As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2004.
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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Form 20-F
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| | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
|X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003
OR
| | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission file number _______________
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Tevecap S.A.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
TEVECAP INC. THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL
(Translation of Registrant's (Jurisdiction of incorporation
name into English) or organization)
Av. das Nacoes Unidas, 7221 - 7(0) andar
Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
05425-902
(Telephone: 55-11-3037-5127)
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)
--------------------
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Act:
12-5/8% Senior Notes due 2004 of Tevecap S.A. and guarantees thereof by
each of TVA Sistema de Televisao S.A., TVA Communications Ltd., Comercial Cabo
TV Sao Paulo Ltda., TVA Sul Parana Ltda., CCS Camboriu Cable System de
Telecomunicacoes Ltda., TVA Programadora Ltda. and TVAPAR S.A.
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes
of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual
report:
485,220,440 Common Shares
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days:
YES |X| NO | |
Indicate by check mark which financial statements item the registrant has
elected to follow:
ITEM 17 | | ITEM 18 |X|
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS...............1
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE.............................1
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION.....................................................1
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY..........................................9
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS.......................25
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES.........................37
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS..................40
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION..............................................43
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING..............................................43
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.............................................44
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.........50
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN DEBT SECURITIES...............51
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES....................51
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
AND USE OF PROCEEDS................................................51
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES............................................51
ITEM 16. [RESERVED].........................................................51
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT...................................51
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS.....................................................51
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.............................52
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...............................................52
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...............................................52
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS...........................................................52
GLOSSARY ..................................................................A-1
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.........................................................F-1
i
Presentation of Certain Information
This Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 is
referred to herein as the "Annual Report."
Tevecap S.A. ("Tevecap" and, together with its subsidiaries, "TVA" or the
"Company") is a corporation (sociedade anonima) organized under the laws of the
Federative Republic of Brazil. The accounts of the Company, which are maintained
in Brazilian reais, were prepared in accordance with the accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") and translated
into United States dollars on the basis set forth in Note 2.3 of the
consolidated financial statements of Tevecap and its subsidiaries (the "Tevecap
Financial Statements" and, together with the financial statements of CCS
Camboriu Cable System de Telecomunicacoes Ltda. included in Item 19 of this
Annual Report, the "Financial Statements"). Certain amounts stated herein in
U.S. dollars (other than as set forth in the Financial Statements and financial
information derived therefrom) have been translated, for the convenience of the
reader, from reais at the rate in effect on December 31, 2003 of R$2.8892 =
U.S.$1.00. Such translations should not be construed as a representation that
reais could have been converted at such rate on such date or at any other date.
See Item 3, "Key Information--Selected Financial Data--Exchange Rates."
Capitalized terms used in this Annual Report are defined, unless the
context otherwise requires, in the Glossary attached hereto. All references in
this Annual Report to (i) "U.S. Dollars," "dollars," "$" or "U.S.$" are to
United States dollars and (ii) "reais," "real" or "R$" are to Brazilian reais.
Unless otherwise specified, data regarding population or homes in a
licensed area are projections based on 2000 population census figures compiled
by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica ("IBGE") and the
Company's knowledge of its markets. There can be no assurance that the number of
people or the number of households in a specified area has not increased or
decreased by a higher or lower rate than those estimated by the IBGE since the
2000 census. Unless otherwise indicated, references to the number of the
Company's subscribers are based on Company data as of December 31, 2003. Data
concerning total MMDS and Cable subscribers and penetration rates represent
estimates made by the Company based on the data of Pay TV Survey, Associacao
Brasileira de Telecomunicacoes por Assinatura (ABTA), Kagan World Media, Inc.,
IBGE data, the Company's knowledge of its pay television systems and those of
the Operating Ventures, and public statements of other Brazilian pay television
providers. Although the Company believes such estimates are reasonable, no
assurance can be made as to their accuracy. The term DIRECTV(R) ("DIRECTV") is a
registered trademark of Hughes Electronics Corporation and refers to the Ku-Band
service provided by Galaxy Brasil in conjunction with Galaxy Latin America.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report contains statements which are forward-looking within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements appear in a number of places in this Annual Report and include
statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company
or its officers. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and
uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Neither the Company's
independent auditors, nor any other independent accountants, have compiled,
examined, or performed any procedures, with respect to the prospective financial
information contained herein, nor have they expressed any opinion or any other
form of assurance on such information or its achievability, and assume no
responsibility for, and disclaim any association with, the prospective financial
information.
ii
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE.
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. Selected Financial Data
The selected financial data as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 have been derived from,
and should be read in conjunction with, the Tevecap Financial Statements
included in this Annual Report. The selected financial data as of December 31,
2001, 2000 and 1999 and for each of the two years in the period ended December
31, 2000 have been derived from audited financial statements of the Company that
are not included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
In July 1999 the Company consummated the sale of the DBS Systems and
certain assets related thereto. These operations have been classified as
"Discontinued Operations" as of and for the periods discussed herein. See Item
4, "Information on the Company--History and Development of the Company."
As required by Brazilian law, and in accordance with local accounting
practices, the financial records of Tevecap and its subsidiaries are maintained
in the applicable Brazilian currency (the real). However, the Financial
Statements are presented in U.S. dollars in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In order
to prepare the Financial Statements, the Company's accounts have been translated
from the applicable Brazilian currency, on the basis described in Note 2.3 to
the Tevecap Financial Statements included in this Annual Report. Because of the
differences between the evolution of the rates of inflation in Brazil and the
changes in the rates of devaluation, amounts presented in U.S. dollars may show
distortions when compared on a period-to-period basis.
1
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
Year Ended December 31,
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Dollars in Thousands)
Consolidated Statement of Operation:
Gross revenues
Monthly subscriptions $ 76,305 $ 74,925 $ 90,218 $ 101,201 $ 94,055
Installation 1,211 1,099 270 968 1,900
Indirect programming (a) -- -- -- 357 3,722
Advertising 2,586 1,624 1,005 2,503 1,597
Additional services and others (b) 11,270 12,120 16,413 20,049 14,924
Total gross revenue 91,372 89,768 107,906 125,078 116,198
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Direct operating expenses (c) 39,875 42,872 51,296 55,402 45,638
Taxes on revenues (d) 13,038 12,444 15,636 13,145 12,782
Selling, general and administrative expenses 18,694 19,747 31,420 37,550 25,590
Depreciation and amortization 23,683 28,017 34,364 43,290 56,879
Tax recovery program 5,029 -- -- -- --
Other operating expense (income), net 9,568 4,281 1,762 (2,611) 19,012
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total operating expenses 109,887 107,361 134,478 146,776 159,901
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Operating loss from continuing operations (18,515) (17,593) (26,572) (21,698) (43,703)
Nonoperating (income) expenses
Interest expense 18,135 16,941 37,849 45,069 22,254
Foreign Currency transaction loss, net (11,019) 31,520 11,067 4,816 --
Other nonoperating expenses (income), net (e) (1,429) (1,054) (2,046) (43,249) 7,024
Income tax expense 19,382 79 -- 2,517 106
Equity in (income) losses of affiliates, net (f) (3,585) 6,337 2,375 2,004 5,238
Income from discontinued operations -- -- -- -- (94,344)
Extraordinary item - gain on debt repurchase -- -- -- -- (53,857)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss) (39,999) (71,416) (75,817) (32,855) 69,876
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
2
Year Ended December 31,
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Other data:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 11,223 11,195 30,722 26,716 25,927
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Ratio of earnings to fixed changes (g)
Cash Flow Data:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 9,233 25,795 11,695 2,954 (18,435)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (11,082) (4,942) 3,823 6,030 152,006
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities 927 (11,620) (33,739) (2,746) (133,022)
Selected Operating Data:
Number of Subscribers (h) 284,190 300,621 359,282 345,823 309,663
Average monthly revenue per Subscriber (i) $ 25.50 $ 21.24 $ 24.56 $ 28.08 $ 30.37
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
Cash and cash equivalents 292 245 634 1,609 1,946
Property, plant and equipment, net 76,317 76,907 149,594 182,511 211,729
Total assets 107,931 111,475 198,834 279,357 289,948
Loans payable to related companies 39,712 12,117 7,016 141,122 137,168
Long-term liabilities 93,581 86,298 83,177 230,765 225,743
Redeemable common stock -- 99,365 115,252 151,260 178,002
Total shareholders' deficit (89,431) (119,618) (54,764) (162,049) (154,381)
Notes to Selected Financial and Other Data
(a) Represents revenues received by the Company for selling programming to the
Independent Operators.
(b) Includes Advertising and Other revenues (such as cable modem fee,
frequencies lease, wholesale, technical assistance).
(c) Represents costs directly related to the subscriber base and new
installations evolution.
(d) Represents various non-income based taxes paid on certain of the Company's
gross revenue items with rates ranging from 3.65% to 15.15%.
(e) Includes interest income and Minority interest.
(f) Represents the Company's pro rata share of the Net loss or income of its
equity investments.
(g) For the three years ended December 31, 2003, earnings were insufficient to
cover fixed charges by $25,367, $48,074 and $35,877, respectively, and for
the two years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 covered fixed charges by
$13,727 and $42,833, respectively. In calculating the Ratio of earnings to
fixed charges, earnings represents Net loss before minority interest,
Equity in (losses) income of affiliates, less fixed charges. Fixed charges
consist of the sum of interest expense paid or accrued on indebtedness of
the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates and one third of operating
rental expenses (such amount having been deemed by the Company to
represent the interest portion of such payments).
(h) Represents the number of subscribers as of the last day of each period.
(i) Average monthly revenue per subscriber refers to the average monthly
subscription fee as of the last day of each period.
Exchange Rates
There are two legal foreign exchange markets in Brazil: the commercial
rate exchange market (the "Commercial Market") and the floating rate exchange
market (the "Floating Market"). The Commercial Market is reserved primarily for
foreign trade transactions and transactions that generally require prior
approval from Brazilian monetary authorities, such as the purchase and sale of
registered investments by foreign persons and related remittances of funds
abroad. Purchases of foreign exchange in the Commercial Market may be carried
out only through a financial institution in Brazil authorized to buy and sell
currency in that market. The "Commercial Market Rate" is the commercial selling
rate for Brazilian currency into U.S. dollars, as reported by the Central Bank.
The "Floating Market
3
Rate" generally applies to transactions to which the Commercial Market Rate does
not apply. Prior to the implementation of the Real Plan, the Commercial Market
Rate and the Floating Market Rate differed significantly at times. Since the
introduction of the real, the two rates have not differed significantly,
although there can be no assurance that there will not be significant
differences between the two rates in the future. Both the Commercial Market Rate
and the Floating Market Rate are reported by the Central Bank on a daily basis.
Both the Commercial Market Rate and the Floating Market Rate are freely
negotiated but are strongly influenced by the Central Bank. After the
implementation of the Real Plan, the Central Bank initially allowed the real to
float with minimal intervention. On March 6, 1995, the Central Bank announced
that it would intervene in the market and buy or sell U.S. dollars, establishing
a trading band (faixa de flutuacao) in which the exchange rate between the real
and the U.S. dollar would fluctuate. From 1995 through 1998, the Central Bank
periodically adjusted the trading band upward.
On January 13, 1999, the Central Bank attempted a limited devaluation of
the real by modestly elevating the band width in which the real was allowed to
trade. When this limited devaluation proved unsuccessful, the Central Bank
announced that it would no longer use its foreign currency reserves to protect
the value of the real (with the exception of limited interventions to restrain
abrupt fluctuations in the exchange rate), thereby allowing the real to float
freely against other currencies. Consequently, in the weeks following the
initial devaluation, the real has lost more than 40% of its value against the
U.S. dollar. There can be no assurance that the Central Bank will not institute
a new band in the future or that the real will not devalue further.
On January 25, 1999, in the wake of the devaluation and the adoption of a
floating exchange regime, the National Monetary Council adopted Resolution No.
2588, effective as of February 1, 1999. Pursuant to such resolution, banks that
are authorized to operate in the Commercial Market are required to unify their
positions in the two different markets. These markets are now differentiated
solely for regulatory purposes. As a result of Resolution No. 2588, since
February 1, 1999 the Commercial Market rate and the Floating Market rate have
offered substantially similar pricing and liquidity, despite the potential for
distinct treatment for regulatory purposes in the future. Certain specific
foreign exchange transactions are carried out through the Commercial Market and
registered with the Central Bank through its electronic systems. Such
registration allows the remittance of funds abroad through the Commercial
Market.
The following table provides the Commercial Market rate for the purchase
of U.S. dollars expressed in reais per U.S. dollar for the periods and dates
indicated.
Exchange Rates of reais per U.S. $1.00
----------------------------------------------------
Low High Average(1) Period End
-------- -------- -------- ----------
Year Ended:
December 31, 1999....................... 1.207800 2.164700 1.816200 1.789000
December 31, 2000....................... 1.723400 1.984700 1.830200 1.955400
December 31, 2001....................... 1.935700 2.800700 2.350600 2.320400
December 31, 2002....................... 2.270900 3.955200 2.923600 3.533300
December 31, 2003....................... 2.821900 3.662300 3.078300 2.889200
Month Ended:
January 31, 2004........................ 2.802200 2.940900 2.851800 2.940900
February 28, 2004....................... 2.904200 2.987800 2.930300 2.913800
March 31, 2004.......................... 2.875200 2.941000 2.905500 2.908600
April 30, 2004.......................... 2.874300 2.952200 2.906000 2.944700
May 31, 2004............................ 2.944700 3.205100 3.100400 3.129100
June 29, 2004........................... 3.103000 3.165100 3.130200 3.118300
- ----------
(1) Calculated as the average of the month-end exchange rates during the
relevant period. Source: Central Bank of Brazil.
On June 29, 2004, the Commercial Market rate (sell) as reported by the
Central Bank was 3.1183 per U.S.$1.00.
4
For a description of certain applicable exchange controls, see Item 10,
"Additional Information--Exchange Controls." See also Item 3, "Key
Information--Risk Factors--Factors Relating to Brazil."
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
Before making any investment decision, investors should carefully read
this entire Annual Report and should consider carefully, in light of their own
financial circumstances and investment objectives, all the information set forth
herein and, in particular, certain matters with respect to debt securities
issued by Brazilian companies, including, without limitation, those set forth
below.
Factors Relating to the Company
The Company has incurred substantial operating losses.
Since its inception in 1989, the Company has been developing its
businesses and continues to sustain substantial operating losses due primarily
to insufficient revenue with which to fund build-out, interest expense and
charges for depreciation and amortization. Net losses incurred by the Company
have been funded principally by capital contributions from shareholders,
borrowings under shareholder loans, dispositions of non-strategic assets, bank
loans and other borrowings made from time to time. Management of the Company has
undertaken efforts to generate the cash flow necessary to meet the Company's
cost structure, including the sale of non-strategic assets, the reduction of
indebtedness and internal cost-cutting measures.
The Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2003 have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as
a going concern. As discussed in Note 1.2 to the Company's financial statements,
the Company's recurring losses from operations, working capital deficiency and
shareholders' deficit raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a
going concern. In this regard, managements' plans include: (i) increasing the
Company's subscriber base and implementing technological upgrades to its pay
television networks; (ii) streamlining the Company's principal operating
procedures to increase productivity and profitability; (iii) the continuation of
a cost reduction program which was initiated in 2002; (iii) adjusting the
Company's capitalization (including indebtedness) to provide for long term
growth and stability and (iv) sales of non-strategic assets and the
discontinuation of noncompetitive businesses. The financial statements do not
include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
The Company operates in a competitive pay television industry.
5
The pay television industry in Brazil is, and is expected to continue to
be, highly competitive. The Company competes with providers of pay television
services utilizing Cable, MMDS and DBS technology delivery systems and any new
delivery systems which may be introduced, as well as existing off-air broadcast
television networks, movie theaters, video rental stores, internet service
providers and other entertainment and leisure activities generally.
The success of the Company's operating strategies is subject to factors
that are beyond the control of the Company and difficult to predict due, in
part, to the limited history of pay television services in Brazil. Consequently,
the size of the Brazilian market for pay television, the rates of penetration of
that market, the acceptance of pay television by subscribers and commercial
advertisers, the sensitivity of potential subscribers to the price of
installation and subscription fees and the extent and nature of the competitive
environment in the Brazilian pay television industry are uncertain.
The Company's activities are extensively regulated.
Substantially all of the Company's business activities are regulated by
the federal Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicacoes (Brazilian Telecommunications
Agency, or "ANATEL"). Such regulation relates to, among other things, licensing,
local access to Cable and MMDS systems, commercial advertising, and foreign
investment in Cable and MMDS systems. Changes in the regulation of the Company's
business activities, including decisions by regulators affecting the Company's
operations (such as the granting or renewal of licenses or decisions as to the
subscription rates the Company may charge its customers) or changes in
interpretations of existing regulations by courts or regulators, could adversely
affect the Company. ANATEL has the authority to grant Cable and MMDS licenses
pursuant to public bidding processes. The Company is unable to predict what
impact, if any, such public bidding will have on its ability to launch and
operate new systems. Any new regulations could have a material adverse effect on
the subscription television industry as a whole and on the Company in
particular.
The Company may require additional financing.
If the Company fails to meet its projected operating results or its
capital needs exceed its projected requirements, the Company may require
substantial investment on a continuing basis to finance its corresponding
capital expenditures. The Company may also require substantial additional
capital for any new pay television license acquisitions or investments or
acquisitions of entities holding such licenses, or for any investments in or
acquisitions of other existing pay television operations in order to further
expand the Company's operations. The amount and timing of the Company's future
capital requirements will depend upon a number of factors, many of which are not
within the Company's control, including subscriber growth and retention,
programming costs, capital costs, marketing expenses, staffing levels, and
competitive conditions. There can be no assurance that the Company's future cash
requirements will not increase as a result of unexpected developments in the
Brazilian pay television industry. Failure to obtain any required additional
financing to meet these requirements could adversely affect the growth of the
Company and, ultimately, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company's debt obligations are subject to foreign exchange risk.
A significant portion of the debt obligations of the Company (i.e., the
Senior Notes) are denominated in U.S. dollars, while the Company generates
revenues only in Brazilian reais. The Company also incurs a significant portion
of its programming costs in U.S. dollars. Consequently, a significant
devaluation of the real against the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the
Company's ability to meet its obligations and fund its capital expenditures, and
could adversely affect its results of operations. In addition, shifts in
currency exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on the Company and
may force the Company to seek additional capital, which may not be available to
it. While the Company may consider entering into transactions to hedge or
otherwise share with programmers the risk of exchange rate fluctuations, it may
not be possible for the Company to obtain such arrangements on commercially
satisfactory terms.
The Company's industry is subject to rapid changes in technology.
The pay television industry as a whole is, and is likely to continue to
be, subject to rapid and significant changes in technology. The Company is
presently upgrading its Cable system in Sao Paulo and, in the near future, its
MMDS systems to offer digital services and believes that, for the foreseeable
future, existing and developing alternative
6
technologies will not materially adversely affect the viability or
competitiveness of its pay television business. However, there can be no
assurance as to the effect of such technological changes on the Company or that
the Company will not be required to expend substantial financial resources in
the development or implementation of new competitive technologies.
The Company has limited assets and depends on its subsidiaries to repay
indebtedness.
Tevecap's operations are conducted through, and substantially all of
Tevecap's assets are owned by, Tevecap's direct and indirect subsidiaries. The
ability of Tevecap to meet its obligations in respect of its indebtedness,
including the Senior Notes, will depend on, among other things, the future
performance of such subsidiaries (including the Guarantors) and the ability of
Tevecap to refinance such indebtedness at maturity (or upon early redemption or
otherwise). In addition, the ability of Tevecap's subsidiaries to pay dividends
and make other payments to Tevecap may be restricted by, among other things,
applicable corporate and other laws and regulations and by the terms of
agreements to which such subsidiaries may become subject. In particular,
Brazilian companies are allowed to distribute dividends only if, after a given
fiscal year, its net profits exceed accumulated losses. In addition, the
property and assets (including receivables) of certain of Tevecap's subsidiaries
have liens placed upon them pursuant to existing and future financings.
Factors Relating to Brazil
Brazilian political and economic conditions may have a material adverse
effect on the Company.
The Brazilian economy has been characterized by significant involvement by
the Brazilian government, which often changes monetary, credit and other
policies to influence Brazil's economy. The Brazilian government's actions to
control inflation and other economic policies have often involved wage and price
controls, modifications to the Central Bank's base interest rates, and other
measures, such as the freezing of bank accounts, which occurred in 1990.
The Brazilian government's economic policies may have important effects on
Brazilian corporations and other entities, including the Company, and on market
conditions and prices of Brazilian securities. The Company's financial condition
and results of operations may be adversely affected by the following factors and
the Brazilian government's response to these factors:
o devaluations and other exchange rate movements;
o inflation;
o exchange control policies;
o social instability;
o price instability;
o energy shortages;
o interest rates;
o liquidity of domestic capital and lending markets;
o compliance with IMF performance guidelines;
o tax policy; and
o other political, diplomatic, social and economic developments in or
affecting Brazil.
In addition, in October 2002, Brazilians elected Luiz Inacio Lula da
Silva, a workers' party candidate that has in the past voiced opposition to
market reforms and the repayment of Brazil's external debt, as their new
president.
7
Although the da Silva administration has largely continued the free
market policies of the prior administration, the Company cannot predict the
effect that the policies of the da Silva administration may ultimately have on
Brazilian economic conditions or on the Company's financial condition and
results of operations.
Devaluations of the Brazilian real may negatively affect the financial
results of the Company.
The exchange rate between the real and the U.S. dollar, the relative rates
of real devaluation and the prevailing rates of inflation have affected the
Company's financial results and may continue to do so in the future. A
substantial portion of the Company's indebtedness and some of its operating
expenses and capital expenditures are, and are expected to continue to be,
denominated in or indexed to the U.S. Dollar and other foreign currencies.
After its introduction on July 1, 1994, the real initially appreciated
against the U.S. dollar, and concerns arose about the overvaluation of the real
relative to the U.S. dollar. To address such concerns and to avoid a rapid
devaluation of the real, in March 1995 the Brazilian Government established a
trading band for the real against the U.S. dollar with a view to a gradual
devaluation of the real. As a result of economic instability in Brazil in late
1998 and early 1999, the trading band was abandoned, resulting in a significant
devaluation of the real against the U.S. dollar. Since January 1, 1999, the
real/U.S. dollar exchange rate has ranged from a low of R$1.21 per U.S.$1.00 on
January 4, 1999 to a high of R$3.9552 per U.S.$1.00 on October 22, 2002. There
can be no assurance that the real will maintain its current value. It is
uncertain whether the Brazilian Government will reimplement the trading band
policy or any other type of currency exchange control mechanism. See Item 10,
"Additional Information - Exchange Controls."
Devaluations of the real relative to the U.S. dollar also create
additional inflationary pressures in Brazil that may negatively affect the
Company. In addition, a significant devaluation generally results in a
curtailment of access to foreign financial markets for the Company and can lead
to government intervention, including recessionary government policies.
The purchase and sale of foreign currency in Brazil is subject to
governmental control.
The purchase and sale of foreign currency in Brazil is subject to
governmental control. Since 1983, the Central Bank has centralized certain
payments of principal on external obligations. The Central Bank also assumed
responsibility for the external obligations in connection with the formal
restructuring of Brazilian sovereign debt.
It is uncertain whether in the future the Brazilian Government will
institute a more restrictive exchange control policy. Such a policy could affect
the ability of Brazilian debtors (including the Company) to make payments
outside of Brazil to meet foreign currency obligations under foreign
currency-denominated liabilities, including the Senior Notes. Many factors
beyond the control of the Company may affect the likelihood of the Government's
imposition of such restrictions at any time. Among such factors are:
o the extent of Brazil's foreign currency reserves;
o the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a
payment is due;
o the size of Brazil's debt service burden relative to the economy as
a whole;
o Brazil's policy towards the International Monetary Fund; and
o political constraints to which Brazil may be subject.
The Government has not imposed any restrictions on payments by Brazilian
issuers in respect of securities issued in the international capital markets to
date. However, it may choose to impose such restrictions in the future if
necessary. See Item 10, "Additional Information - Exchange Controls."
Brazil has experienced periods of extreme inflation.
Until mid-1994 Brazil experienced extremely high rates of inflation. The
inflation contributed materially to economic uncertainty in Brazil and to
heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities markets.
After the introduction of the Real Plan, the rate of inflation as measured
by the IGP-DI fell steadily to 1.71% in 1998. Inflation increased to 19.98% in
1999 as a result of the devaluation of the real in January 1999, decreased to
8
9.81% for 2000, reached 10.40% in 2001 and increased to 26.41% in 2002. In 2003
the annual inflation rate decreased to approximately 7.67%. It is uncertain
whether future actions of the Government (including any further action to adjust
the value of the Brazilian currency) will cause inflation at a higher rate those
experienced since the introduction of the Real Plan or whether any increase in
inflation will have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and
financial condition of the Company.
The availability of credit in the Brazilian market may be limited by
external events.
A number of developments or conditions have significantly affected the
availability of credit in the Brazilian economy. External events have from time
to time resulted in considerable outflows of funds and declines in the amount of
foreign currency invested in Brazil. Such events include the devaluation of the
Mexican peso in December 1994, the Asian economic crisis of 1997, the Russian
currency crisis of 1998, the currency instability that Brazil faced in 1999, and
the ongoing recession in Argentina. To defend the real during such events and to
control inflation, the Government has maintained a tight monetary policy, with
associated high interest rates, and has constrained the growth of credit. It is
uncertain whether these disruptions in the Brazilian economy will adversely
affect the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. History and Development of the Company
TVA is a major pay television operator in Brazil and one of the country's
primary pay television programming distributors. In 1989, TVA was the first to
provide pay television services in Brazil. TVA presently offers pay television
and Internet broadband services utilizing cable and MMDS distribution
technologies to nearly 285,000 direct pay television subscribers and 20,000
broadband Internet subscribers (residential and corporate). TVA is a
majority-owned subsidiary of Abril Comunicacoes S.A. ("Abril"), an affiliate of
Editora Abril, one of Latin America's largest communications groups. TVA's other
beneficial shareholders are Falcon International Communications (Bermuda) L.P.
("Falcon International") and JP Morgan Partners LLC ("JPM"). In addition, until
December 2003, TVA's other principal shareholders included affiliates of The
Hearst Corporation ("Hearst") and ABC. Inc. ("ABC").
TVA conducts its pay television operations through two wholly-owned
operating systems: TVA Sistema de Televisao S.A. ("TVA Sistema") and TVA Sul
Parana Ltda. ("TVA Sul"). Through its MMDS and Cable systems, TVA serves six
cities with a combined population of approximately 31 million, including three
of the seven largest cities in Brazil: Sao Paulo (population of 10.4 million),
Rio de Janeiro (population of 5.9 million) and Curitiba (population of 1.6
million).
In 2004 TVA expects to launch a significant upgrade of its cable services
in Sao Paulo by offering to its customers digital services. TVA will be the
first Brazilian cable pay television operator to provide digital services,
including digital video recorders ("DVRs") to its customers. TVA's digital
service will allow customers to view additional channels, including pay per view
channels and audio channels, utilize an electronic programming guide, and select
a number of languages and subtitles in which to view programs. In addition, DVRs
will offer improved video and audio quality as compared to current Cable and
Ku-Band services, and will allow customers to pause, rewind and record live
television.
As of December 31, 2003, TVA also held a minority interest in each of
Canbras TVA Cabo Ltda., TV Cabo Santa Branca Comercio Ltda. and Canbras Parana
Ltda. (collectively, "Canbras TVA"), which together provide cable television
services to an additional 19 cities with a total population of 2.9 million. In
October 2003, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its entire equity
interest in Canbras TVA to Horizon Cablevision do Brasil S.A. The consummation
of this sale, which received ANATEL approval on June 16, 2004, is pending the
satisfaction of customary conditions precedent. Abril has received proceeds of
the sale of Canbras TVA in the amount of U.S.$5.8 million (as repayment of
indebtedness owed by TVA) and in connection therewith TVA will record a capital
gain, following the consummation of the sale, of approximately U.S.$8.4 million.
In addition, TVA provides high speed Internet services in the Sao Paulo
and Rio de Janeiro metropolitan areas through TVA Sistema under the "Ajato"
brand. Ajato, the first broadband high speed internet service provider created
in
9
Brazil, is a Portuguese language content and service portal offering multimedia,
real video and music and video conferencing services, among others. TVA is
actively pursuing alliances with content and e-commerce providers in order to
provide a diverse and competitive portfolio of services through Ajato. In 2003,
in an affiliation with Editora Abril, Ajato began offering Veja SP and Veja RJ,
portals through which subscribers have exclusive access to the Sao Paulo and Rio
de Janeiro local editions of Veja, Brazil's most popular weekly magazine
(published by Editora Abril).
In addition to exploring synergistic opportunities with Editora Abril,
since 2002 TVA has developed alliances with third parties for the utilization of
its Cable and MMDS networks to provide a variety of communications services.
Through such alliances, TVA was the first Brazilian pay television company to
offer pay-per-band services (2003) and Wi-Fi services (2004).
Until July 1999, TVA, through Galaxy Brasil Ltda. ("Galaxy Brasil"), was
the exclusive provider in Brazil of DIRECTV, a digital direct broadcast
satellite Ku-Band service. Galaxy Brasil receives programming, scheduling and
related services for DIRECTV from Galaxy Latin America, LLC ("GLA"), in which
TVA held a 10% equity interest. The current owners of GLA are a unit of Hughes
Electronics Corporation and a member of the Cisneros Group. Through local
operating companies such as Galaxy Brasil, GLA provides DIRECTV service
throughout much of Latin America and the Caribbean. TVA, through TVA Banda C
Ltda. ("TVA Banda C"), also provided digital C-Band television service.
In July 1999 TVA consummated the sale of Galaxy Brasil, TVA Banda C and
certain assets related thereto, including its interest in GLA, to GLA and the
members thereof (such sale, the "DBS Sale"). The net cash proceeds to TVA at the
closing of the DBS Sale were approximately U.S.$177.6 million. The total
consideration received by TVA was comprised of the net cash proceeds received at
closing, a promissory note in the principal amount of U.S.$25.5 million (which
was subsequently paid), the assumption of certain dollar and real-denominated
indebtedness and the release of certain guarantees given by TVA and one of its
subsidiaries in respect of certain obligations of Galaxy Brasil.
After the consummation of the DBS Sale, TVA significantly lowered its
total indebtedness, which decreased from U.S.$392.1 million as of December 31,
1998 to U.S.$223.9 million as of December 31, 2000. TVA also significantly
reduced its indebtedness in 2001 through the capitalization of loans in the
aggregate principal amount of $123,159 made to TVA under the Abril Credit
Facility. As of December 31, 2003, TVA's indebtedness was approximately
U.S.$95.8 million, of which US$56.1 million consists of obligations to third
parties (principally the Senior Notes) and US$39.7 million consists of
indebtedness under the Abril Credit Facility. See Item 5, "Operating and
Financial Review and Prospects--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
Since 1999 the Company has also concluded the sale of its interests in
programming ventures in order to focus its activities primarily on the
distribution of programming through Cable and MMDS systems. In November 1999,
TVA concluded the sale of its 50% equity interest in ESPN Brasil, the provider
of ESPN Brasil programming, to ESPN Brazil, Inc., which previously held the
remaining 50% equity interest. ESPN Brazil, Inc. is indirectly held by ABC (80%)
and Hearst (20%). In July 2000, TVA concluded the sale of its 24.0% equity
interest in HBO Brasil Partners, the provider of HBO Brasil programming, to the
remaining holders of HBO Brasil Partners. Finally, in November 2000, the Company
concluded the sale of its Eurochannel operations to Multithematiques, a European
programming operator. In consideration for the sale of these programming-related
assets, the Company received net proceeds of approximately $54.9 million.
During the three years ended December 31, 2003, the Company incurred
capital expenditures of approximately $52 million, primarily in connection with
the purchase of reception equipment, converters for installation throughout its
Cable and MMDS systems in Brazil, other equipment required to upgrade its Cable
and MMDS networks and the development of its internet operations. Management
estimates that $11 million will be required in 2004, principally in connection
with the purchase of installation materials and equipment, Cable and MMDS
technological upgrades (including the introduction of digital services) and the
development of its pay TV and internet operations (including the replacement of
Churn and the increase of the subscriber base).
10
Tevecap S.A. is a corporation of unlimited duration under the laws of the
Federative Republic of Brazil. Tevecap's registered office is located at Av. das
Nacoes Unidas, 7221 - 7(0) andar, Sao Paulo, 05425-902 SP, Brazil (telephone:
+55-11-3037-5127).
B. Business Overview
Business Strategy
Management of the Company has determined that the concentration by the
Company on its core Cable and MMDS businesses offers the Company the best
opportunity to achieve long term profitability. In addition, the Company is
taking advantage of technological developments to use its Cable and MMDS
infrastructure to provide high speed data transmission, interactive services and
other telecommunications services over its Cable and MMDS systems and to take
advantage of possible deregulation and the growing demand for these services in
Brazil. The Company is upgrading its Cable systems to provide digital services
and, through Ajato, has already begun providing high-speed broadband internet
services through its Cable network in the Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro
metropolitan areas. The Company also continues to explore the development of
digital compression of MMDS signals for pay television and Internet services.
In addition, the Company seeks to increase its penetration in existing
markets by: (i) expanding the range of TVA's Cable systems by seeking pre-wiring
arrangements with residential housing developers (infrastructure saturation),
(ii) improving the signal quality and coverage of TVA's MMDS systems by using
signal repeater technology and (iii) maximizing penetration by offering flexible
tiered subscription options and developing programming packages to appeal to
more households. TVA's programming, unlike that of its primary competitors, is
provided through encoded signals and fully addressable converters, thereby
permitting the creation of a variety of programming packages. TVA's tiered
programming packages allow subscribers to customize their programming packages
and offer a greater number of choices in terms of pricing and types of
programming. The Company expects that these tiered programming packages will
attract new subscribers, including members of the C class, as well as retain
current subscribers, thereby reducing Churn. In addition, TVA constantly seeks
strategic partnerships which allow the Company to "bundle" the services of other
providers with TVA's own services utilizing TVA's infrastructure and management
services.
11
Programming Distribution and Markets
The following table sets forth information regarding the markets in which
TVA operates pay television systems and distributes programming, as of December
31, 2003:
Pay Television
Average Revenue Programming
Service Launch TV Class ABC per Month per Channels
Date Homes(a) TV Homes(a) Subscribers Subscriber Offered
--------------- --------- ----------- ----------- --------------- --------------
Owned Systems:
MMDS
TVA Sistema
Sao Paulo ................. September 1991 2,258,831 785,288 35,782 $ 24.30 28
Rio de Janeiro ............ March 1992 1,907,346 1,007,975 62,180 24.95 27
TVA Sul
Curitiba .................. March 1992 426,836 241,405 6,793 16.82 15
Cable(b)
TVA Sistema
Sao Paulo ................. October 1994 667,426 444,297 137,710 27.35 58
TVA Sul
Curitiba .................. January 1995 317,468 158,896 20,255 24.35 51
Camboriu .................. June 1996 22,925 14,854 9,070 21.90 48
Foz do Iguacu ............. June 1996 105,894 42,944 6,462 17.76 53
Florianopolis ............. September 1996 202,549 124,924 5,938 23.89 50
Total MMDS and Cable
Subscribers .................. -- -- -- 284,190 --
Subscribers Awaiting
Installation ................. -- -- 765 -- --
Total
Subscribers .................... -- -- -- 284,955 -- --
=======
(a) This data is based on information provided by Pay TV Survey and IBGE.
(b) The Company's Cable Systems in Sao Paulo, Curitiba, Camboriu, Foz do
Iguacu and Florianopolis had approximately 668,191, 201,615, 19,890,
18,060 and 29,822 Homes Passed, respectively, as of December 31, 2003.
Brazilian Pay Television Market
Brazil is the largest television and video market in Latin America with an
estimated 43.8 million TV Homes which, as of December 31, 2003, watched on
average approximately 2.5 hours of television per day. In residences that have
access to free television, pay television, interenet services, newspapers and
magazines, pay television is the leader in terms of share of time, with a 24%
share, in spite of its relatively recent entry into the market. Approximately
4.7 million television sets and 1.5 million VCR and DVD units were sold in
Brazil during 2002. The pay television industry in Brazil began in 1989 with the
commencement by TVA of UHF service in Sao Paulo. As of December 31, 2003, there
were an estimated 3.6 million pay television subscribers, representing
approximately 8.2% of Brazilian TV Homes. By comparison, as of December 31,
2003, 69% of TV Homes in Argentina, 16% of TV Homes in Mexico and 82% of TV
Homes in the United States of America subscribed to pay television. Management
believes that the number of pay television subscribers in Brazil will continue
to grow as pay television reaches more households both through the expansion of
existing and new MMDS and Cable systems and through development of nationwide
Ku-Band transmission systems. In addition, management expects that the pay
television industry in Brazil will undergo a period of consolidation in the near
future due to the failure of the industry to grow as expected since its
inception and the need by pay television companies to increase numbers of
subscribers and revenue in order to reach or maintain profitability.
Distribution Operating Systems
TVA distributes programming through Cable and MMDS distribution
technologies. The availability of these two distribution technologies enables
TVA to exploit the income and population characteristics, topography and
competitive dynamics of each of its markets.
12
MMDS
TVA operates Brazil's largest MMDS network and serves the country's major
metropolitan areas. MMDS systems are typically easier to deploy and require
relatively little capital investment for construction and maintenance as
compared to Cable systems. Programming is transmitted by signals through the air
from microwave transmitters to a small receiving antenna located at a
subscriber's home or dwelling unit. At the subscriber's location, the microwave
signals are converted to frequencies that can pass through a conventional
coaxial cable into a decoder located near a television set. All of TVA's MMDS
systems use addressable converters, which permit TVA to offer tiered pricing
options that are expected to attract new customers, retain existing customers
and reduce Churn. In accordance with Brazilian regulations, each MMDS license
allows an MMDS operator to provide service to households in a circular area
within a radius of 35 kilometers, expandable to 50 kilometers, depending on the
technical capability of the operator and viable economic business models.
However, tall buildings and other tall structures may block reception of an MMDS
signal although the Company is experimenting with NLOS (non-line of sight) MMDS
technology that would avoid such blockages, thereby allowing the Company to
defer costly investments, in particular for Internet services. MMDS is being
used in other emerging pay television markets such as Venezuela, Hong Kong and
Mexico, where Cable has a strong incumbent position.
TVA owns four MMDS licenses and operates MMDS systems in Sao Paulo, Rio de
Janeiro and Curitiba, which have an aggregate population of approximately 17.9
million. TVA serves 104,755 MMDS subscribers in these three cities. TVA's MMDS
systems offer between 15 and 28 channels of programming.
In 2000 ANATEL authorized TVA to utilize, under TVA's MMDS licenses, the
frequencies corresponding to the return channels of its MMDS systems. TVA
presently uses these frequencies, which range from 2170 to 2182 MHz, to provide
bi-directional broadband Internet services.
Cable
TVA presently operates Cable systems in Sao Paulo, Curitiba and three
other cities in southern Brazil (Camboriu, Foz do Iguacu and Florianopolis).
Cable service involves a broad band network employing radio frequency
transmission through coaxial and/or fiber optic cable. Cable systems consist of
four major parts: a headend, a distribution network, a subscriber network and a
house terminal. The programming is collected from the headend, then processed
and fed into the distribution path (trunk and distribution cable), which
consists of coaxial and/or fiber optic cables. The signal is then fed into a
subscriber network that is either located in an apartment building or a
subscriber's home. Most of TVA's systems are constructed with 750 MHz bandwidth
capacity. Those systems that are not constructed with 750 MHz capacity are
equipped with 550 MHz capacity, which is readily upgradeable to 750 MHz
capacity. This technology enables TVA to provide interactive services, including
internet service and, in the future, telecommunications. TVA launched its Ajato
high-speed internet service through its Cable system to subscribers in Sao Paulo
in 1999. In addition, TVA's Cable systems use fully addressable converters,
which allow the provision of pay-per-view services and enable TVA to upgrade,
downgrade or disconnect a subscriber's service from the headend on short notice.
TVA, through TVA Sistema and TVA Sul, owns six Cable licenses and operates
Cable systems in Sao Paulo, Curitiba (where TVA originally owned three licenses
that were later merged into one license), Camboriu, Florianopolis and Foz do
Iguacu, which have an aggregate population of approximately 24 million and
179,435 subscribers.
As of December 31, 2003, TVA had deployed approximately 4,393 kilometers
of its Cable network, including 189 kilometers of fiber optic cable, consisting
of a 701 kilometer fiber optic loop in Sao Paulo and a 118 kilometer fiber optic
network serving Curitiba, Camboriu, Foz do Iguacu and Florianopolis. As of
December 31, 2003,TVA's Cable systems passed 668,191 homes in Sao Paulo, 201,615
homes in Curitiba and a total of 937,578 homes throughout all of TVA's Cable
systems.
TVA currently offers between 48 and 58 analog channels of programming
(including off-air channels) on its Cable systems, depending on the market, and
has the capability of offering up to 77 analog channels using up to 550 MHz and
110 analog channels using up to 750 MHz. During the twelve months ended December
31, 2003, TVA
13
averaged approximately (186) net new Cable subscribers per month. The reduction
in Cable subscribers per month is a result of the Company's strategy of
eliminating unprofitable subscribers.
Internet
TVA, through TVA Sistema, provides high speed Internet services in the Sao
Paulo and Rio de Janeiro metropolitan areas. "Ajato" service offers high speed
broadband Internet access utilizing TVA's Cable and MMDS networks. TVA provides
bi-directional Internet services through both its Cable and MMDS systems.
TVA's "Ajato" service was the first broadband high speed Internet service
created in Brazil. Ajato is a Portuguese language content and service portal
offering multimedia, real video and music and video conferencing services, among
others. TVA is actively pursuing alliances with content and e-commerce providers
in order to provide a diverse and competitive portfolio of services through
Ajato. In 2003 Ajato was named the best broadband Internet service in Brazil by
a poll conducted among Internet users by Info Exame.
In addition, TVA provides broadband Internet services to small and
mid-sized companies through its "Ajato Empresas" service. Ajato Empresas targets
companies that have not traditionally had access to broadband Internet services,
which TVA estimates comprises approximately 90% of the small and mid-sized
companies in the Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro metropolitan areas. Management of
TVA believes Ajato Empresas provides a reasonably priced alternative (with 90%
guaranteed bandwidth offer, 98% availability and four hours maximum time to
repair) to relatively expensive fiber optic services and less expensive, but
lower-quality, ADSL services.
In the fourth quarter of 2002 TVA, upon receiving a license to provide
multimedia communications services (SCM), initiated a new version of Ajato that
combines the services of an Internet access provider and Internet service
provider. In addition, in 2003 TVA initiated "Ajato Condominio," an Internet
service directed at apartment buildings, a low price solution to the market that
already represents approximately 40% of TVA's total monthly new Internet sales.
As of December 31, 2003, Ajato had 18,773 residential subscribers and
1,410 corporate clients with a monthly subscription fee of $27.41 and $161.08,
respectively, for unlimited internet service.
Canbras TVA
As of December 31, 2003, TVA held a 36% equity interest (and 51% of the
total voting capital) in each of the Canbras TVA companies (Canbras TVA Cabo, TV
Cabo Santa Branca and Canbras Parana). Canbras TVA operates Cable networks in
ten cities in the greater Sao Paulo area and four cities in the state of Parana
with a combined population of over 3.1 million.
In October 2003, TVA entered into an agreement to sell its entire equity
interest in Canbras TVA to Horizon Cablevision do Brasil S.A. for a purchase
price of U.S.$5.8 million, the proceeds of which will be used to repay
indebtedness outstanding under the Abril Credit Facility, thereby reducing TVA's
total indebtedness. The consummation of this sale received the approval of
ANATEL on June 16, 2004 and is pending the satisfaction of customary conditions
precedent. Following the consummation of the sale, TVA will record a capital
gain of approximately U.S.$8.4 million. In addition, upon consummation of the
sale, the Association Agreement, dated June 14, 1995, among TVA, TVA Sistema,
the Canbras TVA companies, Canbras and Canbras Participacoes Ltda. (the "Canbras
Association Agreement") will terminate. The Canbras Association Agreement
presently provides for each of the Canbras TVA companies to be governed by a
management committee of three members, one of which TVA has the right to
designate. In addition, under the Canbras Association Agreement TVA agreed to
supply to Canbras TVA all programming regularly supplied to TVA's Cable and MMDS
Systems at "most favored prices" and other terms at which programming is
provided to TVA's Cable and MMDS Systems or to third parties in arm's-length
transactions.
UHF Licenses
In December 2003 TVA, through certain affiliated entities, entered into an
agreement to transfer four UHF licenses held in certain states of Brazil to a
third party. The net proceeds to TVA from the sale of such licenses upon
consummation of the sale will be R$8.0 million (U.S.$2.8 million), together with
monthly payments of R$40,000
14
(U.S.$13,840) for technical services. The sale is conditioned upon a number of
customary conditions precedent, including the approval of ANATEL. The proceeds
from the sale of these licenses will also be used to repay indebtedness
outstanding under the Abril Credit Facility.
Programming
TVA, through its MMDS and Cable systems, currently provides a programming
package consisting of 15 to 58 television channels. TVA programming emphasizes
sports, movies, children's programming and news with a secondary emphasis on
general entertainment.
With respect to MMDS and Cable service in TVA's markets, TVA is currently
the sole provider of HBO Brasil, HBO Brasil 2, Cinemax, Max Prime, Disney
Channel, E! Entertainment, A&E Mundo, BandNews, BandSports, Eurochannel,
Film&Arts, Locomotion, NHK and ART.
In addition, TVA has entered into a number of programming agreements with
other international programming providers. For example, TVA has entered into
agreements with Turner Broadcasting Systems Latin America Inc. (Boomerang,
Cartoon Network, TNT, CNN International, CNN Espanol), Fox Latin American
Channel Inc. (Fox and National Geographic), Discovery Latin America
(People+Arts, Discovery, Discovery Kids and Animal Planet).
TVA currently offers subscribers the following channels, among others:
Movies and Series
HBO Brasil is the dominant first-run pay television movie channel in
Brazil, featuring movies and original films and series. HBO Brasil airs 24 hours
a day, offering an average of 12 different films per day with limited commercial
slots. All films are either subtitled or dubbed into Portuguese. In the case of
dubbed versions, viewers can listen to the original soundtrack on an SAP (second
audio program) channel. TVA also offers HBO Brasil 2, transmitting HBO Brasil
with a six hour time shift.
AXN is a films and series channel with emphasis on action, adventure,
extreme sports and reality shows.
Cinemax is a premium 24-hour movie channel with a film library
complementary to that of HBO Brasil. Cinemax features a different variety of
movie each day of the week.
Max Prime is a 24-hour movie channel offering classic and independent
movies, "making-of" features and other award-winning movies. Max Prime
differentiates itself from other channels by being a non-sports related channel
designed primarily for male viewers.
Eurochannel offers subscribers programs from major European programming
distributors, such us Canal +, BBC, Channel 4, TF1, France 2/3, Europe Images
and Gaumont. Eurochannel also offers, series, mini-series, documentaries, music
and variety shows.
Film & Arts is an arts and movie channel, following the same concept as
the U.S. version of the Bravo channel, showing high quality cultural events,
such as classical music, jazz, opera, ballet and European movies.
Fox presents movies, as well as programs from the 2,000 titles in the
library of Twentieth Century Fox Television International ("Fox"). Fox also
presents American television series, such as 24 Hours, Boston Public and The
Simpsons, among many others.
Sony Entertainment is primarily a comedy channel, produced by Sony
Pictures Entertainment, Inc., exhibiting popular series such as Friends, My Wife
and Kids, 8 Simple Rules and Mad About You.
TNT is a movie channel that offers the Turner Network Television movie
collection, including over 5,000 classic movie titles from Metro Goldwyn Mayer,
Inc. pursuant to a non-exclusive agreement with Turner International,
15
Inc. The movies presented by TNT are broadcast in stereo sound and subtitled or
dubbed in Portuguese or Spanish. In the case of dubbed versions, viewers can
listen to the original soundtrack on a SAP channel.
Warner is a family entertainment channel, with new and classic cartoons,
movies and special series.
Canal Adulto is a premium channel featuring a variety of adult
programming, including national and international movies, classic movies,
animated features and other erotic programs.
Sports
ESPN Brasil, a popular sports channel, provides coverage of Brazilian
soccer games and other Brazilian and international sports entertainment
programs, mixed with programming from ESPN2.
ESPN International is the second sports channel offered by TVA. ESPN
International offers a number of sporting events, including auto racing,
Olympic-style sports, National Football League games, professional tennis
matches, Major League Baseball games, and men's and women's National Basketball
Association games. BandSports is a 24 hour sports channel, produced locally by
TV Band, providing coverage of national and international sporting events,
including boxing, auto racing and tennis, as well as a number of sports news
programs.
News
BandNews is the first Brazilian headline news program. Produced locally by
TV Band, BandNews presents news 24 hours per day in 15 minute blocks, featuring
the most recent events and relevant news in Brazil and abroad.
CNN International features news and information programming, offering
international news coverage concerning politics, business, financial and
economic developments, 24 hours a day.
CNN Espanol is the Spanish version of CNN International.
Educational Programming
Discovery is comprised of programming shown on the U.S. Discovery Channel,
based on topics in the areas of nature, science and technology, history,
adventure and world cultures.
A&E Mundo presents 24 hours per day of documentaries, biographies,
mini-series and great moments in sports, music and history, including selected
programming from the History Channel.
People+Arts is a 24-hour channel presenting documentaries about arts,
personalities and cultures from different countries around the world.
Animal Planet is a family channel offering a variety of wildlife programs
provided by the Discovery Network and the BBC.
National Geographic offers quality documentaries on science, wildlife,
culture, natural phenomena, and travel adventures. The channel is a joint
venture of National Geographic Television (NGT), Fox Entertainment Group, and
the National Broadcasting Company (NBC).
The History Channel offers historical programming, featuring the people
and events that have changed the world. It presents the past in an effort to
allow viewers to better understand the world of today.
Music and Entertainment
E! Entertainment Television presents 24 hours per day of reports regarding
movies, television, music, fashion and the arts.
16
MTV Brasil is a 24-hour channel produced by MTV Brasil Ltda., a joint
venture company owned by Abril and an indirect subsidiary of Viacom
International (Netherlands B.V.). MTV Brasil is entirely produced in Brazil in
Portuguese. MTV Brasil has licensing agreements with the MTV Network, a division
of Viacom International, and transmits a combination of music and other video
clips, cartoons and local programming.
Locomotion is an animation channel with programming targeted to
adolescents and adults, such as Dr. Keds, South Park and prominent animated
works from Japan.
Children's Programming
Disney Channel offers children's and family-oriented movies,
locally-produced live shows, series, cartoons and specials in Portuguese.
Cartoon Network is an animated cartoon channel targeted to children that
offers programs such as The Flintstones, The Jetsons and other classic series.
Discovery Kids is a 24-hour channel featuring the best of Discovery
programming for children.
Fox Kids is a 24-hour channel featuring the best of Fox programming for
children.
Nickelodeon is a 24-hour channel for children offering programs such as
Rugrats and Sponge Bob.
Boomerang offers classic Hanna-Barbera animated programming 24-hours a day
and is provided by Turner Broadcasting Systems (TBS).
Ethnic Programming
ART features programming directed at Brazil's Arab community, including
news, sports, films entertainment programs and other programs from Lebanese
television.
Deutsche Welle features programming in German, English and Spanish for the
German community in Brazil.
NHK offers programming in Japanese for Brazil's Japanese community.
RAI offers programming in Italian for Brazil's Italian community.
RTPi, Radiotelevisao Portuguesa Internacional, is a Portuguese state-owned
general entertainment channel produced and assembled in Portugal, airing music
events, talk shows, movies, news and documentaries, exclusive to TVA.
Operations
Marketing. TVA periodically conducts marketing surveys to gauge consumer
preferences and evaluate new and existing markets. TVA also frequently evaluates
the demographics of the subscribers to its programming, seeking to provide
programming most in demand. In each market, TVA's marketing staff typically
applies one or more of the following programs to attract subscribers: (i)
extensive marketing tied to regional events such as soccer matches, (ii)
neighborhood promotional events featuring large screen broadcasts of its channel
offerings, (iii) direct mailings, (iv) telemarketing, (v) television, billboard,
magazine and newspaper advertisements, (vi) pre-wiring arrangements with
residential housing developers and (vii) other promotional marketing activities,
including referral programs and promotional gifts.
Installation. The installation package delivered to a new subscriber
depends upon the type of programming delivery service chosen by the subscriber.
The MMDS installation package features a standard rooftop mount linked to an
antenna and related equipment, including a decoder, located at the subscriber's
location. Cable service requires the installation of a cable line and a decoder
at the subscriber's dwelling. Once a new subscriber has requested service, the
time a subscriber waits for the commencement of service depends on several
factors, including type of service, whether
17
the subscriber has access to Cable, whether the subscriber is in a single family
home or multiple dwelling unit and whether the topography of the surrounding
area makes MMDS service viable. TVA provides installation service to
subscribers, either with its own personnel or through local subcontractors. In
approximately 90% of all cases, TVA installs its service and begins transmitting
programming on the same day in which subscription orders are received.
Programming Facilities. Programming equipment is used to prepare the
programming material for transmission via TVA's MMDS and Cable systems. The
programming equipment inserts commercial or promotional material, if
appropriate, monitors the quality of the picture and sound, and delivers the
material to the multiplexing system. For programming delivered to TVA as taped
material, the programming equipment also compiles the various programming
segments, inserting commercial and promotional material.
Subscriber Service. Management believes that delivering high levels of
subscriber service in installation and maintenance enables it to maintain high
levels of subscriber satisfaction and to maximize subscriber retention. To this
end, TVA attempts to promptly schedule installations, provides a subscriber
service hotline in each of the metropolitan areas in which TVA operates,
attempts to promptly provide response repair service, and attempts to make
follow-up calls to new subscribers shortly after installation to ensure
subscriber satisfaction. In addition, TVA utilizes a modern outsourced
centralized call center in order to provide uniform and consistent customer
service in connection with all of its operations. TVA seeks to instill a
subscriber service focus in all its employees through ongoing training and has
established an intra-company electronic mail system to provide a forum for
employees to exchange ideas concerning ways to increase subscriber satisfaction.
TVA also has various employee bonus programs linked to measures of subscriber
satisfaction.
Management Information Systems and Billing. Management believes that TVA's
proprietary information management systems enable TVA to deliver superior
subscriber service, monitor subscriber payment patterns and facilitate the
efficient management of each of its operating systems. In November 2003 TVA
implemented a new proprietary information management and billing system which
management expects to generate cost savings of approximately $1 million per
year, in addition to gains in productivity and synergies with other
administrative functions. Management believes that TVA's billing procedures are
an integral part of its strategy to maintain high levels of subscriber
satisfaction and to maximize subscriber retention. Subscribers have the option
to select the day on which payment for that month's service is due, out of ten
possible dates each month, and pay their bills through payment at a bank,
deduction from checking account or with a credit card.
Competition
General
TVA and the Operating Ventures compete with pay television service
providers using Cable, MMDS and DBS transmission technologies. TVA expects to
continue to face competition from a number of existing and future sources,
including potential competition as a result of new and developing technologies
and the easing of regulation in the pay television industry. TVA believes that
competition is and will continue to be primarily based upon program offerings,
customer satisfaction, quality of the system network and price. Since there is a
limited history of pay television services in Brazil, there can be no assurance
that, based on the potential size of the Brazilian pay television industry, the
pay television market will be able to sustain a number of competing pay
television providers. TVA also competes with national broadcast networks and
regional and local broadcast stations.
MMDS and Cable Service
TVA competes with other major Cable and MMDS operators in each of its
principal markets. TVA's principal competitors are Cable and MMDS systems
operated by Net, which is controlled by Globo Par. Net operates Cable systems in
the metropolitan areas of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba and Florianopolis.
In each of these areas, Net Cable systems have more subscribers than TVA's Cable
systems due to their larger networks (but equivalent penetration rates),
although Management of TVA believes TVA has a higher share of subscribers in
some areas of these markets where the competing Cable systems overlap. Net also
operates an MMDS system in Curitiba, although TVA is the MMDS market leader in
that metropolitan area, with a market share of 86%, as compared with 14% for
Net's service. TVA also competes with the Cable system of TV Cidade in the Rio
de Janeiro metropolitan area. TV Cidade, owned by
18
affiliates of SBT, TV Band, Hicks Muse Furst & Tate and GE Capital, currently
has a 3.9% share of the Cable market in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area.
The systems operated by Net and TV Cidade offer a similar number of
channels of programming at prices comparable to those charged for TVA's MMDS and
Cable services. Each of these systems broadcasts programming purchased from TVA
as well as from other sources.
DBS Service
TVA also competes with providers of Ku-Band service in Brazil, principally
Sky and DIRECTV. Sky is controlled by News Corporation plc, a subsidiary of The
News Corporation Limited and Globo Par. Sky currently offers 110 audio and video
channels of programming (including pay-per-view channels), while DIRECTV
currently offers 128 channels of audio and video programming, including 35
pay-per-view channels. Following the recent acquisition of DirecTV in the United
States by News Corporation, industry analysts expect that consolidation will
occur in the near future in the Brazilian Ku-Band industry.
Off-Air Broadcast Television
Broadcasting services are currently available to substantially all of the
Brazilian population without payment of a subscription fee by six
privately-owned national broadcast television networks and a government-owned
national public television network. The six national broadcast television
networks and their local affiliates currently provide services to nearly all
Brazilian TV Homes without payment of a subscription fee. The national broadcast
television networks and local broadcast stations receive a significant portion
of their revenues from the sale of television advertising, which revenues are
based in part on the audience share and ratings for the networks' programs.
Programming offered by pay television providers, including TVA, directly
competes for audience share and ratings with the programming offered by
broadcast television networks as well as regional and local television
broadcasters. The six national broadcast television networks are Globo, SBT, TV
Band, Rede TV, TV Record and CNT. The national television networks utilize one
or more satellites to retransmit their signals to their local affiliates
throughout Brazil.
Broadband Internet Services
TVA's Ajato service competes with other major providers of broadband
internet service in Brazil. Approximately 81% of all residential broadband
internet service in Brazil is provided by ADSL providers, while approximately
16% is provided through cable providers (such as Ajato). TVA's principal
competitors in this market are providers affiliated with Telefonica
(approximately 45% market share), Brasil Telecom (approximately 20% market
share), Telemar (approximately 13% market share) and Globo (approximately 8%
market share). Ajato presently has a market share of approximately 2%.
Regulatory Framework
The subscription television industry in Brazil is subject to regulation by
the Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicacoes ("ANATEL"), an independent federal
agency, pursuant to Law No. 9472/97 ("Law 9472"), Law No. 9295/96 ("Law 9295")
and Law No. 8977/95 ("Law 8977"). ANATEL is authorized to grant concessions for
MMDS, Cable, and DBS licenses.
MMDS Regulations
General. Law 9472 authorizes ANATEL, among other things, to issue, revoke,
modify and renew licenses within the spectrum available to MMDS systems, to
approve the assignments and transfer of control of such licenses, to approve the
location of channels that comprise MMDS systems, to regulate the kind,
configuration and operation of equipment used by MMDS systems, and to impose
certain other reporting requirements on channel license holders and MMDS
operators. The licensing and operation of MMDS channels are currently governed
by Decree No. 2196/97 ("Decree 2196"), Ordinance No. 254/97 (as amended by
Ordinance No. 319/97, "Ordinance 254"), Rule No. 002/Rev. 97 ("Rule 002") and
Resolution 371/04. Under these regulations, MMDS is defined as the special
service of
19
telecommunication which uses microwaves to transmit codified signals to be
received in pre-established points on a contractual basis.
Licenses. ANATEL grants licenses and regulates the use of channels by MMDS
operators to transmit video programming, entertainment services and other
information. A maximum of 31 MMDS channels (constituting a spectrum bandwidth of
186 MHz) may be authorized for use in an MMDS market. While licenses are usually
granted for the use of up to 16 channels, depending on technical feasibility and
the existence of competition, ANATEL can grant a license for all 31 channels
available in one specific area. If the license is for 16 or more channels, at
least two channels must be reserved for educational and cultural programming. If
the license involves 15 or fewer channels, there is no obligation to reserve any
channel for educational and cultural purposes. In each of the Company's Sao
Paulo and Rio de Janeiro markets, up to 31 MMDS channels are available for MMDS
(in addition to any local off-air VHF/UHF channels which are offered).
An MMDS license is granted for a renewable period of 15 years. The
application for renewal of a license must be filed with ANATEL during the period
from 18 months before the end of the license term. To renew the license, the
license holder must (i) meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements, (ii)
have complied with all legal and contractual obligations during the term of such
license and (iii) meet certain technical and financial requirements.
Under the provisions of Rule 002, each license holder and its affiliates
may be granted permission to operate MMDS systems in different areas of Brazil,
provided that no holder may be granted licenses for (i) more than seven
municipalities with a population equal to or exceeding 700,000 inhabitants and
(ii) more than 12 municipalities with a population between 300,000 and 700,000
inhabitants. The restrictions only apply to areas in which the MMDS system
operator (or an affiliate thereof) faces no competition from other pay
television services, excluding services that utilize a satellite to transmit
their signal. Rule 002 grants ANATEL full discretion to alter or eliminate the
restrictions. The term affiliate is defined by Rule 002 as any legal entity that
directly or indirectly holds at least 20% of the voting capital. The Company
currently controls four MMDS licenses in cities of more than 700,000 inhabitants
(Sao Paulo Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba and Porto Alegre), but in each such city TVA
has at least one competitor. Prices for pay television services may be freely
established by the system operator, although ANATEL may interfere in the event
of abusive pricing. ANATEL may impose penalties including fines, suspension or
revocation of the license if the license holder fails to comply with applicable
regulations or becomes legally, technically or financially unable to provide
MMDS service. ANATEL also may intervene to the extent operators engage in unfair
practices intended to eliminate competition.
ANATEL awards licenses to use MMDS channels based upon applications
demonstrating that the applicant is qualified to hold the license, that the
proposed market is viable and that the operation of the proposed channels will
not cause impermissible interference to other permitted channels. After ANATEL
determines that an application has met these requirements, it publishes a notice
requesting comments from all parties interested in providing the same services
in the same or a near area. Depending on the comments received, ANATEL may
decide to open a public bid for the service in that area, although it has not
done so in the past. In the case of a public bid, applicants would be evaluated
based on a number of factors including the applicant's proposed schedule for
implementing commercial operations, the applicant's commitment to local
programming and the extent to which the applicant provides free programming to
local cultural and educational institutions. Once an MMDS license application is
granted by ANATEL, the license holder must finalize construction and begin
operations within 12 months, which period may be extended by an additional 12
months.
In addition to qualifying under the application process described above, a
license holder must also demonstrate that its proposed signal does not violate
interference standards in the area of another MMDS channel license holder. To
this end, existing license holders are given a 30-day period in which to
ascertain and comment to ANATEL whether the new license holder's proposed signal
will interfere with existing signals. The area covered by the services is to a
radius of five to 50 kilometers around the transmission site, depending on the
technical capability of the operator.
Other Regulations. MMDS license holders are subject to regulation with
respect to the construction, marketing and lighting of transmission towers
pursuant to the Brazilian Aviation Code and certain local zoning regulations
affecting construction of towers and other facilities. There may also be
restrictions imposed by local authorities. The subscription television industry
also is subject to the Brazilian Consumer Code. The Consumer Code entitles the
purchasers of goods or services to certain rights, including the right to
discontinue a service and obtain a refund if the
20
services are deemed to be of low quality or not rendered adequately. For
instance, in case of a suspension of the transmission for a given period, the
subscriber shall be entitled to a discount on the monthly fees. Rule No. 002
contains certain provisions relating to consumer rights, including a provision
for mandatory discounts in the event of interruption of service. The Company, as
of December 31, 2003, had not been required to repay any amounts or provide any
discounts due to interruptions of service. However, the Company does refund
prepaid installation service fees when the Company discovers such service is
unavailable for whatever reason.
Due to the regulated nature of the subscription television industry, the
adoption of new, or changes to existing, laws or regulations or the
interpretations thereof may impede the Company's growth and may otherwise have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial
condition.
Cable Regulation
General. Cable services in Brazil are licensed and regulated by ANATEL
pursuant to Law No. 8977/95 ("Law 8977"), Decree No. 2206/97 ("Decree 2206"),
which authorized the regulation of Cable Services, and Ordinance 256/97
("Ordinance 256"), which approved the Norma Complementar do Servico de TV a Cabo
regulating the granting of licenses for, and the operation of, Cable services.
Until Law 8977 was enacted in 1995, the Brazilian Cable industry had been
governed by two principal regulatory measures since its inception in 1989:
Ordinance No. 250, issued by the Ministry of Communications on December 13, 1989
("Ordinance 250"), and its successor, Ordinance No. 36, issued by the Ministry
of Communications on March 21, 1991 ("Ordinance 36").
Ordinance 250 regulated the distribution of television signals ("DISTV")
by physical means (i.e., by Cable) to end-users. DISTV services generally are
limited only to the reception and transmission of signals without any
interference by a DISTV operator with the signal content. Under Ordinance 250,
101 authorizations were granted by the Ministry of Communications to local
operators to commercially exploit DISTV services. Although Ordinance 250 did not
specifically address Cable services, a number of DISTV operators (including the
Company's Cable systems) began to offer Cable services based on DISTV
authorizations.
Licenses. Under Law 8977, a Cable operator must obtain a license from
ANATEL in order to provide Cable services in Brazil. All Cable licenses are
nonexclusive licenses to provide Cable services in a service area. Cable
licenses are granted by ANATEL for a period of 15 years and are renewable for
equal and successive periods. Renewal of the Cable license by ANATEL is
mandatory if the Cable system operator has (i) complied with the terms of the
license grant and applicable governmental regulations and (ii) agrees to meet
certain technical and economic requirements relating to the furnishing of
adequate service to subscribers, including system modernization standards.
Ordinance No. 256/97 ("Ordinance 256") imposes restrictions on the number
of areas that can be served by a Cable television system operator (or an
affiliate thereof). Pursuant to Ordinance 256, a Cable system operator (or an
affiliate thereof) may only hold licenses with respect to (i) a maximum of seven
areas with a population of 700,000 and above and (ii) a maximum of 12 areas with
a population of 300,000 or more and less than 700,000. The restrictions only
apply to areas in which the Cable system operator (or an affiliate thereof)
faces no competition from other pay television services, excluding services that
utilize a satellite to transmit their signal. Ordinance 256 grants ANATEL full
discretion to alter or eliminate the restrictions. The term affiliate is defined
by Ordinance 256 as any legal entity that directly or indirectly holds at least
20% of the voting capital of another legal entity or any of two legal entities
under common ownership of at least 20% of their respective voting capital. The
Company currently controls two Cable licenses in cities of more than 700,000
inhabitants (Sao Paulo and Curitiba), but in each such city TVA has at least one
competitor.
Generally, only legal entities that are headquartered in Brazil and that
have 51% of their voting capital by Brazilian-born citizens or persons who have
held Brazilian citizenship for more than 10 years are eligible to receive a
license to operate Cable systems in Brazil. In the event that no private entity
displays an interest in providing Cable services in a particular service area,
ANATEL may grant the local public telecommunications operator a license to
provide Cable services.
Cable operators that previously provided Cable services under a DISTV
authorization granted under Ordinance 250 were required under Law 8977 to file
applications to have their DISTV authorizations converted into Cable licenses.
Ordinance 256 grants a one year period from the date a DISTV authorization is
converted into a cable television license
21
for any Cable system operator to comply with the restrictions. The Company's
Cable systems, all of which were operating under DISTV authorizations, applied
for conversion of their DISTV authorizations and received approval for such
conversion from the Ministry of Communications.
Cable licenses for service areas not covered by existing authorizations
will be granted pursuant to a public bidding process administered by ANATEL
after prior public consultation. All such licenses shall be nonexclusive
licenses. In order to submit a bid for a license, a bidder must meet certain
financial and legal prerequisites. After such prerequisites are met, a bidder
must then submit a detailed bid describing its plan to provide Cable services in
the service area. In the qualification phase of the bidding process, ANATEL
assigns a number of points to each bid based on certain weighted criteria,
including the timetable for offering subscription programming; the time
allocated to local public interest programming; the number of channels allocated
to educational and cultural programming; and the number of establishments, such
as schools, hospitals and community centers, to which basic service programming
will be offered free of charge. After calculating the number of points awarded
to each bidder, ANATEL will then apply a formula based on the population of the
service area to select the winning bid from among those bidders that meet
certain defined minimum qualifying thresholds. For service areas with a
population of 700,000 or more inhabitants, the qualified bidder that submits the
highest bid for the license will be selected. For service areas with a
population between 300,000 and 700,000 inhabitants, the winning bid is selected
based on the highest product obtained by multiplying the number of points
awarded in the qualification phase and the amount bid for the license. For
service areas with less than 300,000 inhabitants, the winning bid is selected on
the basis of the number of points awarded in the qualification phase and the
payment of a fixed fee.
Once a Cable license is granted, the licensee has an 18 month period from
the date of the license grant to complete the initial stage of the installation
of the Cable system and to commence providing Cable services to subscribers in
the service area. The 18 month period is subject to a single 12 month extension
for cause at the discretion of ANATEL.
Any transfer of a Cable license is subject to the prior approval of
ANATEL. A license generally may not be transferred by a licensee until it has
commenced providing Cable services in its service area. Transfers of shares
causing a change in the control of a license or the legal entity which controls
a license also is subject to the prior approval of ANATEL. ANATEL must receive
notice of any change in the capital structure of a licensee, including any
transfer of shares or increase of capital that do not result in a change of
control.
A license can be revoked, upon the issue of a judicial decision, in the
event the licensee lacks technical, financial or legal capacity to continue to
operate a Cable system; is under the management of individuals, or under the
control of individuals or corporations who, according to Law 8977, do not
qualify for such positions; has its license transferred, either directly or by
virtue of a change in control, without the prior consent of ANATEL; does not
start to provide Cable services within the time limit specified by Law 8977; or
suspends its activities for more than thirty consecutive days without
justification, unless previously authorized by ANATEL.
Cable Related Service Regulation
General. Brazilian telecommunications services are governed primarily by
(i) Article 21 of the Federal Constitution, as amended by Amendment No. 8 of
August 15, 1995 ("Amendment 8"), (ii) the Telecommunications Code (Law No. 4117
of August 27, 1962, as amended), (iii) Law 9472, (iv) Law 9295 and (v) Law 8977.
The Brazilian Government also has issued detailed regulations covering specific
areas of telecommunications services, including radio broadcasting, paging,
trunking, subscription television, Cable television, cellular telephony and
multimedia communications services. ANATEL is responsible for the regulation of
telecommunications services in Brazil. Prior to its amendment in 1995, Article
21 of the Federal Constitution required the Brazilian Government to operate
directly, or through concessions granted to companies whose shares are
controlled by the Brazilian Government, all telephone, telegraph, data
transmission and other public telecommunications services. This constitutional
requirement was the basis for the establishment of the state-owned telephone
monopoly, Telebras, which held controlling interests in 27 regional telephone
operating companies. With the adoption of Amendment 8, Article 21 was modified
to permit the Brazilian Government to operate telecommunications services either
directly or through authorizations, concessions or permissions granted to
private entities. In particular, Amendment 8 removed the constitutional
requirement that the Brazilian Government must either directly operate or
control the shares of companies which operate telecommunications services.
22
Even with the adoption of Amendment 8, the Brazilian Government still retains
broad regulatory powers over telecommunications services.
Notwithstanding the existence of the Telebras monopoly, private companies
have been permitted under Brazilian law to provide a number of
telecommunications services other than telephony, including radio broadcasting,
paging, trunking, subscription television and cable television services.
However, fixed public telephony and cellular telephony were exclusively provided
by Telebras through its regional telephone operating companies. In 1998 the
Ministry of Communications and ANATEL concluded the privatization of all public
fixed and cellular telephone companies.
High-Speed Cable Data Services. Law 8977 and Decree 2206, among other
things, authorize cable television operators, such as the Company, in addition
to furnishing video and audio signals on their cable networks, to utilize their
networks for the transmission of meteorological, banking, financial, cultural,
price and other data. This broad grant of authority is understood to permit
Cable television operators to furnish services such as interactive home banking
and high-speed Cable data services to subscribers through their cable television
networks, although a simplified licensing procedure for high-speed Cable data
services may be installed by ANATEL in the future.
On November 29, 1999, ANATEL issued Regulation 190, which authorized the
use of subscriber communication networks (such as Cable systems) by
unidirectional or bi-directional value-added service providers. Regulation 190
also regulates certain terms between value-added service providers and
subscriber network operators. TVA is subject to Resolution 190 both as a cable
operator (through TVA Sistema) and a provider of high speed internet service
(through Ajato).
Cable Telephony. In accordance with Law 8977, no entity is permitted to
furnish fixed telephone services in Brazil without a specific license to do so.
There are, however, certain limited regulatory exceptions pursuant to which
private entities other than telephone operating companies have been permitted to
provide limited fixed telephony services in Brazil. Under one particular
exception, certain private telephone networks (Centrais Privadas de Comutaco
Telefonica or "CPCT") serving "condominiums" (as such term is defined under
Brazilian law) have been permitted to interconnect their private telephone
networks to the public telephone network operated by the local telephone
operating company. A CPCT is comparable to a private branch exchange (PBX) found
in some larger apartment complexes, hotels and businesses in the United States.
Under Brazilian law, the term "condominium" refers to residential and
nonresidential buildings or building complexes that have entered into a legal
association. In practice, a condominium desiring to establish a CPCT will
generally contract with a private service provider to install, operate and
maintain the CPCT and to secure interconnection with the public telephone
network. Ordinance No. 119/90 of 10 December 1990 ("Ordinance 119"), which was
issued by the predecessor to the Ministry of Communications, sets forth
requirements for the interconnection of CPCTs with the public telephone network.
In general the installation, operation and maintenance of a CPCT does not
require any authorization from the Ministry of Communications or Telebras. In
order to interconnect with the public telephone network, a CPCT must comply with
the requirements set forth in Ordinance 119. Such requirements primarily relate
to meeting technical equipment certification and acceptance standards. Assuming
that such standards are met, the regional telephone operating company is
required under Ordinance 119 to interconnect the CPCT requesting interconnection
to the public telephone network. The Company believes that, under current
Brazilian law, Cable television operators can utilize their Cable television
networks in order to facilitate the installation and operation of a CPCT.
Furthermore, under the authority granted by Ordinance 119, CPCTs may be
interconnected through Cable television networks to the public telephone
network.
In November 2001 Anatel revised regulations concerning the provision of
fixed telephony services to the general public (Servico Telefonico Fixo
Comutado, or "STFC"). These regulations provide that any company meeting certain
criteria can provide STFC services throughout Brazil. In March 2002 TVA
requested authorizations to provide STFC services in the cities of Sao Paulo,
Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba and Porto Alegre. In November 2002 TVA received ANATEL
approval to offer STFC services in these areas. In February 2004 TVA voluntarily
returned its STFC license to ANATEL due to the lack of investment opportunities
partners in this sector and TVA's focus on other strategic investments. The
license can be returned to TVA upon request.
In August 2001 ANATEL revised regulations concerning the provision of
telecommunications services other than STFC, radio and television broadcasting,
pay television and cellular services to the general public (Servico de
23
Comunicacao Multimidia, or "SCM"). In January 2002 TVA requested that its
existing license for such services be converted into an SCM license. This
request was approved by ANATEL in November 2002.
Other. On November 24, 1999, ANATEL and ANEEL (Agencia Nacional de Energia
Eletrica, or National Electric Energy Agency) published Joint Resolution No.
001, which sets guidelines for the use of infrastructure among the electric
energy, telecommunications and oil industries in order to maximize the use of
resources and reduce operating costs. TVA is involved in legal proceedings
against Centrais Eletricas de Santa Catarina--CELESC, Companhia Paranaense de
Energia Eletrica--COPEL and Eletropaulo Metropolitana de Sao Paulo in order to
resolve certain questions relating to TVA's contracts with these entities,
particularly with respect to increases in pole rental fees requested by these
entities. See "Legal Proceedings."
Legal Proceedings
The Company is party to certain legal actions arising in the ordinary
course of its business which, individually or in the aggregate, are not expected
to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the
Company. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had reserved approximately $11.2
million as contingent liabilities in connection with certain litigation
contingencies, involving primarily claims by persons arising in connection with
the termination of their employment and ICMS (state value-added tax).
The Company's operating companies are currently defending a lawsuit
brought by the Escritorio Central de Arrecadacao e Distribuicao (Central
Collection and Distribution Office, or "ECAD"), entity authorized to enforce
copyright laws relating to musical works. ECAD filed a lawsuit in 1993 against
all pay-television operators in Brazil seeking to collect royalty payments in
connection with musical works broadcast by the operators. ECAD is seeking a
judgment award of 2.55% of all past and present revenues generated by the
operators. The suits are currently being submitted to the Superior Tribunal de
Justica in order to determine whether ECAD is entitled to benefit from the
copyrights relating to musical works broadcast on pay television. Suits were
filed against TVA in the 1 Vara Civel Forum Central de Curitiba (against TVA
Sul) and the 14 Vara Civel Forum Central de Sao Paulo (against TVA Brasil). The
suit against TVA Sul has been initially ruled in TVA's favor, while the suit
against TVA Brasil is currently awaiting judgment. Based on the opinion of its
attorneys, management of TVA believes that TVA is likely to prevail in these
suits. In the event the Company does not prevail in connection with these
proceedings, however, the consolidated financial position of the Company may be
materially adversely affected.
TVA is involved in legal proceedings against Centrais Eletricas de Santa
Catarina--CELESC, Companhia Paranaense de Energia Eletrica--COPEL and
Eletropaulo Metropolitana de Sao Paulo in order to resolve certain questions
relating to TVA's contracts with these entities, particularly with respect to
increases in pole rental fees requested by these entities. Based on the opinion
of its attorneys, TVA considers it likely that TVA will prevail in these suits.
However, the loss of such suits may have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated financial position of the Company.
C. Organizational Structure
The following chart sets forth the significant subsidiaries comprising the
corporate structure of TVA's Cable, MMDS and Internet businesses. Except as
indicated otherwise, each of the subsidiaries listed below is incorporated in
the Federative Republic of Brazil. See Item 4, "Information on the
Company--Business Overview."
24
[THE FOLLOWING WAS REPRESENTED BY A FLOW CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.]
Tevecap S.A.
(TVA)
100% 100% 36%
TVA Sistema TVA Sul Canbras TVA
60%
CCS Camboriu
TVA Sistema and TVA Sul operate TVA's MMDS and Cable businesses. TVA
Sistema operates TVA's MMDS operations in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and Cable
operations in Sao Paulo. TVA Sistema also operates the business of Ajato, TVA's
high speed Internet. TVA Sul operates TVA's MMDS operations in Curitiba and
Cable operations in Curitiba, Camboriu, Foz do Iguacu and Florianopolis. TVA Sul
holds a 60% equity interest in CCS-Camboriu Cable System Telecomunicacoes Ltda.,
the operating company for TVA Sul's services in Camboriu, and an unaffiliated
third party holds the remaining 40%.
In October 2003, TVA entered into an agreement to sell its entire equity
interest in Canbras TVA, which was approved by ANATEL on June 16, 2004 and is
subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions precedent. See Item 4,
"Information on the Company--Business Overview--Canbras TVA."
D. Property, Plant and Equipment
The Company owns most of the assets essential to its operations. The major
fixed assets of the Company are coaxial and fiber optic cable, converters for
subscribers' homes, electronic transmission, receiving, processing and
distribution equipment, microwave equipment and antennae. The Company leases
certain distribution facilities from third parties, including space on utility
poles, roof rights and land leases for the placement of certain of its hub
sights and head ends and space for other portions of its distribution system.
The Company leases its offices from third parties, with the exception of certain
offices of TVA Sul, located in Curitiba, State of Parana, which are owned by the
Company. The Company also owns its data processing facilities and test
equipment.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Financial
Statements (including the notes thereto) included in this Annual Report. For the
purposes of the following discussion, all dollar amounts, with the exception of
average installation and subscriber fees, are set forth in thousands of U.S.
dollars.
25
This discussion of the Company's operating review and prospects reflects
the historical results of TVA. Due to the limited operating history, startup
nature, translations of Brazilian currency into U.S. dollars, and rapid growth
of TVA, period-to-period comparisons of financial data are not necessarily
indicative, and should not be relied upon as an indicator of the future
performance of TVA.
A. Results of Operations
Overview
Since its inception in 1989, TVA has been developing its businesses.
Despite its positive operating cash flows since 2002, TVA continues to sustain
substantial net losses due primarily to insufficient revenue with which to fund
build-out, interest expense and charges for depreciation and amortization. Net
losses incurred by TVA since inception have been funded principally by (i) net
contributions of $516,487 from TVA's shareholders, (ii) borrowings from Editora
Abril S.A. ("Abril") under a revolving credit facility, dated December 6, 1995,
between TVA, as the borrower, and Editora Abril S.A., as the lender (the "Abril
Credit Facility"), (iii) dispositions of non-strategic assets and (iv) bank
loans and other borrowings made from time to time. In November 2001, TVA's
shareholders agreed to capitalize outstanding loans in the aggregate principal
amount of $123,159 made to TVA by Editora Abril under the Abril Credit Facility.
The Company's results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003
were significantly affected by the following factors: (i) the depreciation of
investments in the construction and modernization of infrastructure used to
improve current services and develop new services, (ii) a recessionary economic
environment, (iii) the relatively high cost of local financing, and (iv) the
impact of the appreciation of the real, as discussed below.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Financial Statements are presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As
such, the Company is required to make certain estimates, judgments and
assumptions that management believes are reasonable based upon the information
available. These estimates, judgments and assumptions affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the Financial Statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. The
significant accounting policies which management believes are the most critical
to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the Company's reported financial
results include the following:
Deferred Income Taxes. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and
liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying
amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss
and tax credit carryforwards. The Company regularly reviews the deferred tax
assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance if it is more
likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized, based on
historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected
timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. As of December 31,
2003, the Company had approximately $226,779 of net operating losses ("NOLs") to
offset against regular taxes. These NOLs do not expire. The Company has a
limited operating history and has generated losses since its inception. In view
of this, the Company has established a full valuation allowance for the amount
of the deferred tax assets attributable to the NOL carryforwards and other
deductible differences. In the event that the Company generates taxable income
in the future, it will be able to utilize these NOLs.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company reviews its property, plant
and equipment for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable. In order to estimate the fair value of
long-lived assets, the Company typically makes various assumptions about the
future prospects for the business that the asset relates to, considers market
factors specific to that business and estimates future cash flows to be
generated by that business. Based on these assumptions and estimates, the
Company determines whether it needs to take an impairment charge to reduce the
value of the asset stated on our balance sheet to reflect its estimated fair
value. Assumptions and estimates about future values and remaining useful lives
are complex and often subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors,
including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal
factors such as changes in the Company's business strategy and internal
forecasts. Different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the
Company's reported financial results. More conservative assumptions of the
anticipated future benefits from these businesses could result in impairment
charges, which would decrease net income and result in lower
26
asset values on the Company's balance sheet. Conversely, less conservative
assumptions could result in smaller or no impairment charges, higher net income
and higher asset values.
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment. Depreciation of property,
plant and equipment is provided using the straight-line method based on the
estimated useful lives of the underlying assets disclosed in Note 10 to the
Tevecap Financial Statements. Given the complex nature of the Company's
property, plant and equipment, the estimates of useful lives require
considerable judgment and are inherently uncertain. In the event that the
Company could changes its estimates of useful lives, the amount of future
depreciation expense could be materially different.
Provision for Doubtful Accounts. A provision for doubtful accounts is
established on the basis of an analysis of the accounting receivable, in light
of the risks involved, and is considered sufficient to cover any losses incurred
in realization of credits. If the financial condition of the Company's customers
were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make
payments, additional allowances may be required.
Impact of Real Devaluation
All forms of TVA's revenue were affected adversely in dollar terms as a
result of the significant fluctuation of the Brazilian real against other major
currencies. The devaluation of the real, which occurred primarily in 1999 and
continued through 2002, resulted in a loss in the value of the real against the
dollar of approximately 28.4% during the year ended December 31, 2001 and
approximately 52% during the year ended December 31, 2002. This devaluation also
resulted in an increase in TVA's dollar-denominated liabilities. For the year
ended December 31, 2003, however, the real appreciated approximately 18.2%
against the dollar. This appreciation significantly affected TVA's foreign
currency gains and losses, which represented a loss of $31.5 million (or 40.7%
of net revenue) in 2002 as compared to a gain of $11.0 million (or 14.0% of net
revenue) in 2003. See Item 3, "Key Information--Risk Factors--Factors Relating
to the Company" and "--Factors Relating to Brazil."
Outsourcing of Services
In January 2002, in an effort to continue to reduce operative expenses,
the Company entered into a Service Agreement with its affiliate Editora Abril,
pursuant to which the Company outsourced a number of administrative services,
including payroll, human resources, accounting, tax, finance and legal services,
to Editora Abril.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities." In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
("FASB") issued SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities", which amends and clarifies accounting for
derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts, and hedging activities under SFAS 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS 149 clarifies the
circumstances under which a contract with an initial net investment meets the
characteristic of a derivative as discussed in SFAS 133. In addition, SFAS 149
clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component that warrants special
reporting in the statement of cash flows. SFAS 149 amends certain other existing
pronouncements, resulting in more consistent reporting of contracts that are
derivatives in their entirety or that contain embedded derivatives that warrant
separate accounting. SFAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or
modified after June 30, 2003 and for relationships designated after June 30,
2003 and is to be applied prospectively. The adoption of SFAS 149 did not have
any impact on the Company's financial statements.
SFAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with
Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity." In May 2003, FASB issued SFAS
150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both
Liabilities and Equity". SFAS 150 modifies the accounting for certain financial
instruments that, under previous guidance, issuers could account for as equity.
The statement requires that those instruments be classified as liabilities in
statements of financial position. SFAS 150 affects an issuer's accounting for
three types of freestanding financial instruments, namely:
o Mandatory redeemable shares, which the issuing company is obligated
to buy back in exchange for cash or
27
other assets.
o Instruments, other than outstanding shares, that do or may require
the issuer to buy back some of its shares in exchange for cash or
other assets. These instruments include put options and forward
purchase contracts.
o Obligations that can be settled with shares, the monetary value of
which is fixed, tied solely or predominantly to a variable such as a
market index, or varies inversely with the value of the issuers'
shares.
SFAS 150 does not apply to features embedded in financial instruments that
are not derivatives in their entirety. In addition to its requirements for the
classification and measurement of financial instruments within its scope, SFAS
150 also requires disclosures about alternative ways of settling those
instruments and the capital structure of entities, all of whose shares are
mandatorily redeemable. SFAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered
into or modified after May 31, 2003 and, otherwise, is effective at the
beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. It is to be
implemented by reporting the cumulative effect of a change in an accounting
principle for financial instruments created before the issuance date of the
statement and still existing at the beginning of the interim period of adoption.
Restatement is not permitted. The adoption of SFAS 150 did not have a material
impact on the Company's financial statements. Redeemable stocks were
reclassified from mezzanine debt to liabilities upon the adoption of SFAS 150.
FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for
Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others." In
November 2002, FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"), "Guarantor's
Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect
Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others". FIN 45 requires certain disclosures to be
made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its
obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also requires a
guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the
fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The disclosure
requirements of FIN 45 are effective for interim and annual periods ending after
December 15, 2002. The initial recognition and initial measurement requirements
of FIN 45 are effective prospectively for guarantees issued or modified after
December 31, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have a material impact on the
Company's financial statements, as discussed in Note 24.I.l.
FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." In January 2003,
FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"), Consolidation of Variable
Interest Entities", an Interpretation of APB No. 51. FIN 46 requires certain
variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the
entity if the equity investors in the entity did not have the characteristics of
a controlling financial interest or did not have sufficient equity at risk for
the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial
support from other parties. FIN 46 was effective for all new variable interest
entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. However, during October
2003, FASB deferred the effective date of FIN 46 until the end of the first
interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003. This deferral did not
affect the implementation date for many foreign private issuers, which continued
to be the beginning of the first annual period ending after December 15, 2003.
In December 2003, FIN 46 was substantially revised and a new
interpretation FIN 46 (revised) was issued. FASB partially delayed FIN 46's
effective date (for most public companies) until no later than the end of the
first reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. The delay notwithstanding,
public companies must apply either FIN 46 or FIN 46R to special-purpose entities
(SPEs) no later than the end of the first reporting period ending after December
15, 2003. For variable interest entities created as acquired prior to February
1, 2003, the provision to FIN 46 (revised) must be applied by foreign private
issuers beginning on January 1, 2004 for special purpose entities and by
December 31, 2004 for all other types of entities. FIN 46R did not have any
impact on the Company's operations in 2003, and it is expected that it will not
have any impact on the Company's operations in 2004.
28
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
2003 2002 2001
------------------- ------------------- --------------------
% of Net % of Net % of Net
Amount Revenue Amount Revenue Amount Revenue
------ ------- ------ ------- ------ -------
Gross revenues
Monthly subscriptions $ 76,305 97.4% $ 74,925 96.9% $ 90,218 97.8%
Installation 1,211 1.5% 1,099 1.4% 270 0.3%
Additional services and others 13,856 17.7% 13,744 17.8% 17,418 18.9%
Taxes on Revenue (13,038) (16.6)% (12,444) (16.1)% (15,636) (17.0)%
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Net revenue 78,334 100.0% 77,324 100.0% 92,270 100.0%
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Direct operating expenses 39,875 50.9% 42,872 55.5% 51,296 55.6%
Selling, general and administrative Expense 18,694 23.9% 19,747 25.5% 31,420 34.1%
Depreciation and amortization 23,683 30.2% 28,017 36.2% 34,364 37.2%
Tax recovery program 5,029 6.4% -- -- -- --
Other operating expense, net 9,568 12.2% 4,281 5.6% 1,762 1.9%
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Total operating expenses 96,849 123.6% 94,917 122.8% 118,842 128.8%
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Operating loss (18,515) (23.6)% (17,593) (22.8)% (26,572) (28.8)%
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Interest income (1,511) (1.9)% (1,708) (2.2)% (4,200) (4.6)%
Interest expense 18,135 23.2% 16,941 21.9% 37,849 41.0%
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss, net (11,019) (14.0)% 31,520 40.7% 11,067 12.1%
Other nonoperating expenses (income), net -- -- 590 0.8% 2,438 2.6%
Minority interest 82 0.1% 64 0.1% (284) (0.3)%
Income taxes(a) 19,382 24.7% 79 0.1% -- --
Equity in (losses) income of affiliates, net (3,585) (4.6)% 6,337 8.2% 2,375 2.6%
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Net income (loss) (39,999) (51.1)% (71,416) (92.4)% (75,817) (82.2)%
======= ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
- ----------
(a) Includes provision for income taxes in 2003 due to foreign currency gain
in respect of the Senior Notes.
Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002
The table below sets forth the number of TVA's Cable and MMDS
subscribers at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002.
Cable/MMDS Subscribers December 31, 2003 December 31, 2002
---------------------- ----------------- -----------------
MMDS(a)......................................... 104,755 118,958
Cable........................................... 179,435 181,663
284,190 300,621
------- -------
Paid Subscribers Awaiting Installation.......... 765 865
------- -------
Total........................................... 284,955 301,486
======= =======
- -------------
(a) Includes UHF subscribers
29
The table below sets forth the number of TVA's Internet subscribers at
December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002.
Internet Subscribers December 31, 2003 December 31, 2002
-------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Ajato (a) ...................................... 20,183 14,955
Paid Subscribers Awaiting Installation.......... 320 96
------ ------
Total Internet Subscribers...................... 20,503 15,051
====== ======
- ----------
(a) Excludes subscribers that formerly subscribed separately to Acesso
for internet access, and who now receive both internet access and
internet service through Ajato.
Revenues. Revenues consist primarily of Monthly subscriptions revenue
(which principally consists of monthly fees paid by subscribers to the Company
for programming services, including equipment use), Installation revenue and
Additional services and others (which consists of Advertising revenues and Other
revenues).
Monthly subscriptions revenue for the year ended December 31, 2003 was
$76,305, an increase of 1.8% as compared to $74,925 for the comparable period in
2002. The increase in revenue, in spite of the decline in pay television
subscribers, (a result of the Company's strategy of eliminating unprofitable
customers and improving programming and customer service for profitable
customers), was due to the successful efforts of the Company to distribute price
increases on a segmented basis across its tiered programming options. Average
monthly fees for existing pay television subscribers increased from $21.24 to
$25.50 per subscriber, while the Company's pay television subscriber base
decreased by approximately 5.7%, largely due to such qualification efforts. The
Company's residential and corporate Internet subscriber base increased by
approximately 33% and 68%, respectively. The average monthly subscription price
during the year ended December 31, 2003 was $24.19 for MMDS service, $26.27 for
Cable service, $27.41 for residential Internet service and $161.08 for corporate
Internet service, as compared to $20.39, $21.85, $25.01 and $162.74,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2002.
Installation revenue for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $1,211, as
compared to $1,099 for the same period of 2002, an increase of $112 or 10%. This
increase was primarily due to the increase of 11,369 pay television and 1,509
Internet new sales compared with 2002. The average installation fee was $19.07
in 2003, as compared with $19.51 in 2002, reflecting the Company's strategy of
slightly reducing installation fees in order to achieve more subscribers. The
average installation fee during the year ended December 31, 2003 was $25.90 for
MMDS service and $14.50 for Cable service, as compared to $22.69 and $17.48,
respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2002. The average installation
fee for Internet sales was $13.43 in 2003 as compared to $9.66 in 2002.
Additional services and other revenues for the year ended December 31,
2003 was $13,856, as compared to $13,744 for the comparable period of 2002, an
increase of 1%. Advertising revenue increased from $1,624 to $2,586, an increase
of 59%, primarily due to the positive results arising from the outsourcing of
the advertising sales force to Editora Abril. Other revenue decreased from
$12,120 to $11,270, principally due to the 6% reduction in the Company's pay
television subscriber base.
Taxes on revenue consist of a 3.65% tax on Advertising revenue and a
15.15% tax on revenues, other than Advertising revenues, in each case charged by
the Brazilian Government. Taxes on revenue for the year ended December 31, 2003
were $13,038, as compared to $12,444 for the same period of the prior year, an
increase of 5%. The increase in Taxes on revenue is attributable to the increase
of revenues. In both years, Taxes as a percentage of Gross Revenues were
approximately 14%.
For the reasons noted above, Net revenue for the year ended December 31,
2003 was $78,334 as compared to $77,324 for the comparable period in the
previous year, an increase of $1,010 or 1.3%, in spite of a 6% decrease in the
Company's pay television subscriber base.
30
Direct operating expenses. Direct operating expenses include Payroll and
benefits, Programming, Technical assistance, TVA magazine, Pole rental and Other
costs. These expenses are variable and related to the evolution of the
subscribers and the Company's systems, and are also dependent on the type of
service subscribers select. Direct operating expenses for the year ended
December 31, 2003 were $39,875, as compared to $42,872 for the same period in
2002, a decrease of $2,997, or 7%. As a percentage of net revenues, direct
operating expenses represented 51% in 2003 as compared with 55% in the prior
year. This decrease in Direct operating expenses is attributable principally to
a restructuring plan initiated in the second half of 2001 for the purpose of
adjusting to adverse market conditions, including the effects of the real
devaluation (which increased in reais the costs of dollar-denominated expenses)
and an increase in unemployment in TVA's markets. Payroll and benefits expense
decreased to $2,455 from $5,130 a decrease of $2,675, primarily due to a
reduction in the number of employees from 615 in 2002 to 561 in 2003,
principally due to the implementation of the Company's outsourcing arrangement
with Editora Abril in 2002. Programming costs decreased to $24,786 from $25,036,
as the reduction in the pay television subscriber base was largely offset by the
effects of the inflation in respect of the Company's primary channels. Technical
assistance increased to $1,533 from $1,427, an increase of $106 or 7%. Even with
the improvements in the installation process which reduced the number of
requests for technical assistance, the cost increased due to the change in our
antenna location in Rio de Janeiro. TVA Magazine expenses decreased to $1,577
from $1,675 due to the decrease in the pay television subscriber base and
renegotiation of unitary productions and distribution costs. Pole rental
decreased to $1,255 from $1,881, a decrease of $626, due to a reduction in the
unit pole cost initiated in the last quarter of 2002, impacting the entire year
2003. Other costs includes acquisition of backbone IP/internet, billing costs,
third party services, transportation of equipment and materials, maintenance and
other miscellaneous expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2003, Other costs
were $8,269, as compared to $7,723 for the prior year, an increase of $546
primarily due to the indexation of most contracts to inflation and the
outsourcing of certain personnel to Editora Abril and other third parties.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses include Payroll and benefits, Advertising and promotion
expense, Rent, and Other general and administrative expenses. Selling, general
and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2003 were $18,694,
as compared to $19,747 for the same period of 2002, a decrease of $1,053 or 5%.
Payroll and benefits increased from $5,348 in 2002 to $6,322 in 2003, an
increase of $974, or 18%, largely due to adjustments in the provision of claims
and annual salary increases of approximately 5% for unionized employees which
partially offset the results of the Company's cost cutting program and
restructuring plan. Advertising and promotion expense increased from $2,676 in
2002 to $2,917 in 2003, an increase of $241 or 9%, largely due to the higher
number of installations in 2003. In general, rental and other costs were
significantly reduced in 2003 under management's efforts to reduce costs and
increase margins to offset the recessionary economic environment.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization includes
depreciation of systems, equipment, installation materials, installation
personnel and amortization of concessions. Depreciation and Amortization for the
year ended December 31, 2003 was $23,683, as compared to $28,017 for the same
period of 2002, a decrease of $4,334 due primarily to the disposal of certain
equipment, fully depreciated items and short term marginal returns on new
investments.
Other operating expense (income), net. Other operating expense, net for
the year ended December 31, 2003 was $9,568 as compared to $4,281 for the same
period in 2002, an increase of $5,287 due to the non-recurring loss on
acquisition equity interest in TVAs share of the operations of Canbras Parana
(part of the Canbras sale transaction). Other operating expense, net for 2003
and 2002 consists primarily of the loss on disposal of property and equipment,
write-offs of assets related to cancellation of subscriptions and loss on sale
of obsolete inventories. For the reasons noted above, Operating loss for the
year ended December 31, 2003 was $18,515 compared to $17,593 for the comparable
period in 2002, an increase of $922. Excluding the non-recurring loss mentioned
above, together with a non-recurring provision in respect of a tax recovery
program of $5,029, Operating loss showed an improvement of $10,004 or 57%.
Interest income. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2003 was
$1,511 as compared to $1,708 for the same period in 2002, a decrease of $197, or
12%, primarily as a result of the effect of inflation on inflation-indexed
obligations.
31
Interest expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2003
was $18,135, as compared to $16,941 for the same period of 2002, an increase of
$1,194, principally attributable to an increase in the prime interest rate in
the Brazilian economy (Selic).
Minority interest. The Minority interest was $82 (negative) for the year
ended December 31, 2003, as compared with $64 (negative) for the same period in
2002
Income taxes. Income taxes rose from $79 in 2002 to $19,382 in 2003
primarily as a result of a provision required to be made by the Company in 2003
due to the foreign currency gain in 2003 resulting from the appreciation of the
real against the dollar in 2003.
Equity in losses of affiliates, net. For the year ended December 31, 2003,
Equity in losses of affiliates amounted to a gain of $3,585, as compared to a
loss of $6,337 in the same period of 2002, an increase of $9,922. This gain
originated in the operations of Canbras TVA, largely a result of the effect of
the 2003 real appreciation on Canbras TVA's programming costs and
dollar-denominated indebtedness.
Net income (loss). For the reasons noted above, Net loss for the year
ended December 31, 2003 was $39,999, as compared to a Net loss of $71,416 for
the comparable period in 2002, an improvement of $31,417 or 44%. Excluding
non-recurring events and provisions in 2003 of $29,980 (tax recovery program,
provision for income tax and loss on acquisition equity interest in TVA's share
of the operations of Canbras Parana), net loss would have been $10,019, an
improvement of $61,397 or 86%.
Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001
The table below sets forth the number of TVA's Cable and MMDS subscribers
at December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001.
Cable/MMDS Subscribers December 31, 2002 December 31, 2001
---------------------- ----------------- -----------------
MMDS (a)........................................ 118,958 162,427
Cable........................................... 181,663 196,855
------- -------
300,621 359,282
Paid Subscribers Awaiting Installation.......... 865 307
------- -------
Total .......................................... 301,486 359,589
======= =======
- ---------------
(a) Includes UHF subscribers.
The table below sets forth the number of Internet subscribers at
December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001.
Internet Subscribers December 31, 2002 December 31, 2001
---------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Ajato (a)....................................... 14,955 10,053
Paid Subscribers Awaiting Installation.......... 96 291
------- -------
Total Internet Subscribers...................... 15,051 10,344
======= =======
- ---------------
(a) Excludes subscribers that formerly subscribed separately to Acesso
for internet access, and who now receive both internet access and
internet service through Ajato.
Revenues. Monthly subscriptions revenue for the year ended December 31,
2002 was $74,925, as compared to $90,218 for the comparable period in 2001. This
decrease is primarily attributable to a 52% devaluation of the real against the
U.S. dollar in 2002 without taking into account the real devaluation, monthly
subscriptions revenue would have increased by 3%. The Company's pay television
subscriber base decreased by approximately 16%, largely due to management's
efforts to increase services to profitable subscribers and decrease services to
improfitable subscribers. The Company's Internet subscriber base increased by
approximately 46%. Average monthly fees for existing pay television subscribers
decreased from $23.51 to $21.24 per subscriber, largely due to the effect of the
real devaluation in 2002. Without taking into account the real devaluation,
average monthly fees for pay television subscribers would have been $26.40. The
average monthly subscription price during the year ended December 31, 2002 was
$20.39 for MMDS service, $21.85 for Cable service and $25.01 for Internet
service, as compared to $19.32, $21.66 and $28.92, respectively, for the year
ended December 31, 2001.
32
Installation revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002 was $1,099, as
compared to $270 for the same period of 2001, an increase of $829 or 307%. This
increase was primarily due to the increase of the average installation fee to
$19.51 in 2002 from $9.95 in 2001. The average installation fee during the year
ended December 31, 2002 was $22.69 for MMDS service and $17.48 for Cable
service, as compared to $10.15 and $9.22, respectively, during the year ended
December 31, 2001. This increase in the average installation fee reduced the
Company's subsidies in acquiring new subscribers, thereby reducing the Company's
capital working needs in order to replace Churn and increase its subscriber
base.
Additional services and other revenues for the year ended December 31,
2002 was $13,744, as compared to $17,418 for the comparable period of 2001, a
decrease of 21%. Advertising revenue increased from $1,005 to $1,624, an
increase of 62%. Other revenue decreased from $12,120 to $16,413, principally
due to the 16% reduction in the Company's pay television subscriber base and the
effects of the real devaluation.
Taxes on revenue consist of a 3.65% tax on Advertising revenue and a
15.15% tax on the balance of revenues, in each case charged by the Brazilian
Government. Taxes on revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002 were $12,444,
as compared to $15,636 for the same period of the prior year, a decrease of
20.4%. The decrease in Taxes on revenue is attributable to the decrease of
revenues of 15.3%. In both years, Taxes as a percentage of Gross Revenues were
approximately 14%.
For the reasons noted above, and in particular the real devaluation in
2002 , Gross revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002 was $89,768 as
compared to $107,906 for the comparable period in the previous year, a decrease
of $18,138. Without taking into account the real devaluation, Gross revenue
would have increased by 3.4% in 2002 as compared to 2001.
Direct operating expenses. Direct operating expenses for the year ended
December 31, 2002 were $42,872, as compared to $51,296 for the same period in
2001, a decrease of $8,424, or 16.4%. As a percentage of gross revenues, direct
operating expenses represented 61.6% in 2002 as compared with 63.2% in the prior
year. This decrease in Direct operating expenses is attributable principally to
a restructuring plan initiated in the second half of 2001 for the purpose of
adjusting to adverse market conditions, including the effects of the real
devaluation (which increased in reais the costs of dollar-denominated expenses)
and an increase in unemployment in TVA's markets. Payroll and benefits expense
decreased to $5,130 from $8,504 a decrease of $3,374, primarily due to a
reduction in the number of employees from 873 in 2001 to 615 in 2002,
principally due to the implementation of the Company's outsourcing arrangement
with Editora Abril in 2002. Programming costs decreased to $25,036 from $25,749,
as the reduction in the pay television subscriber base was largely offset by the
effects of the real devaluation in respect of the Company's primary channels.
Technical assistance decreased to $1,427 from $1,868, a decrease of $441 or
23.6%, largely as a result of improvements in the installation process which
reduced the number of requests for technical assistance. Transponder lease cost
were not amount in 2002 to the cancellation in 2001 of the transponder lease
agreement, which was no longer required after the sale of the DBS Systems. TVA
Magazine expenses decreased to $1,675 from $2,389 due to the decrease in the pay
television subscriber base and the effects of the real devaluation. Pole rental
decreased to $1,881 from $2,814, a decrease of $933, due to a reduction in the
unit pole cost in the last quarter of 2001 and the effects of the real
devaluation. For the year ended December 31, 2002, Other costs were $7,723, as
compared to 9,972 for the prior year, a decrease of $2,249 primarily due to
decreased communication and production costs associated with Ajato and Acesso
(backbone IP), a decrease in billing costs, an increase in maintenance costs due
to negotiation with suppliers, and an increase in contracted electricity costs,
all partially offset by the devaluation of the real.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2002 were $19,747, as
compared to $31,420 for the same period of 2001, a decrease of $11,673 or 37.2%.
Payroll and benefits decreased from $9,795 in 2001 to $5,348 in 2002, a decrease
of $4,447, or 45.4%, largely due to the decrease in the number of employees
(cost cut program and restructuring plan) , which was partially offset by annual
salary increases of approximately 5% for unionized employees. Advertising and
promotion expense decreased from $5,778 in 2001 to $2,676 in 2002, a decrease of
$3,102 or 53.7%, largely due to the lower number of installations in 2002 and a
reduction in the sponsorship of shows and other events. In general, rental and
other costs were significantly reduced in 2002 under management's efforts to
reduce costs and increase margins to offset the recessionary economic
environment and the effects of the real devaluation.
33
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and Amortization for the year
ended December 31, 2002 was $28,017, as compared to $34,364 for the same period
of 2001, a decrease of $6,347 due primarily to the disposal of certain equipment
and devaluation of the real.
Other operating expense (income), net. Other operating expense, net for
the year ended December 31, 2002 was $4,281 as compared to $1,762 for the same
period in 2001, an increase of $2,519. Other operating expense, net for 2002 and
2001 consists primarily of the loss on disposal of property and equipment,
write-offs of assets related to cancellation of subscriptions and loss on sale
of obsolete inventories. For the reasons noted above, Operating loss for the
year ended December 31, 2002 was $17,593 compared to $26,572 for the comparable
period in 2001, a decrease of $8,979 or 33.8%.
Interest income. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2002 was
$1,708 as compared to $4,200 for the same period in 2001, a decrease of $2,492,
or 59.3%, primarily as a result of the effect of inflation on inflation-indexed
obligations and the real devaluation.
Interest expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2002
was $16,941, as compared to $37,849 for the same period of 2001, a decrease of
$20,908, principally attributable to $21,508 in interest due to Abril under the
Abril Credit Facility in 2001.
Other non-operating expense (income) net. Other non-operating expense, net
for the year ended December 31, 2002 was $590 as compared to other non-operating
income, net of $2,438 in the same period in 2001, a decrease of $1,848.
Minority interest. The Minority interest was $64 (negative) for the year
ended December 31, 2002, as compared with $284 (positive) for the same period in
2001. In November 2001 Abril's 14% equity interest in TVA Sul was exchanged for
an increase in Abril's equity interest in TVA. See Item 7, "Major Shareholders
and Related Party Transactions."
Equity in losses of affiliates, net. For the year ended December 31, 2002,
Equity in losses of affiliates amounted to a loss of $6,337, as compared to a
loss of $2,375 in the same period of 2001, an increase of $3,962. This loss
originated in the operations of Canbras TVA, largely a result of the effect of
the real devaluation on Canbras TVA's programming costs and dollar-denominated
indebtedness.
Net income (loss). For the reasons noted above, Net loss for the year
ended December 31, 2002 was $71,416, as compared to a Net loss of $75,817 for
the comparable period in 2001.
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since inception, the Company has sustained losses primarily due to
insufficient revenue to fund start-up costs, interest expense and charges for
depreciation and amortization arising from the development of its pay television
systems. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had cumulative net losses of
$538,173. During the periods under review, the Company required external funds
to finance its capital expenditures, operating activities and make payments of
principal and interest on its indebtedness. The sources of such funds have been
as follows: (i) borrowings from Abril under the Abril Credit Facility, of which
$39,712 was outstanding as of December 31, 2003, (ii) borrowings under lines of
credit, of which $8,059 was outstanding as of December 31, 2003, (iii) net
capital contributions of approximately $516,487 from shareholders, (iv) the
Senior Notes, of which $48,022 was outstanding to unaffiliated parties as of
December 31, 2003, (vi) the disposition of non-strategic assets, including the
DBS Systems and certain assets related thereto and the Company's
programming-related assets, for which the Company received net cash proceeds in
1999 and 2000 of approximately $177,600 and $51,070, respectively.
The Company's liquidity needs arise primarily from capital expenditures,
debt service requirements and, in certain periods, the funding of its working
capital requirements. The Company presently meets all such requirements from
cash generated from operations.
The Company will likely require capital for (i) the continued funding of
losses and working capital
34
requirements, (ii) the installation of equipment at subscribers' locations,
(iii) the construction/maintenance of additional/existing transmission and
headend facilities and related equipment purchases, (iv) the development of its
Internet businesses and (v) the payment of the principal amount of its
indebtedness. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had $95,793 of indebtedness
outstanding, primarily consisting of the Senior Notes in the aggregate principal
amount of $48,022, $39,712 outstanding under the Abril Credit Facility, and
short term revolving credit facilities in an aggregate principal amount of
$8,059.
The Company made purchases of fixed assets of $11,223, $11,195 and $30,722
in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Management estimates that $11 million of
capital expenditures will be required in 2004, principally in connection with
the purchase of installation materials and equipment, Cable and MMDS technical
upgrades and the development of its pay television and internet operations
(including the replacement of Churn and the increase of the subscriber base).
The Company's principal sources of liquidity are borrowings from Editora
Abril and the Company's short-term borrowings (each as described below),
together with net cash provided by operating activities. However, until
sufficient cash flow is generated from operations, the Company will be required
to utilize its current sources of debt funding to satisfy its liquidity needs.
In November 2001, the Company's shareholders approved the capitalization of
outstanding loans in the aggregate principal amount of $123,159 under the Abril
Credit Facility and the transfer of certain nonmonetary assets and liabilities
amounting to $5,525. This capitalization lowered the Company's leverage ratio
and improved its borrowing capacity under existing and new lines of credit. The
Company had approximately $292 of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31,
2003.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, net cash provided by operating
activities was $9,233, primarily as the result of the net loss for the year of
$39,999, which was partially offset by $22,748 of Depreciation and $19,054 of
Deferred Income Tax. For the year ended December 31, 2003, net cash used in
investing activities was $11,082, largely as the result of capital expenditures
for the purchase of fixed assets of $11,223. The purchases of fixed assets were
principally related to the maintenance of Cable and MMDS networks and the
subscriber base, the purchase of reception equipment (spare parts), which
includes hardware, materials and labor used for new subscriber installations and
decoders, and the development of the Company's Internet operations. For the year
ended December 31, 2003, net cash provided by financing activities was $927.
The Abril Credit Facility allows the Company to borrow up to $60,000 on a
revolving basis. Since June 1996, the Company has from time to time requested,
and Abril has provided, funds in excess of $60,000. The loans are generally
denominated in reais and bear interest at a rate equal to a percentage of the
CDI rate, the Brazilian interbank lending rate, adjusted at the beginning of
each month. In November 2001, the Company's shareholders approved the
capitalization of outstanding loans in the aggregate principal amount of
$123,159 under the Abril Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2003, the Company
had $39,712 outstanding under the Abril Credit Facility.
On November 26, 1996, Tevecap raised funds in foreign markets through a
private placement of $250,000 12 5/8% Senior Notes (the "Senior Notes") maturing
on November 26, 2004 and guaranteed by certain of Tevecap's subsidiaries. The
Senior Notes were subsequently registered under the Securities Act pursuant to
Exchange Offers in May and December 1997. Concurrently with the consummation of
the DBS Sale in July 1999, as described above, the net proceeds to the Company
from the DBS Sale were used by the Company to repurchase, through a wholly-owned
subsidiary, Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $201,978. In
addition, the Company obtained a consent from holders of the Senior Notes to
amend the restrictive covenants contained in the terms of the Senior Notes.
The Company has also raised funds through the disposition of non-strategic
assets, including the DBS Systems and certain assets related thereto and the
Company's programming-related assets (ESPN Brasil, HBO Brasil and Eurochannel),
for which the Company received net cash proceeds in 1999 and 2000 of
approximately $177,542 and $51,070, respectively. See Item 4, "Information on
the Company--History and Development of the Company."
The Company's liquidity may also be adversely affected by statutory
minimum dividend requirements under applicable Brazilian law.
35
C. Research and Development
The Company is not engaged in significant research and development
operations. However, the Company continues to consider the utilization of its
Cable and MMDS networks for the provision of other services, such as telephony
services. Current ANATEL regulations permit any company meeting certain criteria
to provide telephony services, and the Company has obtained licenses allowing it
to provide telephony and other communications services in certain of its
markets. In addition, the Company expects to deploy its digital Cable services
in the second semester of 2004 utilizing compression technology that permits the
Company to significantly increase the number of channels provided by its Cable
networks.
D. Trend Information
The Company's results of operations for the three years ended December 31,
2003 have been affected by Brazilian economic conditions, including a
significant devaluation of the real in 1999 and a continued devaluation through
2002. This devaluation, together with a recession in Brazil, had a significant
adverse effect on the operations of the Company, and materially raised the cost
of financing for the Company. In addition, the recessionary environment created
difficulties in maintaining existing subscribers. These factors led the Company
to implement a strategy focused on the sale of non-strategic assets, including
the Company's DBS and programming-related assets. See Item 4, "Information on
the Company--History and Development of the Company."
In 2003 the real appreciated by 18.3% to R$2.8892 per U.S.$1.00. During
the first five months of 2004, however, the real has depreciated by
approximately 8.3% against the U.S. dollar.
During the first three months of 2004, the Brazilian economy performed
favorably, with industrial production increasing by 11% (compared with the same
period of 2003) and an increase in GDP of 2.7% (over the fourth quarter of
2003). The Company's results of operations for the year ending December 31, 2004
will be influenced generally by Brazilian economic conditions, including the
effects arising from policies implemented by the administration of Luiz Inacio
Lula da Silva and the roll-out of the Company's new digital services. See Item
3, "Key Information--Risk Factors--Factors Relating to Brazil."
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
F. Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth the principal contractual obligations of
the Company during the periods indicated.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payment due by Period
(thousands of dollars)
-------------------------------------------------------
Less than 1
Contractual Obligations Total year 1-3 years 3-5 years Over 5 years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt obligations 56,081 56,081 -- -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital (finance) lease
obligations -- -- -- -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating lease obligations -- -- -- -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase obligations
(including programming agreements) 84,766 25,933 58,833 -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other liabilities 2,034 2,034 -- -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other long term liabilities 4,620 -- 4,209 -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 147,501 84,048 63,042 411 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The figures set forth above represent estimates made by the Company using
various assumptions for the years indicated, including (i) that the Company's
present programming and supply contracts will remain in effect at the current
36
rates set forth in such contracts during such years, (ii) that the Company's
subscriber base will not fall below its present level during such years and
(iii) that the real/dollar exchange rate will remain stable during such years.
As a result, the Company's actual contractual obligations during the years
indicated above could vary materially based upon, among other things, changes in
the Company's programming line-up, capital expenditure needs, subscriber base
and the real/dollar exchange rate.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors and Senior Management
The Company is managed by its Conselho de Administracao ("Board of
Directors") and Diretoria ("Committee of Officers"). Day-to-day operations of
the Company are managed by the Company's Executivos ("Executive Officers"). See
Item 10, "Additional Information--Estatuto Social."
Board of Directors
Current Position
Member Position Held Since
- ------ -------- ----------------
Maurizio Mauro .......................... President 2004
Emilio Humberto Carazzai Sobrinho........ Member 2003
Leila Abraham Loria...................... Member 2003
Arnaldo Figueiredo Tibyrica.............. Member 2003
Deborah Patricia Wright.................. Member 2003
Francisco Savio Couto Pinheiro........... Member 1995
Marcelo Vaz Bonini ...................... Member 2004
Mitchell R. Cohen........................ Member 2001
Plinio Villares Musetti.................. Member 2004
Committee of Officers
Current Position
Member Position Held Since
- ------ -------- ----------------
Carlos Eduardo Malagoni.................. Member 2004
Virgilio Jose Carreira Amaral Member 2004
Marcelo Vaz Bonini....................... Member 2001
Executive Officers
Current Position
Member Position Held Since
- ------ -------- ----------------
Leila Abraham Loria..................... Chief Executive Officer 1999
Carlos Eduardo Malagoni................. Chief Financial Officer 2002
Vito Chiarella Neto..................... Customer Relationship & Sales Officer 2001
Amilton Lucca........................... New Business Development Officer 2001
Virgilio Jose Carreira Amaral........... Strategy & Technology Officer 1999
Maurizio Mauro was appointed President of the Board of Directors in 2004.
Mr. Mauro has been the CEO of Abril Group since 2001. Prior to joining the Abril
Group, he served as a Senior Partner with Booz Allen Hamilton in its Sao Paulo
office for almost 14 years. As the country head and President of Brazilian
operations, Mr. Mauro advised large corporations in service industries, such as
banks, insurance companies, telecommunication operators and media groups, as
well as the Brazilian Government, in strategic planning, organization efficiency
and succession/governance restructuring issues. His professional experience
includes being the Planning Officer for a domestic bank and founder and general
manager of a software and data communications company. Mr. Mauro has also served
as a Board member for Booz Allen Hamilton and as a visitor professor at IBMEC,
where he taught a strategic planning course. Mr. Mauro holds a B.A. degree from
Fundacao Getulio Vargas and an M.S. in Finance from Universidade de Sao Paulo.
Emilio Humberto Carazzai Sobrinho has been a member of the Board of
Directors since March 2003. Mr. Carazzai has an M.B.A. from Manchester Business
School in England. Previously, he was the President of Ciaxa Economica Federal
from January 1999 through April 2002. He has also been the Director of Planning
for Bompreco ParS/A. Mr. Carazzai has served in various public administration
capacities, including Executive Secretary of the
37
Ministry of Treasury, Secretary of International Affairs of the Ministry of the
Treasury, and Adjunct Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Additionally, Mr. Carazzai has also been a director as Banorte, a member of the
Council of the Brazilian Federation of Banks, a consultant for Booz-Allen &
Hamilton, and an advisor to various private and public entities.
Leila Abraham Loria has been the Chief Executive Officer of TVA since June
1999 and a member of the Committee of Officers since March 2003. Previously,
Mrs. Loria was Business Director at the retail operation of Mesbla Lojas de
Departamentos S.A. Ms. Loria also held managing positions at Wal-Mart Brasil and
Galaxy Brasil and was responsible for the development and implementation of
these operations in Brazil. Mrs. Loria received a degree in Management from the
Fundacao Getulio Vargas Foundation in 1976, a Masters in Administration from
COPPEAD-UFRJ and an Executive MBA from APG-Amana.
Arnaldo Figueiredo Tibyrica has been a member of the Board of Directors
since March 2003. Mr. Tibiryca served as Vice President of Legal, Regulatory,
and Institutional Affairs of BCP S.A. since 1997. He has also been associated
with Grupo C & A and Banco Itau. Mr. Tibyrica received his law degree from
PUC-SP.
Deborah Patricia Wright has been a member of the Board of Directors since
March 2003. She has previously served as a director of Amelia.com (an Internet
division of the Pao de Acucar Group) since 2000. Ms. Wright has also been the
General Director of Parmalat Brasil Ltda., and has twenty years experience in
consumer products with large companies such as ICI (Tintas Coral), Philip Morris
(Kibon e Suchard) and Unilever.
Francisco Savio Couto Pinheiro has been a member of the Board of Directors
since 1995. Mr. Pinheiro is a former Secretary of Communications who has also
held posts at Embratel and Radiobras, the Brazilian government-owned
broadcasting company. Mr. Pinheiro is currently a consultant and General Manager
of SP Communications. Mr. Pinheiro holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in
telecommunications.
Mitchell R. Cohen is a managing director at Hellman & Friedman. Mr.
Cohen's primary areas of focus are the media and telecommunications industries.
Prior to joining the firm in 1989, Mr. Cohen was an associate in the Merchant
Banking Department and the Office of the Chairman at Shearson Lehman Hutton Inc.
Mr. Cohen is a director of Eastern Wireless Corporation and Falcon International
Communications L.P., and a former director of VoiceStream Wireless Corporation
and Avanstar, Inc. Mr. Cohen graduated from the McIntire School of Commerce at
the University of Virginia.
Plinio Villares Musetti is a partner of JP Morgan Partners based in Sao
Paulo, Brazil and is responsible for investments in Brazil and Latin America.
Prior to joining JP Morgan Partners in 2002, Mr. Musetti was the CEO and
President of Elevadores Atlas S.A. and later Elevadores Atlas Schindler S.A.,
the largest elevator and escalator company in Latin America. Previously, Mr.
Musetti was the Chief Financial Officer of Industrias Villares S.A., a Brazilian
industrial company with operations throughout Latin America. Mr. Musetti is on
the Board of Directors of Atrium Telecom, Diagnostics America S.A. , Elevadores
Atlas Schindler S.A. and Satipel Industrial S.A. Mr. Musetti graduated with a
degree in Civil Engineering and Business Administration from Mackenzie
University in Sao Paulo, Brazil and has also attended the Program for Management
Development at Harvard Business School.
Marcelo Vaz Bonini has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2004
and a member of the Committee of Officers since 2001. Mr. Bonini joined TVA in
1993 and has since then participated in joint ventures with strategic partners,
the launching of bond offerings in the American market, and various corporate
reorganizations (mergers, acquisitions and takeovers). Prior to his involvement
in TVA, he was an auditor at Cooper & Lybrand. Mr. Bonini graduated with a
degree in Accounting Sciences from the Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Sao
Paulo.
Vito Chiarella Neto has been the Customer Relationship Officer of TVA
since March 2002. Mr. Neto joined the Abril Group in 1992 and worked in the
comptroller's department until 1999 when he became General Manager of operations
at TVA Sul. In 2000 and 2001, he was the Director of TVA's operations in Sao
Paulo. Mr. Neto graduated with a degree in Accounting from the Faculdades
Tibirica.
38
Amilton Lucca has been the Internet Operations Officer of TVA since August
2001. Prior to his association with TVA, beginning in 1997, Mr. Lucca was
responsible for telecom operations at EDS. Mr. Lucca graduated with a degree in
Electric Engineering and a masters degree in Telecommunications from FAAP.
Carlos Eduardo Malagoni has been the Chief Financial Officer of TVA since
November 2002 and was appointed to the Committee of Officers in 2004. Mr.
Malagoni joined TVA in 1993 and has participated in the Company's new businesses
development, bond offerings, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to his
involvement with TVA, Mr. Malagoni was associated with Unibanco and Samsung. Mr.
Malagoni holds a degree in Economics from FAAP and an MBA from Ibmec.
Virgilio Jose Carreira Amaral has been with TVA since 1995, and now serves
as Strategy and Technology Officer and as a member of the Committee of Officers.
Mr. Amaral has participated in the implementation of DirecTV (Galaxy Brasil),
Ajato Broadband and the expansion of MMDS and cable infrastructure. Prior to
joining TVA, Mr. Amaral worked for 18 years at TV Globo, holding managing
positions. Mr. Amaral has a degree in Electronic Engineering from the University
of Sao Paulo.
B. Compensation
For the year ended December 31, 2003, the aggregate compensation,
including bonuses, of all Directors, Officers and Executive Officers of the
Company was $0.3 million. Members of the Board of Directors and the Committee of
Officers do not receive a salary from the Company.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, the aggregate amount set aside by
the Company to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits to Directors,
Officers and Executive Officers was $0.1 million.
C. Board Practices
Members of the Board of Directors and Committee of Officers are elected
for a two-year period, currently expiring on March 2005. Executive Officers are
appointed and removed by the Board of Directors and do not have a stated term of
office. Directors, Officers and Executive Officers do not enter into service
contracts with the Company. See Item 7, "Major Shareholders and Related Party
Transactions--Major Shareholders--Board of Directors" and Item 10, "Additional
Information--Estatuto Social."
D. Employees
The following table sets forth the number of officers, managers and other
permanent employees of the Company as of the dates indicated.
As of December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
-------------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------
City Officers Management Others Officers Management Others Officers Management Others
- ---- -------- ---------- ------ -------- ---------- ------ -------- ---------- ------
Sao Paulo 7 14 366 7 16 414 8 27 643
Rio de Janeiro -- 2 73 -- 3 77 -- 2 88
Curitiba -- 1 64 -- -- 65 -- 2 64
Camboriu -- 1 10 -- -- 9 -- 1 11
Florianopolis -- 1 9 -- 1 10 -- 1 12
Foz do Iguacu -- 1 12 -- 12 1 -- 1 13
-------- ---------- ------ -------- ---------- ------ -------- ---------- ------
Total 7 20 534 7 32 576 8 34 831
======== ========== ====== ======== ========== ====== ======== ========== ======
As of December 31, 2003, the Company also employed 21 interns and 2
temporary employees, as compared to 11 interns and 11 temporary employees as of
December 31, 2002 and 12 interns and 53 temporary employees as of December 31,
2001, most of whom were located in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
39
E. Share Ownership
No Director, Officer or Executive Officer listed above owns more than 1%
of the common shares of Tevecap S.A. See Item 7, "Major Shareholders and Related
Party Transactions."
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Shareholders
Tevecap has one class of capital stock, common shares, authorized and
outstanding. As of December 31, 2003, 485,220,440 common shares were
outstanding, representing authorized social capital of R$837,601,700. The
following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2003, information regarding the
beneficial ownership of Tevecap's common shares:
Number of Common
Shareholder Shares Owned Percentage
----------- ---------------- ----------
Abril Comunicacoes S.A...................................... 438,925,477 90.4%
Falcon International Communications (Bermuda) L.P.(a)....... 27,930,829 5.7
JP Morgan Partners LLC (b).................................. 18,364,123 3.7
All directors and executive officers as a group............. 11 --(c)
(a) A subsidiary of Falcon International Communications L.L.C.
(b) 11,496,330 and 6,867,793 of the shares beneficially owned by JP
Morgan Partners LLC ("JPM") are held of record by two wholly-owned
subsidiaries of CMIF (the "JPMorgan Parties").
(c) Less than 1%.
In addition, on November 19, 2001, the shareholders approved a capital
increase whereby the number of shares held by Abril increased from 140,700,748
to 399,582,903. This capital increase (together with a capital increase in 1998)
was paid through the capitalization of loans owed by the Company to Abril under
the Abril Credit Facility. In addition, the 2001 capital increase was paid
through contributions of the minority interests of Abril in TVA Sul and Canbras
Parana and Roberto Civita in TVA Sistema. See Item 5, "Operating and Financial
Review and Prospects--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
In addition, in December 2003 Abril Comunicacoes S.A. ("Abril") purchased
from Hearst/ABC Video Services II ("HABC II") all of HABC II's equity interest
in Tevecap (thereby increasing its ownership interest from 82.3% to 90.4%).
The relations among the Company's equity holders are governed by a
Stockholders Agreement (as amended, the "Stockholders Agreement"), dated
December 6, 1995, among Tevecap, Robert Civita, Abril, the JPMorgan Parties and
Falcon International (collectively, the "Stockholders"). The following describes
certain terms of the Stockholders Agreement, as amended.
Transfer of Shares. Any Stockholder desiring to transfer shares of capital
stock to any third party, including another Stockholder, must first offer such
shares to Tevecap and all of the other Stockholders. Tevecap has the right to
determine first whether to purchase such shares; if Tevecap elects not to
exercise its right to purchase the shares, the other Stockholders may elect to
purchase such shares. If Tevecap or the other Stockholders decide to purchase
the offered shares, all of such shares must be purchased. If neither Tevecap nor
the other Stockholders offer to purchase all of the offered shares, the
Stockholder desiring to sell such shares may sell the shares to any person,
provided that (i) all of the shares are sold simultaneously within six months
after the decision by Tevecap and the Stockholders not to purchase the shares,
(ii) Tevecap has not determined that the person making such purchase is a
stockholder of undesirable character, lacks necessary financial capacity or
competes with the Company, and (iii) the price for sale to such third party is
at least 90% of the price offered to the Company and the other Stockholders. The
provisions regarding transfers of shares do not apply to transfers to certain
affiliates of the Stockholders. In addition, the
40
Stockholders have preference over all other persons or entities to subscribe for
new issuances of capital stock by the Company in proportion to their existing
ownership of capital stock.
Event Put Options. Upon the occurrence of certain defined "triggering
events" each of the Stockholders, other than Abril, may demand that Tevecap buy
all or a portion of the shares of capital stock of Tevecap held by such
Stockholder, unless the shares of capital stock held by such Stockholder are
publicly registered, listed or traded (collectively referred to as an "Event
Put"). The triggering events are: (i) the amount of capital stock held by such
Stockholder exceeds the amount allowed under any legal restriction to which such
Stockholder may be subject ("Regulatory Put"); (ii) a breach without cure within
a designated period by Robert Civita, Abril, any of the respective affiliates of
Robert Civita or Abril or Tevecap of any representation, warranty, covenant or
duty made or owed pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, the Stock Purchase
Agreement, dated August 25, 1995, among Robert Civita, Abril, the JPMorgan
Parties, and certain other parties, or the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated
December 6, 1995, among Tevecap, Robert Civita, Abril, the JPMorgan Parties,
Falcon International and certain other parties; (iii) a breach without cure
within a designated period by Abril of the Abril Credit Facility; (iv) Robert
Civita ceases to directly or indirectly hold without the approval of the
Stockholders 31.258% of the capital stock and voting capital stock of Tevecap or
he ceases to control the voting capital stock held by his affiliates
representing 50% or more of the voting capital stock of Tevecap; (v) the Service
Agreement, dated July 22, 1994, as amended, among Tevecap, Televisao Show Time
Ltda. ("TV Show Time"), TVA Brasil Radioenlaces Ltda. ("TVA Brasil") and Abril,
each of which holds certain licenses covering certain operations of TVA, ceases
to be valid or effective or TV Show Time, TVA Brasil or Abril is liquidated or
dissolved or files voluntarily, or has filed against it involuntarily, any
petition in bankruptcy or (vi) another Stockholder exercises an Event Put, other
than a Regulatory Put. The price to be paid in connection with an Event Put is
set at fair market value determined by appraisal or by a multiple of Tevecap's
most recent quarterly earnings. However, in the event Tevecap does not have the
funds to satisfy its payment obligations under an Event Put, then, subject to a
number of conditions, exercising Stockholders may elect to receive special
voting or non-voting preferred shares of Tevecap. These preferred shares will
have priority with respect to the distribution of dividends and repurchases of
shares by Tevecap. The carrying value of the redeemable shares subject to an
Event Put reflect the capital contributions made by the Stockholders (other than
Falcon shares also subject to a Time Put, as described below, the carrying value
of which is adjusted to fair value in accordance with the probability of
redemption). The shares formerly held by HABC II, which were sold to Abril as
described above, are no longer deemed redeemable shares. See Note 17 to the
Company's Financial Statements.
Time Put Options. In addition, pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement,
Falcon International may demand that Tevecap buy all or any portion of the
shares of capital stock of Tevecap held by Falcon International (the "Falcon
Time Put"). The price to be paid in connection with the Falcon Time Put is fair
market value determined in the same manner as an Event Put. However, in the
event Tevecap does not have the funds to satisfy its payment obligations under
the Time Put, then, subject to a number of conditions, Tevecap may deliver to
Falcon promissory notes payable three years from the issue date thereof. In the
event Tevecap is unable to satisfy its payment obligations under these
promissory notes, Falcon may be entitled, subject to a number of conditions, to
sell its shares of Tevecap to a third party. As of the date of the filing of
this Annual Report, Falcon has not exercised the Falcon Time Put.
Registration Rights. The JPMorgan Parties, considered together, or Falcon
International may request that the Company effect the registration of any or all
of the capital stock held by such Stockholder. However, the Company is not
obligated to effect more than one registration requested by a Stockholder in any
12 month period or more than three registrations requested by a Stockholder in
total. The capital stock that is the subject of the registration demand must be
of a certain minimum amount. In addition, Tevecap must offer each Stockholder
other than Abril the opportunity to register capital stock held by such
Stockholder, subject to standard reductions in amount such Stockholder may
register as recommended by the managing underwriter. Tevecap is obligated to pay
all registration expenses other than underwriting discounts and commissions or
transfer taxes, and Tevecap is only obligated to pay for the fees and expenses
of Tevecap's counsel and accountants.
Board of Directors. Tevecap is governed by a board of directors with nine
members. Under the Stockholders Agreement, Abril designates six members, Falcon
International designates one member and the JPMorgan Parties together designate
one member. The final member is an independent member nominated by Abril and
designated by an affirmative vote of all shareholders entitled to designate a
director. The affirmative vote of members of the board representing the JPMorgan
Parties and Falcon International is required for: acquisition of ownership
interests in other
41
companies; acquisition or liens on equity in other companies or liens on assets
other than in ordinary course and in aggregate less than $500,000; incurrence of
indebtedness of less than one year maturity and in an amount greater than
$1,000,000; incurrence of indebtedness of greater than one year maturity except
trade debt and in an aggregate amount of less than $500,000; asset sales and
acquisitions (whether one transaction or a series of related transactions
involving assets, including restructuring, mergers, consolidations of assets)
with an aggregate value in excess of US$ 5,000,000; loans on advance payments;
non-financial guarantees in aggregate totaling more than $100,000; transactions
with affiliates; and modifications to the Service Agreement. Tevecap must obtain
the approval of Falcon International before entering into contracts in excess of
$1,000,000. Tevecap must obtain the approval of each of the JPMorgan Parties and
Falcon International before any corporate restructuring or any public offering
of securities of Tevecap.
Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) expenditures or projects of the Company
that are included in approved Business Plans do not require any additional Board
or shareholder approval and (ii) the Company is allowed to incur indebtedness of
up to US$10,000,000 (or the reais equivalent) or guarantee of loans in such
amounts, without the need to obtain specific approval from the Board of
Directors or shareholders, provided such loans or guarantees are within the
limits of approved Business Plans and are in the ordinary course of business.
Required Dividend. Tevecap is required by the terms of the Stockholders
Agreement to pay annual dividends equal to the net cash flow of Tevecap or 25%
of the net consolidated profit (as defined by Brazilian law) of Tevecap. Since
inception, Tevecap has never declared a dividend.
B. Related Party Transactions
Overview
Tevecap has engaged in a significant number and variety of related party
transactions, including, without limitation, the transactions described below.
Although Tevecap believes such transactions are conducted on an arm's-length
basis, Tevecap has not performed any studies or analyses to determine whether
the terms of past transactions with related parties have been equivalent to
arm's-length transactions and cannot state with any certainty the extent to
which such transactions are comparable to those which might have been obtained
from a non-affiliated third party.
Transactions Among Related Parties
Editora Abril Service Agreement
In January 2002, pursuant to a Service Agreement with its affiliate
Editora Abril, the Company outsourced a number of administrative services,
including payroll, human resources, accounting, tax, finance and legal services,
to Editora Abril. Under this Service Agreement, the Company pays to Editora
Abril a monthly fee of approximately R$478,000 ($165,000 as of December 31,
2003).
Publishing and Advertising
The Company publishes a monthly programming guide detailing the Company's
programming options in a given month. In connection with this magazine, TVA
Sistema has entered into an agreement with Abril, dated September 1992, pursuant
to which Abril publishes approximately 200,000 copies of the Company's monthly
programming guide in return for a monthly payment of approximately $110,000. The
monthly magazine was distributed in accordance with a distribution agreement,
dated September 1992, between the Company and Abril, pursuant to which the
Company paid Abril approximately $25,000 per month. In October 2001, the Company
discontinued its distribution agreement with Abril and contracted with an
independent third party to provide these services.
TVA Sistema and Abril also have a reciprocal advertising agreement in
which the Company publishes advertisements for Abril in the Company's monthly
magazine in exchange for advertisements for the Company (and third parties
through the Company) in the magazines published by Abril.
42
Abril Credit Facility
Tevecap has entered, as the borrower, into a revolving credit facility
(the "Abril Credit Facility") with Editora Abril S.A., as the lender. The Abril
Credit Facility, effective December 6, 1995, allows the Company to draw down
amounts not to exceed a maximum aggregate principal amount of $60,000,000. Since
June 1996, Tevecap has from time to time requested, and Abril has provided,
funding in excess of the aggregate maximum principal amount. The loans provided
under the Abril Credit Facility are denominated in reais, unless the loan is a
pass-through loan that Abril has funded in U.S. dollars, in which case the loan
is funded in a real-equivalent amount. Abril has agreed to use its reasonable
commercial efforts to obtain the lowest possible interest rates for its loans to
Tevecap under the Abril Credit Facility. In November 2001, Tevecap's
shareholders approved the capitalization of outstanding loans in the aggregate
principal amount of $123,159,000 under the Abril Credit Facility. As of December
31, 2003, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Abril Credit
Facility was $39.7 million.
Other Intercompany/Shareholder Loans
Tevecap has used the proceeds from the Abril Credit Facility to make
capital contributions to TVA Sistema and TVA Sul, as well as to extend loans to
various interrelated companies. The aggregate outstanding amounts under these
loans as of December 31, 2003 were $9.0 million.
Service Agreement with Licenseholders
Pursuant to a Service Agreement, dated July 22, 1994, as amended, Abril
Comunicacoes S.A., TVA Brasil and TV Show Time (the "Licenseholders") agreed to
transfer to TVA all the rights and benefits associated with their current and
future pay-television licenses, with the exception of licenses operated by
companies in which TVA has minority interests. While the Licenseholders retained
the title to such licenses, the Licenseholders promised to take all steps
necessary to transfer the title of such licenses to Tevecap. Such steps included
the appropriate procedures required by the Ministry of Communications and any
other governmental authority regulating the transfers. The transfer of the title
to such licenses is currently either pending, subject to approval by the
Ministry of Communications, or waiting for the passage of certain statutory or
regulatory waiting periods.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 19 contains all financial statements required to be filed as part of
this Annual Report.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. Offer Listing and Details
Tevecap has one class of capital stock, common shares, authorized and
outstanding. The Company's common stock are not listed on any exchange and are
not publicly traded. See Item 7, "Major Shareholders and Related Party
Transactions--Major Shareholders."
B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
The Company's outstanding registered securities consist solely of the
Company's 12"% Senior Notes due 2004 (referred to herein as the "Senior Notes")
that were registered under the Securities Act pursuant to an Exchange Offer
which expired on May 23, 1997 and a subsequent Exchange Offer which expired on
December 10, 1997. There is no formal trading market for such securities.
The Company does not have any publicly traded class of equity securities.
See Item 9(A) above.
43
D. Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E. Dilution
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Estatuto Social
1. The Company's corporate purpose, as set forth in Subsection 3 of Chapter I
of its Estatuto Social, is as follows: (i) the production, acquisition,
licensing, distribution, import and export of television programs; (ii)
the rendering of telecommunication services, in particular pay television
services, as well as other services relating to signal transmission,
reception and distribution systems and television programs; (iii)
advertisement and publicity exploitation; and (iv) investment in other
companies, especially those in the telecommunication field.
2. The Company is managed by the Board of Directors and the Committee of
Officers. Day to day management, however, is carried out by the Executive
Officers. See Item 6, "Directors, Senior Management and Employees."
The Board of Directors is composed of 9 regular members and 9 alternates,
each elected by the general shareholders meeting. The Board of Directors
shall meet whenever necessary and at least every three months, upon
request in writing by any of its regular or alternate Directors (such
request to be delivered at least ten business days before the date of the
meeting and upon presentation of the agenda to be discussed). The meeting
of the Board of Directors shall be convened only with the attendance of at
least six of its regular members, in person or as represented by their
respective alternates. The resolutions shall be taken by the favorable
vote of the majority of the Directors present at the meeting.
The Committee of Officers comprises a minimum of two and a maximum of five
members. The Committee of Officers manages the business of the Company in
general and practices any and all acts necessary or advisable, except
those which, pursuant to applicable law, the Estatuto Social or the
Stockholders Agreement, are the responsibility of the shareholders or the
Board of Directors.
(a) There are no provisions in the Estatuto Social relating to the power
of Directors or Officers to vote on a proposal in which a conflict of
interest exists or may exist.
(b) The aggregate compensation of the Board of Directors and the Committee
of Officers is fixed pursuant to a General Shareholders Meeting and is
distributed among the Directors and Officers as determined by the Board of
Directors at a duly convened meeting.
(c) Pursuant to Subsection 20 of Chapter V of the Estatuto Social and the
Stockholders Agreement, the incurrence of the following indebtedness must
be approved by all Directors appointed by minority shareholders: (i)
indebtedness with a maturity of less than one year and in an amount
greater than U.S.$1,000,000; and (ii) indebtedness with a maturity of more
than one year (except trade debt in an aggregate amount lower than
U.S.$500,000). Any other incurrence of indebtedness can be approved by a
majority of the Directors present at
44
a meeting of the Board of Directors or by any two Officers in the ordinary
course of business. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) expenditures or
projects of the Company that are included in approved Business Plans do
not require any additional Board or shareholder approval and (ii) the
Company is allowed to incur indebtedness of up to US$10,000,000 (or the
reais equivalent) or guarantee of loans in such amounts, without the need
to obtain specific approval from the Board of Directors or shareholders,
provided such loans or guarantees are within the limits of approved
Business Plans and are in the ordinary course of business.
(d) There are no provisions in the Estatuto Social setting forth age
limits or retirement requirements for Directors and Officers. Directors
are elected for a period of two years (with the opportunity of reelection)
by a shareholders meeting and remain as Directors until the appointment of
their respective successors. In case of a vacancy, a general shareholders
meeting shall be called to elect a substitute.
Officers are elected by the Board of Directors for a period of two years
and can be reelected. In case of a vacancy, a meeting of the Board of
Directors shall be immediately called to elect the substitute, who shall
complete the term of the Officer so replaced.
(e) All Directors, whether regular or alternates, must be shareholders of
the Company, although the Estatuto Social does not require ownership of a
minimum number of shares to qualify as a Director. Officers do not need to
be shareholders of the Company.
3. The Company's capital is divided into and represented by 485,220,440
shares, all of which are common shares entitled to one vote in
shareholders meetings.
(a) There are no provisions in the Estatuto Social setting forth a time
limit for dividend entitlements to lapse. All shares are entitled to the
same dividend payments. Under Brazilian law, the Company is required to
pay dividends in an amount equal to 25% of its net consolidated profit (as
defined by Brazilian law). In addition, upon resolution of the Board of
Directors, interim dividends may be distributed out of net profits
declared in annual or semiannual financial statements.
(b) There are no provisions in the Estatuto Social concerning staggered
intervals for the reelection of Directors or permitting or requiring
cumulative voting.
(c) All shares have the right to share in the Company's net profits. At
the end of any fiscal year, from the net profits earned, 5% shall be
deducted to from the legal reserve (which shall not exceed 20% of
outstanding social capital).
(d) All shares have the same right to share any surplus in case of a
liquidation of the Company after settlement of all outstanding debts. In
the event of liquidation, a general shareholders meeting shall determine
the form of liquidation, appoint the liquidator and an audit committee to
operate during the liquidation period.
(e) The resolutions of a general shareholders meeting authorizing the
purchase or redemption of the Company shares shall comply with the
provisions in the Stockholders Agreement governing resolutions at general
shareholders meetings.
(f) There are no sinking fund provisions in the Estatuto Social.
(g) All of the Company's shares are issued and fully paid. Consequently,
the shareholders are not subject to further capital calls.
(h) There are no provisions in the Estatuto Social discriminating against
any existing or prospective holder of such securities as a result of such
shareholder owning a substantial number of shares.
4. In order to modify the rights of shareholders, the Estatuto Social must be
amended to reflect such modification. The Estatuto Social can be amended
only through a resolution passed at a general shareholders meeting.
45
5. General shareholders meetings can be ordinary or extraordinary. Ordinary
general shareholders meetings shall be held within four months following
the closing of the fiscal year, whereas the extraordinary general
shareholders meetings are held whenever necessary. All general
shareholders meetings shall be called by the Board of Directors. Only the
shareholders whose shares are subscribed to in their respective names, in
the applicable register, up to three days before the date fixed for the
general shareholders meeting, may participate and vote in such meeting.
6. Under Brazilian law, non-Brazilians are not entitled to own on a combined
basis more than 49% of the voting stock of the Company.
7. There are no provisions in the Estatuto Social that would have the effect
of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company.
However, pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, any existing shareholder
desiring to sell its shares must first offer its shares to the remaining
shareholders. The Stockholders Agreement also contains other transfer
restrictions relating to the Company's shares. See Item 7, "Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions--Major Shareholders."
8. There are no provisions in the Estatuto Social governing the ownership
threshold above which shareholders ownership must be disclosed.
9. Brazilian corporate law is significantly different from U.S. corporate law
in a number of areas. The Brazilian form of Articles of Incorporation
(Estatuto Social) includes both the Anglo-Saxon concept of Articles of
Incorporation and the concept of "by-laws." Tevecap S.A., like other large
Brazilian companies, has a two-tier governance system, which typically
involves a management or executive board (Committee of Officers) and a
supervisory board (Board of Directors). The Committee of Officers is the
executive body. Its members are appointed by the Board of Directors and
are employed by the Company. The Board of Directors has supervising and
advising functions only. Its members are representatives of shareholders
and cannot be employed by the Company. The Board of Directors' duties
include supervision of the Committee of Officers and the general course of
business of the Company. The Board of Directors also performs advisory
functions vis-a-vis the Committee of Officers.
10. There are no provisions in the Estatuto Social imposing more stringent
conditions than those required by law to change the capital of the
Company. However, pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, any existing
shareholder desiring to sell its shares must first offer its shares to the
remaining shareholders. The Stockholders Agreement also contains other
transfer restrictions relating to the Company's shares. See Item 7, "Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions--Major Shareholders."
C. Material Contracts
None.
D. Exchange Controls
Brazilian law provides that, whenever there is, or is a serious risk of, a
material imbalance in Brazil's balance of payments, the Brazilian Government
may, for a limited period of time, impose restrictions on the remittance to
foreign investors of the proceeds of their investments in Brazil, as it did for
approximately six months in 1989 and early 1990, as well as on the conversion of
the Brazilian currency into foreign currencies. In May 2004 the Brazilian
economy registered a record trade surplus of U.S.$3.12 billion.
The Brazilian Government currently restricts the ability of Brazilian or
foreign persons or entities to convert reais into foreign currencies other than
in connection with certain authorized transactions. There can be no assurance
that the Brazilian Government will not in the future impose more restrictive
foreign exchange regulations that would have the effect of eliminating or
restricting the Company's access to foreign currency that would be required to
meet its foreign currency obligations, including payments under the 12 5/8%
Senior Notes due 2004 issued by Tevecap in November 1996. The likelihood of the
imposition of such restrictions by the Brazilian Government may be affected by,
among other factors, the extent of Brazil's foreign currency reserves, the
availability of sufficient foreign currency on the
46
date a payment is due, the size of Brazil's debt service burden relative to the
economy as a whole, Brazil's policy towards the International Monetary Fund and
political constraints to which Brazil may be subject.
For a description of the foreign exchange markets in Brazil, see Item 3,
"Key Information--Selected Financial Data--Exchange Rates." See also "Risk
Factors--Factors Relating to Brazil."
E. Taxation
Brazil
The following is a summary of the material Brazilian income tax
consequences to Tevecap in connection with the sale and repayment of Tevecap's
12 5/8% Senior Notes due 2004 (the "Senior Notes") including any interest
thereon) and to beneficial owners of the Senior Notes that are non-residents of
Brazil in connection with the purchase, ownership and disposition of such Senior
Notes. This summary is limited to Tevecap and to non-residents of Brazil which
acquire the Senior Notes at the original issue price, and does not address
investors who purchase Senior Notes at a premium or market discount. In
addition, this summary is based on the Brazilian tax regulations as presently in
effect and does not take into account possible future changes in such tax laws.
Individuals domiciled in Brazil and Brazilian companies are taxed in
Brazil on the basis of their worldwide income (which includes earnings of
Brazilian companies' foreign subsidiaries, branches and affiliates). The
earnings of branches of foreign companies and non-Brazilian residents in general
are taxed in Brazil only when derived from Brazilian sources. Interest, fees,
commissions and any other income (which for the purposes of this paragraph
includes any deemed income on the difference between the issue price of the
Senior Notes and the price at which the Senior Notes are redeemed) payable by a
Brazilian obligor to an individual, company, entity, trust or organization
domiciled outside Brazil is considered derived from Brazilian sources and is
therefore subject to income tax withheld at the source. Brazilian tax laws
expressly authorize the paying source to pay the income or earnings net of taxes
and, therefore, to assume the cost of the applicable tax. The rate of
withholding is 15% or such other lower rate as is provided for in an applicable
tax treaty between Brazil and such other country where the recipient of the
payment has its domicile. If the beneficiary of the payment is located in a
country in which the effective tax rate on net income is lower than 20%, the
withholding rate is 25%. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the applicable
withholding tax rate for negotiable instruments such as the Senior Notes was
reduced to zero, pursuant to Resolutions 1853 of July 31, 1991 and 644 of
October 22, 1980 of the Central Bank, subject to Central Bank Circular 2661 of
February 8, 1996, which restricts such withholding tax reductions to negotiable
instruments having a minimum maturity of 96 months. As a result, since the
Senior Notes have an original maturity of 96 months, such reduction will apply
to payments of interest and other income with respect to the Senior Notes.
If, however, any Senior Note is redeemed prior to November 26, 2004, such
reduction will not apply and, therefore, upon such redemption the Brazilian
withholding tax will be imposed on the amount of interest, fees and commissions
paid on such Senior Notes from the date of issue through the date of redemption.
Based on the advice of its Brazilian tax counsel, Tevecap believes and intends
to take the position for tax reporting purposes that, in the event of any such
early redemption to which such withholding tax applies, so long as the paying
agent through which such payment is made is located in Japan and payment to such
paying agent discharges the obligations of Tevecap to make payments in respect
of the Senior Notes, interest and other income with respect to the Senior Notes
will be subject to Brazilian withholding tax at a rate of 12.5% under the tax
treaty in effect between Brazil and Japan. In any event, under the terms of the
Senior Notes, Tevecap would be required to gross up Senior Noteholders for any
Brazilian withholding tax, subject to customary exceptions. Tevecap has the
right to redeem the Senior Notes at par in the event that it is required to
gross up for Brazilian withholding tax imposed at a rate in excess of 15%.
Any earnings or capital gains resulting from the sale (whether inside or
outside Brazil) of any Senior Notes by a non-resident of Brazil to another
non-resident of Brazil are not subject to tax in Brazil. Earnings or capital
gains resulting from the sale (whether inside or outside Brazil) of any Senior
Notes by a non-resident of Brazil to a resident of Brazil should not be subject
to tax in Brazil, although the matter is not free from doubt.
On February 8, 1996, the Brazilian Federal Government issued Decree No.
1,815, which imposed a tax on Brazilian issuers with respect to foreign exchange
transactions ("IOF tax") related to the entering into Brazil of proceeds
47
resulting from foreign loans (including the issue of securities such as the
Senior Notes). The rate of IOF tax paid by the Company with respect to the
issuance of the Senior Notes was zero %. Decree No. 1,815 was revoked by Decree
No. 2,219 of May 2, 1997 which currently regulates the IOF tax. The IOF tax rate
was reduced to zero upon the adoption of Ordinance No. 85 on April 24, 1997.
However, under Law No. 8.894 dated June 21, 1994, such tax rate may be increased
up to 25%.
On August 15, 1996, the Brazilian Congress approved Constitutional
Amendment No. 12 creating a new temporary tax, the Contribuicao Provisoria sobre
Movimentacao Financeira ("CPMF"). Based on such Amendment, Law No. 9,311 of
October 24, 1996 ("Law 9,311") was enacted, creating the CPMF tax. Under Law No.
9,311, as amended, all financial debit and money transfers through Brazilian
bank accounts effected as from January 23, 1997 until December 31, 1998,
including payments made by the Company with respect to the Senior Notes, will be
subject to the assessment of the CPMF tax at the rate of 0.2%. Funds arising
from the collection of CPMF tax will be applied only in the public health
system. Since January 23, 1999, CPMF was extinguished and Congress approved
Constitutional Amendment No. 21, on March 19, 1999, in order to reestablish CPMF
at the rate of 0.38%, starting on June 19, 1999, for a period of one year, and
subsequently at the rate of 0.38%, for a period of two years. The Constitutional
Amendment No. 37 of June 2001 extended the CPMF leviance until December 31, 2004
at 0.38%.
There is no stamp, transfer or other similar tax in Brazil with respect to
the transfer, assignment or sale of any debt instrument outside Brazil
(including the Senior Notes).
United States
The following is a summary of the material United States Federal income
tax consequences to a beneficial owner of the Senior Notes that is a citizen or
resident of the United States or a corporation created or organized in or under
the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, as
well as other persons subject to United States Federal income taxation on a net
income basis in respect of the purchase, ownership and disposition of a Senior
Note ("U.S. Holders"). Such tax treatment may vary depending upon the particular
situation of a U.S. Holder. This summary does not discuss all of the tax
consequences that may be relevant to certain types of investors subject to
special treatment under the United States Federal income tax laws (such as
individual retirement accounts and other tax deferred accounts, banks,
securities broker-dealers, life insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations,
non-U.S. persons, persons whose "functional currency" is other than the U.S.
dollar or persons that hold Senior Notes as part of a "straddle" or "conversion
transaction" or otherwise as part of a "synthetic security" or other integrated
transaction) and is limited to investors that hold Senior Notes as capital
assets. In addition, this summary is limited to U.S. Holders that acquire the
Senior Notes at their issue price and does not address investors that purchase
Senior Notes at a premium or market discount. This summary is based on the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), final, temporary and
proposed Treasury regulations thereunder (the "Regulations"), revenue rulings,
court cases, and other legal authorities as now in effect (or proposed) and as
currently interpreted, and does not take into account possible changes in such
tax laws or other legal authorities or such interpretations, which changes may
have retroactive effect. No rulings on any of the issues discussed below will be
sought from the United States Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE SENIOR NOTES ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR
TAX ADVISERS AS TO THE CONSEQUENCES OF A PURCHASE AND SALE OF SENIOR NOTES,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, (I) THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE,
LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAX LAWS TO WHICH THEY MAY BE SUBJECT, AND OF ANY POSSIBLE
LEGISLATIVE OR ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES IN LAW, (II) THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL
INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE POSSIBLE DEDUCTION BY THE ISSUER OF BRAZILIAN
TAXES (AND OF THE PAYMENT BY THE ISSUER OF ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS WITH RESPECT
THERETO) FROM PAYMENTS ON THE SENIOR NOTES, (III) THE AVAILABILITY, FOR UNITED
STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, OF A CREDIT OR DEDUCTION FOR ANY BRAZILIAN
TAXES SO DEDUCTED AND (IV) THE CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING THE SENIOR NOTES AT A
PRICE OTHER THAN THEIR ISSUE PRICE.
48
Interest on the Senior Notes
Interest on the Senior Notes will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary
income at the time it accrues or is received in accordance with the U.S.
Holder's method of accounting for United States Federal income tax purposes. The
amount includible in the income of a U.S. Holder will be the gross amount of
interest, including any Additional Amounts, if any, payable to holders of Senior
Notes (i.e., the amount before deduction of any Brazilian withholding taxes).
Disposition of a Senior Note
Generally, any sale, redemption or other taxable disposition of a Senior
Note by a U.S. Holder will result in taxable gain or loss equal to the
difference between (1) the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value
of other property received with respect to such taxable sale, redemption or
other taxable disposition (other than consideration attributable to accrued
interest not previously taken into account, which consideration would be treated
as interest received) and (2) the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Senior Note.
Any gain or loss upon a sale, redemption or other taxable disposition of a
Senior Note will be capital gain or loss (which will be long-term if the Senior
Note is held for more than one year).
Effect of Brazilian Withholding Taxes
Payments with respect to a Senior Note will not be subject to Brazilian
withholding tax unless the Note is redeemed prior to November 26, 2004. See
"--Brazil." In the case of any Senior Note which is so redeemed, withholding
taxes in respect of interest previously paid may be imposed by Brazil at the
time of redemption. Any Brazilian tax withheld generally will be treated as a
foreign income tax that U.S. Holders may elect to deduct in computing their
taxable income or, subject to the limitations on foreign tax credits generally,
to credit against their United States Federal income tax liability. No such
deduction or credit will be available to the extent Brazil pays a subsidy to a
U.S. Holder, a related person or Tevecap, the amount of which is determined
(directly or indirectly) by reference to the amount of the withholding tax.
While Brazil does not have a program or policy of paying such subsidies at
present, it has had programs of that nature in the past and could implement such
programs again in the future.
For purposes of determining a U.S. Holder's United States foreign tax
credit, the gain or loss on the sale, redemption or other taxable disposition of
a Senior Note will generally constitute United States source income. Interest
(including any Additional Amounts payable by Tevecap) will generally constitute
foreign source passive income or financial services income for United States
foreign tax credit purposes. However, if a Senior Note is redeemed prior to
November 26, 2004, and payments with respect to the Senior Note are subject to
Brazilian withholding tax imposed at a rate of 5% or more, the IRS might
retroactively treat interest paid with respect to the Senior Note as high
withholding tax interest.
In any event, because the amount of foreign taxes for which the foreign
tax credit may be taken for the taxable year is generally limited to an amount
equal to the U.S. Holder's United States Federal income tax rate multiplied by
its foreign source income for the taxable year, a U.S. Holder may have
insufficient foreign source income to utilize fully any foreign tax credit
attributable to such Brazilian withholding taxes (but such U.S. Holder may be
entitled to utilize the foreign tax credit attributable to such withholding
taxes for the holder's previous two or succeeding five taxable years, or such
withholding taxes may instead be deductible by the U.S. Holder). A U.S. Holder
may be required to provide the IRS with a certified copy of the receipt
evidencing payment of withholding tax imposed in respect of payments on the
Senior Notes in order to claim a foreign tax credit in respect of such
withholding tax.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
For each calendar year in which the Senior Notes are outstanding, each DTC
participant or indirect participant holding an interest in a Senior Note on
behalf of a U.S. Holder and each paying agent making payments in respect of a
Senior Note will generally be required to provide the IRS with certain
information, including such U.S. Holder's name, address and taxpayer
identification number (either such U.S. Holder's Social Security number or its
employer identification number, as the case may be), and the aggregate amount of
interest and principal paid to such U.S. Holder during the calendar year. These
reporting requirements, however, do not apply with respect to certain U.S.
Holders,
49
including corporations, securities dealers, other financial institutions,
tax-exempt organizations, qualified pension and profit sharing trusts, and
individual retirement accounts.
In the event that a U.S. Holder fails to establish its exemption from such
information reporting requirements or is subject to the reporting requirements
described above and fails to supply its correct taxpayer identification number
in the manner required by applicable law, or underreports its tax liability, the
direct or indirect DTC participant holding such interest on behalf of such U.S.
Holder or paying agent making payments in respect of a Senior Note may be
required to "backup" withhold a tax (currently at a rate of 28%) from each
payment of interest and principal with respect to the Senior Notes. This backup
withholding tax is not an additional tax and may be credited against the U.S.
Holder's United States Federal income tax liability if the required information
is furnished to the IRS.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G. Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
The Company is a foreign issuer subject to the reporting requirements of
the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. The Company files
reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") in
electronic format via EDGAR. These reports can be accessed through the
Commission's website (www.sec.gov) and can also be inspected at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street N.W., Room
1024, Washington, DC 20549, and at the SEC's regional offices located at the
Woolworth Building, 233 Broadway, New York, New York 10279 and 175 W. Jackson
Boulevard, Suite 900, Chicago, Illinois 60604. Copies of such materials may be
obtained at prescribed rates. Other information regarding the Company can be
accessed through the Company's website (www.tevecap.com.br). All information
obtained through the Company's website is expressly not incorporated by
reference herein.
I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest
rate risk. As of December 31, 2003, Tevecap had dollar-denominated debt of
U.S.$48.4 million which is due on November 26, 2004:
During January 1999, the Brazilian real experienced a significant
devaluation after the Central Bank abandoned the exchange band within which the
real was permitted to trade. Since that time, the exchange rate has been
volatile, ranging up to R$3.9552 per U.S. dollar. See Item 3, "Key
Information--Selected Financial Data--Exchange Rates."
Although the Company's reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, the cash
flow required to service its indebtedness is generated in local currency,
Brazilian reais (R$). Using the year end 2003 exchange rate (R$2.89 per
U.S.$1.00), the cash flow in reais to pay the interest (U.S.$0.6 million) and
principal due in 2004 would be R$1.7 million and R$139.8million, respectively. A
devaluation of the real to R$3.50 per U.S. dollar would require cash flow of
R$2.1 million and R$169.3 million, respectively. If the real devalued to R$4.00
per U.S. dollar, the cash flow in reais to pay the interest and principal due in
2004 would be R$2.4 million and R$193.5 million, respectively.
The Company is also subject to interest rate risk on its loans in local
currency. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had $7.2 million of loans from an
affiliate denominated in Brazilian reais, which bears interest at the average
cost of funds of the affiliate. The majority of the affiliate's debt is in reais
and bears interest at the CDI rate (the interbank certificate of deposit rate in
Brazil), plus 1.0%.
50
During 2003, the CDI rate ranged from 16.81% to 26.25%. The average rate
for the year was 23.27%, and the rate at December 31, 2003 was 16.81%. If the
CDI rate rose to 25%, interest payments on the $7.2 million would be
approximately $1.8 million annually. If the CDI rate rose to 30%, the annual
interest payments would be $2.1 million. Most of the interest due on these loans
in the past has been added to principal rather than paid in cash.
The Company does not hedge any of its market risks (other than entering
into certain programming agreements that place ceilings on the dollar/real
exchange rate used to calculate monthly programming costs) and does not utilize
derivative financial instruments.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN DEBT SECURITIES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF
PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of December 31, 2003, the Company carried out an evaluation under the
supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the
design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. There are
inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls
and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention
or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective
disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of
achieving their control objectives. Based upon and as of the date of our
evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded
that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable
assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and
submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as
and when required.
There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial
reporting during 2003 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16. [RESERVED]
ITEM 16A. Audit committee financial expert.
TVA does not have, and is not required to have, an audit committee.
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
The Company does not presently have a code of ethics applicable to its
senior executive officers. The Company is presently considering the adoption of
a code of ethics, and will, upon its adoption, either: (i) provide a copy
thereof to the Commission, (ii) post the text thereof on the Company's website
(www.tevecap.com.br) or (iii) provide a copy thereof to any person upon request.
51
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
The following table summarizes the aggregate fees billed to us by Deloitte
Touche Tohmatsu ("DTT"), during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2002 and
2003:
Year ended December 31,
-------------------------
2003 2002
----------- -----------
(in thousands of dollars)
Audit fees 132.9 110.4
Audit-related fees 0 0
Tax fees 0 0
All Other fees 0 0
----------- -----------
132.9 110.4
Audit Fees are the aggregate fees billed by Deloitte Touche Tomhatsu for
the audit of the Company's consolidated annual financial statements that are
provided in connection with regulatory filings.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Company has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures under which
all audit and non-audit services provided by our external auditors must be
pre-approved by the Board of Directors. Any service proposals submitted by
external auditors need to be discussed and approved by the Board of Directors
during its meetings, which take place at least four times a year. Once the
proposed service is approved, the Company or its subsidiaries formalize the
engagement of services. The approval of any audit and non-audit services to be
provided by our external auditors is specified in the minutes of our Board
meetings.
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company is furnishing financial statements pursuant to the
instructions in Item 18 of Form 20-F.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See Item 19(a) for a list of financial statements filed as part of this
Form 20-F.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
(a) Financial Statements. The following financial statements and
schedules are filed as part of this annual report, together with the report of
the independent registered accounting firm.
52
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
----
TEVECAP S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES - Consolidated Financial Statements
for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and
Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm................... F-1
CCS--CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM DE TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA. -
Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002
and 2001 and Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm..... F-51
(b) Other Exhibits
Exhibit 12. Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certifications
Exhibit 13. Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 906 Certifications
53
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
TEVECAP S.A.
By: /s/ Leila Abraham Loria
---------------------------
Name: Leila Abraham Loria
Title: Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ Carlos Eduardo Malagoni
---------------------------
Name: Carlos Eduardo Malagoni
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Date: June 30, 2004
54
GLOSSARY
ABC: ABC, Inc., formerly known as "Capital Cities/ABC, Inc."
Abril: Abril Comunicacoes S.A.
Abril Credit Facility: A revolving credit facility, dated December 6,
1995, between Tevecap, as the borrower, and Abril, as the lender.
ADSL: Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line.
ANATEL: Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicacoes (National Telecommunications
Agency), an independent Brazilian federal agency authorized to regulate the
Brazilian subscription television industry.
BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation.
C-Band: A satellite transmission system which provides a signal on the "c"
bandwidth.
Cable: A Cable network employs electromagnetic transmission over coaxial
and/or fiber-optic cable to transmit multiple channels carrying images, sound
and data between a central facility and individual customers' television sets.
Networks may allow one-way (from a headend to a residence and/or business) or
two-way transmission from a headend to a residence and/or business with a data
return path for the headend.
Cable license: A license that is granted by the applicable governing body
pursuant to its authority under the communications laws of a particular country
for the purpose of providing Cable services for a specific franchise/license
area.
Canbras: Canbras Communications Corp., a Canadian corporation.
Canbras Association Agreement: Association Agreement dated June 14, 1995,
among Tevecap, TVA Sistema, the Canbras TVA companies, Canbras and Canbras-Par.
Canbras Parana: Canbras Parana Ltda., a Brazilian limitada, in which
Tevecap holds a 36% equity interest and Canbras Par holds a 64% equity interest.
Canbras TVA: The operations of Canbras TVA Cabo, TV Cabo Santa Branca and
Canbras Parana.
Canbras TVA Cabo: Canbras TVA Cabo Ltda., a Brazilian limitada.
Canbras-Par: Canbras Participacoes, Ltda., a Brazilian limitada
wholly-owned by Canbras.
Central Bank: Central Bank of Brazil (Banco Central do Brasil)
Churn: With respect to a pay television system for a given period, the
quotient expressed as a percentage of (i) the number of subscribers disconnected
from such system less the number of formerly disconnected subscribers
reconnected to the system divided by (ii) the number of subscribers to the
system as of the beginning of the period plus the number of subscribers added to
the system.
CMIF: Chase Manhattan International Finance Ltd., an affiliate of JPMorgan
Chase Bank which holds a 3.7% interest in Tevecap through two wholly owned
subsidiaries.
Coaxial cable: Cable consisting of a central conductor surrounded by and
insulated from another conductor. It is the standard material used in
traditional Cable systems. Signals are transmitted through it at different
frequencies, giving greater channel capacity than is possible with twisted pair
cable, but less than is allowed by optical fiber.
A-1
Company: Tevecap, together with its consolidated subsidiaries.
CPCT: Centrais Privadas de Comutacao Telefonica, certain private telephone
networks comparable to private branch exchanges (PBX) found in larger apartment
complexes, hotels and businesses in the United States.
DBS: Direct broadcast satellite service, operating in C-Band or Ku-Band
width, by which television programming is transmitted to individual dwellings,
each served by a single satellite dish.
DBS Sale: The sale by the Company of the DBS Systems and certain assets
related thereto in July 1999.
DBS Systems: Ku-Band and C-Band operations of Galaxy Brasil and TVA Banda
C, respectively.
DIRECTV: Brazil's first digital Ku-Band service, which is operated by
Galaxy Brasil and Galaxy Latin America.
DISTV: The distribution of television signals by physical means (i.e., by
Cable) to end users, generally limited to signals without interference by a
DISTV operator with the signal content.
Editora Abril: Editora Abril S.A., a Brazilian corporation controlled by
Robert Civita.
ESPN Brasil: Programming provided by ESPN Brasil Ltda., an indirect
subsidiary of ESPN, Inc. , in which ABC has an 80% equity interest and Hearst
has a 20% equity interest.
Event Put: A triggering event under the Stockholders Agreement pursuant to
which each of the Stockholders (other than Abril) may, in certain circumstances,
demand that Tevecap purchase all or a portion of its shares.
Falcon International: Falcon International Communications (Bermuda L.P.),
a subsidiary of Falcon International Communications, L.L.C., a Delaware limited
liability company.
Falcon Time Put: A provision of the Stockholders Agreement pursuant to
which Falcon International may, in certain circumstances, demand that Tevecap
purchase all or a portion of the shares held by Falcon International.
Fiber-optic cable: Cable made of glass fibers through which signals are
transmitted as pulses of light. Fiber-optic cable has the capacity for a large
number of channels.
Financial Statements: The audited financial statements of Tevecap and its
subsidiaries and the notes thereto included herein.
Galaxy Brasil: Galaxy Brasil S.A., a former wholly-owned subsidiary of
Tevecap that was sold to Galaxy Latin America in July 1999.
Galaxy Latin America: Galaxy Latin America, LLC.
Globo: Globo Par and TV Globo, the owners of a number of Brazil's over the
air channels.
Globo Par: Globo Comunicacoes e Participacoes Ltda.
Guarantors: TVA Sistema de Televisao S.A., TVA Communications Ltd.,
Comercial Cabo TV Sao Paulo Ltda., TVA Sul Parana Ltda., CCS Camboriu Cable
System de Telecomunicacoes Ltda., TVA Programadora Ltda., TVA Network Ltda. and
TVAPAR S.A.
HABC II: Hearst/ABC Video Services II, a Delaware general partnership
jointly owned by Hearst and ABC, which partnership held a 15.3% equity interest
in Tevecap until December 2003.
HBO Brasil: Programming provided by HBO Brasil Partners.
A-2
Headend: A collection of hardware, typically including satellite
receivers, modulators, amplifiers and videocassette playback machines. Signals,
when processed, are then combined for distribution within the Cable network.
Hearst: The Hearst Corporation.
Homes Passed: Homes that can be connected to a Cable distribution system
without further extension of the distribution network.
IBGE: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica.
Independent Operators: Independent pay television system operators to
which TVA sells programming.
Interactive services: Services commonly referred to as pay-on-demand,
shop-at-home, video games, ATM services, or such other interactive services as
video phone and telephony which can be more easily provided with the development
of high-capacity hybrid fiber optic/coaxial distribution networks.
JPMorgan Parties: Two wholly owned subsidiaries of CMIF through which CMIF
holds its equity interest in Tevecap.
Ku-Band: A satellite transmission system which provides a signal over the
"ku" bandwidth.
MMDS (Multi-channel multi-point distribution system): A one-way radio
transmission of television channels over microwave frequencies from a fixed
station transmitting to multiple receiving facilities located at fixed points.
MMDS license: A license that is granted by the applicable governing body
pursuant to its authority under the communications laws of a particular country
for the purpose of providing MMDS services for a specific franchise/license
area.
MTV Brasil: MTV Brasil Ltda., a Brazilian limitada in which Abril holds a
50% equity interest and Viasem Brasil Holdings Ltda. (an indirect subsidiary of
Viacom International) holds the remaining 50% equity interest.
News Corporation: News Corporation plc.
Operating Ventures: Canbras TVA and TV Filme, two of TVA's minority-owned
ventures.
Owned Systems: TVA Sistema and TVA Sul.
Pay-per-view: Payment made for individual programs rather than a monthly
subscription for a whole channel or group of channels. Pay-per-view channels
currently provide certain popular sporting events or major motion pictures for
which customers may be prepared to make a special payment.
Penetration rate: The measurement of the take-up of Cable services. The
penetration rate as of a given date is calculated by dividing the number of
subscribers connected to a system on such date by the total number of homes
passed in such system.
Real Plan: A Brazilian Government stabilization program, announced in
December 1993, aimed at curtailing inflation and building a foundation for
sustained economic growth.
Regulatory Put: A provision in the Stockholders Agreement pursuant to
which an Event Put is triggered if the amount of capital stock held by a
Stockholder (other than Abril) exceeds the amount allowed under an appropriate
legal restriction.
A-3
Revenue per subscriber: Total revenue derived from a subscriber television
system divided by the average number of subscribers for that period.
SAP: Second Audio Programming, which provides the option of audio in a
second language for the programming on channels for which it is offered.
Securities Act: United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Senior Notes: Tevecap's 250,000,000 12 5/8% Senior Notes due 2004 issued
on November 26, 1996.
Stockholders: Tevecap, Robert Civita, Abril, the JPMorgan Parties and
Falcon International.
Stockholders Agreement: Stockholders Agreement, dated December 6, 1995,
among the Stockholders.
Telecommunications Code: The Brazilian Telecommunications Code of 1962, as
amended.
Tevecap: Tevecap S.A.
TV Cabo Santa Branca: TV Cabo Santa Branca Comercio Ltda., a Brazilian
limitada, in which Tevecap holds a 36% equity interest and Canbras Par holds a
64% equity interest.
TV Filme: TV Filme, Inc., a Delaware corporation in which, as of December
31, 1999, Tevecap held a 14.7% equity interest, Warburg, Pincus Investors, L.P.
held a 38.8% equity interest, members of the Lins family held a 16.2% equity
interest, public stockholders held a 28.15% equity interest and certain
individuals held the remaining 2.15% equity interest. Upon the implementation of
a restructuring agreement with creditors, Tevecap's equity interest in TV Filme
was reduced to approximately 0.7%.
TV Homes: The number of households in a given area possessing at least one
television set.
TV Show Time: Televisao Show Time Ltda., a Brazilian limitada in which the
estate of Matias Machline and an associate currently hold a 53% equity interest
and in which the remaining 47% is currently held by various Abril shareholders.
TVA: Tevecap S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates.
TVA Banda C: TVA Banda C Ltda., a Brazilian limitada in which TVA held a
100% equity interest prior to the sale of TVA Banda C to Galaxy Latin America in
July 1999.
TVA Brasil: TVA Brasil Radioenlaces S.A., a Brazilian limitada in which
the estate of Matias Machline currently holds a 50% equity interest and in which
the remaining 50% is currently held by various Abril shareholders.
TVA Sistema: TVA Sistema de Televisao S.A., a Brazilian corporation in
which Tevecap holds a 100% equity interest.
TVA Sul: The operations of TVA Sul Parana Ltda., a Brazilian limitada in
which TVA holds a 100% equity interest, and CCS-Camboriu Cable System de
Telecomunicacoes Ltda., a Brazilian limitada in which TVA Sul Parana Ltda. holds
a 60% equity interest and an unaffiliated third party holds the remaining 40%
equity interest.
UHF: Broadcast of a television signal at an ultra-high frequency over a
given geographical area.
VCR: Video cassette recorders.
A-4
Tevecap S.A. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Contents
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2003 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Deficiency
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2003 F-8
Notes to The Consolidated Financial Statements F-10
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
TEVECAP S.A.
Sao Paulo - SP - Brazil
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of TEVECAP S.A. and
subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' deficiency and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003,
all expressed in United States dollars. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2003
and 2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the year ended December
31, 2003 have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going
concern. As discussed in Note 1.2 to the financial statements, the Company's
recurring losses from operations, working capital deficiency and shareholders'
deficiency raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going
concern. Management's plans concerning these matters are also described in Note
1.2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result
from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes
Sao Paulo, Brazil,
April 29, 2004
F-2
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2003 and 2002
in thousands of U.S. dollars
December 31,
------------------------
2003 2002
---------- ----------
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 292 $ 245
Accounts receivable, net (Note 3) 4,426 3,098
Inventories, net (Note 4) 8,470 6,973
Prepaid and other assets (Note 5) 677 758
Recoverable taxes 632 660
Other accounts receivable 946 643
---------- ----------
Total current assets 15,443 12,377
---------- ----------
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 9) 76,317 76,907
Investments - equity basis (Note 8) 549 549
Intangible assets, net (Note 10) 5,725 6,472
Loans receivable from related companies (Note 6) 3,271 5,831
Debt issuance costs -- 227
Judicial deposits 6,626 9,112
---------- ----------
Total assets $ 107,931 $ 111,475
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
consolidated financial statements
F-3
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets, continued
December 31, 2003 and 2002
in thousands of U.S. dollars
December 31,
-------------------------
2003 2002
---------- ----------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
Current liabilities
Loans (Note 11) $ 56,081 $ 14,574
Film suppliers 6,619 15,668
Other suppliers 4,333 4,118
Tax recovery program - PAES/REFIS (Note 13) 1,497 2,527
Taxes payable other than income taxes (Note 12) 7,867 5,824
Income tax payable 278 --
Accrued payroll and related liabilities 1,437 819
Advances from customers (Note 2.12) 2,839 --
Deferred income tax (Note 7.2) 19,292 --
Other accounts payable 2,398 1,074
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 102,641 44,604
---------- ----------
Long-term liabilities
Loans (Note 11) -- 48,432
Loans payable to related companies (Note 6) 39,712 12,117
Tax recovery program - PAES/REFIS (Note 13) 12,836 3,770
Accrual for contingencies (Note 19) 11,272 14,781
Liability to fund equity investees (Note 8) 5,349 7,198
Redeemable stock (Note 17) 24,201 --
Other accounts payable 211 --
---------- ----------
Total long-term liabilities 93,581 86,298
---------- ----------
Commitments (Footnote 16)
Minority interest 1,140 826
Redeemable common stock, no par value 85,637,526 shares authorized,
issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2002 -- 99,365
Shareholders' deficiency
Common stock, no par value, 438,925,488 shares authorized, issued and
outstanding as of December 31,2003 and 399,582,914 as of
December 31, 2002 446,026 371,026
Accumulated other comprehensive income 2,716 7,530
Accumulated deficit (538,173) (498,174)
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' deficiency (89,431) (119,618)
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficiency $ 107,931 $ 111,475
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
consolidated financial statements
F-4
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
in thousands of U.S. dollars
Year ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross revenues
Monthly subscriptions $ 76,305 $ 74,925 $ 90,218
Installation 1,211 1,099 270
Advertising 2,586 1,624 1,005
Additional services 11,270 12,120 16,413
Taxes on revenues (13,038) (12,444) (15,636)
----------- ----------- -----------
78,334 77,324 92,270
----------- ----------- -----------
Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation and
amortization stated separately below)
Payroll and benefits 2,455 5,130 8,504
Programming 24,786 25,036 25,749
Technical assistance 1,533 1,427 1,868
TVA magazine 1,577 1,675 2,389
Pole rental 1,255 1,881 2,814
Other costs (Note 15) 8,269 7,723 9,972
----------- ----------- -----------
39,875 42,872 51,296
----------- ----------- -----------
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Payroll and benefits 6,322 5,348 9,795
Advertising and promotion 2,917 2,676 5,778
Rent 1,074 1,102 1,777
Other selling, general and administrative expenses 8,381 10,621 14,070
----------- ----------- -----------
18,694 19,747 31,420
----------- ----------- -----------
Depreciation 22,748 27,040 33,053
Amortization 935 977 1,311
Tax recovery program (Note 13) 5,029 -- --
Other operating expense, net (Note 14) 9,568 4,281 1,762
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss from operations (18,515) (17,593) (26,572)
----------- ----------- -----------
Interest income (1,511) (1,708) (4,200)
Interest expense 18,135 16,941 37,849
Foreign currency transaction (income) loss, net (11,019) 31,520 11,067
Other nonoperating expense, net -- 590 2,438
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before income taxes, equity in affiliates, minority interest,
discontinued operations and extraordinary item (24,120) (64,936) (73,726)
Income tax expense - current (Note 7.1) 328 79 --
Income tax expense - deferred (Note 7.1) 19,054 -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before equity in affiliates, minority interest,
discontinued operations and extraordinary item (43,502) (65,015) (73,726)
Equity in (income) losses of affiliates, net (Note 8) (3,585) 6,337 2,375
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before minority interest (39,917) (71,352) (76,101)
Minority interest 82 64 (284)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss (39,999) (71,416) (75,817)
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
consolidated financial statements
F-5
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations, continued
for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
in thousands of U.S. dollars
Year ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
----------- ----------- -----------
Other comprehensive income (loss) -
Foreign currency translation adjustment $ 4,814 $ 9,325 $ (18,410)
----------- ----------- -----------
Comprehensive income (loss) $ (44,813) $ (80,741) $ (57,407)
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
consolidated financial statements
F-6
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Deficit
for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
in thousands of U.S. dollars
Accumulated
Other Total
Accumulated Comprehensive Shareholders'
Common Stock Deficit Income (Loss) Deficit
------------ ------------ ------------- -------------
Balance as of December 31, 2000 242,342 (402,836) (1,555) (162,049)
Capital contribution (Note 6) 128,684 128,684
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0 18,410 18,410
Net loss (75,817) (75,817)
Adjustment of redeemable common
stock to redemption price 36,008 36,008
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance as of December 31, 2001 371,026 (442,645) 16,855 (54,764)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0 (9,325) (9,325)
Net loss (71,416) (71,416)
Adjustment of redeemable common
stock to redemption price 15,887 15,887
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance as of December 31, 2002 371,026 (498,174) 7,530 (119,618)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0 (4,814) (4,814)
Net loss (39,999) (39,999)
Reversal of redeemable common
stock Hearst/ABC (Note 17) 75,000 75,000
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance as of December 31, 2003 $ 446,026 $ (538,173) $ 2,716 $ (89,431)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
consolidated financial statements
F-7
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
in thousands of U.S. dollars
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (39,999) $ (71,416) $ (75,817)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
Provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 22,748 27,040 33,053
Amortization 935 977 1,311
Amortization of debt issuance cost 260 181 192
Redeemable stock (164) -- --
Provision for doubtful accounts 1,360 3,213 43
Write-off of assets related to cancellation of subscriptions 2,790 2,864 (3,021)
Minority interest 82 64 (284)
Disposal and write-off of property, plant and equipment 1,363 2,999 1,074
Loss on purchase of assets 5,897 -- 2,650
Equity in (income) losses of affiliates (3,585) 6,337 2,375
Foreign currency transaction loss, net (11,019) 31,520 11,067
Deferred income taxes 19,054 -- --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (1,959) (1,818) 1,220
Prepaid and other assets 235 878 1,948
Accrued interest 13,933 9,879 29,337
Inventories 54 387 4,405
Suppliers (12.433) 9,895 3,538
Taxes payable other than income taxes (5,427) 5,459 339
Tax recovery program - PAES/REFIS 6,227 (1,062) (2,389)
Current income taxes 328 -- --
Accrued payroll and related liabilities 410 (249) (910)
Advances received from subscribers 2,666 (162) (49)
Judicial deposits 4,241 (673) (5,200)
Accounts receivable of sale of Eurochannel to Multithematiques -- -- 4,036
Accounts receivable of Galaxy Brasil Ltda and Tva Banda C Ltda -- -- 2,159
Other 1,236 (518) 618
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 9,233 25,795 11,695
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (11,223) (11,195) (30,722)
Collection of promissory note -- -- 28,236
Loans to related companies -- (19,925) (10,696)
Repayment of loans to related companies 141 26,178 17,857
Purchases of investments -- -- (852)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (11,082) (4,942) 3,823
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from bank loans 24,560 31,010 21,291
Repayment of loans from banks (42,978) (42,329) (44,842)
Proceeds from loans from shareholders 63,654 19,437 13,306
Repayments of loans from shareholders (44,309) (19,738) (23,494)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash (used in) financing activities 927 (11,620) (33,739)
----------- ----------- -----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 969 (9,622) 17,246
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 47 (389) (975)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 245 634 1,609
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $ 292 $ 245 $ 634
=========== =========== ===========
Supplemental cash disclosure:
Cash paid for interest $ 10,125 $ 10,232 $ 7,671
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
consolidated financial statements
F-8
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
in thousands of U.S. dollars
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
------------ ------------ ------------
Supplemental non-cash financing and investing activities:
Accrued interest on related company loans refinanced
as principal balance $ 12,291 $ 3,661 $ 21,666
Transfer of monetary assets and capitalization of loans
in exchange for shares -- -- 128,684
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
consolidated financial statements
F-9
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars,
unless otherwise indicated)
1. The Company and its principal operations
1.1. General
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared to reflect the
consolidated results of Tevecap S.A. ("Tevecap") and its subsidiaries (the
"Company").
Tevecap is a holding company, the subsidiaries of which render services
related to wireless cable, cable and high-speed internet, including
marketing and advertising, production, distribution and licensing of
domestic and foreign television programs. The Company has wireless cable
channel rights primarily in major urban markets in Brazil.
As of December 31, 2003, Abril Comunicacoes S.A. ("Abrilcom"), a printing
and distribution company, was the majority shareholder of the Company.
1.2 Significant risks and uncertainties
The Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2003 were prepared on a going concern basis which
contemplates the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities and
commitments in the normal course of business. The Company incurred a net
loss of $39,999 during the year ended December 31, 2003 and had negative
working capital of $87,198 and a shareholders' deficiency of $89,431 at
December 31, 2003. The continuation of the Company as a going concern is
dependent upon its ability to generate sufficient cash from operating and
financing activities. In this regard, managements' plans include: (i)
increasing the Company's subscriber base and implementing technological
upgrades to its pay television networks; (ii) streamlining the Company's
principal operating procedures to increase productivity and profitability;
(iii) the continuation of a cost reduction program which was initiated in
2002; (iii) adjusting the Company's capitalization (including
indebtedness) to provide for long term growth and stability and (iv) sales
of non-strategic assets and the discontinuation of noncompetitive
businesses. The consolidated financial statements do not include any
adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded
amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be
necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
F-10
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
2. Summary of significant accounting policies
Significant policies followed in the preparation of the consolidated
financial statements are described below:
2.1. Basis of presentation and consolidation
a) Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States
dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), which
differ in certain respects from accounting principles applied by the
Company in its local currency financial statements, which are prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Brazil
("Brazilian GAAP").
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent
assets and liabilities as of the financial statement dates and the
reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
Since management's judgment involves making estimates concerning the
likelihood of future events, the actual results could differ from these
estimates.
b) Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Tevecap and
all majority-owned subsidiaries.
Investments in affiliated companies, owned 20% to 50% inclusive, are
carried at cost and adjusted for the Company's equity in undistributed
earnings or losses and dividends received since acquisition.
Intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation.
2.2. Accounting records
As required by Brazilian Law and in accordance with local accounting
practices, the accounting records of the Company are maintained in
Brazilian currency (real). In order to present the consolidated financial
statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, the Company maintains additional
accounting records that are used solely for this purpose.
F-11
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
2.3. Currency remeasurement
As of January 1, 2000, based on changes in the Company's capital and
operational structure and a move to using the Brazilian real for a
substantial portion of the Company's business, the Company changed its
functional currency from the United States dollar to the Brazilian real
(R$). This change was made in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation."
Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange
rate in effect at the end of the reporting period, and revenues, expenses,
gains and losses are translated into U.S. dollars at the average rates
prevailing in the period. The resulting net translation gains and losses
are reported, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
in shareholders' deficit.
2.4 Consolidated financial statements
The Company's operating subsidiaries included in the consolidated
financial statements are:
Ownership Interest as of
December 31,
-------------------------
2003 2002
------- -------
Owned Systems
TVA Sistema de Televisao S.A. 100.00% 100.00%
TVA Sul Parana Ltda. 100.00% 100.00%
CCS Camboriu Cable Systems de Telecomunicacoes Ltda. 60.00% 60.00%
Rede Ajato Ltda. (b) 100.00% 100.00%
License Subsidiary
Comercial Cabo TV Sao Paulo Ltda. (a) 100.00% 100.00%
Programming Ventures
TVA Inc. 100.00% 100.00%
TVA Overseas Ltd. 100.00% 100.00%
TVA Communications Ltd. 100.00% 100.00%
TVA Continental S.A. 100.00% 100.00%
TVA Pelicano S.A. 100.00% 100.00%
TVA Network Participacoes S.A. 100.00% 100.00%
a. 0.00149% of the common shares in this entity are owned by the controlling
shareholder of the parent company pursuant to local legislative
requirements.
b. On August 1, 1999, the company Rede Ajato Ltda. was created to operate in
the high-speed internet market.
F-12
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
2.5 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash and cash in banks and
short-term investments in interest-bearing securities. Such short-term
investments have original maturities of three months or less at the time
of purchase and are readily convertible to cash.
2.6 Financial instruments
In accordance with SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of
Financial Instruments" ("SFAS 107"), information is provided about the
fair value of certain financial instruments for which it is practicable to
estimate that value.
For the purposes of SFAS 107, the estimated fair value of a financial
instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a
current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or
liquidation sale. The following methods and assumptions were used to
estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it
is practicable to estimate that value:
o The fair value of certain financial assets carried at cost,
including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other
accounts receivable and certain other short-term assets, is
considered to approximate their respective carrying value due to
their short-term nature.
o The fair value of payables to film suppliers and other suppliers,
other accounts payable and certain other short-term liabilities are
considered to approximate their respective carrying value due to
their short-term nature.
o The fair value of loans receivable from and loans payable to related
companies approximates the carrying value, as interest on these
loans is variable and based on market rates.
o The fair value of third party loans, except for Senior Notes,
approximates the carrying value as the interest rates on these loans
are either fixed at a rate comparable with the current market rate
or variable based on market rates.
o The fair value of Senior Notes represents 70% of its carrying value
as of December 31, 2003 (65% of its carrying value as of December
31, 2002). Fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices.
2.7 Accounts receivable
A provision for doubtful accounts is established on the basis of an
analysis of the accounts receivable, in light of the risks involved, and
is considered sufficient to cover probable losses to be incurred in
realization of credits.
F-13
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
2.8 Inventories
Inventories consist of materials and supplies and imports in transit.
Materials and supplies are used to provide service to new customers, and
to ensure continuity of service to existing customers. Imports in transit
represent materials purchased from foreign countries that have not yet
been received.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
principally under the average cost method.
A provision for obsolescence has been established on the basis of an
analysis of slow-moving materials and supplies.
2.9 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the
straight-line method, over the remaining useful lives of the assets, as
described in Note 9.
The Company evaluates its long-lived assets and identifiable intangible
assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.
Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison
of the carrying amount of the asset to future undiscounted net cash flows
expected to be generated by the asset. In estimating future undiscounted
net cash flows, assets are grouped at the level of each cable television
system. If an asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be
recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the
asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. The Company has not recognized
any impairment as a result of the application of this policy.
2.10 Advertising and promotion expenses
Costs of advertising and promotion are expensed as incurred.
2.11 Revenue recognition
Subscription revenues are recognized monthly at the amount billed to
subscribers for service subscribed to and earned during the month.
Installation fees are recognized as revenue on the equipment installation
date to the extent of direct selling costs incurred, which are higher than
the revenue.
Advertising revenues are recognized, and the production cost of
commercials and programming are charged to expense, when the commercial is
telecast.
Others revenues are recognized as services are rendered.
F-14
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
2.12 Licenses
Televisao Show Time Ltda. ("TV Show Time") and TVA Brasil Radioenlaces
Ltda. ("TVA Brasil") hold licenses covering certain operations of the
Company. The use of such licenses is provided to the Company, for a
nominal fee, under a Service Agreement dated July 22, 1994, as amended,
among Tevecap, TV Show Time, TVA Brasil and Abril S.A.
Pursuant to the Service Agreement, TV Show Time and TVA Brasil have agreed
to transfer the licenses in the future to Tevecap at nominal cost.
In December 2003 the Company, through certain affiliated entities, entered
into an agreement to transfer four UHF licenses held in certain states of
Brazil to a third party. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of
such licenses upon consummation of the sale will be $2,839, together with
monthly payments of $13 for technical services. The sale is conditioned
upon a number of customary conditions precedents, including the approval
of ANATEL. The proceeds from the sale of these licenses will also be used
to repay indebtedness outstanding under the Abril Credit Facility. No
losses are expected from this transaction.
2.13 Intangible assets
Concessions represent the right to engage in various telecommunications
services in defined areas or cities in Brazil. The cost of these
concessions is being amortized on the straight-line basis over 10 years.
Software is stated at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over its
estimated useful life, which is 5 years.
2.14 Deferred income taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective
tax bases as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected
to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on
deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation
allowances are established when it is more likely than not that some or
all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
F-15
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
2.15 Debt issuance costs
Debt issuance costs are amortized over the term of the underlying debt on
a straight-line basis. The results of amortization on a straight-line
basis do not differ materially from those obtained by using the interest
method.
2.16 Comprehensive income (loss)
SFAS no. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income" establishes standards for
reporting and disclosing comprehensive income and its components in a full
set of financial statements. Comprehensive income/loss is being presented
together with the statements of operations.
2.17 Barter Transactions
The Company enters into transactions that exchange advertising for
advertising and for products and services. Such transactions are recorded
at the estimated fair value of the advertising received or given in
accordance with the provisions of the EITF Issue No. 99-17, "Accounting
for Advertising Barter Transactions". Revenue from barter transactions is
recognized when advertising is provided, and services received are charged
to expense when used. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and
2001, revenue from barter transactions amounted to $264, $641 and $897,
respectively and expenses to $389, $556 and $149, respectively.
2.18 Reclassifications
Certain prior years' amounts have been reclassified for comparative
purposes.
F-16
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
3. Accounts receivable, net
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, accounts receivable were comprised of:
2003 2002
---------- ----------
Subscriptions and installation fees $ 4,785 $ 4,443
Advertising 380 212
Programming 30 92
Barter transactions 2,224 1,529
Other 255 168
Provision for doubtful accounts (3,248) (3,346)
---------- ----------
$ 4,426 $ 3,098
========== ==========
No single customer accounted for more than 10% of total accounts
receivable as of December 31, 2003 and 2002.
4. Inventories, net
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, inventories were comprised of:
2003 2002
---------- ----------
Materials and supplies $ 7,222 $ 5,872
Imports in transit 1,511 1,338
Provision for obsolescence (263) (237)
---------- ----------
$ 8,470 $ 6,973
========== ==========
5. Prepaid and other assets
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, prepaid expenses were comprised of:
2003 2002
---------- ----------
Advances to suppliers $ 187 $ 359
Prepaid meals and transportation 45 41
Other 445 358
---------- ----------
$ 677 $ 758
========== ==========
F-17
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
6. Related party transactions
The following tables summarize the transactions between the Company and
its related parties as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the three
years ended December 31, 2003:
December 31,
--------------------------
2003 2002
---------- ----------
Editora Abril S.A
Loans payable $ 32,128 $ 5,365
Abril Comunicacoes S.A
Loans payable 1,039 849
Canbras TVA Cabo Ltda. (equity affiliate)
Loans receivable 21 25
Parana Participacoes Ltda
Loans receivable 1,132 3,900
Zerelda Participacoes S/C Ltda. (equity affiliate)
Loans receivable 820 671
TV Jacaranda Ltda. (equity affiliate)
Loans receivable 809 661
Abril Investments Corporation
Loans receivable 365 365
Loans payable 6,545 5,901
Others
Loans receivable 124 209
Loans payable -- 2
---------- ----------
Loans receivable $ 3,271 $ 5,831
Loans payable $ 39,712 $ 12,117
F-18
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
6. Related party transactions (Continued)
2003 2002 2001
-----------------------------------------
Editora Abril S.A
Net interest expense $ 5,009 $ 459 $ 21,508
Printing costs 1,122 1,735 3,087
Parana Participacoes S/C Ltda
Interest income (1,360) (980) --
Abril Investments Corporation
Interest expense (income) (637) 2.801 --
The Company and its related parties maintain a cash management system
centralized at Editora Abril S.A. (affiliated company). The centralized
cash management system results in accounts receivable from and payable to
related parties depending on the cash needs of the companies.
Loans granted to or obtained from related companies, under loan
agreements, are denominated in reais and subject to variable interest of
1.96% per month as of December 31, 2003 (2.59% per month as of December
31, 2002 and 2.12% per month as of December 31, 2001). There is not a
defined maturity date for the loans.
Transactions among Related Parties
Editora Abril Service Agreement
In January 2002, pursuant to a Service Agreement with its affiliate
Editora Abril, the Company outsourced a number of administrative services,
including payroll, human resources, accounting, tax, finance and legal
services, to Editora Abril. Under this Service Agreement, the Company pays
to Editora Abril a monthly fee of approximately $165 as of December 31,
2003).
Publishing and Advertising
The Company publishes a monthly programming guide detailing the Company's
programming options in a given month. In connection with this magazine,
TVA Sistema has entered into an agreement with Abril, dated September
1992, pursuant to which Abril publishes approximately 200,000 copies of
the Company's monthly programming guide in return for a monthly payment of
approximately $110. The monthly magazine was distributed in accordance
with a distribution agreement, dated September 1992, between the Company
and Abril, pursuant to which the Company paid Abril approximately $25 per
month. In October 2001, the Company discontinued its distribution
agreement with Abril and contracted with an independent third party to
provide these services.
F-19
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
TVA Sistema and Abril also have a reciprocal advertising agreement in
which the Company publishes advertisements for Abril in the Company's
monthly magazine in exchange for advertisements for the Company (and third
parties through the Company) in the magazines published by Abril.
Abril Credit Facility
The Company has entered, as the borrower, into a revolving credit facility
(the "Abril Credit Facility") with Editora Abril S.A., as the lender. The
Abril Credit Facility, effective December 6, 1995, allows the Company to
draw down amounts not to exceed a maximum aggregate principal amount of
$60,000. Since June 1996, the Company has from time to time requested, and
Abril has provided, funding in excess of the aggregate maximum principal
amount. The loans provided under the Abril Credit Facility are denominated
in reais, unless the loan is a pass-through loan that Abril has funded in
U.S. dollars, in which case the loan is funded in a real-equivalent
amount. Abril has agreed to use its reasonable commercial efforts to
obtain the lowest possible interest rates for its loans to the Company
under the Abril Credit Facility. In November 2001, the Company's
shareholders approved the capitalization of outstanding loans in the
aggregate principal amount of $123,159 under the Abril Credit Facility and
transfer of certain monetary assets and liabilities amounting to $5,525.
As of December 31, 2003, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under
the Abril Credit Facility was $39,712.
Other Intercompany/Shareholder Loans
The Company has used the proceeds from the Abril Credit Facility to make
capital contributions to TVA Sistema and TVA Sul, as well as to extend
loans to various interrelated companies. The aggregate outstanding amounts
under these loans as of December 31, 2003 were $9,000.
Service Agreement with License holders
Pursuant to a Service Agreement, dated July 22, 1994, as amended, Abril
Comunicacoes S.A., TVA Brasil and TV Show Time (the "License holders")
agreed to transfer to TVA all the rights and benefits associated with
their current and future pay-television licenses, with the exception of
licenses operated by companies in which TVA has minority interests. While
the License holders retained the title to such licenses, the License
holders promised to take all steps necessary to transfer the title of such
licenses to the Company. Such steps included the appropriate procedures
required by the Ministry of Communications and any other governmental
authority regulating the transfers. The transfer of the title to such
licenses is currently either pending, subject to approval by the Ministry
of Communications, or waiting for the passage of certain statutory or
regulatory waiting periods.
F-20
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
7. Income taxes
7.1. The amounts charged to the provision for income tax in results for
the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, are comprised as follows:
2003 2002
----------- -----------
Current income tax provision 328 79
Deferred income taxes 19,054 --
----------- -----------
19,382 79
=========== ===========
7.2. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred
tax assets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:
2003 2002
----------- -----------
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 77,105 $ 56,402
Provision for obsolescence 1,496 707
Provision for claims 5,850 5,431
Other 6,888 4,626
----------- -----------
Total gross deferred tax asset 91,339 67,166
----------- -----------
Less valuation allowance (91,339) (67,166)
----------- -----------
Deferred tax asset $ -- $ --
----------- -----------
Deferred tax liability:
Foreign currency not realized (19,292) --
----------- -----------
Deferred tax liability $ (19,292) $ --
----------- -----------
7.3. Management has established a full valuation allowance against the
deferred tax assets as it is more likely than not that the deferred
tax assets will not be realized.
As of December 31, 2003, the Company and subsidiaries have
accumulated tax losses of $226,779 that do not expire.
F-21
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
The consolidated income taxes are different from the amount computed using the
Brazilian statutory income tax rate for the reasons set forth in the following
table:
2003 2002 2001
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes $ (24,120) $ (64,936) $ (73,726)
Statutory income tax rate 34% 34% 34%
----------- ----------- -----------
Computed income tax benefit (8,201) (22,078) (25,067)
Amortization of deferred charges (1,534) (1,560) (1,898)
Translation (gain) loss on tax losses (12,542) 25,659 15,676
(Earnings) losses in affiliates abroad 12,955 (51,019) (19,060)
Proposed dividend from affiliates abroad -- 48,506 38,022
Capital loss on acquisition of investments -- -- 901
(Deductible) taxable devaluation gain (loss) for Brazilian statutory purposes 1,710 14,416 230
Net loss of merged companies -- -- 3,069
Adjustment to accumulated tax losses 77 (1,322) 15,013
Other 2,744 368 1,147
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance 24,173 (12,891) (28,033)
----------- ----------- -----------
Total income tax expense per consolidated statements of operations $ 19,382 $ 79 $ --
=========== =========== ===========
Income tax expense represents amounts owed by subsidiaries calculated on a
stand-alone basis, as Brazilian income tax law does not allow consolidated tax
returns.
F-22
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
8. Investments
Investments are summarized as follows:
Equity in earnings
Investments (losses) as of
Percentage of -------------------------- --------------------------- ----------
control 2003 2002 2003 2002 2001
------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Equity method investments:
- TV Manaca Ltda 64.00% 549 549 -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total 549 549 -- -- --
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Equity in earnings
(losses) as of
Percentage of --------------------------- ----------
control 2003 2002 2003 2002 2001
------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Liability to fund equity investees:
- Parana Participacoes Ltda 65.44% 712 -- -- -- --
- Zerelda Participacoes S/C Ltda 36.00% 1,015 826 (192) (576) 5
- Canbras TVA Cabo Ltda 36.00% 3,325 6,157 3,767 (5,557) (2,065)
- TV Jacaranda Ltda 34.00% 297 215 10 (204) (315)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total 5,349 7,198 3,585 (6,337) (2,375)
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Total equity in earnings (losses) 3,585 (6,337) (2,375)
========== ========== ==========
TV Manaca Ltda. and Parana Participacoes Ltda., are not being consolidated
because the Company does not exercise control over their management. These
companies are part of Canbras TVA Cabo Ltda. operations, whose ownership
interest is being sold in 2004.
As of December 31, 2003, TVA also held a minority interest in each of
Canbras TVA Cabo Ltda., TV Cabo Santa Branca Comercio Ltda. and Canbras
Parana Ltda. (collectively, "Canbras TVA"), which together provide cable
television services to an additional 19 cities with a total population of
2.9 million. In October 2003, the Company entered into an agreement to
sell its entire equity interest in Canbras TVA to Horizon Cablevision do
Brasil S.A. The consummation of this sale, which received ANATEL approval
on June 16, 2004, is pending the satisfaction of customary conditions
precedent. Abril Comunicacoes S.A. has received proceeds of the sale of
Canbras TVA in the amount of U.S.$5,824 million and
F-23
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
in connection the Company therewith will record a capital gain, following
the consummation of the sale, of approximately U.S.$8.4 million
On December 1, 2003, the Company made capital contributions to the
following companies: Parana Participacoes Ltda., TV a Cabo Guarapuava
Ltda. and TV Jacaranda Ltda., and started holding ownership interest of
65,44%, 24,71% and 16,44% in these companies, respectively. The losses
generated in these transactions, in the amount of $5,897, were recorded as
other operating expenses in the statement of operations.
9. Property, plant and equipment, net
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, property, plant and equipment were
comprised of:
Annual Depreciation Rate
December 31,
-------------------------
% 2003 2002
------ --------- ---------
Reception equipment 20 $ 95,264 $ 73,628
Cable plant 10 51,418 44,863
Machinery and equipment 10 40,614 27,645
Decoders 10 55,165 44,190
Leasehold improvements 25 1,355 1,103
Furniture and fixtures 10 1,178 948
Premises 10 1,061 842
Vehicles 20 1,139 1,093
Tools 10 577 482
Building 4 2,413 1,973
Other 1,477 1,592
Accumulated depreciation (175,344) (121,452)
--------- ---------
$ 76,317 $ 76,907
========= =========
10. Intangible assets subject to amortization
Following is a summary of the Company's intangible assets subject to
amortization:
2003 2002
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Software Concession Total Software Concession Total
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Gross $ 12,252 $ 10,554 $ 22,806 $ 10,145 $ 8,630 $ 18,775
Accumulated amortization (8,883) (8,198) (17,081) (6,409) (5,894) (12,303)
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Net $ 3,369 $ 2,356 $ 5,725 $ 3,736 $ 2,736 $ 6,472
====================================== ======================================
F-24
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Aggregate amortization expense for the above intangible assets amounted to
$2,596, $2,541 and $4,149 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and
2001, respectively.
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next three years is
as follows:
Amount
-------
2004 $1,908
2005 1,908
2006 1,908
11. Loans
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, loans were comprised of:
-------------------------- --------------------------
December 31, 2003 December 31, 2002
-------------------------- --------------------------
Short-term Long-term Short-term Long-term
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Senior Notes due 2004 (a) $ 48,022 $ -- $ -- $ 48,022
Bank loans 7,486 -- 14,001 410
Accrued interest 573 -- 573 --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$ 56,081 $ -- $ 14,574 $ 48,432
========== ========== ========== ==========
a. On November 26, 1996, Tevecap raised funds in a foreign market
through a private placement of Senior Notes amounting to $250,000.
These Senior Notes mature on November 26, 2004 and are guaranteed by
certain of Tevecap's subsidiaries (see Note 25). Interest thereon is
at 12.625% per annum and is payable on May 25 and November 25 of
each year commencing on May 25, 1997.
On July 28, 1999, the subsidiary TVA Communications Ltd. repurchased
in the foreign market $201,978 aggregate principal amount of
Tevecap's Senior Notes. At the time the Senior Notes were
repurchased, Tevecap obtained consent from the remaining note
holders to eliminate the significant restrictive covenants in the
Senior Notes agreements.
F-25
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
b. Bank loans are comprised of the following:
2003 2002
----------------------- -----------------------
Short -Term Long Term Short-Term Long-Term
----------- --------- ---------- ---------
Banco Bradesco - revolving credit facility, interest of 1,68% per
month (2,50% as of December 2002) $ 2,303 -- $ 859 --
Banco Bradesco - buyer's credit, interest of libor plus 1,375% per
annum as of december 2002 -- -- 1,279 --
Banco Daycoval -revolving credit facility, interest of 2,63% plus
CDI rate per month (1,46% plus CDI rate per month as of
December 31, 2002) 622 -- 1,218 --
Banco Rural -revolving credit facility, interest of 1,06% plus CDI
(Interbank Deposit Certificate) rate per month as of
December 31, 2002 -- -- 1,389 --
Banco do Brasil - revolving credit facility, interest of 0,6% plus
CDI rate per month as of December 31, 2002 -- -- 428 --
Citibank - fixed in U.S. dollars, due August 28, 2004, interest of
13% per annum per month as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 369 -- 730 410
Banco Safra - annual interest 2,65% per month (2,85% as of
December 31, 2002) 3,104 -- 8,098 --
Credibel -revolving credit facility, interest of 2,32% plus CDI
(Interbank Deposit Certificate) rate per month 1,088 -- -- --
--------- -------- --------- --------
Total $ 7,486 -- $ 14,001 410
========= ======== ========= ========
12. Taxes payable other than income taxes
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, taxes payable other than income taxes
were comprised of:
2003 2002
--------- ---------
COFINS (Tax on revenue) $ 326 $ 239
ICMS (VAT state tax) 7,031 5,269
PIS (Tax on revenue) 77 43
Other 433 273
--------- ---------
$ 7,867 $ 5,824
========= =========
F-26
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
On July 28, 1999, as a result of the agreement for sale of 100% in Galaxy
Brasil Ltda. and TVA Banda C Ltda., the Company assumed liabilities on the
negotiation date referring to taxes that were accrued as a charge to the
gain determined on the sale of interest in these companies. The balance
related to these taxes as of December 31, 2003 is $3,796 classified as
ICMS ($3,142 as of December 31, 2002).
13. Tax recovery program (REFIS) and special installment program (PAES)
On April 5, 2000, Tevecap S.A. and its subsidiaries opted for the
Government's Tax Recovery Program (REFIS), implemented by Decree No. 3,342
of January 25, 2000, later converted into Law No. 9,964 of April 10, 2000.
In addition, the indirect subsidiary TVA Sistema de Televisao S.A. used
its credits for tax loss carryforwards amounting to $5,263 for
amortization of interest and fines.
In guarantee of the payment of the debts included in the program, the
subsidiary pledged property items as collateral in the amount of $5,665.
On July 31, 2003, certain subsidiaries of the Company, including TVA
Sistema de Televisao S.A., through a protocol filed with the Federal
Revenue Service, opted for the Federal Tax Financing Program (PAES),
established by Law No. 10,684 of May 30, 2003.
The main reasons for this option were the extension of maturity dates,
refinancing through PAES (Special Installment Program), inclusion of new
taxes, and the use of TJLP (long-term interest rate) for monetary
restatement.
Management believes that this payment will be made in approximately 135
monthly installments, adjusted by TJLP.
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, this accounts payable is segregated
between short and long-term as follows:
2003 2002
--------- ---------
Short-term 1,497 2,527
Long-term 12,836 3,770
--------- ---------
Total 14,333 6,297
========= =========
F-27
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
The net effect of the amounts recognized in results for the year period
ended December 31, 2003, arising from the option for the PAES (Special
Installment Program), is $5,029 and was recorded as operating expenses.
(tax recovery program).
14. Other operating expense , net
2003 2002 2001
--------- --------- ---------
Write-off of assets related to cancellation of
subscriptions $ 2,790 $ 2,864 $ (3,021)
Gain (loss) on disposal of property and equipment (204) 1,168 3,763
Loss on sale of obsolete inventories 359 232 1,106
Provision (reversal of provision) for inventory
obsolescence 111 17 (86)
Loss on acquisition of assets (Note 8) 5,897 -- --
Other 615 -- --
--------- --------- ---------
$ 9,568 $ 4,281 $ 1,762
========= ========= =========
F-28
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
15. Other costs
2003 2002 2001
---------- ---------- ----------
Telephone and internet $ 1,170 $ 1,586 $ 2,926
Collection charges 1,118 1,330 1,759
Outside services - legal entities 1,141 1,101 1,444
Power sources 870 983 840
External network maintenance 802 785 553
Rentals 326 249 445
Ancillary and consumable materials 154 317 258
Outsourced telemarketing services 1,205 -- 144
Other 1,483 1,372 1,603
---------- ---------- ----------
$ 8,269 $ 7,723 $ 9,972
========== ========== ==========
16. Commitments
The Company has rented its office space through the year 2008. As of
December 31, 2003, future minimum rental payments applicable to operating
leases in respect of this space aggregate approximately $91,210, as
follows:
2004 27,968
2005 26,391
2006 20,320
2007 16,120
2008 411
-----------
Total $ 91,210
===========
F-29
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
17. Redeemable Stock
The subsidiary Tevecap has outstanding redeemable common stock during as
follows:
Redeemable
common
stock
----------------
(in thousands of
shares)
----------------
Stock as of December 31, 2002 85,638
Reversal of redeemable common stock Hearst/ABC (39,343)
----------
Stock as of December 31, 2003 46,295
==========
As of December 31, 2003, 9.5% (2002 - 17.6%) of the common stock of
Tevecap was subject to an Event Put, i.e., a "triggering event" under the
Stockholders' Agreement pursuant to which each of the stockholders (other
than Abril) may, in certain circumstances, demand that Tevecap purchase
all or a portion of its shares, unless the shares of capital stock held by
such stockholders are publicly registered, listed or traded. In addition,
as of December 31, 2003, 5.8% of the common stock of Tevecap (27,930
thousand stocks) are also subject to a Time Put whereby, pursuant to the
Stockholders' Agreement, shareholder Falcon International Communications
("Falcon") may demand that Tevecap buy all or a portion of Falcon's shares
of capital stock held in Tevecap if such shares are not publicly
registered, listed or traded by September 22, 2002.
For purposes of the Event Put, triggering events are: (i) the amount of
the capital stock held by a stockholder with an Event Put exceeds the
amount allowed under any legal restriction to which such stockholder may
be subject ("Regulatory Put"); (ii) a breach without cure within a
designated period by certain specified entities/individuals of any
representation, warranty, covenant or duty made or owed pursuant to
certain agreements; (iii) a breach without cure within a designated period
by Abril of the Abril Credit Facility; (iv) the controlling shareholder of
Abril ceases to directly or indirectly hold a specified percentage of
Tevecap without the approval of the stockholders or ceases to control the
voting capital stock held by its affiliates representing 50% or more of
the voting capital stock of Tevecap; (v) the Service Agreement as amended,
among Tevecap, TV Show Time, TVA Brasil and Abril ceases to be valid or
effective or TV Show Time, TVA Brasil and Abril is liquidated
F-30
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
or dissolved or files voluntarily, or has filed against it involuntarily,
any petition in bankruptcy; or (vi) another stockholder exercises an Event
Put other than a Regulatory Put.
The Company's management believes that the probability of occurrence of
the triggering events, which would permit any of its shareholders to
exercise their Event Put, is remote. However, Tevecap has public debt in
the United States of America, and which therefore is required to register
its securities with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission,
is required for accounting purposes to present redeemable equity
securities separately from shareholders' equity, if redemption of such
securities is beyond the control of the registrant. That presentation is
required even if the likelihood of redemption is remote. Additionally, the
adoption of SFAS 150 "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with
Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity" ("SFAS 150") in 2003
requires that such redeemable stock be presented as liabilities.
The common stocks subject to the Time Put are redeemable at fair value as
determined by appraisal. In the event Tevecap does not have the funds to
satisfy its payment obligations under the Time Put, then, subject to a
number of conditions, Tevecap may deliver to Falcon promissory notes
payable three years from the issue date thereof. In the event Tevecap is
unable to satisfy its payment obligations under these promissory notes,
Falcon may be entitled, subject to a number of conditions, to sell its
shares of Tevecap to a third party. As of the date of these financial
statements, Falcon has not exercised the Falcon Time Put.
The carrying value of redeemable common stock is adjusted to the fair
value at the balance sheet date. For the year ended December 31, 2002,
changes in fair value of redeemable common stock was recognized directly
as an adjustment in accumulated deficit. For the year ended December 31,
2003, after the adoption of SFAS 150, such changes are recognized in the
statement of operations under "interest expenses".
On December 19, 2003 Abril Comunicacoes S.A. acquired the minority
interest of Hearst ABC Video Services the percentage of 8,1%, totaling
90,45% ownership interest in the Company. The redemption features related
to such common shares were removed. Therefore, the amount related to the
redeemable common stock that was held by Hearst was reclassified from
liabilities to the shareholders equity of Tevecap. As a result of that,
the Company recorded that reclassification within common stock and
redeemable common stock.
18. Capital Stock
The capital stock of the Company as of December 31, 2003, held entirely by
Brazilian stockholders, is represented by 485.220.440 common stocks.
F-31
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
The Company's bylaws provide that stockholders are entitled to a minimum
dividend of 25% of annual net income in accordance with Brazilian
Corporate Law, after deduction of the allocation to the legal reserve.
Additionally, Law No. 9,249/95 introduced the option of paying interest on
capital, calculated based on the TJLP in effect for the period, which may
also be considered as part of the minimum mandatory dividend.
19. Accrual for contingencies
The Company's operating companies are currently defending a lawsuit
brought by the Escritorio Central de Arrecadacao e Distribuicao (Central
Collection and Distribution Office, or "ECAD"), entity authorized to
enforce copyright laws relating to musical works. ECAD filed a lawsuit in
1993 against all pay-television operators in Brazil seeking to collect
royalty payments in connection with musical works broadcast by the
operators. ECAD is seeking a judgment award of 2.55% of all past and
present revenues generated by the operators. The suits are currently being
submitted to the Superior Tribunal de Justica in order to determine
whether ECAD is entitled to benefit from the copyrights relating to
musical works broadcast on pay television. Suits were filed against TVA in
the 1 Vara Civel Forum Central de Curitiba (against TVA Sul) and the 14
Vara Civel Forum Central de Sao Paulo (against TVA Brasil). The suit
against TVA Sul has been initially ruled in TVA's favor, while the suit
against TVA Brasil is currently awaiting judgment. Based on the opinion of
its attorneys, management of TVA believes that TVA is likely to prevail in
these suits. In the event the Company does not prevail in connection with
these proceedings, however, the consolidated financial position of the
Company may be materially adversely affected.
In management's opinion, all lawsuits were properly accrued and in the
case of those for which no accrual was recognized, management believes
that the chances of loss are remote. The accrued amounts being contested
in court are as follows:
F-32
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
2003 2002
----------- -----------
Long-term Long-term
----------- -----------
Civil and labor
lawsuits 2,541 1,376
COFINS (Tax on revenue) 11 9
ICMS (VAT state tax) 6,853 9,450
FGTS (Social security compulsory deposit) 185 83
IOF -- 2,570
Other 1,682 1,293
----------- -----------
11,272 14,781
=========== ===========
For certain accrued lawsuits, the Company and its subsidiaries have
judicial deposits in the amount of $6,626 and $9,112 as of December 31,
2003 and 2002. The Company pledged property items as collateral in the
amount of $ 19,436 as of December 31, 2003 ($ 11,980 in 2002).
20. Pension plan
In April 1996, the Company became a co-sponsor of the private pension
entity named Abrilprev Sociedade de Previdencia Privada ("Abrilprev"), the
primary objective of which is to grant employees benefits other than those
provided by Social Security. The plan is optional to all employees of the
sponsoring entities. Abrilprev operates as a Defined Contribution Plan.
Company contributions are made based on a fixed percentage applied to the
payroll of the sponsoring entities based on actuarial calculations.
Contribution expenses amounted to $34 for the year ended December 31, 2003
($61 in 2002 and $221 in 2001).
21. Abril Health Care Plan
In February 1996, the Abril Health Care Plan, Associacao Abril de
Beneficios (the "Health Care Plan"), was created to provide health care to
Abril companies' employees and their dependents. Both the companies
forming part of the Abril Group and the employees thereof contribute
monthly to Associacao Abril de Beneficios, the company responsible for
management of the plan.
In 2003, contributions made by Tevecap and certain affiliates of
Associacao Abril de Beneficios amounted to $519 ($482 in 2002 and $883 in
2001).
F-33
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
22. Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves
Provision Provision Deferred Provision
for for taxation Accrual for
doubtful inventory valuation for equipment
accounts obsolescence allowance contingencies obsolescence
Balance as of December 31, 2000 $ 7,595 $ 3,370 $ 108,090 $ 15,711 $ --
Additions 43 -- -- 339 --
Deductions -- (3,021) (28,033) -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of December 31, 2001 $ 7,638 $ 349 $ 80,057 $ 16,050 $ --
Additions 3,213 17 -- 5,459 2,847
Deductions (4,590) -- (12,891) -- --
Effect of exchange rate (2,915) (129) -- (6,728) (663)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of December 31, 2002 $ 3,346 $ 237 $ 67,166 $ 14,781 $ 2,184
Additions 1,360 -- 24,173 -- 2,790
Deductions -- -- -- (5,427) --
Effect of exchange rate (1,458) 26 -- 1,918 651
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of December 31, 2003 $ 3,248 $ 263 $ 91,339 $ 11,272 $ 5,625
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
23. Recent accounting pronouncements
SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities"
In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities", which amends and clarifies accounting for derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, and hedging activities under SFAS 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS 149 clarifies the
circumstances under which a contract with an initial net investment meets
the characteristic of a derivative as discussed in SFAS 133. In addition,
SFAS 149 clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component that
warrants special reporting in the statement of cash flows. SFAS 149 amends
certain other existing pronouncements, resulting in more consistent
reporting of contracts that are derivatives in their entirety or that
contain embedded derivatives that warrant separate accounting. SFAS 149 is
effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and
for relationships designated after June 30, 2003 and is to be applied
prospectively. The adoption of SFAS 149 did not have any impact on the
Company's financial statements.
SFAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with
Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity"
In May 2003, FASB issued SFAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity". SFAS 150
modifies the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under
previous guidance, issuers could account for as equity. The statement
requires that those instruments be classified as liabilities in statements
of financial position. SFAS 150 affects an issuer's accounting for three
types of freestanding financial instruments, namely:
F-34
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
o Mandatory redeemable shares, which the issuing company is obligated to
buy back in exchange for cash or other assets.
o Instruments, other than outstanding shares, that do or may require the
issuer to buy back some of its shares in exchange for cash or other
assets. These instruments include put options and forward purchase
contracts.
o Obligations that can be settled with shares, the monetary value of which
is fixed, tied solely or predominantly to a variable such as a market
index, or vary inversely with the value of the issuers' shares.
SFAS 150 does not apply to features embedded in financial instruments that
are not derivatives in their entirety. In addition to its requirements for
the classification and measurement of financial instruments within its
scope, SFAS 150 also requires disclosures about alternative ways of
settling those instruments and the capital structure of entities, all of
whose shares are mandatorily redeemable. SFAS 150 is effective for
financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and,
otherwise, is effective at the beginning of the first interim period
beginning after June 15, 2003. It is to be implemented by reporting the
cumulative effect of a change in an accounting principle for financial
instruments created before the issuance date of the statement and still
existing at the beginning of the interim period of adoption. Restatement
is not permitted. The adoption of SFAS 150 did not have a material impact
on the Company's financial statements. Redeemable stocks were reclassified
from mezzanine debt to liabilities upon the adoption of SFAS 150.
FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for
Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others"
In November 2002, FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"),
"Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees,
Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others". FIN 45 requires
certain disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual
financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that
it has issued. It also requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception
of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation
undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The disclosure requirements of FIN 45
are effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15,
2002. The initial recognition and initial measurement requirements of FIN
45 are effective prospectively for guarantees issued or modified after
December 31, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have a material impact
on the Company's financial statements.
FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
In January 2003, FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"),
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities", an Interpretation of APB No.
51. FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated
by the primary beneficiary of the entity' if the equity investors in the
entity did not have the characteristics of a controlling financial
interest or
F-35
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
did not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its
activities without additional subordinated financial support from other
parties. FIN 46 was effective for all new variable interest entities
created or acquired after January 31, 2003. However, during October 2003,
FASB deferred the effective date of FIN 46 until the end of the first
interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003. This deferral did
not affect the implementation date for many foreign private issuers, which
continued to be the beginning of the first annual period ending after
December 15, 2003.
In December 2003, FIN 46 was substantially revised and a new
interpretation FIN 46 (revised) was issued. FASB partially delayed FIN
46's effective date (for most public companies) until no later than the
end of the first reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. The delay
notwithstanding, public companies must apply either FIN 46 or FIN 46R to
special-purpose entities (SPEs) no later than the end of the first
reporting period ending after December 15, 2003. For variable interest
entities created as acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provision to
FIN 46 (revised) must be applied by foreign private issuers beginning on
January 1, 2004 for special purpose entities and by December 31, 2004 for
all other types' entities. FIN 46R did not have any impact on the
Company's operations in 2003, and it is expected that it will not have any
impact on the Company's operations in 2004.
24. Segments
Segment information has been prepared in accordance with SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." The
Company's reportable segments are determined based on products and
services provided by each segment:
a. Pay Tv - programming packages consisting of 15 to 57 television
channels;
b. Internet - high speed broadband internet access; and
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those
described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
F-36
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
24. Segments (Continued)
2003
Pay Tv Internet TOTAL
--------- ---------- ---------
Gross revenues 83,975 7,397 91,372
Direct operating expenses and SG&A
expenses 63,755 7,852 71,607
Depreciation and amortization 22,143 1,540 23,683
Other operating expense, net 14,597 -- 14,597
Interest income (1,511) -- (1,511)
Interest expense 18,135 -- 18,135
Foreign currency transaction loss, net (11,019) -- (11,019)
Income tax expense 19,382 -- 19,382
Equity in losses of affiliates (3,585) -- (3,585)
Minority interest 82 -- 82
Net loss (38,004) (1,995) (39,999)
Capital expenditures 11,208 15 11,223
Total assets 106,438 1,493 107,931
F-37
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
24. Segments (Continued)
2002
Pay Tv Internet TOTAL
--------- ---------- -----------
Gross revenues 84,474 5,294 89,768
Direct operating expenses and SG&A
expenses 70,395 4,668 75,063
Depreciation and amortization 26,195 1,822 28,017
Other operating expense, net 4,273 8 4,281
Interest income (1,677) (31) (1,708)
Interest expense 16,889 52 16,941
Foreign currency transaction loss, net 31,472 48 31,520
Other nonoperating expense, net 619 (29) 590
Income tax expense 79 -- 79
Equity in losses of affiliates 6,337 -- 6,337
Minority interest 64 -- 64
Net loss (70,172) (1,244) (71,416)
Capital expenditures 11,047 148 11,195
Total assets 109,682 1,793 111,475
F-38
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
24. Segments (Continued)
2001
Pay Tv Internet TOTAL
--------- ---------- ----------
Gross revenues 103,544 4,362 107,906
Direct operating expenses and SG&A
expenses 89,474 8,878 98,352
Depreciation and amortization 32,969 1,395 34,364
Other operating expense, net 1,762 -- 1,762
Interest income (4,182) (18) (4,200)
Interest expense 37,830 19 37,849
Foreign currency transaction loss, net 11,038 29 11,067
Other nonoperating expense, net 2,379 59 2,438
Income tax expense -- -- --
Equity in losses of affiliates 2,375 -- 2,375
Minority interest (284) -- (284)
Net loss (69,817) (6,000) (75,817)
Capital expenditures 30,112 610 30,722
Total assets 195,852 2,982 198,834
F-39
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
subsidiaries
Tevecap conducts a significant portion of its business through
subsidiaries. The $250,000 12 5/8% Senior Notes issued to institutional
buyers in November 1996 are jointly and severally, irrevocably and fully
and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by all of Tevecap's
direct and indirect subsidiaries except for TVA Communications Aruba N.V.,
TVA Channels Ltda., Rede Ajato Ltda., Ype Radio and Televisao Ltda., TVA
Inc, TVA Overseas Ltd. and TVA TCG Sistema de Televisao Porto Alegre.
Presented below is condensed consolidating financial information for: i)
Tevecap on a parent company only basis; ii) the Wholly Owned Guarantor
Subsidiaries; iii) the Majority-Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries; iv)
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries; v) Eliminations; and vi) Consolidated Tevecap
S.A. and subsidiaries.
The equity method has been used by Tevecap, the Wholly Owned Guarantor
Subsidiaries and the Majority-Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries with respect to
investments in their subsidiaries.
The following sets forth the Wholly Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries, the
Majority-Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries:
a) Wholly-Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries
- TVA Distribuidora S.A. (merged in 2001 and wholly-owned in
2000)
- TVA Programadora Ltda. (merged in 2001 and wholly-owned in
2000)
- TVA Par S.A. (merged in 2001 and wholly-owned in 2000)
- TVA Communications Ltd.
- Comercial Cabo TV Sao Paulo Ltda.
- TVA Sistema de Televisao S.A. (majority-owned in 2000)
- TVA Sul Parana Ltda. (majority-owned in 2000)
b) Majority-Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries
- CCS Camboriu Cable System de Telecomunicacoes Ltda.
F-40
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
subsidiaries (Continued)
c) Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
- TVA Communications Aruba N.V.
- TVA TCG Sistema de Televisao de Porto Alegre S.A. (merged in
2001 and non guarantor in 2000)
- Rede Ajato Ltda.
- TVA Channel Ltda. (merged in 2001 and non-guarantor in 2000)
- Ype Radio e Televisao Ltda. (merged in 2001 and non-guarantor
in 2000)
- TVA Overseas Ltd.
- TVA Inc
- TVA Continental S.A.
- TVA Pelicano S.A.
- TVA Network Participacoes S.A.
Separate financial statements have been presented for TVA Sistema de
Televisao S.A., TVA Sul Parana Ltda and CCS Camboriu Cable System
Telecomunicacoes Ltda. as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002.
F-41
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
subsidiaries (Continued)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of December 31, 2003
Wholly- Majority-
Owned Owned Non-
Parent Guarantor Guarantor guarantor
Assets Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
--------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 95 $ 128 $ 61 $ 8 $ -- $ 292
Accounts receivable, net -- 4,432 (4) 1,493 (1,495) 4,426
Inventories, net -- 8,400 70 -- -- 8,470
Prepaid and other assets 278 397 2 -- -- 677
Other accounts receivable 142 320,289 271 64 (319,188) 1,578
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total current assets 515 333,646 400 1,565 (320,683) 15,443
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Property, plant and equipment, net -- 75,327 2,099 -- (1,109) 76,317
Investments
Equity basis 25,626 1,710 -- 549 (27,336) 549
Intangible assets, net 986 4,739 -- -- -- 5,725
Loans to related companies 49,305 18,677 1,452 54,258 (120,421) 3,271
Dividends receivable 322,332 -- -- -- (322,332) --
Judicial deposits -- 6,407 219 -- -- 6,626
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total assets $ 398,764 $ 440,506 $ 4,170 $ 56,372 $(791,881) $ 107,931
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
F-42
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
subsidiaries (Continued)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of December 31, 2003
Wholly- Majority-
Owned Owned Non-
Parent Guarantor Guarantor Guarantor
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Current Liabilities
Loans 367,730 7,486 -- -- (319,135) 56,081
Film suppliers -- 6,474 145 -- -- 6,619
Other suppliers 14 5,798 19 -- (1,498) 4,333
Tax recovery program 563 934 -- -- -- 1,497
Taxes payable other than income
taxes 3,802 3,974 91 -- -- 7,867
Income tax payable -- 1 277 -- -- 278
Accrued payroll and related
liabilities -- 1,424 13 -- -- 1,437
Advance payments received from
subscribers -- 2,844 (5) -- -- 2,839
Deferred income tax 19,292 -- -- -- -- 19,292
Other accounts payable 97 2,106 230 15 (50) 2,398
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total current liabilities 391,498 31,041 770 15 (320,683) 102,641
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Long-term liabilities
Loans from related companies 21,415 116,129 -- 22,588 (120,420) 39,712
Tax recovery program 4,783 8,053 -- -- -- 12,836
Accrual for contingencies -- 10,723 549 -- -- 11,272
Dividends payable -- 273,992 -- 48,340 (322,332) --
Liability to fund equity investee 35,524 -- -- 154 (30,329) 5,349
Redeemable Stock 24,201 -- -- -- -- 24,201
Other accounts payable -- 211 -- -- -- 211
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total long-term liabilities 85,923 409,108 549 71,082 (473,081) 93,581
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Minority interest -- -- -- -- 1,140 1,140
Shareholders' deficit
Common stock 445,313 284,076 4,012 15,068 (302,443) 446,026
Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) (3,703) 214,247 (1,449) 5,633 (212,012) 2,716
Accumulated deficit (520,267) (497,966) 288 (35,426) 515,198 (538,173)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total shareholders' deficit (78,657) 357 2,851 (14,725) 743 (89,431)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
deficit 398,764 440,506 4,170 56,372 (791,881) 107,931
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
F-43
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
Subsidiaries (Continued)
Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the year ended December 31, 2003
Wholly-
Owned Majority- Non-
Parent Guarantor Owned Guarantor
Description Company Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
-------- ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Gross revenues
Monthly subscriptions -- 73,277 1,969 1,061 (2) 76,305
Installation -- 1,160 42 9 -- 1,211
Advertising -- 2,554 -- 32 -- 2,586
Other -- 10,769 115 386 -- 11,270
Taxes on revenue -- (12,578) (314) (146) -- (13,038)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net revenue -- 75,182 1,812 1,342 (2) 78,334
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Direct operating expenses
Payroll and benefits -- 2,148 38 269 -- 2,455
Programming -- 24,172 614 -- -- 24,786
Technical assistance -- 1,535 (2) -- -- 1,533
TVA Magazine -- 1,554 23 -- -- 1,577
Pole rental -- 1,229 26 -- -- 1,255
Other costs -- 7,375 261 633 -- 8,269
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
-- 38,013 960 902 -- 39,875
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Payroll and benefits -- 6,126 174 22 -- 6,322
Advertising and promotion -- 2,884 15 18 -- 2,917
Rent -- 1,070 4 -- -- 1,074
Other general and administrative expenses 476 7,674 133 100 (2) 8,381
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
476 17,754 326 140 (2) 18,694
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Depreciation and amortization 411 22,837 276 446 (287) 23,683
Tax recovery program 1,431 3,598 -- -- -- 5,029
Other operating expense, net 6,140 3,482 -- (54) -- 9,568
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating loss (8,458) (10,502) 250 (92) 287 (18,515)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Interest income (2,294) (24,590) (257) (12) 25,642 (1,511)
Interest expense 27,774 15,164 39 800 (25,642) 18,135
Transaction (70,942) 52,739 (65) 7,249 -- (11,019)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes, equity 37,004 (53,815) 533 (8,129) 287 (24,120)
and minority interest
Income taxes 19,054 -- 328 -- -- 19,382
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before equity and minority 17,950 (53,815) 205 (8,129) 287 (43,502)
interest
Equity in (losses) of affiliates 57,396 (123) -- (10) (60,848) (3,585)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before minority Interest (39,446) (53,692) 205 (8,119) 61,135 (39,917)
Minority interest -- -- -- -- 82 82
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss) (39,446) (53,692) 205 (8,119) 61,053 (39,999)
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
F-44
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
subsidiaries (Continued)
Consolidated Statement's of Cash Flows
for the year ended December 31, 2003
Wholly- Majority- Non-
Parent Owned Owned Guarantor
Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
-------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss (39,446) (53,692) 205 (8,119) 61,053 (39,999)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
(used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation -- 22,313 276 446 (287) 22,748
Amortization 411 524 -- -- -- 935
Amortization of debt issuance cost 260 -- -- -- -- 260
Redeemable stock (164) -- -- -- -- (164)
Provision for doubtful accounts -- 1,226 43 91 -- 1,360
Provision for equipment and inventory
obsolescence -- 2,790 -- -- -- 2,790
Minority interest -- -- -- -- 82 82
Disposal and write-off of property, plant
and equipment -- 80 -- 1,283 -- 1,363
Loss on purchase assets 5,949 -- -- (52) -- 5,897
Equity in losses of affiliates 57,396 (123) -- (10) (60,848) (3,585)
Foreign currency transaction loss, net (70,942) 52,739 (65) 7,249 -- (11,019)
Deferred income taxes 19,054 -- -- -- -- 19,054
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable -- (1,954) (38) (1,308) 1,341 (1,959)
Prepaid and other assets 24 204 (1) 8 -- 235
Accrued interest 27,983 (14,600) (228) 778 -- 13,933
Inventories -- 67 (13) -- -- 54
Suppliers 13 (10,709) (302) (34) (1,401) (12,433)
Taxes payable other than income taxes (2,995) (2,669) 385 (148) -- (5,427)
Tax recovery program - PAES/REFIS 3,922 2,305 -- -- -- 6,227
Current income taxes -- -- 328 -- -- 328
Accrued payroll and related liabilities -- 469 6 (65) -- 410
Advances received from subscribers -- 2,670 (4) -- -- 2,666
Judicial deposits -- 4,269 (29) 1 -- 4,241
Other (60) 1,522 (132) (5) (89) 1,236
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities 1,405 7,431 431 115 (149) 9,233
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment -- (11,152) (56) (15) -- (11,223)
Split-off -- 14 -- (14) -- --
Loans to related companies (19,467) -- (1,267) -- 20,734 --
Repayment of loans to related companies 133,973 230 1,198 (50) (135,210) 141
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities 114,506 (10,908) (125) (79) (114,476) (11,082)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Bank loans -- 24,560 -- -- -- 24,560
Loans from shareholders 15,904 68,258 -- 18 (20,526) 63,654
Repayments of loans from shareholders (14,708) (164,716) -- (53) 135,168 (44,309)
Repayments of loans from banks (5,784) (37,109) -- (85) -- (42,978)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities (4,588) (109,007) -- (120) 114,642 927
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes (111,254) 112,502 (269) 7 (17) 969
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 69 18 37 (77) -- 47
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
the period 26 110 24 85 -- 245
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 95 128 61 8 -- 292
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
F-45
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
subsidiaries (Continued)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of December 31, 2002
Wholly- Majority-
Owned Owned Non-
Parent Guarantor Guarantor guarantor
Assets Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
--------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 26 $ 110 $ 24 $ 85 $ -- $ 245
Accounts receivable, net -- 2,948 1 161 (12) 3,098
Inventories, net -- 6,927 46 -- -- 6,973
Prepaid and other assets 248 502 1 7 -- 758
Other accounts receivable 70 92,780 34 77 (91,658) 1,303
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total current assets 344 103,267 106 330 (91,670) 12,377
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Property, plant and equipment
and intangible assets, net 1,162 79,755 1,907 1,495 (940) 83,379
Investments
Equity basis 28,937 1,239 -- 549 (30,176) 549
Loans to related companies 275,324 18,736 905 54,345 (343,479) 5,831
Debt Issuance costs, net 227 -- -- -- -- 227
Dividends receivable 263,572 -- -- -- (263,572) --
Judicial deposits -- 8,957 154 1 -- 9,112
Other -- 201,978 -- -- (201,978) --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total assets $ 569,566 $ 413,932 $ 3,072 $ 56,720 $(931,815) $ 111,475
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
F-46
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
subsidiaries (Continued)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of December 31, 2002
Wholly- Majority-
Owned Owned Non-
Parent Guarantor Guarantor Guarantor
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
--------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Current Liabilities
Loans 92,230 13,940 -- 62 (91,658) 14,574
Film suppliers -- 15,291 377 -- -- 15,668
Other suppliers -- 4,076 21 30 (9) 4,118
Taxes payable other than income
taxes 3,529 4,638 71 113 -- 8,351
Accrued payroll and related
liabilities -- 757 5 57 -- 819
Other accounts payable 86 703 115 170 -- 1,074
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total current liabilities 95,845 39,405 589 432 (91,667) 44,604
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Long-term liabilities
Loans 250,000 390 -- 21 (201,979) 48,432
Loans from related companies 18,800 315,621 1 21,174 (343,479) 12,117
Accrual for contingencies 3,144 15,046 345 16 -- 18,551
Dividends payable -- 224,045 -- 39,528 (263,573) --
Liability to fund equity investee 213,039 -- -- 215 (206,056) 7,198
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total long-term liabilities 484,983 555,102 346 60,954 (1,015,087) 86,298
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Minority interest -- -- -- -- 826 826
Redeemable common stock 99,365 -- -- -- -- 99,365
Shareholders' deficit
Common stock 370,313 113,944 4,012 15,081 (132,324) 371,026
Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) (119) 149,755 (1,958) 7,560 (147,708) 7,530
Accumulated deficit (480,821) (444,274) 83 (27,307) 454,145 (498,174)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total shareholders' deficit (110,627) (180,575) 2,137 (4,666) 174,113 (119,618)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
deficit 569,566 413,932 3,072 56,720 (931,815) 111,475
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
F-47
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
subsidiaries
(Continued)
Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the year ended December 31, 2002
Wholly-
Owned Majority- Non-
Parent Owned Guarantor Guarantor
Description Company Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
-------- ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Gross revenues
Monthly subscriptions -- 70,957 1,799 2,169 -- 74,925
Installation -- 1,018 57 24 -- 1,099
Advertising -- 1,543 -- 81 -- 1,624
Other -- 11,707 122 686 (395) 12,120
Taxes on revenue (11,897) (281) (266) (12,444)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net revenue -- 73,328 1,697 2,694 (395) 77,324
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Direct operating expenses
Payroll and benefits -- 4,483 48 599 -- 5,130
Programming -- 24,420 616 -- -- 25,036
Technical assistance -- 1,407 20 -- -- 1,427
TVA Magazine -- 1,652 23 -- -- 1,675
Pole rental -- 1,853 28 -- -- 1,881
Other costs -- 6,066 190 1,862 (395) 7,723
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
-- 39,881 925 2,461 (395) 42,872
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
Payroll and benefits -- 5,274 46 28 -- 5,348
Advertising and promotion -- 2,671 19 (14) -- 2,676
Rent -- 1,098 4 -- -- 1,102
Other general and administrative
expenses 290 9,994 178 159 -- 10,621
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
290 19,037 247 173 -- 19,747
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Depreciation and amortization 400 27,103 296 529 (311) 28,017
Other operating expense, net -- 4,273 -- 8 -- 4,281
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating loss (690) (16,966) 229 (477) 311 (17,593)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Interest income (1,601) (26,758) (178) (31) 26,860 (1,708)
Interest expense 35,825 7,446 18 512 (26,860) 16,941
Transaction 148,635 (101,655) 140 (15,600) -- 31,520
Other nonoperating (expenses) income,
net 49 521 11 9 -- 590
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
equity and minority interest (183,598) 103,480 238 14,633 311 (64,936)
Income taxes -- -- 79 -- -- 79
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before equity and
minority interest (183,598) 103,480 159 14,633 311 (65,015)
Equity in (losses) of affiliates (112,111) (96) -- 204 118,340 6,337
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before minority (71,487) 103,576 159 14,429 (118,029) (71,352)
interest
Minority interest -- -- -- -- 64 64
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss) (71,487) 103,576 159 14,429 (118,093) (71,416)
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
F-48
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
subsidiaries (Continued)
Consolidated Statement's of Cash Flows
for the year ended December 31, 2002
Wholly- Majority- Non-
Parent Owned Owned Guarantor
Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss (71,487) 103,576 159 14,429 (118,093) (71,416)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
(used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation -- 26,526 296 529 (311) 27,040
Amortization 400 577 -- -- -- 977
Amortization of debt issuance cost 181 -- -- -- -- 181
Provision for doubtful accounts -- 3,006 84 123 -- 3,213
Provision for equipment and inventory
obsolescence -- 2,864 -- -- -- 2,864
Minority interest -- -- -- -- 64 64
Disposal and write-off of property, plant
and equipment -- 2,986 5 8 -- 2,999
Equity in losses of affiliates (112,111) (96) -- 204 118,340 6,337
Foreign currency transaction loss, net 148,635 (101,655) 140 (15,600) -- 31,520
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable -- (1,612) (46) (200) 40 (1,818)
Prepaid and other assets 207 677 -- (6) -- 878
Accrued interest 31,285 (21,735) (143) 472 -- 9,879
Inventories -- 385 2 -- -- 387
Suppliers (199) 10,028 239 (138) (35) 9,895
Taxes payable other than income taxes and
tax recovery program PAES/REFIS 2,474 1,840 (12) 95 -- 4,397
Accrued payroll and related liabilities -- (230) (8) (11) -- (249)
Advances received from subscribers -- (158) (6) 2 -- (162)
Judicial deposits -- (643) (28) (2) -- (673)
Other 14 (719) 79 85 23 (518)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities (601) 25,617 761 (10) 28 25,795
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment -- (10,983) (64) (148) -- (11,195)
Loans to related companies (73,212) (10) (1,041) 45 54,293 (19,925)
Repayment of loans to related companies 85,529 -- 548 9,334 (69,233) 26,178
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities 12,317 (10,993) (557) 9,231 (14,940) (4,942)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Bank loans -- 31,010 -- -- -- 31,010
Dividends receivable and payable (121,060) 106,978 -- 14,082 -- --
Transfer of investments to dividends 152,175 (134,314) -- (17,861) -- --
Loans from shareholders 15,113 56,699 (3) 1,953 (54,325) 19,437
Repayments of loans from shareholders (19,738) (67,507) -- (1,727) 69,234 (19,738)
Repayments of loans from banks (6,302) (26,644) -- (9,383) -- (42,329)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities 20,188 (33,778) (3) (12,936) 14,909 (11,620)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes (31,887) 18,661 (197) 3,798 3 (9,622)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 17 (493) 4 83 -- (389)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
the period 9 603 20 2 -- 634
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the
period 26 110 24 85 -- 245
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
F-49
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
Subsidiaries (Continued)
Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the year ended December 31, 2001
Wholly-
Owned Majority- Non-
Parent Guarantor Owned Guarantor
Description Company Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
-------- ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Gross revenues
Monthly subscriptions -- 86,164 2,025 2,029 -- 90,218
Installation -- 200 20 50 -- 270
Advertising -- 1,005 -- -- -- 1,005
Other -- 17,033 130 302 (1,052) 16,413
Taxes on revenue -- (14,926) (553) (157) -- (15,636)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net revenue -- 89,476 1,622 2,224 (1,052) 92,270
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Direct operating expenses
Payroll and benefits (132) 6,669 58 1,909 -- 8,504
Programming 24 24,577 655 493 -- 25,749
Technical assistance -- 1,839 24 5 -- 1,868
TVA Magazine -- 2,369 20 -- -- 2,389
Pole rental -- 2,779 35 -- -- 2,814
Other costs 22 6,983 118 3,879 (1,052) 9,972
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(86) 45,238 910 6,286 (1,052) 51,296
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
Payroll and benefits 22 9,586 80 107 -- 9,795
Advertising and promotion 9 5,378 32 359 -- 5,778
Rent -- 1,739 4 34 -- 1,777
Other general and administrative
expenses 1,239 12,541 233 57 -- 14,070
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
1,270 29,244 349 557 -- 31,420
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Depreciation and amortization 646 33,159 356 580 (377) 34,364
Other operating expense, net (25) 1,792 5 (10) -- 1,762
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating loss (1,805) (19,957) 2 (5,189) 377 (26,572)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
--------
Interest income (3,046) (26,607) (65) (19) 25,537 (4,200)
Interest expense 55,247 3,530 213 4,396 (25,537) 37,849
Transaction 44,407 (24,226) -- (9,114) -- 11,067
Other nonoperating (expenses) income, net (352) 1,934 (78) 934 -- 2,438
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
equity and minority interest (98,061) 25,412 (68) (1,386) 377 (73,726)
Income taxes -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before equity and minority
interest (98,061) 25,412 (68) (1,386) 377 (73,726)
Equity in (losses) of affiliates (22,247) 40 -- 316 24,266 2,375
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before minority
interest (75,814) 25,372 (68) (1,702) (23,889) (76,101)
Minority interest -- -- -- -- (284) (284)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss) (75,814) 25,372 (68) (1,702) (23,605) (75,817)
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
F-50
TEVECAP S.A.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
25. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor
subsidiaries (Continued)
Consolidated Statement's of Cash Flows
for the year ended December 31, 2001
Wholly- Majority- Non-
Parent Owned Owned Guarantor
Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss (75,814) 25,372 (68) (1,702) (23,605) (75,817)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
(used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation -- 32,494 356 580 (377) 33,053
Amortization 646 665 -- -- -- 1,311
Amortization of debt issuance cost 192 -- -- -- -- 192
Provision for doubtful accounts -- 7,460 (7,281) (136) -- 43
Provision for equipment and inventory
obsolescence -- 344 (3,365) -- -- (3,021)
Minority interest -- -- -- -- (284) (284)
Disposal and write-off of property, plant
and equipment 10 877 2 185 -- 1,074
Loss on purchase of assets 2,650 -- -- -- -- 2,650
Write-off of investments (6,620) (544) 5,516 1,648 -- --
Equity in losses of affiliates (22,247) 40 -- 316 24,266 2,375
Foreign currency transaction loss, net 44,407 (24,226) -- (9,114) -- 11,067
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable -- (13,743) 16,150 979 (2,166) 1,220
Prepaid and other assets 291 (1,622) 2,936 343 -- 1,948
Accrued interest 45,347 (23,787) (36) 7,813 -- 29,337
Inventories -- (11,387) 15,792 -- -- 4,405
Suppliers (275) 16,896 (13,890) (1,358) 2,165 3,538
Taxes payable other than income taxes and
tax recovery program - PAES/REFIS (3,282) 27,654 (25,478) (944) -- (2,050)
Accrued payroll and related liabilities -- 1,443 (1,923) (430) -- (910)
Advances received from subscribers -- 199 (239) (9) -- (49)
Judicial deposits -- (5,200) -- -- -- (5,200)
Accounts receivable of sale of
Eurochannel to Multithematiques -- 4,036 -- -- -- 4,036
Accounts receivable of Galaxy Brasil Ltda
and Tva Banda C Ltda, 1,283 876 -- -- -- 2,159
Other 243 (12,330) 11,976 728 1 618
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities (13,169) 25,517 448 (1,101) -- 11,695
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment -- (31,940) (151) 1,369 -- (30,722)
Collection of promissory note -- -- -- 28,236 -- 28,236
Loans to related companies (79,489) (19,853) (1,032) (11,145) 100,823 (10,696)
Repayment of loans to related companies 75,794 4,516 467 11,531 (74,451) 17,857
Purchases of investments -- -- -- (852) -- (852)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (3,695) (47,277) (716) 29,139 26,372 3,823
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Bank loans -- 10,078 -- 11,213 -- 21,291
Dividends receivable and payable (137,782) 99,036 -- 38,746 -- --
Transfer of investments to dividends 188,991 (141,806) -- (47,185) -- --
Loans from shareholders 13,306 71,153 -- 29,669 (100,822) 13,306
Repayments of loans from shareholders (23,494) (39,752) -- (34,698) 74,450 (23,494)
Repayments of loans from banks (6,391) (9,155) -- (29,296) -- (44,842)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities 34,630 (10,446) (31,551) (26,372) (33,739)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes (17,783) 32,787 32 2,210 -- 17,246
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents (17) 581 (236) (1,303) -- (975)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of the period 26 22 256 1,305 -- 1,609
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the
period 9 603 20 2 -- 634
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
* * * * * * *
F-51
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM
TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Financial Statements for the Years Ended
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Independentes
F-52
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Contents
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-54
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 F-55
Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2003 F-57
Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 F-58
Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2003 F-59
Notes to Financial Statements F-60
F-53
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Sao Paulo - SP - Brasil
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM
TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the
related statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, all expressed
in United States dollars. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accountings Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2003 and
2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 have
been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As
discussed in Note 1.2 to the financial statements, the Company's had working
capital deficiency raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a
going concern. Management's plans concerning these matters are also described in
Note 1.2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might
result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
April 29, 2004
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
F-54
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Balance Sheets
December 31, 2003 and 2002
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
December 31,
------------------------
2003 2002
--------- ---------
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 61 $ 24
Accounts receivable, net (Note 3) -- 1
Inventories 70 46
Prepaid and other assets 2 1
Recoverable taxes 255 17
Other accounts receivable 12 17
--------- ---------
Total current assets 400 106
--------- ---------
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 6) 2,099 1,907
Loans to related companies (Note 4) 1,452 905
Judicial deposits 219 154
--------- ---------
Total assets $ 4,170 $ 3,072
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
F-55
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Balance Sheets, continued
December 31, 2003 and 2002
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
December 31,
---------------------------
2003 2002
---------- ----------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Film suppliers $ 145 $ 377
Other suppliers 19 21
Taxes payable other than income taxes 368 71
Accrued payroll and related liabilities 13 5
Rent payable 134 87
Other accounts payable 91 28
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 770 589
---------- ----------
Long-term liabilities
Loans payable to related companies (Note 4) -- 1
Taxes payable other than income taxes 384 333
Provision for claims (Note 9) 165 12
---------- ----------
Total long-term liabilities 549 346
---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, no par value, 4,850,000 shares authorized, issued and
outstanding (Note 7) 4,012 4,012
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,449) (1,958)
Accumulated income 288 83
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 2,851 2,137
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 4,170 $ 3,072
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
F-56
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Statements of Operations
for the years ended December 31, 2003 , 2002 and 2001
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
---------- ---------- ----------
Gross revenues
Monthly subscriptions $ 1,969 $ 1,799 $ 2,025
Installation 42 57 20
Additional services 115 122 130
Taxes on revenues (314) (281) (553)
---------- ---------- ----------
1,812 1,697 1,622
---------- ---------- ----------
Direct operating expenses (excluding depreciation stated
separately below)
Payroll and benefits 38 48 58
Programming 614 616 655
Other costs 308 261 197
---------- ---------- ----------
960 925 910
---------- ---------- ----------
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Payroll and benefits 174 46 80
Advertising and promotion 15 19 32
Other selling, general and administrative expenses 137 182 237
---------- ---------- ----------
326 247 349
---------- ---------- ----------
Depreciation 276 296 356
Other operating income -- -- 5
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income 250 229 2
---------- ---------- ----------
Interest income (257) (178) (65)
Interest expense 39 18 213
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss, net (65) 140 --
Other nonoperating expense (income), net -- 11 (78)
---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes 533 238 (68)
---------- ---------- ----------
Income tax expense - current (Note 5) 328 79 --
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) $ 205 $ 159 $ (68)
========== ========== ==========
Other comprehensive loss -
Foreign currency translation adjustment (509) 1,007 614
---------- ---------- ----------
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 714 $ (848) $ (682)
========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
F-57
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Accumulated
Other
Common Accumulated Comprehensive
Stock Deficit Loss Total
---------- ----------- ------------- ----------
Balance as of December 31, 2000 4,012 (8) (337) 3,667
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net
of tax of $0 -- -- (614) (614)
Net loss -- (68) -- (68)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of December 31, 2001 4,012 (76) (951) 2,985
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net
of tax of $0 -- -- (1,007) (1,007)
Net income -- 159 -- 159
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of December 31, 2002 4,012 83 (1,958) 2,137
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net
of tax of $0 -- -- 509 509
Net income -- 205 -- 205
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of December 31, 2003 $ 4,012 $ 288 $ (1,449) $ 2,851
========== ========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
F-58
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2003 ,2002 and 2001
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ 205 $ 159 $ (68)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 276 296 356
Provision for doubtful accounts 43 84 60
Provision (reversal of provision) for claims -- 12 (10)
Disposal and write-off of property, plant and equipment -- 5 --
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss, net (65) 140 --
Current income taxes 328 -- --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable (38) (46) (38)
Prepaid and other assets (1) -- 12
Accrued interest (228) (143) --
Inventories (13) 2 25
Suppliers (302) 239 123
Taxes payable other than income taxes 385 (24) 174
Accrued payroll and related liabilities 6 (8) (4)
Other (165) 45 230
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 431 761 860
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (56) (64) (151)
Loans to related companies (1,267) (1,041) (1,032)
Repayments of loans to related companies 1,198 548 467
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing activities (125) (557) (716)
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from loans from related companies -- (3) 246
Repayments of loans from related companies -- -- (387)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in financing activities -- (3) (141)
---------- ---------- ----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (269) (197) 15
---------- ---------- ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 37 4 18
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 24 20 2
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year $ 61 $ 24 $ 20
========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
F-59
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
1. The Company and its principal operations
CCS - Camboriu Cable System Telecomunicacoes Ltda. (the "Company") renders
services related to wireless cable and cable television systems, including
marketing and advertising, production, distribution and licensing of
domestic and foreign television programs. The Company has wireless cable
channel rights primarily in the city of Camboriu. The Company's operations
are substantially dependent on the Tevecap Group regarding programming,
marketing, financial and administrative systems.
1.2 Significant risks and uncertainties
The Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003
were prepared on a going concern basis which contemplates the realization
of assets and settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal
course of business. The Company during the year ended December 31, 2003
had negative working capital of $370. The continuation of the Company as a
going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate sufficient cash
from operating and financing activities. In this regard, managements'
plans include: (i) increasing the Company's subscriber base and
implementing technological upgrades to its pay television networks; (ii)
streamlining the Company's principal operating procedures to increase
productivity and profitability; (iii) the continuation of a cost reduction
program which was initiated in 2002 and (iii) adjusting the Company's
capitalization (including indebtedness) to provide for long term growth
and stability. The financial statements do not include any adjustments
related to the recoverability and classification of recorded amounts or
the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary
should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
2. Summary of significant accounting policies
Significant policies followed in the preparation of the financial
statements are described below:
2.1. Basis of presentation
The financial statements are presented in United States dollars and have
been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), which differ in certain
respects from accounting principles applied by the Company in its local
currency financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in Brazil ("Brazilian GAAP").
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
F-60
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the financial
statement dates and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during
the reporting periods. Since management's judgment involves making
estimates concerning the likelihood of future events, the actual results
could differ from these estimates.
2.2. Accounting records
As required by Brazilian Law, and in accordance with local accounting
practices, the accounting records of the Company are maintained in
Brazilian currency ("real"). In order to present the financial statements
in conformity with U.S. GAAP, the Company maintains additional accounting
records that are used solely for this purpose.
F-61
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
2.3. Currency remeasurement
On January 1, 2000, Tevecap S.A. ("Tevecap"), parent company of the
Company's major shareholder TVA Sul Parana Ltda., changed its functional
currency from the United States dollar to the Brazilian real. As the
Company uses the functional currency of Tevecap, the Company also changed
its functional currency from the United States dollar to the Brazilian
real on January 1, 2000. This change was performed in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 52, "Foreign
Currency Translation".
2.4. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash and cash in banks and
short-term investments in interest-bearing securities. Such short-term
investments have original maturities of three months or less at the time
of purchase and are readily convertible to cash.
2.5. Financial instruments
In accordance with SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of
Financial Instruments" ("SFAS 107"), information is provided about the
fair value of certain financial instruments for which it is practicable to
estimate that value.
For the purposes of SFAS 107, the estimated fair value of a financial
instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a
current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or
liquidation sale. The following methods and assumptions were used to
estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it
is practicable to estimate that value:
o The fair value of current financial assets and liabilities,
including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other
accounts receivable, accounts receivable from related parties, film
suppliers, and other accounts payable approximates their respective
carrying value due to their short-term nature.
o The fair value of loans to and from related companies approximates
their respective carrying value as interest on these loans is at
market rates.
F-62
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
2.6. Accounts receivable
A provision for doubtful accounts was established on the basis of an
analysis of the accounts receivable, in light of the risks involved, and
is considered sufficient to cover any losses incurred in realization of
credits.
2.7. Inventories
Inventories consist of materials and supplies and imports in transit.
Materials and supplies are used to provide service to new customers, and
to ensure continuity of service to existing customers. Imports in transit
represent materials purchased from foreign countries that have not yet
been received.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
principally under the average cost method.
2.8. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the
straight-line method, over the remaining useful lives, as described in
Note 6.
2.9. Recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used
The Company evaluates its long-lived assets and identifiable intangible
assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.
Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison
of the carrying amount of the asset to future undiscounted net cash flows
expected to be generated by the asset. In estimating future undiscounted
net cash flows, assets are grouped at the level of each cable television
system. If an asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be
recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the
asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. There were no impairment
write-downs made during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
F-63
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
2.10. Revenue recognition
Subscription revenues are recognized monthly at the amount billed to
subscribers for service subscribed to and earned during the month.
Installation fees are recognized as revenue on the equipment installation
date to the extent of direct selling costs incurred which are higher than
the revenue.
Other revenues are recognized as services are rendered.
2.11. Advertising and promotion costs
Costs of advertising and promotion are expensed as incurred
2.12. Deferred income taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective
tax bases as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected
to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on
deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation
allowances are established when it is more likely than not that some or
all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
2.13 Comprehensive income (loss)
SFAS no. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income"establishes standards for
reporting and disclosing comprehensive income and its components in a full
set of financial statements. Comprehensive income/loss is being presented
together with the statements of operation.
2.14. Reclassifications
Certain prior years amounts have been reclassified for comparative
purposes.
F-64
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
3. Accounts receivable, net
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, accounts receivable were comprised of:
December 31,
---------------------------
2003 2002
---------- ----------
Subscriptions and installation $ 93 $ 59
Advertising 4 4
Provision for doubtful accounts (97) (62)
---------- ----------
$ -- $ 1
========== ==========
No single customer accounted for more than 10% of total accounts
receivable as of December 31, 2003 and 2002.
4. Related party transactions
The following tables summarize the transactions between the Company and
related parties as of December 31, 2003 and 2002:
December 31,
---------------------------
2003 2002
---------- ----------
TVA Sul Parana Ltda. (parent company)
Loans receivable 1,452 905
Loans payable -- 1
---------- ----------
Loans receivable $ 1,452 $ 905
Loans payable $ -- $ 1
The Company and its related parties maintain a cash management system
centralized at TVA Sul Parana Ltda. The centralized cash management system
results in accounts receivable from and payable to related parties
depending on the cash needs of the companies.
F-65
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
4. Related party transactions (Continued)
Loans granted to or obtained from related companies, under loan
agreements, are denominated in reais and subject to variable interest of
1.96% per month as of December 31, 2003 (2.59% per month as of December
31, 2002 and 2.12% per month as of December 31, 2001). There is not a
defined maturity date for the loans.
5. Income taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of net operating
loss carryforwards and differences between the tax basis and the financial
reporting basis of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance has been
established against the net deferred tax asset (primarily consisting of
net operating loss carryforwards and provisions) as management believes it
is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Accordingly, no benefit has been recognized for the Company's net
operating losses and other deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2003,
the Company had no net operating loss carryforwards.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax
assets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:
2003 2002
-------------------------
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards -- --
Provision for claims 58 --
Other 19 --
-------------------------
Total gross deferred tax asset 77 --
-------------------------
Less valuation allowance (77) --
-------------------------
Deferred tax asset -- --
-------------------------
F-66
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
5. Income taxes (continued)
The income tax expense was different from the amount computed using the
Brazilian statutory income tax for the reasons set forth in the following
table:
2003 2002 2001
--------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 533 $ 238 $ (68)
Statutory income tax rate 34% 34% 34%
--------- --------- ---------
Computed income tax expense (benefit) 181 81 (23)
Translation loss of tax losses -- 8 1
Deductible devaluation loss for Brazilian statutory purposes 13 (10) 22
Other 57 -- --
Change in valuation allowance 77 -- --
--------- --------- ---------
Income tax expense per statements of operations $ 328 $ 79 $ --
========= ========= =========
6. Property, plant and equipment, net
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, property, plant and equipment were
comprised of:
Annual December 31,
Depreciation Rate ---------------------------
% 2003 2002
----------------- ---------- ----------
Reception equipment 20 $ 605 $ 452
Cable plant 10 704 576
Machinery and equipment 10 220 176
Decoders 10 101 82
Leasehold improvements 25 5 4
Building 4 2,039 1,667
Furniture and fixtures 10 43 36
Vehicles 20 40 32
Software 20 9 8
Tools 10 2 2
Other 8 5
Accumulated depreciation (1,677) (1,133)
---------- ----------
$ 2,099 $ 1,907
========== ==========
F-67
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
7. Shareholder's equity
Common stock as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 was comprised of:
2003 2002
-------------------------- --------------------------
$ Shares $ Shares
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Construtora ENE ESSE Ltda $ 1,605 1,940,000 $ 1,605 1,940,000
TVA Sul Parana Ltda 2,407 2,910,000 2,407 2,910,000
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$ 4,012 4,850,000 $ 4,012 4,850,000
========== ========== ========== ==========
8. Loan guarantees
In November 1996, Tevecap issued $250,000 12-5/8% Senior Notes to
institutional buyers in a private placement. The Notes, which mature in
November 2004, were subsequently registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission in May 1997. These Notes are jointly and severally,
irrevocably and fully unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior basis, by
Tevecap's direct and indirect subsidiaries, including the Company. On July
28, 1999 the related company TVA Communications Ltd. repurchased 80.79% of
these Notes.
9. Litigation contingencies
Certain claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business
have been filed or are pending against the Company which were not
recognized in the financial statements. The Company has also recorded
provisions related to certain claims in amounts that management considers
to be adequate after considering a number of factors including (but not
limited to) the views of legal counsel, the nature of the claims and the
prior experience of the Company.
The Company has provided for losses on all cases where the assessment of
management and legal counsel indicates that a loss is probable. Management
believes that such legal matters will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
F-68
CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
10. Abril Health Care Plan
In February 1996, the Abril Health Care Plan, Associacao Abril de
Beneficios (the "Health Care Plan"), was created to provide health care to
Abril S.A. Group employees and their dependents. Both the companies
forming part of the Abril Group and the employees thereof contribute
monthly to the Health Care Plan, which is responsible for the management
of the plan. In 2003, contributions made by the Company to the Health Care
Plan amounted to $7 ($6 in 2002 and $14 in 2001).
11. Supplementary information - valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves
Deferred Provision
Taxation for Provision
Valuation Doubtful for
Allowance Accounts Claims
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of December 31, 2000 -- $ 47 $ 13
Additions -- 60 --
Deductions -- -- (10)
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of December 31, 2001 -- 107 3
Additions -- -- 9
Deductions -- (45) --
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of December 31, 2002 -- 62 12
---------- ---------- ----------
Additions 77 -- 153
Deductions -- 35 --
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of December 31, 2003 $ 77 $ 97 $ 165
========== ========== ==========
12. Recent accounting pronouncements
SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities"
In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities", which amends and clarifies accounting for derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, and hedging activities under SFAS 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS 149 clarifies the
circumstances under which a contract with an initial net investment meets
the characteristic of a derivative as discussed in SFAS 133. In addition,
SFAS 149 clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component that
warrants special reporting in the
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CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
statement of cash flows. SFAS 149 amends certain other existing
pronouncements, resulting in more consistent reporting of contracts that
are derivatives in their entirety or that contain embedded derivatives
that warrant separate accounting. SFAS 149 is effective for contracts
entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for relationships
designated after June 30, 2003 and is to be applied prospectively. The
adoption of SFAS 149 did not have any impact on the Company's financial
statements.
SFAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with
Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity"
In May 2003, FASB issued SFAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity". SFAS 150
modifies the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under
previous guidance, issuers could account for as equity. The statement
requires that those instruments be classified as liabilities in statements
of financial position. SFAS 150 affects an issuer's accounting for three
types of freestanding financial instruments, namely:
o Mandatory redeemable shares, which the issuing company is obligated to
buy back in exchange for cash or other assets.
o Instruments, other than outstanding shares, that do or may require the
issuer to buy back some of its shares in exchange for cash or other
assets. These instruments include put options and forward purchase
contracts.
o Obligations that can be settled with shares, the monetary value of which
is fixed, tied solely or predominantly to a variable such as a market
index, or varies inversely with the value of the issuers' shares.
SFAS 150 does not apply to features embedded in financial instruments that
are not derivatives in their entirety. In addition to its requirements for
the classification and measurement of financial instruments within its
scope, SFAS 150 also requires disclosures about alternative ways of
settling those instruments and the capital structure of entities, all of
whose shares are mandatorily redeemable. SFAS 150 is effective for
financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and,
otherwise, is effective at the beginning of the first interim period
beginning after June 15, 2003. It is to be implemented by reporting the
cumulative effect of a change in an accounting principle for financial
instruments created before the issuance date of the statement and still
existing at the
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CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
beginning of the interim period of adoption. Restatement is not permitted.
The adoption of SFAS 150 did not have any material impact on the Company's
financial statements.
FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for
Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others"
In November 2002, FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"),
"Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees,
Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others". FIN 45 requires
certain disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual
financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that
it has issued. It also requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception
of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation
undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The disclosure requirements of FIN 45
are effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15,
2002. The initial recognition and initial measurement requirements of FIN
45 are effective prospectively for guarantees issued or modified after
December 31, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have a material impact
on the Company's financial statements.
FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
In January 2003, FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"),
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities", an Interpretation of APB No.
51. FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated
by the primary beneficiary of the entity' if the equity investors in the
entity did not have the characteristics of a controlling financial
interest or did not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to
finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support
from other parties. FIN 46 was effective for all new variable interest
entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. However, during
October 2003, FASB deferred the effective date of FIN 46 until the end of
the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003. This
deferral did not affect the implementation date for many foreign private
issuers, which continued to be the beginning of the first annual period
ending after December 15, 2003.
In December 2003, FIN 46 was substantially revised and a new
interpretation FIN 46 (revised) was issued. FASB partially delayed FIN
46's effective date (for most public companies) until no later than the
end of the first reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. The delay
notwithstanding, public companies must apply either FIN 46 or FIN 46R to
special-purpose entities (SPEs) no later than the end of the first
reporting period ending after December 15, 2003. For variable interest
entities created as acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provision to
FIN 46 (revised) must be applied by foreign private issuers beginning on
January 1, 2004 for special purpose entities and by December 31,
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CCS - CAMBORIU CABLE SYSTEM TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA.
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
2004 for all other type' entities. FIN 46R did not have any impact on the
Company's operations in 2003, and it is expected that it will not have any
impact on the Company's operations in 2004.
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