878 |
Other |
6,315 |
5,285 |
Total |
53,126 |
64,729 |
|
|
|
Current |
37,889 |
50,296 |
Long term |
15,237 |
14,433 |
|
|
|
9. OTHER ASSETS
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Escrow deposits |
- |
- |
12,758 |
12,303 |
Advances to employees |
- |
- |
3,001 |
3,386 |
Credits with suppliers |
- |
- |
5,321 |
4,522 |
Related-party credits |
185 |
861 |
29,899 |
30,095 |
Dividends and interest on company capital |
52,250 |
51,954 |
- |
- |
Sales subsidies |
- |
- |
20,301 |
25,097 |
Other assets |
680 |
38 |
11,119 |
10,372 |
Total |
53,115 |
52,853 |
82,399 |
85,775 |
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
53,115 |
52,853 |
76,644 |
80,020 |
Long term |
- |
- |
5,755 |
5,755 |
|
|
|
|
|
10. INVESTMENTS
a) Investment in subsidiaries
|
|
|
Shareholders' |
|
|
|
Total common |
equity at |
Net income |
Subsidiary |
Total interest |
stock |
09/30/04 |
at 09/30/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Telerj Celular S.A. |
100% |
30,449,109 |
1,633,498 |
42,679 |
Telest Celular S.A. |
100% |
2,038,856 |
304,902 |
42,215 |
b) Components and changes
Description |
Telerj |
Telest |
Total |
|
|
|
|
Balances at December 31, 2003 |
1,590,819 |
262,687 |
1,853,506 |
Equity in earnings |
42,679 |
42,215 |
84,894 |
Balances at September 30, 2004 |
1,633,498 |
304,902 |
1,938,400 |
|
|
|
|
11. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
|
Consolidated |
||||
|
Annual |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
||
|
depreciation |
Cost |
Accumulated |
Net book |
Net book |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transmission equipment |
14.29 |
1,446,791 |
(1,052,556) |
394,235 |
416,752 |
Switching equipment |
14.29 |
644,513 |
(446,751) |
197,762 |
193,377 |
Infrastructure |
5.00 to 20.00 |
379,052 |
(190,851) |
188,201 |
190,642 |
Land |
- |
4,353 |
- |
4,353 |
4,353 |
Software use rights |
20.00 |
258,756 |
(152,316) |
106,440 |
111,109 |
Buildings |
4.00 |
33,647 |
(3,905) |
29,742 |
29,414 |
Terminal equipment |
66.67 |
171,640 |
(126,590) |
45,050 |
36,937 |
Other assets |
10 to 20.00 |
252,653 |
(130,120) |
122,533 |
125,785 |
Construction work in progress |
- |
134,841 |
- |
134,841 |
112,665 |
Total |
|
3,326,246 |
(2,103,089) |
1,223,157 |
1,221,034 |
12. TRADE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Suppliers |
4,166 |
3,796 |
236,759 |
203,883 |
Interconnection |
- |
- |
6,156 |
17,858 |
Amounts to be transferred - SMP (*) |
- |
- |
101,547 |
80,253 |
Technical assistance (see Note 29.b) |
- |
- |
75,684 |
76,212 |
Other |
768 |
764 |
11,492 |
10,981 |
Total |
4,934 |
4,560 |
431,638 |
389,187 |
(*) Refers to long-distance services to be passed on to the operators due to the migration to the Personal Mobile Service ("SMP") system (Note 1).
13. TAXES PAYABLE
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Value-added tax on sales and services - ICMS |
- |
- |
20,743 |
18,622 |
Income and social contribution taxes |
631 |
- |
17,626 |
12,172 |
Taxes on revenue (PIS and COFINS) |
- |
68 |
15,657 |
11,622 |
FISTEL |
- |
- |
2,466 |
2,673 |
FUST and FUNTTEL |
- |
- |
1,086 |
1,033 |
Other taxes and contributions |
- |
- |
478 |
55 |
Total |
631 |
68 |
58,056 |
46,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
14. LOANS AND FINANCING
a) Composition of debt
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
Description |
Currency |
Rates |
Maturity date |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial institutions: |
|
|
|
|
|
Citibank - OPIC |
US$ |
3% p.a. + LIBOR |
14 to 17/09/04 |
- |
38,844 |
Resolutions No. 63 and No. 2,770 |
US$ |
10.8% p.a. to 14% p.a. |
10/04/04 to 10/03/05 |
44,308 |
71,473 |
Debt assumption - Resolution No. 4,131 and exchange |
US$ |
1.825% p.a. + LIBOR |
10/18/05 to 11/07/05 |
10,793 |
11,733 |
NEC do Brasil S.A. |
US$ |
7.30% p.a. |
11/29/05 |
13,385 |
14,550 |
Interest and commissions |
US$ |
|
|
1,904 |
3,240 |
|
|
|
|
70,390 |
139,840 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
50,848 |
87,521 |
Long term |
|
|
|
19,542 |
52,319 |
Loans and financing are destined to the expansion and modernization of the mobile telephone network, financing fixed assets and for working capital.
In September 2004, there was an agreement for closure of anticipated exchange for payment of operations to OPIC due on November 3, 2004. The amount of such anticipation is of R$36,417.
b) Payment schedule
The long-term portions mature in 2005.
c) Restrictive covenants
The financing obtained at Citibank - OPIC contains restrictive covenants whose main restrictions are related to the indebtedness level, EBITDA ("Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization") and financial expenses.
d) Guarantees
Banks |
Guarantee |
|
|
Citibank |
Aval from Overseas Private Investment Corporation - OPIC - only for political risk |
Resolution No. 63 |
Promissory notes |
Debt Assumption and Resolution No. 4,131 |
Promissory notes |
NEC do Brasil S.A |
Aval |
|
|
e) Hedges
As of September 30, 2004, Tele Sudeste had outstanding current swap contracts in the total notional amount of US$55,323 thousand (US$76,740 thousand at June 30, 2004), which covers its total liabilities in foreign currency. Until that date, the Company had recorded net losses of R$6,011 (gain of R$8,768 at June 30, 2004), in these hedges, represented by a negative balance of R$4,966 in assets, of which R$1,044 (R$7,518 at June 30, 2004) is recorded as noncurrent assets and R$3,922 (R$3,633 at June 30, 2004) is recorded as current assets, and R$10,977 in liabilities, of which R$321 is recorded as long-term liabilities and R$10,656 (R$2,363 at June 30, 2004) is recorded as current liabilities.
15. DIVIDENDS AND INTEREST ON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest on Company's capital |
40,872 |
40,872 |
40,872 |
40,872 |
Dividends |
7,595 |
7,720 |
9,521 |
9,664 |
Total |
48,467 |
48,592 |
50,393 |
50,536 |
|
|
|
|
|
16. OTHER LIABILITIES
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid services |
- |
- |
6,654 |
2,169 |
Accrual for customer loyalty program |
- |
- |
16,130 |
22,781 |
Other liabilities with related parties |
9,436 |
8,537 |
15,845 |
11,223 |
Other |
- |
- |
1,291 |
3,884 |
Total |
9,436 |
8,537 |
39,920 |
40,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
9,436 |
8,537 |
38,929 |
39,099 |
Long term |
- |
- |
991 |
958 |
The subsidiaries have customer loyalty program whereby the customer makes calls and earns points redeemable for prizes (handsets, for instance). Accumulated points are accrued when granted, considering redemption prospects based on the consumption profile of participant customers. The accrual is reduced when customers redeem points.
17. RESERVE FOR CONTINGENCIES
The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to certain lawsuits involving labor, tax and civil matters. Management has recognized reserves for cases in which the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is considered probable by its legal counsel.
Components of the reserves are as follows:
|
Consolidated |
|
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
Labor |
10,372 |
10,082 |
Civil |
26,141 |
20,931 |
Tax |
46,109 |
54,907 |
Total |
82,622 |
85,920 |
|
|
|
Current |
61,685 |
57,633 |
Long term |
20,937 |
28,287 |
|
|
|
Changes in the contingency reserve on the nine-month period ended as of September 30, 2004 are as follows:
|
Consolidated |
|
|
Beginning balance |
75,372 |
Additions to reserves, net of reversals |
6,229 |
Monetary variation |
1,021 |
Total |
82,622 |
|
|
17.1. Tax
17.1.1. Probable loss
During the third quarter, no new material tax lawsuit has occurred, for which the likelihood of an adverse outcome would be considered "probable". The changes in reserve for contingencies correspond to the monthly increases in the same cases since the end of the last fiscal year.
Telest reverted the contingency reserve regarding tax assessment, totaling R$12,180, due to the fact that the assessment was considered without basis. unfounded and filed by the State Treasury on September 19, 2004, according to proceeding No. 430993-2.
17.1.2. Possible loss
During the third quarter, no new material tax lawsuit has occurred, for which the likelihood of an adverse outcome would be considered "possible". There have been no material changes in these cases since the end of the last fiscal year.
17.2. Labor and civil
Include several labor and civil claims, for which a reserve has been recognized as shown above, in an amount considered to be sufficient to cover probable losses. There has been an increase in civil and labor lawsuits from previous periods, in the amount of R$5,500.
In the cases in which the chance of loss is classified as possible but not probable, the amount involved is R$26,361 for civil claims and R$5,879 for labor claims.
18. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
a) Capital
Capital is represented by shares without par value, as follows:
|
Thousands of shares |
|
09/30/04 and 06/30/04 |
|
|
Common shares |
189,434,958 |
Preferred shares |
259,575,036 |
Total |
449,009,994 |
b) Special goodwill reserve
This reserve resulted from the corporate restructuring implemented by the Company and will be capitalized in favor of the controlling shareholder when the tax benefit is effectively realized (Note 28).
c) Income reserve
i) Legal reserve
Legal reserve is calculated at 5% of annual net income up to a limit of 20% of capital or 30% of capital plus capital reserves; thereafter, allocations to this reserve are no longer mandatory. This reserve is intended to ensure the integrity of capital and can only be used to offset losses or to increase capital.
ii) Other income reserves
The capital budget elaborated by management is used as a base for the special expansion and modernization reserve, evidencing the need of resources for investment projects in future periods, and it is set-up with the remaining net profit balance, adjusted, after distributions required by law and the value of prescribed dividends.
d) Dividends and interest on capital
Preferred shares do not have voting rights; except in the circumstances foreseen in the bylaws, they have priority in the redemption of capital, without premium, and are entitled to dividends 10% above those distributed per common share.
Dividends are calculated in accordance with Company bylaws and joint stock companies' law, which establish a minimum dividend of 25% of the last period.
19. NET OPERATING REVENUE
|
Consolidated |
|
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
|
|
|
Monthly subscription charges |
108,530 |
154,628 |
Usage charges |
799,013 |
761,259 |
Roaming charges |
- |
12,389 |
Additional call charges |
19,416 |
38,322 |
Interconnection charges |
592,596 |
607,492 |
Data revenue |
27,235 |
21,229 |
Other services |
14,434 |
8,015 |
Total gross revenue from services |
1,561,224 |
1,603,334 |
|
|
|
Value-added tax on sales and services - ICMS |
(281,286) |
(289,284) |
PIS and COFINS |
(56,404) |
(61,958) |
ISS - service tax |
(597) |
(79) |
Discounts granted |
(32,592) |
(17,504) |
Net operating revenues from services |
1,190,345 |
1,234,509 |
|
|
|
Sales of handsets and accessories |
395,657 |
256,786 |
|
|
|
Value-added tax on sales and services - ICMS |
(34,025) |
(21,946) |
PIS and COFINS |
(25,150) |
(9,540) |
Discounts granted |
(75,400) |
(48,099) |
Return of goods sold |
(43,297) |
(17,578) |
Net operating revenues from sales and services |
217,785 |
159,623 |
Total net operating revenues (services + sales and accessories) |
1,408,130 |
1,394,132 |
|
|
|
20. COST OF SERVICES PROVIDED AND GOODS SOLD
|
Consolidated |
|
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
|
|
|
Personnel |
12,911 |
11,701 |
Material |
441 |
1,468 |
Outside services |
34,133 |
23,181 |
Connections |
42,523 |
60,131 |
Rental, insurance and condominium fees |
34,754 |
33,213 |
Interconnection |
41,196 |
107,468 |
FISTEL and other taxes |
45,931 |
45,546 |
Depreciation and amortization |
206,839 |
242,569 |
Cost of goods sold |
344,860 |
234,849 |
Other |
128 |
175 |
Total |
763,716 |
760,301 |
|
|
|
21. SELLING EXPENSES
|
Consolidated |
|
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
|
|
|
Personnel |
40,809 |
35,503 |
Material |
6,355 |
1,947 |
Outside services (*) |
217,390 |
159,577 |
Rental, insurance and condominium fees |
6,578 |
8,102 |
Taxes and contributions |
653 |
286 |
Depreciation and amortization |
54,332 |
44,599 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
29,575 |
28,116 |
Other |
2,387 |
1,118 |
Total |
358,079 |
279,248 |
|
|
|
(*) Outside services include advertising costs of R$67,671 (R$55,483 at September 30, 2003).
22. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
|
|
|
|
|
Personnel |
1,381 |
2,760 |
35,315 |
42,275 |
Material |
- |
- |
4,610 |
3,289 |
Outside services |
2,268 |
4,972 |
69,779 |
69,652 |
Rental, insurance and condominium fees |
- |
- |
9,240 |
9,971 |
Taxes and contributions |
29 |
42 |
1,875 |
1,884 |
Depreciation and amortization |
323 |
323 |
35,274 |
34,706 |
Other |
40 |
- |
928 |
698 |
Total |
4,041 |
8,097 |
157,021 |
162,475 |
23. OTHER OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSES), NET
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
Fines |
- |
- |
6,506 |
7,422 |
Recovered expenses |
- |
- |
4,069 |
3,222 |
Reversal of reserves |
- |
- |
10,306 |
488 |
Shared infrastructure |
- |
- |
2,729 |
2,249 |
Trade discounts |
- |
- |
5,761 |
- |
PIS and COFINS on other income |
- |
- |
(2,087) |
(1,081) |
Other |
- |
- |
4,189 |
8,182 |
Total revenues |
- |
- |
31,473 |
20,482 |
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
Reserve for contingencies |
- |
- |
(16,535) |
(19,874) |
FUST |
- |
- |
(6,467) |
(7,400) |
FUNTTEL |
- |
- |
(3,174) |
(3,641) |
ICMS on other expenses |
- |
- |
(1,233) |
(181) |
Amortization of deferred charges |
- |
- |
(261) |
(463) |
Other |
(31) |
(710) |
(2,929) |
(2,806) |
Total expenses |
(31) |
(710) |
(30,599) |
(34,365) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net total |
(31) |
(710) |
874 |
(13,883) |
|
|
|
|
|
24. FINANCIAL INCOME (EXPENSES), NET
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income: |
|
|
|
|
Income from financial transactions |
4,908 |
8,625 |
59,359 |
62,044 |
Monetary/Exchange variations in assets |
664 |
505 |
19,314 |
65,186 |
PIS and COFINS on income from financial transactions |
(356) |
(401) |
(5,885) |
(3,402) |
Total |
5,216 |
8,729 |
72,788 |
123,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
Expenses from financial transactions |
(43) |
(60) |
(27,898) |
(32,672) |
Monetary/Exchange variations in liabilities |
- |
(1) |
(24,031) |
(3,707) |
Derivative operations, net |
- |
- |
(13,855) |
(108,198) |
Total |
(43) |
(61) |
(65,784) |
(144,577) |
|
|
|
|
|
Financial (expenses) income |
5,173 |
8,668 |
7,004 |
(20,749) |
25. INCOME AND SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION TAXES
The Company and its subsidiaries estimate monthly the amounts for income and social contribution taxes, on the accrual basis. Deferred taxes are provided on temporary differences as shown in Note 7. Income and social contribution taxes charged to income consist of the following:
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax |
508 |
5 |
13,675 |
5,745 |
Social contribution |
193 |
3 |
4,686 |
2,012 |
Deferred income tax |
720 |
(810) |
25,336 |
31,131 |
Deferred social contribution |
(17) |
(291) |
8,801 |
11,266 |
Total |
1,404 |
(1,093) |
52,498 |
50,154 |
A reconciliation of the taxes on income reported and the amounts calculated at the combined statutory rate of 34% is as follows:
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income before taxes |
85,995 |
98,069 |
137,089 |
149,048 |
Tax expense at the combined statutory rate |
(29,238) |
(33,343) |
(46,610) |
(50,676) |
|
|
|
|
|
Permanent additions: |
|
|
|
|
Nondeductible expenses |
- |
- |
- |
(20) |
Other additions |
(961) |
- |
(4,397) |
(886) |
|
|
|
|
|
Permanent exclusions: |
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings |
28,864 |
34,431 |
- |
- |
Other exclusions |
- |
5 |
- |
1,428 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other: |
|
|
|
|
DIPJ adjustments |
(69) |
- |
(1,509) |
- |
Rate additional difference |
- |
- |
18 |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax expense |
(1,404) |
1,093 |
(52,498) |
(50,154) |
|
|
|
|
|
26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (CONSOLIDATED)
a) Risk considerations
Tele Sudeste is the controlling shareholder of Telerj and Telest, which provide mobile telephone services in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo in accordance with the terms of concessions granted by the Federal Government. Both operators are engaged in the purchase and sale of handsets through their own sales networks, thus fostering their essential activities.
The major risk credit to which Telerj and Telest are exposed includes the following:
• Credit risk: arising from any difficulty in collecting telecommunication services provided to customers and revenues from the sale of handsets by the distribution network.
• Interest rate risk: resulting from debt and premiums on derivative instruments contracted at floating rates and involving the risk of interest expenses increasing as a result of an unfavorable upward trend in interest rates (LIBOR).
• Currency risk: related to debt and premiums on derivative instruments contracted in foreign currency and associated with potential losses resulting from adverse exchange rate movements.
Telerj and Telest have been actively managing and mitigating risks inherent in their operations by means of comprehensive operating procedures, policies and initiatives.
Credit risk
Credit risk from providing telecommunication services is minimized by strictly monitoring the customer portfolio and actively addressing delinquent receivables by means of clear policies relating to the concession of postpaid services.
Credit risk from the sale of handsets is managed by following a conservative credit granting policy which encompasses the use of advanced risk management methods that include applying credit scoring techniques, analyzing the potential customers' balance sheet, and making inquiries of credit protection agencies' databases. In addition, an automatic control has been implemented in the sales module for releasing products which is integrated with the distribution module ERP system for consistent transactions.
The Company is also subject to credit risk from financial transactions and amount receivable from swap operations. The Company diversifies such exposure at among prime financial institutions.
Interest rate risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk, especially associated with the cost of CDI rates, due to its exchange rate derivative transactions. Nonetheless, the balance of financial transactions, also associated with the cost of CDI rates, neutralizes such effect.
Foreign currency-denominated loans are also exposed to interest rate risk associated with foreign loans. As of September 30, 2004, these operations amounted to R$10,793 (R$66,114 as of June 30, 2004).
Currency risk
Telerj utilizes derivative instruments to protect against the currency risk on foreign currency-denominated loans. Such instruments usually include swap.
The Company's net exposure to currency risk as of September 30, 2004 is shown in the table below:
|
US$ thousand |
|
|
Loans and financing |
24,624 |
Suppliers - technical assistance |
22,030 |
Hedge instruments |
(55,323) |
Net exposure |
(8,669) |
|
|
During 2004, the Company and its subsidiaries contracted derivative instruments to hedge other foreign-currency commitments against exchange variations.
b) Derivative instruments
The Company and its subsidiaries record derivative gains and losses as a component of financial expenses.
Book and market values of loans and financing and derivative instruments are estimated as follows:
|
Book |
Market |
Unrealized |
|
|
|
|
Suppliers - technical assistance |
62,975 |
62,975 |
- |
Loans and financing |
70,390 |
109,790 |
(39,400) |
Derivate instruments |
(6,011) |
(1,969) |
(4,042) |
Total |
127,354 |
170,796 |
(43,442) |
c) Market value of financial instruments
The market value of loans and financing, swaps and forward contracts were determined based on the discounted cash flows, utilizing projected available interest rate information.
Estimated market values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Accordingly, the estimates presented above are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated market value.
27. POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
Subsidiaries, together with other companies from the former Telebrás System, and their successors sponsor private pension plans and health care plan for retired employees, managed by Fundação Sistel de Seguridade Social - SISTEL, as follows:
a) PBS A - is a multiemployer defined benefit plan provided to retired participants, which were in such position on January 31, 2000.
b) PBS Tele Sudeste Celular - defined benefits plan covering approximately 1% of Company's employees.
c) PAMA - multiemployer health care plan provided to retired employees and their dependents, at shared costs.
Contributions to the PBS - Tele Sudeste Celular plans are determined based on actuarial valuations prepared by independent actuaries, in accordance with the rules in force in Brazil. Costing is determined using the capitalization method and the contribution due by the sponsor is equivalent to 13.5% of the payroll for employees covered by the plan, of which 12% is allocated to fund the PBS - Tele Sudeste Celular plan and 1.5% for the PAMA plan.
d) Visão Celular Benefit Plan - defined contribution individual plan - Visão Celular Benefit Plan, instituted by SISTEL in August 2000. The Company's contributions to the Visão Celular Benefit Plan are equivalent to those of participants, varying from 2% to 9% of the contribution salary, according to the percentage selected by the participant. On the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004, subsidiaries recorded contributions to the PBS Tele Sudeste Celular Plan and the Visão Celular Benefit Plan in the amount of R$2,554 (R$1,766 as of September 30, 2003).
In September 2004, the Company and its subsidiaries proportionally recognized the estimated actuarial cost for 2004, charging R$96 regarding these costs to other operating expenses account.
28. CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING
On November 30, 2000 the corporate restructuring plan was concluded, in which the goodwill paid on the privatization process of the Company was transferred to subsidiaries.
The accounting records maintained for corporate and tax purposes of the Companies include specific accounts related to merged goodwill and the related reserve, and the respective amortization, reversal and tax credit, whose balances at September 30 and June 30, 2004 were as follows:
|
Balances on |
Consolidated |
|
|
date of merger |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
|
Balance sheet: |
|
|
|
Goodwill - merged |
1,393,279 |
286,156 |
355,820 |
Merged reserve |
(928,437) |
(188,862) |
(234,841) |
Balance |
464,842 |
97,294 |
120,979 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
Statement of income: |
|
|
|
Goodwill amortization |
|
208,992 |
208,992 |
Reversal of reserve |
|
(137,935) |
(137,935) |
Tax credit |
|
(71,057) |
(71,057) |
Effect |
|
- |
- |
As shown above, the amortization of goodwill, net of the reversal of the reserve and of the corresponding tax credit, results in a zero effect on income and, consequently, on the basis for calculating the minimum mandatory dividend, For a better presentation of the financial position of the Companies in the financial statements, the net amount R$97,294 on September 30, 2004 (R$120,979 on June 30, 2004) which, in essence, represents the tax credit from the partial spin-off, was classified in the balance sheet as deferred taxes (Note 7).
The merged tax credit is capitalized as of its effective payment.
29. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
The principal transactions with unconsolidated related parties are as follows:
a) Use of network and long-distance (roaming) cellular communication - these transactions involve companies owned by the same group: Telesp Celular S.A., Global Telecom S.A., Telebahia Celular S.A., Telergipe Celular S.A., Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. - Telesp, Celular CRT S.A., Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A., Telems Celular S.A., Teleron Celular S.A., Telemat Celular S.A., Teleacre Celular S.A., Telegoiás Celular S.A. and Norte Brasil Telecom S.A. Part of these transactions was established based on contracts between Telebrás and the operating concessionaires before privatization under the terms established by ANATEL. As of July 2003, customers started to select long-distance operators.
b) Technical assistance - subsidiary technical assistance payables due to Telefónica Móviles S.A. and Telefónica International for telecommunication services, calculated on net services revenues restated based on currency fluctuations.
c) Corporate services - passed on to subsidiaries at the cost effectively incurred for these services.
d) Provided by Atento Brasil S.A. to users of subsidiary telecommunication services, contracted for a period of 12 months, renewable for the same period.
e) Maintenance of the profitability and cost control system by Telefónica Móbile Solution do Brasil.
f) Asset security system implementation services by Telefónica Engenharia.
g) Logistics operator and accounting/financial advisory services by Telefônica Gestão de Serviços.
h) Voice service provider by Terra Network Brasil.
A summary of balances and transactions with unconsolidated related parties is as follows:
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
09/30/04 |
06/30/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable for services |
- |
- |
9,731 |
9,938 |
Interest on capital and dividends |
52,250 |
51,954 |
- |
- |
Other assets |
185 |
861 |
29,899 |
30,095 |
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
Suppliers |
- |
(3,540) |
(117,580) |
(109,507) |
Income share |
(32,105) |
(32,105) |
(32,105) |
(32,105) |
Other liabilities |
(9,436) |
(8,537) |
(15,845) |
(11,223) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company |
Consolidated |
||
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income statement: |
|
|
|
|
Revenue from telecommunications |
- |
- |
43,394 |
7,392 |
Cost of services provided |
- |
- |
- |
(6,641) |
Selling expenses |
- |
- |
(44,458) |
(34,512) |
General and administrative expenses |
- |
(2,153) |
(10,831) |
(13,964) |
Financial income (expenses), net |
- |
504 |
(519) |
22,423 |
|
|
|
|
|
30. INSURANCE
The Company monitors the risks inherent in its activities. Accordingly, as of September 30, 2004 the Company had insurance to cover operating risks, civil liability, health, etc. Company's management considers that the amounts are sufficient to cover possible losses. The principal assets, liabilities or interests covered by insurance are as follows:
Type |
Insured amounts |
|
|
Operating risks |
R$857,580 |
General civil liability |
R$5,822 |
Automobile (corporate fleet) |
Fipe chart and R$200 for DC/DM |
Automobile (operating fleet) |
R$200 for DC/DM |
|
|
31. AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (ADRs) PROGRAM
On November 16, 1998. the Company began trading ADRs on the New York Stock Exchange - NYSE, with the following characteristics:
• Type of shares: preferred.
• Each ADR represents 5,000 preferred shares.
• Shares are traded as ADRs, under the code "TSD", on the NYSE.
• Foreign depositary bank: The Bank of New York.
• Custodian bank in Brazil: Banco Itaú S.A.
32. RECONCILIATION BETWEEN COMPANY NET INCOME AND CONSOLIDATED
As of September 30, 2004 and 2003, the reconciliation between Company net income and consolidated is as follows:
|
Consolidated |
|
|
09/30/04 |
09/30/03 |
|
|
|
Company net income |
84,591 |
99,162 |
Telest capital reserves |
- |
(268) |
Consolidated net income |
84,591 |
98,894 |
|
|
|
33. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On October 8, 2004 the Voluntary Public Share Offer (OPA) was concluded for acquisition of the common and preferred stocks of Brasilcel N.V. (bidder) by the Company. The amounts of preferred stocks offered at the OPA exceeded the maximum amount to be purchased by the Bidder (12,699,707,000). Each holder participating in the OPA will hold 0.6284 preferred stocks issued by the Company purchased by the bidder. Due to the fact that the number of common stocks offered (6,191,329,955) was below the maximum limit, there was no apportionment. Following the OPA, Brasilcel N.V. and its directly and indirectly related parties held a total of 91.74% common stock and 90.27% preferred stocks of the Company, representing 90.89% of the Bidder's share in the Company's total capital.
TELE SUDESTE CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A. |
||
By: |
/S/ Paulo Cesar Pereira Teixeira
|
|
Paulo Cesar Pereira Teixeira
Investor Relations Officer |
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts, and are based on management's current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "plans" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.