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

 
FORM 6-K
 
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the month of March, 2008

Commission File Number 1-14732
 

 
COMPANHIA SIDERÚRGICA NACIONAL
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

National Steel Company
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
 

Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima 3400, 20º andar
São Paulo, SP, Brazil
04538-132
(Address of principal executive office)
 

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

Form 20-F ___X___ Form 40-F _______

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  

Yes _______ No ___X____




NET INCOME OF R$ 2.9 BILLION, SALES VOLUME OF 5.4 MILLION TONNES, NET REVENUE
OF R$ 11.4 BILLION AND EBITDA OF R$ 4.9 BILLION ARE ALL NEW RECORDS FOR CSN

São Paulo, March 10 , 2008: Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional CSN (BOVESPA: CSNA3) (NYSE: SID) today its results for the fourth quarter of 2007 (4Q07), in accordance with Brazilian accounting principles and denominated in Brazilian Reais (R$). All comments presented herein refer to the Company’s consolidated results and comparisons refer to the fourth quarter of 2006 (4Q06), unless otherwise stated. On December 31, 2007, the Real/US Dollar exchange rate was R$ 1.771.

Main Highlights 

On December 31, 2007  Investor Relations Team 
• Bovespa: CSNA3 R$ 157.60/share   - Manager: David Moise Salama - (11) 3049-7588 
NYSE: SID US$ 89.57/ADR (1 ADR = 1 share) - Specialist: Cláudio Pontes - (11) 3049-7592 
• Total no. of shares = 272.067.946  - Analyst: Priscila Kurata - (11) 3049-7526 
Market Cap: R$ 40.4 billion/US$ 22.9 billion  - Mkt & Communications: Chrystine Pricoli - (11) 3049-7591 
  - Trainee: Caio de Carvalho – (11) 3049-7593 
  invrel@csn.com.br 

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Consolidated Highlights 
  4Q06    3Q07    4Q07    2006    2007    4Q07 X 4Q06
(Chg%)
  4Q07 X 3Q07
(Chg%)
  2007 X 2006
(Chg%)  
Crude Steel Production    1,307    1,390    1,274    3,499    5,323    -2.5%    -8.3%    52.1% 
 
Sales Volume (thousand t)   1,193    1,349    1,412    4,385    5,378    18.3%    4.6%    22.6% 
 
   Domestic Market    732    967    1,018    2,818    3,614    39.1%    5.2%    28.3% 
   Exports    462    382    394    1,567    1,764    -14.7%    3.1%    12.5% 
Net Revenue per unit (R$/t)   1,856    1,810    1,742    1,771    1,775    -6.1%    -3.8%    0.2% 
 
Financial Data (RS MM)                                
   Net Revenue    2,576    2,969    3,013    9,040    11,441    16.9%    1.5%    26.6% 
   Gross Profit    966    1,271    1,192    3,051    4,767    23.4%    -6.2%    56.2% 
   EBITDA    984    1,307    1,266    3,823    4,870    28.7%    -3.1%    27.4% 
   EBITDA Margin    38.2%    44.0%    42.0%    42.3%    42.6%    3.8 p.p    - 2.0 p.p    7.6 p.p 
Net Profit (R$ MM)   83    699    508    1,168    2,922    509.1%    -27.3%    150.3% 
 
Net Debt (R$ MM)   6,659    5,617    4,804    6,659    4,804    -27.9%    -14.5%    -27.9% 
 

Economic and Steel Scenario

BRAZIL

Thanks to the healthy performance of the Brazilian economy, domestic steel product sales moved up strongly in 2007. Cash-heavy and with prospects of domestic demand remaining strong, sector manufacturers and clients have announced substantial investment plans for the coming years.

Average GDP growth estimates for 2007 increased from 4.7% in October to 5.1% in December, while the 2008 forecast climbed from 4.4% to 4.5% in the same period.

Industry, services and agriculture are expected to grow by 5.1%, 4.6% and 4.6%, respectively, in 2007. In 2008, all three sectors should grow by between 4% and 5%.

Average inflationary projections for 2007 and 2008 have also moved up due to the recent acceleration in food prices. The forecast for the consumer IPCA index in 2007 increased from 3.9% to 4.2% between October and December, while the 2008 projection climbed from 4.1% to 4.2% . As for the general IGP-M index, the 2007 and 2008 estimates rose from 5.5% to 6.8% and from 4.2% to 4.5%, respectively (Focus/Febraban).

All these factors were decisive in ensuring that the Brazilian steel industry closed 2007 on a highly optimistic note.

Pushed by buoyant demand, domestic crude steel production moved up substantially throughout the year, totaling 33.8 million tonnes, 9.3% more than in 2006.

Total rolled output moved up 9.1% to 25.5 million tonnes in 2007, while production of rolled flat products grew by 9.2% to 15.7 million tonnes.

Steel sales reached record levels. Total annual domestic sales volume stood at 20.5 million tonnes, 16.9% up on the 2006 figure, while rolled flat and long steel volumes climbed 17.3% and 16.8%, respectively

The prospects are equally favorable for 2008, with domestic sales looking set to grow at similar high rates.

The steel consuming sectors also did exceptionally well, exemplified by the automotive and construction industries, plus investments in infrastructure and capital goods, especially by the oil and by-product, chemical and petrochemical, and electric power sectors, among others.

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The automotive sector had a particularly fine performance. Domestic vehicle sales totaled more than 2.4 million units, 28% more than in 2006, and annual production came to 2.9 million units, growth of 14% over the year before. The forecasts for 2008 are equally favorable, with heated domestic demand generating growth of around 9% over 2007.

Agricultural machinery also experienced an exceptional year. Production exceeded 65,000 units, 41% more than in 2006, with domestic sales of 38,300 units, 49% more than the year before, and exports of 27,100 units, annual growth of around 20%. The outlook for 2008 is equally bright, both in Brazil and abroad.

Construction also deserves to be highlighted. Production climbed by 5.5% over 2006 thanks to the greater availability of mortgage loans. The projections for 2008 are also encouraging.

Led by refrigerators, stoves, IT equipment, steel furniture, consumer electronics items and home appliances, the home appliance/OEM sector recorded average annual growth of between 10% and 15%. The main reasons for the upturn were the reduction in interest rates, the growth in the bulk of wages and the increase in installment sales, factors which should continue to push demand in 2008.

The flat steel distribution and resale companies affiliated to INDA (the National Institute of Steel Distributors) recorded 2007 sales volume of 3.3 million tonnes, an unprecedented 26% up on the previous year.

Growth in 2008 should continue to be driven by the construction, machinery and equipment, agriculture and automotive sectors. The distribution and resale segment is still the main consumer of Brazilian steel, given that it acts as a conduit for all the other steel-using segments.

International Market

USA

• The overall economic outlook is still uncertain, given that the collapse of the real estate market and its impact on the financial system could spread to other sectors of the economy. Demand from the main productive sectors slowed throughout 2007, although the devaluation of the dollar against the other leading currencies, the exceptionally low level of distributors’ inventories, cost pressure from the main production inputs (iron ore and coal) and the increase in freight charges led to price hikes in the 4Q07 and the latest negotiations would appear to indicate a continuation of this trend throughout 2008.

EUROPE

• Despite low demand, prices have begun to move up slightly in recent months due to the expected upturn in the price of the main raw materials. As a result, the price outlook for 2008 is a favorable one;

• Inventories remain high, although they are expected to decline in 2008 due to the reduction in imports from China.

ASIA

• China reduced its steel production growth rates throughout 2007 and investments in new plants are likely to remain in line with 2006.

• The June/07 removal of the Chinese government’s export benefits, coupled with the increase in international freight charges, have made Chinese steel products less competitive in the global market;

• The strong cost pressure from the leading inputs should squeeze the profit margins of small local producers.

• Harsh weather in China has jeopardized charcoal output and local infrastructure, leading certain steel plants in the south of the country to temporarily suspend operations.

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Production

CSN produced 1.3 million tonnes of crude steel in the 4Q07, practically in line with the 4Q06 figure. In 2007 as a whole, production totaled 5.3 million tonnes, 52% up on the previous year.

Rolled steel output totaled 1.3 million tonnes in the final quarter, 11% up year-on-year, and 5.0 million tonnes in 2007, 21% more than in 2006.

The following table shows crude and rolled steel output in 2007:

               
Total 
  Change (%)
Production (in thousand t)
  4Q06    3Q07    4Q07    2006    2007    4Q07 x 4Q06   2007 x 2006 
Crude Steel (P Vargas Mill)   1,307    1,390    1,274    3,499    5,323    -2.5%    52.1% 
Purchased Slabs from Third Parties    65        957    25    -100.0%    -97.4% 
 
Total Crude Steel    1,372    1,390    1,274    4,456    5,348    -7.1%    20.0% 
 
Rolled Products * (UPV)   1,173    1,180    1,298    4,098    4,955    10.7%    20.9% 
 
   * Products delivered for sale, including shipments to CSN Paraná and GalvaSud. 

Production Costs (Parent Company)

CSN’s total production costs came to R$ 1.23 billion in the 4Q07, R$ 78 million (or 6%) down year-on-year, chiefly due to the virtual non-use of slabs and coils acquired from third parties in 2006, which alone reduced costs by R$ 93 million over the 4Q06. On the other hand, labor costs moved up by R$13 million due to the wage increase in May 2007.

For the year as a whole, total production costs came to R$ 4.75 billion, R$ 46 million less than in 2006. The main period variations were as follows:

Raw materials:

A total reduction of R$ 438 million, due to:

- Reduced recourse in 2007 to slabs and coils acquired from third parties, which cut variable costs by R$ 892 million.

On the other hand, higher output from the Presidente Vargas Steelworks pushed up raw material consumption:

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- Iron ore: increase of R$ 109 million;
- Imported coal and acquired coke: growth of R$ 107 million;
- Metals (aluminum, zinc and tin): rise of R$ 116 million;
- Scrap: increase of R$ 38 million;
- Pellets: upturn of R$ 29 million;
- Fluxes and other raw materials: growth of R$ 55 million.

Maintenance: increase of approximately R$ 136 million;
Supplies, Utilities and Third-party Services: growth of R$ 70 million;
Energy (natural gas, electric power and fuel): upturn of R$ 75 million;
Labor: rise of R$ 39 million, due to the 5% wage hike and bonus awarded by the collective bargaining agreement in May/07;
Depreciation: increase of R$ 58 million due to the revaluation of the Company’s assets in the 1H07;
Other increases: growth of R$ 14 million.


Sales

Total Sales Volume

CSN recorded total sales volume of 5.38 million tonnes in 2007, 23% up on the year before and a new Company record. Final-quarter sales stood at 1.41 million tonnes, 18% higher than the 4Q06.

Annual consolidated sales on the domestic market accounted for 67% of total volume and exports for 33%. The second-half ratios came to 72% and 28%, respectively.

In terms of the parent company , domestic sales accounted for 75% of the annual total and exports for 25%. In the second half, the domestic market’s share increased to a massive 82%.


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Domestic Market

Annual domestic sales volume totaled 3.61 million tonnes, 28% more than in 2006, thanks to CSN’s strategy of prioritizing the domestic market, coupled with the healthy performance of Brazil’s economy, which fueled demand from various industries.

In the 4Q07, sales amounted to 1.02 million tonnes, 39% up year-on-year, led by the auto, construction, infrastructure, capital goods and home appliance/OEM sectors. This result is even more impressive if we compare it to the 3Q07 figure of 967,000 tonnes, representing a 5% increase.

Export Market

Annual exports totaled 1.76 million tonnes, 13% growth over the previous year, basically due to the decision to prioritize the domestic market in 2006 thanks to reduced crude steel output in that year and the fact that prices were more attractive in Brazil than abroad

Exports of 394,000 tonnes in the 4Q07 were virtually identical to the 3Q07 figure.

Market Share and Product Mix

The Company’s share of the domestic flat steel market (hot-rolled, cold-rolled, galvanized and tin mill products) stood at 34% in the 4Q07, led by galvanized orders from the construction, home appliance/OEM and distribution sectors. It is worth emphasizing that CSN is the absolute leader in these markets, with a share of more than 70%.

As for the product mix, coated products accounted for 49% of annual sales.

In terms of market segment, distribution was the biggest consumer, accounting for 44% of 4Q07 sales, followed by the automotive, construction, packaging and home appliance/OEM sectors, with 16%, 14%, 14% and 11%, respectively. Sales segmentation was practically identical to the previous quarter.

Prices

In January 2007, the Company raised its galvanized prices by 6%, followed in May and June by average increases of 10% for all products, except tin plate products.

Average net revenue per tonne in the 4Q07 remained in line with the previous quarter at above US$ 1,000/t.

Average dollar export prices fell slightly due to the reduced share of coated items in the product mix.

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Mining 

PRODUCTION

The Casa de Pedra mine produced 3.3 million tonnes in the 4Q07, led by sinter feed, lump ore and pellet feed. In 2007 as a whole, Casa de Pedra produced 15.0 million tonnes, 14%, or 1.9 million tonnes, up on 2006. Sinter feed accounted for more than 50% of total output.

Nacional Minérios (NAMISA), through its wholly-owned subsidiary CFM, produced 1.1 million tonnes in the 4Q07, giving a total of 2.4 million tonnes at year-end. NAMISA’s ore purchases from third parties totaled 3.8 million tonnes in the year.

The Presidente Vargas Steelworks absorbed 7.1 million tonnes.

SALES

Consolidated iron ore sales totaled 4.0 million tonnes in the 4Q07, 20% up on the previous quarter.

Annual sales came to 10.5 million tonnes (in addition to the 7.1 million tones consumed by the Presidente Vargas Steelworks), 225% more than in 2006 and consolidating CSN’s presence in the mining market. The domestic market absorbed 5.4 million tonnes, or 51% of the total, while exports accounted for 5.1 million tonnes (49%).

INVENTORIES

At the close of the 2007, the Company’s total iron ore inventories exceeded 11 million tonnes.

Consolidated Production Figures                           (in million t)
    2008    2009    2010    2011    2012    2013    2014    2015 
Production                                 
   Casa de Pedra    17.0    30.0    40.0    50.0    60.0    70.0    70.0    70.0 
   NAMISA (incl. CFM)   6.5    7.5    8.5    10.0    10.0    10.0    10.0    10.0 
   Purchases from Third Parties (NAMISA)   7.0    7.0    7.0    5.0    5.0    5.0    5.0    5.0 
   
TOTAL PRODUCTION    30.5    44.5    55.5    65.0    75.0    85.0    85.0    85.0 
   
Domestic Market                                 
   Volta Redonda    8.3    8.3    8.5    8.5    8.5    8.5    8.5    8.5 
   Slab M ill I ( 4,5 mtpa )   0.0    0.0    0.0    1.0    7.2    7.2    7.2    7.2 
   Slab M ill II ( 4,5 mtpa )   0.0    0.0    0.0    0.0    3.0    7.2    7.2    7.2 
   Other ( Domestic Market )   4.5    4.5    4.4    4.0    4.0    4.0    4.0    4.0 
   
TOTAL DOMESTIC MARKET    12.8    12.8    12.9    13.5    22.7    26.9    26.9    26.9 
   
   
EXPORTS    23.8    33.0    43.0    51.5    52.3    58.1    58.1    58.1 
   
   
PORT CAPACITY    25.8    40.0    50.0    55.0    65.0    70.0    70.0    70.0 
   
   
TOTAL SALES (excl. CSN)   28.3    37.5    47.4    55.5    56.3    62.1    62.1    62.1 
   
   
TOTAL SALES (incl. CSN)   36.6    45.8    55.9    65.0    75.0    85.0    85.0    85.0 
   

Net Revenue 

Annual net revenue totaled R$ 11.4 billion, 27% up on 2006 and a new Company record, pushed by growth in both the mining and steel segments.

In the 4Q07, net revenue stood at R$ 3.0 billion, 17% more than in the 4Q06 and virtually identical to the previous quarter.

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Net Revenue (2007)        STEEL        MINING  *     OTHERS      TOTAL
                   
  Domestic    Exports    Total    Domestic    Exports    Total     
Volume (thousand tonnes)   3,614    1,764    5,378    5,391    5,115    10,506       
Net Revenue (R$ MM)   6,842    2,703    9,545    316    405    721    1,174    11,441 
 
* Including only iron ore figures. 

Operating Revenue and Expenses

The variation in operating revenue and expenses between the 4Q06 and 4Q07 was positive by approximately R$ 174 million. The improvement was essentially due to a non-recurring factor in the 4Q06, when CSN reallocated R$ 193 million to non-operating revenue and expenses from the provisions previously booked under “operating revenues and expenses” as lost earnings from the accident to Blast Furnace 3’s dust collector in 2006.

Although selling expenses in the 4Q07 remained virtually flat over the 4Q06, it is worth noting that sales volume was 18% higher.

In 2007 as a whole, operating revenue and expenses recorded a negative variation of R$ 785 million over the previous year, chiefly due to the non-recurring booking of R$ 730 million in 2006 as lost earnings from the above-mentioned accident.

Up to the end of 2007, CSN had received R$ 737 million in advances from the insurers, R$ 149 million of which in the 4Q07.

EBITDA

Fourth-quarter EBITDA totaled R$ 1.3 billion, 29% up year-on-year and virtually identical to the 3Q07.

Annual EBITDA reached the record figure of R$ 4.9 billion, 54% (or R$ 1.7 billion) more than in 2006.

The quarterly EBITDA margin in the 4Q07 stood at 42.0%, 3.8 percentage points (p.p.) higher than the 4Q06 margin.


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The annual margin widened by 7.6 p.p., from 35% in 2006 to 42.6% in 2007.

Financial Result and Net Debt

The 4Q07 net financial result was an expense of R$ 185 million, less than the net expense of R$ 255 million recorded in the 4Q06. The main factors contributing to this result were:

• Gains from treasury operations and financial investments, totaling R$ 260 million;
• Monetary and exchange gains of R$ 172 million, basically due to the appreciation of the Real against the dollar in the 4Q07;
• Provisions for interest and charges on loans and financing amounting to R$ 165 million;
• Addition of R$ 391 million to provisions for IPI premium credits over exports, especially charges related to tax foreclosures;
• Updating of provisions for IPI premium credit, IPI presumed credit and social contribution on net income over exports in line with the variation in the SELIC interest rate, totaling R$ 65 million;

In 2007, the net financial result was positive by R$ 316 million, a substantial improvement over the negative R$ 899 million recorded in 2006, due to the following factors:

• Gains from treasury operations and financial investments, totaling R$ 750 million;
• Monetary and exchange gains of R$ 824 million, basically due to the appreciation of the Real against the dollar in 2007;
• Provisions for interest and charges on loans and financing amounting to R$ 732 million;
• Fiscal provisions totaling R$ 533 million, including the above-mentioned addition to provisions for IPI premium credits on exports and R$ 139 million in provisions for IPI presumed credit on input acquisitions recorded in the 3Q07.

CSN’s net debt fell from R$ 6.7 billion at the end of 2006 to R$ 4.8 billion at the close of 2007, essentially due to the following favorable factors:

• EBITDA of R$ 4.87 billion in 2007;
• Positive net financial result of R$ 316 million;
• Inflow of R$ 261 million in 2007 as advances from insurers relative to the Blast Furnace 3 insurance claim;
• The reception of approximately R$1.1 billion relative to the Company’s participation in the Corus auction.

However, these effects were partially offset by:

• Payment of R$ 685 million to CSN shareholders in September/07 as the balance of dividends and interest on equity relative to 2006, as approved by the AGM of April 30, 2007;

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• The acquisition of CFM in July 2007, involving disbursements of R$ 656 million in the 3Q07;
• Investments of R$ 1.6 billion in 2007;
• Judicial deposits totaling approximately R$ 1.1 billion;
• Payment of income and social contribution taxes totaling R$ 942 million in 2007.

The Net Debt/EBITDA ratio, based on EBITDA in the last 12 months, continued to fall, declining from 1.74x in December 2006 to 0.99x at the close of 2007.

Non-operating Revenue / Expenses

CSN recorded net non-operating expenses of R$ 28 million in the 4Q07, R$ 46 million down year-on-year. The variation was chiefly due to fixed asset write-offs totaling R$ 23 million in the 4Q07, plus net gains of R$ 18 million in the 4Q06 from the write-off of the fixed assets damaged by the accident to Blast Furnace 3.

For 2007 as a whole, the Company posted net non-operating revenue of R$ 145 million, primarily due to non-recurring gains of R$ 182 million in the 1Q07 from the sale of its 3.8% stake in Corus Group PLC.

Income Taxes

Income and social contribution taxes totaled R$ 1 billion in 2007, higher than the previous year, primarily due to the increase in taxable income.

Net Income

CSN posted 2007 net income of R$ 2.9 billion, 150% up on the year before and a new Company record. This growth was due to several important factors that occurred this year:

• The R$ 1.7 billion increase in EBITDA, as explained previously;
• The R$ 1.2 billion improvement in the financial result;
• The R$ 785 million increase in SG&A expenses;
• The R$ R$ 495 million increase in income and social contribution taxes.

Capex

CSN invested more than R$ 1.6 billion in consolidated fixed and deferred assets in 2007.

The parent company absorbed R$ 981 million of the annual total, most of which went to the expansion of the Casa de Pedra mine and the expansion of the port of Itaguaí, as well as scheduled equipment maintenance and repairs.

Investments in subsidiaries totaled R$ 639 million, concentrated in MRS Logística, CSN Cimentos, Prada and CFN.

Main Investments in 2007

CSN:

• Expansion of the Casa de Pedra mine: R$ 374 million;

• Maintenance and repairs: R$ 211 million;

• Expansion of the port of Itaguaí: R$ 57 million;

• Long Steel Plant: R$ 43 million.

Subsidiaries:

• MRS (transportation and logistics):: R$ 215 million;

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The remainder went to maintenance and technological project designed to improve the operational efficiency of the Company and its subsidiaries.
CSN recognized R$793 million in its investments line from the acquisition of CFM.

Working Capital  

On December 31, 2007, working capital totaled R$ 1.3 billion, 32% down on the end-of-2006 figure. The reduction was mainly due to the R$ 548 million decline in Accounts Receivable and the R$ 537 million increase in Taxes Payable, the latter being due to additions to provisions for IPI tax credits on exports and the adjustment to provisions for IPI credits on input acquisitions in the 3Q07. The average 2007 supplier payment period fell from 94 to 73 days in 2007, while the average client payment period dropped from 41 to 19 days. The average inventory turnover period in 2007 was 15 days less than the 146 days recorded in 2006.

          R$ MM 
        Change 
         
WORKING CAPITAL  Dec/06  Sep/07  Dec/07  4Q07  2007 
Assets  4,045  3,750  3,710  40  335 
 
Cash  167  145  225  (80) (58)
Accounts Receivable  1,292  911  744  167  548 
- Domestic Market  766  760  813  (53) (47)
- Export Market  635  261  47  214  588 
- Allowance for Debtful  (109) (110) (116)
Inventory  2,435  2,521  2,420  101  15 
Advances to Suppliers  151  173  321  (148) (170)
 
Liabilities  2,118  1,864  2,401  (537) (283)
 
Suppliers  1,568  1,167  1,347  (180) 221 
Salaries and Social Contribution  91  185  110  75  (19)
Taxes Payable  407  512  944  (432) (537)
Advances from Clients  52  0  0  0  52 
 
Working Capital  1,927  1,886  1,309  577  618 
 
         
         
TURN OVER RATIO        Change 
         
Average Periods  Dec/06  Sep/07  Dec/07  4Q07  2007 
Receivables  41  23  19  4  22 
Supplier Payment  94  65  73  (8) 21 
Inventory Turnover  146  140  131  9  15 
 

Capital Market 

CSN’s shares appreciated by an exceptional 157% in 2007, the biggest upturn among all the companies listed on the Ibovespa Index, which in turn appreciated by 44%. In the 4Q07 alone, the shares climbed by 25%, versus the Ibovespa’s 6%.

The Company’s ADRs (SID), traded on the NYSE, recorded an even more substantial rise of 216% in 2007, the highest increase among Latin American ADRs, the second highest among mining and steel companies listed in New York and the fourth highest of all ADRs on the NYSE. In comparison, the Dow Jones climbed by a mere 6%.

Capital Markets - CSNA3 / SID / IBOVESPA             
 
    2006    4Q07    2007 
N# of shares    272,067,947   272,067,947    272,067,947 
 
Market Capitalization             
 Closing price (R$/share)   61.32    157.60    157.60 
 Closing price (US$/share)   28.38    89.57    89.57 
 Market Capitalization (R$ million)   15,785    40,423    40,423 
 Market Capitalization (US$ million)   7,305    22,974    22,974 
 
Variation             
 CSNA3 (%)   45%    25%    157% 
 SID (%)   40%    27%    216% 
 Ibovespa    33%    6%    44% 
 Dow Jones    16%    -4%    6% 
 
Volume             
 Average daily (n# of shares)   704,733    952,785    889,262 
 Average daily (R$ Thousand)   45,686    132,254    92,379 
 Average daily (n# of ADR´s)   934,886    1,151,640    1,165,628 
 Average daily (US$ Thousand)   27,995    89,943    63,929 
 
Source: Economática and Bloomberg             

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In the 4Q07, CSN’s ADRs appreciated by 27%, versus a 4% downturn for the Dow Jones.

Average traded volume in the Company’s shares jumped by 102% over 2006 to R$ 92 million per day, while traded ADR volume on the NYSE averaged US$ 64 million per day, US$ 28 million , or 128%, more than the year before.

At a meeting on December 21, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the payment of R$ 800 million in dividends and interest on equity relative to the fiscal year of 2007. Payment took place on January 8, 2008. This decision will be ratified by the subsequent General Shareholders’ Meeting.

Subsequent Events 

Share cancellation and stock buyback
The General Shareholders’ Meeting of January 22, 2008, ratified the resolutions taken by the Board of Directors’ Meeting of December 21, 2007, as follows:
• The cancellation of 4,000,000 Company shares held in treasury;
• The acquisition of up to 4,000,000 shares, to be held in treasury for subsequent sale or cancellation, pursuant to article 3 of CVM Instruction 10/80. The Company’s purpose is to maximize shareholder value through the efficient management of its capital structure. The stock buyback period lasted from January 23 to February 28, 2008.

Stock split
Following the exceptional appreciation of CSN’s shares in 2007, the Company decided to propose a stock split in order to improve their liquidity, facilitating their trading by retail investors. Accordingly, the General Shareholders’ Meeting of January 22, 2008 approved a 1:3 split, i.e. each share was represented by three shares. The ratio of one CSN share for one ADR (American Depositary Receipt) was maintained.

12

Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional, located in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a steel complex comprisinginvestments in infrastructure and logistics whose operations include captive mines, an integrated steel mill, servicecenters, ports and railways. With a total annual production capacity of 5.6 million tons of crude steel and consolidatedgross revenues of R$ 11 billion in 2005, CSN is also the only tin-plate producer in Brazil and one of the five largest tin-plate producers worldwide. It is also one of the world’s most profitable steelmakers.

EBITDA represents net income (loss) before the financial result, income and social contribution taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA should not be regarded as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indicator of CSN’s operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow as an indicator of liquidity. Although CSN’s management considers EBITDA to be a practical means of measuring operating performance and permitting comparisons with other companies, it is not recognized by Brazilian Accounting Principles (Brazilian Corporate Law or BR GAAP) or US Accounting Principles (US GAAP) and other companies may define and calculate it differently.

Net debt as presented is used by CSN to measure our financial performance. However, net debt is not recognized as a measurement of financial performance according to the accounting practices adopted in Brazil, nor should it be considered in isolation, or as an alternative to net income or financial result as an indicator of liquidity.

Certain of the statements contained herein are forward-looking statements, which express or imply results, performance or events that are expected in the future. These include future results that may be implied by historical results and the statements under ‘Outlook’. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, such as the general and economic conditions in Brazil and other countries, interest rate and exchange rate levels, protectionist measures in the US, Brazil and other countries, changes in laws and regulations and general competitive factors (on a global, regional or national basis).

13

INCOME STATEMENT

CONSOLIDATED - Corporate Law - In Thousand of R$

    4Q06   3Q07   4Q07    2006    2007 
Gross Revenue    3,231,363    3,789,099    3,868,520    11,265,137    14,423,165 
     Gross Revenue deductions    (655,051)   (820,499)   (855,586)   (2,224,768)   (2,982,183)
Net Revenues    2,576,312    2,968,600    3,012,934    9,040,369    11,440,982 
     Domestic Market    1,730,172    2,194,671    2,307,712    6,399,852    8,228,511 
     Export Market    846,140    773,929    705,222    2,640,517    3,212,471 
Cost of Good Sold (COGS)   (1,610,297)   (1,698,047)   (1,820,828)   (5,988,785)   (6,674,224)
     COGS, excluding depreciation    (1,384,588)   (1,428,935)   (1,512,142)   (5,079,471)   (5,595,593)
     Depreciation allocated to COGS    (225,709)   (269,112)   (308,686)   (909,314)   (1,078,631)
Gross Profit    966,015    1,270,553    1,192,106    3,051,584    4,766,758 
Gross Margin (%)   37.5%    42.8%    39.6%    33.8%    41.7% 
     Selling Expenses    (121,789)   (144,903)   (128,378)   (465,534)   (590,937)
     General and andminstrative expenses    (85,882)   (87,975)   (106,349)   (335,206)   (384,168)
     Depreciation allocated to SG&A    (13,083)   (13,003)   (13,585)   (52,079)   (53,645)
     Other operation income (expense), net    (267,808)   (81,598)   (65,933)   456,208    (152,403)
Operating income before financial equity interests    477,453    943,074    877,861    2,654,973    3,585,605 
Net Financial Result    (254,759)   56,113    (184,999)   (899,525)   316,237 
     Financial Expenses    (372,249)   (432,874)   (654,951)   (1,356,830)   (1,392,697)
     Financial Income    (18,390)   300,851    298,139    (14,402)   884,666 
     Net monetary and forgain exchange variations    135,880    188,136    171,813    471,707    824,268 
Equity interest in subsidiary    (23,945)   (27,344)   (27,104)   (87,509)   (109,684)
Operating Income (loss)   198,749    971,843    665,758    1,667,939    3,792,158 
Non-operating income (expenes), Net    17,665    (7,796)   (27,845)   19,066    144,728 
Income Before Income and Social Contribution Taxes    216,414    964,047    637,913    1,687,005    3,936,886 
     (Provision)/Credit for Income Tax    (153,948)   (114,835)   (335,368)   (407,761)   (953,161)
     (Provision)/Credit for Social Contribution    (62,845)   (43,169)   (126,329)   (197,159)   (356,059)
     Deferred Income Tax    45,456    (78,567)   245,105    8,151    197,361 
     Deferred Social Contribution    38,337    (28,301)   86,778    77,288    97,323 
 
Net Income (Loss)   83,415    699,176    508,098    1,167,525    2,922,350 
 
EBITDA    984,053    1,306,787    1,266,065    3,160,158    4,870,284 
EBITDA Margin (%)   38.2%    44.0%    42.0%    35.0%    42.6% 
Adjusted EBITDA    808,894    1,306,787    1,266,065    3,822,557    4,870,284 
Adjusted EBITDA Margin    31.4%    44.0%    42.0%    42.3%    42.6% 
 

14

 


INCOME STATEMENT

PARENT COMPANY - Corporate Law - In Thousand of R$

    4Q06    3Q07    4Q07    2006    2007 
Gross Revenues    2,471,516    2,868,839    2,979,492    8,743,881    11,150,493 
     Gross Revenues deductions    (477,786)   (684,108)   (709,231)   (1,754,622)   (2,470,547)
Net Revenues    1,993,730    2,184,731    2,270,261    6,989,259    8,679,946 
     Domestic Market    1,386,629    1,905,628    1,931,520    5,266,826    7,058,449 
     Export Market    607,101    279,102    338,742    1,722,433    1,621,497 
Cost of Good Sold (COGS)   (1,264,392)   (1,146,722)   (1,339,886)   (4,780,880)   (4,911,166)
     COGS, excluding depreciation    (1,076,824)   (917,648)   (1,077,357)   (4,006,243)   (3,996,878)
     Depreciation allocated to COGS    (187,568)   (229,074)   (262,529)   (774,637)   (914,288)
Gross Profit    729,338    1,038,009    930,375    2,208,379    3,768,780 
Gross Margin (%)   36.6%    47.5%    41.0%    31.6%    43.4% 
     Selling Expenses    (42,863)   (76,222)   (78,297)   (244,492)   (300,970)
     General and andminstrative expenses    (58,084)   (61,121)   (77,833)   (235,480)   (267,600)
     Depreciation allocated to SG&A    (5,915)   (6,395)   (6,121)   (23,836)   (24,628)
     Other operation income (expense), net    (280,008)   (40,332)   (41,130)   449,940    (184,135)
Operating income before financial equity interests    342,468    853,939    726,994    2,154,511    2,991,447 
Net Financial Result    (233,185)   (197,184)   (463,562)   (826,473)   (353,192)
     Financial Expenses    (283,786)   (384,509)   (622,371)   (1,006,689)   (1,194,902)
     Financial Income    (113,919)   15,222    (49,606)   (527,706)   (356,928)
     Net monetary and forgain exchange variations    164,520    172,103    208,415    707,922    1,198,638 
Equity interest in subsidiary    20,845    259,416    282,552    164,383    1,108,675 
Operating Income (loss)   130,128    916,171    545,984    1,492,421    3,746,930 
Non-operating income (expenes), Net    16,660    (4,117)   (11,966)   17,887    (17,104)
Income Before Income and Social Contribution Taxes    146,788    912,054    534,018    1,510,308    3,729,826 
     (Provision)/Credit for Income Tax    (108,276)   (68,960)   (297,415)   (247,418)   (767,009)
     (Provision)/Credit for Social Contribution    (49,994)   (33,580)   (109,417)   (152,813)   (305,523)
     Deferred Income Tax    60,228    (76,510)   252,545    (11,013)   162,647 
     Deferred Social Contribution    43,664    (28,046)   90,640    70,302    85,304 
 
Net Income (Loss)   92,410    704,958    470,372    1,169,366    2,905,245 
 
EBITDA*    815,959    1,129,740    1,036,774    2,503,044    4,114,498 
EBITDA Margin (%)   40.9%    51.7%    45.7%    35.8%    47.4% 
Adjusted EBITDA    640,800    1,129,740    1,036,774    3,165,443    4,114,498 
Adjusted EBITDA Margin    32.1%    51.7%    45.7%    45.3%    47.4% 
 

* EBITDA = Gross income excluding selling, general and adminstrative expenses added to depreciation, amortization and exhaustion.
** Excluding shares held in treasury

15

BALANCE SHEET

Corporate Law - thousands of R$

    Consolidated   Parent Company
    2007   2006   2007   2006
Current Assets    8,396,140    7,927,762    4,783,329    5,008,626 
Cash and Cash Equivalents    225,344    167,288    26,223    71,389 
Marketable securities    3,620,930    2,455,813    718,892    517,474 
Trade Accounts Receivable    744,401    1,292,291    997,443    1,428,866 
Inventory    2,419,745    2,435,281    1,780,473    1,649,930 
Insurance claims    186,247    447,107    186,247    447,107 
Deffered Income Tax and Social Contribution    512,076    429,630    407,205    317,992 
Other    687,397    700,352    666,846    575,868 
Non-Current Assets    18,656,101    17,100,539    21,825,272    19,296,714 
   Long-Term Assets    2,177,707    1,927,316    2,472,203    1,778,635 
   Investments    956,281    957,674    6,573,043    5,309,209 
   PP&E    15,295,642    13,948,261    12,618,843    12,031,793 
   Deferred    226,471    267,288    161,183    177,077 
 
TOTAL ASSETS    27,052,241    25,028,301    26,608,601    24,305,340 
 
Current Liabilities    6,844,150    4,317,780    6,523,450    5,521,473 
Loans and Financing    1,827,988    1,080,487    1,736,506    2,163,092 
Suppliers    1,346,789    1,568,331    1,046,600    1,404,537 
Taxes and Contributions    1,054,376    624,486    764,223    385,694 
Dividends Payable    2,115,881    686,984    2,115,881    686,984 
Other    499,116    357,492    860,240    881,166 
Non-Current Liabilities    12,665,830    14,586,377    12,457,541    12,557,291 
Long-term Liabilities    12,660,694    14,581,085    12,457,541    12,557,291 
Loans and Financing    6,930,891    8,344,817    6,944,740    6,316,297 
Provisions for contingencies, net    2,461,472    3,742,714    2,377,289    3,664,486 
judicial deposits                 
Deferred Income and Social Contributions Taxes    2,068,614    2,023,572    1,946,806    2,003,506 
Other    1,199,717    469,982    1,188,706    573,002 
Future Period Results    5,136    5,292                 -    - 
Shareholders' Equity    7,542,261    6,124,144    7,627,610    6,226,576 
Capital    1,680,947    1,680,947    1,680,947    1,680,947 
Capital Reserve    30      30   
Revaluation Reserve    4,585,553    4,208,550    4,585,553    4,208,550 
Earnings Reserve    2,019,161    911,368    2,104,510    1,013,800 
Treasury Stock    (743,430)   (676,721)   (743,430)   (676,721)
Retained Earnings                 -                     -     
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS´ EQUITY    27,052,241    25,028,301    26,608,601    24,305,340 
 

16

 


CASH FLOW STATEMENT

CONSOLIDATED - Corporate Law - thounsands of R$

    4Q06      3Q07    4Q07   2006   2007
Cash Flow from Operating Activities    679,696    1,426,377    1,234,215    1,786,957    4,022,792 
   Net Income for the period    83,415    699,175    508,098    1,167,525    2,922,350 
       Net exchange and monetary variations    (116,850)   (336,898)   (201,720)   (622,682)   (1,109,591)
       Provision for financial expenses    204,705    177,615    165,139    864,419    732,558 
       Depreciation, exhaustion and amortization    238,677    282,115    322,271    961,393    1,132,276 
       Fixed Assets Write-off    (13,588)   8,471    22,603    16,379    696,509 
       Equity results    23,944    27,348    27,102    87,509    109,684 
       Deferred income taxes and social contributions    (83,793)   106,869    (331,885)   (85,439)   (294,685)
       Provisions    536,613    (412,406)   (163,475)   (344,510)   (913,410)
Working Capital    (193,427)   874,088    886,082    (257,637)   747,101 
       Accounts Receivable    90,160    241,268    166,654    125,823    584,096 
       Inventory    (22,595)   19,364    97,435    (535,991)   (3,446)
       Suppliers    (17,201)   (67,810)   179,390    336,248    (221,541)
       Taxes    (134,089)   (276,823)   1,231,724    136,304    1,195,542 
       Interest Expenses    (238,188)   (199,745)   (193,114)   (850,770)   (782,992)
       Others    128,486    1,157,834    (596,007)   530,749    (24,558)
Cash Flow from Investment Activities    (1,058,933)   (1,359,894)   (863,072)   (2,282,072)   (3,504,580)
   Investments    (678,894)   (792,765)   (401)   (772,520)   (793,167)
   Fixed Assets/Deferred/Judicial Deposits    (380,039)   (567,129)   (862,671)   (1,509,552)   (2,711,413)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities    (122,900)   (191,521)   (174,863)   (852,932)   (283,581)
   Issuances    1,623,009    608,220    299,490    4,451,976    3,237,706 
   Amortizations    (1,745,898)   (136,798)   (474,296)   (3,196,062)   (2,768,575)
   Dividends/Interest on own capital    (11)   (662,943)   (56)   (2,069,736)   (686,003)
   Shares in treasury            (39,110)   (66,709)
           
Free Cash Flow    (502,137)   (125,038)   196,280    (1,348,047)   234,631 
           

17

NET FINANCIAL RESULT

Consolidated - Corporate Law - thousands of R$

    4Q06    3Q07    4Q07    2006    2007 
Financial Expenses    (372,249)   (432,875)   (654,949)   (1,356,830)   (1,392,697)
Loans and financing    (204,705)   (177,585)   (165,169)   (864,419)   (732,558)
    Local currency    (50,250)    (53,342)   (46,838)   (230,771)   (204,603)
    Foreign currency    (154,455)   (124,243)   (118,331)   (633,648)   (527,955)
Taxes    (118,244)   (222,707)   (456,077)   (347,799)   (533,378)
Other financial expenses    (49,300)    (32,583)   (33,704)   (144,612)   (126,761)
 
Financial Income    (18,390)   300,851    298,139    (14,402)   884,666 
Income from cash investments    51,401    33,858    47,393    202,855    198,134 
Gains/Losses in derivative operations    (73,104)   224,225    212,965    (265,454)   551,745 
Other income    3,313    42,768    37,781    48,197    134,787 
 
Exchange and monetary variations    135,880    188,136    171,813    471,707    824,268 
Net monetary change    (21,984)    (12,476)   (19,112)   (61,844)        (39,703)
Net exchange change    157,864    200,612    190,925    533,551    863,971 
 
Net Financial Result    (254,759)   56,112    (184,998)   (899,525)   316,237 
 

NET FINANCIAL RESULT

Parent Company - Corporate Law - thousands of R$

    4Q06    3Q07    4Q07    2006    2007 
Financial Expenses    (283,786)   (384,509)   (622,371)   (1,006,689)   (1,194,902)
Loans and financing    (54,291)   (49,616)   (55,279)   (242,983)   (209,150)
    Local currency    (43,550)   (41,400)   (40,603)   (205,081)   (174,453)
    Foreing currency    (10,741)   (8,216)   (14,676)   (37,902)   (34,697)
Transaction with subsidiaries    (107,496)   (93,955)   (91,558)   (434,076)   (377,867)
Taxes    (111,102)   (220,618)   (451,841)   (337,780)   (520,712)
Other financial expenses    (10,897)   (20,320)   (23,693)   8,150    (87,173)
 
Financial Income    (113,919)   15,223    (49,608)   (527,706)   (356,928)
Transaction with subsidiaries    4,139    (6,343)   29,191    15,025    (224,007)
Income from cash investments    25,596    2,911    1,286    71,490    10,232 
Gains/Losses in derivative operations    (138,637)   (26,119)   (117,314)   (634,187)   (259,462)
Other income    (5,017)   44,774    37,230    19,966    116,309 
 
Exchange and monetary variations    164,520    172,103    208,415    707,922    1,198,638 
Net monetary change    (20,755)   (10,086)   (13,783)   (53,874)   (31,628)
Net exchange change    185,275    182,189    222,198    761,796    1,230,266 
                     
Net Financial Result    (233,185)   (197,183)   (463,563)   (826,473)   (353,192)
 

18

 


SALES VOLUME
Consolidated - Thousand t

    4Q06   3Q07   4Q07   200   2007
DOMESTIC MARKET    732    967    1,018    2,818    3,614 
   Slabs    22    19    26    46    84 
   Hot Rolled    268    455    440    1,003    1,535 
   Cold Rolled    96    154    141    439    557 
   Galvanized    199    213    258    736    873 
   Tin Plate    147    125    152    594    565 
EXPORT MARKET    463    382    394    1,567    1,764 
   Slabs    37    28    81    121    310 
   Hot Rolled    72    22    20    290    93 
   Cold Rolled    30    50    34    142    182 
   Galvanized    228    200    153    759    809 
   Tin Plate    96    83    106    255    370 
TOTAL MARKET    1,193    1,348    1,412    4,384    5,378 
   Slabs    57    47    107    166    394 
   Hot Rolled    340    477    460    1,292    1,627 
   Cold Rolled    126    204    176    581    740 
   Galvanized    427    413    410    1,495    1,681 
   Tin Plate    243    207    258    850    935 
 

SALES VOLUME
Parent Company - Thousand t

    4Q06    3Q07   4Q07   2006   2007
DOMESTIC MARKET    720    982    1,003    2,838    3,653 
   Slabs    21    19    26    46    84 
   Hot Rolled    267    456    436    981    1,526 
   Cold Rolled    113    190    195    531    700 
   Galvanized    167    192    211    666    776 
   Tin Plate    151    125    135    614    567 
EXPORT MARKET    443    164    262    1,302    1,199 
   Slabs    78               -    81    196    235 
   Hot Rolled    112    22    43    386    232 
   Cold Rolled    46      10    143    106 
   Galvanized    126    61    35    362    310 
   Tin Plate    81    72    93    215    317 
TOTAL MARKET    1,163    1,146    1,265    4,140    4,852 
   Slabs    99    19    107    242    319 
   Hot Rolled    379    478    479    1,367    1,758 
   Cold Rolled    159    199    205    674    806 
   Galvanized    294    253    246    1,028    1,085 
   Tin Plate    232    197    227    829    884 
 

19

NET REVENUE PER UNIT

Consolidated - In R$/t

    4Q06    3Q07    4Q07    2006   2007
DOMESTIC MARKET    1,937    1,899    1,872    1,851    1,893 
EXPORT MARKET    1,728    1,585    1,406    1,627    1,533 
TOTAL MARKET    1,856    1,810    1,742    1,771    1,775 
   Slabs    401    933    857    735    912 
   Hot Rolled    1,388    1,505    1,458    1,322    1,458 
   Cold Rolled    1,508    1,671    1,632    1,551    1,621 
   Galvanized    2,111    2,104    2,119    1,975    2,074 
   Tin Plate    2,590    2,264    2,092    2,449    2,274 
 

NET REVENUE PER UNIT

Parent Company - In R$/t

    4Q06    3Q07    4Q07    2006    2007 
DOMESTIC MARKET    1,785    1,795    1,743    1,722    1,778 
EXPORT MARKET    1,346    1,458    1,195    1,308    1,290 
TOTAL MARKET    1,618    1,746    1,630    1,592    1,657 
   Slabs    564    792    842    808    858 
   Hot Rolled    1,296    1,478    1,414    1,248    1,389 
   Cold Rolled    1,446    1,651    1,558    1,417    1,540 
   Galvanized    2,066    2,254    2,303    1,891    2,150 
   Tin Plate    2,145    1,934    1,788    2,159    1,981 
 

Dolar Exchange Rate
in R$ / US$

    4Q 06    1Q 07    2Q 07    3Q 07    4Q 07 
End of Period    2.138    2.050    1.926    1.839    1.771 
Change %    -1.66%    -4.12%    -6.05%    -4.52%    -3.69% 
 

20

 

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

Date: March 10, 2008

 
COMPANHIA SIDERÚRGICA NACIONAL
By:
/S/ Benjamin Steinbruch

 
Benjamin Steinbruch
Chief Executive Officer and Investor Relations Officer

 

 

 
By:
/S/ Otávio de Garcia Lazcano

 
Otávio de Garcia Lazcano
Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts, and are based on management's current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "plans" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.