APPENDIX I

 

FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the month of March, 2005

Commission File Number: 001-09531

 

Telefónica, S.A.

(Translation of registrant's name into English)

Gran Vía, 28

28013 Madrid, Spain

3491-459-3050

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

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

Form 20-F

X

 

Form 40-F

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

Yes

   

No

X

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

Yes

   

No

X

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

Yes

   

No

X

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

 

 

 

Telefónica, S.A.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item

 

Sequential Page Number

     

1.

Annual Report on Corporate Governance - Financial year 2004

49

     
     

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

LISTED COMPANIES

 

DATA IDENTIFYING ISSUER

FINANCIAL YEAR

2004

 

TAX ID CODE: A-28015865

 

Registered name:

TELEFONICA, S.A.

 

Registered offices:

GRAN VIA, 28

MADRID

MADRID

28013

SPAIN

 

 

MODEL OF ANNUAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT FOR LISTED COMPANIES

A

      SHAREHOLDING STRUCTURE

A.1. Fill in the following tables on the company’s share capital:

Latest date of any change

Share Capital (€)

Number of shares

10-06-2003

4,955,891,361.00

4,955,891,361.00

If there are different types of shares, indicate in the following table:

Type

Number of shares

Nominal unit value

ALL THE SHARES ARE OF THE SAME TYPE.

4,955,891,361.00

1.00

A.2. List the direct and indirect holders of significant shareholdings in your organisation at the end of its financial year, excluding members of its Board of Directors:

Name or corporate name of shareholder

Number of shares held directly

Number of shares held indirectly (*)

% Total/share capital

CAJA DE AHORROS Y PENSIONES DE BARCELONA, "LA CAIXA"

92,380,486

174,095,736

5.377

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

89,027,259

194,997,590

5.731

(*) Through:

Name or corporate name of direct shareholder

Number of shares held directly

%/ Share capital

CAIXA HOLDING, S.A.

155,686,356

3.141

CAIXA DE BARCELONA DE SEGUROS DE VIDA, SOCIEDAD ANÓNIMA DE SEGUROS Y REASEGUROS, S.A.

18,409,380

0.371

CONSOLIDAR CIA.

DE SEGUROS DE VIDA, S.A.

16,100

0.000

BBVA SEGUROS, S.A.

369,941

0.007

CORPORACIÓN INDUSTRIAL Y DE SERVICIOS, S.L.

104,611,549

2.111

SOCIEDAD DE ESTUDIOS Y ANÁLISIS FINANCIEROS, S.A.

90,000,000

1.816

Total:

369,093,326

 

Indicate the most significant movements in the shareholding structure during the financial year:

Name or corporate name of shareholder

Date of transaction

Description of transaction

CAJA DE AHORROS Y PENSIONES DE BARCCELONA, "LA CAIXA"

30-03-2004

Exceeding the 5% limit on shareholdings

A.3. Fill in the following tables on company directors holding company shares:

Name or corporate name of Company Director

Date of first appointment

Date of last appointment

Number of shares held directly

Number of shares held indirectly

% Total /share capital

MR. CÉSÁR ALIERTA IZUEL

29-01-1997

12-04-2002

632,012

0

0.013

MR. ISIDRO FAINÉ CASAS

26-01-1994

15-06-2001

7,164

0

0.000

MR. JOSÉ ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ RIVERO

12-04-2002

12-04-2002

115

0

0.000

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

26-02-2003

11-04-2003

2,112

0

0.000

MR. JESÚS MARÍA CADENATO MATÍA

11-04-2003

11-04-2003

9,906

0

0.000

MR. MAXIMINO CARPIO GARCÍA

29-01-1997

12-04-2002

5,836

0

0.000

MR. CARLOS COLOMER CASELLAS

28-03-2001

15-06-2001

543

0

0.000

MR. ALFONSO FERRARI HERRERO

28-03-2001

15-06-2001

1,811

99,500

0.002

MR. JOSÉ FONOLLOSA GARCÍA

11-04-2003

11-04-2003

0

0

0.000

MR. GONZALO HINOJOSA FERNÁNDEZ DE ANGULO

12-04-2002

12-04-2002

37,958

0

0.001

MR. MIGUEL HORTA E COSTA

17-03-1998

11-04-2003

354

0

0.000

MR. PABLO ISLA ALVAREZ DE TEJERA

12-04-2002

12-04-2002

386

0

0.000

MR. LUIS LADA DÍAZ

10-08-2000

15-06-2001

30,000

0

0.001

MR. ANTONIO MASSANELL LAVILLA

21-04-1995

15-06-2001

2,106

642

0.000

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

12-04-2002

12-04-2002

19,450

17,988

0.001

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

20-12-2000

15-06-2001

10

0

0.000

MR. ANTIONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

12-01-2000

04-02-2000

21,944

0

0.000

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALLARRAGA

27-02-2002

12-04-2002

53

0

0.000

MR. ANTONIO J. ALONSO UREBA

28-03-2001

16-06-2001

8,438

0

0.000

(*) Through:

Name or corporate name of direct shareholder

Number of shares held directly

INVERSIONES SINGLADURA, S.A.

79,500

FINALFESA, S.A.

20,000

MS.GEMMA MASSANELL BOLET

642

REVIEW INVERSIONES SICAV, S.A.

17,988

Total:

118,130

 

% of total equity held by the Board of Directors

0.018

Fill in the following tables on company directors holding company share options:

Name or corporate of Company Director

Number of options held directly

Number of options held indirectly

Equivalent number of shares

%Total/share capital

MR. JOSÉ FONOLLOSA GARCÍA

115

530

645

0.000

A.4. Where applicable, indicate any family, commercial, contractual or corporate relationships between owners of significant shareholdings, as far as the Company is aware, unless of little relevance or ensuing from ordinary trading or exchange:

Name or corporate name of related party

Type of relationship

Brief description

     

A.5. Where applicable, indicate any commercial, contractual or corporate relationships between owners of significant shareholdings and the company, unless of little relevance or ensuing from ordinary trading or exchange:

Name or corporate name of related party

Type of relationship

Brief description

BANCO BILBAO VIZCYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

Corporate

JOINT SHAREHOLDING WITH TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES, S.A. IN MOBIPAY ESPAÑA, S.A. AND IN MOBIPAY INTERNACIONAL, S.A.

BANCO BILBAO VIZCYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

Corporate

JOINT SHAREHOLDING WITH TELEFÓNICA DE CONTENIDOS, S.A. IN HISPASAT, S.A.

BANCO BILBAO VIZCYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

Corporate

JOINT SHAREHOLDING WITH TERRA NETWORKS IN UNO-E BANK, S.A.

BANCO BILBAO VIZCYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

Corporate

JOINT SHAREHOLDING WITH TELEFÓNICA, S.A. IN ATENTO, N.V.

A.6. Indicate any shareholders agreements that have been reported to the company:

Parties to paracorporate agreements

% of share capital affected

Brief description of the agreement

 

   

Indicate any concerted actions among company shareholders of which the company is aware:

Parties to concerted actions

% of share capital affected

Brief description of the concerted action

 

   

Expressly indicate any change in or break-up of said concerted actions or agreements.

A.7. Indicate whether any person or organisation exercises or may exercise control over the company pursuant to Article 4 of the Securities Market Law:

Name or corporate name

 

 

Comments

 

A.8. Fill in the following tables on the company’s treasury stock:

At year end:

Number of shares held directly

Number of shares held indirectly

% Total /share capital

207,245,179

0

4.182

(*) Through:

Name or corporate name of direct shareholder

Number of shares held directly

   
   

Total:

 

List any significant variations that have occurred during the financial year, according to Royal Decree 377/1991:

Date

Number of direct shares

Number of indirect shares

% Total /share capital

05-05-2004

80,175,320

0

1.618

30-06-2004

131,075,320

0

2.645

04-10-2004

183,447,879

0

3.702

Revenue from treasury stock transactions throughout the year (in thousands of euros)

0

A.9. Detail the terms and conditions of any authorisation(s) conferred by the General Shareholders’ Meeting to the Board of Directors to purchase and/or transfer the treasury stock described in section A.8. above.

The Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting of Telefónica, at its session held on April 30th 2004, resolved to renew the authorisation granted by the GSM of April 11th 2003, for the derivative acquisition of treasury stock, either directly or through Group companies, in the terms literally transcribed as follows:

"To authorise, as set forth in Articles 75 and next of the current Spanish Corporations Law (Ley de Sociedades Anónimas), the acquisition, at any moment and as many times as considered necessary by Telefónica, S.A. – either directly or through any of the subsidiary companies of which it is the dominant company – of the Company’s treasury stock, through a purchase-sale or by any other legal onerous title.

The minimum acquisition price or compensation will be equivalent to the nominal value of the treasury stock acquired and the maximum acquisition price or compensation will be equal to the market value of the treasury stock on an official secondary market at the time of the acquisition.

Said authorisation is granted for a period of 18 months, reckoned from the date of the current Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting, and is expressly subject to the limitation that, at any time, the nominal value of the treasury stock acquired under this authorisation, added to that already held by Telefónica, S.A. and any of the controlled subsidiary companies, may exceed 5 percent of the share capital at the time of the acquisition, respecting the limitations set for the acquisition of treasury stock as imposed by the regulatory authorities of the markets on which Telefónica, S.A. shares are quoted.

It is expressly noted that the authorisation granted for the acquisition of treasury stock can be used wholly or partially for the acquisition of these shares of Telefónica, S.A., and that the Company must deliver or transfer to its directors or employees, or to those of the companies in its Group, directly or as a consequence of these having exercised their option rights, all within the framework of the referenced remuneration systems as the market value of the company shares approved in due form.

To empower the Board of Directors, in the broadest possible terms, to exercise the authorization derived from this resolution and to execute the remaining items included in this, enabling the Board of Directors to delegate in the Executive Committee, the Executive Chairman of the Board or any other person expressly empowered by the Board to this effect.

The unexecuted part of the resolution adopted by the Company’s Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting of April 11th, 2003, in relation to point IV of the Agenda of this same Meeting, shall remain null and void."

A.10. Indicate any restrictions under law or the company articles of association on exercising voting rights and any legal restrictions on the acquisition and/or transfer of company stock:

(i) Restrictions on exercising voting rights:

In accordance with Article 21 of the Company Articles of Association, no shareholder shall be allowed to cast a number of votes representing more than ten percent of the overall share capital entitled to voting rights existing at any time, regardless of the number of shares he/she actually holds. In ascertaining the maximum number of votes which each shareholder may cast, only those shares owned by each shareholder shall be taken into account, and the shares belonging to other shareholders who have appointed such shareholder as their proxy shall not be included, without prejudice to the aforementioned ten percent limit, which shall apply equally to every represented shareholder.

The limit set out in the above paragraph shall likewise apply to the maximum number of votes that may be cast – either jointly or individually – by two or more shareholding companies belonging to the same group of companies, and to the maximum number of votes which may be cast by an individual or a corporate body holding shares in the Company which are directly or indirectly controlled by that individual or corporate body.

Taking into account the total share capital of Telefónica, and in view of its current shareholding structure, the aforementioned limit on the number of votes established in the Company Articles of Association is, in practise, not applicable, as at present there are no shareholders with a stake, whether direct or indirect, of over 6 percent of the company share capital.

(ii) Limits on the acquisition and/or transfer of company stock:

There are no provisions in the Articles of Association restricting or limiting the free transfer of Telefónica stock.

The above notwithstanding, in response to the Ruling from the European Court of Justice of 13th May 2003, Law 62/2003, of 30th December on Tax, Administrative and Social Order Measures, has altered the administrative authorisation regime set out in Law 5/1995, of 23rd March, on the Legal Regime for Transfer of Public Stock in certain companies, to which certain commercial transactions and corporate agreements existing in Telefónica and its subsidiary companies, Telefónica Móviles, S.A., Telefónica Móviles de España, S.A.U. and Telefónica de España, S.A.U. are subject by virtue of Royal Decree 8/1997, of 10th January.

Therefore, the direct or indirect or acquisition of shares in Telefonica or Telefónica Móviles, S.A., including through third party trustees or intermediaries, is subject to a regime of administrative notification when it entails the disposal of at least 10 percent of the Company share capital. However, mere financial transactions that are not addressed at taking over control and/or management of such companies, are not included in this regime.

 

 

B

      STRUCTURE OF CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION

B.1. Board of Directors

B.1.1. Detail the maximum and minimum number of directorships established under the articles of association:

Maximum number of Directors

20

Minimum number of Directors

5

B.1.2. Fill in the following table with the Board members and their details.

Name or corporate name of director

Represented by

Post

Date of first appointment

Date of last appointment

Election procedure

MR. CÉSAR ALIERTA IZUEL

 

CHAIRMAN

29-10-1997

12-04-2002

COOPTION WITH SUBSEQUENT RATIFICATION BY THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. ISIDRO FAINÉ CASAS

 

VICE CHAIRMAN

26-01-1994

15.06.2001

COOPTION WITH SUBSEQUENT RATIFICATION BY THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. JOSÉ ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ RIVERO

 

DIRECTOR

12-04-2002

12-04-2002

GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

 

DIRECTOR

26-02-2003

11-04-2003

COOPTION WITH SUBSEQUENT RATIFICATION BY THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. JESÚS MARÍA CADENATO MATÍA

 

DIRECTOR

11-04-2003

11-04-2003

GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. MAXIMO CARPIO GARCÍA

 

DIRECTOR

29-01.1997

12-04-2002

COOPTION WITH SUBSEQUENT RATIFICATION BY THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. CARLOS COLOMER CASELLAS

 

DIRECTOR

28-03-2001

15-05-2001

COOPTION WITH SUBSEQUENT RATIFICATION BY THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. ALFONSO FERRARI HERRERO

 

DIRECTOR

28-03.2001

15.06.2001

COOPTION WITH SUBSEQUENT RATIFICATION BY THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. JOSE FONOLLOSA GARCÍA

 

DIRECTOR

11-04-2003

11.04.2003

GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. GONZALO HINOJOSA FERNÁNDEZ DE ANGULO

 

DIRECTOR

12.04.2002

12.04.2002

GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. MIGUEL HORTA E COSTA

 

DIRECTOR

17-03-1998

11.04.2003

GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. PABLO ISLA ÁLVAREZ DE TEJERA

 

DIRECTOR

12-04-2002

12-04.2002

GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. LUIS LADA DÍAZ

 

DIRECTOR

10-08-2000

15-06-2001

COOPTION WITH SUBSEQUENT RATIFICATION BY THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. ANTONIO MASSANELL LAVILLA

 

DIRECTOR

21-04-1995

15-06-2001

GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

 

DIRECTOR

12.04.2002

12-04-2002

GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

 

DIRECTOR

20-12-2000

15-06-2001

COOPTION WITH SUBSEQUENT RATIFICATION BY THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. ANTONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

 

DIRECTOR

12-01-2000

04-02-2000

COOPTION WITH SUBSEQUENT RATIFICATION BY THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALARRAGA

 

DIRECTOR

27-02-2002

12-04-2002

COOPTION WITH SUBSEQUENT RATIFICATION BY THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

MR. ANTONIO J. ALONSO UREBA

 

SECRETARY TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

28-03-2001

15.06.2001

COOPTION WITH SUBSEQUENT RATIFICATION BY THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

Total number of Directors

19

Indicate any members leaving the Board during this period:

Name or corporate name of director

Date of leaving

   

B.1.3 Fill in the following table on the Board members and their different directorships:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Name or corporate name of director

Commission proposing appointment

Post within the company organisation

MR. CESAR ALIERTA IZUEL

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN

MR. LUIS LADA DÍAZ

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

DIRECTOR

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

DIRECTOR

MR. ANTONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

DIRECTOR

MR. ANTONIO J. ALONSO UREBA

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXTERNAL PROPRIETARY DIRECTORS

Name or corporate name of director

Commission proposing appointment

Name or corporate name of the significant shareholder represented or who proposed the appointment

MR. JOSÉ FONOLLOSA GARCÍA

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

MR. ANTONIO MASSANELL LAVILLA

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

LA CAIXA, CAJA DE AHORROS Y PENSIONES DE BARCELONA

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALARRAGA

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

MR. ISIDRO FAINÉ CASAS

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

MR. JOSÉ ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ RIVERO

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

MR. JESUS MARIA CADENATO MATÍA

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

EXTERNAL INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Name or corporate name of director

Commission proposing appointment

Profile

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

HOLDER OF LAW DEGREE, ON LEAVE FROM THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS. FORMERLY HEAD OF STAFF AT THE HOME OF HIS MAJESTY KING JUAN CARLOS I.

MR. MAXIMO CARPIO GARCÍA

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

DOCTOR IN ECONOMICS. PROFESSOR OF APPLIED ECONOMICS AT THE UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE MADRID.

MR. CARLOS COLOMER CASELLAS

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

HOLDER OF AN ECONOMICS DEGREE. CHAIRMAN OF THE COLOMER GROUP.

MR. ALFONSO FERRARI HERRERO

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

HOLDER OF ECONOMICS DEGREE. FORMERLY EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF BETA CAPITAL, S.A. AND SENIOR MANAGER AT BANCO URQUIJO

MR. GONZALO HINOJOSA FERNÁNDEZ DE ANGULO

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER. CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CORTEFIEL, S.A.

MR. MIGUEL HORTA E COSTA

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

HOLDER OF ECONOMICS DEGREE. CHAIRMAN OF PORTUGAL TELECOM, SGPS, S.A.

MR. PABLO ISLA ÁLVAREZ DE TEJERA

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

HOLDER OF LAW DEGREE. STATE LAWYER. CHAIRMAN OF ALTADIS, S.A. AND LOGISTA, S.A.

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER. CHAIRMAN OF AMPER, S.A.

OTHER EXTERNAL DIRECTORS

Name or corporate name of director

Committee proposing appointment

   

List the reasons why they cannot be considered independent or proprietary:

Indicate any variations that have occurred in the type of each director:

Name or corporate name of director

Date of change

Previous type

Current type

       

B.1.4. Indicate whether the types of directors set out in the previous point corresponds to the distribution established in the Board Regulations:

When considering the present composition of the Board of Directors and the principles governing the same – established in the Board of Directors Regulations – the current composition is fully in line with the aforementioned Regulations and with the established guidelines of Corporate Governance. The Board is comprised of a significant number of independent Directors (eight), and the external Directors (including Proprietary and Independents) are in ample majority over executive Directors (fourteen vs. five). Furthermore, there is a majority of independent Directors over proprietary Directors (eight vs. five) on the Board.

B.1.5. Indicate, if the case may be, any powers delegated to the Managing Director(s):

Name or corporate name of director

Brief description

CESAR ALIERTA IZUEL

At the date of preparation of the present report, the position of Managing Director does not exist. However, the Executive Chairman has been delegated all the powers of the Board of Directors, except those which may not be delegated by law or under the Articles of Association.

B.1.6. Identify any board members in senior management or directive posts in other companies forming part of the listed company:

Name or corporate name of director

Corporate name of the group company

Post

MR. JOSE ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ RIVERO

ADQUIRA ESPAÑA, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. ANTONIO MASSANELL LAVILLA

TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

TELEFÓNICA INTERNACIONAL, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

TELEFÓNICA DE PERÚ, S.A.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

TELEFÓNICA DE ARGENTINA, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

TELECOMINICAÇOES DE SAO PAULO, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. JESUS MARÍA CADENATO MATÍA

UNO E BANK, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. MAXIMO CARPIO GARCÍA

TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. ALFONSO FERRARI HERRERO

TELEFONICA INTERNACIONAL, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. ALFONSO FERRARI HERRERO

TELEFÓNICA CTA CHILE, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. ALFONSO FERRARI HERRERO

TELEFÓNICA DE PERÚ, S.A.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. LUIS LADA DÍAZ

TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

TERRA NETWORKS, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

TELECOMUNICAÇOES DE SAO PAULO, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

TELEFÓNICA DE PERÚ, S.A.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

TELEFÓNICA INTERNACIONAL, S.A

DIRECTOR

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

TELEFÓNICA DE ARGENTINA, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

TELEFÓNICA HOLDING ARGENTINA, S.A.

VICE CHAIRMAN

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

COMPAÑÍA INTERNACIONAL DE TELECOMUNICACIONES, S.A.

VICE CHAIRMAN

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES ARGENTINA, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

TELEFÓNICA COMUNICACIONES PERSONALES, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

RADIO MÓVIL DIGITAL ARGENTINA, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

RADIO SERVICIOS, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

TELINVER, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

TELEFÓNICA DATA ARGENTINA, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

KATALYX ARGENTINA, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

KATALYX FOOD SERVICES ARGENTINA, S.R.L.

MANAGER

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

KATALYX CATALOGUING ARGENTINA, S.R.L.

MANAGER

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

KATALYX CONSTRUCTION ARGENTINA, S.R.L.

MANAGER

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

KATALYX TRANSPORTATION ARGENTINA, S.R.L.

MANAGER

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VÁZQUEZ

TERRA NETWORKS ARGENTINA, S.A.

VICE PRESIDENT

MR. MARIO EDUARDO VAZQUEZ

ADQUIRA ARGENTINA, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. ANTONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

TELEFÓNICA INTERNACIONAL, S.A..

DIRECTOR

MR. ANTONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR ANTONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES DE ESPAÑA, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. ANTONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

TELEFÓNICA DE ESPAÑA, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. ANTONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

TELEFÓNICA DE ARGENTINA, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALARRÁGA

TELEFÓNICA INTERNACIONAL, S.A.

DIRECTOR

B.1.7. List any company board members who are also members of the board(s) of directors in other companies listed on official securities markets in Spain, other than your own group, that have been reported to the company:

Name or corporate name of director

Listed company

Post

MR. CESAR ALIERTA IZUEL

ALTADIS, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. ISIDRO FAINES CASAS

ABERTIS INFRAESTRUCTURAS, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. JOSÉ ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ RIVERO

IBERDROLA, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. CARLOS COLOMER CASELLAS

INDO INTERNACIONAL, S.A.

VICE CHAIRMAN

MR. CARLOS COLOMER CASELLAS

ALTADIS, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. CARLOS COLOMER CASELLAS

AHORRO BURSÁTIL, S.A. SICAV

CHAIRMAN

MR. CARLOS COLOMER CASELLAS

INVERSIONES INMOBILIARIAS URQUIOLA, S.A. SICAV

CHAIRMAN

MR. CARLOS COLOMER CASELLAS

SANTANDER CENTRAL HISPANO, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. GONZALO HINOJOSA FERNÁNDEZ DE ANGULO

ALTADIS, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. GONZALO HINOJOSA FERNÁNDEZ DE ANGULO

CORTEFIEL, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. PABLO ISLA ÁLVAREZ DE TEJERA

ALTAIDS, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. PABLO ISLA ÁLVAREZ DE TEJERA

COMPAÑÍA DE DISTRIBUCIÓN INTEGRAL LOGISTA, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. PABLO ISLA ÁLVAREZ DE TEJERA

IBERIA LÍNEAS ÁEREAS DE ESPAÑA, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. LUIS LADA DÍAZ

SOGECABLE, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

AMPER, S.A.

CHAIRMAN

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALARRAGA

REPSOL YPF, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALARRAGA

GAS NATURAL, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALARRAGA

IBERIA LÍNEAS AÉREAS DE ESPAÑA, S.A.

DIRECTOR

B.1.8. Fill in the following tables regarding the accrued aggregate remuneration of Directors during the year:

a) in the company subject to this report:

Remuneration from

Thousand euros

Fixed remuneration

5,035

Variable remuneration

2,575

Allowances

140

Token payments

0

Share options and/or other financial instruments

0

Others

3

TOTAL:

8,023

Other benefits

Thousand euros

Advances

0

Loans granted

0

Pension Plans and Funds: Contributions

36

Pension Plans and Funds: Obligations contracted

0

Life insurance premiums

66

Guarantees constituted by the company in favour of directors

0

b) for directors belonging to other boards of directors and/or senior management of group companies:

Remuneration from

Thousand euros

Fixed remuneration

1,741

Variable remuneration

645

Allowances

27

Token payments

0

Share options and/or other financial instruments

0

Others

48

TOTAL:

2,461

Other benefits

Thousand euros

Advances

0

Loans granted

0

Pension Plans and Funds: Contributions

8

Pension Plans and Funds: Obligations contracted

0

Life insurance premiums

12

Guarantees constituted by the company in favour of directors

0

c) total remuneration by type of directorship:

Type of director

By company

By group

Executive

6,004

1,883

External proprietary

982

98

External independent

1,037

480

Other external

0

0

TOTAL

8,023

2,461

d) regarding the attributable profit of the controlling company:

Total directors’ remuneration

10,484

Total directors’ remuneration / attributable profit of the controlling company

0.360

B.1.9. Identify the members of senior management who are not executive directors and indicate total remuneration accruing to them during the year:

Name or corporate name

Post

MR. SANTIAGO FERNÁNDEZ VALBUENA

GENERAL MANAGER OF FINANCE AND SHARED RESOURCES

MR. LUIS ABRIL PÉREZ

GENERAL MANAGER OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATION

MR. CALIXTO RÍOS PÉREZ

GENERAL MANAGER OF AUDITING AND MANAGEMENT RESOURCES

MR. GUILLERMO FERNÁNDEZ VIDAL

GENERAL MANAGER OF COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUBSIDIARIES

MR. FRANCISCO DE BERGIA GONZÁLEZ

GENERAL MANAGER OF INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS

MR. JULIO LINARES LÓPEZ

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF TELEFÓNICA DE ESPAÑA, S.A.U.

MR. JOSÉ MARÍA ÁLVAREZ-PALLETE LÓPEZ

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF TELEFÓNICA INTERNACIONAL, S.A.U.

 

Total remuneration of senior management (thousand euros)

6,912

B.1.10. Identify in aggregate terms any guarantees or "golden parachute" clauses benefiting senior managers (including executive directors) of the company or its group. Indicate whether these contracts must be reported to and/or approved by the governing bodies of the company or its group.

Number of beneficiaries

11

   

 

 

Board of Directors

General Shareholders’ Meeting

Body authorising the clauses

x

 

 

 

YES

NO

Is the General Shareholders’ Meeting informed of these clauses?

X

 

B.1.11. Indicate the process for establishing board members’ remuneration and any relevant clauses in the Articles of Association regarding such payment.

In accordance with Article 28 of the Articles of Association of Telefónica, Directors’ remuneration shall be comprised of a fixed monthly allowance plus expenses for attending meetings of the Board of Directors and its management or consultative Committees. Any remuneration the Company may pay its Directors collectively under either of the foregoing headings shall be that set for that purpose by the General Shareholders’ Meeting, and shall remain in force until this body resolves that it be changed. The Board of Directors shall determine the exact amount to be paid within that ceiling and how it is divided amongst the various Directors. To this effect, the General Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 11th 2003 fixed the maximum gross annual sum for remuneration to the Board of Directors at 6 million euros.

Additionally, and apart from such remuneration as is provided for under the previous section, other remuneration systems may be created that may either be indexed to the list value of the shares, or consist of stock or of stock options for the Directors. The application of said remuneration systems must be authorised by the General Shareholders’ Meeting, which shall fix the stock value that is to be taken as the term of reference thereof, the number of shares to be given to each Director, the exercise price of the stock options, the term of such remuneration system and such other terms and conditions as deemed appropriate.

At present, there is no remuneration system in existence at Telefónica indexed to the list value of shares or that entails the handover of stock or stock options to Directors.

The remuneration systems set out in the preceding paragraphs, arising from membership in the Board of Directors, shall be deemed compatible with any and all other professional or work-based compensations to which the Directors may be entitled in consideration for whatever executive or advisory services they may provide for the Company other than such supervisory and decision-making duties as may pertain to their posts as Directors, which shall be subject to the applicable legal provisions.

Pursuant to Article 38 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, Directors shall be entitled to obtain the remuneration set by the Board of Directors according to statutory provisions and following a report issued by the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee.

The Board shall ensure that the remuneration of Directors is in keeping with that paid on the market at companies of a similar size and activity.

Remuneration of Directors shall be fully transparent. To that end, the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee shall annually examine the policy regarding Directors’ remuneration. In addition, and in keeping with the provisions of the Company Articles of Association, the Annual Report clearly sets out the remuneration paid for each post and position on the Board and its Committees (Chairman, Vice Chairman and Member). The remuneration paid to executive Directors for their executive functions in the Company are set out in aggregate form, but broken down into the various remunerative items or concepts.

B.1.12. Indicate the identity of any board members who sit on board(s) of directors or hold senior management posts in companies having significant shareholdings in the listed company and/or its group companies:

Name or corporate name of director

Name or corporate name of the significant shareholder

Post

MR. ISIDRO FAINÉ CASAS

LA CAIXA, CAJA DE AHORROS Y PENSIONES DE BARCELONA

DIRECTOR GENERAL

MR. JOSÉ ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ RIVERO

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

DIRECTOR

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

DIRECTOR OF BANCOMER, S.A.

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL SERVICES AT APOYO EMPRESARIAL, S.A.

MR. JESÚS MARÍA CADENATO MATÍA

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

DIRECTOR OF LARGE INDUSTRIAL CORPORATIONS

MR. ANTONIO MASSANELL LAVILLA

LA CAIXA, CAJA DE AHORROS Y PENSIONES DE BARCELONA

DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GENERAL

Detail, if appropriate, any relevant relations other than those indicated in the section above that link members of the board of directors with significant shareholders and/or their group companies:

Name or corporate name of director

Name or corporate name of significant shareholder

Relationship

MR. JOSÉ FONOLLOSA GARCÍA

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

DIRECTOR GENERAL IN EARLY RETIREMENT

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALARRAGA

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

DIRECTOR GENERAL IN EARLY RETIREMENT

B.1.13. Indicate any changes made in the Board Regulations during this year:

On March 31st 2004, the Board of Directors of Telefónica resolved to adapt the Regulations of the Board of Directors in effect at that time to the provisions of Law 26/2003, of 17th July (Transparency Law), and consequently approved a new Redrafted Text of the aforementioned Regulations. The new Redrafted Text of the Regulations of the Board of Directors of Telefónica was reported to the Spanish National Securities Market Commission on April 1st 2004 and to the General Shareholders’ Meeting at its session on April 30th 2004, thus complying with the provisions of the Securities Market Law in its new redrafted form.

In general, the new Regulations respect and maintain the main parameters, structure, content and drafting of the previous Regulations. The principal amendments introduced are as follows:

- Amendments arising from the Aldama Report. The concepts of executive and independent Directors are adapted to the recommendations established in the Aldama Report.

- Amendments arising form the Transparency Law. The Regulations are adapted to the said Law with regards to the duties of Directors (rights and duties of Directors and the obligations of loyalty, diligence and confidentiality to be fulfilled by the same), already regulated in the previous version of the Regulations of the Board of Directors.

- Amendments arising from the new structure of listed companies in the Telefónica Group. Amongst the new general duties of the Board of Directors, the supervision and control of Telefónica and its subsidiary companies is expressly regulated, establishing that such duties shall be carried out through the suitable and efficient coordination between the Company and the companies in its Group, respecting the decision-making powers of their administrative and management bodies, in keeping with the corporate good of the Company and each of the said subsidiaries.

The following amendments are also worthy of note:

- The wording of certain articles is amended to adapt them to the current Articles of Association. Thus, Article 24 of the Regulations was adapted to the provisions of Article 31 bis of the Articles of Association, on the Audit and Control Committee, which was approved at the General Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 11th 2003 pursuant to Law 44/2002, of 22nd November, on Financial System Reform Measures. Likewise, Article 38 of the Regulations was adapted to the provisions of Article 28 of the Articles of Association, on the system for remuneration to Directors, and its new wording was approved by the General Shareholders’ Meeting of April 11th 2003.
- Regarding the Board of Directors Committees:

* The new version provides the new name of the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee (formerly the Nominating and Compensation Committee) and the Human Resources and Corporate Reputation Committee (formerly, the Human Resources Committee), and

* The new version also regulates the Board committees created after the previous version of the Regulations entered into effect: the Service Quality and Customer Service Committee and the International Affairs Committee.

- Finally, for the purpose of improving organisation, slight modifications were made to the text and in the order of the articles in the Regulations.

 

B. 1.14. Indicate any procedures for appointment, re-election, assessment and removal of Directors. List the competent bodies, the steps to be followed and the criteria to be applied in each of the procedures.

APPOINTMENT

Telefónica’s Articles of Association establish that the Board of Directors shall be composed of a minimum of five and a maximum of twenty members, who shall be appointed by the General Shareholders’ Meeting. The Board of Directors may, in accordance with the provisions set out in the Spanish Corporations Law and in the Company Articles of Association, fill vacant positions temporarily by cooption.

To this effect, it is important to note that the appointment of Board members in Telefónica is, as a general rule, submitted for approval by the General Shareholders’ Meeting. It is only on certain occasions, when such a measure is essential due to vacancies on the Board arising after the last GSM, that the Board appoints members by cooption, in keeping with the provisions of the Corporations Law, subject to later ratification by the first subsequent GSM held.

In all other cases, the proposed appointments must follow the procedure set out in the Regulations of the Board of Directors, and must be preceded by the relevant favourable report from the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, although such report is not binding.

Thus, and in line with the provisions of the Regulations, when exercising its rights of cooption and proposal of appointments to the General Shareholders’ Meeting, the Board of Directors shall endeavour to ensure that external or non-executive Directors are in the majority over executive Directors. Likewise, the Board shall ensure that within such majority group of external Directors, there are, on the one hand, Directors proposed by holders of significant, stable stakes in the company share capital (proprietary Directors) and, on the other, professionals of acknowledged prestige who are not linked to the management team nor to the significant shareholders (independent Directors). Similarly, the Board shall endeavour to ensure that the independent Directors comprise a majority over the proprietary Directors.

With respect to the selection of external or non-executive Directors, the choice of candidates should fall upon persons of recognised solvency, competency and experience, who are willing to dedicate a sufficient amount of their time to the Company, and extreme care must be taken as to the choice of the persons called to cover posts as independent Directors.

In reference to the election of the aforementioned independent Directors, the Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that the Board shall propose or assign persons who fulfil the conditions that ensure their impartiality and objective criteria to cover independent Director posts.

The criteria applied, for the purpose of illustration, include the following:

  1. Not to have, or to have recently had, any direct or indirect labour, commercial, contractual relation of a significant nature with the Company, its management, the proprietary Director or companies in the Group whose shareholding interests they represent, banking institutions with an outstanding position in the Company financing, or organisations that receive significant subsidies from it;
  2. Not to be a Director of another listed company that has proprietary Directors in the Company;
  3. Not to be a close relative of the executive or proprietary Directors or of the Company’s executive officers.

RE-ELECTION

Directors are appointed for a term of five years and may be re-elected one or more times for periods of the same duration.

Like proposals for appointment, proposals for the re-election of Directors must be preceded by the relevant favourable report issued by the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, although such report is not binding.

ASSESSMENT

In accordance with the Regulations of the Board of Directors, this body evaluates its operation and the quality of its work annually, when the Annual Corporate Governance Report is approved.

REMOVAL

Directors shall cease to hold office when the term for which they were appointed elapses, or when such removal is resolved the General Shareholders’ Meeting, in the exercise of the powers granted this body by law.

B. 1.15. Indicate under what circumstances directors are obliged to resign.

In keeping with Article 15 of the Regulations of the Board, Directors must place their offices at the disposal of the Board of Directors and formalise the relevant resignation in the following cases:

    1. When they reach the age of 70. Directors with executive duties shall cease to serve in such capacity when they reach the age of 65, although they may continue as Directors if the Board so decides.
    2. When they cease to hold the executive positions to which their appointment as Directors is linked, or when the reasons for which they were appointed disappear.
    3. When they incur in any of the cases of incompatibility or barring envisaged by law.
    4. When severely admonished by the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee for having failed to fulfil any of their obligations as Directors.
    5. When their continued presence on the Board may affect the credibility or reputation of the Company in the market, or places the Company’s interests at risk in any other way.

B.1.16. Explain whether the duties of chief executive officer fall upon the Chairman of the Board. If so, indicate the measures taken to limit the risk of the accumulation of powers in a single person.

  YES                                             NO

X

    

 

Risk-limitation measures

  • Pursuant to the provisions of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, the actions of the Chairman must follow the criteria and rules established by the General Shareholders’ Meeting, the Board of Directors and the Board Committees at all times.
  • Likewise, all agreements or decisions of particular significance for the Company must be previously submitted for the approval of the Board of Directors or the relevant Board Committee.
  • Moreover, reports and proposals from the different Board Committees are required for the adoption of certain resolutions.

It is important to emphasise that the Chairman does not hold the casting vote within the Board of Directors.

B.1.17. Are qualified majorities other than those established by law required for certain decisions?

  YES                                             NO

 

    

X

Indicate how the Board of Directors adopts resolutions, including at least the minimum quorum of attendees and the types of majorities required to pass resolutions:

Adoption of resolutions

Description of resolution

Quorum

Type of majority

All resolutions

Personal or proxy attendance of one half plus one of all the Directors

Majority of votes present or represented, except in the cases in which the law requires the favourable vote of a larger number of Directors.

B.1.18. Explain if there are other requirements, other than those for Directors, for being appointed Chairman.

  YES                                             NO

X

    

 

Description of requirements

In order for a Director to be appointed as Chairman, he/she must have been a member of the Board for at least three years prior to such appointment. However, the aforementioned seniority is not required when the appointment is effected with the favourable vote of at least 85 percent of the members of the Board of Directors.

B. 1.19. Indicate whether the Chairman has the casting vote:

  YES                                             NO

 

    

X

Subjects for which there is a casting vote

 

B.1.20. Indicate whether the Articles of Association or the Regulations of the Board establish an age limit for Directors:

Age limit for Chairman

65

Age limit for COO

65

Age limit for Directors

70

B.1.21. Indicate whether the Articles of Association or the Regulations of the Board establish a limit on the term of office of independent Directors.

  YES                                             NO

 

    

 X

Maximum number of years in office

0

B.1.22. Indicate whether there are any formal processes for proxy voting in the Board of Directors. If so, describe briefly.

In accordance with the provisions of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, when Directors cannot attend the Board sessions personally, they shall endeavour that the representation granted in favour of another member of the Board includes, as far as is possible, the relevant instructions. Such proxies may be granted by letter or any other medium that, in the opinion of the Chairman, offers sufficient certainty and validity

B.1.23. Indicate the number of sessions held by the Board of Directors during the year. Likewise, indicate, the number of times, if any, the Board has met in the absence of its Chairman.

Number of Board meetings

11

Number of Board meetings held in the absence of its Chairman

0

   

Indicate the number of Board Committee meetings held during the year:

Number of Executive Committee meetings

21

Number of Audit and Control Committee meetings

11

Number of Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee

10

Number of Strategy and Investment Committee meetings

0

Number of Committee meetings

0

B.1.24. Indicate whether the individual and consolidated accounts are certified prior to their presentation to the Board of Directors.

  YES                                             NO

 

    

 X

Identify, if appropriate, the person(s) certifying the individual and consolidated accounts for their formulation by the Board:

Name

Post

   

B.1.25 Explain the mechanisms, if any, established by the Board of Directors to avoid presenting the individual and consolidated accounts to the General Shareholders’ Meeting with exceptions in the auditor’s report.

Through the Audit and Control Committee, the Board of Directors plays an essential role supervising the preparation of the Company financial information, controlling and coordinating the various players that participate in this process. With this in view and to achieve this objective, the Audit and Control Committee’s work addresses four basic questions:

    1. to be thoroughly aware of the financial information process and to evaluate the Company’s internal accounting control systems;
    2. to ensure the independence of the external Accounts Auditor, supervising its work and acting as a channel of communication between the Board of Directors and such external Accounts Auditors, as well as between the external Accounts Auditors and the Company management team;
    3. to supervise the internal audit services; and
    4. to oversee the suitability and integrity of the internal financial information control systems.

The Audit and Control Committee verifies both the periodical financial information and the Annual Company Accounts, ensuring that all financial information is drawn up according to the same professional principles and practises. To this effect, the Audit and Control Committee meets whenever appropriate, and held eleven (11) meetings in the course of 2004.

Furthermore, the external Accounts Auditor participates regularly in the Audit and Control Committee meetings, when called to do so by the Committee, to explain and clarify different facets of the audit reports and other aspects of its work. Additionally, and on request from the Committee, other members of the Company management team and that of its subsidiary companies are also called to Committee meetings to explain specific matters that are directly within their scope of competence. In particular, officers in the areas of finance and accounts consolidation, as well as those in charge of internal audits, are often convened to participate in these meetings. The members of the Committee have held separate meetings with each of these persons when it has deemed such a measure necessary in closely monitoring the preparation of the Company financial information.

The above notwithstanding, Article 43 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that the Board of Directors shall ensure it definitively formulates the accounts in such a manner that no exceptions are raised by the Accounts Auditor. However, when the Board considers it must maintain its criteria, it shall publicly explain the content and scope of the discrepancies.

B.1.26. List the measures adopted to ensure that information disclosed to the securities markets is transmitted equitably and symmetrically.

The new legal requirements applicable to Telefónica, both in Spanish and certain foreign legislation due to the Company’s listing on other markets, and recent advances in corporate governance, have made it necessary for the Company to adopt specific regulations governing the basic principles of operation in the processes and control systems for the disclosure of information. As a sign of this commitment to the markets, at its session held on 26th March 2003, the Board of Directors of Telefónica adopted the "Regulations for Reporting Information to the Markets".

As established in these Regulations and in keeping with the provisions of Article 82.2 of the Securities Market Law, the Company reports all relevant information immediately to the markets, through reports to the National Securities Market Commission. Likewise, the Company sends each and every communication registered with the National Securities Market Commission to all the markets where its securities are listed. In accordance with the express provisions of these Regulations, all relevant information is reported to the National Securities Market Commission prior to its disclosure to any other media, thus guaranteeing the generalised and symmetrical diffusion of such information.

Reports of relevant information are issued in accordance with the terms and form required by each of the regulations governing the markets where its securities are listed, which includes the use of electronic systems for the registration of information when necessary.

Likewise, the Company posts all the reports on relevant information filed with the National Securities Market Commission on its website, in keeping with the applicable regulations to this effect.

Furthermore, Telefónica files all relevant information that may be contained in specific presentations prepared by the Company for registration with the National Securities Market Commission, and even files the complete content of such presentations when deemed appropriate.

In addition, through the Investor Relations Department, the Company posts all the presentations made at fixed or variable income sector forums and conferences, and those drawn up for certain financial institutions on its website in the section on information for shareholders and investors. On certain occasions, such as when reporting Company results or in the case of relevant strategic transactions or decisions, it organises conference calls that may be followed either by telephone or through the Internet (webcast), thus ensuring universal access to the information in real time.

B.1.27. Is the Secretary to the Board also a Director?

  YES                                             NO

X

    

 

B.1.28. Indicate the mechanism, if any, established by the company to preserve the independence of the auditor, of financial analysts, investment banks and rating agencies.

With regards to the independence of the external Company Accounts Auditor, Article 43 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that the Board shall establish a stable, professional relationship with the Company Accounts Auditor, strictly respecting its independence. Thus, one of the fundamental competencies of the Audit and Control Committee is to "maintain relations with the Company Accounts Auditor to receive information on those matters that may jeopardise the independence of this figure".

Moreover, and in accordance with Article 24 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, it is the Audit and Control Committee that proposes to the Board of Directors, for submission to the General Shareholders’ Meeting, the appointment of the Accounts Auditor as well as, when appropriate, the terms of engagement, the scope of the professional mandate and revocation or renewal of the appointment.

Likewise, the external Accounts Auditor has direct access to the Audit and Control Committee and participates regularly in its meetings, in the absence of the Company management team when this is deemed necessary. To this effect, and in keeping with United States legislation on this matter, the external Accounts Auditor must inform the Audit and Control Committee at least once annually on the most relevant generally accepted auditing policies and practises followed in the preparation of the Company’s financial and accounting information that affect relevant elements in the financial statements which may have been discussed with the management team, and of all relevant communications between the Accounts Auditor and the Company management team.

In accordance with internal Company regulations and in line with the requirements imposed by legislation in the United States, the engagement of any service from the external Company Accounts Auditor must always have the prior approval of the Audit and Control Committee. Moreover, the engagement of non-audit services must be done in strict compliance with the Accounts Audit Law (in its latest version established in Law 44/2002 of 22nd November, on Financial System Reform Measures) and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act published in the United States and subsequent regulations.

For this purpose, and prior to the engagement of the Accounts Auditor, the Audit and Control Committee studies the content of the work to be done, weighing the situations that may jeopardise independence of the Company Accounts Auditor and specifically supervises the percentage the fees paid for such services represent in the total revenue of the auditing firm. Thus, the Company reports the fees paid to the external Company Accounts Auditor, including those paid for non-audit services, in its Annual Report, in accordance with the legislation in effect.

B.1.29. Indicate whether the auditing firm does non-audit work for the company and/or its group. If so, declare the fees it receives for such work and the percentage represented by such fees of the total fees invoiced the company and/or its group.

  YES                                             NO

X

    

 

 

Company

Group

Total

Amount from non-audit work
(thousand euros)

563

459

1,022

Amount from non-audit work / total amount invoiced by the auditing firm

31,000

4,000

8,000

B.1.30. Indicate how many consecutive years the current auditing firm has been auditing the annual accounts of the company and/or its group. Likewise, indicate how many years the current auditing firm has been auditing the accounts as a percentage of the total number of years over which the annual accounts have been audited:

 

Company

Group

Number of consecutive years

9

9

 

Company

Group

Number of years audited by the current audit firm / number of years the company accounts have been audited (in %)

41.000

64.000

B.1.31. List the stock holdings of the members of the company’s Board of Directors in other companies with the same, similar or complementary types of activity that constitute the corporate purpose of the company and/or its group, and which have been reported to the company. Likewise, list the posts or duties they hold in such companies:

Name or corporate name of Director

Corporate name of the company

% participation

Post or Duties

MR. ISIDRO FAINÉ CASAS

TERRA N ETWORKS, S.A.

0.000

 

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

0.000

 

MR. MAXIMINO CARPIO GARCÍA

TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES, S.A

0.000

DIRECTOR

MR. MIGUEL HORTA E COSTA

PORTUGAL TELECOM, SGPS, S.A.

0.010

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

MR. LUIS LADA DÍAZ

TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES, S.A.

0.010

DIRECTOR

MR. LUIS LADA DÍAZ

SOGECABLE, S.A.

0.010

DIRECTOR

MR. ANTONIO MASSANELL LAVILLA

TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES, S.A.

0.010

DIRECTOR

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

AMPER, S.A.

0.390

CHAIRMAN

MR. ANTONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

TELEFÓNICA MÓVILES, S.A

0.010

EXECUTIVE CHAIARMAN

MR. ANTONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

PORTUGAL TELECOM, SGPS, S.A

0.010

DIRECTOR

MR. ANTONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

PT MULTIMEDIA-SERVIÇIOS DE TELECOMUNICAÇOES E MULTIMEDIA, SGPS, S.A.

0.010

 

B.1.32. Indicate whether there are procedures for Directors to receive external advice:

  YES                                             NO

X

    

 

Details of the procedure

Article 31 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that in order to be aided in the performance of their duties, the external Directors in majority, or any of the Board Committees by majority resolution of its members, may request that legal, accounting, financial or other experts may be engaged at the expense of the Company. Such engagement must necessarily be related to specific problems of certain importance and complexity that arise in the performance of their office.

The Chairman of the Company must be informed of the decision to commission such services, which shall be engaged by the Secretary to the Board, except when the Board of Directors does not consider the engagement of such services to be necessary or appropriate.

B.1.33. Indicate whether there are procedures for Directors to receive the information they need in sufficient time to prepare for the meetings of the governing bodies:

  YES                                             NO

X

    

 

Details of the procedure

The Company adopts the measures necessary to ensure that the Directors receive the necessary information, specially drawn up and addressed at preparing the sessions of the Board and its Committees, with sufficient time. Under no circumstances shall such requirement not be fulfilled on the grounds of the importance or the confidential nature of the information – except in absolutely exceptional cases.

For this purpose, all the meetings of the Board and the Board Committees have a pre-established Agenda, which is communicated at least three days prior to the date scheduled for the meeting together with the call for the session. For the same purpose, the Directors are sent the documentation related to the Agenda of the meetings with sufficient time. Such information is subsequently completed by the written documentation and presentations furnished the Directors during the session itself.

To facilitate all the information and clarifications necessary in relation to certain points deliberated, the senior management of the Group attends nearly all the meetings of the Board to explain the matters within their competencies.

Furthermore, and as a general rule, the Regulations of the Board of Directors expressly establish that Directors are attributed with the broadest powers to obtain information about all aspects of the Company, to examine its books, records, documents and other data regarding corporate transactions. The exercise of this right to information is channelled through the Chairman or Secretary to the Board of Directors, who shall respond to all requests from Directors, furnishing them with the information directly or by establishing suitable channels within the organisation for this purpose.

B.1.34. Indicate whether there is liability insurance for the company Directors:

  YES                                             NO

X

    

 

B.2. Board of Directors Committees

B.2.1. List the governing bodies

Name of body

Number of members

Duties

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

19

THE HIGHEST BODY OF THE COMPANY ADMINISTRATION AND REPRESENTATION, THUS BEING EMPOWERED TO UNDERTAKE, WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE CORPORATE PURPOSE DEFIINED IN THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION, ALL ACTS AND/OR LEGAL TRANSACTIONS OF ADMINISTRATION AND DISPOSAL, BY ANY LEGAL TITLE, EXCEPT FOR THOSE RESERVED BY LAW OR THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION TO BE THE EXCLUSIVE COMPETENCE OF THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING. THE ABOVE NOTWITHSTANDING, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS BASICALLY CONFIGURED AS A BODY FOR SUPERVISION AND CONTROL, AND THE ORDINARY MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY BUSINESS IS ENTRUSTED TO THE EXECUTIVE BODIES AND THE MANAGEMENT TEAM.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

8

THE POWERS AND ATTRIBUTES INHERENT IN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EXCEPT FOR THOSE THAT MAY NOT BE DELEGATED BY LAW OR UNDER THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION.

B.2.2. List the Board Committees and their members:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTE

Name

Post

MR. CÉSAR ALIERTA IZUEL

CHAIRMAN

MR. ISIDRO FAINÉ CASAS

MEMBER

MR. JESÚS MÁRIA CADENATO MATÍA

MEMBER

MR. MAXIMINO CARPIO GARCÍA

MEMBER

MR. CARLOS COLOMER CASELLAS

MEMBER

MR. ANTONIO VIANA-BAPTISTA

MEMBER

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALARRAGA

MEMBER

MR. ANTONIO J. ALONSO UREBA

SECRETARY MEMBER

AUDIT AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

Name

Post

MR. ANTONIO MASSANELL LAVILLA

CHAIRMAN

MR. MAXIMINO CARPIO GARCÍA

MEMBER

MR. JOSÉ ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ RIVERO

MEMBER

MR. GONZALO HINOJOSA FERNÁNDEZ DE ANGULO

MEMBER

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Name

Post

MR. ALFONSO FERRARI HERRERO

CHAIRMAN

MR. MAXIMINO CARPIO GARCÍA

MEMBER

MR. PABLO ISLA ÁLVAREZ DE TEJERA

MEMBER

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALARRAGA

MEMBER

STRATEGY AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Name

Post

   

REGULATION COMMITTEE

Name

Post

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

CHAIRMAN

MR. JOSÉ ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ RIVERO

MEMBER

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALARRAGA

MEMBER

MR. ANTONIO J. ALONSO UREBA

MEMBER

HUMAN RESOURCES AND CORPORATE REPUTATION COMMITTEE

Name

Post

MR. PABLO ISLA ÁLVAREZ DE TEJERA

CHAIRMAN

MR. ALFONSO FERRARI HERRERO

MEMBER

MR. ANTONIO MASSANELL LAVILLA

MEMBER

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

MEMBER

SERVICE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITTEE

Name

Post

MR. GONZALO HINOJOSA FERNÁNDEZ DE ANGULO

CHAIRMAN

MR. CARLOS COLOMER CASELLAS

MEMBER

MR. LUIS LADA DÍAZ

MEMBER

MR. ANTONIO MASSANELL LAVILLA

MEMBER

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Name

Post

MR. FERNANDO DE ALMANSA MORENO-BARREDA

CHAIRMAN

MR. ALFONSO FERRARI HERRERO

MEMBER

MR. LUIS LADA DÍAZ

MEMBER

MR. ENRIQUE USED AZNAR

MEMBER

MR. GREGORIO VILLALABEITIA GALARRAGA

MEMBER

B.2.3. Describe the organisational and operational rules and the responsibilities attributed to each of the Board Committees:

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

A) Composition

The Executive Committee is comprised of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and six Directors appointed by the Board of Directors.

In the qualitative composition of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors has endeavoured to ensure that the non-executive or the external Directors form a majority in relation to the executive Directors.

While there is no relevant alteration in the stable, significant stakes in the company share capital, the appointment of the members of the Executive Committee shall be effected as follows: two members from amongst the executive Directors, three members from amongst the proprietary Directors and the two remaining members from amongst the independent Directors.

In all cases, the favourable vote of at least two thirds of the members of the Board of Directors shall be required for the appointment and/or renewal of the members of the Executive Committee to be valid.

B) Operation:

The Executive Committee shall meet as often as called by the Chairman, usually holding its meetings every fifteen days.

The Chairman and the Secretary to the Executive Committee shall be those persons who hold the same offices on the Board of Directors, and one or more Vice-Chairmen and a Vice-Secretary may also be appointed.

The Executive Committee shall be validly constituted when the meeting is attended by one half plus one of its members either present or represented.

Resolutions shall be passed by majority of the Directors attending the meeting (present or represented), and the Chairman holds the casting vote in the event of a draw.

C) Relations with the Board of Directors:

The Executive Committee shall report regularly to the Board of Directors on all matters deliberated and the resolutions passed in its sessions.

THE AUDIT AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

Pursuant to the provisions set out in Article 31 bis of the Articles of Association of Telefónica, S.A., Article 24 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors regulates the Audit and Control Committee in the following terms:

A) Composition

The Audit and Control Committee shall be comprised of four Directors appointed by the Board of Directors. All the members of the said Committee shall be non-executive Directors.

The Chairman of the Audit and Control Committee shall be appointed from amongst its members, must be replaced every four years, and may be re-elected when the term of one year has elapsed from ceasing to hold this office.

B) Duties

Notwithstanding other duties entrusted it by the Board of Directors, the Audit and Control Committee shall primarily serve to support to the Board of Directors in its supervisory capacity and specifically shall have the following competencies:

  1. to report, through its Chairman, to the General Shareholders’ Meeting on matters raised by the shareholders on issues within the competency of the Committee;
  2. to propose to the Board of Directors, for subsequent submission to the General Shareholders’ Meeting, the appointment of the Accounts Auditors referred to in Article 204 of the Corporations Law, as well as, when appropriate, the terms of engagement, the scope of professional mandate and revocation or renewal of such appointment;
  3. to supervise the internal audit services;
  4. to examine the financial information process and the internal control systems;
  5. to maintain the necessary relations with the Accounts Auditor to receive information on all matters that may jeopardise its independence, and any others related to the process of auditing the accounts, as well as to receive any information and maintain the communications with the Accounts Auditor that are established by legislation governing accounts auditing and the related technical regulations.

C) Operation

The Audit and Control Committee shall meet at least once each quarter and as often as appropriate at the discretion of its Chairman, or on request from two of its members, or by the Executive Committee.

The Audit and Control Committee may require the Company Accounts Auditor and the internal auditing officer to attend its meetings.

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

A) Composition

The Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee shall be comprised of four Directors. All the members of the Committee shall be non-executive Directors.

The Chairman of the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee shall be appointed from amongst its members.

B) Duties:

Notwithstanding other duties entrusted it by the Board of Directors, the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee shall have the following duties:

    1. to report on the proposals to appoint Directors and senior management of the Company and its subsidiaries.
    2. to approve the remuneration scales for senior Company management.
    3. to approve the standard contracts for senior management.
    4. to determine the remuneration scheme for the Chairman.
    5. to report and propose the remuneration scheme for Directors acting on the Board of Directors and to review such scheme periodically to ensure that it suits the duties performed by the Directors pursuant to Article 36 of the Regulations of the Board.
    6. to report on incentive plans.
    7. to examine the remuneration policy for Directors and senior management annually.
    8. to report on the proposals for appointment of the members of the Executive Committee and the other Board Committees.
    9. to prepare and keep a record of the status of the Directors and senior Company management.
    10. to prepare the Annual Report on Corporate Governance.
    11. to exercise all other competencies assigned to the Committee under the Regulations of the Board of Directors.

All the activities undertaken by the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee shall be reported to the Board of Directors at the first subsequent meeting held and, in all cases, the relevant documentation shall be made available so that the Board may be informed of the Committee’s activities and thus suitably perform its supervisory duties.

C) Operation

The Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee shall meet whenever the Board of the Directors or its Chairman requests the issue of a report or the approval of proposals within the scope of its competencies and when, in the opinion of the Chairman of the Committee, it is appropriate for the proper performance of its duties.

REGULATION COMMITTEE

A) Composition

The Regulation Committee is comprised of four Directors, the majority of whom must be non-executive Directors.

The Chairman of the Regulating Committee shall be appointed from amongst its members.

B) Duties:

Notwithstanding other duties entrusted to it by the Board of Directors, the Regulation Committee shall have at least the following functions:

    1. to undertake, through study, analysis and discussion, the continual monitoring of the main topics and matters of a regulatory nature that affect the Telefónica Group at all times.
    2. to provide a channel for communication and information between the Management Team and the Board of Directors in regulatory matters and, when appropriate, to inform the Board of Directors on matters that are important or relevant for the Company or any of the companies within its Group and for which it may be necessary or appropriate to adopt a decision or establish a particular strategy.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND CORPORATE REPUTATION COMMITTEE

A) Composition:

The Human Resources and Corporate Reputation Committee is comprised of four Directors, all of whom must be non-executive Directors.

The Chairman of the Human Resources and Corporate Reputation Committee shall be appointed from amongst its members.

B) Duties:

Notwithstanding other duties entrusted to it by the Board of Directors, the Human Resources and Corporate Reputation Committee shall have at least the following functions:

    1. to analyse, inform and propose to the Board of Directors the adoption of the appropriate resolutions with regards to personnel policy.
    2. to encourage the development of the Telefónica Group’s Corporate Reputation project and the implementation of the core values of the Group.

THE SERVICE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITTEE

A) Composition:

The Service Quality and Customer Service Committee is comprised of four Directors, the majority of whom must be non-executive Directors.

The Chairman of the Service Quality and Customer Service Committee shall be appointed from amongst its members.

B) Duties:

Notwithstanding other duties entrusted to it by the Board of Directors, the Service Quality and Customer Service Committee has the following functions:

    1. to examine, analyse and periodically monitor the quality rates of the main services provided by the Telefónica Group companies.
    2. to evaluate the level of customer service provided by the said companies to its customers.

THE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

A) Composition:

The International Affairs Committee is comprised of five Directors, the majority of whom must be non-executive Directors.

The Chairman of the International Affairs Committee shall be appointed from amongst its members.

B) Duties:

Notwithstanding other duties entrusted to it by the Board of Directors, the International Affairs Committee’s primary mission is to reinforce and bring international matters that are relevant to the development of Telefónica to the attention of the Board of Directors. For this purpose, the Committee has the following functions, amongst others:

    1. to pay particular attention to institutional relations in the countries in which the Telefónica Group companies operate.
    2. to analyse those matters of importance that affect the Group in international bodies or forums, as well as those relating to economic integration.
    3. to review regulatory matters, issues concerning competition and alliances.
    4. to evaluate the programmes and activities of the various Company Foundations and the resources that are used in benefit of the Company’s image and its international social presence.

B.2.4. Indicate any advisory or consulting powers and, where applicable, the powers delegated to each of the committees:

Name of committee

Brief description

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CORPORATE BODY WITH GENERAL DECISION-MAKING POWERS AND EXPRESS DELEGATION OF ALL THE POWERS ATTRIBUTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EXCEPT THOSE THAT MAY NOT BE DELEGATED BY LAW OR UNDER THE COMPANY ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION.

AUDIT AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

CONSULTATIVE AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

NOMINATING, COMPENSATION AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

CONSULTATIVE AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

HUMAN RESOURCES AND CORPORATE REPUTATION COMMITTEE

CONSULTATIVE AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

REGULATION COMMITTEE

CONSULTATIVE AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

SERVICE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITTEE

CONSULTATIVE AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

CONSULTATIVE AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

B.2.5. Indicate, if applicable, any regulations governing the Board committees, where they are made available for consultation and any amendments to the same made during the financial year. Indicate whether any annual report has been voluntarily drawn up on the activities of each committee.

The organisation and operation of the Board of Directors Committees are governed by specific regulations contained in the Regulations of the Board of Directors.

B.2.6. If there is an Executive Committee, explain the degree of powers and the independence it has to adopt resolutions on the company administration and management in the performance of its duties.

Within the limits of the legislation in effect, the Board of Directors has expressly delegated all of its powers and attributes, except for those that may not be delegated by law or under the Company Articles of Association, to the Executive Committee, which has general decision-making powers.

The relationship between the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee is based on the principle of transparency, so that the Board is always aware of the decisions made by the Committee. Thus, the Board of Directors is informed at each of its meetings of all the resolutions adopted by the Executive Committee. To this effect, a summary of the Minutes of the Committee sessions is distributed to all the members of the Board; the Board then ratifies the aforementioned resolutions.

B.2.7. Indicate whether the composition of the executive committee reflects the participation within the Board of the different types of Directors:

  YES                                             NO

X

    

 

If not, describe the composition of the Executive Committee

 

B.2.8. If there is a nominating committee, indicate whether all its members are external Directors:

  YES                                             NO

X

    

 

 

 

C

      ASSOCIATED TRANSACTIONS

C.1. List any relevant transactions entailing a transfer of resources or obligations between the company or its group companies and the significant shareholders in the company:

Name or corporate name of significant shareholder

Name or corporate name of the company or its group company

Type of transaction

Nature of the relationship

Value (thousand euros)

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

TELEFÓNICA, S.A.

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

1,133,426

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

TELEFÓNICA FINANZAS, S.A.

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

33,056

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

FISATEL MÉXICO S.A. DE C.V.

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

26,088

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

TELEFÓNICA INTERNACIONAL, S.A.

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

56,286

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

TELEFÓNICA DEL PERÚ, S.A.A.

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

38,139

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

TELEFÓNICA CTC CHILE, S.A.

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

33,038

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

PEGASO PCS, S.A.

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

14,610

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

TELEFÓNICA PUBLICIDAD E INFORMACIÓN, S.A.

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

36,061

CAJA DE AHORROS Y PENSIONES DE BARCELONA, LA CAIXA

TELEFÓNICA, S.A.

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

1,210,766

CAJA DE AHORROS Y PENSIONES DE BARCELONA, LA CAIXA

TELEFÓNICA FINANZAS, S.A.

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

12,000

CAJA DE AHORROS Y PENSIONES DE BARCELONA, LA CAIXA

TELEFÓNICA FACTORING ESTABLECIMIENTO FINANCIERO DE CRÉDITO, S.A.

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

78,030

CAJA DE AHORROS Y PENSIONES DE BARCELONA, LA CAIXA

TELEFÓNICA INTERNACIONAL, S,A,

Contractual

LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

56,286

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

CELULAR CRT

Contractual

GUARANTEES, SECURITIES AND BONDS

22,253

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

TELEFÓNICA DATA MÉXICO, S.A. DE C.V.

Commercial

PROVISION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

TELEFÓNICA DATA MÉXICO, S.A. DE C.V.

Commercial

PROVISION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

PROCESOS OPERATIVOS, S.A.U.

Commercial

PROVISION OF TELEMARKETING SERVICES

 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

ATENTO MEXICANA, S.A. DE C.V.

Commercial

PROVISION OF TELEMARKETING SERVICES

 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A

TELEFÓNICA DE ESPAÑA, S.A.

Commercial

PROVISION OF TELEMARKETING SERVICES

 

CAJA DE AHORROS Y PENSIONES DE BARCELONA, LA CAIXA

TELEFÓNICA DE ESPAÑA, S.A.

Commercial

PROVISION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

 

C.2. List any relevant transactions entailing a transfer of resources or obligations between the company or its group companies and the company’s managers or Directors:

Name or corporate name of significant shareholder

Name or corporate name of the company or its group company

Type of transaction

Nature of the relationship

Value (thousand euros)

         

C.3. List any relevant transaction undertaken by the company with other companies in its group that are not eliminated in the process of drawing up the consolidated financial statements and whose object and conditions set them apart from the company’s habitual trading:

Corporate name of the group company

Brief description of the transaction

Value (thousand euros)

     

C.4. Identify any conflicts of interest affecting company Directors pursuant to Article 127 of the Corporations Law.

The Board of Directors has not been informed of any conflicts of interest to the effects set out in Article 127 of the Corporations Law.

C.5. List the mechanisms established to detect, determine and resolve any possible conflicts of interest between the company and/or its group, and its Directors, management or significant shareholders.

The Company policy has established the following principles governing possible conflicts of interest that may affect Directors, Management or Significant Company Shareholders:

- With respect to the Company Directors, Article 36 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that Directors shall inform the Board of Directors of any situation of direct or indirect conflict they may have with the Company’s interest. In the event of conflict, the affected Director shall abstain from intervening in the deliberation to which the conflict refers.

Moreover, and in accordance with the provisions set out in the Regulations of the Board, Directors shall abstain from participating in voting that affects matters in which they or persons related to them have a direct or indirect interest.

Likewise, the aforementioned Regulations establish that Directors shall not undertake professional or commercial operations or transactions with the Company, or with any of the companies in its Group, when such transactions are unrelated to the ordinary business of the Company or not performed under market conditions, unless the Board of Directors is informed of the said transaction in advance and, after prior favourable report from the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, approves them with the favourable vote of at least 90% of the Directors present or represented at the relevant meeting.

-With regards to significant shareholders, Article 41 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that the Board of Directors formally reserves knowledge and authorisation of any transaction between the Company and any of its significant shareholders.

Under no circumstances shall the Board of Directors authorise the transaction without prior report issued by the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee appraising the transaction from the point of view of the principle of parity treatment of shareholders and the market conditions of the same. For ordinary transactions, a generic authorisation for the type of transaction and its general conditions shall be sufficient.

- With respect to Management, the Internal Code of Conduct for Securities Markets Issues sets out the general principles of conduct for the persons subject to the said regulations who are involved in a conflict of interest. The aforementioned Code includes all the Company Management Personnel within the concept of affected persons.

In accordance with the provisions of this Code, Management Personnel are obliged to (a) act at all times with loyalty to the Group and its shareholders, regardless of their own or other interests; (b) abstain from intervening or influencing decision-making that may affect the persons or companies with which the conflict of interest exists; and (c) abstain from accessing information deemed confidential related to such conflict. Furthermore, these persons are obliged to inform the Company Regulatory Compliance Unit of all transactions that may potentially give rise to conflicts of interest.

 

 

D

RISK CONTROL SYSTEMS

D.1. Give a general description of risk policy in the company and/or its group, detailing and evaluating the risks hedged by the system, as well as an explanation of how far these systems match the profile of each type of risk.

Telefónica continually monitors the most significant risks in the main companies comprising its Group. To do so, the Company Model is applied regularly and equally in all the Group companies, which provides an evaluation of the importance of each of the risks that may affect the companies, as well as the degree of control over the same. Thus, the Group has a map that identifies the risks that require specific control and monitoring according to their importance. Likewise, the model matrix includes the operational processes in which each of the risks considered is managed, in order to evaluate the control systems established and to be reasonably sure that such risks will not arise.

Identification of these risks and processes is undertaken by the Directorate General of Internal Audit and Management Resources, which is responsible for internal Group audits, and regularly informs the Audit and Control Committee of Telefónica of the results of its work.

The 50 risks considered by the model are classified in the following categories:

I. Risks related to business processes.

- Operational risks
- Integrity risks
- Management and human resources risks
- Technological risks
- Financial risks

II. Information risks.

- Operating information
- Financial information
- Strategic evaluation

III. Risks related to the environment

D.2. Indicate the control systems to assess, mitigate and reduce the main risks of the company and its group.

The internal control framework adopted by the Telefónica Group is based on the COSO model, widely recognised in international financial circles, the objectives of which are:

- The efficiency and effectiveness of Company operations,
- Protection of its assets,
- The reliability of financial information, and
- Compliance with legislation and regulations.

In addition to the controls established in each of the Company’s operational processes, the Group also has the following specific elements of control:

- An internal audit structure that encompasses the entire Telefónica Group and functions in keeping with the criteria and professional rules set out by the International Institute of Internal Auditors (in fact, Telefónica is the first Spanish company to obtain the quality certification from this body).

- The Consolidated Annual Accounts and the individual Annual Accounts of the companies with significant importance are subjected to external audits. Likewise, the external Accounts Auditor is entrusted with the task of making recommendations regarding internal controls in the more important Group companies.

- In order to establish adequate, uniform control systems within the Group, Telefónica has implemented a set of rules that regulate the basic aspects of control.

- The Group has an Intervention Unit to control the use of funds, the relevant transactions and operations, travel and hospitality expenses, implementation of basic controls in the processes of greatest risk, etc.

- Moreover, Telefónica has units responsible for controlling specific risks: Risks and Insurance, Reputation, Regulation, Control of Management and Human Resources (labour risks).

- All the Group companies have insurance coverage for reasonable protection against the possible risk of damage to fixed assets affecting operations and the possible subsequent loss of profits. These insurance policies include certain deductibles. Management of this insurance is centralised at Group level within the Sub-Directorate General of Corporate Risks and Insurance.

Within the Group risks, and due to their particular relevance for investors and shareholders, it is important to emphasise the control system applied to the process of financial-accounting information. In Telefónica, this process is regulated by the following manuals, instructions and regulations:

- Manual of Rules for Evaluation and Accounting Policies
- Instructions for closing and external audits.
- Annual calendar of financial accounting information.
- Corporate Accounting Plan.
- Manual of the Subsidiary Information System (a technical-computing instrument for reporting financial-accounting information and consolidating financial statements).
- Rules of intra-group operations and internal control.

The efficiency of internal controls for the financial report is currently monitored both in the process of drawing up the accounting statements and in the main processes through which information is entered into the accounting system.

D.3. If any of the risks facing the group and/or its companies have materialized, indicate the circumstances and whether the established control systems worked adequately.

The Telefónica Group has not detected any situations that could lead it to conclude that the basic objectives that define the internal control model have not been reasonably protected.

The internal control model used by Telefónica and its Group is subjected to continual monitoring such that when a risk appears or a control deficiency is found in any process that increases exposure above a reasonable level, the relevant action plans are drawn up incorporating the necessary improvements. The most important aspects of the action plans undertaken are reported to and monitored by the Audit and Control Committee until they are fully implemented.

D.4. Indicate whether there is a committee or other governing body in charge of establishing and supervising these control systems and explain its duties.

The Board of Directors of Telefónica has constituted an Audit and Control Committee whose duties, competencies and rules of operation are set out in the Articles of Association and in the Regulations of the Board of Directors. Such regulations comply with all legal requirements as well as with the recommendations for good corporate governance issued by both national and international bodies. One of the duties of this Committee is to be familiar with the financial information process and the internal Company control systems.

D.5. Identify and describe the processes for compliance with the regulations applicable to the company and/or its group.

The great majority of the companies comprising the Telefónica Group operate in the telecommunications sector, which is subject to regulation in nearly all the countries where the Group is present. Amongst the basic objectives of the internal control model described above is objectives compliance with those laws and regulations that affect the Telefónica Group’s activities. In particular, the Group has units exercising specific control over this type of risks, especially through its legal services and in the area of corporate regulation.

 

 

E

      THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

E.1. Indicate the quorum required for constitution of the General Shareholders’ Meeting established in the company Articles of Association. Describe any differences from the minimum regime set out in the Corporations Law.

Pursuant to Article 15.4 of the Articles of Association, both ordinary and extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meetings shall be validly constituted in accordance with the requirements of the legislation in effect in each case, depending on the matters on the Agenda.

E.2. Explain the rules governing the adoption of corporate resolutions. Describe any differences from the provisions established in the Corporations Law.

Article 21 of the Articles of Association establishes that the General Shareholders’ Meeting shall adopt its resolutions with the majority of votes established by law, cast by the shareholders present or represented.

Each share present or represented at the General Shareholders’ Meeting shall give rise to one vote, except shares without voting rights, pursuant to the provisions of the law.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the paragraph above, no shareholder shall be allowed to cast a number of votes representing more than ten percent of the overall share capital with voting rights existing at any given time, regardless of the number of shares he/she actually holds.

In ascertaining the maximum number of votes that each shareholder may cast, only those shares owned by each shareholder shall be taken into account, and the shares belonging to other shareholders who have appointed such shareholder as their proxy shall not be included, without prejudice to the aforementioned ten percent limit, which shall apply equally to every represented shareholder.

The limit set in the preceding paragraphs shall also apply to the maximum number of votes that may be cast by an individual or corporate body holding shares in the Company or by the organisation or organisations that are directly or indirectly controlled by such individual or corporate body.

To the effects of the paragraph above, both the existence of groups of organisations and the controlling situations described above shall be ascertained in accordance with the provisions of section 4 of the Securities Market Law of 28th July 1998.

Without prejudice to such restrictions on the voting rights as are set out above, all the shares represented at the General Shareholders’ Meeting shall be taken into account in the determination of the required quorum to validly hold the Meeting; however, in the casting of votes, those shares shall be subject to the ten percent limit on the number of votes that may be cast, in accordance with the provisions of the present article 21.

E.3. List all shareholders’ rights regarding the General Shareholders’ Meetings other than those established under the Corporations Law.

Telefónica grants all shareholders’ the rights related to the General Shareholders’ Meetings set out in the Corporations Law. Likewise, with a view to encouraging shareholders’ participation in the GSM, pursuant to Article 11 of the Regulations of Telefónica´s General Shareholders’ Meeting, shareholders may, at all times and following accreditation of their identity as such, make suggestions related to the organisation, operation and competencies of the General Shareholders’ Meeting through the Shareholders’ Office.

E.4. Indicate measures adopted, if any, to encourage shareholders’ participation in the General Shareholders’ Meetings.

The primary goal of the Regulations of the General Shareholders’ Meeting of Telefónica is to offer the shareholder a framework that guarantees and facilitates the exercise of his/her rights in relation to the sovereign Company body, with particular attention to the right to information and participation in the deliberations and voting, endeavouring to achieve maximum diffusion of the call and proposed resolutions to be submitted to the GSM.

In addition to the measures required by the applicable law in effect, the following are specific measures envisaged in the Regulation of the General Shareholders’ Meeting with a view facilitating shareholders’ attendance and participation in the Meeting:

* website

In addition to the documents and information required by law, the Company website includes all the information the Company deems appropriate with regards to the aforementioned objectives and, in particular, as an indication, the following:

a)  The text of all the proposed resolutions to be submitted to the General Shareholders’ Meeting that have been approved by the Board of Directors, without prejudice to their subsequent modification by the Board prior to the date of the Meeting, when legally possible.

b)  Information regarding the venue of the General Shareholders’ Meeting and describing, if appropriate, the process for access to the hall.

c)  Procedure for obtaining attendance cards or certificate issued by the legally authorised bodies.

d)  Means and procedures to grant proxy for the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

e)  Should they exist, the means and procedures for remote voting.

f)  All other issues of interest to follow the meeting, such as the existence of media for simultaneous translation, audiovisual diffusion of the Meeting or information in other languages.

The Company shareholders may obtain all of the aforementioned information through the corporate website, or may request that it be sent to them free of charge through the mechanisms established on the website for this purpose.

* Formulation of shareholders’ suggestions

As indicated above and without prejudice to the rights of shareholders to request inclusion of certain matters on the Agenda of the Meeting when requesting its call in the cases and terms envisaged by law, shareholders may, at all times and with prior accreditation as such, make suggestions regarding the organisation, operation and competencies of the General Shareholders’ Meeting through the Shareholders’ Office.

Likewise, through the Shareholders’ Office, shareholders my request all types of information, documentation and clarifications required in relation to the GSM, either through the Company website or by calling the toll-free line.

*Delegation and representation

The Chairman of the General Shareholders’ Meeting or, when so delegated by the same, the Secretary, shall resolve all doubts that may arise with respect to the validity and effectiveness of the documents accrediting the right of any shareholder to attend the GSM individually or in representation of another, as well as to the delegation and proxy in favour of another party, endeavouring to consider invalid or ineffective only those documents that lack the minimum requirements, provided that such defects have not been remedied.

E.5. Indicate whether the General Shareholders’ Meeting is presided by the Chairman of the Board. List the measures, if any, adopted to guarantee the independence and correct operation of the GSM.

 YES                                             NO

X

    

 

Describe the measures

The General Shareholders’ Meeting of Telefónica has established its principles of organisation and operation in a set of Regulations, approved by the GSM, and the Chairman must always act in line with the principles, criteria and guidelines set out therein.

In addition to establishing the principles of organisation and operation of the General Shareholders’ Meeting, gathering and organising the different aspects of calling, organisation and development of the GSM in a single texts, the document provides mechanisms to:

- facilitate shareholders’ exercise of their relevant rights, with particular attention to the shareholders’ right to information and to participate in the deliberations and voting;

- ensure maximum transparency and efficiency in forming the will and decision making by the GSM.

Furthermore, in accordance with the Regulations of the Board of Directors, the conduct of the Chairman of the Board must always be in line with the criteria and guidelines determined by the GSM (in addition to the Board of Directors and the Board Committees).

E.6. Indicate the amendments, if any, made to the Regulations of the General Shareholders’ Meeting during the year.

The Regulations of the General Shareholders’ Meeting of Telefónica were approved by the Ordinary GSM of the Company held on April 30th 2004, and have not been amended since that date.

E.7. Indicate the attendance figures for the General Shareholders’ Meeting held during this year:

Date GSM

% attending in person

% by proxy

% remote voting

Total %

30-04-2004

0.043

43.195

0.000

43.238

E.8. Briefly describe the resolutions adopted at the General Shareholders’ Meetings held during the year and the percentage of votes by which each resolution was passed:

GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING – APRIL 30th 2004

I. Approval of the Annual Accounts for Financial Year 2003:

- Votes in favour: 1,873,918,001 (87.44%)
- Votes against: 10,371,404 (0.48%)
- Abstentions: 258,558,776 (12.06%)
- Result: Approved

II. Remuneration to shareholders: distribution of dividends charged to 2003 net income and to the additional paid-in capital reserve.

- Votes in favour: 1,903,393,303 (88.82%)
- Votes against: 372,958 (0.01%)
- Abstentions: 239,081,920 (11.15%)
- Result: Approved

III. Appointment of the Accounts Auditor for the 2004 financial year.

- Votes in favour: 1,897,600,930 (88.55%)
- Votes against: 528,386 (0.02%)
- Abstentions: 244,718,865 (11.42%)
- Result: Approved

IV. Authorisation for the acquisition of treasury stock, either directly or through Group companies.

- Votes in favour: 1,902,532,816 (88.78%)
- Votes against: 624,165 (0.02%)
- Abstentions: 239,691,200 (11.18%)
- Result: Approved

V. Approval of the Regulations of the General Shareholders’ Meeting of "Telefónica, S.A."

- Votes in favour: 1,902,266,327 (88.77%)
- Votes against: 373,838 (0.01%)
- Abstentions: 240,208,016 (11.20%)
- Result: Approved

VI. Conferral of powers to formalise, interpret, correct and execute the resolutions adopted by the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

- Votes in favour: 1,902,575,079 (88.78%)
- Votes against: 540,767 (0.02%)
- Abstentions: 239,732,335 (11.18%)
- Result: Approved

E.9. Indicate, if appropriate, the number of shares required to attend the General Shareholders’ Meeting and whether the Company Articles of Association establish any restrictions in this regard.

As established in Article 17 of the Company Articles of Association, every shareholder who holds at least a number of shares representing a par value of not less than 300 euros shall be entitled to attend the General Shareholders’ Meeting, provided that said shares have been entered in the shareholder’s name in the relevant registry of account entries no less than five days prior to the date on which the GSM is scheduled to be held, and that each shareholder documents such circumstance by means of the corresponding attendance card or certificate issued by any of the Depositories participating in the Registry Systems Management Company that are members of the Securities Clearing and Settlement Service, or by any other means envisaged under the legal provisions in effect.

Notwithstanding the above, shareholders who have a lesser number of shares shall be allowed at all times to delegate the representation thereof upon a shareholder with the right to attend the GSM, as well as to join with other shareholders in similar situation in order to reach the required number of shares, conferring their representation on only one of the aforementioned group of shareholders. Such representation shall be drawn up especially for each Meeting and shall be documented in written form.

All shareholders entitled to attend shall be allowed to delegate their representation at the GSM upon another person, who need not be a shareholder. Such proxy shall be granted on such terms and conditions as may be required by law.

E.10. Indicate and explain the policies pursued by the company with reference to proxy voting at the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

As indicated above, with a view to facilitating shareholders’ attendance and participation in the General Shareholders’ Meetings, the Company has established the following policies in keeping with the legislation in effect:

* Voting by proxy at the GSM:

- All shareholders entitled to attend shall be allowed to delegate their representation at the General Shareholders’ Meeting upon another person, who need not be a shareholder. Such representation shall be granted specially for each Meeting, either through the proxy form printed on the attendance card or through any other means envisaged by law.

- Likewise, shareholders who hold less than the minimum number of shares required to attend the General Shareholders’ Meeting (300 shares) shall be allowed at any time to delegate the representation thereof upon a shareholder with the right to attend the General Shareholders’ Meeting, as well as to join with other shareholders in similar situation in order to reach the required number of shares, conferring their representation on only one of the aforementioned group of shareholders.

* Voting instructions:

- The documents recording delegation or representation of vote shall state voting instructions. Should express instructions not be given, it shall be understood that the representative shall vote in favour of the proposed resolutions put forward by the Board of Directors on the matters included on the Agenda for the Meeting.

- Should there be no instructions because the General Shareholders’ Meeting is to resolve on matters that, while not on the Agenda for the Meeting and thus, unknown at the date of the delegation, may be submitted to ballot at the GSM, the representative must cast the vote in the manner he/she deems the most appropriate, taking into account the interest of the Company and the party represented. The same shall apply when the relevant proposal or proposals submitted for decision by the Meeting are not formulated by the Board of Directors.

* The party acting as representative:

-If the proxy document does not state the specific person or persons to whom the shareholders grants representation, it shall be understood to be granted in favour of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, or whosoever may be a stand in for the Chairman to preside the Meeting, or in favour of the person appointed by the Board of Directors and notified in advance in the official announcement of the call for the GSM.

-In cases in which a public request for representation is formulated, the restrictions on the exercise of voting rights set out in Article 114 of the Securities Market Law shall apply to the Director obtaining such representation.

Finally, and with a view to facilitating the maximum participation of shareholders, the Regulations of the General Shareholders’ Meeting establishes that the Chairman of the Meeting, or when so delegated by the Chairman, the Secretary of the same, shall resolve all doubts arising concerning the validity and effectiveness of the documents accrediting the delegation or representation in favour of another party, endeavouring to consider as invalid or ineffective only those documents that lack the minimum essential requirements, and provided that such defects have not been remedied.

E.11. Indicate whether the company is aware of the institutional investors’ policy on whether or not to participate in the company’s decision making:

 YES                                             NO

      

X

Describe the policy

 

E.12. Indicate the address and mode of access to corporate governance content on your website:

After the entrance into effect of Circular 1/2004 of 17th March, issued by the National Securities Market Commission, Telefónica completed the adaptation of its website to the aforementioned Circular, with regards to both technical requirements and content, through the creation of a new section called "Information for Shareholders and Investors" – (http://www.telefonica.es/accionistaseinversores), which includes all the information set out in the Circular, in addition to other matters the Company considers to be of interest.

All the information included on the Company website, except for certain specific documents, is available in three languages: Spanish, Portuguese and English.

 

F

DEGREE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE RECOMMENDATIONS

Indicate the degree of the company’s compliance with existing recommendations on corporate governance or, where applicable, where it has not followed such recommendations.

Should the company not comply with any of the aforementioned recommendations, explain the recommendations, rules, practises or criteria the company applies.

Until the single document referred to in the ORDER ECO/3722/2003 of 26th December is completed, the recommendations of the Olivencia Report and the Aldama Report should be used as a reference in completing this section.

The Regulations of the Board of Directors, one of the essential documents that defines the principles of corporate governance in the Company, was adapted by resolution passed by the Board of Directors at its session held on March 31st 2004 to the provisions set out under Law 26/2003 of 17th July (Transparency Law). Subsequently, the Board approved a revised text of the said Regulations. Together with the Company Articles of Association and the Regulations of the General Shareholders’ Meeting, these Regulations establish the fundamental rules of corporate governance structure in Telefónica.

The following is an analysis of the degree of compliance with the most relevant international Corporate Governance recommendations, including those formulated in Spain, both in the Report published by the "Special Commission to Study an Ethical Code for the Boards of Directors of Companies: Corporate Governance in Listed Companies", of 26th February 1988 (Olivencia Code) and the "Special Commission to encourage transparency and security on the markets and listed companies", of 8th January 2003 (the Aldama Report).

PRINCIPLES OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

"Existence of internal provisions to regulate the corporate governance system."

The fundamental rules of corporate governance in Telefónica are set out in its Articles of Association, the Regulations of the General Shareholders’ Meeting and in the Regulations of the Board of Directors. The Regulations of the General Shareholders’ Meetings establish the principles of the organisation and operation of this body, thus complying with Law 26/2003 of 17th July. Moreover, the Regulations of the Board of Directors, as fundamental rules for corporate governance of the Company, determine the principles of action for the Board of Directors, regulate its organisation and operation, and establish rules of conduct for its members.

In view of the foregoing, and as the basis of the corporate governance structure in Telefónica, the Regulations of the Board of Directors of the Company determine the fundamental principles that should inspire the Board of Directors’ activities:

  1. General principles of action for the Board of Directors: The Board of Directors shall perform its duties with a view to the corporate good, understood as the interest of the Company; and to this effect, shall act to ensure the long-term feasibility of the Company and maximise its value, also pondering the legitimate plural public and private interests that arise in the performance of all business activity.
  2. In relation to its shareholders: The Board of Directors, as the vehicle linking the Company shareholders and management, undertakes the obligation to establish the channels of communication necessary so that it may be aware of the proposals formulated by shareholders in relation to the Company management. Furthermore, the Board of Directors undertakes to guarantee parity of treatment in its relations with shareholders.
  3. In relation to the market: The Board is committed to carrying out the acts and adopting the measures required to ensure the transparency of the Company with regard to financial markets and to promote the suitable setting of the Company shares, particularly avoiding manipulation and abuse of confidential information.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Express undertaking by the Board of Directors of the general supervisory duties, as an undelegatable task, and the establishment of a list of matters reserved for its knowledge".

The Regulations of the Board of Directors establish this body basically as a body for the supervision and control of the Company activities, entrusting the day-to-day management of business to the executive bodies and the management team. Moreover, as established in these Regulations, those powers that are legally or statutorily reserved for the exclusive knowledge of the Board, and those necessary for the responsible performance of its basic supervisory and control duties may not be delegated.

In keeping with the foregoing, and within the scope of its supervisory and control duties, the Board of Directors determines the management strategies and guidelines for the Company, establishes the bases of corporate organisation to guarantee its maximum efficiency, implements and oversees the establishment of the suitable procedures for the information of shareholders and the markets in general, adopts the appropriate decisions regarding business and financial transactions for the Company and approves its own organisation and operation to ensure optimal performance of the aforementioned duties.

COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"The operational size of the Board of Directors is suitable to the characteristics of the Company".

Telefónica’s Articles of Association establish that the Board of Directors is comprised of a minimum of five and a maximum of twenty members. The Board of Directors of Telefónica is currently comprised of nineteen Directors. Although the aforementioned ceiling surpasses the recommendations of the Olivencia Code (5 to 15 members), the complexity of the Telefónica Group, the significant number of companies within the Group, the variety of the sectors in which it operates, its multi-national nature and its economic and corporate relevance amply justify the current number of nineteen Directors as suitable to ensure that the Board operates effectively.

"Incorporation of a reasonable number of independent Directors on the Board".

"Majority of external or non-executive Directors over executive Directors".

"Presence of multi-national interests on the Board of Directors".

Considering the present composition of the Board of Directors of Telefónica and the principles that govern such composition – established in the Regulations of the Board – one may conclude that: (a) the Board has a significant number of independent Directors (eight); (b) external Directors (proprietary and independent) comprise an ample majority over executive Directors (fourteen vs. five); and (c) it has the significant participation of independent Directors, who represent a majority over proprietary Directors (eight vs. six).

In addition, and given the multi-national nature of the Telefónica Group, there are three foreign Directors on the Board of the Company. It is also important to note the existence of an International Affairs Committee to support the Board with regards to the international matters that may arise.

OPERATION OF THE BOARD

"Meetings of the Board: frequency, encouraging the participation of all members, care in drafting the minutes and an annual evaluation of its efficiency".

To ensure the proper operation of the Board, its ordinary meetings are held once a month and, at the discretion of the Chairman, as many additional times as is deemed appropriate for the smooth operation of the Company. For ordinary sessions, the Board itself establishes a pre-set calendar at the beginning of the financial year, so that all the Directors are aware of the meeting dates beforehand. In addition, the dates are again communicated at least three days prior to the date scheduled for the meeting, together with the call for the meeting. With the same object in view, the Directors are sent the documentation related to the Agenda for the meetings with sufficient prior notice, and such documentation is completed with the written presentations and documents distributed during the session itself.

THE COMPANY CEO

"Should the Board opt to endow the Chairman with CEO powers, it must adopt the due safeguards to reduce the risk of concentrating power in a single individual".

The Chairman of the Board of Directors is the Company CEO and is a key figure in the Board of Directors. The Executive Chairmanship in Telefónica was established to ensure that the Company would benefit at all times from clear, direct leadership both externally and internally, and from the flow of information between the Company management and the Board, which is essential for the Board’s effective performance of its strategic and supervisory functions.

In accordance with the Regulations of the Board of Directors, the actions of the Chairman shall at all times be in keeping with the criteria and guidelines determined by the General Shareholders’ Meeting and by the Board of Directors and the Board Committees. Likewise, all resolutions or decisions of special importance to the Company shall be submitted for the prior approval of the Board of Directors or the relevant control Committee. Furthermore, the adoption of certain resolutions requires the reports and proposals from the different Board Committees, and it is important to note that the Chairman does not hold the casting vote on the Board of Directors.

SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Relevance of the figure of the Secretary to the Board, reinforcing his/her independence and stability and emphasising his/her duty to ensure the formal and material legality of the actions undertaken by the Board".

With a view to strengthening his/her authority within the Board, the Secretary to the Board has Director status. Pursuant to the Regulations of the Board, the Secretary’s essential task is to ensure the formal and material legality of the Board actions at all times and to guarantee that its procedures and rules of governance are respected.

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

"Existence of an Executive Committee with a composition similar to that of the Board. The relationship between both bodies should be based on the principle of transparency".

The composition of the Executive Committee is similar to that of the Board with regards to the balance of external and executive Directors (72% external vs. 28% executive).

The relationship between the Board of Directors of Telefónica and its Executive Committee is based on the principle of transparency, such that the Board is fully aware of the matters deliberated and the decisions made by this Committee. In line with this transparency, the matters deliberated always comprise a point on the Agenda to be dealt with at the next Board of Directors meeting.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEES

"Existence of Committees for consultation or control, comprised exclusively of external Directors, particularly for matters related to audit and control and on questions of appointments and remunerations".

The Board of Directors of Telefónica has established the consultative and/or control committees recommended by the Olivencia Code: an Audit and Control Committee (constituted in 1997), and a Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, with the competencies attributed in the aforementioned Code. In compliance with the above guideline, these Committees are comprised exclusively of external Directors.

Moreover, the Board also deemed it appropriate to create four additional consultative committees: the Human Resources and Corporate Reputation Committee, the Regulation Committee, the Service Quality and Customer Service Committee, and the International Affairs Committee.

Therefore, at the date on which this report is issued, there are six consultative and/or control committees in existence in the Company.

THE DIRECTORS

"Measures to ensure that Directors are provided with the necessary information both in time and form".

The Company has adopted the measures necessary to ensure that Directors are provided sufficiently beforehand with the adequate information, specifically drafted and oriented at preparation of the sessions of the Board and its Committees. Under no circumstances may the importance or reserved nature of such information be used as grounds for non-compliance with the guideline, except in absolutely exceptional circumstances.

"Formal, transparent procedure for the selection of Directors based on a proposal from the Nominating Committee".

Proposals for the appointment of Directors are always made in compliance with the Regulations of the Board and preceded with the relevant favourable report from the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee.

"Existence of regulations that establish the Directors’ obligation to resign in cases where their presence may have a negative affect on the operation of the Board or the credibility or reputation of the Company. Establishment of an age limit for holding Directorships".

The Regulations of the Board of Directors envisages the Directors’ obligation to resign in cases where their presence may have a negative influence on the operation of the Board or on the Company’s credibility or reputation. Moreover, pursuant to the provisions established in the Regulations of the Board, Directors must place their offices at the disposal of the Board and formalise the relevant resignation when they reach the age of seventy (70). Executive Directors shall cease to hold their offices when they reach the age of sixty-five (65), but may continue to act as Directors, if the Board so decides.

"Regulation of the obligations arising from the general duties of diligence and loyalty of Directors, particularly with regard to situations of conflict of interest, the exploitation of business opportunities and the use of corporate assets".

In keeping with the recommendations of both the Olivencia Code and the Aldama Report, and in compliance with the provisions of the Transparency Law, the Regulations of the Board devotes its entire Title V, comprised of nine articles, to describing in detail the rights and obligations of the Company Directors. This title specifically envisages the general duties of diligence and loyalty of Directors and, in particular, situations of conflict of interest, the exploitation of business opportunities and the use of corporate assets. It also expressly establishes the specific obligations arising from Telefónica’s position as a listed company.

"Formal recognition of Directors’ right to obtain all the information and advice to pursue their supervisory functions and the establishment of suitable arrangements for the exercise of this right".

The Regulations of the Board of Directors formally recognises that Directors are invested with the right to obtain information on all aspects of the Company, to examine its books, records, documents and other data regarding corporate transactions. With a view to avoiding any interruption in the ordinary management of the Company, the exercise of this right to information shall be channelled through the Chairman or Secretary to the Board of Directors, who shall respond to the Directors’ requests, furnishing them with the information directly or establishing suitable channels within the organisation at the appropriate level.

Likewise, Article 31 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that for the purpose of assisting the Directors in the exercise of their duties, the external Directors in majority, or any of the Board Committees by majority agreement of its members, may request the engagement of legal, accounting, financial or other experts, at the Company’s expense. Such engagement must necessarily be related to specific problems of certain importance and complexity that arise in the pursuit of their office.

The decision to engage the said services must be reported to the Company Chairman and implemented by the Secretary to the Board, except when the Board of Directors does not consider such engagement necessary or appropriate.

"A suitable remuneration policy for Directors, respecting the criteria of moderation, which should be proposed, evaluated and reviewed by the Compensation Committee, and provide detailed, individualised information".

The remuneration policy for Directors is proposed, evaluated and reviewed by the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, and respects the criteria of moderation. The Company furnishes individualised information each year regarding the compensation received for the holders of offices or posts on the Board in the Annual Company Report. Furthermore, in line with the Aldama Report, external Directors do not participate in any compensation scheme that is linked to the listed value of the Company shares.

"Measures to extend the duty of loyalty to significant shareholders and Senior Management".

Finally, the duty of loyalty is extended to the significant Company shareholders, establishing that the Board of Directors reserves the right to be informed of and authorise all transactions between the Company and any of its significant shareholders. Under no circumstances shall the transaction be authorised without the prior reported issued by the Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee evaluating the transaction from the point of view of parity treatment of shareholders and examining its conditions, which must be normal market conditions. Moreover, and in line with the Aldama Report, the Company has also extended the obligations arising from the duty of loyalty to the senior management through the provisions of the Internal Code of Conduct with regards to conflicts of interest.

RELATIONS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE MARKETS

"Rapid, accurate and reliable information to the markets and the establishment to this effect of procedures and controls for the communication of information within the Company".

"Regular financial information drawn up according to the same professional principles and practises as the Annual Accounts and verified by the Audit Committee".

"The obligation to provide information and transparency, particularly with regards to corporate governance".

The Regulations of the Board devote various articles to setting out the channels establishing the relationship between the Board of Directors and the Company shareholders, thus ensuring the greatest transparency possible in this relationship.

The Board of Directors of Telefónica, going beyond the requirements established by the legislation in effect, is fully committed to the responsibility of furnishing the markets with rapid, accurate and reliable information. In particular, the periodical financial Company information, as expressly set out in the Regulations of the Board, is drawn up according to the same professional principles and practises as the Annual Accounts and prior to publication is verified by the Audit and Control Committee, in keeping with the functions attributed to this Committee.

Furthermore, in line with the recommendations of the Aldama Report, the Company furnishes the market with all the information that may be considered relevant for investors. Pursuant to the obligations established in the Finance Law, the Company reports relevant information to the National Securities Market Commission prior to its publication in any other media, as soon as such information is known, or as soon as the decision has been made or the agreement signed with the third parties in question. The Company ensures that its reports of relevant information are true, clear and complete at all times.

Conscious of the relevance of this matter and due to its presence in a great variety of markets, Telefónica has undertaken a firm commitment to transparency understood in this manner. This commitment is evidenced by the commission to its Board of Directors to carry out the acts and adopt the measures necessary to (i) ensure the Company’s transparency in the financial markets, in particular informing such markets of the acts, decisions or circumstances that may be relevant for the price of its shares; and (ii) promote the suitable pricing of the Company shares and, where appropriate, of its subsidiaries, taking special care to avoid manipulation and abuse of confidential information.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE EXTERNAL AUDITORS

"Establishment of measures to monitor the independence of the external auditors".

The Board of Directors has established a stable, professional relationship with the Accounts Auditors through the Audit and Control Committee, with strict respect for the Auditor’s independence, thus fulfilling the recommendations of the Olivencia Code. Therefore, the Audit and Control Committee monitors any situations that may jeopardise the independence of the Company’s external Account Auditor and, in particular, supervises the percentage represented by the fees it is paid by the Company in the audit firm’s total revenues.

Finally, in keeping with the legislation in effect, the Company’s Annual Report includes information regarding the fees paid to the external Accounts Auditor, including fees paid for non-audit services.

In compliance with the legal requirements established by legislation in the United States in this matter, and in line with the Aldama Report, audit and similar services provided by the external Company Accounts Auditor must be previously approved by the Audit and Control Committee.

THE GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

"Measures to make the mechanism for the delegation of votes more transparent, and to encourage communication between the Company and its shareholders".

- With regards to the mechanism in place for delegation of votes, Article 13 of the Regulations of the General Shareholders’ Meeting establishes that all shareholders with a right to attend may be represented by another party, who need not be a shareholder. The representation must be granted specifically for each Meeting, either using the proxy form printed on the attendance card or in any other way envisaged by law. Likewise, shareholders who do not hold the minimum number of shares required to attend the Meeting (300 shares) may delegate the representation of such shares to a shareholder with the right to attend, or join together with other shareholders in the same situation to reach the minimum number of shares. In this case, the grouping of shareholders must appoint a single representative for the group of shares.

Amongst the measures established to encourage communication with shareholders, the following should be highlighted:

(i) In addition to the documents and information required by law, incorporation on the Company website of all the information the Company deems appropriate with regards to the aforementioned objectives and, in particular, as an indication, the following:

- The text of all the proposed resolutions to be submitted to the General Shareholders’ Meeting that have been approved by the Board of Directors, without prejudice to their subsequent modification by the Board prior to the date of the Meeting, when legally possible.

- Information regarding the venue of the General Shareholders’ Meeting and describing, if appropriate, the process for access to the hall.

- Procedure for obtaining attendance cards or certificates issued by the legally authorised bodies.

- Means and procedures to grant proxy for the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

- Should they exist, the means and procedures for remote voting.

- All other issues of interest to follow the meeting, such as the existence of media for simultaneous translation, audiovisual diffusion of the Meeting or information in other languages.

The Company shareholders may obtain all of the aforementioned information through the corporate website, or may request that it be sent to them free of charge through the mechanisms established on the website for this purpose.

(ii) Means for the shareholders to submit suggestions.

Shareholders may, at all times and after accreditation of their identity as such, make suggestions related to the organisation, operation and competencies of the General Shareholders’ Meeting through the Shareholders’ Office.

Likewise, shareholders may request all the information, documentation and clarification they require in relation to the General Shareholders’ Meeting through the Shareholders’ Office, channelled either through the Company website or by phoning the toll-free line for this purpose.

 

G

      OTHER INFORMATION OF INTEREST

List and explain below the contents of any relevant principles or aspects of corporate governance applied by the company that have not been covered by this report.

This section may include any other relevant, but not reiterative information, clarification or detail related to previous sections of the report.

Specifically, indicate whether the company is subject to corporate governance legislation from any country other than Spain and, if so, include the compulsory information to be provided when this is different from that required for this report.

CLARIFICATIONS

Section B.1.3.- The Nominating, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee of Telefónica, in keeping with the functions attributed it by the Board of Directors, issued a favourable report prior to the proposed appointment of all the Directors submitted by the Board for the approval of the relevant General Shareholders’ Meeting.

Section B.1.8. sub-section a).- "Fixed remuneration" includes: (a) 2,639,116 euros for salaries paid to executive Directors (Mr. César Alierta Izuel, Mr. Luis Lada Díaz, Mr. Mario Eduardo Vázquez and Mr. Antonio J. Alonso Ureba); and (b) 2,655,563 euros paid to the members of the Board of Directors as a fixed allowance for holding office on the Board or on its Committees. Furthermore, the five Company Directors who participate in the Advisory Councils of Catalonia and Andalusia (constituted in the month of April and October 2004, respectively) have received a total of 48,750 euros during the 2004 financial year.

Section B.1.8. sub-section b).- "Fixed remuneration" includes: (a) 698,410 euros for salaries paid to one of the members of the Board of Directors as an executive Director (Mr. Antonio Viana-Baptista); and (b) 1,042,342 euros as a fixed allowance for holding office on the Board of Directors of any of the Group companies, or on any of their respective Committees.

Section B.1.10.- The Annual Report presented as part of the Annual Accounts for financial year 2003 submitted for approval of the General Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 30th 2004 included information regarding this type of clause or "golden parachute". In this respect and as a general rule, the top management contracts for members of the Executive Committee include an indemnity clause consisting of three year’s allowance, plus an additional year, depending on seniority in the Company, in the event of a unilateral Company decision to terminate. The aforementioned yearly allowance is based on the last fixed payment received and the mathematical average of the sum of the last two variable payments paid pursuant to the contract.

Section B.1.23.- In addition to the Committees described in this section, the Board of Directors of Telefónica, S.A. has created four other Committees. The following is information regarding the number of meetings held by each during the 2004 financial year: Regulation Committee (10 meetings), Human Resources and Corporate Reputation Committee (6 meetings), Service Quality and Customer Service Committee (4 meetings), and International Affairs Committee (6 meetings).

Section B.1.24.- Pursuant to the requirements of United States securities market regulations, the information contained in the Annual Report in format 20-F (which includes the consolidated Annual Accounts of the Telefónica Group) registered with the "Securities and Exchange Commission" is certified by the Executive Chairman of the Company, Mr. César Alierta Izuel and by the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Santiago Fernández Valbuena. However, such certification was effected after the aforementioned Accounts had been formulated by the Board of Directors of the Company.

Section B.1.30.- The 1983 financial year was the first to be audited by an external auditing firm, as the previous financial statements had been verified by certified public accountants. This is the date taken as the basis for calculation of the percentage with respect to the individual Annual Accounts of Telefónica, S.A. However, the consolidated Annual Accounts for the Telefónica Group were first formulated in 1991.


This annual corporate governance report was approved by the company’s Board of Directors at its session held on

Indicate the Directors who voted against or abstained from voting on the approval of the present Report.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

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

   

Telefónica, S.A.

Date:

March 31st, 2005

 

By:

/s/ Antonio Alonso Ureba

       

Name:

Antonio Alonso Ureba

       

Title:

General Secretary and Secretary to the Board of Directors