FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(B)(1)
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
Registration No. 333-123625
PROSPECTUS
14,700,000 Preferred Shares
In the form of American Depositary Shares outside
Brazil
and in the form of Preferred Shares in Brazil
We and the selling shareholder are offering
11,172,000 shares of our non-voting preferred stock, or the
preferred shares, in an international offering in the form of
American depositary shares, or ADSs. Each ADS represents two
preferred shares. We are selling 996,405 ADSs and the
selling shareholder is selling 4,589,595 ADSs in the United
States and other countries outside Brazil through the
international underwriters named in this prospectus. In
addition, we are concurrently offering 3,528,000 preferred
shares in Brazil through Brazilian underwriters under a
Portuguese-language prospectus. The closings of the
international and Brazilian offerings will be conditioned upon
each other. In total, we are offering 5,520,811 preferred shares
in the global offering and the selling shareholder is offering
9,179,189 preferred shares.
The ADSs trade on the New York Stock Exchange, known as
the NYSE, under the symbol GOL. On April 27,
2005, the reported last sale price of the ADSs was
US$27.88 per ADS on the NYSE. Our preferred shares trade on
the São Paulo Stock Exchange, known as the BOVESPA, under
the symbol GOLL4. On April 27, 2005, the
reported last sale price of our preferred shares was
R$34.50 per preferred share on the BOVESPA.
This offering will be registered with the Brazilian
Securities Commission (the Comissão de Valores
Mobiliários, or CVM). The CVM has not approved or
disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus
(or the Portuguese-language prospectus referred to above) is
truthful or complete.
Investing in the ADSs and our preferred shares involves
risks. See Risk Factors beginning on
page 13.
PRICE $ 27.88
AN ADS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price to | |
|
Discounts and | |
|
Proceeds | |
|
Proceeds to Selling | |
|
|
Public | |
|
Commissions | |
|
to Us | |
|
Shareholders | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Per ADS
|
|
|
$27.88 |
|
|
|
$1.12 |
|
|
|
$26.76 |
|
|
|
$26.76 |
|
Total
|
|
|
$204,918,000 |
|
|
|
$8,196,720 |
|
|
|
$73,881,701 |
|
|
|
$122,839,579 |
|
We have granted the underwriters the right for a period of
30 days to purchase up to an additional 2,205,000 preferred
shares to cover over-allotments, if any.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities regulators have approved or disapproved these
securities, or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
Delivery of the ADSs will be made on or about May 3,
2005.
MORGAN STANLEY
April 27, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
iii |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
|
F-1 |
|
You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus. Neither we nor the selling shareholder have
authorized anyone to provide you with information that is
different from the information contained in this prospectus.
This document may only be used where it is legal to sell these
securities. The information in this prospectus is accurate only
as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of when this
prospectus is delivered or when any sale of the ADSs or our
preferred shares occurs.
In this prospectus, we use the terms the Registrant
to refer to Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A.,
Gol to refer to Gol Transportes Aéreos S.A. and
we, us and our to refer to
the Registrant and Gol together, except where the context
requires otherwise. References to preferred shares
and ADSs refer to non-voting preferred shares of the
Registrant and American depositary shares representing those
preferred shares, respectively, except where the context
requires otherwise.
The phrase Brazilian government refers to the
federal government of the Federative Republic of Brazil, and the
term Central Bank refers to the Banco Central do
Brasil, or the Central Bank of Brazil. The term
Brazil refers to the Federative Republic of Brazil.
The terms U.S. dollar and
U.S. dollars and the symbol US$
refer to the legal currency of the United States. The terms
real and reais and the
symbol R$ refer to the legal currency of Brazil.
U.S. GAAP refers to generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States, and Brazilian
GAAP refers to generally accepted accounting principles in
Brazil, which are accounting principles derived from Law
No. 6,404 of December 15, 1976, as amended and
supplemented, or the Brazilian corporation law and the rules of
the CVM.
This prospectus contains terms relating to operating performance
within the airline industry that are defined as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue passengers represents the total number of
paying passengers flown on all flight segments. |
|
|
|
Revenue passenger kilometers represents the numbers
of kilometers flown by revenue passengers. |
|
|
|
Available seat kilometers represents the aircraft
seating capacity multiplied by the number of kilometers the
seats are flown. |
|
|
|
Load factor represents the percentage of aircraft
seating capacity that is actually utilized (calculated by
dividing revenue passenger kilometers by available seat
kilometers). |
|
|
|
Breakeven load factor is the passenger load factor
that will result in passenger revenues being equal to operating
expenses. |
|
|
|
Aircraft utilization represents the average number
of block hours operated per day per aircraft for the total
aircraft fleet. |
i
|
|
|
|
|
Block hours refers to the elapsed time between an
aircrafts leaving an airport gate and arriving at an
airport gate. |
|
|
|
Yield per passenger kilometer represents the average
amount one passenger pays to fly one kilometer. |
|
|
|
Passenger revenue per available seat kilometer
represents passenger revenue divided by available seat
kilometers. |
|
|
|
Operating revenue per available seat kilometer
represents operating revenues divided by available seat
kilometers. |
|
|
|
Average stage length represents the average number
of kilometers flown per flight. |
|
|
|
Operating expense per available seat kilometer
represents operating expenses divided by available seat
kilometers. |
We make statements in this prospectus about our competitive
position and market share in, and the market size of, the
Brazilian and South American airline industry. We have made
these statements on the basis of statistics and other
information from third-party sources, governmental agencies or
industry or general publications that we believe are reliable.
Although we have no reason to believe any of this information or
these reports are inaccurate in any material respect, we have
not independently verified the competitive position, market
share and market size or market growth data provided by third
parties or by industry or general publications. All industry and
market data contained in this prospectus is based upon the
latest publicly available information as of the date of this
prospectus.
Certain figures included in this prospectus have been subject to
rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown as totals in
certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the
figures that precede them.
The consolidated financial statements included in this
prospectus have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP
and reflect our financial condition and results of operations as
if the Registrant had been incorporated and held all of the
capital stock of Gol, with the exception of five common shares
and three preferred shares of Gol held by members of Gols
board of directors for eligibility purposes, since
January 1, 2001. See Description of Capital
Stock General. We publish our consolidated financial
statements in Brazil in accordance with Brazilian GAAP, which
differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP.
We have translated some of the real amounts contained in
this prospectus into U.S. dollars. The rate used to
translate such amounts in respect of the year ended
December 31, 2004 was R$2.6544 to US$1.00, which was the
commercial rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars in effect
as of December 31, 2004, as reported by the Central Bank.
The U.S. dollar equivalent information presented in this
prospectus is provided solely for convenience of investors and
should not be construed as implying that the real amounts
represent, or could have been or could be converted into,
U.S. dollars at such rates or at any other rate. See
Exchange Rates for more detailed information
regarding the translation of reais into U.S. dollars.
All amounts contained in this prospectus that have been adjusted
to reflect the receipt by us of the estimated net proceeds of
this global offering are based upon the sale by us of 5,520,811
preferred shares in this global offering, based upon the
offering price of US$27.88 per ADS. Each ADS is equivalent
to two preferred shares.
Unless otherwise indicated, all information contained in this
prospectus assumes no exercise of the underwriters option
to purchase up to 2,205,000 additional preferred shares to cover
over-allotments, if any.
This offering is being made in Brazil by a prospectus in
Portuguese that has been filed with the CVM and that has the
same date as this prospectus but has a different format. This
offering is made in the United States and elsewhere outside
Brazil solely on the basis of the information contained in this
prospectus. Investors should take this into account when making
investment decisions.
The Registrant was formed on March 12, 2004 as a
sociedade por ações, a stock corporation duly
incorporated under the laws of Brazil with unlimited duration.
The Registrant is registered with the São Paulo Commercial
Registry (Junta Comercial do Estado de São Paulo)
under number NIRE 35.300.314.441. Gol was formed on
August 1, 2001 as a Brazilian sociedade limitada,
and on May 2, 2002, Gol was converted into a sociedade
por ações.
ii
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus includes forward-looking statements, principally
under the captions Prospectus Summary, Risk
Factors, Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and
Business. We have based these forward-looking
statements largely on our current beliefs, expectations and
projections about future events and financial trends affecting
our business. Many important factors, in addition to those
discussed elsewhere in this prospectus, could cause our actual
results to differ substantially from those anticipated in our
forward-looking statements, including, among other things:
|
|
|
|
|
general economic, political and business conditions in Brazil
and in other South American markets we serve; |
|
|
|
managements expectations and estimates concerning our
future financial performance and financing plans and programs; |
|
|
|
our limited operating history; |
|
|
|
our level of fixed obligations; |
|
|
|
our capital expenditure plans; |
|
|
|
inflation and fluctuations in the exchange rate of the
real; |
|
|
|
existing and future governmental regulations, including air
traffic capacity controls; |
|
|
|
increases in fuel costs, maintenance costs and insurance
premiums; |
|
|
|
changes in market prices, customer demand and preferences and
competitive conditions; |
|
|
|
cyclical and seasonal fluctuations in our operating results; |
|
|
|
defects or mechanical problems with our aircraft; |
|
|
|
our ability to successfully implement our growth
strategy; and |
|
|
|
the risk factors discussed under Risk Factors
beginning on page 13. |
The words believe, may,
will, aim, estimate,
continue, anticipate,
intend, expect and similar words are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements include information concerning our possible or
assumed future results of operations, business strategies,
financing plans, competitive position, industry environment,
potential growth opportunities, the effects of future regulation
and the effects of competition. Forward-looking statements speak
only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no
obligation to update publicly or to revise any forward-looking
statements after we distribute this prospectus because of new
information, future events or other factors. In light of the
risks and uncertainties described above, the forward-looking
events and circumstances discussed in this prospectus might not
occur and are not guarantees of future performance.
iii
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information about us and the
ADSs and preferred shares that we and the selling shareholder
are offering. It may not contain all of the information that may
be important to you. Before investing in the ADSs, you should
read this entire prospectus carefully for a more complete
understanding of our business and this offering, including our
consolidated financial statements and the notes to those
consolidated financial statements and the sections entitled
Risk Factors and Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
Overview
We are one of the most profitable low-cost airlines in the world
and had net revenues of R$2.0 billion and net income of
R$384.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.
We are the only low-fare, low-cost airline operating in Brazil
providing frequent service on routes connecting all of
Brazils major cities. We focus on increasing the growth
and profits of our business by popularizing air travel and
stimulating and meeting demand for affordable, convenient air
travel in Brazil and between Brazil and other South America
destinations for both business and leisure passengers. We do
this by offering simple, safe and efficient services while
having among the lowest operating costs in the airline industry
worldwide.
We have flown over 23 million passengers since beginning
operations in 2001 and, according to the Departamento de
Aviação Civil, or DAC, Brazils civil
aviation authority, our share of the domestic market based on
revenue passenger kilometers grew from 4.7% in 2001 to 11.8% in
2002, 19.4% in 2003 and 22.3% in 2004.
We operate 29 single-class Boeing 737 aircraft serving
37 cities in Brazil and one destination in Argentina. We
have placed firm purchase orders with The Boeing Company for
30 737-800 Next Generation aircraft and we have options to
purchase an additional 33 737-800 Next Generation aircraft.
Currently, six firm order aircraft are scheduled to be delivered
in 2006, thirteen in 2007, seven in 2008 and four in 2009. The
purchase options are exercisable for deliveries between 2007 and
2010. We took delivery, under two-and three-year operating
leases, of five Boeing 737-300 aircraft in the second half of
2004, which we are using to help meet our short-term capacity
needs while we await the delivery of the new 737-800 Next
Generation aircraft.
We offer travelers a low-fare transportation alternative that we
believe is an attractive value relative to conventional airline
and bus transportation. We have a diversified revenue base, with
customers ranging from business passengers traveling within
densely populated centers in Brazil, such as São Paulo, Rio
de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, to leisure passengers traveling
to destinations throughout Brazil and to Argentina. We carefully
evaluate opportunities to continue the growth of our business
through increasing the frequency of flights to our existing
high-demand markets and adding new routes to overpriced routes
in Brazil and other South American destinations. We apply our
strategy of popularizing air travel to expand our network from
Brazil to markets in other South American countries using the
same business model and route management methods that have
helped us to become successful in Brazil.
Our emphasis on controlling costs and yield management has given
us flexibility in setting our fares to achieve a balance between
our load factors and yields that we believe will generate the
highest revenues per available seat kilometer and profitability
for us. During a time when the airline industry globally was
suffering from increased fuel prices, we generated net income of
R$384.7 million in 2004. Our profitable results in 2004
were due largely to the economies of scale from the growth of
our business and having a cost per available seat kilometer that
was approximately 30% lower on a stage-length adjusted basis
than that of our primary competitors, based upon our analysis of
publicly available data.
Our operating model is based on a highly integrated,
multiple-stop route network that is a variation on the
point-to-point model used by other successful low-cost carriers
worldwide. The high level of integration of flights at selected
airports permits us to offer frequent, non-stop flights at low
fares between Brazils most important economic centers and
ample interconnections through our network linking city pairs
through a combination of two or more flights with little
connecting or stop-over time. Our network also allows us to
1
increase our load factors on our strongest city pair routes by
using the airports in those cities to connect our customers
onwards to their final destinations. This strategy increases our
load factor by attracting customers traveling to secondary
markets who prefer to pay lower fares even if this means making
one or more stops before reaching their final destination.
Finally, our operating model allows us to build our flight
routes to add destinations to cities that would not,
individually, be feasible to serve in the traditional
point-to-point model, but that are feasible to serve when simply
added as additional points on our multiple-stop flight network.
We do this by offering low-fare early-bird or night flights to
lower-traffic destinations, which are usually the first or last
stops on our routes, allowing us to increase our aircraft
utilization and generate additional revenues.
The end result is that our operating model, when combined with
our low fares and reliable service, stimulates demand for air
travel, and helped us to achieve a load factor of 71% in 2004,
as compared to an average domestic load factor of 63% for our
three largest Brazilian competitors in the same period,
according to the DAC. The interconnectivity of our network also
resulted in approximately one-half of our passengers making
connections while traveling to their final destination. During
2004, we maintained high standards of operating efficiency and
customer satisfaction, completing 98% of our scheduled flights
with on-time performance of 97%, based on our internal data.
Our Competitive Strengths
Our principal competitive strengths are:
We Keep Our Operating Costs Low. Our cost per
available seat kilometer for the year ended December 31,
2004 was R$15.7 cents, or approximately US$5.9 cents. We believe
that our cost per available seat kilometer for the year ended
December 31, 2004, as adjusted for the average number of
kilometers flown per flight, was one of the lowest in the
airline industry worldwide, and was on average approximately 30%
lower than that of our primary competitors, based upon our
analysis of publicly available data. Typically, airline
operating costs per kilometer decrease as flight length
increases. Our low operating costs are the result of being
innovative and using best practices adopted from other leading
low-cost carriers to improve our operating efficiency, including:
|
|
|
|
|
Efficient use of aircraft. During 2004, our aircraft flew
an average of 13.6 block hours per day, the highest aircraft
utilization rate in the Brazilian domestic airline industry,
according to the DAC, and among the highest worldwide, according
to airline company public filings. Our efficient use of our
fleet has helped us to generate revenue at times when the
aircraft of our competitors are still on the ground and has
allowed us to spread our fixed costs over a greater number of
flights and available seat kilometers. We also offer air cargo
services on our flights to generate incremental revenues from
space in the stronghold section of our aircraft that would
otherwise remain unutilized. |
|
|
|
Operation of a simplified fleet. Currently, we operate a
simplified fleet type consisting of 29 Boeing 737 aircraft. We
have firm orders and purchase options for up to 63 Boeing
737-800 Next Generation aircraft. Delivery of the current firm
order aircraft is scheduled to occur between 2006 and 2009 and
the purchase options are exercisable for deliveries between 2007
and 2010. |
|
|
|
Use of efficient, low-cost distribution channels. Our
effective use of technology helps us to keep our costs low and
our operations highly scaleable and efficient. We seek to keep
our distribution channels streamlined and convenient so as to
allow our customers to interact with us directly via the
internet. Approximately 80% of our ticket sales are through our
website, and our customers can purchase tickets and check-in for
their flights online and by web-enabled cell phones. As a result
of our emphasis on low-cost distribution channels, we generate
more revenues from online ticket sales than any other company in
Brazil. |
|
|
|
Flexible and efficient operating approach. We always seek
the most cost-effective way of providing our services to our
customers without compromising quality and safety. We constantly
evaluate our operations to see if sensible cost-savings
opportunities exist. As a result, we outsource the work that can
be done properly and more efficiently by third parties and we
internalize the functions that our employees can do more
cost-efficiently. |
2
We Stimulate Demand for Our Services. We believe
that through our low fares and high-quality service, we provide
the best value in our markets and create demand for air travel
services. Our average fares are lower than the average fares of
our primary competitors. By combining low fares with simple and
reliable service that treats passengers equally in a
single-class environment, we have successfully increased our
market share, strengthened customer loyalty and are attracting a
new group of air travelers in our markets. We estimate that
approximately 10% of the customers on our flights are either
first time flyers or have not flown for more than one year.
We Have One of the Newest Fleets in the Industry.
Our current fleet of 29 Boeing 737 aircraft has an average
age of 6.8 years, making our fleet the newest in South
America and among the newest in the industry worldwide. We
believe that the firm orders and purchase options we have for
the delivery of up to 63 new Boeing 737-800 Next Generation
aircraft, with expected delivery dates between 2006 and 2010,
will help us to retain the competitive advantage of a young
fleet. Our new fleet has enabled us to enjoy a high degree of
performance reliability and to develop a reputation among
customers for being an airline that delivers a safe, on-time,
modern and comfortable travel experience. Our Boeing 737-800/700
Next Generation aircraft type provides us with state-of-the-art
technology and aerodynamics with increased flying speed,
improved fuel efficiency and simplified maintenance procedures.
We Have a Strong Brand that Is Widely Recognized Among
Consumers. We believe that the Gol brand has become
synonymous with innovation and value in the Brazilian domestic
airline industry. Gol was chosen as the 2004 Company of
the Year by the annual Melhores e Maiores (The
Biggest and Best) edition of Exame magazine, one of the
most important business publications in Brazil. Our customers
also identify us as being accessible, friendly, fair and
reliable and distinguish us in Brazils domestic airline
industry on the basis of our modern and simplified approach to
providing air travel services. Customer satisfaction surveys
conducted in 2004 by Omni Marketing, an independent third-party
market research firm, indicated that more than nine out of every
ten passengers are satisfied with Gol, would fly again with Gol
and consider Gol to be an innovative, modern and practical
company.
We Have a Strong Financial Position. We have
focused on maintaining a strong financial position with
significant cash balances and a low debt to capitalization
ratio. As of December 31, 2004, we had R$405.7 million
of cash and cash equivalents, R$443.4 million of short-term
investments, R$386.4 million of accounts receivable and
R$289.4 million of U.S. dollar denominated deposits
for aircraft leasing and aircraft engine maintenance contracts,
representing a total of R$1,524.9 million. As of
December 31, 2004, our debt to capitalization ratio was
9.3%.
We Actively Manage Risk. We actively monitor
movements in fuel prices, foreign exchange rates and interest
rates. To date, we have been able to adjust our fares to
compensate for changes in fuel prices and the exchange rate of
the real versus the U.S. dollar. Our general policy
is to hedge on a short-term basis price fluctuations for a
majority of the fuel we expect to consume and our
U.S. dollar exchange rate exposure, so as to minimize the
effects of adverse changes in fuel prices or the foreign
exchange markets.
We Have a Motivated Workforce and a Proven Management
Team. We benefit from a highly motivated workforce that
brings a new enthusiasm to air travel and a commitment to high
standards of friendly and reliable quality service that we
believe distinguishes us in our markets. We invest a significant
amount of time and resources into carefully developing the best
training practices and selecting individuals to join our team
who share our focus on ingenuity and continuous improvement. Our
top managers have an average of approximately 20 years of
experience in the Brazilian passenger transportation industries,
and this experience has helped us to develop the most effective
elements of our low-cost model. We also motivate our workforce
by providing our employees with profit sharing and through
participation in our stock option program.
Our Strategy
To continue the growth of our business and increase its
profitability, our strategy will be to further stimulate
customer demand by continuing to offer a single-class of air
travel service at low fares, while maintaining a high standard
of quality and safety. We will strive to keep our operating
costs low and will relentlessly pursue ways to make our
operations more efficient. We will continue to evaluate
opportunities to
3
expand our operations by adding additional flights to existing
high-demand and night-flight domestic routes, adding new
domestic routes where sufficient market demand exists and
expanding into other high-traffic centers in other South
American countries.
Our vision is to be recognized by 2010 as the airline that
popularized high-quality, low-fare air transportation in South
America. The following are the key elements of our strategy:
To Expand Our Customer Base by Offering Services to
High-Demand or Overpriced Routes. When planning the
growth of our business, we will continue to establish bases,
select our routes and build the frequency of our service based
upon the extent and type of demand in the regions we serve in
Brazil and other South American countries. We expect to increase
our focus on business travelers from medium-sized companies, a
growing customer base that tends to be more price sensitive, by
closely monitoring the routes and flight frequencies that best
serve their travel needs and increasing our marketing efforts
directed at this segment of our customer base. We are also very
focused on stimulating demand and capturing market share in both
the leisure and visiting friends and relatives
market segments.
To Continue to Reduce Our Operating Costs.
Continuing to reduce our operating costs per available seat
kilometer is a key to increasing profitability. We aim to remain
one of the lowest cost airlines in the world. To date, we have
worked toward achieving this goal by assembling a new fleet of
single-class aircraft that is capable of safely and reliably
accommodating a high utilization rate, incurs low maintenance
costs and is fuel-efficient. We are also working to achieve this
goal by using our aircraft efficiently, concentrating on
minimizing our turnaround times at airports and increasing our
number of daily flights per aircraft. We will also continue to
utilize technological innovations wherever possible to reduce
our distribution costs and improve our operating efficiency. We
expect to benefit from economies of scale and reduce our average
cost per available seat kilometer as we add additional aircraft
to an established and efficient operating infrastructure.
To Keep Our Customer Service Offering Simple and
Convenient. We believe that we are perceived by our
customers as providing excellent value at reasonable fares. In
addition to offering low fares, our strategy is to make flying a
simpler, more convenient experience. We have achieved this
objective largely through the elimination of unnecessary extras
and common-sense applications of technology. We offer customers
single-class, pre-assigned seating flights, and we do not
overbook our flights. We will continue to seek ways to make the
Gol brand signify simplicity and convenience in the minds of air
travelers.
To Stimulate Demand with Low Fares. Our widely
available low fares and superior product offering are designed
to popularize air travel and stimulate demand, particularly from
fare-conscious leisure travelers and small-to mid-size business
travelers who might otherwise have used alternative forms of
transportation or would not have traveled at all. Our strategy
is to continue to stimulate demand and encourage more people to
fly by continuing to provide a superior product and low fares.
Industry Overview
Most long-distance public travel services within Brazil are
provided by interstate bus companies. In 2003, Brazils
domestic airline industry transported almost 30 million
passengers, as compared to over 132 million passengers
transported by interstate bus companies in 2003, according to
the Brazilian Department of Highways (Departamento de
Transportes Rodoviários). Brazil has no meaningful
interstate passenger rail services.
The business travel segment is the largest component of
Brazilian air transportation demand and the most profitable in
the market. According to the DAC, business travel represented
approximately 70% of the total demand for domestic air travel in
2003, which we believe is significantly higher than the
proportion of domestic air travel in the global aviation sector
that is comprised of business travel. According to data
collected from the DAC, flights between Rio de Janeiro and
São Paulo accounted for 12.5% and 12.8% of all domestic
passengers in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The ten busiest city
pair routes accounted for 35.5% and 37.1% of all domestic air
passengers in 2002 and 2003, respectively.
The scheduled domestic passenger airline industry in Brazil is
primarily served by Gol and two main competitorsVarig
S.A.Viação Aérea Riograndense, or Varig,
and TAM Linhas Aéreas S.A., or TAM. By the end of 2004,
Gol, TAM and Varig accounted for over 97% of the market share of
domestic regular routes,
4
measured in terms of revenue passenger kilometers. Varig has
significant levels of indebtedness, and its financial condition
and prospects are uncertain.
Since air transportation has historically been affordable only
to the higher income segment of Brazils population,
resulting in a comparatively low level of air travel, we believe
that the low-cost, low-fare business model has the potential to
significantly increase the use of air transportation in Brazil.
According to the DAC, there were 29.2 million domestic
enplanements and 7.8 million international enplanements in
Brazil in 2003, out of a total population of approximately
181 million, according to the Brazilian Geographical and
Statistical Institute (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e
Estatística IBGE). In contrast, according to the
U.S. Department of Transportation, the United States had
587.5 million domestic and 116.9 million international
enplanements in 2003, out of a total population of approximately
293 million, according to the latest U.S. census
figures. By way of further comparison, Atlantas Hartsfield
International Airport, the busiest airport in the United States,
by itself had 37.7 million domestic enplanements in 2004.
From 1997 to 2004, the compound annual growth rate in industry
passenger traffic, in terms of revenue passenger kilometers, was
6.8% versus a compound annual growth rate in available industry
capacity, in terms of available seat kilometers, of 4.7%.
Industry load factors, calculated as revenue passenger
kilometers divided by available seat kilometers, have averaged
59% over the same period. The table below shows the figures of
domestic industry passenger traffic and available capacity for
the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1997 | |
|
1998 | |
|
1999 | |
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in millions, except percentages) | |
Available Seat Kilometers
|
|
|
31,146 |
|
|
|
38,121 |
|
|
|
40,323 |
|
|
|
41,437 |
|
|
|
45,008 |
|
|
|
47,109 |
|
|
|
41,927 |
|
|
|
42,991 |
|
Available Seat Kilometers Growth
|
|
|
8.7% |
|
|
|
22.4% |
|
|
|
5.8% |
|
|
|
2.8% |
|
|
|
8.6% |
|
|
|
4.7% |
|
|
|
(11.0)% |
|
|
|
2.5% |
|
Revenue Passenger Kilometers
|
|
|
17,824 |
|
|
|
22,539 |
|
|
|
22,204 |
|
|
|
24,284 |
|
|
|
26,296 |
|
|
|
26,780 |
|
|
|
25,180 |
|
|
|
28,186 |
|
Revenue Passenger Kilometers Growth
|
|
|
7.5% |
|
|
|
26.5% |
|
|
|
(1.5)% |
|
|
|
9.4% |
|
|
|
8.3% |
|
|
|
1.8% |
|
|
|
(6.0)% |
|
|
|
11.9% |
|
Load Factor
|
|
|
57.2% |
|
|
|
59.1% |
|
|
|
55.1% |
|
|
|
58.6% |
|
|
|
58.4% |
|
|
|
56.8% |
|
|
|
60.1% |
|
|
|
65.6% |
|
Source: DAC, for 1997 to 2002 from Anuário
Estatístico; and for 2003 and 2004 from Dados Comparativos
Avançados (2004 numbers are preliminary).
Historically, domestic airline industry revenue growth has
generally surpassed Brazilian gross domestic product growth.
From 1997 to 2003, domestic airline industry revenue grew at a
real compound annual growth rate of 6.2% (as adjusted by the
IPCA inflation index) while Brazilian gross domestic product, or
GDP, grew at a real compound annual growth rate of 1.5% over the
same period, according to data collected from the DAC and the
Central Bank.
Set forth in the table below is the number of passengers
traveling by air between Brazil and other specified South
American countries during 2003, as well as the GDP and
population of each listed country.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GDP | |
|
Population | |
Country |
|
Enplanements | |
|
Percentage of Total | |
|
(in billions) | |
|
(in millions) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Argentina
|
|
|
1,223,599 |
|
|
|
51.6% |
|
|
US$ |
129.7 |
|
|
|
37.9 |
|
Chile
|
|
|
384,230 |
|
|
|
16.2% |
|
|
|
72.1 |
|
|
|
16.0 |
|
Uruguay
|
|
|
251,359 |
|
|
|
10.6% |
|
|
|
11.2 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
Bolivia
|
|
|
149,950 |
|
|
|
6.3% |
|
|
|
8.6 |
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
Paraguay
|
|
|
144,252 |
|
|
|
6.1% |
|
|
|
5.8 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
Colombia
|
|
|
87,769 |
|
|
|
3.7% |
|
|
|
77.8 |
|
|
|
45.3 |
|
Peru
|
|
|
82,528 |
|
|
|
3.5% |
|
|
|
60.6 |
|
|
|
27.5 |
|
Venezuela
|
|
|
48,833 |
|
|
|
2.0% |
|
|
|
84.9 |
|
|
|
26.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
2,372,520 |
|
|
|
100% |
|
|
US$ |
450.7 |
|
|
|
171.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sources: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2004, Population
Reference Bureau: 2004 World Population Data Sheet and
Emplanements: DAC
5
Brazilian Economic Environment
The Labor Party government administration has largely continued
the macroeconomic policies of the previous administration,
focusing on fiscal responsibility. In 2003, investor confidence
rebounded as a result and the real appreciated by 18.2%
against the U.S. dollar to R$2.889 per US$1.00 at
December 31, 2003. Inflation in 2003, as measured by the
IGP-M, decreased to 8.7%. However, Brazils GDP increased
0.5% to US$506.8 billion during 2003, despite the very high
interest rates that prevailed at the beginning of 2003 to combat
inflationary pressures, which also acted to constrain economic
growth.
During 2004, Brazils GDP increased 5.2% to
US$559.6 billion and the country achieved a trade surplus
of US$33.7 billion, its highest trade surplus ever.
Inflation in 2004, as measured by the IGP-M, was 12.4%, and 7.6%
as measured by the IPCA. The Brazilian Central Banks
year-end inflation target for each of 2005 and 2006 is 4.5%,
based on the IPCA index, within a band of 2.5 and
2.0 percentage points, respectively. Interest rates
continued to be high, with the CDI rate averaging 17.8% in 2004.
In 2004, the real appreciated by 8.1% against the
U.S. dollar, reflecting continued investor confidence. On
April 27, 2005, the U.S. dollar/real exchange
rate was R$2.5195 per US$1.00.
Recent Developments
For the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, we
generated net operating revenues of R$589.2 million, as
compared to net revenues of R$433.1 million for the
corresponding period in 2004, an increase of 36.0%. During the
three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and March 31,
2004, we had available seat kilometers of 2,728 million and
2,144 million, respectively, revenue passenger kilometers
of 2,002 million and 1,544 million, respectively,
revenues per available seat kilometer of R$21.59 cents and
R$20.20 cents, respectively, and a load factor of 73.4% and
72.0%, respectively. The following table sets forth our net
operating revenues, available seat kilometers, revenues per
available seat kilometer and load factor for the
three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
Change | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net operating revenues (in millions)
|
|
R |
$589.2 |
|
|
R |
$433.1 |
|
|
|
36.0% |
|
Available seat kilometers (in
millions)(1)
|
|
|
2,728 |
|
|
|
2,144 |
|
|
|
27.3% |
|
Revenue passenger kilometers (in
millions)(1)
|
|
|
2,002 |
|
|
|
1,544 |
|
|
|
29.7% |
|
Revenues per available seat kilometer (in cents)
|
|
R |
$21.59 |
|
|
R |
$20.20 |
|
|
|
6.9% |
|
Load
factor(1)
|
|
|
73.4 |
% |
|
|
72.0 |
% |
|
|
+ 1.4 p.p. |
|
|
|
(1) |
Source: DACfinal data for 2004 and preliminary data for
2005. |
The Registrant was formed on March 12, 2004 as a
sociedade por ações, a stock corporation duly
incorporated under the laws of Brazil with unlimited duration.
The Registrants only material assets consist of common and
preferred shares of Gol, an offshore finance subsidiary and
cash. The Registrant owns all of Gols common and preferred
shares, except for five common shares and three Class B
preferred shares of Gol that are held by members of Gols
board of directors for eligibility purposes.
Our principal executive offices are located at Rua Tamoios 246,
Jardim Aeroporto, 04630-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil, and our
general telephone number is +55 11 5033-4200. The telephone
number of our investor relations department is +55 11 5033-4393.
The telephone number of our ticket sales center in Brazil is
0300 789-2121, 81 0266-3131 in Argentina, and +55 11
2125-3200 from other countries outside Brazil. Our website
address is www.voegol.com.br and our website is available in
Portuguese, Spanish and English. Investor information can be
found on our website under the caption Investor
Relations. Information contained on our website is not
incorporated by reference in, and shall not be considered a part
of, this prospectus.
6
THE GLOBAL OFFERING
|
|
|
Preferred shares offered in the global offering |
|
14,700,000 non-voting preferred shares, of which 5,520,811
preferred shares are being offered by us and 9,179,189 preferred
shares are being offered by BSSF Air Holdings LLC. |
|
The global offering |
|
The global offering consists of the international offering and
the Brazilian offering. |
|
International offering |
|
5,586,000 ADSs, representing 11,172,000 preferred shares, are
being offered through the international underwriters in the
United States and in other countries outside Brazil. |
|
Brazilian offering |
|
Concurrently with the international offering, 3,528,000
preferred shares are being offered in a public offering in
Brazil. |
|
Over-allotment option |
|
We have granted the underwriters the right for a period of
30 days to purchase up to an additional 2,205,000 preferred
shares to cover over-allotments, if any. |
|
The ADSs |
|
Each ADS will represent two preferred shares. The ADSs will be
evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs. The ADSs
will be issued under a deposit agreement among us, The Bank of
New York, as depositary, and the registered holders and
beneficial owners from time to time of ADSs issued thereunder. |
|
Selling shareholder |
|
BSSF Air Holdings LLC. |
|
Total shares outstanding after the offering |
|
193,064,054 shares, consisting of 109,448,497 common shares
and 83,615,557 preferred shares, not including preferred shares
reserved for issuance under stock options. We have outstanding
options to purchase up to 1,024,830 of our preferred shares. |
|
Depositary |
|
The Bank of New York. |
|
Voting rights |
|
Holders of the ADSs and our preferred shares have no voting
rights except in connection with certain matters. See
Description of Capital StockVoting Rights and
Description of American Depositary SharesVoting
Rights. |
|
Liquidation preference |
|
Upon liquidation, holders of preferred shares are entitled to
receive a return of capital prior to any distribution to the
holders of our common shares. |
|
Tag-along rights |
|
Unlike holders of preferred shares of companies incorporated
under the laws of the State of Delaware, which typically do not
have the benefit of tag-along rights, holders of our preferred
shares are entitled to be included in a public tender offer in
case our controlling shareholder sells its controlling stake in
us, and the minimum price to be offered for each preferred share
is 100% of the price paid per share of the controlling stake. |
|
Lock-up agreements |
|
We, our directors and executive officers, Comporte
Participações S.A., Aeropar Participações
S.A. and BSSF Air Holdings LLC have agreed with the
international underwriters that, subject to certain exceptions,
we and they will not issue or transfer, until 90 days after
the date of this prospectus, any ADSs or preferred shares or any
options or warrants to |
7
|
|
|
|
|
purchase ADSs or preferred shares, or any securities convertible
into, or exchangeable for, or that represent rights to receive,
ADSs or preferred shares. See Underwriters. |
|
Risk factors |
|
See Risk Factors beginning on page 13 and the
other information included in this prospectus for a discussion
of factors you should consider before deciding to invest in the
ADSs or our preferred shares. |
|
Use of proceeds |
|
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for the
purchase and lease of additional Boeing 737 Next Generation
aircraft. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of
preferred shares (including preferred shares in the form of
ADSs) by the selling shareholder. |
|
Dividends |
|
Brazilian corporation law requires us to distribute at least 25%
of our annual adjusted net income, as calculated under Brazilian
GAAP and adjusted under the Brazilian corporation law (which
differs significantly from net income as calculated under
U.S. GAAP). The holders of ADSs will be entitled to receive
dividends to the same extent as the owners of our preferred
shares, subject to the deduction of any charges of the
depositary with respect to foreign exchange conversion. Unlike
preferred shares of companies incorporated under the laws of the
State of Delaware, which are typically entitled to a fixed
dividend established pursuant to the companys articles of
incorporation, our preferred shares are not entitled to fixed
dividends but are instead entitled to receive dividends per
share in the same amount of the dividends per share paid to
holders of our common shares. See Dividends and Dividend
Payments. |
|
Listing |
|
The ADSs trade on the NYSE under the symbol GOL and
our preferred shares trade on the BOVESPA under the symbol
GOLL4. |
8
SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following table presents summary historical consolidated
financial and operating data for us for each of the periods
indicated. You should read this information in conjunction with
our consolidated financial statements and related notes, and the
information under Selected Financial and Operating
Data and Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
The Registrant is a holding company that was incorporated on
March 12, 2004, and the shares of Gol, an offshore finance
subsidiary, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments
are currently the Registrants only material assets.
Gol was incorporated in August 2000 but did not begin
transporting passengers until January 2001. During the period
between August 2000 and December 31, 2000, our activities
consisted solely of organizational activities relating to the
commencement of our operations, and we did not have any
significant income or expenses. The consolidated financial
statements and related notes included elsewhere in this
prospectus have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP
and reflect our financial condition and results of operations as
if the Registrant had been incorporated and held all of the
capital stock of Gol since January 1, 2001, except for five
common shares and three Class B preferred shares of Gol
held by members of Gols board of directors for eligibility
purposes. On June 29, 2004, the Registrant completed its
initial public offering through the issuance of 18,750,000
preferred shares. See Description of Capital Stock.
The as adjusted balance sheet data gives effect to the receipt
of approximately US$73.3 million in estimated net proceeds
from the issuance and sale by us of 5,520,811 preferred shares,
including 1,992,811 preferred shares in the form of ADSs, in the
global offering.
Solely for the convenience of the reader, real amounts as
of and for the year ended December 31, 2004 have been
translated into U.S. dollars at the commercial market rate
as reported by the Central Bank on December 31, 2004 of
R$2.6544 to US$1.00.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
Net operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Passenger
|
|
R$ |
223,384 |
|
|
R$ |
643,549 |
|
|
R$ |
1,339,191 |
|
|
R$ |
1,875,475 |
|
|
US$ |
706,553 |
|
|
Cargo and other
|
|
|
7,089 |
|
|
|
34,330 |
|
|
|
61,399 |
|
|
|
85,411 |
|
|
|
32,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net operating revenues
|
|
|
230,473 |
|
|
|
677,879 |
|
|
|
1,400,590 |
|
|
|
1,960,886 |
|
|
|
738,730 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries, wages and benefits
|
|
|
33,263 |
|
|
|
77,855 |
|
|
|
137,638 |
|
|
|
183,037 |
|
|
|
68,956 |
|
|
Aircraft fuel
|
|
|
45,769 |
|
|
|
160,537 |
|
|
|
308,244 |
|
|
|
459,192 |
|
|
|
172,993 |
|
|
Aircraft rent
|
|
|
58,816 |
|
|
|
130,755 |
|
|
|
188,841 |
|
|
|
195,504 |
|
|
|
73,653 |
|
|
Aircraft insurance
|
|
|
7,556 |
|
|
|
23,186 |
|
|
|
25,850 |
|
|
|
25,575 |
|
|
|
9,635 |
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
35,299 |
|
|
|
96,626 |
|
|
|
191,280 |
|
|
|
261,756 |
|
|
|
98,612 |
|
|
Landing fees
|
|
|
14,602 |
|
|
|
32,758 |
|
|
|
47,924 |
|
|
|
57,393 |
|
|
|
21,622 |
|
|
Aircraft and traffic servicing
|
|
|
18,563 |
|
|
|
47,381 |
|
|
|
58,710 |
|
|
|
74,825 |
|
|
|
28,189 |
|
|
Maintenance, materials and repairs
|
|
|
4,773 |
|
|
|
16,160 |
|
|
|
42,039 |
|
|
|
51,796 |
|
|
|
19,513 |
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
2,383 |
|
|
|
7,885 |
|
|
|
13,844 |
|
|
|
21,242 |
|
|
|
8,003 |
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
7,741 |
|
|
|
22,654 |
|
|
|
44,494 |
|
|
|
54,265 |
|
|
|
20,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
228,765 |
|
|
|
615,797 |
|
|
|
1,058,864 |
|
|
|
1,384,585 |
|
|
|
521,619 |
|
Operating income
|
|
|
1,708 |
|
|
|
62,082 |
|
|
|
341,726 |
|
|
|
576,301 |
|
|
|
217,111 |
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
Other expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(3,350 |
) |
|
|
(16,530 |
) |
|
|
(20,910 |
) |
|
|
(13,445 |
) |
|
|
(5,065 |
) |
|
Financial income (expense), net
|
|
|
(1,997 |
) |
|
|
7,447 |
|
|
|
(56,681 |
) |
|
|
24,424 |
|
|
|
9,201 |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
(3,639 |
) |
|
|
52,999 |
|
|
|
264,135 |
|
|
|
587,280 |
|
|
|
221,247 |
|
|
Income taxes current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,396 |
) |
|
|
(60,747 |
) |
|
|
(165,710 |
) |
|
|
(62,428 |
) |
|
Income taxes deferred
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,246 |
) |
|
|
(27,929 |
) |
|
|
(36,860 |
) |
|
|
(13,886 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
R$ |
(3,639 |
) |
|
R$ |
35,357 |
|
|
R$ |
175,459 |
|
|
R$ |
384,710 |
|
|
US$ |
144,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (loss) per share, basic
(1)
|
|
R$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
R$ |
0.36 |
|
|
R$ |
1.07 |
|
|
R$ |
2.14 |
|
|
US$ |
0.81 |
|
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.13 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
Weighted average shares used in computing earnings per share,
basic (in
thousands)(1)
|
|
|
56,000 |
|
|
|
98,268 |
|
|
|
164,410 |
|
|
|
179,731 |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares used in computing earnings per share,
diluted (in
thousands)(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180,557 |
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per ADS, basic
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ |
0.72 |
|
|
R$ |
2.14 |
|
|
R$ |
4.28 |
|
|
US$ |
1.62 |
|
Earnings per ADS, diluted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.26 |
|
|
|
1.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
Actual | |
|
As Adjusted | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
R$ |
405,730 |
|
|
US$ |
152,852 |
|
|
R$ |
600,372 |
|
|
US$ |
226,180 |
|
Short-term investments
|
|
|
443,361 |
|
|
|
167,029 |
|
|
|
443,361 |
|
|
|
167,029 |
|
Accounts
receivable(2)
|
|
|
386,370 |
|
|
|
145,558 |
|
|
|
386,370 |
|
|
|
145,558 |
|
Deposits for aircraft leases and aircraft and engine maintenance
contracts
|
|
|
289,416 |
|
|
|
109,032 |
|
|
|
289,416 |
|
|
|
109,032 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
1,734,284 |
|
|
|
653,361 |
|
|
|
1,928,926 |
|
|
|
726,689 |
|
Short term debt
|
|
|
118,349 |
|
|
|
44,586 |
|
|
|
118,349 |
|
|
|
44,586 |
|
Long term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
1,148,453 |
|
|
|
432,660 |
|
|
|
1,343,095 |
|
|
|
505,988 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands, except percentages) | |
Other Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
margin(3)
|
|
|
0.7 |
% |
|
|
9.2 |
% |
|
|
24.4 |
% |
|
|
29.4 |
% |
|
|
29.4 |
% |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
R$ |
(19,213 |
) |
|
R$ |
17,023 |
|
|
R$ |
85,235 |
|
|
R$ |
274,093 |
|
|
US$ |
103,261 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(29,666 |
) |
|
|
(34,479 |
) |
|
|
(39,263 |
) |
|
|
(533,042 |
) |
|
|
(200,815 |
) |
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
53,239 |
|
|
|
21,752 |
|
|
|
90,867 |
|
|
|
518,388 |
|
|
|
195,293 |
|
EBITDA(4)
|
|
|
4,091 |
|
|
|
69,967 |
|
|
|
355,570 |
|
|
|
597,543 |
|
|
|
225,114 |
|
Aircraft
rent(4)
|
|
|
58,816 |
|
|
|
130,755 |
|
|
|
188,841 |
|
|
|
195,504 |
|
|
|
73,653 |
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Operating Data (unaudited):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue passengers (in thousands)
|
|
|
2,085 |
|
|
|
4,847 |
|
|
|
7,324 |
|
|
|
9,215 |
|
Revenue passenger kilometers (in millions)
|
|
|
1,256 |
|
|
|
3,156 |
|
|
|
4,835 |
|
|
|
6,289 |
|
Available seat kilometers (in millions)
|
|
|
2,091 |
|
|
|
5,049 |
|
|
|
7,527 |
|
|
|
8,844 |
|
Load factor
|
|
|
60.1 |
% |
|
|
62.5 |
% |
|
|
64.2 |
% |
|
|
71.1 |
% |
Breakeven load factor
|
|
|
61.5 |
% |
|
|
59.8 |
% |
|
|
50.8 |
% |
|
|
52.5 |
% |
Aircraft utilization (block hours per day)
|
|
|
11.1 |
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
|
|
12.8 |
|
|
|
13.6 |
|
Average fare
|
|
R$ |
115 |
|
|
R$ |
140 |
|
|
R$ |
195 |
|
|
R$ |
210 |
|
Yield per passenger kilometer (cents)
|
|
|
17.8 |
|
|
|
20.4 |
|
|
|
27.7 |
|
|
|
29.8 |
|
Passenger revenue per available seat kilometer (cents)
|
|
|
10.7 |
|
|
|
12.7 |
|
|
|
17.8 |
|
|
|
21.2 |
|
Operating revenue per available seat kilometer (cents)
|
|
|
11.0 |
|
|
|
13.4 |
|
|
|
18.6 |
|
|
|
22.2 |
|
Operating expense per available seat kilometer (cents)
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
12.2 |
|
|
|
14.1 |
|
|
|
15.7 |
|
Operating expense less fuel expense per available seat kilometer
(cents)
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
9.9 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
|
Departures
|
|
|
24,727 |
|
|
|
52,665 |
|
|
|
75,439 |
|
|
|
87,708 |
|
Departures per day
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
240 |
|
Destinations served
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
Average stage length (kilometers)
|
|
|
613 |
|
|
|
628 |
|
|
|
659 |
|
|
|
689 |
|
Average number of operating aircraft during period
|
|
|
7.7 |
|
|
|
15.3 |
|
|
|
21.6 |
|
|
|
22.3 |
|
Full-time equivalent employees at period end
|
|
|
1,134 |
|
|
|
2,072 |
|
|
|
2,453 |
|
|
|
3,307 |
|
Fuel liters consumed (in thousands)
|
|
|
77,850 |
|
|
|
164,008 |
|
|
|
264,402 |
|
|
|
317,444 |
|
Percentage of sales through website during period
|
|
|
13.2 |
% |
|
|
48.7 |
% |
|
|
57.9 |
% |
|
|
76.4 |
% |
Percentage of sales through website and call center during period
|
|
|
81.6 |
% |
|
|
72.1 |
% |
|
|
74.1 |
% |
|
|
83.6 |
% |
|
|
(1) |
Our preferred shares are not entitled to any fixed dividend
preferences, but are instead entitled to receive dividends per
share in the same amount of dividends per share paid to holders
of our common shares. However, our preferred shares are entitled
to receive distributions prior to holders of the common shares.
Consequently, our earnings (loss) per share are computed by
dividing income by the weighted average number of all classes of
shares outstanding during the year. Preferred shares are
excluded during any loss period. We have no dilutive securities. |
|
(2) |
In managing our liquidity, we take into account our cash and
cash equivalents and our accounts receivable balances. Accounts
receivable consist primarily of credit card receivables for
purchased passenger tickets. As we provide our customers with
the option to pay in installments over a period not exceeding
12 months, we currently have an approximate one-month lag
between the time that we pay our suppliers and the time that we
receive payment for our services. |
|
(3) |
Operating margin represents operating income divided by net
operating revenues. |
|
(4) |
EBITDA represents net income (loss) plus the sum of other income
(expense), income taxes and depreciation. EBITDA is presented as
supplemental information because we believe it is a useful
indicator of our operating performance and is useful in
comparing our operating performance with other companies in the
airline industry. However, EBITDA should not be considered in
isolation, as a substitute for net income prepared in accordance
with U.S. GAAP or as a measure of a companys
profitability. In addition, our calculation of EBITDA may not be
comparable to other similarly titled measures of other
companies. The following table presents a reconciliation of our
net income to EBITDA for the specified periods. |
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
EBITDA
Reconciliation:(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
R$ |
(3,639 |
) |
|
R$ |
35,357 |
|
|
R$ |
175,459 |
|
|
R$ |
384,710 |
|
|
US$ |
144,933 |
|
Plus (minus)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,642 |
|
|
|
88,676 |
|
|
|
202,570 |
|
|
|
76,314 |
|
Net interest and financial expense
|
|
|
5,347 |
|
|
|
9,083 |
|
|
|
77,591 |
|
|
|
(10,979 |
) |
|
|
(4,136 |
) |
Depreciation
|
|
|
2,383 |
|
|
|
7,885 |
|
|
|
13,844 |
|
|
|
21,242 |
|
|
|
8,003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
R$ |
4,091 |
|
|
R$ |
69,967 |
|
|
R$ |
355,570 |
|
|
R$ |
597,543 |
|
|
US$ |
225,114 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Aircraft rent represents a significant operating expense of our
business. Because we leased all of our aircraft during the
periods presented, we believe that when assessing our EBITDA you
should also consider the impact of our aircraft rent expense,
which was R$58,816 in 2001, R$130,755 in 2002, R$188,841 in
2003, and R$195,504 in 2004. |
12
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the ADSs or our preferred shares involves a
high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks
described below before making an investment decision. Our
business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected by any of these risks. The
trading price of the ADSs could decline due to any of these
risks or other factors, and you may lose all or part of your
investment. The risks described below are those that we
currently believe may materially affect us.
Risks Relating to Brazil
|
|
|
The Brazilian government has exercised, and continues to
exercise, significant influence over the Brazilian economy. This
involvement, as well as Brazilian political and economic
conditions, could adversely affect our business and the trading
price of our ADSs and our preferred shares. |
The Brazilian government frequently intervenes in the Brazilian
economy and occasionally makes significant changes in policy and
regulations. The Brazilian governments actions to control
inflation and other policies and regulations have often
involved, among other measures, increases in interest rates,
changes in tax policies, price controls, currency devaluations,
capital controls and limits on imports. Our business, financial
condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by
changes in policy or regulations at the federal, state or
municipal levels involving or affecting factors such as:
|
|
|
|
|
interest rates; |
|
|
|
exchange controls; |
|
|
|
currency fluctuations; |
|
|
|
inflation; |
|
|
|
liquidity of domestic capital and lending markets; |
|
|
|
tax policies; and |
|
|
|
other political, social and economic developments in or
affecting Brazil. |
Uncertainty over whether the Brazilian government will implement
changes in policy or regulation affecting these or other factors
in the future may contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil
and to heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities markets
and securities issued abroad that are supported by Brazilian
issuers. These and other future developments in the Brazilian
economy and governmental policies may adversely affect us and
our business and results of operations and may adversely affect
the trading price of our ADSs and our preferred shares.
|
|
|
Exchange rate instability may adversely affect our
financial condition and results of operations and the market
price of the ADSs and our preferred shares. |
As a result of inflationary pressures, among other factors, the
Brazilian currency has devalued periodically during the last
four decades. Throughout this period, the Brazilian government
has implemented various economic plans and utilized a number of
exchange rate policies, including sudden devaluations, periodic
mini-devaluations during which the frequency of adjustments has
ranged from daily to monthly, floating exchange rate systems,
exchange controls and dual exchange rate markets. Although over
long periods depreciation of the Brazilian currency generally
has correlated with the rate of inflation in Brazil, devaluation
over shorter periods has resulted in significant fluctuations in
the exchange rate between the Brazilian currency and the
U.S. dollar and other currencies.
The real depreciated against the U.S. dollar by 9.3%
in 2000 and by 18.7% in 2001. In 2002, the real
depreciated 52.3% against the U.S. dollar, due in part
to political uncertainty surrounding the Brazilian presidential
elections and the global economic slowdown. Although the real
appreciated 18.2% and 8.1% against the U.S. dollar in
2003 and 2004, respectively, no assurance can be given that the
real will not
13
depreciate or be devalued against the U.S. dollar again. On
April 27, 2005, the U.S. dollar/real exchange
rate was R$2.5195 per US$1.00. See Exchange
Rates.
Substantially all of our passenger revenue and cargo revenue and
temporary investments are denominated in reais, and a
significant part of our operating expenses, such as fuel,
aircraft and engine maintenance services, aircraft rent payments
and aircraft insurance, are denominated in, or linked to,
U.S. dollars. We maintain U.S. dollar-denominated
deposits and maintenance reserve accounts under the terms of our
aircraft operating leases. For the year ended December 31,
2004, 49% of our operating expenses were either denominated in
or linked to the U.S. dollar. In addition, the purchase
price of the 30 737-800 Boeing Next Generation aircraft for
which we have placed firm orders and the 33 737-800 Boeing Next
Generation aircraft for which we have purchase options are
denominated in U.S. dollars. While in the past we have
generally adjusted our fares in response to, and to alleviate
the effect of, depreciations of the real and increases in
the price of jet fuel and have entered into hedging arrangements
to protect us against the effects of depreciations of the
real and increases in the price of jet fuel, there can be
no assurance we will be able to continue to do so. Any
depreciation of the real or increases in the price of jet
fuel for which we are unable to adjust our fares or effectively
hedge against may lead to a decrease in our profit margins or to
operating losses caused by increases in
U.S. dollar-denominated costs, increases in interest
expense or exchange losses on unhedged fixed obligations and
indebtedness denominated in foreign currency. We had total
U.S. dollar-denominated future operating lease payment
obligations of US$286.1 million (including long-term vendor
payables) and no other U.S. dollar-denominated indebtedness
at December 31, 2004. Our U.S. dollar-denominated
deposits and maintenance reserve accounts totaled
R$289.4 million at December 31, 2004. We may incur
substantial amounts of U.S. dollar-denominated operating
lease or financial obligations, fuel costs linked to the
U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated indebtedness
in the future. We currently have a hedging program in place for
our U.S. dollar-denominated operating lease obligations,
our U.S. dollar-linked jet fuel expenses and our interest
rate exposure.
Historically, depreciations of the real relative to the
U.S. dollar have also created additional inflationary
pressures in Brazil, and future depreciations could negatively
affect us. Depreciations generally curtail access to foreign
financial markets and may prompt government intervention,
including recessionary governmental policies. Depreciations also
reduce the U.S. dollar value of distributions and dividends
on the ADSs and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the market
price of our preferred shares and, as a result, the ADSs.
|
|
|
Inflation and government efforts to combat inflation may
contribute significantly to economic uncertainty in Brazil and
could harm our business and the market value of the ADSs and our
preferred shares. |
Brazil has in the past experienced extremely high rates of
inflation. More recently, Brazils annual rate of inflation
was 10.0% in 2000, 10.4% in 2001, 25.3% in 2002, 8.7% in 2003
and 12.4% in 2004 (as measured by Índice Geral de
PreçosMercado, or the IGP-M). Inflation, and
certain government actions taken to combat inflation, have in
the past had significant negative effects on the Brazilian
economy. Actions taken to curb inflation, coupled with public
speculation about possible future governmental actions, have
contributed to economic uncertainty in Brazil and heightened
volatility in the Brazilian securities market. Future Brazilian
government actions, including interest rate decreases,
intervention in the foreign exchange market and actions to
adjust or fix the value of the real may trigger increases
in inflation. If Brazil experiences high inflation in the
future, we may not be able to adjust the fares we charge our
customers to offset the effects of inflation on our cost
structure. Inflationary pressures may also hinder our ability to
access foreign financial markets or lead to government policies
to combat inflation that could harm our business or adversely
affect the market value of our preferred shares and, as a
result, the ADSs.
|
|
|
Developments and the perception of risk in other
countries, especially emerging market countries, may adversely
affect the market price of Brazilian securities, including the
ADSs and our preferred shares. |
The market value of securities of Brazilian companies is
affected to varying degrees by economic and market conditions in
other countries, including other Latin American and emerging
market countries. Although economic conditions in such countries
may differ significantly from economic conditions in Brazil,
investors reactions to developments in these other
countries may have an adverse effect on the market value of
14
securities of Brazilian issuers. Crises in other emerging market
countries may diminish investor interest in securities of
Brazilian issuers, including ours. This could adversely affect
the trading price of the ADSs or our preferred shares, and could
also make it more difficult for us to access the capital markets
and finance our operations in the future on acceptable terms or
at all.
Risks Relating to Us and the Brazilian Airline Industry
|
|
|
Changes to the Brazilian civil aviation regulatory
framework may adversely affect our business and results of
operations. |
The DAC is in charge of approving all new flight routes, as well
as modifications to existing flight routes and increases in
flight frequencies. In addition, the importation of any new
aircraft is subject to approval by the Commission for
Coordination of Civil Air Transportation (Comissão de
Coordenação de Transporte Aéreo Civil, or
COTAC), a sub-department of the DAC. In recent years, the DAC
has actively monitored developments in Brazils airline
market and has taken certain restrictive measures that have
helped to restore greater stability to the industry. For
example, the DAC has addressed overcapacity by establishing
stricter criteria that must be met before new routes or
additional flight frequencies are awarded. Our growth plans
contemplate expanding into new markets, increasing flight
frequencies and operating considerably more than our existing 29
aircraft. As of December 31, 2004, we had authorizations to
operate 31 aircraft. As such, our ability to grow generally
depends on receiving the required authorizations from the DAC
and the COTAC. We cannot assure you that future authorizations
will be granted to us. If the Brazilian civil aviation framework
changes in the future, or the DAC or COTAC implements increased
restrictions, our growth plans and our business and results of
operations could be adversely affected.
Several legislative initiatives have been taken, including the
preparation of a draft bill of law that would replace Law
No. 7,565 of December 19, 1986, the current Brazilian
Aeronautical Code (Código Brasileiro de
Aeronáutica), the submission of proposed new civil
aviation public policy guidelines to the Ministry of Defense for
approval and a bill of law providing for the creation of a
national civil aviation agency that would replace the DAC as the
primary regulator of the Brazilian airline industry. No
assurance can be given that these or other changes in the
Brazilian airline industry regulations will not have a material
adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
|
|
|
We operate in a highly competitive industry. |
We face intense competition on our domestic routes in Brazil.
The Brazilian aviation authorities have the flexibility to allow
or deny new entrants in our market. We may face increased
competition from new entrants in the Brazilian airline business
in the future. In 2003, the Civil Aviation National Council
(Conselho de Aviação Civil, or CONAC) issued
guidelines regarding the need to increase barriers to the entry
of new concessionaires and to limit the acquisition of new
aircraft and the granting of new routes to existing
concessionaires in order to protect the financial performance of
the Brazilian airline industry as a whole. We cannot predict
what impact the implementation of these restrictions might have
on our competitive environment or our business.
Our existing competitors or new entrants into the market may
undercut our fares in the future, increase capacity on their
routes in an effort to increase their market share or attempt to
conduct low-fare or low-cost airline operations of their own. In
such an event, we cannot assure you that our level of fares or
passenger traffic would not be adversely affected. We may also
face competition from international airlines as we introduce
flights between Brazil and other South American destinations.
One of our competitors, Varig, has significant levels of
indebtedness, and its financial condition and prospects are
uncertain. In the past, the Brazilian government, Varigs
biggest creditor, has allowed certain airline companies to
restructure their government-related debt. If the Brazilian
government provides support to Varig, Varig may be better able
to compete with us.
15
In addition to competition among airline companies, the
Brazilian airline industry faces competition from ground
transportation alternatives, such as interstate buses. Such
competition may have an adverse impact on our business and
results of operations.
|
|
|
Because we have a limited operating history, it is
difficult to evaluate an investment in the ADSs and our
preferred shares. |
Because we have a limited operating history, having commenced
operations in January 2001, it may be difficult to evaluate our
future prospects and an investment in the ADSs and our preferred
shares. Our prospects are uncertain and must be considered in
light of the risks, uncertainties and difficulties frequently
encountered by companies with a limited operating history. Our
future performance will depend upon a number of factors,
including our ability to:
|
|
|
|
|
implement our growth strategy; |
|
|
|
continue to provide high quality, reliable customer service at
low fares; |
|
|
|
choose new markets successfully; |
|
|
|
stimulate customer demand for our services; |
|
|
|
hedge against fuel price, foreign exchange and interest rate
fluctuations; |
|
|
|
maintain control of our expenses; |
|
|
|
attract, train, retain and motivate qualified personnel; |
|
|
|
react to customer and market demands and industry
trends; and |
|
|
|
maintain the safety of our operations. |
We cannot assure you that we will successfully address any of
these factors, and our failure to do so could adversely affect
our financial condition and results of operations.
|
|
|
Our failure to successfully implement our growth strategy
would harm the market value of the ADSs and our preferred
shares. |
Our growth strategy involves expanding the number of markets we
serve and increasing the frequency of flights to the markets we
currently serve. Increasing the number of markets we serve and
our flight frequencies depend on our ability to identify the
appropriate geographic markets upon which to focus and to gain
suitable airport access and route approval in these markets.
There can be no assurance that the new markets we enter will
provide passenger traffic that is sufficient to make our
operations in those new markets profitable. Three of the airport
facilities from which we operate, Santos Dumont in Rio de
Janeiro, Congonhas in São Paulo, and Pampulha in Belo
Horizonte, are highly congested and passenger processing is at
or near maximum capacity. Five of the airports from which we
operate, Juscelino Kubitschek in Brasília, Santos Dumont,
Congonhas, Guarulhos International Airport in Guarulhos and
Pampulha, are subject to slot restrictions limiting the number
of landings and take-offs at these airports and when they can be
made. Any condition that would prevent or delay our access to
airports or routes that will be vital to our growth strategy,
including the ability to process more passengers or the
imposition of flight capacity restrictions or our inability to
maintain our existing slots, and obtain additional slots, in the
Juscelino Kubitschek, Santos Dumont, Congonhas, Guarulhos and
Pampulha airports, could constrain the expansion of our
operations. In addition, the introduction of flights between
Brazil and other South American destinations outside of Brazil
requires the availability of flight capacity under, and
compliance with, the criteria set forth in bi-lateral treaties
governing cross-border air travel that have been negotiated
between Brazil and other South American countries. To the extent
that there is no available capacity or we cannot comply with the
criteria contained in these treaties, our plans to introduce
additional flights between Brazil and other South American
destinations outside of Brazil could be constrained.
16
The expansion of our business will also require additional
skilled personnel, equipment and facilities. An inability to
hire and retain skilled personnel or secure the required
equipment and facilities efficiently and cost-effectively may
adversely affect our ability to execute our growth strategy.
Expansion of our markets and flight frequencies may also strain
our existing management resources and operational, financial and
management information systems to the point that they may no
longer be adequate to support our operations, requiring us to
make significant expenditures in these areas. In light of these
factors, we cannot assure you that we will be able to
successfully establish new markets or expand our existing
markets and operations, and our failure to do so would harm our
business and the value of the ADSs and our preferred shares.
|
|
|
We have significant fixed costs, and we will incur
significantly more fixed costs that could hinder our ability to
meet our strategic goals. |
We have significant fixed costs, relating primarily to operating
leases for our aircraft and engines, of which approximately 16%
have floating-rate rent payments based on LIBOR or
U.S. interest rates. We have commitments of approximately
US$2.0 billion to purchase 30 additional Boeing
737-800 Next Generation aircraft over the next five years.
We expect that we will incur additional fixed obligations and
debt as we take delivery of the new aircraft and other equipment
to implement our growth strategy.
Having significant fixed payment obligations could:
|
|
|
|
|
limit our ability to obtain additional financing to support
expansion plans and for working capital and other purposes; |
|
|
|
divert substantial cash flow from our operations to service our
fixed obligations under aircraft operating leases and aircraft
purchase commitments; |
|
|
|
if LIBOR or U.S. interest rates increase, require us to
incur significantly more lease or interest expense than we
currently do; and |
|
|
|
limit our ability to plan for or react to changes in our
business and the airline industry and to general economic
conditions. |
Our ability to make scheduled payments on our fixed obligations,
including indebtedness we will incur, will depend on our future
operating performance and cash flow, which will in turn depend
on prevailing economic and political conditions and financial,
competitive, regulatory, business and other factors, many of
which are beyond our control. In addition, our ability to raise
our fares to compensate for an increase in our fixed costs may
be adversely affected by any imposition of fare control
mechanisms by the Brazilian civil aviation authorities.
|
|
|
We may have to use our cash resources to finance a portion
of our firm order aircraft. We may not have sufficient cash
resources available to do so. |
We currently finance our aircraft through operating leases. As a
result of our firm orders to purchase 30 Boeing 737-800
Next Generation aircraft, in the future we expect to own a
portion of our fleet as well as continue to lease aircraft
through long-term operating leases. The firm orders represent a
significant financial commitment for us. While we expect that a
preliminary commitment to us from the Export-Import Bank of the
United States to provide guarantees covering approximately 85%
of the aggregate purchase price for the firm order aircraft will
assist us in obtaining low-cost financing for the purchase of
the firm order aircraft, we may be required to use our own cash
resources for the remaining 15% of the aggregate purchase price
for the firm order aircraft. As of December 31, 2004, we
had approximately R$849 million of cash, cash equivalents
and short-term investments in overnight deposits and deposit
certificates of highly-rated Brazilian banks and marketable
securities, mainly highly-rated Brazilian government bonds. See
Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus. If the value or liquidity of these
investments were to decrease, or we do not have sufficient cash
resources, we may be required to modify our aircraft acquisition
plans or to incur higher than anticipated financing costs, which
would have an adverse impact on the execution of our growth
strategy and business and could have an adverse impact on our
results of operations.
17
|
|
|
Substantial increases in fuel costs or the unavailability
of sufficient quantities of fuel would harm our business. |
Fuel costs constitute a significant portion of our total
operating expenses, accounting for approximately 33.2% of our
operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Historically, international and local fuel prices have been
subject to wide price fluctuations based on geopolitical issues
and supply and demand. In recent years, there have been
significant increases in fuel prices. Fuel availability is also
subject to periods of market surplus and shortage and is
affected by demand for both home heating oil and gasoline. In
the event of an international or local fuel supply shortage, our
fuel prices may increase.
In addition, substantially all of our fuel is supplied by one
source, Petrobras Distribuidora S.A. If Petrobras Distribuidora
is unable or unwilling to continue to supply fuel to us at the
times and in the quantities that we require, or if Petrobras
Distribuidora were to raise significantly the price it charges
us for its fuel, our business and results of operations would be
adversely affected. Some of our competitors may be able to
obtain fuel on better terms than us, both with respect to
quantity and price. Although we enter into hedging arrangements
to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations and have
historically passed on the majority of fuel price increases by
adjusting our fare structure, the price and future availability
of fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty. Our
hedging activities or the extent of our ability to adjust our
fares may not be sufficient to protect us from fuel price
increases.
|
|
|
Insurance costs for airlines have increased substantially,
and further increases would harm our business. |
Due to the threat of terrorist attacks, insurance companies have
in recent years dramatically increased airline insurance
premiums and significantly reduced the maximum amount of
insurance coverage available to airlines for liability to
persons (other than passengers) for claims resulting from acts
of terrorism, war or similar events to US$150 million per
aircraft.
Law No. 10,309 of November 22, 2001 authorized the
Brazilian government to assume civil liability to third parties
for any damages to persons and assets on the ground caused by
terrorist attacks or acts of war against aircraft of Brazilian
airlines in Brazil or abroad. This law was enacted in response
to the substantial increases in insurance premiums attributable
to concerns about potential terrorist attacks on aircraft
operated by Brazilian airlines in Brazil and abroad after the
September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. Law
No. 10,744 of October 9, 2003 confirmed coverage by
the Brazilian government up to an overall limit of the reais
equivalent of US$1 billion for an indeterminate period
of time. However, Decree No. 5,035 of April 5, 2004,
which regulates the provisions of Law No. 10,744, provides
that the Brazilian government may, at its sole discretion,
suspend this coverage at any time, effective within seven days
after the announcement by the Brazilian government of its
decision to do so.
Airline insurers could reduce their coverage or increase their
premiums even further in the event of additional terrorist
attacks, hijackings, airline crashes, the end of the
government-sponsored coverage or other events adversely
affecting the airline industry abroad or in Brazil. Significant
reductions in coverage or increases in insurance premiums would
harm our financial condition and results of operations.
|
|
|
We have only a limited number of suppliers for our
aircraft and engines. |
One of the key elements of our current business strategy is to
save costs by operating a simplified aircraft fleet equipped
with one type of engine. After extensive research and analysis,
we chose the Boeing 737-700/800 Next Generation aircraft and
CFM 56-7B engines from CFM International. In light of our
firm orders to purchase 30 Boeing 737-800 Next Generation
aircraft and options to purchase an additional 33 Boeing
737-800 Next Generation aircraft, we expect to continue to rely
on Boeing and CFM International into the foreseeable future. If
either Boeing or CFM International were unable to perform their
contractual obligations, we would have to find another supplier
for a similar type of aircraft or engines.
If we had to lease or purchase aircraft from another supplier,
we could lose the benefits we derive from our current fleet
composition. We cannot assure you that any replacement aircraft
would have the same operating advantages as the Boeing
737-700/800 Next Generation aircraft or that we could lease or
purchase
18
engines that would be as reliable and efficient as the
CFM 56-7B. We may also incur substantial transition costs,
including costs associated with retraining our employees,
replacing our manuals and adapting our facilities, to the extent
that such costs would not be covered by the alternate supplier.
Our operations could also be disrupted by the failure or
inability of Boeing or CFM International to provide sufficient
parts or related support services on a timely basis.
Our business would also be significantly harmed if a design
defect or mechanical problem with the Boeing 737-700/800 Next
Generation aircraft or the CFM 56-7B engine used on our
aircraft were discovered causing our aircraft to be grounded
while any such defect or problem is being corrected, assuming it
could be corrected at all. The use of our aircraft could be
suspended or restricted by the DAC in the event of any actual or
perceived mechanical or design problems while the DAC conducts
its own investigation. Our business would also be significantly
harmed if the public avoids flying on our aircraft due to an
adverse perception of the Boeing 737-700/800 Next Generation
aircraft or the CFM 56-7B engine because of safety concerns
or other problems, whether real or perceived, or in the event of
an accident involving Boeing 737-700/800 Next Generation
aircraft or the CFM 56-7B engine.
|
|
|
We may be unable to maintain our company culture as our
business grows. |
We believe that our growth potential and the maintenance of our
results-oriented corporate culture are directly linked to our
capacity to attract and maintain the best professionals
available in the Brazilian airline industry. We are dedicated to
providing professional, high-quality service in a positive work
environment and being innovative at finding ways to improve our
business. We place great emphasis on the selection and training
of enthusiastic employees with potential to add value to our
business and who we believe fit in with and contribute to our
company culture. As we grow, we may be unable to identify, hire
or retain enough people who meet the above criteria, or we may
have trouble maintaining this company culture as we become a
larger business. Our company culture is crucial to our business
plan, and failure to maintain that culture could adversely
affect our business and results of operations.
Our business also depends upon the efforts of our chief
executive officer, who has played an important role in shaping
our company culture and, through his interest in Aeropar
Participações S.A., owns a significant number of our
shares, as well as other key executives. In the event that our
chief executive officer or a number of our key executives leave
our company, we may have difficulty finding suitable
replacements, which could harm our business and results of
operations.
|
|
|
We rely on third parties to provide our customers and us
with facilities and services that are integral to our
business. |
We have entered into agreements with third-party contractors to
provide certain facilities and services required for our
operations, such as aircraft and engine maintenance, ground
handling, baggage handling and call center services. All of
these agreements are subject to termination on short notice. The
loss or expiration of these agreements or our inability to renew
these agreements or to negotiate new agreements with other
providers at comparable rates could harm our business and
results of operations. Further, our reliance on third parties to
provide essential services on our behalf gives us less control
over the costs, efficiency, timeliness and quality of those
services.
|
|
|
We rely heavily on automated systems to operate our
business, and any failure of these systems could harm our
business. |
We depend on automated systems to operate our business,
including our computerized airline ticket sales system, our
telecommunication systems and our website. Unlike our
competitors, which issue traditional paper tickets to some or
all of their passengers, we issue only paperless tickets. Our
website and ticket sales system must be able to accommodate a
high volume of traffic and deliver important flight information.
Substantial or repeated website, ticket sales system or
telecommunication systems failures could reduce the
attractiveness of our services and could cause our customers to
purchase tickets from another airline. Any disruption in these
systems could result in the loss of important data, increase our
expenses and generally harm our business.
19
|
|
|
We rely on maintaining a high daily aircraft utilization
rate to increase our revenues. High aircraft utilization also
makes us vulnerable to delays. |
One of the key elements of our business strategy is to maintain
a high daily aircraft utilization rate. High daily aircraft
utilization allows us to generate more revenue from our aircraft
and dilute our fixed costs, and is achieved in part by operating
with quick turnaround times at airports so we can fly more hours
on average in a day. Our rate of aircraft utilization could be
adversely affected by a number of different factors that are
beyond our control, including, among others, air traffic and
airport congestion, adverse weather conditions and delays by
third-party service providers relating to matters such as
fueling and ground handling.
High aircraft utilization increases the risk that if an aircraft
falls behind schedule during the day, it could remain behind
schedule during the remainder of that day and potentially into
the next day, which can result in disruption in operating
performance, leading to passenger dissatisfaction related to
delayed or cancelled flights and missed connections.
|
|
|
Our reputation and financial results could be harmed in
the event of an accident or incident involving our aircraft or
our aircraft type. |
An accident or incident involving one of our aircraft could
involve significant claims by injured passengers and others, as
well as significant costs related to the repair or replacement
of a damaged aircraft and its temporary or permanent loss from
service. We are required by the DAC and lessors of our aircraft
under our operating lease agreements to carry liability
insurance. Although we believe we currently maintain liability
insurance in amounts and of the type generally consistent with
industry practice, the amount of such coverage may not be
adequate and we may be forced to bear substantial losses in the
event of an accident. Substantial claims resulting from an
accident in excess of our related insurance coverage would harm
our business and financial results. Moreover, any aircraft
accident or incident involving our aircraft, even if fully
insured, or an accident or incident involving Boeing 737 Next
Generation aircraft, could cause a public perception that we are
less safe or reliable than other airlines, which would harm our
business and results of operations.
|
|
|
Our controlling shareholder has the ability to direct our
business and affairs and its interests could conflict with
yours. |
Our controlling shareholder has the power to, among other things
(i) elect a majority of our directors and
(ii) determine the outcome of any action requiring
shareholder approval, including transactions with related
parties, corporate reorganizations, dispositions, and the timing
and payment of any future dividends, subject to minimum dividend
payment requirements imposed under the Brazilian corporation
law. Although you are entitled to tag-along rights in connection
with a change of control of our company and you will have
specific protections in connection with transactions between our
controlling shareholder and related parties, our controlling
shareholder may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions,
dispositions, financings or similar transactions that could
conflict with your interests as a holder of the ADSs or our
preferred shares.
|
|
|
We have historically faced significant fluctuations in our
results of operations, and the trading price of the ADSs and our
preferred shares may be affected by such variations. |
Our results of operations have at times varied significantly
from quarter to quarter, and we expect variations to continue in
the future. Among the factors causing these variations are the
seasonal nature of air travel and the airline industrys
sensitivity to general economic conditions. Generally, the
revenues from and profitability of our flights reach their
highest levels during the January and July summer and winter
vacation periods and in the final two weeks of December during
the Christmas holiday season. The week during which the annual
Carnival celebrations take place in Brazil is generally
accompanied by a notable decrease in load factors. In addition,
because a substantial portion of both business and leisure
airline travel is discretionary, the industry tends to
experience adverse financial results during general economic
downturns. Any prolonged general reduction in airline passenger
traffic may adversely affect our business and results of
operations.
20
Risks Relating to the ADSs and Our Preferred Shares
|
|
|
The relative volatility and illiquidity of the Brazilian
securities markets may substantially limit your ability to sell
the preferred shares underlying the ADSs at the price and time
you desire. |
Investing in securities that trade in emerging markets, such as
Brazil, often involves greater risk than investing in securities
of issuers in the United States, and such investments are
generally considered to be more speculative in nature. The
Brazilian securities market is substantially smaller, less
liquid, more concentrated and can be more volatile than major
securities markets in the United States. Accordingly, although
you are entitled to withdraw the preferred shares underlying the
ADSs from the depositary at any time, your ability to sell the
preferred shares underlying the ADSs at a price and time at
which you wish to do so may be substantially limited. There is
also significantly greater concentration in the Brazilian
securities market than in major securities markets in the United
States. The ten largest companies in terms of market
capitalization represented approximately 48% of the aggregate
market capitalization of the BOVESPA as of December 31,
2004. The top ten stocks in terms of trading volume accounted
for approximately 56%, 53% and 45% of all shares traded on the
BOVESPA in 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively.
|
|
|
Holders of the ADSs and our preferred shares may not
receive any dividends. |
According to our by-laws, we must generally pay our shareholders
at least 25% of our annual net income as dividends, as
determined and adjusted under Brazilian GAAP. This adjusted
income may be capitalized, used to absorb losses or otherwise
appropriated as allowed under the Brazilian corporation law and
may not be available to be paid as dividends. We may not pay
dividends to our shareholders in any particular fiscal year if
our board of directors determines that such distributions would
be inadvisable in view of our financial condition.
|
|
|
If you surrender your ADSs and withdraw preferred shares,
you risk losing the ability to remit foreign currency abroad and
certain Brazilian tax advantages. |
As an ADS holder, you benefit from the electronic certificate of
foreign capital registration obtained by the custodian for our
preferred shares underlying the ADSs in Brazil, which permits
the custodian to convert dividends and other distributions with
respect to the preferred shares into non-Brazilian currency and
remit the proceeds abroad. If you surrender your ADSs and
withdraw preferred shares, you will be entitled to continue to
rely on the custodians electronic certificate of foreign
capital registration for only five business days from the date
of withdrawal. Thereafter, upon the disposition of or
distributions relating to the preferred shares, you will not be
able to remit abroad non-Brazilian currency unless you obtain
your own electronic certificate of foreign capital registration
or you qualify under Brazilian foreign investment regulations
that entitle some foreign investors to buy and sell shares on
Brazilian stock exchanges without obtaining separate electronic
certificates of foreign capital registration. If you do not
qualify under the foreign investment regulations you will
generally be subject to less favorable tax treatment of
dividends and distributions on, and the proceeds from any sale
of, our preferred shares.
If you attempt to obtain your own electronic certificate of
foreign capital registration, you may incur expenses or suffer
delays in the application process, which could delay your
ability to receive dividends or distributions relating to our
preferred shares or the return of your capital in a timely
manner. The depositarys electronic certificate of foreign
capital registration may also be adversely affected by future
legislative changes.
|
|
|
Changes in Brazilian tax laws may have an adverse impact
on the taxes applicable to a disposition of the ADSs or our
preferred shares. |
According to Law No. 10,833, enacted on December 29,
2003, the disposition of assets located in Brazil by a
non-resident to either a Brazilian resident or a non-resident is
subject to taxation in Brazil, regardless of whether the
disposition occurs outside or within Brazil. In the event that
the disposition of assets is interpreted to include a
disposition of the ADSs or our preferred shares, this tax law
could result in the imposition of withholding taxes on a
disposition of the ADSs or our preferred shares by a
non-resident of Brazil to another non-resident of Brazil. Due to
the fact that no judicial guidance as to the application of Law
No. 10,833 yet
21
exists, we are unable to predict whether an interpretation
applying such tax laws to dispositions of the ADSs or our
preferred shares between non-residents could ultimately prevail
in the courts of Brazil.
|
|
|
Substantial sales of the ADSs or our preferred shares
after this offering could cause the price of the ADSs or our
preferred shares to decrease. |
We, our directors and executive officers, Aeropar
Participações S.A., Comporte Participações
S.A. and BSSF Air Holdings LLC have agreed that, subject to
certain exceptions, we and they will not issue or transfer,
until 90 days after the date of this prospectus any ADSs or
our preferred shares or any options or warrants to purchase the
ADSs or our preferred shares, or any securities convertible
into, or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to
receive, ADSs or our preferred shares. After these lock-up
agreements expire or if they are waived, their ADSs and
preferred shares will be eligible for sale in the public market.
The market price of the ADSs and our preferred shares could drop
significantly if the holders of the ADSs or our preferred shares
sell them or the market perceives that they intend to sell them.
|
|
|
Holders of ADSs may be unable to exercise preemptive
rights with respect to our preferred shares. |
We may not be able to offer our preferred shares to
U.S. holders of ADSs pursuant to preemptive rights granted
to holders of our preferred shares in connection with any future
issuance of our preferred shares unless a registration statement
under the Securities Act is effective with respect to such
preferred shares and preemptive rights, or an exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. We
are not obligated to file a registration statement relating to
preemptive rights with respect to our preferred shares, and we
cannot assure you that we will file any such registration
statement. If such a registration statement is not filed and an
exemption from registration does not exist, The Bank of New
York, as depositary, will attempt to sell the preemptive rights,
and you will be entitled to receive the proceeds of such sale.
However, these preemptive rights will expire if the depositary
does not sell them, and U.S. holders of ADSs will not
realize any value from the granting of such preemptive rights.
22
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will receive net proceeds of approximately
US$73.3 million from the sale of our preferred shares and
the ADSs in this global offering (based on the ADS price of
US$27.88), and net proceeds of approximately
US$102.8 million if the underwriters exercise their
over-allotment option in full, in each case after deducting
estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering
expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from
this offering for the purchase and lease of additional Boeing
737 Next Generation aircraft. Pending the application of the net
proceeds we receive from this offering, we will invest these
funds in overnight deposits and deposit certificates with
highly-rated Brazilian banks and temporary investments, mainly
highly-rated Brazilian government bonds. We will not receive any
proceeds from the sale of preferred shares (including preferred
shares in the form of ADSs) by the selling shareholder.
23
EXCHANGE RATES
Prior to March 4, 2005, there were two principal legal
foreign exchange markets in Brazil:
|
|
|
|
|
the commercial rate exchange market; and |
|
|
|
the floating rate exchange market. |
Most trade and financial foreign-exchange transactions were
carried out on the commercial rate exchange market. These
transactions included the purchase or sale of shares or payment
of dividends or interest with respect to shares. Foreign
currencies could only be purchased in the commercial exchange
market through a Brazilian bank authorized to operate in these
markets. In both markets, rates were freely negotiated.
Resolution No. 3.265 by the National Monetary Council,
dated March 4, 2005, consolidated the foreign exchange
markets into one single foreign exchange market, effective as of
March 14, 2005. All foreign exchange transactions are now
carried out through institutions authorized to operate in the
consolidated market and are subject to registration with the
Central Banks electronic registration system. Foreign
exchange rates continue to be freely negotiated, but may be
influenced by Central Bank intervention.
Since 1999, the Central Bank has allowed the real/
U.S. dollar exchange rate to float freely, and during that
period, the real/ U.S. dollar exchange rate has
fluctuated considerably. In the past, the Central Bank has
intervened occasionally to control unstable movements in foreign
exchange rates. We cannot predict whether the Central Bank or
the Brazilian government will continue to let the real
float freely or will intervene in the exchange rate market
through a currency band system or otherwise. The real may
depreciate or appreciate against the U.S. dollar
substantially in the future. For more information on these
risks, see Risk Factors Risks Relating to
Brazil.
The following tables set forth the commercial selling rate,
expressed in reais per U.S. dollar (R$/US$), for the
periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average for | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period-end | |
|
Period | |
|
Low | |
|
High | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(reais per U.S. dollar) | |
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2000
|
|
|
1.955 |
|
|
|
1.835 |
(1) |
|
|
1.723 |
|
|
|
1.985 |
|
December 31, 2001
|
|
|
2.320 |
|
|
|
2.353 |
(1) |
|
|
1.936 |
|
|
|
2.801 |
|
December 31, 2002
|
|
|
3.533 |
|
|
|
2.998 |
(1) |
|
|
2.271 |
|
|
|
3.955 |
|
December 31, 2003
|
|
|
2.889 |
|
|
|
3.060 |
(1) |
|
|
2.822 |
|
|
|
3.662 |
|
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
2.654 |
|
|
|
2.917 |
(1) |
|
|
2.654 |
|
|
|
3.205 |
|
Month Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 2004
|
|
|
2.857 |
|
|
|
2.854 |
(2) |
|
|
2.824 |
|
|
|
2.885 |
|
November 2004
|
|
|
2.731 |
|
|
|
2.795 |
(2) |
|
|
2.731 |
|
|
|
2.859 |
|
December 2004
|
|
|
2.654 |
|
|
|
2.721 |
(2) |
|
|
2.654 |
|
|
|
2.787 |
|
January 2005
|
|
|
2.625 |
|
|
|
2.674 |
(2) |
|
|
2.625 |
|
|
|
2.722 |
|
February 2005
|
|
|
2.595 |
|
|
|
2.597 |
(2) |
|
|
2.574 |
|
|
|
2.632 |
|
March 2005
|
|
|
2.666 |
|
|
|
2.682 |
(2) |
|
|
2.601 |
|
|
|
2.762 |
|
April 2005 (through April 27)
|
|
|
2.520 |
|
|
|
2.590 |
(2) |
|
|
2.520 |
|
|
|
2.660 |
|
Source: Central Bank
|
|
(1) |
Represents the average of the exchange rates on the last day of
each month during the period. |
(2) |
Average of the lowest and highest rates in the month. |
24
MARKET INFORMATION
Market Price of Our Shares
In the United States, our preferred shares trade in the form of
ADSs each representing two preferred shares, issued by The Bank
of New York, as Depositary pursuant to a Deposit Agreement. The
ADSs commenced trading on the NYSE on June 24, 2004. As of
February 28, 2005, the ADSs represented approximately 39%
of our preferred shares and 93% of our current global public
float. The following table sets forth the reported high and low
closing sales prices for the ADSs on the NYSE for the periods
indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US$ per ADS | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Low | |
|
High | |
|
Average(1) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
32.90 |
|
|
|
20.88 |
|
First quarter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Second quarter
|
|
|
17.00 |
|
|
|
18.22 |
|
|
|
17.44 |
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
21.21 |
|
|
|
18.19 |
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
19.35 |
|
|
|
32.90 |
|
|
|
23.89 |
|
Last Six Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 2004
|
|
|
19.35 |
|
|
|
20.67 |
|
|
|
19.79 |
|
November 2004
|
|
|
20.68 |
|
|
|
24.75 |
|
|
|
22.49 |
|
December 2004
|
|
|
25.34 |
|
|
|
32.90 |
|
|
|
29.16 |
|
January 2005
|
|
|
26.60 |
|
|
|
31.65 |
|
|
|
28.46 |
|
February 2005
|
|
|
28.50 |
|
|
|
33.01 |
|
|
|
30.93 |
|
March 2005
|
|
|
25.13 |
|
|
|
31.40 |
|
|
|
28.51 |
|
April 2005 (through April 27)
|
|
|
24.40 |
|
|
|
29.30 |
|
|
|
26.73 |
|
Source: Bloomberg
|
|
(1) |
Calculated as average of closing prices for the period. |
Our preferred shares began trading on the São Paulo Stock
Exchange on June 24, 2004. The following table sets forth
the reported high and low closing sale prices for our preferred
shares on the BOVESPA, for the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reais per Preferred Share | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Low | |
|
High | |
|
Average(1) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual
|
|
|
25.00 |
|
|
|
44.31 |
|
|
|
29.72 |
|
First quarter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Second quarter
|
|
|
26.50 |
|
|
|
28.00 |
|
|
|
27.13 |
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
25.00 |
|
|
|
30.35 |
|
|
|
26.87 |
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
27.50 |
|
|
|
44.31 |
|
|
|
32.92 |
|
Last Six Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 2004
|
|
|
27.50 |
|
|
|
29.60 |
|
|
|
28.07 |
|
November 2004
|
|
|
29.40 |
|
|
|
33.50 |
|
|
|
31.29 |
|
December 2004
|
|
|
33.50 |
|
|
|
44.31 |
|
|
|
39.09 |
|
January 2005
|
|
|
36.00 |
|
|
|
42.50 |
|
|
|
38.53 |
|
February 2005
|
|
|
36.76 |
|
|
|
42.70 |
|
|
|
39.85 |
|
March 2005
|
|
|
34.20 |
|
|
|
41.30 |
|
|
|
38.39 |
|
April 2005 (through April 27)
|
|
|
32.24 |
|
|
|
37.39 |
|
|
|
34.63 |
|
Source: Bloomberg
|
|
(1) |
Calculated as average of closing prices for the period. |
25
Trading on the BOVESPA
In 2000, the BOVESPA was reorganized through the execution of
memoranda of understanding by the Brazilian stock exchanges.
Under the memoranda, all securities are now traded only on the
BOVESPA, with the exception of electronically traded public debt
securities and privatization auctions, which are traded on the
Rio de Janeiro Stock Exchange.
When shareholders trade in common and preferred shares on the
BOVESPA, the trade is settled in three business days after the
trade date without adjustment of the purchase price for
inflation. The seller is ordinarily required to deliver the
shares to the exchange on the second business day following the
trade date. Delivery of and payment for shares are made through
the facilities of the clearinghouse, Companhia Brasileira de
Liquidação e Custódia, or CBLC.
The BOVESPA is a nonprofit entity owned by its member brokerage
firms. Trading on the BOVESPA is limited to member brokerage
firms and a limited number of authorized nonmembers. The BOVESPA
has two open outcry trading sessions each day from
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to
5:45 p.m., São Paulo time, except during daylight
savings time in the United States. During daylight savings time
in the United States, the sessions are from 10:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.,
São Paulo time, to closely mirror the NYSE trading hours.
Trading is also conducted between 11:00 a.m. and
6:00 p.m., or between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
during daylight savings time in the United States, on an
automated system known as the Computer Assisted Trading System
(Sistema de Negociação Assistida por
Computador) on the BOVESPA and on the National Electronic
Trading System (Sistema Eletrônico de
Negociação Nacional). This system is a
computerized system that links electronically with the seven
smaller regional exchanges. The BOVESPA also permits trading
from 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on an online system
connected to traditional and internet brokers called the
after market. Trading on the after market is subject
to regulatory limits on price volatility and on the volume of
shares transacted through internet brokers. There are no
specialists or officially recognized market makers for our
shares in Brazil.
In order to better control volatility, the BOVESPA adopted a
circuit breaker system pursuant to which trading
sessions may be suspended for a period of 30 minutes or one hour
whenever the indices of the BOVESPA falls below the limits of
10% or 15%, respectively, in relation to the index registered in
the previous trading session.
The BOVESPA is significantly less liquid than the NYSE or other
major exchanges in the world. As of December 31, 2004, the
aggregate market capitalization of the 373 companies listed
on the BOVESPA was equivalent to approximately
R$904.9 billion (US$340.9 billion), and the 10 largest
companies listed on the BOVESPA represented approximately 48.1%
of the total market capitalization of all listed companies. By
comparison, as of December 31, 2004, the aggregate market
capitalization of the 2,768 companies listed on the NYSE
was approximately US$12.8 trillion, and the 10 largest companies
listed on the NYSE represented approximately 19.5% of the total
market capitalization of all listed companies. Although any of
the outstanding shares of a listed company may trade on the
BOVESPA, in most cases fewer than half of the listed shares are
actually available for trading by the public, the remainder
being held by small groups of controlling persons, by government
entities or by one principal shareholder. See Risk
FactorsRisks Relating to the ADSs and Our Preferred
SharesThe relative volatility and illiquidity of the
Brazilian securities markets may substantially limit your
ability to sell the preferred shares underlying the ADSs at the
time and price you desire.
Trading on the BOVESPA by a holder not deemed to be domiciled in
Brazil for Brazilian tax and regulatory purposes, a
non-Brazilian holder, is subject to certain limitations under
Brazilian foreign investment legislation. With limited
exceptions, non-Brazilian holders may only trade on Brazilian
stock exchanges in accordance with the requirements of
Resolution No. 2,689, of January 26, 2000, of the
National Monetary Council (Conselho Monetário
Nacional, or CMN), or Resolution No. 2,689. Resolution
No. 2,689 requires that securities held by non-Brazilian
holders be maintained in the custody of, or in deposit accounts
with, financial institutions and be registered with a
clearinghouse. Such financial institutions and clearinghouses
must be duly authorized to act as such by the Central Bank and
the CVM. In addition, Resolution No. 2,689 requires
non-Brazilian holders to restrict their securities trading to
transactions on Brazilian stock exchanges
26
or qualified over-the-counter markets. With limited exceptions,
non-Brazilian holders may not transfer the ownership of
investments made under Resolution No. 2,689 to other
non-Brazilian holders through a private transaction. See
TaxationBrazilian Tax ConsiderationsTaxation
on Gains for a description of certain tax benefits
extended to non-Brazilian holders who qualify under Resolution
No. 2,689.
Corporate Governance Practices
In 2000, the BOVESPA introduced three special listing segments,
known as Level 1 and 2 of Differentiated Corporate
Governance Practices and New Market (Novo Mercado),
aiming at fostering a secondary market for securities issued by
Brazilian companies with securities listed on the BOVESPA, by
prompting such companies to follow good practices of corporate
governance. The listing segments were designed for the trading
of shares issued by companies voluntarily undertaking to abide
by corporate governance practices and disclosure requirements in
addition to those already imposed by Brazilian law. These rules
generally increase shareholders rights and enhance the
quality of information provided to shareholders.
To become a Level 1 (Nível 1) company, in
addition to the obligations imposed by current Brazilian law, an
issuer must agree to (a) ensure that shares of the issuer
representing 25% of its total capital are effectively available
for trading, (b) adopt offering procedures that favor
widespread ownership of shares whenever making a public
offering, (c) comply with minimum quarterly disclosure
standards, (d) follow stricter disclosure policies with
respect to transactions made by controlling shareholders,
directors and officers involving securities issued by the
issuer; (e) submit any existing shareholders
agreements and stock option plans to the BOVESPA; and
(f) make a schedule of corporate events available to
shareholders.
To become a Level 2 (Nível 2) company, in
addition to the obligations imposed by current Brazilian law, an
issuer must agree to (a) comply with all of the listing
requirements for Level 1 companies, (b) grant
tag-along rights for all shareholders in connection with a
transfer of control of the company, offering the same price paid
per share for controlling block common shares and 70% of the
price paid per share of controlling block preferred shares,
(c) grant voting rights to holders of preferred shares in
connection with certain corporate restructurings and related
party transactions, such as (i) any transformation of the
company into another corporate form, (ii) any merger,
consolidation or spin-off of the company, (iii) approval of
any transactions between the company and its controlling
shareholder, including parties related to the controlling
shareholder, (iv) approval of any valuation of assets to be
delivered to the company in payment for shares issued in a
capital increase, (v) appointment of an expert firm to
ascertain the fair value of the company in connection with any
deregistration and delisting tender offer, and (vi) any
changes to these voting rights, (d) have a board of
directors comprised of at least five members with a term limited
to one year, (e) prepare annual financial statements in
English, including cash flow statements, in accordance with
international accounting standards, such as U.S. GAAP or
International Financial Reporting Standards, (f) if it
elects to delist from the Level 2 segment, hold a tender
offer by the companys controlling shareholder (the minimum
price of the shares to be offered will be determined by an
appraisal process), and (g) adhere exclusively to the rules
of the BOVESPA Arbitration Chamber for resolution of disputes
between the company and its investors.
To be listed in the Novo Mercado, an issuer must meet all
of the requirements described above, in addition to
(a) issuing only voting shares and (b) granting
tag-along rights for all shareholders in connection with a
transfer of control of the company, offering the same price paid
per share for controlling block common shares.
In May 2004, we entered into an agreement with the BOVESPA to
comply with the requirements to become a Level 2 company.
Since the completion of our initial public offering in June
2004, we have maintained a free float of at least 10% of our
preferred shares, and we have a three-year period within which
to comply with the requirement to increase this free float to
25%. In addition to complying with Level 2 requirements, we
have also granted tag-along rights to holders of our preferred
shares in connection with a transfer of control of our company,
offering preferred shareholders 100% of the price paid per
common share of controlling block shareholders, our controlling
shareholders will agree to a 90-day lock-up period in connection
with this offering, and we prepare quarterly financial
statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
27
Regulation of the Brazilian Securities Market
The Brazilian securities markets are regulated by the CVM, which
has regulatory authority over the stock exchanges and securities
markets, as well as by the Central Bank, which has, among other
powers, licensing authority over brokerage firms and regulates
foreign investment and foreign exchange transactions. The
Brazilian securities markets are governed by Law No. 10,198
dated February 14, 2001, Law No. 10,303 dated
October 31, 2001, known as Law No. 10,303, and Law
No. 10,411 dated February 26, 2002, which introduced
new concepts and several changes to Law No. 6,385 dated
December 7, 1976, as amended and supplemented, the
principal law governing the Brazilian securities markets, by
Brazilian corporation law, and by regulations issued by the CVM,
the CMN and the Central Bank. These laws and regulations, among
others, provide for disclosure requirements applicable to
issuers of traded securities, criminal sanctions for insider
trading and price manipulation, and protection of minority
shareholders. They also provide for licensing and oversight of
brokerage firms and governance of Brazilian stock exchanges.
However, the Brazilian securities markets are not as highly
regulated and supervised as U.S. securities markets.
Under the Brazilian corporation law, a company is either
publicly held, a companhia aberta, or privately held, a
companhia fechada. All listed companies are registered
with the CVM and are subject to reporting and regulatory
requirements. A company registered with the CVM may trade its
securities either on the BOVESPA or in the Brazilian
over-the-counter market. Shares of companies listed on the
BOVESPA may not simultaneously trade on the Brazilian
over-the-counter market. The shares of a listed company may also
be traded privately, subject to several limitations. To be
listed on the BOVESPA, a company must apply for registration
with the BOVESPA and the CVM.
The trading of securities on the BOVESPA may be halted at the
request of a company in anticipation of a material announcement.
Trading may also be suspended on the initiative of the BOVESPA
or the CVM, among other reasons, based on or due to a belief
that a company has provided inadequate information regarding a
significant event or has provided inadequate responses to
inquiries by the CVM or the BOVESPA.
Trading on the BOVESPA by non-residents of Brazil is subject to
limitations under Brazilian foreign investment and tax
legislation. The Brazilian custodian for the preferred shares
underlying the ADSs must, on behalf of the depositary for the
ADSs, obtain registration from the Central Bank to remit
U.S. dollars abroad for payments of dividends, any other
cash distributions, or upon the disposition of the shares and
sales proceeds therefrom. If you exchange your ADSs for
preferred shares, you will be entitled to continue to rely on
the custodians electronic certificate of foreign capital
registration for five business days after the exchange.
Thereafter, you may not be able to obtain and remit abroad
non-Brazilian currency upon the disposition of or distributions
relating to the preferred shares, and will be subject to a less
favorable tax treatment on gains with respect to the preferred
shares, unless you obtain a new electronic certificate of
foreign capital registration or qualify under Brazilian foreign
investment regulations that entitle some foreign investors to
buy and sell shares on the BOVESPA without obtaining separate
electronic certificates of foreign capital registration. See
Description of Capital StockRegulation of Foreign
Investment.
Disclosure Requirements
Pursuant to CVM Rule No. 358, of January 3, 2002,
the CVM revised and consolidated the requirements regarding the
disclosure and use of information related to material facts and
acts of publicly held companies, including the disclosure of
information in the trading and acquisition of securities issued
by publicly held companies.
Such requirements include provisions that:
|
|
|
|
|
establish the concept of a material fact that gives rise to
reporting requirements. Material facts include decisions made by
the controlling shareholders, resolutions of the general meeting
of shareholders and of management of the company, or any other
facts related to the companys business (whether occurring
within the company or otherwise somehow related thereto) that
may influence the price of its publicly traded securities, or
the decision of investors to trade such securities or to
exercise any of such securities underlying rights; |
28
|
|
|
|
|
specify examples of facts that are considered to be material,
which include, among others, the execution of shareholders
agreements providing for the transfer of control, the entry or
withdrawal of shareholders that maintain any managing,
financial, technological or administrative function with or
contribution to the company, and any corporate restructuring
undertaken among related companies; |
|
|
|
oblige the officer of investor relations, controlling
shareholders, other officers, directors, members of the audit
committee and other advisory boards to disclose material facts; |
|
|
|
require simultaneous disclosure of material facts to all markets
in which the corporations securities are admitted for
trading; |
|
|
|
require the acquiror of a controlling stake in a corporation to
publish material facts, including its intentions as to whether
or not to de-list the corporations shares, within one year; |
|
|
|
establish rules regarding disclosure requirements in the
acquisition and disposal of a material stockholding
stake; and |
|
|
|
restrict the use of insider information. |
Changes in the Brazilian Corporation Law
On October 31, 2001, Law No. 10,303, amending the
Brazilian corporation law, was enacted. The main goal of Law
No. 10,303 is to broaden the rights of minority
shareholders. Law No. 10,303:
|
|
|
|
|
obligates our controlling shareholders to make a tender offer
for our shares if it increases its interest in our share capital
to a level that materially and negatively affects the liquidity
of our shares, as defined by the CVM; |
|
|
|
requires any acquiror of control to make a tender offer for our
common shares at a price equal to 80% of the per share price
paid for the controlling block of shares; |
|
|
|
authorizes us to redeem minority shareholders shares if,
after a tender offer, our controlling shareholders increase
their participation in our total share capital to more than 95%; |
|
|
|
entitles dissenting or, in certain cases, non-voting
shareholders to obtain redemption upon a decision to conduct a
spin-off that results in (a) a change of our corporate
purpose, (b) a reduction in the mandatory dividend or
(c) any participation in a group of companies (as defined
by the Brazilian corporation law); |
|
|
|
requires that the preferred shares have one of the following
advantages in order to be listed and to trade on a stock
exchange: (a) priority in receipt of dividends
corresponding to at least 3% of the book value per share (after
this priority condition is met, equal conditions apply to common
shares); (b) dividends 10% higher than those paid for
common shares; or (c) a tag-along right at 80% of the price
paid to the controlling shareholder in case of a transfer
control. No withdrawal rights arise from such amendments made
before December 31, 2002; |
|
|
|
entitles shareholders that are not controlling shareholders but
that together hold (a) preferred shares representing at
least 10% of our total share capital or (b) common shares
representing at least 15% of our voting capital the right to
appoint one member and an alternate to our board of directors.
If no group of common or preferred shareholders meets the
thresholds described above, shareholders holding preferred or
common shares representing at least 10% of our total share
capital are entitled to combine their holdings to appoint one
member and an alternate to our board of directors. Until 2005,
the board members that may be elected pursuant to (a) above
or by the combined holdings of holders of preferred and common
shares are to be chosen from a list of three names drawn up by
the controlling shareholder. Any such members elected by the
minority shareholders will have veto powers on the selection of
our independent auditors; |
|
|
|
requires controlling shareholders, shareholders that appoint
members of our board of directors or fiscal council and members
of our board of directors, board of executive officers or fiscal
council to file |
29
|
|
|
|
|
immediately with the CVM and the stock exchanges (or the
over-the-counter markets on which our securities are traded) a
statement of any change in their shareholdings; and |
|
|
|
requires us to send copies of the documentation we submit to our
shareholders in connection with shareholders meetings to the
stock exchanges on which our shares are most actively traded. |
30
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of
December 31, 2004 on an actual basis and as adjusted to
reflect the receipt of approximately US$73.3 million in
estimated net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the
preferred shares and ADSs in this global offering. The as
adjusted amounts are based on the ADS price of US$27.88. The
number of our common shares and preferred shares excludes
1,024,830 preferred shares underlying stock options. You should
read this table in conjunction with Selected Financial
Information and Operating Data, Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and our consolidated financial statements and
the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Actual | |
|
As Adjusted | |
|
Actual | |
|
As Adjusted | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands of R$) | |
|
(in thousands of US$) | |
Total short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
|
|
R$ |
118,349 |
|
|
R$ |
118,349 |
|
|
US$ |
44,586 |
|
|
US$ |
44,586 |
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred shares, no par value, 78,094,746 issued and
outstanding, actual; 83,615,557 shares issued and
outstanding, as adjusted
|
|
|
564,634 |
|
|
|
759,276 |
|
|
|
212,716 |
|
|
|
286,044 |
|
|
Common shares, no par value, 109,448,497 issued and
outstanding
|
|
|
41,500 |
|
|
|
41,500 |
|
|
|
15,634 |
|
|
|
15,634 |
|
|
Additional paid in capital
|
|
|
49,305 |
|
|
|
49,305 |
|
|
|
18,575 |
|
|
|
18,575 |
|
|
Deferred compensation expenses
|
|
|
(10,059 |
) |
|
|
(10,059 |
) |
|
|
(3,790 |
) |
|
|
(3,790 |
) |
|
Appropriated retained earnings
|
|
|
18,352 |
|
|
|
18,352 |
|
|
|
6,914 |
|
|
|
6,914 |
|
|
Unappropriated retained earnings
|
|
|
484,721 |
|
|
|
484,721 |
|
|
|
182,611 |
|
|
|
182,611 |
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
1,148,453 |
|
|
|
1,343,095 |
|
|
|
432,660 |
|
|
|
505,988 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capitalization
|
|
R$ |
1,266,802 |
|
|
R$ |
1,461,444 |
|
|
US$ |
477,246 |
|
|
US$ |
550,574 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
DILUTION
At December 31, 2004, we had a net tangible book value of
R$6.12 per equity share (which refers to our common shares
and preferred shares), or US$4.62 per ADS. Net tangible
book value represents the amount of our total tangible assets
less total liabilities, divided by the total number of equity
shares outstanding at December 31, 2004. After giving
effect to the sale of the 5,520,811 preferred shares offered by
us in the global offering, and, assuming the international
underwriters over-allotment option is not exercised, after
deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions
and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our net tangible
book value estimated at December 31, 2004 would have been
approximately R$1,343.1 million, representing
R$6.96 per equity share, or US$5.24 per ADS. At the
offering price of US$27.88 per ADS, this represents an
immediate increase in net tangible book value of R$0.83 per
equity share, or US$0.62 per ADS, to existing shareholders
and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of
US$22.64 per ADS, or 332.1%, to new investors purchasing
ADSs in this offering. Dilution for this purpose represents the
difference between the price per preferred share or ADS paid by
these purchasers and net tangible book value per share or ADS
immediately after the completion of the offerings.
The following table illustrates this dilution of
US$22.64 per ADS to new investors purchasing the ADSs in
this global offering:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering price per ADS
|
|
US$ |
27.88 |
|
|
Net tangible book value per ADS at December 31, 2004
|
|
|
4.62 |
|
|
Increase in net tangible book value per ADS attributable to new
investors
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net tangible book value per ADS after this offering
|
|
|
5.24 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dilution per ADS to new investors
|
|
US$ |
22.64 |
|
|
|
|
|
The number of our common shares and preferred shares excludes
1,024,830 preferred shares underlying stock options. If
none of our current minority shareholders subscribes for the
ADSs or our preferred shares in this offering, our current
minority shareholders aggregate ownership interest in our
total outstanding shares will decrease from 17.62% to 17.12%. If
all of our outstanding stock options are exercised and none of
our current minority shareholders subscribes for the ADSs or our
preferred shares in this offering, our current minority
shareholders aggregate ownership interest in our total
outstanding shares will decrease from 17.12% to 17.03%. Upon the
consummation of this offering and assuming the exercise of all
outstanding options to purchase our preferred shares, our free
float will be 25.3% of our total shares outstanding.
32
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following table presents summary historical consolidated
financial and operating data for us for each of the periods
indicated. You should read this information in conjunction with
our consolidated financial statements and related notes, and the
information under Selected Financial and Operating
Data and Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
The Registrant is a holding company that was incorporated on
March 12, 2004 and the shares of Gol, an offshore finance
subsidiary, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments
are currently the Registrants only material assets.
Gol was incorporated in August 2000 but did not begin
transporting passengers until January 2001. During the period
between August 2000 and December 31, 2000, our activities
consisted solely of organizational activities relating to the
commencement of our operations and we did not have any
significant income or expenses. The consolidated financial
statements and related notes included elsewhere in this
prospectus have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP
and reflect our financial condition and results of operations as
if the Registrant had been incorporated and held all of the
capital stock of Gol since January 1, 2001, except for five
common shares and three Class B preferred shares of Gol
held by members of Gols board of directors for eligibility
purposes. On June 29, 2004, the Registrant completed its
initial public offering through the issuance of 18,750,000
preferred shares. See Description of Capital Stock.
You should read the following selected consolidated financial
and operating data in conjunction with our consolidated
financial statements and related notes and
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in
this prospectus.
Solely for the convenience of the reader, real amounts as
of and for the year ended December 31, 2004 have been
translated into U.S. dollars at the commercial market rate
as reported by the Central Bank on December 31, 2004 of
R$2.6544 to US$1.00.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
Net operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Passenger
|
|
R$ |
223,384 |
|
|
R$ |
643,549 |
|
|
R$ |
1,339,191 |
|
|
R$ |
1,875,475 |
|
|
US$ |
706,553 |
|
|
Cargo and other
|
|
|
7,089 |
|
|
|
34,330 |
|
|
|
61,399 |
|
|
|
85,411 |
|
|
|
32,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net operating revenues
|
|
|
230,473 |
|
|
|
677,879 |
|
|
|
1,400,590 |
|
|
|
1,960,886 |
|
|
|
738,730 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries, wages and benefits
|
|
|
33,263 |
|
|
|
77,855 |
|
|
|
137,638 |
|
|
|
183,037 |
|
|
|
68,956 |
|
|
Aircraft fuel
|
|
|
45,769 |
|
|
|
160,537 |
|
|
|
308,244 |
|
|
|
459,192 |
|
|
|
172,993 |
|
|
Aircraft rent
|
|
|
58,816 |
|
|
|
130,755 |
|
|
|
188,841 |
|
|
|
195,504 |
|
|
|
73,653 |
|
|
Aircraft insurance
|
|
|
7,556 |
|
|
|
23,186 |
|
|
|
25,850 |
|
|
|
25,575 |
|
|
|
9,635 |
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
35,299 |
|
|
|
96,626 |
|
|
|
191,280 |
|
|
|
261,756 |
|
|
|
98,612 |
|
|
Landing fees
|
|
|
14,602 |
|
|
|
32,758 |
|
|
|
47,924 |
|
|
|
57,393 |
|
|
|
21,622 |
|
|
Aircraft and traffic servicing
|
|
|
18,563 |
|
|
|
47,381 |
|
|
|
58,710 |
|
|
|
74,825 |
|
|
|
28,189 |
|
|
Maintenance, materials and repairs
|
|
|
4,773 |
|
|
|
16,160 |
|
|
|
42,039 |
|
|
|
51,796 |
|
|
|
19,513 |
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
2,383 |
|
|
|
7,885 |
|
|
|
13,844 |
|
|
|
21,242 |
|
|
|
8,003 |
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
7,741 |
|
|
|
22,654 |
|
|
|
44,494 |
|
|
|
54,265 |
|
|
|
20,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
228,765 |
|
|
|
615,797 |
|
|
|
1,058,864 |
|
|
|
1,384,585 |
|
|
|
521,619 |
|
33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
Operating income
|
|
|
1,708 |
|
|
|
62,082 |
|
|
|
341,726 |
|
|
|
576,301 |
|
|
|
217,111 |
|
Other expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(3,350 |
) |
|
|
(16,530 |
) |
|
|
(20,910 |
) |
|
|
(13,445 |
) |
|
|
(5,065 |
) |
|
Financial income (expense), net
|
|
|
(1,997 |
) |
|
|
7,447 |
|
|
|
(56,681 |
) |
|
|
24,424 |
|
|
|
9,201 |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
(3,639 |
) |
|
|
52,999 |
|
|
|
264,135 |
|
|
|
587,280 |
|
|
|
221,247 |
|
|
Income taxes current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,396 |
) |
|
|
(60,747 |
) |
|
|
(165,710 |
) |
|
|
(62,428 |
) |
|
Income taxes deferred
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,246 |
) |
|
|
(27,929 |
) |
|
|
(36,860 |
) |
|
|
(13,886 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
R$ |
(3,639 |
) |
|
R$ |
35,357 |
|
|
R$ |
175,459 |
|
|
R$ |
384,710 |
|
|
US$ |
144,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (loss) per share,
basic(1)
|
|
R$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
R$ |
0.36 |
|
|
R$ |
1.07 |
|
|
R$ |
2.14 |
|
|
US$ |
0.81 |
|
Earnings (loss) per share,
diluted(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.13 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
Weighted average shares used in computing earnings per share,
basic (in
thousands)(1)
|
|
|
56,000 |
|
|
|
98,268 |
|
|
|
164,410 |
|
|
|
179,731 |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares used in computing earnings per share,
diluted (in
thousands)(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180,557 |
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per ADS, basic
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ |
0.72 |
|
|
R$ |
2.14 |
|
|
R$ |
4.28 |
|
|
US$ |
1.61 |
|
Earnings per ADS, diluted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.26 |
|
|
|
1.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
R$ |
5,156 |
|
|
R$ |
9,452 |
|
|
R$ |
146,291 |
|
|
R$ |
405,730 |
|
|
US$ |
152,852 |
|
Short-term investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
443,361 |
|
|
|
167,029 |
|
Accounts
receivable(2)
|
|
|
51,685 |
|
|
|
105,245 |
|
|
|
240,576 |
|
|
|
386,370 |
|
|
|
145,558 |
|
Deposits for aircraft leases and aircraft and engine maintenance
contracts
|
|
|
27,130 |
|
|
|
121,980 |
|
|
|
180,916 |
|
|
|
289,416 |
|
|
|
109,032 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
125,107 |
|
|
|
318,342 |
|
|
|
685,019 |
|
|
|
1,734,284 |
|
|
|
653,361 |
|
Short term debt
|
|
|
37,045 |
|
|
|
22,800 |
|
|
|
38,906 |
|
|
|
118,349 |
|
|
|
44,586 |
|
Long term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
19,728 |
|
|
|
71,583 |
|
|
|
314,739 |
|
|
|
1,148,453 |
|
|
|
432,660 |
|
34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands, except percentages) | |
Other Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
margin(3)
|
|
|
0.7 |
% |
|
|
9.2 |
% |
|
|
24.4 |
% |
|
|
29.4 |
% |
|
|
29.4 |
% |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
R$ |
(19,213 |
) |
|
R$ |
17,023 |
|
|
R$ |
85,235 |
|
|
R$ |
274,093 |
|
|
US$ |
103,261 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(29,666 |
) |
|
|
(34,479 |
) |
|
|
(39,263 |
) |
|
|
(533,042 |
) |
|
|
(200,815 |
) |
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
53,239 |
|
|
|
21,752 |
|
|
|
90,867 |
|
|
|
518,388 |
|
|
|
195,293 |
|
EBITDA(4)
|
|
|
4,091 |
|
|
|
69,967 |
|
|
|
355,570 |
|
|
|
597,543 |
|
|
|
225,114 |
|
Aircraft
rent(4)
|
|
|
58,816 |
|
|
|
130,755 |
|
|
|
188,841 |
|
|
|
195,504 |
|
|
|
73,653 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Operating Data (unaudited):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue passengers (in thousands)
|
|
|
2,085 |
|
|
|
4,847 |
|
|
|
7,324 |
|
|
|
9,215 |
|
Revenue passenger kilometers (in millions)
|
|
|
1,256 |
|
|
|
3,156 |
|
|
|
4,835 |
|
|
|
6,289 |
|
Available seat kilometers (in millions)
|
|
|
2,091 |
|
|
|
5,049 |
|
|
|
7,527 |
|
|
|
8,844 |
|
Load factor
|
|
|
60.1 |
% |
|
|
62.5 |
% |
|
|
64.2 |
% |
|
|
71.1 |
% |
Breakeven load factor
|
|
|
61.5 |
% |
|
|
59.8 |
% |
|
|
50.8 |
% |
|
|
52.5 |
% |
Aircraft utilization (block hours per day)
|
|
|
11.1 |
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
|
|
12.8 |
|
|
|
13.6 |
|
Average fare
|
|
R$ |
115 |
|
|
R$ |
140 |
|
|
R$ |
195 |
|
|
R$ |
210 |
|
Yield per passenger kilometer (cents)
|
|
|
17.8 |
|
|
|
20.4 |
|
|
|
27.7 |
|
|
|
29.8 |
|
Passenger revenue per available seat kilometer (cents)
|
|
|
10.7 |
|
|
|
12.7 |
|
|
|
17.8 |
|
|
|
21.2 |
|
Operating revenue per available seat kilometer (cents)
|
|
|
11.0 |
|
|
|
13.4 |
|
|
|
18.6 |
|
|
|
22.2 |
|
Operating expense per available seat kilometer (cents)
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
12.2 |
|
|
|
14.1 |
|
|
|
15.7 |
|
Operating expense less fuel expense per available seat kilometer
(cents)
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
9.9 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
|
Departures
|
|
|
24,727 |
|
|
|
52,665 |
|
|
|
75,439 |
|
|
|
87,708 |
|
Departures per day
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
240 |
|
Destinations served
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
Average stage length (kilometers)
|
|
|
613 |
|
|
|
628 |
|
|
|
659 |
|
|
|
689 |
|
Average number of operating aircraft during period
|
|
|
7.7 |
|
|
|
15.3 |
|
|
|
21.6 |
|
|
|
22.3 |
|
Full-time equivalent employees at period end
|
|
|
1,134 |
|
|
|
2,072 |
|
|
|
2,453 |
|
|
|
3,307 |
|
Fuel liters consumed (in thousands)
|
|
|
77,850 |
|
|
|
164,008 |
|
|
|
264,402 |
|
|
|
317,444 |
|
Percentage of sales through website during period
|
|
|
13.2 |
% |
|
|
48.7 |
% |
|
|
57.9 |
% |
|
|
76.4 |
% |
Percentage of sales through website and call center during period
|
|
|
81.6 |
% |
|
|
72.1 |
% |
|
|
74.1 |
% |
|
|
83.6 |
% |
|
|
(1) |
Our preferred shares are not entitled to any fixed dividend
preferences, but are instead entitled to receive dividends per
share in the same amount of dividends per share paid to holders
of our common shares. However, our preferred shares are entitled
to receive distributions prior to holders of the common shares.
Consequently, our earnings (loss) per share are computed by
dividing income by the weighted average number of all classes of
shares outstanding during the year. Preferred shares are
excluded during any loss period. We have no dilutive securities. |
(2) |
In managing our liquidity, we take into account our cash and
cash equivalents, our short-term investments and our accounts
receivable balances. Accounts receivable consist primarily of
credit card receivables for purchased passenger tickets. As we
provide our customers with the option to pay in installments
over a period not exceeding 12 months, we currently have an
approximate one-month lag between the time that we pay our
suppliers and the time that we receive payment for our services. |
35
|
|
(3) |
Operating margin represents operating income divided by net
operating revenues. |
(4) |
EBITDA represents net income (loss) plus the sum of other income
(expense), income taxes and depreciation. EBITDA is presented as
supplemental information because we believe it is a useful
indicator of our operating performance and is useful in
comparing our operating performance with other companies in the
airline industry. However, EBITDA should not be considered in
isolation, as a substitute for net income prepared in accordance
with U.S. GAAP or as a measure of a companys
profitability. In addition, our calculation of EBITDA may not be
comparable to other similarly titled measures of other
companies. The following table presents a reconciliation of our
net income to EBITDA for the specified periods. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
EBITDA
Reconciliation:(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
R$ |
(3,639 |
) |
|
R$ |
35,357 |
|
|
R$ |
175,459 |
|
|
R$ |
384,710 |
|
|
US$ |
144,933 |
|
Plus (minus)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,642 |
|
|
|
88,676 |
|
|
|
202,570 |
|
|
|
76,314 |
|
Net interest and financial expense
|
|
|
5,347 |
|
|
|
9,083 |
|
|
|
77,591 |
|
|
|
(10,979 |
) |
|
|
(4,136 |
) |
Depreciation
|
|
|
2,383 |
|
|
|
7,885 |
|
|
|
13,844 |
|
|
|
21,242 |
|
|
|
8,003 |
|
EBITDA
|
|
R$ |
4,091 |
|
|
R$ |
69,967 |
|
|
R$ |
355,570 |
|
|
R$ |
597,543 |
|
|
US$ |
225,114 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Aircraft rent represents a significant operating expense of our
business. Because we leased all of our aircraft during the
periods presented, we believe that when assessing our EBITDA you
should also consider the impact of our aircraft rent expense,
which was R$58,816 in 2001, R$130,755 in 2002, R$188,841 in
2003, and R$195,504 in 2004. |
36
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read this discussion in conjunction with our
consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the
other financial information included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
Overview
We are one of the most profitable low-cost airlines in the world
and had net revenues of R$2.0 billion and net income of
R$384.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.
We are the only low-fare, low-cost passenger airline currently
operating in Brazil providing frequent service on routes
connecting all of Brazils major cities. We focus on
increasing the growth and profits of our business by stimulating
and meeting demand for affordable, convenient air travel in
Brazil and between Brazil and other South American destinations
for both business and leisure passengers. We do this by offering
simple, safe and efficient services while having among the
lowest operating costs in the airline industry worldwide.
The Registrant is a holding company that was incorporated on
March 12, 2004. Shares of Gol, an off-shore finance
subsidiary, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments
are currently the Registrants only material assets.
Gol was incorporated in August 2000 and began transporting
passengers in January 2001 with six single-class Boeing
737-700 Next Generation aircraft serving five cities in Brazil.
By the end of 2004, we were operating 27
single-class Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft serving
35 cities in Brazil and one destination in Argentina. We
have flown over 23 million passengers since commencing
operations and, according to the DAC, Brazils civil
aviation authority, our share of the domestic market based on
revenue passenger kilometers grew from 11.8% in 2002 to 19.4% in
2003 and 22.3% in 2004. The increase in our fleet size and
flight frequencies, entry into new markets and new customer
segments have been primarily accountable for yearly increases in
our revenues (106.6% between 2002 and 2003 and 40.0% between
2003 and 2004) and operating costs (72.0% between 2002 and 2003
and 30.8% between 2003 and 2004).
We offer travelers a low-fare, high-quality transportation
alternative that we believe is an attractive value compared to
conventional airline and bus transportation. We have a
diversified passenger base, with customers ranging from business
passengers traveling within densely populated centers in Brazil,
such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, to
leisure passengers traveling to destinations throughout Brazil
and from Brazil to Argentina.
We are the lowest cost provider of passenger air transportation
in South America, and one of the lowest cost airlines in the
world. Our low costs have helped us to become the most
profitable airline in South America and one of the most
profitable low-cost carriers in the world, based on results of
operations for the year ended December 31, 2004.
37
Set forth in the table below is information about key
performance indicators for select leading low-cost carriers
worldwide and other South American carriers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income | |
|
Net Income | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in Millions of | |
|
(in Millions of | |
|
Operating | |
|
Net Income | |
Company |
|
US$) | |
|
US$) | |
|
Margin | |
|
Margin | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Low-cost carriers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southwest Airlines
|
|
|
554.0 |
|
|
|
313.0 |
|
|
|
8.5 |
% |
|
|
4.8 |
% |
Ryanair(1)
|
|
|
351.0 |
|
|
|
305.2 |
|
|
|
23.6 |
% |
|
|
20.5 |
% |
Gol(2)
|
|
|
217.1 |
|
|
|
144.9 |
|
|
|
29.4 |
% |
|
|
19.6 |
% |
Virgin
Blue(3)
|
|
|
161.0 |
|
|
|
114.0 |
|
|
|
14.5 |
% |
|
|
10.3 |
% |
Jet Blue Airways
|
|
|
112.9 |
|
|
|
47.5 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
% |
|
|
3.8 |
% |
EasyJet(4)
|
|
|
91.7 |
|
|
|
74.4 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
3.8 |
% |
Air
Asia(5)
|
|
|
16.1 |
|
|
|
12.9 |
|
|
|
15.6 |
% |
|
|
12.5 |
% |
South American carriers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LanChile(6)
|
|
|
172.1 |
|
|
|
163.6 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
% |
|
|
7.8 |
% |
TAM(7)
|
|
|
111.0 |
|
|
|
128.5 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
% |
|
|
7.5 |
% |
Varig(7)
|
|
|
203.3 |
|
|
|
(32.8 |
) |
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
(1.0 |
)% |
|
|
(1) |
U.S. GAAP figures through September 30, 2004.
Half-year figures through September 30, 2004 are unaudited.
Based on a Euro/US Dollar exchange rate of 0.8051 as of
September 30, 2004. |
(2) |
U.S. GAAP figures through December 31, 2004. Based on
a Brazilian Real/US Dollar exchange rate of 2.6544 as of
December 31, 2004. |
(3) |
Australian GAAP figures through September 30, 2004.
Half-year figures through September 30, 2004 are unaudited.
Based on an Australian Dollar/US Dollar exchange rate of
1.3806 as of September 30, 2004. |
(4) |
UK GAAP figures through September 30, 2004. Based on a
British Pound/US Dollar exchange rate of 0.5526 as of
September 30, 2004. |
(5) |
Malaysian GAAP figures through June 30, 2004. Based on a
Malaysian Ringitt/US Dollar exchange rate of 3.80 as of
June 30, 2004. |
(6) |
Original figures in US Dollars. |
(7) |
Brazilian GAAP figures through December 31, 2004. Based on
a Brazilian Real/US Dollar exchange rate of 2.6544 as of
December 31, 2004. |
The following table demonstrates the growth of our operations,
on a quarterly basis, since we commenced our operations in
January 2001:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cities | |
|
Number of | |
|
Operating | |
At Period Ended |
|
Served | |
|
Departures | |
|
Aircraft(1) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
March 31, 2001
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
3,771 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
June 30, 2001
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
5,493 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
September 30, 2001
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
6,540 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
December 31, 2001
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
8,923 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
March 31, 2002
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
9,791 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
June 30, 2002
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
13,040 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
September 30, 2002
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
13,880 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
December 31, 2002
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
15,954 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
March 31, 2003
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
17,349 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
June 30, 2003
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
18,298 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
September 30, 2003
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
19,685 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
December 31, 2003
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
20,107 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
March 31, 2004
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
20,825 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
June 30, 2004
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
20,838 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
September 30, 2004
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
22,299 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
23,746 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
(1) |
To date, all of our aircraft have been leased. |
38
We carefully evaluate opportunities to grow, and expect to
continue the growth of our business by purchasing or leasing
additional aircraft, increasing the frequency of flights to our
existing high-demand markets, adding new routes to overpriced
routes in Brazil and introducing flights from Brazil to new
South American destinations. During 2004 and early 2005, we
added 10 new frequencies between Congonhas in São Paulo and
Santos Dumont in Rio de Janeiro, introduced services to
João Pessoa, and commenced flights between Guarulhos in
São Paulo and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our flights between
São Paulo and Buenos Aires quickly achieved profitability,
and we added seasonal scheduled night flights between Navegantes
International Airport and Porto Alegre and Buenos Aires in
January 2005. On January 20, 2005, we were authorized by
the CERNAI to operate regularly-scheduled flights from Brazil to
Santa Cruz de La Sierra, Bolivia, which we expect to begin
operating during the second quarter of 2005. We have applied to
the DAC for regulatory approval for routes from Brazil to
Montevideo, Uruguay and Asunción, Paraguay. We expect to
receive a decision in respect of these applications during the
second half of 2005.
We have placed firm purchase orders with The Boeing Company for
30 737-800 Next Generation aircraft and we have options to
purchase an additional 33 737-800 Next Generation aircraft.
Currently, six firm order aircraft are to be delivered in 2006,
thirteen in 2007, seven in 2008 and four in 2009. The purchase
options are exercisable for deliveries between 2007 and 2010. We
expect to take delivery of four Boeing 737-800, three
Boeing 737-700 and two Boeing 737-300 aircraft during
the first half of 2005, and two Boeing 737-800, one
Boeing 737-700 and one Boeing 737-300 aircraft during
the second half of 2005, all under operating leases. To help
meet short-term capacity needs while we await the delivery of
the new aircraft, we took delivery, under two- or three-year
operating leases, of three Boeing 737-300 aircraft in the third
quarter of 2004 and two Boeing 737-300 aircraft in the fourth
quarter of 2004.
Recent Developments
For the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, we
generated net operating revenues of R$589.2 million, as
compared to net revenues of R$433.1 million for the
corresponding period in 2004, an increase of 36.0%. During the
three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and March 31,
2004, we had available seat kilometers of 2,728 million and
2,144 million, respectively, revenue passenger kilometers
of 2,002 million and 1,544 million, respectively,
revenues per available seat kilometer of R$21.59 cents and
R$20.20 cents, respectively, and a load factor of 73.4% and
72.0%, respectively. The following table sets forth our net
operating revenues, available seat kilometers, revenues per
available seat kilometer and load factor for the three months
ended March 31, 2004 and 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
Change | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net operating revenues (in millions) |
|
R |
$589.2 |
|
|
R |
$433.1 |
|
|
|
36.0 |
% |
Available seat kilometers (in
millions)(1)
|
|
|
2,728 |
|
|
|
2,144 |
|
|
|
27.3 |
% |
Revenue passenger kilometers (in
millions)(1)
|
|
|
2,002 |
|
|
|
1,544 |
|
|
|
29.7 |
% |
Revenues per available seat kilometer (in cents)
|
|
R |
$21.59 |
|
|
R |
$20.20 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
% |
Load
factor(1)
|
|
|
73.4 |
% |
|
|
72.0 |
% |
|
|
+ 1.4 |
p.p. |
|
|
(1) |
Source: DAC final data for 2004 and preliminary data
for 2005. |
Revenues
We derive our revenues primarily from transporting passengers on
our aircraft. Approximately 96% of our revenues are derived from
passenger fares, and the remaining 4% of our revenues are
derived principally from our cargo business, which utilizes
available cargo space on our passenger flights. Substantially
all of our passenger revenue and cargo revenue is denominated in
reais. Passenger revenue is recognized either when
transportation is provided or when the ticket expires unused.
Cargo revenue is recognized when transportation is provided.
Other revenue consists primarily of charter services, ticket
change fees and excess baggage charges. Passenger revenues are
based upon our capacity, load factor and yield. Our capacity is
measured in terms of available seat kilometers, which represents
the number of seats we make available on our aircraft
39
multiplied by the number of kilometers the seats are flown. Load
factor, or the percentage of our capacity that is actually used
by paying customers, is calculated by dividing revenue passenger
kilometers by available seat kilometers. Yield is the average
amount that one passenger pays to fly one kilometer.
The following table sets forth our capacity, load factor and
yield for the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Capacity (in available seat kilometers, in millions)
|
|
|
2,090.7 |
|
|
|
5,048.9 |
|
|
|
7,526.6 |
|
|
|
8,843.9 |
|
Load factor
|
|
|
60.1 |
% |
|
|
62.5 |
% |
|
|
64.2 |
% |
|
|
71.1 |
% |
Yield (in R$ cents)
|
|
R$ |
17.8 |
|
|
R$ |
20.4 |
|
|
R$ |
27.7 |
|
|
R$ |
29.8 |
|
Growth in passenger revenues per available seat kilometer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19.3 |
% |
|
|
39.6 |
% |
|
|
28.6 |
% |
We have increased our revenues by increasing our capacity (in
terms of fleet size and departures), load factor and yield. We
believe that our careful focus on serving specific segments of
the domestic air travel market, the value that we offer our
customers and our low fares distinguish us from other airlines
and enable us to continue increasing our capacity to take
advantage of strong, untapped demand for low-cost, low-fare
services.
The continued strong demand for our services, our efficient
route network, quick aircraft turnaround times and our modern
fleet have enabled us to maintain a high aircraft utilization
rate, which, together with our effective revenue management
strategies that balance our fares and load factors, further
strengthened our yields and passenger revenue per available seat
kilometer in 2004. In 2004, our yield and passenger revenue per
available seat kilometer increased 7.6% and 28.6%, respectively,
as compared to 2003, while load factors increased 10.9% during
the same period.
The DAC may influence our ability to generate revenues. The DAC
approves the concession of slots, entry of new companies, launch
of new routes, increases in route frequencies and lease or
acquisition of new aircraft. As an element of government
measures designed to improve the financial health of the
Brazilian major carriers operating in the Brazilian civil
aviation industry, since March 2003 airlines have been required
to demonstrate satisfactory levels of demand and profitability
before the DAC will approve requests for new routes, increases
in flight frequencies or the lease or acquisition of additional
aircraft. Our ability to grow and to increase our revenues is
dependent on the receipt of approvals for new routes, increased
frequencies and additional aircraft from the DAC.
Our revenues are net of certain taxes, including state-value
added taxes, Imposto sobre Circulação de
Mercadorias e Serviços, or ICMS; federal social
contribution taxes, including Programa de
Integração Social, or PIS, and the
Contribuição Social para o Financiamento da
Seguridade Social, or COFINS. ICMS does not apply to
passenger revenues. The average rate of ICMS on cargo revenues
varies by state from 4% to 12%. PIS and COFINS are imposed at
rates of 1.65% and 7.6%, respectively, of gross operating
revenues.
Generally, the revenues from and profitability of our flights
reach their highest levels during the January and July summer
and winter vacation periods and in the final two weeks of
December during the Christmas holiday season. The week during
which the annual Carnival celebrations take place in Brazil is
generally accompanied by a decrease in load factors. Given our
high proportion of fixed costs, this seasonality is likely to
cause our results of operations to vary from quarter to quarter.
We generate most of our revenue from ticket sales through our
website, and we are one of the largest e-commerce companies in
Brazil in terms of net sales through the internet.
Operating Expenses
We have low operating expenses because we operate a simplified
fleet with a single-class of service, have one of the newest
fleets in the industry, utilize our aircraft efficiently, use
and encourage low-cost ticket sales and distribution processes
and employ other cost-saving practices not widely applied across
the industry. The main components of operating expenses include
those related to aircraft fuel, aircraft rent, aircraft mainte-
40
nance, sales and marketing, and salaries, wages and benefits
provided to employees, including provisions for our profit
sharing plan.
Our aircraft fuel expenses are higher than those of low-cost
airlines in the United States and Europe because there is only
one significant supplier of jet fuel in Brazil and taxes
applicable to the sale of jet fuel are very high and are passed
along to us. Our aircraft fuel expenses are variable and
fluctuate based on global oil prices. From January 1, 2001
to December 31, 2004, the price of West Texas Intermediate
crude oil, a benchmark widely used for crude oil prices that is
measured in barrels and quoted in U.S. dollars, increased
by 59.7% from US$27.21 per barrel to US$43.45 per
barrel. Since global oil prices are U.S. dollar-based, our
aircraft fuel costs are also linked to fluctuations in the
exchange rate of the real versus the U.S. dollar. As
we can generally adjust our fares to offset fuel price increases
and real exchange rate declines over a period of several
months, we currently enter into short-term arrangements to hedge
against short-term trends in oil prices and foreign exchange
fluctuations. We believe that since 1970, companies operating in
Brazils domestic airline industry generally have been able
to minimize the impact of Brazilian currency depreciations and
devaluations by making changes to their fare structures.
Our aircraft rent expenses are in U.S. dollars and have
increased in line with the expansion of our operations. We also
use short-term arrangements to hedge against exchange rate
exposure related to our lease payment obligations. In addition,
approximately 16% of our aircraft operating leases have
floating-rate payment obligations that are based on fluctuations
in international interest rates. We currently have a hedging
program in place to manage our interest rate exposure.
Our maintenance, material and repair expenses consist of light
and scheduled heavy maintenance of our aircraft. Maintenance and
repair expenses, including overhaul of aircraft components, are
charged to operating expenses as incurred. Our aircraft require
a low level of maintenance because the average age of the
aircraft in our fleet is currently 6.8 years. We also
currently incur lower maintenance expenses because most of the
parts on our aircraft are under multi-year warranties. If the
age of our fleet increases and our warranties expire, our
maintenance expenses under U.S. GAAP will increase. For an
explanation of the treatment of maintenance and repair expenses
under U.S. GAAP, see Note 2 to our consolidated
financial statements. We have maintenance reserve accounts
denominated in U.S. dollars to cover a portion of our
future maintenance costs. We intend to internalize the heavy
maintenance currently performed on our aircraft by independent
third party contractors. On January 12, 2005, with the
approval of INFRAERO, the state-controlled corporation in charge
of managing and controlling federal airports, we signed a letter
of intent with the government of the state of Minas Gerais to
construct a new maintenance facility at Tacredo Neves
International Airport, located in the city of Confins in Minas
Gerais. We believe that the construction of the new maintenance
facility and the internalization of our aircraft maintenance
operations will provide cost savings.
Our sales and marketing expenses include commissions paid to
travel agents, fees paid for our own and third-party
reservations systems and agents, fees paid to credit card
companies and advertising. Our distribution costs are lower than
those of other airlines in Brazil on a per available seat
kilometer basis because a higher proportion of our customers
purchase tickets from us directly through our website instead of
through traditional distribution channels, such as ticket
offices, and we have comparatively fewer sales made through
higher cost global distribution systems. We generated 49%, 58%
and 76% of our passenger revenues through our website in the
years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively,
including internet sales through travel agents.
Salaries, wages and benefits paid to our employees increase as
the number of our employees grows and include annual cost of
living adjustments and provisions made for our profit sharing
plan. We have no seniority-related increases in these costs due
to our salary structure.
Aircraft and traffic servicing expenses include ground handling
and the cost of airport facilities. Other operating expenses
consist of general and administrative expenses, purchased
services, equipment rentals, passenger refreshments,
communication costs, supplies and professional fees.
During the period between the beginning of 2001 and
December 31, 2004, we reduced our break-even load factor,
which is the passenger load factor that will result in operating
revenues being equal to operating
41
expenses, from 61.5% to 52.5%. This decrease has been primarily
due to increases in yield and revenues per available seat
kilometer due to our effective revenue management system,
combined with the spreading of fixed costs over a greater number
of available seat kilometers.
Our operating margin, which measures operating income as a
percentage of operating revenues, has consistently improved
during the first four years of our operations and was among the
highest in the airline industry worldwide in 2004, according to
publicly-filed company reports.
Brazilian Economic Environment
As a company with substantially all of its operations currently
in Brazil, we are affected by general economic conditions in the
country. While our growth since 2001 has been primarily driven
by our expansion into new markets and increased flight
frequencies, we have also been affected by macroeconomic
conditions in Brazil. In 2004, our growth outpaced Brazils
GDP growth of 5.2% and the growth of our primary competitors
because of strong demand for our lower fare service. However,
the GDP growth rate will become increasingly important in
determining our future growth capacity and our results of
operations, primarily because the DACs approval of
requests for new routes and increases in flight frequencies will
depend in part on its perception of Brazils macroeconomic
environment. From 1970 through 2004, Brazilian air traffic
demand grew at a rate of approximately 2.0 times Brazils
GDP growth. In 2004, air traffic demand grew 11.9%, which was
approximately 2.3 times Brazils GDP growth of 5.2%.
Our results of operations are affected by currency fluctuations.
Almost all of our revenues are denominated in reais (with
a small portion of our revenues from our flights between Brazil
and Argentina being denominated in Argentine pesos), but
a significant part of our operating expenses are either payable
in or affected by the U.S. dollar, such as our aircraft
operating lease payments, related maintenance reserves and
deposits, and jet fuel expenses. Based on a statistical analysis
of our first four years of operations, we believe that our
revenues are highly correlated with the
real/U.S. dollar exchange rate and jet fuel prices
because real depreciations and increases in jet fuel
prices are generally incorporated into the fare structures of
Brazilian airlines. Approximately 49% of our operating expenses
(including aircraft fuel) are denominated in, or linked to,
U.S. dollars and therefore vary with the
real/U.S. dollar exchange rate. We believe that our
foreign exchange and fuel hedging programs protect us against
short-term swings in the real/U.S. dollar exchange
rate and jet fuel prices. Overall, we believe that the
combination of our revenue stream, with its correlation to
movements in the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate, and
short-term hedges on the U.S. dollar-linked portion of our
expenses, will mitigate the adverse effect on our operating
expenses of abrupt movements in the real/U.S. dollar
exchange rate.
Inflation has also had, and may continue to have, effects on our
financial condition and results of operations. Approximately 51%
of our operating expenses (excluding aircraft fuel) are
denominated in reais, and the suppliers and service
providers of these expense items generally attempt to increase
their prices to reflect Brazilian inflation.
Since presidential elections were held in Brazil in 2002, the
Brazilian economy has moved towards increased stability. The
country went through a period of market turmoil in the second
half of 2002 as investors feared that, if elected, the Labor
Party led by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva would change the
economic policies of the previous administration. The real
fluctuated significantly as a result, depreciating by 52.3%
during the year and closing at R$3.5333 to US$1.00 on
December 31, 2002. Inflation for the year, as measured by
the IGP-M, was 25.3% and real GDP grew by 1.9%.
The Labor Party government administration has largely continued
the macroeconomic policies of the previous administration,
focusing on fiscal responsibility. In 2003, investor confidence
rebounded as a result and the real appreciated by 18.2%
against the U.S. dollar to R$2.8892 per US$1.00 at
December 31, 2003. Inflation in 2003, as measured by the
IGP-M, decreased to 8.7%. However, Brazils real gross
domestic product, or GDP, increased 0.5% to
US$506.8 billion during 2003, despite the very high
interest rates that prevailed at the beginning of 2003 to combat
inflationary pressures, which also acted to constrain economic
growth.
42
During 2004, Brazils GDP increased 5.2% to
US$559.6 billion and the country achieved a trade surplus
of US$33.7 billion, its highest trade surplus ever.
Inflation in 2004, as measured by the IGP-M, was 12.4% and 7.6%
as measured by the IPCA. The Brazilian Central Banks
year-end inflation target for each of 2005 and 2006 is 4.5%,
based on the IPCA index, within a band of 2.5 and
2.0 percentage points, respectively. Interest rates
continued to be high, with the CDI rate averaging 17.8% in 2004.
In 2004, the real appreciated by 8.1% against the
U.S. dollar, reflecting continued investor confidence. On
April 27, 2005, the U.S. dollar/real exchange
rate was R$2.5195 per US$1.00.
The following table shows data for real GDP growth, inflation,
interest rates, the U.S. dollar exchange rate and crude oil
prices for and as at the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Real growth in gross domestic product
|
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
|
0.5 |
% |
|
|
5.2 |
% |
Inflation
(IGP-M)(1)
|
|
|
25.3 |
% |
|
|
8.7 |
% |
|
|
12.4 |
% |
Inflation
(IPCA)(2)
|
|
|
12.5 |
% |
|
|
9.3 |
% |
|
|
7.6 |
% |
CDI
rate(3)
|
|
|
24.8 |
% |
|
|
16.3 |
% |
|
|
17.8 |
% |
LIBOR
rate(4)
|
|
|
1.4 |
% |
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
2.4 |
% |
Depreciation (appreciation) of the real vs.
U.S. dollar
|
|
|
52.3 |
% |
|
|
(18.2 |
)% |
|
|
(8.1 |
)% |
Period-end exchange rateUS$1.00
|
|
R$ |
3.5333 |
|
|
R$ |
2.8892 |
|
|
R$ |
2.6544 |
|
Average exchange
rateUS$1.00(5)
|
|
R$ |
2.9983 |
|
|
R$ |
3.0600 |
|
|
R$ |
2.917 |
|
Increase (decrease) in West Texas intermediate crude (per barrel)
|
|
|
57.3 |
% |
|
|
4.2 |
% |
|
|
33.6 |
% |
West Texas intermediate crude (per barrel)
|
|
US$ |
31.20 |
|
|
US$ |
32.52 |
|
|
US$ |
43.45 |
|
West Texas intermediate crude (average per barrel during period)
|
|
US$ |
26.17 |
|
|
US$ |
31.06 |
|
|
US$ |
41.51 |
|
Sources: Fundação Getúlio Vargas, the Central
Bank and Bloomberg
|
|
(1) |
Inflation (IGP-M) is the general market price index measured by
the Fundação Getúlio Vargas. |
(2) |
Inflation (IPCA) is a broad consumer price index measured
by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e
Estatística. |
(3) |
The CDI rate is average of inter-bank overnight rates in Brazil
(accumulated for period-end month, annualized). |
(4) |
Three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR rate as of the last date of
the period. The LIBOR rate is the London inter-bank offer rate,
which is the rate applicable to the short-term international
inter-bank market. |
(5) |
Represents the average of the exchange rates on the last day of
each month during the period. |
43
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain components of our income
for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(In thousands) | |
Net operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Passenger
|
|
R$ |
643,549 |
|
|
R$ |
1,339,191 |
|
|
R$ |
1,875,475 |
|
|
US$ |
706,553 |
|
|
Cargo and other
|
|
|
34,330 |
|
|
|
61,399 |
|
|
|
85,411 |
|
|
|
32,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net operating revenues
|
|
|
677,879 |
|
|
|
1,400,590 |
|
|
|
1,960,886 |
|
|
|
738,730 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries, wages and benefits
|
|
|
77,855 |
|
|
|
137,638 |
|
|
|
183,037 |
|
|
|
68,956 |
|
|
Aircraft fuel
|
|
|
160,537 |
|
|
|
308,244 |
|
|
|
459,192 |
|
|
|
172,993 |
|
|
Aircraft rent
|
|
|
130,755 |
|
|
|
188,841 |
|
|
|
195,504 |
|
|
|
73,653 |
|
|
Aircraft insurance
|
|
|
23,186 |
|
|
|
25,850 |
|
|
|
25,575 |
|
|
|
9,635 |
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
96,626 |
|
|
|
191,280 |
|
|
|
261,756 |
|
|
|
98,612 |
|
|
Landing fees
|
|
|
32,758 |
|
|
|
47,924 |
|
|
|
57,393 |
|
|
|
21,622 |
|
|
Aircraft and traffic servicing
|
|
|
47,381 |
|
|
|
58,710 |
|
|
|
74,825 |
|
|
|
28,189 |
|
|
Maintenance, materials and repairs
|
|
|
16,160 |
|
|
|
42,039 |
|
|
|
51,796 |
|
|
|
19,513 |
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
7,885 |
|
|
|
13,844 |
|
|
|
21,242 |
|
|
|
8,003 |
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
22,654 |
|
|
|
44,494 |
|
|
|
54,265 |
|
|
|
20,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
615,797 |
|
|
|
1,058,864 |
|
|
|
1,384,585 |
|
|
|
521,619 |
|
Operating income
|
|
|
62,082 |
|
|
|
341,726 |
|
|
|
576,301 |
|
|
|
217,111 |
|
Other expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(16,530 |
) |
|
|
(20,910 |
) |
|
|
(13,444 |
) |
|
|
(5,065 |
) |
|
Financial income (expense), net
|
|
|
7,447 |
|
|
|
(56,681 |
) |
|
|
24,423 |
|
|
|
9,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
52,999 |
|
|
|
264,135 |
|
|
|
587,280 |
|
|
|
221,248 |
|
|
Income taxes current
|
|
|
(1,396 |
) |
|
|
(60,747 |
) |
|
|
(165,710 |
) |
|
|
(62,428 |
) |
|
Income taxes deferred
|
|
|
(16,246 |
) |
|
|
(27,929 |
) |
|
|
(36,860 |
) |
|
|
(13,886 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
R$ |
35,357 |
|
|
R$ |
175,459 |
|
|
R$ |
384,710 |
|
|
US$ |
144,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share, basic and
diluted(1)
|
|
R$ |
0.36 |
|
|
R$ |
1.07 |
|
|
R$ |
2.14 |
|
|
US$ |
0.81 |
|
Weighted average shares used in computing earnings per share,
basic and diluted (in
thousands)(1)
|
|
|
98,268 |
|
|
|
164,410 |
|
|
|
179,731 |
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per ADS, basic and diluted
|
|
R$ |
0.72 |
|
|
R$ |
2.14 |
|
|
R$ |
4.28 |
|
|
US$ |
1.61 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Our preferred shares are not entitled to any fixed dividend
preferences, but are instead entitled to receive dividends per
share in the same amount of dividends per share paid to holders
of our common shares. However, our preferred shares are entitled
to receive distributions prior to holders of the common shares.
Consequently, our earnings (loss) per share are computed by
dividing income by the weighted average number of all classes of
shares outstanding during the year. Preferred shares are
excluded during any loss period. We have no dilutive securities. |
|
|
|
Year 2004 Compared to Year 2003 |
Our net income for the year 2004 increased to
R$384.7 million from R$175.5 million for 2003, an
increase of R$209.3 million. We had operating income of
R$576.3 million in 2004, an increase of
R$234.6 million from 2003, and our operating margin was
29.4%, an increase of 5.0 points from 2003. Income before income
taxes increased 122.3% to R$587.3 million, resulting in
increased income and social contribution taxes to
R$202.6 million in 2004 from R$88.7 million in 2003.
Our effective tax rate was 34% in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
44
Net Operating Revenues. Net operating revenues increased
40.0%, or R$560.3 million, due primarily to increased
passenger revenues. Increased passenger revenues resulted from
an 7.6% increase in our yield, a 16.3% increase in capacity and
a 6.7 point increase in our load factor from 64.3% to 71.1%. The
increase in capacity was driven by the addition of over 100
regularly-scheduled departures. A 28.6% increase in revenue
passenger kilometers resulted in an increase of our market share
to 22.3% from 19.2% in 2003. Cargo and other revenue increased
by R$24.0 million due primarily to increases in revenues
from our cargo service operations. Revenue growth was
facilitated by the average number of aircraft in service
increasing from 21.6 to 22.3.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses increased 30.8%,
or R$325.7 million, due primarily to a 49.0% increase in
the average cost of jet fuel and a 36.8% increase in our sales
and marketing expenses. Operating expense increases were
partially offset by higher productivity and decreases in average
aircraft rents and aircraft insurance premiums as a result of
the 8.1% appreciation of the real against the
U.S. dollar. Operating capacity increased by 16.3% to
8.84 billion available seat kilometers due to scheduled
capacity that allowed us to add over 100 additional regularly
scheduled flight frequencies. Additionally, we increased
aircraft utilization from 12.8 block hours per day in 2003 to
13.6 block hours per day in 2004. Operating expenses per
available seat kilometer increased 12.4% to R$15.66 cents,
primarily as a result of the increase in the average cost of jet
fuel and the increase in sales and marketing expense, partially
offset by spreading our fixed costs over more available seat
kilometers. The breakdown of our operating expenses for 2004
compared to 2003 is as follows (percent changes are based on
unrounded numbers):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
|
Percentage of | |
|
|
| |
|
Percent | |
|
Net Revenues | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
Change | |
|
(2004) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(cost per | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
available seat | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
kilometer in | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ cents) | |
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries, wages and benefits
|
|
|
1.83 |
|
|
|
2.07 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
% |
|
|
9.3 |
% |
|
Aircraft fuel
|
|
|
4.10 |
|
|
|
5.19 |
|
|
|
26.6 |
% |
|
|
23.4 |
% |
|
Aircraft rent
|
|
|
2.51 |
|
|
|
2.21 |
|
|
|
(12.0 |
)% |
|
|
10.0 |
% |
|
Aircraft insurance
|
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
0.29 |
|
|
|
(14.7 |
)% |
|
|
1.3 |
% |
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
2.54 |
|
|
|
2.96 |
|
|
|
16.5 |
% |
|
|
13.4 |
% |
|
Landing fees
|
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
0.65 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
% |
|
|
2.9 |
% |
|
Aircraft and traffic servicing
|
|
|
0.78 |
|
|
|
0.85 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
% |
|
|
3.8 |
% |
|
Maintenance, materials and repairs
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
0.59 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
% |
|
|
2.7 |
% |
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
0.18 |
|
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
|
33.3 |
% |
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
0.60 |
|
|
|
0.61 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
% |
|
|
2.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
14.07 |
|
|
|
15.66 |
|
|
|
11.3 |
% |
|
|
70.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost per flight hour
|
|
|
13.45 |
|
|
|
14.94 |
|
|
|
11.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Break-even load factor
|
|
|
50.8 |
% |
|
|
52.5 |
% |
|
|
3.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Salaries, wages and benefits increased 33.0%, or
R$45.4 million, due to a 34.7% increase in full-time
equivalent employees from 2,453 at the end of 2003 to 3,307 at
the end of 2004, a 5.8% increase in wage rates due to cost of
living increases, R$27.2 million in provisions for our
profit sharing plan and crew training costs to support the
addition of five Boeing 737-300 aircraft in the second half of
2004. Cost per available seat kilometer increased 13.2% due to
the provision for profit sharing, partially offset by increased
productivity per employee and higher capacity.
Aircraft fuel expense increased 49.0%, or R$150.9 million,
primarily due to an increase in average fuel cost per liter of
24.2% and 53.0 million more liters of fuel being consumed
(a 20.0% increase from 2003), partially offset by our fuel
efficient fleet and pricing power, which helped to mitigate the
increase in jet fuel
45
prices. Cost per available seat kilometer increased 26.6% due
primarily to the increase in the average fuel cost per liter.
Aircraft rent increased 3.5%, or R$6.7 million, due to an
increase in the average size of our fleet to 22.3 aircraft from
21.6, partially offset by a lower average rent for the five
additional Boeing 737-300 aircraft that we are leasing on two-
and three-year contracts to meet short-term capacity needs and
the 8.1% appreciation of the real against the
U.S. dollar. Cost per available seat kilometer decreased
12.0% due to high aircraft utilization of 13.6 block hours per
day.
Aircraft insurance expense decreased 1.1%, or
R$0.3 million, primarily due to the appreciation of the
real against the U.S. dollar during the year and a
decrease in our average insurance premium rates. Cost per
available seat kilometer decreased 14.7% due to the same reasons.
Sales and marketing expense increased 36.8%, or
R$70.5 million, primarily due to increased ticket sales per
real of passenger revenues, increased advertising
expenses related to the opening of 11 new bases and higher
credit card fees resulting from higher passenger revenues,
partially offset by reductions in travel agency commissions. We
sold 76.4% of our tickets through our website in 2004 as
compared to 57.9% in 2003. Travel agents accounted for 74.9% of
our online ticket sales in 2004 as compared to 75.9% in 2003.
Cost per available seat kilometer increased 16.5% as a result of
these factors.
Landing fees increased 19.8%, or R$9.5 million, due to a
16.2% increase in departures and a 3.0% increase in average
landing tariffs. Cost per available seat kilometer increased
1.6%.
Aircraft and traffic servicing expense increased 27.4%, or
R$16.1 million, due to the start-up of 11 new bases. Cost
per available seat kilometer increased 9.0% as a result of fixed
costs relating to the new bases.
Maintenance, materials and repairs increased 23.2%, or
R$9.8 million, due to 0.7 average additional aircraft in
operation as well as 27 scheduled airframe checks and engine
repairs in 2004, as compared to 19 performed in 2003. Cost per
available seat kilometer increased 5.4% due to the same reasons.
Depreciation increased 53.4%, or R$7.4 million, due
primarily to a R$6.0 million depreciation of inventoried
aircraft spare parts. Cost per available seat kilometer
increased 33.3% due to the depreciation of the aircraft spare
parts.
Other operating expenses increased 22.0%, or R$9.8 million,
due to an increase in general and administrative expenses
related to the expansion of our operations. Cost per available
seat kilometer increased 4.9% due to the expansion of our
operations.
Other Income (Expense). Interest expense and financial
income (expense), net decreased R$88.6 million, due to
increases of R$32.3 million in interest income on cash
balances and R$32.3 million in hedging gains, and decreases
of R$10.7 million in interest expenses and
R$11.0 million in exchange variation losses.
|
|
|
Year 2003 Compared to Year 2002 |
Our net income for the year 2003 increased to
R$175.5 million from R$35.4 million for 2002, an
increase of R$140.1 million. We had operating income of
R$341.7 million, an increase of R$279.6 million over
2002, and our operating margin was 24.4%, an increase of 15.2
points from 2002. Income before income tax increased 398.4% to
R$264.1 million resulting in increased income and social
contribution taxes to R$88.6 million in 2003 from
R$17.6 million in 2002. Our effective tax rate was 34% and
33% in 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Net Operating Revenues. Net operating revenues increased
106.6%, or R$722.7 million, due primarily to increased
passenger revenues. Increased passenger revenues resulted
primarily from a 43.2% increase in departures, a 1.7 point
increase in our load factor from 62.5% to 64.2% and a 35.8%
increase in our yield. Other revenue increased by
R$27.1 million due primarily to increases in revenues from
our cargo service operations. Revenue growth was facilitated by
the average number of aircraft in service increasing from 15.3
to 21.6.
46
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses increased 72.0%,
or R$443.1 million, due primarily to operating an average
of 6.3 additional aircraft during 2003, increased flight
departures during the period, an increase in the average cost of
jet fuel and an increase in our sales and marketing expenses.
Operating capacity increased by 49.1% to 7.53 billion
available seat kilometers due to scheduled capacity increases
and an increase in aircraft utilization by 4.1%. Operating
expenses per available seat kilometer increased 15.3% to R$14.07
cents, primarily as a result of a 19.4% increase in the average
cost of jet fuel and a 98.0% increase in sales and marketing
expense, partially offset by spreading our fixed costs over a
larger fleet and a decrease in our average insurance premium
rates. The breakdown of our operating expenses for 2003 compared
to 2002 is as follows (percent changes are based on unrounded
numbers):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
|
Percentage of | |
|
|
| |
|
Percent | |
|
Net Revenues | |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
Change | |
|
(2003) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(cost per | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
available seat | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
kilometer in | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ cents) | |
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries, wages and benefits
|
|
|
1.54 |
|
|
|
1.83 |
|
|
|
18.6 |
% |
|
|
9.8 |
% |
|
Aircraft fuel
|
|
|
3.18 |
|
|
|
4.10 |
|
|
|
28.8 |
% |
|
|
22.0 |
% |
|
Aircraft rent
|
|
|
2.59 |
|
|
|
2.51 |
|
|
|
(3.1 |
)% |
|
|
13.5 |
% |
|
Aircraft insurance
|
|
|
0.46 |
|
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
(25.2 |
)% |
|
|
1.8 |
% |
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
1.91 |
|
|
|
2.54 |
|
|
|
32.8 |
% |
|
|
13.7 |
% |
|
Landing fees
|
|
|
0.65 |
|
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
(1.9 |
)% |
|
|
3.4 |
% |
|
Aircraft and traffic servicing
|
|
|
0.94 |
|
|
|
0.78 |
|
|
|
(16.9 |
)% |
|
|
4.2 |
% |
|
Maintenance, materials and repairs
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
74.5 |
% |
|
|
3.0 |
% |
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
0.18 |
|
|
|
17.8 |
% |
|
|
1.0 |
% |
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
0.60 |
|
|
|
31.8 |
% |
|
|
3.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
12.20 |
|
|
|
14.07 |
|
|
|
15.3 |
% |
|
|
75.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost per flight hour
|
|
|
11.31 |
|
|
|
13.45 |
|
|
|
18.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Break-even load factor
|
|
|
59.8 |
% |
|
|
50.8 |
% |
|
|
(15.0 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
Salaries, wages and benefits increased 76.8%, or
R$59.8 million, due to an 18.4% increase in full-time
equivalent employees from 2,072 at the end of 2002 to 2,453 at
the end of 2003, increases in wage rates of 7.8% due to cost of
living increases and R$19.1 million in provisions for our
profit sharing plan. Cost per available seat kilometer increased
18.6% due to the salary increases and the provision for profit
sharing, partially offset by increased productivity and higher
capacity.
Aircraft fuel expense increased 92.0%, or R$147.7 million,
primarily due to 100.4 million more liters of fuel being
consumed (a 61.2% increase from 2002) and an increase in average
fuel cost per liter. Cost per available seat kilometer increased
28.8% due primarily to the increase in the average fuel cost per
liter.
Aircraft rent increased 44.4%, or R$58.1 million, due to an
increase in the average size of our fleet to 21.6 aircraft
from 15.3, partially offset by the 18.2% appreciation of the
real against the U.S. dollar during the year. Cost
per available seat kilometer decreased 3.1% due to higher
aircraft utilization and the appreciation of the real
against the U.S. dollar.
Aircraft insurance expense increased 11.5%, or
R$2.7 million, due to higher aggregate premiums paid on a
larger fleet size, partially offset by the 18.2% appreciation of
the real against the U.S. dollar during the year and
a decrease in average insurance premium rates. Cost per
available seat kilometer decreased 25.2% due to the appreciation
of the real against the U.S. dollar and the decrease
in average insurance premium rates.
Sales and marketing expense increased 98.0%, or
R$94.7 million, primarily due to a higher amount of
bookings through travel agents, increased advertising expenses
and higher credit card fees resulting from
47
increased passenger revenues. We booked a majority of our ticket
sales through a combination of our website (57.9% in 2003) and
our call center (18.5% in 2003). Travel agents accounted for
75.9% of our internet bookings in 2003. Cost per available seat
kilometer increased 32.8% as a result of these factors.
Landing fees increased 46.3%, or R$15.2 million, due to a
43.2% increase in departures and a 1.1% increase in average
landing tariffs. Cost per available seat kilometer decreased
1.9%.
Aircraft and traffic servicing expense increased 23.9%, or
R$11.3 million, primarily due to an increase in our
operations from 21 to 28 airports served and a 43.2% increase in
departures. Cost per available seat kilometer decreased 16.9% as
a result of fixed costs being spread over a higher number of
available seat kilometers.
Maintenance, materials and repairs increased 160.1%, or
R$25.9 million, due to 6.3 average additional aircraft in
operation as well as six scheduled airframe checks and engine
repairs in 2003. Cost per available seat kilometer increased
74.5% due to the airframe checks and engine repairs.
Depreciation increased 75.6%, or R$6.0 million, due
primarily to a 102.9% increase in our inventory of aircraft
spare parts and, to a lesser extent, a 95.4% increase in
computer equipment resulting from the expansion of our
operations. Cost per available seat kilometer increased 17.8%
due to increased depreciable assets.
Other operating expenses increased 96.4%, or
R$21.8 million, due to an increase in general and
administrative expenses related to the expansion of our
operations. Cost per available seat kilometer increased 31.8%
due to the expansion of our operations.
Other Income (Expense). Interest expense and financial
income (expense), net increased 754.2%, or R$68.5 million,
due to increased working capital financing and
R$29.9 million in foreign exchange losses recorded on
U.S. dollar forward contracts purchased in March 2003
against future lease payments, partially offset by
R$16.9 million in non-cash foreign exchange gains on
U.S. dollar-denominated maintenance reserves.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In managing our liquidity, we take into account our cash and
cash equivalents and short-term investments as well as our
accounts receivable balances. Our accounts receivable balance is
affected by the payment terms of our credit card receivables.
Our customers can purchase seats on our flights using a credit
card and pay in installments, typically creating a one- or
two-month lag between the time that we pay our suppliers and
expenses and the time that we receive payment for our services.
When necessary, we obtain working capital loans, which can be
secured by our receivables, to finance the sale-to-cash
collection cycle. At December 31, 2004, we had cash and
cash equivalents of R$405.7 million, short-term investments
of R$443.4 million and accounts receivable of
R$386.4 million, as compared to cash and cash equivalents
of R$146.3 million, no short-term investments and accounts
receivable of R$240.6 million at December 31, 2003.
At December 31, 2004, we had six revolving lines of credit,
which allow for total borrowings of up to R$225.3 million.
One of our revolving lines of credit is secured by our credit
card receivables and allows for borrowings of up to
R$50.7 million. As of December 31, 2004, there were no
amounts outstanding under this facility. Another revolving
credit facility is secured by a certificate of deposit and
allows for borrowings of up to R$49.6 million. As of
December 31, 2004, R$25.8 million was outstanding
under this facility. Another line of credit is secured by notes
receivables and allows for total borrowings of up to
R$125.0 million. As of December 31, 2004,
R$92.5 million was outstanding under this facility.
Operating Activities. We rely primarily on cash flows
from operations to provide working capital for current and
future operations. Cash flows from operating activities totaled
R$274.1 million in 2004, R$85.2 million in 2003 and
R$17.0 million in 2002. The increase in operating cash
flows over these periods was primarily due to the growth of our
business. Net cash provided by investing and financing
activities was R$14.7 million in 2004 and
R$51.6 million in 2003. Net cash used in investing and
financing activities was
48
R$12.7 million in 2002. The increase in net cash provided
by investing and financing activities in 2004 was due primarily
to the capital we raised in our initial public offering in June
2004.
Our operating cash flows are affected by the requirement under
the terms of our aircraft operating leasing agreements that we
establish maintenance reserve accounts for our aircraft that
must be funded at specified levels. At December 31, 2004,
we had R$104.2 million of deposits under our aircraft
operating leases for aircraft and engine maintenance. We believe
the amounts deposited in these reserve accounts currently exceed
the amounts actually required to maintain our aircraft, given
the young age of our fleet. As our fleet ages and maintenance
costs increase, funds will be drawn from the maintenance reserve
accounts to pay for structural maintenance. Over the next three
years, we expect that we will be required to continue to make
deposits in maintenance reserve accounts. The amount we will be
required to deposit in the maintenance reserve accounts will be
affected by a number of factors in addition to our fleet size
and number of hours flown, including changes in maintenance
rates and the ability to substitute other instruments for cash
deposits. We believe the amounts to be deposited will be
sufficient to service our future aircraft and maintenance costs
for the duration of the applicable operating leases.
We believe that we can meet our existing financial commitments
and aircraft rent obligations with our cash and cash
equivalents, and cash from operations, short-term investments
and accounts receivable collected.
Investing Activities. During 2004, capital expenditures
were R$533.4 million, which included expenditures of
R$85.4 million related to our purchase of aircraft spare
parts. During 2003, capital expenditures were
R$42.7 million, which included expenditures of
R$38.2 million related to our purchase of aircraft spare
parts. Capital expenditures for facilities improvements and
hardware purchases was R$4.0 million. We reduced our
aircraft lease security deposits by R$3.5 million during
2003. During 2002, capital expenditures were
R$22.4 million, which included expenditures of
R$16.9 million related to our purchase of aircraft spare
parts. Capital expenditures for other property and equipment,
including ground equipment purchases and facilities
improvements, was R$5.5 million. Aircraft lease security
deposits increased by R$12.1 million during 2002.
Financing Activities. Financing activities during 2004
consisted primarily of short-term borrowings of
R$79.4 million and the proceeds from the issuance of
R$470.4 million of preferred shares in our initial public
offering. Financing activities during 2003 consisted primarily
of short-term borrowings of R$16.1 million and the issuance
of R$94.2 million of preferred shares of Gol. Financing
activities during 2002 consisted primarily of a reduction of
short-term debt by R$14.2 million and the issuance of
R$16.5 million of common shares. We did not pay any
dividends in respect of the fiscal year 2002. We declared
R$26.5 million and R$60.7 million of dividends for the
fiscal years 2003 and 2004, respectively, which were accrued on
our balance sheet as Other Current Liabilities and
paid in March 2004 and 2005, respectively. Under our by-laws, at
least 25% of our adjusted net income, as calculated under
Brazilian GAAP and adjusted under the Brazilian corporation law
(which differs significantly from net income as calculated under
U.S. GAAP), for the preceding fiscal year must be
distributed as a mandatory annual dividend. See Dividends
and Dividend PolicyMandatory Distributions. The most
significant adjustment to U.S. GAAP net income in arriving
at adjusted net income under Brazilian GAAP relates to the
accounting for additions to our maintenance deposits. Under
U.S. GAAP, additions to our maintenance deposits are
deferred and such deposits are charged to operating expense as
maintenance is incurred. Under Brazilian GAAP, additions to our
maintenance deposits are charged to operating expenses when made.
Capital Resources. We typically finance our leased
aircraft through operating lease financings. Although we believe
that debt and/or operating lease financings should be available
for our future aircraft deliveries, we cannot assure you that we
will be able to secure financings on terms attractive to us, if
at all. To the extent we cannot secure financing, we may be
required to modify our aircraft acquisition plans or incur
higher than anticipated financing costs. We expect to continue
to require working capital investment due to the use of credit
card installment payments by our customers. We have two lines of
credit that are secured by our accounts receivable. We expect to
meet our operating obligations as they become due through
available cash and internally generated funds, supplemented as
necessary by short-term credit lines.
We currently have DAC approval to operate 31 aircraft and we
structure our growth plans in a way that is mindful of the
DACs criteria for the granting of new routes and
frequencies. Our growth plans contemplate
49
operating approximately 75 aircraft by the end of 2010. We have
placed firm purchase orders with The Boeing Company for 30
737-800 Next Generation aircraft and we have options to purchase
an additional 33 737-800 Next Generation aircraft. Currently,
six firm order aircraft are to be delivered in 2006, thirteen in
2007, seven in 2008 and four in 2009. The purchase options are
exercisable for deliveries between 2007 and 2010. Committed
expenditures for these aircraft, based on aircraft list price
and including estimated amounts for contractual price
escalations and pre-delivery deposits, are US$31.5 million
in 2005, US$192.6 million in 2006, US$983.2 million in
2007, US$820.1 million in 2008 and US$612.5 million in
2009. We expect to meet our pre-delivery deposits by using cash
from operations or borrowings under short-term credit facilities
and/or vendor financing. We expect to finance the balance of the
purchase price of the Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft
through a combination of means, such as cash and funds generated
from operations, low-interest bank financing and credit
agreements, sale and leaseback transactions, additional equity
or debt offerings and/or vendor financing. The firm orders
represent a significant financial commitment for us. Pending the
application of the proceeds from our initial public offering, as
well as the proceeds from this global offering, we invest these
funds in overnight deposits and deposit certificates with
highly-rated Brazilian banks and temporary investments, mainly
highly-rated Brazilian government bonds. As of December 31,
2004, we had approximately R$842 million of these temporary
investments. Most of the temporary investments are held in an
account managed by an unaffiliated, independent third party.
Although the account manager has the discretion in selecting
investment instruments for the managed account, this discretion
is limited by the charter of the managed account and the cash
management policies approved by our risk policies committee. See
note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus. While we expect that a preliminary
commitment to us from the Export-Import Bank of the United
States to provide guarantees covering approximately 85% of the
aggregate purchase price for the firm order aircraft will assist
us in obtaining low-cost financing for the purchase of the firm
order aircraft, we may be required to use our own cash resources
for the remaining 15% of the aggregate purchase price for the
firm order aircraft. To the extent that we do not have
sufficient cash resources to do so, we may be required to modify
our aircraft acquisition plans or to incur higher than
anticipated financing costs, which would have an adverse impact
on the execution of our growth strategy and business.
Contractual Obligations
Our non-cancelable contractual obligations at December 31,
2004 included the following (in millions of reais):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than | |
|
|
|
|
|
More than | |
|
|
Total | |
|
1 Year | |
|
1-3 Years | |
|
3-5 Years | |
|
5 Years | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Aircraft and engine operating leases
|
|
R$ |
759.3 |
|
|
R$ |
200.8 |
|
|
R$ |
381.5 |
|
|
R$ |
170.5 |
|
|
R$ |
6.5 |
|
Short-term borrowings
|
|
|
118.3 |
|
|
|
118.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term vendor payables
|
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
R$ |
886.8 |
|
|
R$ |
319.1 |
|
|
R$ |
390.7 |
|
|
R$ |
170.5 |
|
|
R$ |
6.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None of our operating lease obligations are reflected on our
balance sheet. We are responsible for all maintenance, insurance
and other costs associated with operating these aircraft;
however, we have not made any residual value or other guarantees
to our lessors.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in
conformity with U.S. GAAP requires our management to adopt
accounting policies and make estimates and judgments to develop
amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and
related notes. We strive to maintain a process to review the
application of our accounting policies and to evaluate the
appropriateness of the estimates that are required to prepare
our consolidated financial statements. We believe that our
estimates and judgments are reasonable; however, actual results
and the timing of recognition of such amounts could differ from
those estimates. In
50
addition, estimates routinely require adjustment based on
changing circumstances and the receipt of new or better
information.
Critical accounting policies and estimates are defined as those
that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties,
and potentially result in materially different outcomes under
different assumptions and conditions. The policies and estimates
discussed below have been reviewed with our independent
auditors. For a discussion of these and other accounting
policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial
statements.
Accounting for Long-lived Assets. In accounting for
long-lived assets, we make assumptions about the expected useful
lives of our assets and the potential for impairment. Our
long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment when events and
circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired and the
undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those
assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets.
Indicators include operating or cash flow losses, significant
decreases in market value or changes in technology. If
impairment occurs, any loss is measured by comparing the fair
value of the asset to its net book value. As our assets are all
relatively new and we continue to have positive cash flow, we
have not identified any impairments related to long-lived assets
at this time.
Risk Management Instruments Used for Aircraft Fuel and
Foreign Exchange. We utilize financial risk management
instruments to manage the price risk of changing aircraft fuel
prices and the foreign exchange risk of our
U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities. The contracts are
recorded at current market value in the balance sheet with any
gains or losses recorded in financial expense. Forward jet fuel
prices are estimated through the observation of similar
commodity futures prices (such as crude oil) and adjusted based
on variations to those like commodities. As the majority of our
contracts settle within three months, the variation between
estimates and actuals are recognized within a short period of
time.
Accounting for stock-based compensation. We account for
stock-based compensation in coordance with Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees, and related interpretations. Compensation
expense for a stock option grant is recognized when the exercise
price is less than the fair value of our preferred shares on the
grant date.
Pro forma information regarding our net profit and net profit
per share is required by SFAS No. 123 and has been
determined as if we accounted for employee stock options under
the fair value method prescribed by SFAS No. 123.
Considering the amounts involved, the application of
SFAS No. 123 would not result in a material effect on
our net income and earnings per share.
On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued FASB Statement
No. 123 (revised 2004), or FASB Statement No. 123(R),
Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of FASB
Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation. FASB No. 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion
No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees and amends FASB Statement No. 95,
Statement of Cash Flows. Generally, the approach in
FASB Statement No. 123(R) is similar to the approach
described in FASB Statement No. 123. However, FASB
Statement No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to
employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be
recognized in the income statement based on their fair value.
Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative.
Companies must adopt FASB Statement No. 123(R) no later
than July 1, 2005. We expect to adopt FASB Statement
No. 123(R) in our 2005 financial statements using the
modified-perspective method. As permitted by FASB Statement
No. 123, we currently account for share-based payments to
employees using APB Opinion No. 25s intrinsic value
method. Accordingly, the adoption of FASB Statement
No. 123(R)s fair value method will affect how we
account for stock-based compensation in the future. The impact
of adoption of FASB Statement No. 123(R) will not be
material to our reported results.
Deposits for aircraft and engine maintenance.
U.S. dollar deposits for aircraft and engine maintenance,
as stipulated in our respective lease agreements, are made to
specific accounts in the name of the lessor responsible for the
maintenance services. Certain required aircraft and engine
maintenance, as stipulated in our respective lease agreements,
are funded from these deposits. Our actual aircraft and
maintenance expenditures could differ from these deposits. We
are required to pay the lessor for maintenance expenditures that
exceed deposited amounts. We can apply deposit amounts that
exceed maintenance expenditures to the final lease payment.
51
Outlook for 2005
We expect to expand our operations by adding additional flights
to existing domestic routes, adding new domestic routes where
sufficient market potential exists and expanding into
high-traffic centers in other South American countries. We
expect to commence flights between Brazil and Santa Cruz de la
Sierra, Bolivia in the second quarter of 2005, and between
Brazil and Montevideo, Uruguay and Asuncíon, Paraguay by
the end of 2005. As in previous years, in 2005 we will also
concentrate on keeping our operating costs low and pursuing ways
to make our operations more efficient.
Given the demand for our services, we believe that we will
continue to have significant growth opportunities. We expect to
benefit from economies of scale and reduce our average cost per
available seat kilometer as we add additional aircraft to an
established and efficient operating infrastructure. We currently
have applications with the DAC to add additional routes and
flight frequencies. We expect our operating capacity to increase
approximately 50% with the addition of up to 13 aircraft in
2005, which will increase our available seat kilometers and
operating costs on an aggregate basis.
We expect jet fuel prices will continue to be high in 2005 and
we plan to use our fuel and foreign exchange hedging programs to
help protect us against short-term movements in crude oil prices
and the real/ U.S. dollar exchange rate.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The risk inherent in our market risk sensitive instruments and
positions is the potential loss arising from adverse changes to
the price of fuel, interest rates and the real/
U.S. dollar exchange rate.
Aircraft Fuel. Our results of operations are affected by
changes in the price and availability of aircraft fuel. To
manage the price risk, we utilize crude oil derivative
contracts. All of our derivative instruments must be liquid so
as to allow us to make position adjustments and have prices that
are widely disclosed. We avoid concentration of credit risk. All
existing contracts settle on a monthly basis. We do not purchase
or hold any derivative instruments for trading purposes. At
December 31, 2004, we had crude oil derivative contracts
outstanding for up to 120,000 barrels of oil. The fair
value of such contracts was R$1.5 million. Market risk is
estimated on a hypothetical 10% increase in the
December 31, 2004 cost per liter of fuel. Based on
projected 2005 fuel usage, such an increase would result in an
increase to aircraft fuel expense of approximately
R$70.9 million in 2005, not considering our derivative
contracts. We acquire a substantial amount of our fuel and oil
from one supplier.
Foreign Currencies. A significant part of our costs and
operating expenses, such as aircraft and engine maintenance
services, aircraft lease payments and aircraft insurance, are
denominated in U.S. dollars. To manage exchange rate risk,
we enter into derivative contracts with various counterparties
to protect ourselves against a possible depreciation or
devaluation of the real in relation to the
U.S. dollar. At December 31, 2004, we had no
outstanding currency futures contracts. As of December 31,
2004, as a measure of our market risk with respect to our
foreign currency exposure, an increase in aircraft and engine
maintenance services expenses, aircraft operating lease payments
and aircraft insurance from a hypothetical R$0.10 depreciation
of the real against the U.S. dollar would be
approximately R$10.2 million in 2005, not considering our
derivative contracts.
Interest. Our earnings are affected by changes in
interest rates due to the impact those changes have on interest
expense from variable-rate debt instruments, variable-rate
leasing contracts and on interest income generated from our cash
and investment balances. At December 31, 2004, 14.8% of our
aircraft rental expenses had floating interest rates. If
interest rates average 10% more in 2005 than they did
during 2004, our aircraft rental and interest expense would
increase by approximately R$9.5 million. If interest rates
average 10% less in 2005 than they did in 2004, our interest
income from cash equivalents and short-term investments would
decrease by approximately R$4.7 million. These amounts are
determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical
interest rates on our variable-rate debt, variable-rate leasing
contracts and cash equivalent balances at December 31, 2004.
52
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Most long-distance public travel services within Brazil are
provided by interstate bus companies. In 2003, Brazils
domestic airline industry transported almost 30 million
passengers, as compared to over 132 million passengers
transported by interstate bus companies in 2003, according to
the Brazilian Department of Highways (Departamento de
Transportes Rodoviários). Brazil has no meaningful
interstate passenger rail services.
The business travel segment is the largest component of
Brazilian air transportation demand and the most profitable in
the market. According to the DAC, business travel represents
approximately 70% of the total demand for domestic air travel in
2003, which we believe is significantly higher than the
proportion of domestic air travel in the global aviation sector
that is comprised of business travel. According to data
collected from the DAC, flights between Rio de Janeiro and
São Paulo accounted for 12.5% and 12.8% of all domestic
passengers in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The ten busiest
routes accounted for 35.5% and 37.1% of all domestic air
passengers in 2002 and 2003, respectively, while the ten busiest
airports accounted for 74.5% and 74.9% of all domestic passenger
traffic through INFRAERO airports in terms of arrivals and
departures in 2003 and 2004, respectively.
The table below sets forth information about the ten busiest
routes for air travel in Brazil during 2003.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Route | |
City Pair |
|
Passengers | |
|
Market Share | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
São PauloRio de
Janeiro(1)
|
|
|
3,743,356 |
|
|
|
12.8% |
|
São Paulo (Congonhas)Brasília
|
|
|
1,248,940 |
|
|
|
4.3% |
|
São Paulo (Congonhas)Belo Horizonte (Pampulha)
|
|
|
1,084,659 |
|
|
|
3.7% |
|
São Paulo (Congonhas)Curitiba
|
|
|
954,703 |
|
|
|
3.3% |
|
São Paulo (Congonhas)Porto Alegre
|
|
|
934,319 |
|
|
|
3.2% |
|
BrasíliaRio de Janeiro (Santos Dumont)
|
|
|
688,214 |
|
|
|
2.4% |
|
SalvadorSão Paulo (Guarulhos)
|
|
|
583,217 |
|
|
|
2.0% |
|
Belo Horizonte (Pampulha)Rio de Janeiro (Santos Dumont)
|
|
|
555,043 |
|
|
|
1.9% |
|
São Paulo (Congonhas)Florianópolis
|
|
|
547,687 |
|
|
|
1.9% |
|
Rio de Janeiro (Galeão)Salvador
|
|
|
493,337 |
|
|
|
1.7% |
|
Source: DAC, from Anuário Estatístico.
|
|
(1) |
Includes flights between Congonhas and Guarulhos to either
Santos Dumont or Galeão airports. |
The scheduled domestic passenger airline industry in Brazil is
primarily served by Gol and two main competitorsVarig and
TAM. By the end of 2004, Gol, TAM and Varig accounted for over
97% of the market share of domestic regular routes, measured in
terms of revenue passenger kilometers. In 2003, Varig and TAM
initiated discussions to merge their operations and entered into
a code-sharing arrangement. However, the merger plans have been
cancelled, and in January 2005, Varig and TAM entered into an
agreement with the Brazilian antitrust agency (CADE) to end the
code-sharing arrangements by mid-May 2005. Varig has significant
levels of indebtedness, and its financial condition and
prospects are uncertain. VASP was once a primary competitor.
However, by December 2004, VASP accounted for less than 1% of
the market share of domestic regular routes, and its remaining
flights were terminated in January 2005.
Since air transportation has historically been affordable only
to the higher income segment of Brazils population,
resulting in a comparatively low level of air travel, we believe
that the low-cost, low-fare business model has the potential to
significantly increase the use of air transportation in Brazil.
According to the DAC, there were 29.2 million domestic
enplanements and 7.8 million international enplanements in
Brazil in 2003, out of a total population of approximately
181 million, according to the Brazilian Geographical and
Statistical Institute (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e
EstatísticaIBGE). In contrast, according to the
U.S. Department of Transportation, the United States had
587.5 million domestic enplanements and 116.9 million
international enplanements in 2004, out of a total population of
approximately 293 million,
53
according to the latest U.S. census figures. By way of
further comparison, Atlantas Hartsfield International
Airport, the busiest airport in the United States, by itself had
37.7 million domestic enplanements in 2004.
Set forth in the table below is the number of passengers
traveling by air between Brazil and other specified South
American countries during 2003, as well as the gross domestic
product and population of each listed country.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GDP | |
|
Population | |
Country |
|
Enplanements | |
|
Percentage of Total | |
|
(in billions of US$) | |
|
(in millions) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Argentina
|
|
|
1,223,599 |
|
|
|
51.6 |
% |
|
|
129.7 |
|
|
|
37.9 |
|
Chile
|
|
|
384,230 |
|
|
|
16.2 |
% |
|
|
72.1 |
|
|
|
16.0 |
|
Uruguay
|
|
|
251,359 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
% |
|
|
11.2 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
Bolivia
|
|
|
149,950 |
|
|
|
6.3 |
% |
|
|
8.6 |
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
Paraguay
|
|
|
144,252 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
5.8 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
Colombia
|
|
|
87,769 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
% |
|
|
77.8 |
|
|
|
45.3 |
|
Peru
|
|
|
82,528 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
|
60.6 |
|
|
|
27.5 |
|
Venezuela
|
|
|
48,833 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
84.9 |
|
|
|
26.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
2,372,520 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
450.7 |
|
|
|
171.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sources: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2004, Population
Reference Bureau: 2004 World Population Data Sheet and
Emplanements: DAC
In connection with our introduction of flights between Brazil
and select destinations in neighboring South American countries,
we must observe the terms of bilateral air transport agreements
negotiated between Brazil and foreign governments. These
bilateral agreements govern the operation of scheduled services
between specified destinations in each country. See
Regulation of the Brazilian Civil Aviation
MarketRoute RightsInternational routes.
Trends in Brazilian Civil Aviation Market
Since 1970, Brazil has for the most part had stable growth in
revenue passenger kilometers. From 1970 to 2004, revenue
passenger kilometers grew at a compound annual rate of 8%. In
the past 34 years, the domestic market generally
experienced year over year growth in revenue passenger
kilometers except in times of significant economic or political
distress, such as the petroleum crisis in the 1970s, the
Brazilian sovereign debt crisis in the early 1980s and the
economic and political distress in Brazil in the early
1990s.
From 1997 to 2004, the compound annual growth rate in industry
passenger traffic, in terms of revenue passenger kilometers, was
6.8% versus a compound annual growth rate in available industry
capacity, in terms of available seat kilometers, of 4.7%.
Industry load factors, calculated as revenue passenger
kilometers divided by available seat kilometers, have averaged
59% over the same period. The table below shows the figures of
domestic industry passenger traffic and available capacity for
the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1997 | |
|
1998 | |
|
1999 | |
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(In millions, except percentages) | |
Available Seat Kilometers
|
|
|
31,146 |
|
|
|
38,121 |
|
|
|
40,323 |
|
|
|
41,437 |
|
|
|
45,008 |
|
|
|
47,109 |
|
|
|
41,927 |
|
|
|
42,991 |
|
Available Seat Kilometers Growth
|
|
|
8.7% |
|
|
|
22.4% |
|
|
|
5.8% |
|
|
|
2.8% |
|
|
|
8.6% |
|
|
|
4.7% |
|
|
|
(11.0)% |
|
|
|
2.5% |
|
Revenue Passenger Kilometers
|
|
|
17,824 |
|
|
|
22,539 |
|
|
|
22,204 |
|
|
|
24,284 |
|
|
|
26,296 |
|
|
|
26,780 |
|
|
|
25,180 |
|
|
|
28,186 |
|
Revenue Passenger Kilometers Growth
|
|
|
7.5% |
|
|
|
26.5% |
|
|
|
(1.5)% |
|
|
|
9.4% |
|
|
|
8.3% |
|
|
|
1.8% |
|
|
|
(6.0)% |
|
|
|
11.9% |
|
Load Factor
|
|
|
57.2% |
|
|
|
59.1% |
|
|
|
55.1% |
|
|
|
58.6% |
|
|
|
58.4% |
|
|
|
56.8% |
|
|
|
60.1% |
|
|
|
65.6% |
|
Source: DAC, for 1997 to 2002 from Anuário
Estatístico; and for 2003 and 2004 from Dados Comparativos
Avançados.
Historically, domestic airline industry revenue growth has
generally surpassed Brazilian GDP growth. From 1997 to 2003,
domestic airline industry revenue grew at a real compound annual
growth rate of 6.2% (as
54
adjusted by the IPCA inflation index) while Brazilian GDP has
grown at a real compound annual growth rate of 1.5% over the
same period, according to data from the DAC and the Central Bank.
The airline industry in Brazil is regulated pursuant to Law
No. 7,565, of December 19, 1986, also known as the
Brazilian Aeronautical Code, as well as extensive regulations
issued by the High Command of Aeronautics of the Ministry of
Defense (Comando da Aeronáutica), the CONAC, and the
DAC. Although the Brazilian airline sector was deregulated in
the early 1990s, the DAC has imposed varying degrees of
regulation since that time, and is charged with guiding,
planning, stimulating and supporting the activities of public
and private civil aviation as well as implementing international
rules and conventions that have already been adopted by the
Brazilian government. Changes in regulation often correspond to
major socio-economic events, such as the Persian Gulf War and
the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and we believe
have been designed to shelter domestic carriers from major
economic shocks. Currently, the DAC imposes a series of
restrictions and demands on the standards, safety, maintenance,
regularity and quality of air carrier operations. Brazilian
airlines are permitted to establish their own domestic fares.
Domestic fares can be reviewed by the DAC in order to prevent
airlines, which are public concessionaires, from operating in a
way that is detrimental to their economic viability. The DAC
also monitors the concession of airport slots, entry of new
companies, launch of new routes, increases in route frequencies
and lease or acquisition of new aircraft. The regulatory
environment relating to the Brazilian civil aviation market is
evolving, and a number of new laws are being discussed in
Congress and within various regulatory bodies that would change
the way in which the industry is regulated. See Regulation
of the Brazilian Civil Aviation Market.
From 1986 until 1993, the Brazilian government placed stricter
controls over local civil aviation activities, due to the
extremely high rates of inflation that led to a severe economic
crisis in Brazil during this period. The control exercised by
the Brazilian government consisted mainly of monitoring air
ticket prices charged by airlines and directing the use and
expansion of their routes. In 1994, after a successful effort to
curb inflation rates and stabilize the Brazilian economy, the
Brazilian government, through the aviation authorities, began to
deregulate the activities of the airline industry, which mainly
consisted of a gradual reduction of the government control over
the local activities of airlines. Although the airline industry
in Brazil is still a regulated environment, the current rules of
the DAC are significantly more flexible than past regulations
and a number of underlying regulatory acts have been issued by
the aviation authorities in order to harmonize the Brazilian
regulatory environment with modern international regulatory
models.
In 2003, the CONAC issued guidelines to limit the entry of new
concessionaires, the acquisition of new aircraft and the
granting of new routes to existing concessionaires in order to
protect the financial performance of the Brazilian airline
industry as a whole. Based on these guidelines, in order to
obtain authorizations for existing concessionaires to operate
new routes and to change existing ones, the applicant must file
with the DAC studies to justify the technical and economic
viability of the requested route and the DAC will also consider
the capacity of the airport infrastructure support, the increase
in demand and competition among airlines.
The current regulatory environment developed following an
economic slowdown in Brazil and a significant decline in
passenger air traffic in late 2001. According to the DAC,
accumulated losses for the airline sector grew to
R$5.9 billion in 2003 from R$1.47 billion in 2001. We
believe the current regulatory regime has benefited the recent
improved financial performance of the Brazilian airline sector
and helped to shift the trend back towards stability. Brazilian
airline industry yields increased from R$0.29 in 2002 to R$0.35
in 2003 with load factors of 56.8% in 2002 and 60.1% in 2003.
55
BUSINESS
Overview
We are one of the most profitable low-cost airlines in the world
and had net revenues of R$2.0 billion and net income of
R$384.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.
We are the only low-fare, low-cost airline operating in Brazil
providing frequent service on routes connecting all of
Brazils major cities. We focus on increasing the growth
and profits of our business by popularizing air travel and
stimulating and meeting demand for affordable, convenient air
travel in Brazil and between Brazil and other South America
destinations for both business and leisure passengers. We do
this by offering simple, safe and efficient services while
having among the lowest operating costs in the airline industry
worldwide. Our long-term business objective is to bring
affordable air travel to all significant destinations in South
America.
We have flown over 23 million passengers since beginning
operations in 2001 and, according to the DAC, Brazils
civil aviation authority, our share of the domestic market based
on revenue passenger kilometers grew from 4.7% in 2001 to 11.8%
in 2002, 19.4% in 2003 and 22.3% in 2004.
We began our operations in January 2001 with six single-class
Boeing 737-700 Next Generation aircraft serving five cities
in Brazil. We now operate 29 single-class Boeing 737
aircraft serving 37 cities in Brazil and one destination in
Argentina. We have placed firm purchase orders with The Boeing
Company for 30 737-800 Next Generation aircraft and we have
options to purchase an additional 33 737-800 Next
Generation aircraft. Currently, six firm order aircraft are
scheduled to be delivered in 2006, thirteen in 2007, seven in
2008 and four in 2009. We took delivery, under two- and
three-year operating leases, of five Boeing 737-300
aircraft in the second half of 2004, which we are using to help
meet our short-term capacity needs while we await the delivery
of the new 737-800 Next Generation aircraft.
Our strategy is to offer travelers in Brazil and other South
American countries a low-fare transportation alternative that we
believe is cost-competitive versus conventional airline and bus
transportation. We have a diversified revenue base, with
customers ranging from business passengers traveling between
densely populated cities in Brazil, such as São Paulo, Rio
de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, to leisure passengers traveling
to destinations throughout Brazil and to Argentina. We carefully
evaluate opportunities to continue the growth of our business
through increasing the frequency of flights to our existing
high-demand markets and adding new routes to overpriced routes
in Brazil and to other South American destinations. In December
2004, we commenced service to Buenos Aires, our first
destination outside of Brazil, and these flights have operated
at an average load factor of more than 70%. We expect to
commence service to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia during the
second quarter of 2005. We have applied for authorization to
serve other additional markets outside of Brazil, and we intend
to actively expand our cross-border services.
Our affordable, reliable and simple service and our focus on
markets that were either underserved or did not have a
lower-fare alternative has led to a strong awareness of our
brand and a rapid increase in our market share. Generally, our
low operating costs allow us to set our fares at levels
significantly lower than the average fares of our primary
competitors. This approach has helped us win customer loyalty
and in certain markets to stimulate demand by attracting new
customers who previously used other means of travel or traveled
less often due to price sensitivity. We have kept our operating
costs low principally by maintaining a simplified aircraft fleet
that is one of the industrys newest, which reduces
maintenance and fuel costs and facilitates our high aircraft
utilization, and concentrating heavily upon internet-based
distribution channels and sales. We offer a simplified product
to our customers with single-class seating and a light snack and
beverage service. We are an airline that effectively employs
technology to make our operations more efficient. The strong
promotion of internet-based distribution channels and sales is
an integral element of our low cost structure and efficiency.
This emphasis has made us one of the largest e-commerce
businesses in South America in terms of revenues from sales over
the internet. We have developed an innovative company culture
that is supported by a highly motivated and streamlined
workforce. Members of our senior management team have an average
of approximately 20 years of experience in the domestic and
international passenger transportation industries, and we have
been able to draw upon this extensive experience to develop and
strengthen our low-cost operating structure.
56
Our emphasis on controlling costs and yield management has given
us flexibility in setting our fares to achieve a balance between
our load factors and yields that we believe will generate the
highest profitability for us. During a time when the airline
industry globally was suffering from increased fuel prices, we
generated net income of R$384.7 million in 2004. Our
profitable results in 2004 were due largely to the economies of
scale from the growth of our business and having a cost per
available seat kilometer that was approximately 30% lower on a
stage-length adjusted basis than that of our primary
competitors, based upon our analysis of publicly available data.
Our operating model is based on a highly integrated,
multiple-stop route network that is a variation on the
point-to-point model used by other successful low-cost carriers
worldwide. The high level of integration of flights at selected
airports permits us to offer frequent, non-stop flights at low
fares between Brazils most important economic centers and
ample interconnections through our network linking city pairs
through a combination of two or more flights with little
connecting or stop-over time. Our network also allows us to
increase our load factors on our strongest city pair routes by
using the airports in those cities to connect our customers
onwards to their final destinations. This strategy increases our
load factor by attracting customers traveling to secondary
markets who prefer to pay lower fares even if this means making
one or more stops before reaching their final destination.
Finally, our operating model allows us to build our flight
routes to add destinations to cities that would not,
individually, be feasible to serve in the traditional
point-to-point model, but that are feasible to serve when simply
added as additional points on our multiple-stop flight network.
We do this by offering low-fare early-bird or night flights to
lower-traffic destinations, which are usually the first or last
stops on our routes, allowing us to increase our aircraft
utilization and generate additional revenues.
The end result is that our operating model, when combined with
our low fares and reliable service, stimulates demand for air
travel, and helped us to achieve a load factor of 71% in 2004,
as compared to an average domestic load factor of 63% for our
three largest Brazilian competitors in the same period,
according to the DAC. The interconnectivity of our network also
resulted in approximately one-half of our passengers making
connections or stops while traveling to their final destination.
During 2004, we maintained high standards of operating
efficiency and customer satisfaction, completing 98% of our
scheduled flights with on-time performance of 97%, based on our
internal data.
We are controlled by Brazils Áurea group. The
Áurea group has more than five decades of successful
operating experience in Brazils bus transportation
industry, and brings the benefits of this expertise in the
Brazilian transportation industry to our strategy and operations.
Our Competitive Strengths
Our principal competitive strengths are:
We Keep Our Operating Costs Low. Our cost per
available seat kilometer for the year ended December 31,
2004 was R$15.7 cents, or approximately US$5.9 cents. We believe
that our cost per available seat kilometer for the year ended
December 31, 2004, adjusted for the average number of
kilometers flown per flight, was one of the lowest in the
airline industry worldwide, and was on average approximately 30%
lower than that of our primary competitors, based upon our
analysis of data collected from publicly available information.
Typically, airline operating costs per kilometer decrease as
flight length increases. Our low operating costs are the result
of being innovative and using best practices adopted from other
leading low-cost carriers to improve our operating efficiency,
including:
|
|
|
|
|
Efficient use of aircraft. During 2004, our aircraft flew
an average of 13.6 block hours per day, the highest
aircraft utilization rate in the Brazilian domestic airline
industry, according to the DAC, and among the highest worldwide
according to airline company public filings. We achieve high
aircraft utilization rates by operating a new fleet that
requires less maintenance down time, accomplishing a fast
turnaround on our aircraft between flights and operating more
flights per day per aircraft than our competitors. The fast
turnaround time for our aircraft between flights, which averages
just 25 minutes, minimizes connection times for our
passengers and enables our aircraft to fly an average of 11
flight legs a day, as compared to an estimated average of
7 flight legs a day by our primary competitors. We increase
the speed of preparing our aircraft for the next flight by
loading and unloading passengers |
57
|
|
|
|
|
through front and rear aircraft doors when possible, minimizing
catering requirements and having cabin crew assist with cleaning
the aircraft. Our efficient use of our fleet has helped us to
generate revenue at times when the aircraft of our competitors
are still on the ground and has allowed us to spread our fixed
costs over a greater number of flights and available seat
kilometers. As part of our aircraft utilization strategy, we
introduced night flights on certain routes in December 2003 at
very low fares to increase utilization, generate higher load
factors and stimulate demand. Our night flights, which generated
average load factors of 90% in 2004, have helped us to make our
fleet productive practically 24 hours per day. We also
offer air cargo services on our flights to generate incremental
revenue from space in the stronghold sections of our aircraft
that would otherwise remain unutilized. |
|
|
|
Operation of a simplified fleet. Currently, we operate a
simplified fleet type consisting of 29 Boeing 737
aircraft. We have firm orders and purchase options for up to
63 Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft. Delivery
of the current firm order aircraft is scheduled to occur between
2006 and 2009 and the purchase options are exercisable for
deliveries between 2007 and 2010. Having a fleet with minimal
aircraft types reduces inventory costs, as fewer spare parts are
required, and reduces the need to train our pilots to operate
different types of aircraft. In addition, keeping the number of
types of aircraft we operate to a minimum simplifies our
maintenance and operations processes. As our maintenance
technicians become better trained and perform maintenance
procedures more efficiently, we are able to schedule preventive
maintenance with more regularity, which helps to reduce costs.
While our focus on having the lowest operating costs means that
we will periodically review our fleet composition to ensure that
it is achieving our low-cost goals, any decision we may make to
introduce a new fleet type will be made only after carefully
weighing the performance and profitability benefits of doing so
against the emphasis we place on maintaining simplified
operations. |
|
|
|
Use of efficient, low-cost distribution channels. Our
effective use of technology helps us to keep our costs low and
our operations highly scaleable and efficient. We seek to keep
our distribution channels streamlined and convenient so as to
allow our customers to interact with us directly via the
internet. Approximately 80% of our ticket sales are through our
website, and our customers can check-in for their flights online
and by web-enabled cell phones. As a result of our emphasis on
low-cost distribution channels, we generate more revenues from
online ticket sales than any other airline company in Brazil. We
enjoy significant cost savings associated with automated ticket
sales, all while making the selection of travel options more
convenient for our customers. We estimate that our distribution
costs using our online ticket sales system is approximately 62%
lower than our distribution costs involving more traditional
means, such as the Global Distribution System, or GDS. In
addition, like other low-cost carriers, but unlike our
competitors, all travel on our flights is ticketless. The
elimination of paper tickets saves paper costs, postage,
employee time and back-office processing expenses. Also, we do
not need to maintain physical ticket sales locations outside of
airports. |
|
|
|
Flexible and efficient operating approach. We always seek
the most cost-effective way of providing our services to our
customers without compromising quality and safety. We constantly
evaluate our operations to see if sensible cost-savings
opportunities exist. As a result, we outsource the work that can
be done properly and more efficiently by third parties and we
internalize the functions that our employees can do more
cost-efficiently. We have arrangements on competitive terms with
third-party contractors at certain airports for passenger,
aircraft and baggage handling, and call center customer
services. We get competitive rates for these services by
negotiating multi-year contracts at prices that are fixed or
subject only to periodic increases linked to inflation.
Conversely, we plan to internalize aircraft heavy maintenance
work that is currently outsourced because we believe our
employees can provide this service at a high standard and lower
cost than third-party contractors. In addition, we will be able
to better determine the timing of heavy maintenance so as to
help maximize aircraft utilization. |
We Stimulate Demand for Our Services. We believe
that through our low fares and high-quality service, we provide
the best value in our markets and create demand for air travel
services. Our average fares are lower than the average fares of
our primary competitors. We identified and stimulated a demand
among both business and leisure passengers for air travel that
is convenient, simple and is a reasonably priced alternative to
58
traditional air, bus and car travel. By combining low fares with
simple and reliable service that treats passengers equally in a
single-class environment, we have successfully increased our
market share, strengthened customer loyalty and are we
attracting a new group of air travelers in our markets. These
new travelers did not previously consider air travel when making
their plans due to the higher prices and more complicated sales
procedures that preceded our entry into the market. For example,
our night flights, for which we offer highly competitive fares,
have proven to be very successful, generating average load
factors of 90% during 2004. We believe our night flights attract
passengers who previously relied upon bus or car travel and who
have now become air travel customers. We estimate that on
average, approximately 10% of the customers on our flights are
either first-time flyers or have not flown for more than one
year.
We Have One of the Newest Fleets in the Industry.
Our current fleet of 29 Boeing 737 aircraft has an
average age of 6.8 years, making our fleet the newest in
South America and one of the newest in the industry worldwide.
We believe that the firm orders and purchase options we have for
the delivery of up to 63 new Boeing 737-800 Next Generation
aircraft, with expected delivery dates between 2006 and 2010,
will help us to retain this competitive advantage. Our new fleet
has enabled us to enjoy a high degree of performance reliability
and to develop a reputation among customers for being an airline
that delivers a safe, on-time, modern and comfortable travel
experience. Our Boeing 737-800/700 Next Generation aircraft
type provides us with state-of-the-art technology and
aerodynamics with increased flying speed, improved fuel
efficiency and simplified maintenance procedures.
We Have a Strong Brand that Is Widely Recognized Among
Consumers. We believe that the Gol brand has become
synonymous with innovation and value in the Brazilian domestic
airline industry. Gol was chosen as the 2004 Company of
the Year by the annual Melhores e Maiores (The
Biggest and Best) edition of Exame magazine, one of the
most important business publications in Brazil. Our customers
also identify us as being accessible, friendly, fair and
reliable and distinguish us in Brazils domestic airline
industry on the basis of our modern and simplified approach to
providing air travel services. Customer satisfaction surveys
conducted in 2004 by Omni Marketing, an independent third-party
market research firm, indicated that more than nine out of every
ten passengers are satisfied with Gol, would fly again with Gol
and consider Gol to be an innovative, modern and practical
company. Our effort at promoting our brand awareness has earned
us recognition from the marketing industry in Brazil as well.
Our advertising campaigns received the Top of Marketing award
from Brazils Association of Marketing and Sales Directors
in 2002 and our website won the Ibest award, a major
internet-related award in Brazil, for the best transportation
website in 2003.
We Have a Strong Financial Position. We have
focused on maintaining a strong financial position with
significant cash balances and a low debt to capitalization
ratio. As of December 31, 2004, we had R$405.7 million
of cash and cash equivalents, R$443.3 million of short-term
investments, R$386.4 million of accounts receivable and
R$289.4 million of U.S. dollar denominated deposits
for aircraft leasing and aircraft engine maintenance contracts,
representing a total of R$1,524.9 million. As of
December 31, 2004, our debt to capitalization ratio was
9.3%.
We Actively Manage Risk. We actively monitor
movements in fuel prices, foreign exchange rates and interest
rates. We are able to adjust our fares to compensate for changes
in fuel prices and the exchange rate of the real versus
the U.S. dollar. Our general policy is to hedge on a
short-term basis a majority of the fuel we expect to consume and
our U.S. dollar exchange rate exposure, so as to minimize
the effects of adverse changes in the fuel or foreign exchange
markets.
We Have a Motivated Workforce and a Proven Management
Team. We benefit from a highly motivated workforce that
brings a new enthusiasm to air travel and a commitment to high
standards of friendly and reliable quality service that we
believe distinguishes us in our markets. We believe that the
positive feedback we received from our customers in our customer
satisfaction surveys is directly related to the priority our
employees place on delivering top quality customer service. We
invest a significant amount of time and resources into carefully
developing the best training practices and selecting individuals
to join our team who share our focus on ingenuity and continuous
improvement. We conduct ongoing training programs that
incorporate industry best practices and encourage strong and
open communication channels among all of the members of our team
so that we can continue to improve the quality of the services
we provide. We also
59
motivate our workforce by providing our employees with profit
sharing and through participation in our stock option program.
Our top managers have an average of approximately 20 years
of experience in the Brazilian passenger transportation
industries and this experience has helped us to develop the most
effective elements of our low-cost model.
Our Strategy
To continue the growth of our business and increase its
profitability, our strategy will be to further stimulate
customer demand by continuing to offer a single-class of air
travel service at low fares, while maintaining a high standard
of quality and safety. We will strive to keep our operating
costs low and relentlessly pursue ways to make our operations
more efficient. Our objectives are to provide the best travel
value in the markets we serve, to encourage people to fly by
making air travel accessible in our markets, and to further
increase our market share. We will continue to evaluate
opportunities to expand our operations by adding additional
flights to existing high-demand routes and night-flight domestic
routes, adding new domestic routes where sufficient market
demand exists and expanding into other high-traffic centers in
other South American countries. Our vision is to be recognized
by 2010 as the airline that popularized high-quality, low-fare
air transportation in South America. The following are the key
elements of our strategy:
To Expand Our Customer Base by Offering Services to
High-Demand or Overpriced Routes. When planning the
growth of our business, we will continue to establish bases,
select our routes and build the frequency of our service based
upon the extent and type of demand in the regions we serve in
Brazil and other South American countries. In particular, we
expect to increase our focus on business travelers from
medium-sized companies, a growing customer base that tends to be
more price sensitive, by closely monitoring the routes and
flight frequencies that best serve their travel needs and
increasing our marketing efforts directed at this segment of our
customer base. For example, in response to the high volume of
business travelers between Brazils primary financial
centers, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, we have increased
our flight frequency on this route from 5 flights per day
when we began transporting passengers in January 2001 to 55
flights per day. We are also very focused on stimulating demand
and capturing market share in both the leisure and
visiting friends and relatives market segments. For
example, in response to a perceived demand for late evening
flights linking São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to allow
travelers to avoid the need for overnight stays, we added night
flight services between the two cities in December 2003 and to
other cities in Brazil later on. Our night flights generated
average load factors of 90% in 2004. We will continue to
carefully evaluate opportunities to meet demand for leisure
travel by expanding flight frequencies on existing routes,
expanding successful night flight services and adding additional
routes where we perceive a market demand, such as daytime
flights to and from Guarulhos airport in São Paulo,
Brazils largest airport.
We believe that the same business model and route management
techniques that we have successfully introduced in Brazil to
help popularize air travel can also be used to capture market
share and stimulate demand for air travel between Brazil and
neighboring South American countries. We are pursuing
opportunities to offer flights on routes between Brazil and
select cities in other South American markets where growth
opportunities exist. For example, we began offering daily
services between Guarulhos and Buenos Aires, Argentina in
December 2004. These flights quickly achieved profitability and
we added seasonal scheduled night flights between Navegantes and
Porto Alegre, Brazil and Buenos Aires, Argentina in January
2005. We expect to commence flights to Santa Cruz de la Sierra,
Bolivia during the second quarter of 2005. The future addition
of routes between Brazil and cities in neighboring South
American countries will be based upon an extension of our
existing network using the same growth strategy that has proven
to be successful for us to date. We also expect that the
introduction of these flights will add traffic to our network,
increasing our overall load factor.
To Continue to Reduce Our Operating Costs and Improve
Operating Efficiency. Continuing to reduce our operating
costs per available seat kilometer is a key to increasing
profitability. We aim to remain one of the lowest cost airlines
in the world. To date, we have worked toward achieving this goal
by assembling a new fleet of single-class aircraft that is
capable of safely and reliably accommodating a high utilization
rate, incurs low maintenance costs and is fuel-efficient. We are
also working to achieve this goal by using our aircraft
efficiently, concentrating on minimizing our turnaround times at
airports and increasing our number of daily
60
flights per aircraft. We will also continue to utilize
technological innovations wherever possible to reduce our
distribution costs and improve our operating efficiency. We
expect to benefit from economies of scale and reduce our average
cost per available seat kilometer as we add additional aircraft
to an established and efficient operating infrastructure. We
intend to construct a new maintenance facility at Tancredo Neves
International Airport in the State of Minas Gerais that will
enable us to internalize the heavy maintenance currently
performed on our aircraft by third party contractors. We expect
that internalizing aircraft heavy maintenance will better allow
us to determine the timing of heavy maintenance so as to help
maximize aircraft utilization.
To Keep Our Customer Service Offering Simple and
Convenient. We believe that we are perceived by our
customers as providing excellent value at reasonable fares and
acting as a catalyst for changing the way the Brazilian airline
industry works. In addition to offering low fares, our strategy
is to make flying a simpler, more convenient experience. We have
achieved this objective largely through the elimination of
unnecessary extras and common-sense applications of technology.
We encourage our customers to use the internet not only to make
reservations, but also to make many of the arrangements from the
comfort of their home or office that they would otherwise have
to make at crowded airports or airline ticket offices, such as
checking-in and changing their seat assignments. We provide free
shuttle service between airports and drop-off zones on selected
routes. We offer customers single-class, pre-assigned seating
flights, do not overbook our flights and have designated female
lavatories. Our strategy will be to continue to seek ways to
make the Gol brand signify simplicity and convenience in the
minds of air travelers.
To Stimulate Demand with Low Fares. Our widely
available low fares and superior product offering are designed
to popularize air travel and stimulate demand, particularly from
fare-conscious leisure travelers and small-to mid-size business
travelers who might otherwise have used alternative forms of
transportation or would not have traveled at all. Our strategy
is to continue to stimulate demand and encourage more people to
fly by continuing to provide a superior product and low-fares.
We will also continue to provide our customers with flexible
payment mechanisms, such as monthly installment payments. The
following table shows total passengers enplaned at select
airports served by us for the year ended December 31, 2000
(just before we commenced our operations) and the year ended
December 31, 2004. The table also sets forth the date we
commenced service at each airport and the compound annual growth
rate of passengers enplaned at such airports.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Passenger | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traffic (Arrivals and | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Departures) Year | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended December 31, | |
|
|
|
|
Service |
|
| |
|
CAGR (%) | |
Airport |
|
Commencement Date |
|
2000 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2000-2004 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
(in millions) | |
|
|
Brasília
|
|
January 2001 |
|
|
5.43 |
|
|
|
9.90 |
|
|
|
16.2 |
|
Salvador
|
|
January 2001 |
|
|
3.02 |
|
|
|
3.86 |
|
|
|
6.3 |
|
Curitiba
|
|
May 2001 |
|
|
2.07 |
|
|
|
2.75 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
|
Recife
|
|
April 2001 |
|
|
2.14 |
|
|
|
3.02 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
Porto Alegre
|
|
January 2001 |
|
|
2.25 |
|
|
|
2.95 |
|
|
|
7.0 |
|
Belo Horizonte
|
|
January 2001 |
|
|
2.09 |
|
|
|
3.19 |
|
|
|
11.2 |
|
Fortaleza
|
|
December 2001 |
|
|
1.44 |
|
|
|
2.06 |
|
|
|
9.4 |
|
Vitória
|
|
November 2001 |
|
|
0.84 |
|
|
|
1.25 |
|
|
|
10.3 |
|
Florianópolis
|
|
January 2001 |
|
|
0.72 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
15.8 |
|
Top 50 Airports
|
|
|
|
|
55.61 |
|
|
|
71.22 |
|
|
|
6.4 |
|
Source: INFRAERO
Routes and Schedules
Our aircraft fly to various points on our route network linking
our destinations. We generally offer direct flights between city
pairs with high traffic volumes, such as São Paulo to Rio
de Janeiro, which enables many
61
of our business travelers to fly with us directly to their
destinations. In 2004, we added ten additional flights between
Congonhas in São Paulo and Santos Dumont in Rio de Janeiro.
However, after directly connecting high-density cities along the
primary business routes, our aircraft often make multiple stops
linking other destinations, thereby also attracting passengers
who prefer to pay lower fares even if this means making one or
more stops or connections before reaching their final
destination. This variation on the point-to-point approach to
routing means, for example, that an aircraft flying on a
high-traffic route such as between São Paulo and
Brasília may, instead of returning to São Paulo upon
the completion of the leg, continue northward from Brasília
to Belém and then westward to Manaus before returning
southward. We believe this model of flight scheduling has helped
us to more frequently serve a greater number of cities, generate
higher load factors and stimulate demand for air travel in new
markets, while also enabling us to increase aircraft utilization
and provides our customers with more destination options.
We provide regularly scheduled services to 37 cities in
Brazil and one destination in Argentina. During the second half
of 2004 and beginning of 2005, we commenced regularly-scheduled
services to 11 additional cities in Brazil Londrina,
Joinville, Uberlândia, Porto Velho, Rio Branco, Caxias do
Sul, Foz do Iguaçu, Teresina, Petrolina, Aracaju and
João Pessoa. In December 2004, we began offering two daily
flights between Guarulhos International Airport in São
Paulo and Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires,
Argentina, and in January 2005, we began offering seasonal
scheduled flights between Navegantes and Porto Alegre, Brazil
and Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October 2004, we began
participating in the Aero Connect inter-line system, a flight
network linking regional airlines routes with our own,
broad national flight coverage, making it possible to connect
several lower-traffic destinations to larger Brazilian cities
through simple connections. By adding points of destination for
our customers, we believe we can increase our overall load
factor.
The following table sets forth the cities we serve and the
number of flights we have operated per day serving those cities
for the periods shown (fractions have been rounded):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flights per Day | |
|
|
| |
City |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Aracajú
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Belém
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Belo Horizonte
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
Brasília
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
Buenos Aires
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Campinas
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Campo Grande
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Caxias do Sul
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Cuiabá
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Curitiba
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
Florianópolis
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Fortaleza
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Foz do Iguaçu
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Goiânia
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Joinville
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Macapá
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Londrina
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
Maceió
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Manaus
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Maringá
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Natal
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Navegantes
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Palmas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Porto Alegre
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
62
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flights per Day | |
|
|
| |
City |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Porto Seguro
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Porto Velho
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
Recife
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Ribeirão Preto
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Rio Branco
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
Rio de Janeiro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Santos
Dumont(1)
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
Galeão(1)
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
Salvador
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
São Luiz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
São Paulo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Congonhas
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
Guarulhos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Teresina
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Uberlândia
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
Vitória
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
221 |
|
|
|
276 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
In 2004, air traffic other than shuttle service between Rio de
Janeiro and select cities was re-routed from Santos Dumont to
Galeão. |
In addition to monitoring growing market demand for increased
daily flight frequency on our existing routes, we also seek to
offer services in markets with previously untapped demand. For
example, the highly competitive fares we offer for travel on our
night flights are set to compete with interstate bus companies
for customers who may otherwise not have previously considered
air travel as an option due to their price sensitivity. We are
also pursuing opportunities to offer flights on routes between
Brazil and select cities in other South American countries where
favorable market opportunities exist using the same business
model and route management techniques that have proven
successful within Brazil. For example, in addition to our
current daily flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina, on
January 20, 2005, we were authorized by the Commission for
Studies on International Navigation (Comissão de Estudos
Relativos à Navegação Internacional, or
CERNAI) to operate regular flights from Brazil to Santa Cruz de
La Sierra, Bolivia, and we have also applied to the DAC for
regulatory approval for routes to Montevideo, Uruguay and
Asunción, Paraguay. We expect to receive a decision in
respect of the application for these new cross-border routes
during the second half of 2005.
Customer Value
We recognize that while low fares may initially encourage people
to fly with us, we must offer excellent services to ensure that
a new customer will become a repeat customer. As a result, we
pay particular attention to the details that help to make for a
pleasant, hassle-free flying experience, including:
|
|
|
|
|
ticketless travel; |
|
|
|
convenient on-line sales, check-in, seat assignment and flight
change and cancellation services; |
|
|
|
web-enabled cell phone ticket sales and check-in; |
|
|
|
self check-in at kiosks at designated airports; |
|
|
|
airport parking discounts; |
|
|
|
designated female lavatories; |
|
|
|
single-class, pre-assigned seating; |
63
|
|
|
|
|
friendly and efficient in-flight service; |
|
|
|
modern aircraft interiors; |
|
|
|
quick turnaround times at airport gates; and |
|
|
|
free or discounted shuttle services between airports and
drop-off zones on certain routes. |
We also recognize that efficient and punctual operations are of
primary importance to our customers. This emphasis resulted in
our completion factor of 98% and on-time performance rate of 97%
in 2004, based on company data.
Based on feedback from our customers, we believe we are meeting
and exceeding their service expectations, as more than 90% of
those responding to a 2004 customer satisfaction survey
conducted by Omni Marketing, an independent third-party market
research firm, indicated that are completely satisfied with Gol,
would fly again with Gol and consider Gol to be an innovative,
modern and intelligent company.
Safety
Our most important priority is the safety of our passengers and
employees. We maintain our aircraft in strict accordance with
manufacturer specifications and all applicable safety
regulations, and perform routine line maintenance every day. Our
pilots have extensive experience, with flight captains having
more than 10,000 hours of career flight time, and we
conduct ongoing courses, extensive flight simulation training
and seminars addressing the latest developments in safety and
security issues. We closely follow the standards established by
the Air Accident Prevention Program of the DAC and we have
installed the Flight Operations Quality Assurance System, which
maximizes proactive prevention of incidents through the
systematic analysis of the flight data recorder system. All of
our aircraft are also equipped with Maintenance Operations
Quality Assurance, a troubleshooting program that monitors
performance and aircraft engine trends. The Brazilian civil
aviation market follows the highest recognized safety standards
in the world. Brazil is classified as a Category 1 country in
flight safety standards by the International Civil Aviation
Organization, which is the same classification held by the
United States and Canada. We are also an active member of the
Flight Safety Foundation, a foundation for the exchange of
information about flight safety.
Sales and Distribution
Our customers can purchase tickets from us through a number of
different channels, including via our website, our call center
and at airport ticket counters. Our customers can also purchase
tickets from us through travel agents, who are an important,
widely-used travel service resource in Brazil. All travel on our
flights is 100% ticketless. While our customers have the
convenience of choosing from any of our distribution options, we
are primarily an internet-based company with respect to both
distribution and sales. We strongly promote the use of our
website because it is our most efficient distribution channel in
terms of cost-savings and customer convenience. By focusing on
virtual distribution, we are able to streamline our ticket sales
and services and eliminate the need to incur costs associated
with more traditional distribution channels, such as physical
ticket sale centers located outside of airports. In addition to
being cost-effective, focusing on internet distribution also
provides our customers with high levels of convenience, as they
are better able to interact with us when they want and how they
want, in either Portuguese, English or Spanish. Consistent with
our philosophy of using a 24 hours a day
operating strategy to generate revenues, such as through our
high aircraft utilization and night flights, focusing on
internet distribution allows us to conduct business with our
customers 24 hours a day. As a result of this emphasis on
virtual distribution, we have become one of the largest
e-commerce businesses in South America in terms of revenue from
internet-based sales. Our partnership with travel agents in
Brazil also provides us with more than 5,000 virtual ticket
counters throughout the country.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 76% of
our passenger revenues, whether directly to the customer or
through travel agents, were made via the internet, making us one
of the worldwide industry leaders in this area, as compared to
7% and 10% of our passenger revenues being made through call
centers and the GDS, respectively. The remaining 7% of our
passenger revenues for the year ended December 31,
64
2004 were through our airport ticket counters and our internal
systems. We estimate that we sell a ticket through our website
every nine seconds.
To illustrate the importance of continuing to focus on
increasing internet-based ticket sales directly to our
customers, it costs an average of approximately R$2.11 for each
ticket sale made directly to a customer through our website. By
comparison, internet ticket sales though travel agents cost an
average of approximately R$3.95 per sale, call center
ticket sales cost an average of approximately R$4.50 per
sale and GDS ticket sales cost an average of approximately
R$10.50 per sale.
We currently outsource work related to our call center
distribution channel to independent contractors working under
the supervision of Gol employees. We intend to internalize our
call center operations, as we believe we can implement measures
to further reduce the cost of call center-based sales. Another
measure we have taken to contain distribution costs is to issue
paperless tickets only, which saves paper costs, postage,
employee time and back-office processing expenses.
An important element of our business strategy is to cater to the
corporate client, one of the most demanding customers in the
market. Approximately 60% of our passenger traffic consists of
business customers and approximately two-thirds of our corporate
client base consists of small-and medium-sized companies with
fewer than 500 employees. Business travelers have provided
greater stability in our demand, as they fly regularly and not
only during peak travel seasons. We have increased flight
frequencies, destinations and fleet size so that we can increase
options for our corporate customers. To further develop our
business relationship with our corporate customers, we have also
entered into alliances with hotel chains and rental car service
providers to offer our corporate customers the convenience of
packaged transportation and accommodation arrangements. We will
continue to focus on expanding our base of cost-conscious,
medium-sized corporate clients who serve as a source of
recurring revenues.
We advertise primarily through cost-efficient media, including
internet websites, radio spots, local newspaper ads and
billboards. When establishing a route in a new market,
approximately two weeks before we begin offering air travel
services, we send representatives to high-concentration areas in
the new market such as shopping malls, popular restaurants and
discos to hold promotional giveaways and make people aware of
their new travel option by focusing on our low fares and
efficient service. Our Aqui todo mundo pode voar, or
Here everyone can fly advertising campaign, launched
in July 2004, has been very effective in promoting our objective
to popularize air travel in Brazil.
We also use innovative promotions to stimulate demand for air
travel. For example, we first offered our night flights in
December 2003 as a temporary measure designed to attract
customers who may not have previously considered air travel as
an option due to their price sensitivity and also to generate
revenues from our aircraft at times they would otherwise have
remained idle. These flights proved to be extremely popular
among customers, achieving an average load factor of 90%, and so
we decided to offer them on a permanent basis. In 2004, we
introduced our Brasil mais perto, or Brazil is
closer, campaign, which featured very low internet-based
fares for weekend travel and we also offered promotional prices
for certain customer segments, such as senior citizens and
children. We believe that the high number of visits to our
website, which averaged 650,000 visitors per month during the
fourth quarter of 2004, are in part the result of the customer
interest created by our promotions.
Unlike other Brazilian airlines, we do not accept customer
reservations for flights. Instead, tickets are paid for by our
customers at the time their seat is secured. This eliminates the
possibility of overbooking, and guarantees all of our ticketed
customers a seat on our flights.
Awards
We have received a number of awards for matters such as service
excellence, our website, finance, marketing and social
responsibility. Among the highlights were:
|
|
|
|
|
The iBest Award (2004) for the best website in the
transportation category; |
65
|
|
|
|
|
Company of the Year (2004) in Exame magazines
Melhores e Maiores, or the Biggest and the
Best edition; |
|
|
|
Best Financial Management in Airline Sector (2004) in
Isto é Dineiro magazines Melhores da
Dinheiro 2004; |
|
|
|
Top Sales Award ADVB (Association of Sales and Marketing
Professionals) (2003) |
|
|
|
Best Brazilian Airline (2003) by Transporte Moderno
Magazine; |
|
|
|
Top Marketing Award ADVB (Association of Sales and
Marketing Professionals) (2002); and |
|
|
|
A social responsibility award for our sponsorship of cultural
and social programs by Editora Referência and
Mídia Mundo Marketing. |
Pricing
Our emphasis on keeping our operating costs low has in turn
allowed us to set low fares while achieving and increasing
profitability. We have designed our fare structure to balance
our load factors and yields in a way that we believe will
generate the most profits from our flights. Our fares are below
the average fares of our competitors and we dedicate most of our
seats to the lower fare classes. As a result, we believe that we
have established a reputation among our customers for more
consistently delivering seats at our lowest advertised prices
than do our competitors. Our approach to more transparent and
competitive pricing has forced fares down in many of the markets
that we have entered. Consistent with airline industry market
practice in Brazil, with the exception of our deeply discounted
night flights or special offers and promotions, we do not have
advance purchase restrictions, minimum stays or required
Saturday night stayovers. As provided for in the DAC
regulations, passengers canceling travel plans on our flights
are subject to a cancellation penalty. Passengers canceling
their travel plans on our flights can either reschedule (if it
occurs up to 24 hours prior to the flight and subject to
the fare differential, if any), leave a credit for future
flights or be reimbursed for 80% of their fare. If the
cancellation occurs less than 24 hours before the scheduled
flight time, there is an additional penalty of R$25.00. We
charge no-show customers a R$40.00 change fee, plus fare
differential, if any, to use their ticket for another flight. If
the replacement flight has a lower fare than the original flight
(after giving effect to the change fee), the customer receives a
credit equal to the difference.
In connection with our night flights, we set deeply discounted
fares designed to compete with bus lines for travel to the same
destinations. This approach has helped us to maximize our
aircraft utilization rates to generate revenue during all times
of the day. The night flights have also increased our customer
base to include those who have previously only used other modes
of transportation. The night flight fares usually require a two
to five night minimum stay.
We also adjust our pricing in accordance with changes in
passenger volume stemming from imbalances in the direction of
traffic, such as during the holiday season. These periods often
create demand peaks that result in traffic flows that are
weighted heavily in one direction, causing demand for seats in
the other direction to be low. During these periods, we discount
fares on the lower demand flights to stimulate traffic on those
routes to help offset our fixed costs.
Yield Management
Yield management involves the use of historical data and
statistical forecasting models to produce knowledge about our
markets and guidance on how to compete in them to maximize our
operating revenues. Yield management and pricing form the
backbone of our revenue generation strategy and they are also
strongly linked to our route and schedule planning and our sales
and distribution methods. Our yield management practices enable
us not only to react quickly in response to market changes but
also to anticipate and help shape market changes. For example,
our yield management is instrumental in helping us to identify
times and the routes for which we offer promotions. By offering
lower fares for seats that our yield management indicates would
otherwise remain unsold, we capture additional revenue and also
stimulate customer demand.
66
The number of seats we offer at each fare level in each market
results from a continual process of analysis and forecasting.
Past sales history, seasonality, the effects of competition and
current sales trends are used to forecast demand. Current fares
and knowledge of upcoming events at destinations that will
affect traffic volumes are included in our forecasting model to
arrive at optimal seat allocations for our fares on specific
routes. Also, our practice of not accepting seat reservations
but instead requiring customers to pay for tickets at the time
their seat is secured helps to increase the accuracy of our
yield management. We use a combination of approaches, taking
into account yields and flight load factors, depending on the
characteristics of the markets served, to arrive at a strategy
for achieving the best possible revenue per available seat
kilometer, balancing the average fare charged against the
corresponding effect on our load factors. For this purpose, we
use a sophisticated M.I.T.-developed forecasting, optimization
and competitive analysis technology that proposes the optimal
fare mix for a given flight based on the historical purchasing
behavior of our customers. We do a complete cycle of analysis
every working day to keep up-to-date on changes to any of the
variables we consider to be factors of yield management. Our
revenue management system is similar to that used by other
successful low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair and JetBlue.
Competition
There is currently no other low-cost airline in Brazil offering
scheduled air passenger services. As the growth in the Brazilian
low-cost, low-fare sector evolves, we may face increased
competition from new low-cost, low-fare entrants and from
primary competitors that reduce their fares to attract new
passengers in some of our markets. We believe that we offer the
best value in the Brazilian domestic airline industry and that
the emergence of new low-fare entrants would help to further
stimulate overall demand for low-fare air travel in Brazil.
Airlines in Brazil compete primarily on the basis of routes,
fare levels, frequency of flights, reliability of services,
brand recognition, passenger amenities, such as frequent flyer
programs, and customer service. We believe that our low-cost
operating model and our low fares enable us to compete favorably
in many of these areas. See Our Competitive
Strengths.
Our competitors and potential competitors include Brazils
major airlines, regional airlines, charter airlines and new
entrants, which mainly have regional networks. Our primary
competitors are Varig and TAM Linhas Aéreas S.A., or TAM,
each of which is a full-service carrier offering flights on
domestic routes and international routes. In February 2003,
Varig and TAM began discussions to merge their operations and
started operating under a code-sharing agreement. The two
companies, however, no longer plan to merge and in January 2005,
they entered into an agreement with the Brazilian antitrust
agency Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica
(or CADE) to end the code-sharing arrangements by mid-May
2005. Varig has significant levels of indebtedness, and its
financial condition and prospects remain uncertain. In the past,
the Brazilian government, Varigs biggest creditor, has
allowed certain airline companies to restructure their
government-related debt.
Prior to 2004, Viação Aérea São Paulo-VASP,
or VASP, one of Brazils legacy carriers, was a primary
competitor. However, in light of continued financial
difficulties, VASP substantially reduced its operations in 2004,
accounting for less than 1% of the domestic market share in
December 2004. In January 2005, the DAC terminated the last
remaining VASP flights.
When we enter a new market, our primary competitors often reduce
fares using capacity controls, such as limitations on the number
of seats available in varying discount ranges, the use of
minimum stay-over requirements and other restrictions to limit
yield erosion. Our primary competitors have also used their
customer loyalty plans as a competitive tool to limit the loss
of their higher yield market share. We believe that the majority
of our passengers are price sensitive, preferring low fares to
paying for extras such as mileage programs.
67
The following table sets forth the historical market shares on
domestic routes, based on revenue passenger kilometers, of the
significant airlines in Brazil for each of the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Domestic Market Share Scheduled Airlines |
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Gol(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.7 |
% |
|
|
11.8 |
% |
|
|
19.4 |
% |
|
|
22.3 |
% |
TAM(2)(3)
|
|
|
29.2 |
% |
|
|
33.1 |
% |
|
|
34.9 |
% |
|
|
33.1 |
% |
|
|
35.8 |
% |
Varig
Group(3)(4)
|
|
|
39.8 |
% |
|
|
39.8 |
% |
|
|
39.3 |
% |
|
|
33.7 |
% |
|
|
31.1 |
% |
VASP
|
|
|
15.4 |
% |
|
|
13.8 |
% |
|
|
12.6 |
% |
|
|
12.2 |
% |
|
|
8.8 |
% |
Transbrasil(5)
|
|
|
13.7 |
% |
|
|
6.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Others
|
|
|
2.2 |
% |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
|
1.4 |
% |
|
|
1.8 |
% |
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
Source: |
DAC Annual Air Transportation Report (Anuário do
Transporte Aéreo) Statistical Data 2001, 2002,
2003 and 2004 data extracted from DAC Economic Data |
|
|
(1) |
Began operations in January 2001. |
(2) |
Includes TAM Regionais and TAM Meridionais for the period prior
to December 2000. |
(3) |
In 2003, Varig and TAM established a code-sharing arrangement,
which is expected to end by mid-May of 2005. |
(4) |
Varig Group includes Varig, Rio Sul and Nordeste. |
(5) |
Ceased operations in December 2001. |
We also face competition from ground transportation
alternatives, primarily interstate bus companies. In 2003,
interstate bus companies transported over 132 million
passengers, according to the Brazilian Department of Highways
(Departamento de Transportes de Rodoviários), and
given the absence of meaningful passenger rail services in
Brazil, travel by bus has traditionally been the only low-cost
option for long-distance travel for a significant portion of
Brazils population. We believe that our low-cost business
model and strong capitalization has given us flexibility in
setting our fares to stimulate demand for air travel among
passengers who in the past have traveled long distances
primarily by bus. In particular, the highly competitive fares we
have offered for travel on our night flights, which have often
been comparable to bus fares for the same destinations, have had
the effect of providing direct competition for interstate bus
companies on these routes. For example, at the end of 2004, we
offered night flights between São Paulo and Porto Alegre,
with a 1.5 hour flight duration, for an average fare of
R$149. In comparison, interstate bus companies charged their
passengers an average fare of R$119 for an 18.5 hour
journey between the same city pair. We believe that operating
night flights presents an excellent opportunity to increase our
overall load factor.
As we commence offering international services, our pool of
competitors will increase and we will face competition from
airlines that are already established in the international
market and that participate in strategic alliances and code
sharing arrangements.
Intellectual Property, Patents and Trademarks
We believe that the Gol brand has become synonymous with
innovation and value in the Brazilian airline industry. We have
filed requests for registration of the trademarks
GOL and GOL LINHAS AÉREAS
INTELIGENTES with trademark offices in Brazil and in other
countries, such as Chile, Argentina and the United States. A
challenge has been filed in Brazil against the registration by
us of the GOL trademark. See Legal
Matters and Administrative ProceedingsTrademark.
People
We believe that our growth potential and the achievement of our
results-oriented corporate goals are directly linked to our
ability to attract and maintain the best professionals available
in the airline business. We place great emphasis on the
selection and training of enthusiastic employees with potential
to add value to our business and who we believe fit in with and
contribute to our business culture.
As of December 31, 2004, we had 3,307 active employees,
compared to 2,453, 2,072 and 1,134 active employees as of
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. As of
December 31, 2004, we employed only full-time employees,
which consisted of 413 pilots, 764 flight attendants, 505
mechanics, 15 customer service representatives (including sales
and marketing personnel and reservation agents), 1,395 airport
and flight
68
operations personnel and 215 management and administrative
personnel. We also subcontract certain services, such as cargo,
information technology, call center personnel and runway
handling operations personnel.
We invest significant resources promoting the well being of our
employees. In 2004, we allocated approximately 3.8% of our net
income to health and safety matters, training, social
contributions, employee meals and transportation, and profit
sharing.
We provide extensive training for our pilots, flight attendants
and customer service representatives. In addition to the
required technical training, which follows the strictest
international standards, we also provide comprehensive
managerial training to our pilots and flight attendants through
Crew Resource Management and Line Oriented Flight Training
programs, emphasizing the importance of resource management to
provide the best service to our passengers.
In order to help retain our employees, we encourage open
communication channels between our employees and management and
offer career development opportunities in the company and
periodic evaluations. We offer in-house post-graduate business
school training in conjunction with the Fundação
Getúlio Vargas, a leading Brazilian business school, to
provide management training to selected employees. Our
compensation strategy reinforces our determination to retain
talented and highly motivated employees and is designed to align
the interests of our employees with our shareholders. Our
compensation packages include competitive salaries and
participation in our profit sharing program. We have agreements
with medical and insurance companies to offer affordable health
and pension plan options to our employees.
A national aviators union represents Brazils pilots
and flight attendants, and five other regional aviation unions
represent ground employees of air transportation companies.
Approximately 6% of our employees are members of unions.
Negotiations in respect of cost of living wage and salary
increases are conducted annually between the workers
unions and a national association of airline companies. There is
no salary differential or seniority pay escalation among our
pilots. Work conditions and maximum work hours are regulated by
government legislation and are not the subject of labor
negotiations. Since the commencement of our operations, we have
not had a work stoppage by our employees and we believe that our
relationship with our employees is good.
To motivate our employees and align their interests with our
results of operations, we provide an annual profit sharing
program to all of our employees. Under Brazilian law, companies
may provide profit sharing programs that define mechanisms for
distributing a portion of a companys profits based upon
the achievement of pre-defined targets established by the
company. Our annual profit sharing programs are negotiated with
a commission formed by our employees and approved by labor
unions for the benefit of all of our unionized and non-unionized
employees. For the purposes of our profit sharing program, a
portion of profit sharing distributions are based upon the
achievement of corporate profit targets and a portion of the
distributions are based on the achievement of operational
targets set for each of our departments. Based on the
achievement of our annual profit targets, we made a profit
sharing payment equivalent to 17% of one months salary,
3.7 months salary and over four months salary
to each of our employees in 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively.
We have established a stock option plan pursuant to which 18 of
our management employees have received stock option grants
vesting over a five-year period.
69
Aircraft
We operate a fleet of 29 aircraft comprised of
20 Boeing 737-700 Next Generation aircraft, four
Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft and five
Boeing 737-300 aircraft. We expect to operate approximately
75 aircraft by the end of 2010, concentrating our fleet on the
737-800 Next Generation aircraft. The composition of our fleet
as of December 31, 2004 is more fully described below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aircraft | |
|
Average Term | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
of Lease | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating | |
|
Remaining | |
|
Average Age | |
|
Seating | |
|
|
Total | |
|
Lease | |
|
(Years) | |
|
(Years) | |
|
Capacity | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Boeing 737-800
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
177 |
|
Boeing 737-700
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
Boeing 737-300
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
16.6 |
|
|
|
141 |
|
Each aircraft in our fleet is powered by two CFM International
Model CFM 56-7B22 engines or two CFM International Model
CFM 56-7B24 engines and operates in a comfortable
single-class layout. The average age of our aircraft is
6.8 years, making ours the youngest fleet in Brazil and one
of the newest fleets in the world.
We have placed firm purchase orders with The Boeing Company for
30 737-800 Next Generation aircraft and we have options to
purchase an additional 33 737-800 Next Generation aircraft.
Currently, six firm order aircraft are to be delivered in 2006,
thirteen in 2007, seven in 2008 and four in 2009. We expect to
take delivery of four Boeing 737-800, three
Boeing 737-700 and two Boeing 737-300 aircraft during the
first half of 2005, and two Boeing 737-800, one
Boeing 737-700 and one Boeing 737-300 aircraft during
the second half of 2005, all under operating leases. To help
meet short-term capacity needs while we await delivery of the
new Boeing 737-800/700 Next Generation aircraft, we
accepted delivery of three Boeing 737-300 aircraft in the
second half of 2004, all under two- and three-year operating
leases.
The following table shows the historical and expected
development of our fleet from December 31, 2004 to
December 31, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
2008 | |
|
2009 | |
|
2010 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
737-800
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
737-700
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
737-300
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total fleet
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our new and simplified fleet structure allows us to maintain a
cost-efficient operation by reducing maintenance and training
costs, reducing spare parts inventory requirements and
supporting high reliability and high aircraft utilization rates.
The average daily utilization rate of our aircraft during our
first four years of operations has been 11.4 block hours
(including 13.6 block hours in 2004), the highest average
utilization rate in Brazil and one of the highest utilization
rates in the industry worldwide according to airline company
public filings.
The Boeing 737-700 and Boeing 737-800 Next Generation
aircraft currently comprising our fleet are fuel-efficient and
very reliable. They suit our cost efficient operations well for
the following reasons:
|
|
|
|
|
they have comparatively simplified maintenance routines; |
|
|
|
they require just one type of standardized training for our
crews; |
|
|
|
they use an average of 7% less fuel than other aircraft of
comparable size, according to Boeing; and |
|
|
|
they have one of the lowest operating costs in their class. |
70
In addition to being cost-efficient, the Boeing 737-700/800
Next Generation aircraft are equipped with advanced technology
that promotes flight stability, providing a more comfortable
flying experience for our customers. Our focus on having low
operating costs means that we will periodically review our fleet
composition. As a result, our fleet composition may change over
time if we conclude that adding other aircraft types would
contribute to this goal. However, our approach to our fleet
composition is based upon having a minimal number of different
aircraft types to preserve the simplicity of our operations. As
a result, the introduction of any new aircraft type to our fleet
will only be done if, after careful consideration, we determine
that such a step will reduce our operating costs.
We currently lease all of our aircraft under long-term operating
lease agreements that have an average remaining term of
45 months. Leasing our aircraft provides us with greater
flexibility to change our fleet composition if we consider it to
be in our best interests to do so. We make monthly rental
payments, some of which are based on floating rates, but are not
required to make termination payments at the end of our leases.
Under our operating lease agreements, we do not have purchase
options and we are required to maintain maintenance reserve
accounts and to return the aircraft in the agreed condition at
the end of the lease term. Title to the aircraft remains with
the lessor. We are responsible for the maintenance, servicing,
insurance, repair and overhaul of the aircraft during the term
of the lease. As of December 31, 2004, our operating leases
had terms of up to 84 months from the date of delivery of
the relevant aircraft. Currently, five of our aircraft leases
expire in 2006, three in 2007, nine in 2008, eight in 2009 and
two in 2010.
Maintenance
The maintenance performed on our aircraft can be divided into
two general categories: line and heavy maintenance. Line
maintenance consists of routine, scheduled maintenance checks on
our aircraft, including pre-flight, daily and overnight checks
and any diagnostics and routine repairs. All of our line
maintenance is performed by our own highly experienced
technicians at our bases in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro,
Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Brasília,
Salvador, Campinas, Vitória, Navegantes, Maringa, Recife
and Londrina. We believe that our practice of performing daily
preventative maintenance helps to maintain a higher aircraft
utilization rate and reduces maintenance costs. Heavy
maintenance consists of more complex inspections and servicing
of the aircraft that cannot be accomplished overnight. Heavy
maintenance checks are performed following a pre-scheduled
agenda of major overhauls defined by the aircrafts manual,
based on the number of flights flown by the aircraft. Our
continued high aircraft utilization rate will result in shorter
periods of time between heavy maintenance checks for our
aircraft in comparison to carriers with lower aircraft
utilization rates. We do not believe that our high aircraft
utilization rate will necessarily result in the need to make
more frequent repairs to our aircraft, given the durability of
the aircraft type in our fleet. We currently contract with
certified outside maintenance providers for heavy maintenance
and aircraft engine maintenance services with Varig Engenharia
de Manutenção, or VEM, Snecma Services, Delta Air
Lines Inc. and Lufthansa Technik AG at facilities in Brazil and
in the United States. To date, we have relied only on our
contract with VEM for these services.
We intend to internalize the heavy maintenance currently
performed on our aircraft by independent third party
contractors. On January 12, 2005, with the approval of
INFRAERO, the state-controlled corporation in charge of managing
and controlling federal airports, we signed a letter of intent
with the government of the state of Minas Gerais to construct a
new maintenance facility at Tancredo Neves International
Airport, located in the city of Confins in Minas Gerais. We will
use the new facility for airframe heavy checks, line
maintenance, aircraft painting and aircraft interior
refurbishment. We expect the new facility to be operational by
mid-2006. We believe that the construction of the new
maintenance facility at Tancredo Neves International Airport
will accommodate our recent fleet expansion, centralize our
aircraft maintenance operations, provide cost savings and better
enable us to determine the timing of the heavy maintenance so as
to continue to maximize our aircraft utilization. We have also
been certified by the DAC under the Brazilian Aeronautical
Certification Regulations to perform heavy maintenance services
for third parties. We intend to offer these services on
competitive terms shortly after the completion of the new
maintenance facility.
We employ 505 maintenance professionals, including engineers,
supervisors, technicians and mechanics, who perform maintenance
in accordance with maintenance plans that are established by
Boeing and approved and certified by Brazilian and international
aviation authorities. Our aircraft are covered by warranties that
71
have an average term of seven years and that begin expiring in
2007, resulting in lower maintenance expenses during the period
of coverage.
Facilities
We have renewable concessions with terms varying from one to
five years from INFRAERO to use and operate all of our
facilities at each of the major airports that we serve. Our
concession agreements for our terminals passenger service
facilities, which include check-in counters and ticket offices,
operations support area and baggage service offices, contain
provisions for periodic adjustments of the lease rates and the
extension of the concession term.
INFRAERO has announced its intention to invest approximately
R$5 billion in the Brazilian airport system within the next
five years. Among the projects underway is an investment of
approximately R$87 million to modernize the passenger
terminal and expand parking capacity at Congonhas airport in
São Paulo, an approximately R$875 million investment
in Guarulhos airport in São Paulo to construct two new
arrival terminals and an additional runway, and an approximately
R$230 million investment in Santos Dumont airport in Rio de
Janeiro to construct a new arrival terminal. The airport upgrade
plan does not require contributions or investments by the
Brazilian airlines and is not expected to be accompanied by
increases in landing fees or passenger taxes on air travel.
Our primary corporate offices are located in two buildings in
São Paulo. We lease space at one of the facilities under a
lease agreement with our controlling shareholder that expires in
2008. Our commercial, operations, technology, finance and
administrative staff is based primarily at our headquarters. We
have concessions to use other airport buildings and hangars
throughout Brazil, including a part of a hangar at Congonhas
airport where we perform aircraft maintenance. We also intend to
construct a new maintenance facility at Tancredo Neves
International Airport in the State of Minas Gerais that will
enable us to internalize the heavy maintenance performed on our
aircraft.
Fuel
Our fuel costs totaled R$459.2 million in 2004,
representing 33% of our operating expenses for the year. In
2004, we consumed 317.4 million liters of fuel. We purchase
substantially all of our fuel from Petrobras Distribuidora S.A.,
a retail subsidiary of Petrobras, principally under an
into-plane contract under which the supplier supplies fuel and
also fills our aircraft tanks. Fuel prices under our contracts
are re-set every 15 days and are composed of a variable and
a fixed component. The variable component is defined by the
refinery and follows international crude oil price fluctuations
and the real/ U.S. dollar exchange rate. The fixed
component is a spread charged by the supplier and is usually a
fixed cost per liter during the term of the contract. We
currently operate a tankering program under which we fill the
fuel tanks of our aircraft in regions where fuel prices are
lower. We also provide our pilots with training in fuel
management techniques, such as carefully selecting flight
attitudes to optimize fuel efficiency.
In July 2001, the Brazilian federal government eliminated fuel
subsidies, causing a 30% increase in the price of fuel consumed
domestically. Fuel costs are extremely volatile, as they are
subject to many global economic and geopolitical factors that we
can neither control nor accurately predict. Because
international prices for jet fuel are denominated in
U.S. dollars, our fuel costs, though payable in
reais, are subject not only to price fluctuations but
also to exchange rate fluctuations. In September 2003, we
implemented a fuel and foreign exchange hedging program, based
upon best practices employed by other successful low-cost
carriers, under which we enter into fuel and currency hedging
agreements with various counterparties providing for price
protection in connection with the purchase of fuel. Our hedging
practices cover short-term periods, and are adjusted weekly or
more frequently as conditions require. Our hedging practices are
overseen by a risk management committee at the operating level
and a hedging policy committee at the board of directors level.
The risk management committee meets on a weekly basis to analyze
price movements in the fuel and foreign exchange markets, review
the impact of such changes on our revenues and expenses and
determine our hedge ratio. We use risk management instruments
that have a high correlation with the underlying assets so as to
reduce our exposure. We require that all of our risk management
instruments be liquid so as to allow us to
72
make position adjustments and have prices that are widely
disclosed. We also avoid concentration of credit and product
risk. The hedging policy committee of our board of directors
meets quarterly to assess the effectiveness of our hedging
policies and recommends amendments where appropriate. We have
not otherwise entered into arrangements to guarantee our supply
of fuel and we cannot provide assurance that our hedging program
is sufficient to protect us against significant increases in the
price of fuel. As of February 28, 2005, we had hedged
approximately 80% and 100% of our projected fuel requirements
and our U.S. dollar foreign exchange rate exposure,
respectively, for the next 90 days.
The following chart summarizes our fuel consumption and costs
for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Liters consumed (in thousands)
|
|
|
77,850 |
|
|
|
164,008 |
|
|
|
264,402 |
|
|
|
317,444 |
|
Total cost (in thousands)
|
|
R$ |
45,769 |
|
|
R$ |
160,537 |
|
|
R$ |
308,244 |
|
|
R$ |
459,192 |
|
Percent of operating expenses
|
|
|
20.0% |
|
|
|
26.1% |
|
|
|
29.1% |
|
|
|
33.2% |
|
Insurance
We maintain passenger liability insurance in an amount
consistent with industry practice and we insure our aircraft
against losses and damages on an all risks basis. We
are required by the DAC to maintain insurance coverage for
general liability against terrorist acts or acts of war with a
minimum amount of US$600 million. We are in compliance with
this requirement. We have obtained all insurance coverage
required by the terms of our leasing agreements. We believe our
insurance coverage is consistent with airline industry standards
in Brazil and is appropriate to protect us from material loss in
light of the activities we conduct. No assurance can be given,
however, that the amount of insurance we carry will be
sufficient to protect us from material loss.
In response to the substantial increases of insurance premiums
for coverage for damages resulting from terrorist attacks to
aircraft after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United
States, the Brazilian government enacted Law No. 10,309 on
November 22, 2001, generally authorizing the Brazilian
government to undertake liabilities for damages caused to third
parties as a result of terrorist attacks or acts of war against
aircraft of Brazilian airlines. According to Law No. 10,744
of October 9, 2003, this undertaking by the federal
government is currently limited to cover damages caused to third
parties resulting from terrorist attacks and acts of war to
Brazilian aircraft up to US$1 billion. Decree
No. 5,035 of April 5, 2004, which regulates the
provisions of Law No. 10,744, provides that the Brazilian
government may, at its sole discretion, suspend this coverage at
any time, effective within seven days after the announcement by
the Brazilian government of its decision to do so.
Legal Matters and Administrative Proceedings
In the ordinary course of our business, we are party to various
legal actions, which we believe are incidental to the operation
of our business. We believe that the outcome of the proceedings
to which we are currently a party will not have a material
adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations
and cash flows. As of December 31, 2004, we had
R$10.4 million of provisions for these legal actions.
The German carmaker Volkswagens Brazilian subsidiary,
Volkswagen do Brasil Ltda., has challenged certain of our
trademark applications filed with the Instituto Nacional de
Propriedade Industrial, the Brazilian authority responsible
for the registration of trademarks and patents, on the grounds
that Volkswagen has previously registered the trademark
GOL under the automobiles and autoparts class of
products and services. We believe that there are no legal
grounds for the challenges by Volkswagen because we are seeking
registration of the trademark in a different class of products
and services. We are defending ourselves vigorously against the
challenges and we do not believe that they will prevent us from
obtaining registration of our trademarks.
73
We are currently challenging the levy of Brazils state
value-added tax on merchandise, electricity, telecommunication
and transport services (the Imposto sobre
Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços, or
ICMS) on the import of our leased aircraft and engines. We
believe, based on an analysis of the applicable laws and court
precedents by our counsel, that the ICMS does not apply to the
import of aircraft and engines under operating lease
transactions, such as ours. We have received injunctive relief
from Brazilian courts and we have filed defenses in
administrative proceedings that had the effect of suspending the
application of ICMS on the imports of our aircraft and engines
under operating leases. We are not accruing and paying ICMS
import taxes on our leased aircraft and engines and we have not
made any provision in respect of the matter, as we believe that
we are not legally liable for the payment of ICMS on imports of
our aircraft and engines under operating leases.
Social Responsibility and Cultural Sponsorship
We develop our business based on original, creative and ethical
decisions that produce high-quality services and low fares for
our customers. Our values are based upon growth, respect, and
incentives for teamwork for our employees, and the fulfillment
of our social and environmental obligations. We are committed to
being a good corporate citizen in Brazil by participating in
projects dedicated to improving the education, health and
nutrition of the underprivileged portion of Brazils
population, particularly children. We are the largest individual
sponsor of Pastoral da Criança, a non-governmental
organization that has assisted in the health and education needs
of more than 1.8 million children in Brazil from infancy to
age six. In addition, we also support other non-governmental
organizations, such as Fundação Gol de Letra, a
foundation dedicated to educating underprivileged children and
teenagers; Projeto Felicidade, a project that provides
assistance to children with cancer; and Projeto Solidariedade
ao Nordeste, a project that provides food donations to poor
families in the northeastern region of Brazil. We also sponsor
numerous cultural activities, such as theater plays and dance
shows, to help promote travel and tourism in Brazil. In addition
to making a difference for those in need, we also believe that
our social responsibility and cultural sponsorship initiatives
benefit us by enhancing our corporate image and promoting
awareness of our brand.
74
REGULATION OF THE BRAZILIAN CIVIL AVIATION MARKET
The Brazilian Aviation Authorities and
Regulation Overview
Air transportation services are considered a public service and
are subject to extensive regulation and monitoring by the High
Command of Aeronautics of the Ministry of Defense (Comando da
Aeronáutica), the CONAC and the DAC. Air transportation
services are also regulated by the Brazilian Federal
Constitution and the Brazilian Aeronautical Code.
In light of the troubled financial situation of several carriers
operating in Brazils domestic airline industry, the
Brazilian civil aviation authorities have introduced measures
and applied policies designed to reestablish the health of
Brazils domestic airline industry. A principal element of
this objective has been to proactively manage the balance
between market supply and demand by, for example, only granting
approvals to carriers to operate new routes, increase flight
frequencies or lease or acquire additional aircraft upon
demonstration by carriers of satisfactory levels of demand and
profitability. These measures contributed towards increased
health for the Brazilian domestic airline industry in 2004.
The Brazilian Aeronautical Code provides for the main rules and
regulations relating to airport infrastructure and operation,
flight safety and protection, airline certification, lease
structuring, burdening, disposal, registration and licensing of
aircraft; crew training; concessions, inspection and control of
airlines; public and private air carrier services, civil
liability of airlines, and penalties in case of infringements.
The CONAC is an advisory body of the President of Brazil and its
upper level advisory board is composed of the Minister of
Defense, the Minister Chief of the Civil Cabinet, the Minister
of Treasury, the Minister of Development, Industry and
International Trade and the Commandant of Aeronautics. The CONAC
has the authority to establish national civil aviation policies
that may be adopted and enforced by the High Command of
Aeronautics and by the DAC. The CONAC establishes guidelines
relating to the proper representation of Brazil in conventions,
treaties and other actions related to international air
transportation, airport infrastructure, the granting of
supplemental funds to be used for the benefit of airlines and
airports based on strategic, economic or tourism-related
aspects, the coordination of civil aviation, air safety, the
granting of air routes and concessions, as well as permission
for the provision of commercial air transportation services.
The DAC is currently Brazils highest civil aviation
authority and reports directly to the High Command of
Aeronautics. The DAC is responsible for guiding, planning,
stimulating and supporting the activities of public and private
civil aviation companies in Brazil. The DAC regulates flying
operations generally and economic issues affecting air
transportation, including matters relating to air safety,
certification and fitness, insurance, consumer protection and
competitive practices.
The Brazilian government recognized and ratified, and must
comply with, the Warsaw Convention of 1929, the Chicago
Convention of 1944, and the Geneva Convention of 1948, the three
leading international conventions relating to worldwide
commercial air transportation activities.
Concession for Air Transportation Services
According to the Brazilian Federal Constitution, the Brazilian
government is responsible for public services related to
airspace as well as airport infrastructure, and may provide
these services directly or through third parties under
concessions or permissions. According to the Brazilian
Aeronautical Code and regulations issued by the High Command of
Aeronautics, the application for a concession to operate regular
air transportation services is subject to the DAC having granted
to the applicant a license to operate an airline, which must be
then confirmed by the High Command of Aeronautics. The applicant
is required by the DAC to have met certain economic, financial,
technical, operational and administrative requirements in order
to be granted such license. Additionally, a concession applicant
must be an entity incorporated in Brazil, duly registered with
the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry (Registro
Aeronáutico Brasileiro, or RAB), must have a valid
CHETA and must also comply with certain ownership restrictions.
See Restrictions to the Ownership of Shares Issued
by Concessionaires of Air Transportation Services. The DAC
has the authority
75
to revoke a concession for failure by the airline to comply with
the terms of the Brazilian Aeronautical Code, the complementary
laws and regulations and the terms of the concession agreement.
Our concession was granted on January 2, 2001 by the High
Command of Aeronautics of the Ministry of Defense. Our
concession agreement has a 15-year term and is renewable at its
expiration for a further 15-year term upon six months
prior written notice. The concession agreement can be terminated
if, among other things, we fail to meet specfied service levels,
cease operations or declare bankruptcy.
Article 122 of Law No. 8,666 of June 21, 1993,
provides that airline concessions are to be regulated by
specific procedures set forth in the Brazilian Aeronautical
Code. The Brazilian Aeronautical Code and the regulations issued
by the High Command of Aeronautics do not expressly provide for
public bidding processes and currently it is not necessary to
conduct public bidding processes prior to the granting of
concessions for the operation of air transportation services.
Import of Aircraft into Brazil
The import of civil or commercial aircraft into Brazil is
subject to prior authorization by the COTAC, which is a
sub-department of the DAC. Such import authorizations usually
follow the general procedures for import of goods into Brazil,
after which the importer must request the registration of the
aircraft with the RAB.
Registration of Aircraft
The registration of aircraft in Brazil is governed by the
Brazilian Aeronautical Code. Under the Brazilian Aeronautical
Code, no aircraft is allowed to fly in Brazilian airspace, or
land in or take off from Brazilian territory, without having
been properly registered. In order to be registered and continue
to be registered in Brazil, an aircraft must have a certificate
of registration (certificado de matrícula) and a
certificate of airworthiness (certificado de
aeronavegabilidade), both of which are issued by the RAB
after technical inspection of the aircraft by the DAC. A
certificate of registration attributes Brazilian nationality to
the aircraft and is evidence of its enrollment with the
competent aviation authority. A certificate of airworthiness is
generally valid for six years from the date of the DACs
inspection and authorizes the aircraft to fly in Brazilian
airspace, subject to continuing compliance with certain
technical requirements and conditions. The registration of any
aircraft may be cancelled if it is found that the aircraft is
not in compliance with the requirements for registration and, in
particular, if the aircraft has failed to comply with any
applicable safety requirements specified by the DAC or the
Brazilian Aeronautical Code.
All information relating to the contractual status of an
aircraft, including purchase and sale agreements, operating
leases and mortgages, must be filed with the RAB in order to
provide the public with an updated record of any amendments made
to the aircraft certificate of registration.
Route Rights
Domestic routes. The DAC has the authority to grant
Brazilian airlines the right to operate new routes, subject to
the airline having filed studies satisfactory to the DAC
demonstrating the technical and financial viability of such
routes and fulfilling certain conditions in respect of the
concession for such routes. For the granting of new routes and
changes to existing ones, the DAC evaluates the actual capacity
of the airport infrastructure from where such route is or would
be operated, as well as the increase in demand and competition
among airlines. In addition, route frequencies are granted
subject to the condition that they are operated on a frequent
basis. Any airlines route frequency rights may be
terminated if the airline (a) fails to begin operation of a
given route for a period exceeding 15 days, (b) fails
to maintain at least 75% of flights provided for in its air
transportation schedule (Horário de Transporte
Aéreo, or HOTRAN) for any 90-day period or
(c) suspends its operation for a period exceeding
30 days. The DAC approval of new routes or changes to
existing routes is given in the course of an administrative
procedure and requires no changes to existing concession
agreements.
76
Once routes are granted, they must be immediately reflected in
the HOTRAN, which is the official schedule report of all routes
that an airline can operate. The HOTRAN provides not only for
the routes but also the times of arrival at and departure from
certain airports, none of which may be changed without the prior
consent of the DAC. According to Brazilian laws and regulations,
an airline cannot sell, assign or transfer its routes to another
airline.
International routes. In general, requests for new
international routes, or changes to existing ones, must be filed
by each interested Brazilian airline that has been previously
qualified by the DAC to provide international services, with the
CERNAI, which decides upon each request based on the provisions
of the applicable bilateral agreement and general policies of
the Brazilian aviation authorities. International route rights
for major city pairs, as well as the corresponding landing
rights, derive from bilateral air transport agreements
negotiated between Brazil and foreign governments. Under such
agreements, each government grants to the other the right to
designate one or more of its domestic airlines to operate
scheduled service between certain destinations in each country.
Airlines are only entitled to apply for new international routes
when they are made available under these agreements. We have
applied to the CERNAI for approval of routes between São
Paulo (Guarulhos International Airport) and Montevideo, Uruguay
and Asunción, Paraguay. We expect a decision from the
CERNAI in respect of the application during the second half of
2005.
Slots Policy
Under Brazilian law, a slot is a concession of the DAC, which is
reflected in the airlines HOTRAN. A slot, like a route,
may not be transferred by one airline to another. Each HOTRAN
represents the authorization for an airline to depart from and
arrive at specific airports within a predetermined timeframe.
Such period of time is known as an airport slot and
provides that an airline can operate at the specific airport at
the times established in the HOTRAN. The most congested
Brazilian airports are subject to traffic restrictions through
time slot policies. An airline must request an additional slot
from the DAC upon a minimum of two months prior notice.
On October 5, 2001, the Department of Control of the Air
Space (Departamento de Controle do Espaço
Aéreo), or DECEA, was created with the main purpose of
coordinating and inspecting the infrastructure support of
airports and the safety of aircraft operations. The DECEA also
performs studies in all Brazilian airports to determine the
maximum capacity of the operations of each airport. There are
five airports in Brazil that have slot restrictions: Congonhas
and Guarulhos (both of which serve São Paulo), Santos
Dumont in Rio de Janeiro, Pampulha in Belo Horizonte and
Juscelino Kubitschek in Brasília. Since the slots of all
congested airports slots are fully utilized, the DAC is unable
to grant the right to new slots to airlines to operate in these
airports. Ongoing investment in the Brazilian aviation
infrastructure should permit the increase of aircraft operations
in these congested airports and consequently the concession of
rights to new slots to airlines.
Airport Infrastructure
INFRAERO, a state-controlled corporation reporting to the High
Command of Aeronautics, is in charge of managing, operating and
controlling federal airports, including control towers and
airport safety operations. Smaller, regional airports may belong
to states or municipalities within Brazil and, in such cases,
are often managed by local governmental entities. At most
Brazilian airports, INFRAERO performs safety and security
activities, including passenger and baggage screening, cargo
security measures and airport security.
The use of areas within federal airports, such as hangars and
check-in booths, is subject to a concession by INFRAERO. If
there is more than one applicant for the use of a specific
airport area, INFRAERO may conduct a public bidding process for
the granting of the concession.
We have renewable concessions with terms varying from one to
five years from INFRAERO to use and operate all of our
facilities at each of the major airports that we serve. Our
concession agreements for our terminals passenger service
facilities, which include check-in counters and ticket offices,
operations support area and baggage service offices, contain
provisions for periodic adjustments of the lease rates and the
extension of the concession term.
77
INFRAERO has announced its intention to invest approximately
R$5 billion in the Brazilian airport system within the next
five years. Among the projects underway is an investment of
approximately R$87 million to modernize the passenger
terminal and expand parking capacity at Congonhas airport in
São Paulo, an approximately R$875 million investment
in Guarulhos airport in São Paulo to construct two new
arrival terminals and an additional runway, and an approximately
R$230 million investment in Santos Dumont airport in Rio de
Janeiro to construct a new arrival terminal. The airport upgrade
plan does not require contributions or investments by the
Brazilian airlines and is not expected to be accompanied by
increases in landing fees or passenger taxes on air travel.
The table below sets forth the number of passengers at the ten
busiest airports in Brazil during 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thousands of | |
|
|
Passengers (Inbound | |
Airport |
|
and Outbound) | |
|
|
| |
São PauloCongonhas
|
|
|
13,611 |
|
São PauloGuarulhos
|
|
|
12,940 |
|
Brasília
|
|
|
9,927 |
|
Rio de JaneiroGaleão
|
|
|
6,025 |
|
Rio de JaneiroSantos Dumont
|
|
|
4,887 |
|
Salvador
|
|
|
4,145 |
|
Porto Alegre
|
|
|
3,216 |
|
Belo HorizontePampulha
|
|
|
3,195 |
|
Recife
|
|
|
3,174 |
|
Curitiba
|
|
|
2,840 |
|
Source: INFRAERO
Pricing
Brazilian airlines are permitted to establish their own domestic
fares without government regulation. However, domestic fares are
monitored on a regular basis by the DAC in order to prevent
airlines, which are public concessionaires, from operating in a
way that is detrimental to their economic viability. Airlines
are free to offer price discounts or follow other promotional
strategies. Airlines must submit, with a minimum of five
days advance notice, fares that are set at greater than a
65% discount to the per kilometer reference fares established by
the DAC. Such reference fares are based on industry average
operating costs.
International tariffs are set based upon bilateral arrangements.
Fares for specific routes are submitted to the DAC for approval.
Civil Liability
The Brazilian Aeronautical Code and the Warsaw Convention limit
the liability of an aircraft operator for damages caused to
third parties during its air and ground operations, or resulting
from persons or things ejected out of the aircraft. Brazilian
courts, however, have occasionally disregarded these limitations
by awarding damages purely based on the Brazilian Civil Code and
Brazilian Consumer Protection Code, both of which do not
expressly provide for limitations on the amount of such awards.
In response to the substantial increases in insurance premiums
for coverage relating to damage resulting from terrorist attacks
to aircraft after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the
United States, the Brazilian government enacted a law which
authorizes the Brazilian government to undertake liability for
damages caused to third parties as a result of terrorist attacks
or acts of war against aircraft of Brazilian airlines. See
BusinessInsurance.
78
Environmental Regulations
Brazilian airlines are subject to various federal, state and
municipal laws and regulations relating to the protection of the
environment, including the disposal of materials and chemical
substances and aircraft noise. These laws and regulations are
enforced by various governmental authorities, each of which may
impose administrative sanctions in case of violation, in
addition to any eventual criminal or civil liabilities. For
example, according to a DAC ordinance, the operation of
scheduled commercial flights to and from the Congonhas airport
is subject to a noise curfew from 11:00 p.m. to
6:00 a.m. because of its proximity to residential areas in
São Paulo. Our scheduled flights to Congonhas airport are
in full compliance with the noise curfew limits.
Restrictions on the Ownership of Shares Issued by
Concessionaires of Air Transportation Services
According to the Brazilian Aeronautical Code, in order to be
eligible for a concession for operation of regular services, the
entity operating the concession must have at least 80% of its
voting stock held directly or indirectly by Brazilian citizens
and must have certain management positions entrusted to
Brazilian citizens. The Brazilian Aeronautical Code also imposes
certain restrictions on the transfer of capital stock of
concessionaires of air transportation services, such as Gol,
including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
the voting shares have to be nominative and non-voting shares
cannot be converted into voting shares; |
|
|
|
prior approval of the Brazilian aviation authorities is required
for any transfer of shares, regardless of the nationality of the
investor, which results in the change of the companys
corporate control, causes the assignee to hold more than 10% of
the companys capital stock or represents more than 2% of
the companys capital stock; |
|
|
|
the airline must file with the DAC, in the first month of each
semester, a detailed stockholding interest chart including a
list of shareholders, as well as a list of all share transfers
effected in the preceding semester; and |
|
|
|
based on its review of the airlines stock interest chart,
the DAC has the authority to subject any further transfer of
shares to its prior approval. |
The Registrant holds substantially all of the shares of Gol,
which is a public concessionaire of air transportation services
in Brazil. Under the Brazilian Aeronautical Code, the
restrictions on the transfer of shares described above apply
only to companies that hold concessions to provide regular air
transportation services. Therefore, the restrictions do not
apply to the Registrant.
Pending and Future Legislation
The Brazilian Congress is currently discussing Bill of Law
No. 3,846, of 2000, which provides for the creation of the
Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (Agência Nacional de
Aviação Civil, or ANAC), which would replace the
DAC as the primary civil aviation authority. According to this
bill, the ANAC will be responsible for organizing civil aviation
into a coherent system, coordinating and supervising air
transportation services, aviation and ground-based
infrastructure, and modernizing the Brazilian aviation
regulations. The ANAC will be linked, but not subordinated, to
the Ministry of Defense and will function as an independent
agency administrated only by civilians and reporting directly to
the President of Brazil. The ANAC will mainly have the authority
to regulate, inspect and supervise services rendered by local
and foreign airlines operating in Brazil, granting concessions,
permissions and authorizations for operation of air
transportation and airport infrastructure services, representing
the Brazilian government before international civil aviation
organizations, and controlling, registering and inspecting civil
aircraft. Under the proposed bill of law, all concessions for
air transportation services expiring before December 31,
2010, such those of our primary competitors, would be valid
until December 31, 2010. In addition, Bill of Law
No. 3846 provides that the Brazilian aviation authorities
must conduct public bidding procedures prior to granting new
concessions.
On March 28, 2001, the CONAC published for public comments
a draft bill of law aimed at replacing the Brazilian
Aeronautical Code and modernizing the underlying laws and
regulations. This draft generally
79
addresses issues relating to civil aviation, including airport
concessions, consumer protection, increase of foreign stock
participation in Brazilian airlines, limitation on civil
liability by airlines, and mandatory insurance and fines.
Additionally, on October 30, 2003, the CONAC submitted to
the Ministry of Defense for approval a proposal for new civil
aviation public policy guidelines. According to this proposal,
the CONAC will issue specific policies for different segments of
the international aviation market primarily directed to the
granting of routes, and will further analyze differentiated
tariffs in order to stimulate air traffic between Brazil and
other South American countries. The Ministry of Defense has yet
not approved this proposal.
80
MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Under our by-laws, we are managed by our Conselho de
Administração, or board of directors, which is
composed of at least five members and at most 11 members, and a
Diretoria, or board of executive officers, which is
composed of at least two and at most six members. Our by-laws
provide for the establishment of a non-permanent Conselho
Fiscal, or fiscal committee, to be comprised of three to
five members. We also have corporate governance and nomination,
audit, compensation, risk management and cash management
committees comprised of members of our board of directors and
non-board members, and management, executive policy, budget,
investment, corporate governance and risk management committees,
comprised of members of our board of executive officers and
senior managers.
We are committed to achieving and maintaining high standards of
corporate governance. In working towards this goal, we have
established a corporate governance and nomination committee to
monitor and make recommendations with respect to corporate
governance best practices to our board of directors.
In addition, in connection with listing as a Level 2
company on the BOVESPA, we have entered into an agreement with
the BOVESPA to grant certain additional rights not required of
Level 2 companies to our shareholders, such as tag-along
rights offering our preferred shareholders 100% of the price
paid per common share of controlling block shareholders. We
conduct our business with a view towards transparency and the
equal treatment of all of our shareholders. We have implemented
policies to help to ensure that all material information that
our shareholders require to make informed investment decisions
is made available to the public promptly and that we at all
times accurately reflect the state of our operations and
financial position through press releases, filings with the SEC
and CVM, and by keeping the investor relations section of our
website current and complete. We have also adopted formal
policies that restrict trading in our preferred shares by
company insiders.
Board of Directors
Our board of directors is dedicated to providing our overall
strategic guidelines and, among other things, is responsible for
establishing our general business policies and for electing our
executive officers and supervising their management. Currently,
our board of directors is comprised of eight members. In 2004,
we elected three new members to our board of directors. Each of
the new board members qualifies as independent based upon New
York Stock Exchange criteria. The board of directors meets every
other month or whenever requested by the president,
vice-president or three members of our board of directors.
Under the Brazilian corporation law, each director must hold at
least one of our common or preferred shares, may reside outside
of Brazil, and is elected by the holders of our common shares at
the Assembléia Geral, or the annual general meeting
of shareholders. There are no provisions in our by-laws
restricting (i) a directors power to vote on a
proposal, arrangement or contract in which such director is
materially interested, or (ii) the borrowing powers
exercisable by our directors from us. However, under the
Brazilian corporation law, a director is prohibited from voting
on any matter that would result in such director having a
conflict of interest with our company.
Under the Brazilian corporation law, shareholders of publicly
traded companies, such as we are, who together hold non-voting
or voting-right restricted preferred shares representing at
least 10% of our total share capital for at least three months,
are entitled to appoint one member of our board of directors.
However, until 2005, the board member to be appointed by such
preferred shareholders will be chosen from a list of names
provided by our controlling shareholder.
Under our by-laws, the members of the board of directors are
elected by the holders of our common shares at the annual
general meeting of shareholders. Members of our board of
directors serve the same one-year terms and may be re-elected.
The terms of our current directors expire in 2005 and they have
each been nominated for re-election at our annual general
meeting of shareholders to be held on April 11, 2005. Our
by-laws do not provide for a mandatory retirement age for our
directors.
Under the terms of our shareholders agreement, five of the
members of our board of directors have been appointed by Aeropar
Participações S.A. BSSF Air Holdings LLC has the right
to elect one member of our
81
board of directors under the terms of our shareholders
agreement as long as BSSF Air Holdings LLC holds 5% or more of
our total share capital. None of the current members of our
board of directors has been elected by BSSF Air Holdings LLC.
Upon the exercise by our minority shareholders of any minority
rights set forth under the Brazilian corporation law, BSSF Air
Holdings LLCs right to elect one member of our board of
directors will only prevail to the extent that Aeropar
Participaçoes S.A. still retains the right to appoint the
majority of our board of directors. The shareholders
agreement will terminate upon the sale in this global offering
by BSSF Air Holdings LLC of the 9,179,189 preferred
shares that it is offering in this global offering.
The following table sets forth the name, age and position of
each member of our board of directors. A brief biographical
description of each member of our board of directors follows the
table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age | |
|
Position |
|
|
| |
|
|
Constantino de Oliveira
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
Chairman |
Constantino de Oliveira Junior
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
Director |
Henrique Constantino
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
Director |
Joaquim Constantino Neto
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
Director |
Ricardo Constantino
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
Director |
Alvaro de Souza
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
Director |
Antonio Kandir
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
Director |
Luiz Kaufmann
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
Director |
Constantino de Oliveira is the chairman of our board of
directors and has served in this capacity since March 2004.
Mr. Oliveira has also been the chairman of the board of
directors of Gol since 2002. Mr. Oliveira is founder and
president of the Áurea group. He founded his first company,
Expresso União, a bus transportation company, in 1957 in
the state of Minas Gerais. Mr. Oliveira was the principal
architect in our creation.
Constantino de Oliveira Junior is a member of our board
of directors and our Chief Executive Officer. He has served in
both capacities since March 2004. Mr. Oliveira has also
been the chief executive officer and a member of the board of
directors of Gol since 2001. Mr. Oliveira introduced the
low-cost, low-fare concept to the Brazilian airline
industry and was elected the Most Valuable Executive in 2001 and
2002 by the Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico and
was also elected the Leading Executive in the logistics sector
in 2003 by the readers of Gazeta Mercantil, a Brazilian
financial newspaper. From 1994 to 2000, Mr. Oliveira served
as an officer of the Áurea group. Mr. Oliveira studied
Business Administration at the Universidade do Distrito
Federal and he attended the Executive Program on Corporate
Management for Brazil conducted by the Association for Overseas
Technical Scholarships.
Henrique Constantino has been a member of our board of
directors since March 2004. Mr. Constantino has also been a
member of the board of directors of Gol since 2003. He has been
the financial officer of the Áurea group since 1994. He
participated in the creation of Gol and served as its financial
officer from January 2001 to March 2003, when he became a member
of the board. Mr. Constantino has a law degree from
CEUBCentro de Ensino Unificado de Brasília and
has a Master in Business Administration degree from
EAESPFGV (Fundação Getúlio
VargasSão Paulo).
Joaquim Constantino Neto has been a member of our board
of directors since March 2004. Mr. Constantino has been a
member of the board of directors of Gol since 2001. He has been
the operations officer of the Áurea group since 1994. From
1984 to 1990, he was in charge of operations of Reunidas
Paulista. Since 1990 to the present, he has been the President
of Breda Turismo, a transportation company. Since 1998,
Mr. Constantino has also been a member of the board of
directors of Metra, a metropolitan bus company serving the
cities of São Paulo, Santo André, São Bernardo do
Campo and Diadema.
Ricardo Constantino has been a member of our board of
directors since March 2004. Mr. Constantino has been a
member of the board of directors of Gol since 2001. He has been
the technical and maintenance officer of the Áurea group
since 1994. Since 2000, Mr. Constantino is also a member of
the board of directors of Mercabenco S.C., a consortium of
Mercedes automobile dealers.
82
Alvaro de Souza has been a member of our board of
directors since August 2004. Mr. Souza is an officer of
AdS Gestão, Consultoria e Investimentos Ltda. and
member of the board of directors of SAG do Brasil S.A., World
Wildlife Group (WWF), Comgás, British Gas Group, AMBEV and
Roland Berger do Brasil. He was the Chief Executive Officer of
Citibank Brasil from 1993 to 1994 and an Executive
Vice-President of Citigroup from 1995 to 2003. Mr. Souza
holds a bachelors degree in Economics and Business
Administration from Pontifícia Universidade Católica
de São Paulo.
Antonio Kandir has been a member of our board of
directors since August 2004. Mr Kandir is an economic consultant
and is a member of the board of directors of AVIPAL/ ELEGÊ
and the consulting board of Portugal Telecom. Mr. Kandir
served in the Brazilian government as a Congressional
Representative for two terms of office, and served as Planning
and Budget Minister and Secretary of Economic Policy and
President of the Privatization Council. He has a bachelors
degree in production engineering from the Escola
Politécnica at USP and bachelors, masters and
PHD degrees in Economics from Unicamp.
Luiz Kaufmann has been a member of our board of directors
since December 2004. Mr Kaufmann has presided over several
companies such as Aracruz Celulose S.A. from 1993 to 1998,
Vésper, Petropar, Grupo Multiplic, Arthur D. Little, and
was a partner at GP Investimentos. He was a member of several
companies board of directors, including Pioneer Hi-Bred
International, América Latina Logística, and Lojas
Americanas. Luiz Kaufmann is also Chairman of Fleet Ones
board of directors, a member of Medial Saúdes Board
of Directors, and chief executive officer of Primesys
Soluções Empresariais S.A. and L. Kaufmann
Consultores. He was a member of the Global Corporate Governance
Advisory Board, which was comprised of 20 internationally
renowned business leaders from 16 different countries, created
to advance knowledge on the roles and responsibilities of boards
of directors of international companies.
Constantino de Oliveira Junior, Henrique Constantino, Joaquim
Constantino Neto and Ricardo Constantino are brothers and
Constantino de Oliveira is their father. Constantino de Oliveira
Junior, Henrique Constantino, Joaquim Constantino Neto and
Ricardo Constantino control Aeropar Participações S.A.
and Comporte Participações S.A. on an equal basis.
Executive Officers
Our executive officers have significant experience in the
domestic and international passenger transportation industries,
and we have been able to draw upon this extensive experience to
develop our low-cost operating structure. The executive officers
are responsible for our day-to-day management. The executive
officers have individual responsibilities established in our
by-laws and by our board of directors. The business address of
each of our executive officers is the address of our principal
executive offices.
Under our by-laws, we must have at least two and at most five
executive officers that are elected by the board of directors
for a one-year term. Any executive officer may be removed by the
board of directors before the expiration of his term. The
current term of all our executive officers ends in March 2006.
The following table sets forth the name, age and position of
each of our executive officers elected in March 2004. A brief
biographical description of each of our executive officers
follows the table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age | |
|
Position |
|
|
| |
|
|
Constantino de Oliveira Junior
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
David Barioni Neto
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
Vice President-Technical |
Richard F. Lark, Jr.
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Investor
Relations Officer |
Tarcisio Geraldo Gargioni
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
Vice President-Marketing and Services |
Wilson Maciel Ramos
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
Vice President-Planning and Information Technology |
Constantino de Oliveira Junior. See
ManagementBoard of Directors.
David Barioni Neto has been an officer since May 2004.
Mr. Barioni has been an officer of Gol since 2001.
Mr. Barioni has been an aircraft pilot for 25 years
and worked as an aircraft pilot for VASP from 1982 to
83
2000. Mr. Barioni is a civil aviation inspector, flight
instructor and aeronautical accident investigator. He also
specializes in restricted and dangerous cargo.
Richard F. Lark, Jr. has been an officer since May
2004. Mr. Lark has been an officer of Gol since 2003. From
2000 to 2003, Mr. Lark was a founding director and served
as Chief Financial Officer of Americanas.com, one of the leading
Brazilian e-commerce companies. Prior to joining Americanas.com,
Mr. Lark was a Vice President in the investment banking
division of Morgan Stanley, where he was responsible for the
Brazilian transportation sector. Mr. Lark holds a Master in
Business Administration degree from the Anderson School at The
University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and bachelor
degrees in philosophy and finance and business economics from
The University of Notre Dame. Mr. Lark is a DAC-certified
private pilot.
Tarcisio Geraldo Gargioni has been an officer since May
2004. Mr. Gargioni has been an officer of Gol since 2001.
From 1990 to 2000, Mr. Gargioni served as Commercial
Director of VASP. Mr. Gargioni received a degree in
Business Administration and a post-graduate degree in transport
engineering from COOPEAD/RJ, Brazil. Mr. Gargioni received
a certificate in marketing from Fundação
Getúlio VargasSão Paulo.
Wilson Maciel Ramos has been an officer since March 2004.
Mr. Ramos has been an officer of Gol since 2001. From 1999
to 2000, Mr. Ramos was an independent consultant for urban
transportation companies. From 1997 to 1999, Mr. Ramos was
the President of Transurb, a syndicate of urban transportation
companies in São Paulo. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Ramos
served as Chief Information Officer at VASP. Mr. Ramos
received a degree in mechanical engineering from the
Universidade do Rio Grande do Sul and a masters
degree in production engineering from the Universidade de
Santa Catarina.
Fiscal Committee
Under the Brazilian corporation law, the Conselho Fiscal,
or fiscal committee, is a corporate body independent of
management and a companys external auditors. The fiscal
committee may be either permanent or non-permanent, in which
case it is appointed by the shareholders to act during a
specific fiscal year. A fiscal committee is not equivalent to,
or comparable with, a U.S. audit committee. The primary
responsibility of the fiscal committee is to review
managements activities and a companys financial
statements, and to report its findings to a companys
shareholders. The Brazilian corporation law requires fiscal
committee members to receive as remuneration at least 10% of the
average annual amount paid to a companys executive
officers. The Brazilian corporation law requires a fiscal
committee to be composed of a minimum of three and a maximum of
five members and their respective alternates.
Under the Brazilian corporation law, our fiscal committee may
not contain members that (i) are on our board of directors,
(ii) are on the board of executive officers, (iii) are
employed by us or a controlled company or a company of the
Áurea group, or (iv) are spouses or relatives of any
member of our management, up to the third degree. Our by-laws
provide for a non-permanent fiscal committee to be elected only
by our shareholders request at a general
shareholders meeting. The fiscal committee, when elected,
will be comprised of a minimum of three and a maximum of five
members and an equal number of alternate members. We currently
do not have an active fiscal committee and, therefore, no
members have been appointed.
Committees of the Board of Directors and Board of Executive
Officers
Our board of directors also has corporate governance and
nomination, audit, compensation and risk policies committees.
Our board of executive officers has management, executive
policy, budget, investment, corporate governance and risk
policies committees. Members of the committees do not need to be
members of our board of directors or board of executive
officers. The charters of the corporate governance and
nomination, audit and compensation committees specify that each
committee shall include one member to be appointed by our
minority shareholders, as well as one independent member. The
responsibilities and composition of these committees are
described below.
84
Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee. The
corporate governance and nomination committee is responsible for
the coordination, implementation and periodic review of
best practices of corporate governance and for
monitoring and keeping our board of directors informed about
legislation and market recommendations addressing corporate
governance. The committee also proposes individuals to be
considered for election to our board of directors. The committee
consists of up to five members elected by our board of directors
for a one-year term of office. Currently, the corporate
governance committee consists of Henrique Constantino and there
are two vacancies. We are currently searching for candidates to
fill these vacancies.
Audit Committee. Our audit committee, which is equivalent
to a U.S. audit committee, provides assistance to our board
of directors in matters involving our accounting, internal
controls, financial reporting and compliance. The audit
committee recommends the appointment of our independent auditors
to our board of directors and reviews the compensation of, and
coordinates with, our independent auditors. The audit committee
also evaluates the effectiveness of our internal financial and
legal compliance controls. The audit committee is comprised of
up to three members elected by the board of directors for a
one-year term of office. The current members of our audit
committee are Álvaro Souza, Antonio Kandir and Luiz
Kaufmann. All members of the audit committee satisfy the audit
committee membership independence requirements set forth by SEC
and the NYSE. Luiz Kaufmann is an audit committee
financial expert within the meaning of the rules
adopted by the SEC relating to the disclosure of financial
experts on audit committees in periodic filings pursuant to the
U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Compensation Committee. The compensation committee
reviews and recommends to our board of directors the forms of
compensation, including salary, bonus and stock options, to be
paid to our directors and executive officers. The compensation
committee also reviews and recommends revisions to the
compensation policies applicable to our directors and executive
officers and reviews our managements career and succession
plans. The compensation committee is comprised of up to three
members elected by our board of directors for a one-year term.
The compensation committee currently consists of Henrique
Constantino, who is one of our directors, Marco Morales, a human
resources consultant from Watson Wyatt, and Marco Antonio
Piller, the human resources and quality director of Gol.
Risk Policies Committee. The risk policies committee
conducts periodic reviews of the measures we take to protect the
company against foreign exchange, jet fuel price and interest
rate changes and analyzes the effect of such changes on our
revenues and expenses, cash flow and balance sheet. The risk
policies committee assesses the effectiveness of hedging
measures taken during the previous quarter and approves
recommendations for future changes and also conducts reviews of
cash management activities. The risk policies committee meets on
a quarterly basis and is comprised of our chief financial
officer and two other members of our board of directors, one of
whom is appointed by board members elected by our minority
shareholders. The risk policies committee currently consists of
Richard F. Lark, Jr., our chief financial officer, Henrique
Constantino, one of our directors, and Barry Siler, a fuel
hedging specialist and the chief executive officer of Kodiak
Fuels.
Compensation
Under our by-laws, our shareholders are responsible for
establishing the aggregate amount we pay to the members of our
board of directors and our executive officers. Once our
shareholders establish an aggregate amount of compensation for
our board of directors and executive officers, the members of
our board of directors are then responsible for setting
individual compensation levels in compliance with our by-laws.
The independent members of our board of directors receive fixed
annual compensation and additional compensation that is based
upon the number of board meetings they attend.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the aggregate
compensation, including cash and benefits-in-kind, that we paid
to the members of our board of directors and executive officers
was approximately R$2.0 million.
Executive Stock Options
At a shareholders meeting held on May 25, 2004, our
shareholders approved an executive stock option plan for key
senior executive officers. Under this plan, we have issued to
executive officers stock options to
85
purchase up to 937,412 of our preferred shares at an exercise
price of R$3.04 per share. One half of the options vested
on October 25, 2004, with the remaining 50% vesting at the
end of each quarter subsequent to October 25, 2004. Each
option will expire two years after its vesting date. The
preferred shares reserved for issuance pursuant to these options
are in addition to and separate from those shares that are
reserved for issuance under the plan described in the paragraph
immediately below.
Stock Option Plan
Our stock option plan was approved at a special
shareholders meeting held on December 9, 2004. The
stock option plan is aimed at promoting our interests by
encouraging management employees to contribute substantially to
our success, by incentivizing them with stock options. The plan
is managed by both our compensation committee and our board of
directors.
Participants in the plan are selected by the compensation
committee, provided that they have been either president,
vice-president, officer, advisor to the president or to the
vice-president, or general manager for at least six months prior
to the date on which the option is granted. The stock options to
be granted under the plan confer rights related only to our
preferred shares, and over a number of preferred shares that
does not, at any time, exceed 5% of our shares. The compensation
committee establishes the strike price of the options to be
granted, which must be equal to the average price of the
preferred shares recorded in the last 60 trading sessions prior
to the granting date, adjusted pursuant to the IGP-M inflation
index. The options that can be freely exercised may be exercised
up to the tenth anniversary of the granting date.
The plan is valid for a ten-year term. In case of termination of
our legal relationship with the option holder, with or without
cause (except in the case of retirement, permanent disability or
death) all options that have been granted to the participant,
and which were not yet exercisable, automatically expire.
On January 19, 2005, we issued stock options to executive
officers to purchase up to 87,418 of our preferred shares at an
exercise price of R$33.06. The options will vest over a
five-year period.
86
PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information relating to the
beneficial ownership of our common shares and preferred shares
as of April 27, 2005, by each person known by us to
beneficially own 5% or more of our common shares or preferred
shares and all our directors and officers as a group.
Each shareholders percentage ownership in the following
table is based on the 109,448,497 common shares and 78,094,746
preferred shares outstanding as of the date of this prospectus.
The table sets forth our beneficial ownership after the sale of
5,520,811 preferred shares by us and 9,179,189 preferred shares
by the selling shareholder in this global offering.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Shares | |
|
|
|
Common and | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficially Owned | |
|
Preferred Shares | |
|
Preferred Shares | |
|
|
|
|
Prior to the | |
|
Beneficially Owned | |
|
Beneficially Owned | |
|
|
Common Shares | |
|
Offering | |
|
After the Offering | |
|
After the Offering | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Shares | |
|
(%) | |
|
Shares | |
|
(%) | |
|
Shares | |
|
(%) | |
|
Shares | |
|
(%) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Aeropar Participações
S.A.(1)
|
|
|
109,448,477 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
31,493,863 |
|
|
|
40.3 |
% |
|
|
31,493,863 |
|
|
|
37.7 |
% |
|
|
140,942,340 |
|
|
|
73.0 |
% |
BSSF Air Holdings
LLC*(2)
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
** |
|
|
|
10,199,100 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
% |
|
|
1,019,911 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
1,019,917 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
Comporte Participações
S.A.(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,351,775 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
% |
|
|
3,351,775 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
% |
|
|
3,351,776 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
% |
Executive officers and directors as a group (8 persons)
|
|
|
14 |
(4) |
|
|
** |
|
|
|
8 |
(4) |
|
|
** |
|
|
|
8 |
(4) |
|
|
** |
|
|
|
22 |
(4) |
|
|
** |
|
|
|
** |
Represents ownership of less than 1%. |
|
|
(1) |
Aeropar Participações S.A. is a company controlled by
Aller Participações S.A., a closely-held corporation
headquartered in the City of São Paulo, State of São
Paulo, at Rua Funchal, No. 551, 10th floor, part, enrolled
with C.N.P.J. under No. 07.058.533/0001-73, Vaud
Participações S.A., a closely-held corporation
headquartered in the City of São Paulo, State of São
Paulo, at Rua Funchal, No. 551, 10th floor, part, enrolled
with C.N.P.J. under No. 07.058.553/0001-44, Thurgau
Participações S.A., a closely-held corporation
headquartered in the City of São Paulo, State of São
Paulo, at Rua Funchal, No. 551, 10th floor, part, enrolled
with C.N.P.J. under No. 07.061.067/0001-85 and Limmat
Participações S.A., a closely-held corporation
headquartered in the City of São Paulo, State of São
Paulo, at Rua Funchal, No. 551, 10th floor, part, enrolled
with C.N.P.J. under No. 07.058.544/0001-53, which, in turn,
are controlled by Messrs. Constantino de Oliveira
Júnior, Henrique Constantino, Joaquim Constantino Neto and
Ricardo Constantino, respectively. |
|
(2) |
BSSF Air Holdings LLC is wholly-owned by BSSF Air Holdings Ltd.
BSSF Air Holdings Ltd. is owned by AIG Brazil Special Situations
Fund, L.P. (BSSF) and AIG Brazil Special Situations
Parallel Fund, C.V. (BSSF Parallel). Each of BSSF
and BSSF Parallel is managed by AIG BSSF, L.P.
(AIGBSSFGP), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
American International Group, Inc. (AIG). Each of
BSSF Air Holdings Ltd.; BSSF; BSSF Parallel; AIGBSSFGP, the sole
general partner of BSSF and the managing general partner of BSSF
Parallel; AIG BSSF Investments, Ltd. (AIGBSSFI), the
sole general partner of AIGBSSFGP; AIG Capital Partners, Inc.
(AIGCP), the sole shareholder of AIGBSSFI; AIG
Global Asset Management Holdings, Corp. (AIGGAM),
the sole shareholder of AIGCP; AIG Capital Corp., the sole
shareholder of AIGGAM; and AIG; may be deemed to beneficially
own some or all of the shares held of record directly by BSSF
Air Holdings LLC. Each of the foregoing entities disclaims
beneficial ownership of the shares held of record directly by
BSSF Air Holdings LLC. The address of BSSF Air Holdings LLC is
599 Lexington Avenue, 24th floor, New York, New York 10022. |
|
(3) |
Comporte Participações S.A. is controlled equally by
Constantino de Oliveira Junior, Henrique Constantino, Joaquim
Constantino Neto and Ricardo Constantino. The address of
Comporte Participações S.A. is Avenida Dom Jaime de
Barros Câmara 300, suite 08, São Bernardo do Campo,
São Paulo, 09895-400, Brazil. |
|
(4) |
Shares transferred to members of the board of directors for
eligibility purposes. |
87
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We have engaged in a number of transactions with related
parties, none of which have involved the issuance of guarantees.
Shareholders Agreement
Under the terms of our shareholders agreement, five of the
members of our board of directors have been appointed by Aeropar
Participações S.A. BSSF Air Holdings LLC has the right
to elect one member of our board of directors under the terms of
our shareholders agreement as long as BSSF Air Holdings
holds 5% or more of our total share capital. None of the current
members of our board of directors has been elected by BSSF Air
Holdings. Upon the exercise by our minority shareholders of any
minority rights set forth under the Brazilian corporation law,
BSSF Air Holdings right to elect one member of our board
of directors will only prevail to the extent that Aeropar
Participações S.A. still retains the right to appoint
the majority of our board of directors. The shareholders
agreement will terminate upon the sale in this global offering
by BSSF Air Holdings LLC of the 9,179,189 preferred shares that
it is offering in this global offering.
Agreements with Áurea Administração e
Participações S.A.
|
|
|
Headquarters lease agreement |
On April 1, 2003 Gol entered into a five-year lease
agreement with Áurea Administração e
Participações S.A. for the lease of our headquarters
located at Rua Tamoios, 246. The lease agreement provides for
monthly payments of R$25,000, adjusted annually for inflation by
the IGP-M index.
Gol has entered into exclusive bus transportation agreements
with Expresso União Ltda. and Breda Serviços, which
are companies controlled by Áurea Administração e
Participações S.A. for the transportation of
Gols passengers, their baggage and Gols employees.
In 2003 and 2004, Gol made total payments of approximately
R$148,000 and approximately R$967,000, respectively, under these
bus transportation agreements.
Subscription and Option Agreement
On January 20, 2003, Áurea Administração e
Participações S.A., BSSF II Holdings Ltda., BSSF
Air Holdings Ltd. and Gol entered into a Subscription and Option
Agreement under which BSSF II Holdings Ltda. agreed to
subscribe and pay for 7,675,748 of Gols Class A
preferred shares and BSSF Air Holdings Ltd. agreed to subscribe
and pay for 2,699,252 of Gols Class A preferred
shares and 8,408,206 of Gols Class B preferred shares.
In February 2004, Áurea Administração e
Participações S.A. exercised its call option pursuant
to the Subscription and Option Agreement. As a result, on
March 29, 2004, Áurea Administração e
Participações S.A. acquired all of BSSF Air Holdings
Ltd.s share ownership in Gol and 140,350 Class A
preferred shares of Gol from BSSF II Holdings Ltda.
88
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
General
The Registrant became the parent company of Gol on
March 29, 2004, when all of the common shares, Class A
preferred shares and Class B preferred shares of Gol
(except for five common shares and three Class B preferred
shares of Gol that are held by members of Gols board of
directors for eligibility purposes) were contributed to the
Registrant by the shareholders of Gol in exchange for the
applicable number of either common shares or preferred shares of
the Registrant. As a result of this reorganization, 41,499,995
common shares of Gol were exchanged for 109,448,267 common
shares and 6,751,719 preferred shares of the Registrant,
10,375,000 Class A preferred shares of Gol were exchanged
for 29,049,994 preferred shares and 6 common shares of the
Registrant and 8,408,206 Class B preferred shares of Gol
were exchanged for 23,542,977 preferred shares of the
Registrant. The reorganization did not affect our operations in
any respect. The aggregate number of our common and preferred
shares outstanding was increased to 168,793,243 as the result of
a 2.80-for-one stock split on May 25, 2004 (which includes
224 common shares and 56 preferred shares of the Registrant that
were issued in connection with its formation on March 12,
2004). On June 29, 2004, the Registrant completed its
initial public offering through the issuance of 18,750,000
preferred shares in the form of ADSs in the United States and
other countries outside Brazil and in the form of preferred
shares in Brazil. As a result, our capital structure currently
consists of 109,448,497 common shares and 78,094,746
undesignated preferred shares, all with no par value. We are a
stock corporation (sociedade anônima) incorporated
under the laws of Brazil.
Issued Share Capital
Under our by-laws, our authorized capital is R$1.2 billion,
and can be increased by the issuance of preferred or common
shares, after approval by our board of directors. Our
shareholders must approve any capital increase that exceeds our
authorized capital. Under our by-laws and the Brazilian
corporation law, if we issue additional shares in a private
transaction, the existing shareholders have preemptive rights to
subscribe for shares on a pro rata basis according to their
holdings. See Preemptive Rights.
Regulation of Foreign Investment
There are no general restrictions on ownership of our preferred
shares or common shares by individuals or legal entities
domiciled outside Brazil, except for those regarding airline
companies (see Regulation of the Brazilian Civil
Aviation Market). However, the right to convert dividend
payments and proceeds from the sale of preferred shares or
common shares into foreign currency and to remit such amounts
outside Brazil is subject to restrictions under foreign
investment legislation which generally requires, among other
things, the registration of the relevant investment with the
Central Bank.
Foreign investors may register their investment under Law
No. 4,131 of September 3, 1962, or Law No. 4,131,
or Resolution No. 2,689 of January 26, 2000 of the
CMN, or Resolution No. 2,689. Registration under Law
No. 4,131 or under Resolution No. 2,689 generally
enables foreign investors to convert into foreign currency
dividends, other distributions and sales proceeds received in
connection with registered investments and to remit such amounts
abroad. Resolution No. 2,689 affords favorable tax
treatment to foreign investors who are not resident in a tax
haven jurisdiction, which is defined under Brazilian tax laws as
a country that does not impose taxes or where the maximum income
tax rate is lower than 20% or that restricts the disclosure of
shareholder composition or ownership of investments.
Under Resolution No. 2,689, foreign investors may invest in
almost all financial assets and engage in almost all
transactions available in the Brazilian financial and capital
markets, provided that certain requirements are fulfilled. In
accordance with Resolution No. 2,689, the definition of
foreign investor includes individuals, legal entities, mutual
funds and other collective investment entities that are
domiciled or headquartered abroad.
89
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2,689, foreign investors must:
|
|
|
|
|
appoint at least one representative in Brazil with powers to
perform actions relating to the foreign investment; |
|
|
|
complete the appropriate foreign investor registration form; |
|
|
|
register as a foreign investor with the CVM; and |
|
|
|
register the foreign investment with the Central Bank. |
Securities and other financial assets held by foreign investors
pursuant to Resolution No. 2,689 must be registered or
maintained in deposit accounts or under the custody of an entity
duly licensed by the Central Bank or the CVM. In addition,
securities trading is restricted to transactions carried out in
the stock exchanges or organized over-the-counter markets
licensed by the CVM. The right to convert dividend payments and
proceeds from the sale of our capital stock into foreign
currency and to remit these amounts outside Brazil is subject to
restrictions under foreign investment legislation, which
generally requires, among other things, that the relevant
investment be registered with the Central Bank. Restrictions on
the remittance of foreign capital abroad could hinder or prevent
the custodian for the preferred shares represented by ADSs, or
holders who have exchanged ADSs for preferred shares, from
converting dividends, distributions or the proceeds from any
sale of preferred shares, as the case may be, into
U.S. dollars and remitting such U.S. dollars abroad.
Delays in, or refusal to grant, any required governmental
approval for conversions of reais payments and
remittances abroad of amounts owed to holders of ADSs could
adversely affect holders of ADSs.
Resolution No. 1,927 of the CMN, which is the restated and
amended Annex V to Resolution No. 1,289 of the CMN, or
the Annex V Regulations, provides for the issuance of
depositary receipts in foreign markets in respect of shares of
Brazilian issuers. We will file an application to have the ADSs
approved under the Annex V Regulations by the Central Bank
and the CVM, and we will have received final approval before the
completion of this offering.
The custodian will obtain on behalf of the depositary an
electronic certificate of foreign capital registration with
respect to the ADSs sold in the international offering. This
electronic registration is carried on through the Central Bank
Information System, or SISBACEN. Pursuant to the registration,
the custodian and the depositary will be able to convert
dividends and other distributions with respect to the preferred
shares represented by ADSs into foreign currency and remit the
proceeds outside Brazil. In the event that a holder of ADSs
surrenders such ADSs and withdraws preferred shares, the holder
will be entitled to continue to rely on the depositarys
registration for five business days after the withdrawal,
following which such holder must seek to obtain its own
electronic certificate of foreign capital registration.
Thereafter, unless the preferred shares are held pursuant to
Resolution No. 2,689, by a duly registered investor, or, if
not a registered investor under Resolution No. 2,689, a
holder of preferred shares applies for and obtains a new
certificate of registration, the holder may not be able to
convert into foreign currency and remit outside Brazil the
proceeds from the disposition of, or distributions with respect
to, the preferred shares, and the holder, if not registered
under Resolution No. 2,689, will be subject to less
favorable Brazilian tax treatment than a holder of ADSs. In
addition, if the foreign investor resides in a tax haven
jurisdiction, the investor will also be subject to less
favorable tax treatment. See Risk FactorsRisks
Relating to the ADSs and Our Preferred SharesIf you
surrender the ADSs and withdraw our preferred shares, you risk
losing the ability to remit foreign currency abroad and certain
Brazilian tax advantages and TaxationBrazilian
Tax Consequences.
Description of Preferred Shares
According to our by-laws, similar to preferred shares of
companies incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware,
our preferred shares are non-voting. However, under certain
limited circumstances provided for in the Brazilian corporation
law and as described in this section, holders of our preferred
shares may be entitled to vote. Upon liquidation, holders of
preferred shares are entitled to receive distributions prior to
the holders of our common shares.
90
Holders of our preferred shares are not entitled to voting
rights, except in connection with certain specific matters. See
Voting Rights. Unlike holders of preferred
shares of companies incorporated under the laws of the State of
Delaware, which are typically entitled to a fixed dividend
established pursuant to the companys articles of
incorporation, holders of our preferred shares are entitled to
receive dividends per share in the same amount of the dividends
per share paid to holders of our common shares.
Also unlike holders of preferred shares of companies
incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, which
typically do not have the benefit of tag-along rights, according
to our by-laws, holders of our preferred shares are entitled to
be included in a public tender offer in case our controlling
shareholder sells its controlling stake in us, and the minimum
price to be offered for each preferred share is 100% of the
price paid per share of the controlling stake.
Under Brazilian law, the protections afforded to minority
shareholders are different from those in the United States. In
particular, judicial guidance with respect to shareholder
disputes is less established under Brazilian law than
U.S. law and there are different procedural requirements
for bringing shareholder lawsuits, such as shareholder
derivative suits. As a result, in practice it may be more
difficult for our minority shareholders to enforce their rights
against us or our directors or controlling shareholder than it
would be for shareholders of a U.S. company.
Redemption and Rights of Withdrawal
Similar to dissenting shareholders of corporations incorporated
under the State of Delaware, under the Brazilian corporation
law, a dissenting or non-voting shareholder has the right to
withdraw from a company and be reimbursed for the value of the
preferred or common shares held whenever a decision is taken at
a general shareholders meeting by a vote of shareholders
representing at least 50% of the total outstanding voting
capital to:
|
|
|
|
|
create a new class of preferred shares or increase
disproportionately an existing class of preferred shares
relative to the other classes of shares, unless such action is
provided for or authorized by our by-laws (our by-laws allow us
to do so); |
|
|
|
modify a preference, privilege or condition of redemption or
amortization conferred on one or more classes of preferred
shares, or create a new class with greater privileges than the
existing classes of preferred shares; |
|
|
|
reduce the mandatory distribution of dividends; |
|
|
|
merge or consolidate us with another company; |
|
|
|
participate in a centralized group of companies as defined in
the Brazilian corporation law and subject to the conditions set
forth therein; |
|
|
|
change our corporate purpose, including a sale of the voting
control of Gol to a third party; |
|
|
|
transfer all of our shares to another company or receive shares
of another company in order to make the company whose shares
were transferred a wholly owned subsidiary of such company,
known as incorporação de ações; |
|
|
|
conduct a spin-off that results in (a) a change of our
corporate purposes, except if the assets and liabilities of the
spun-off company are contributed to a company that is engaged in
substantially the same activities, (b) a reduction in the
mandatory dividend or (c) any participation in a
centralized group of companies, as defined under the Brazilian
corporation law; or |
|
|
|
acquire control of another company at a price which exceeds the
limits set forth in the Brazilian corporation law. |
In the event that the entity resulting from a merger,
consolidation, or incorporação de
ações, or spin-off of a listed company fails to
become a listed company within 120 days of the shareholders
meeting at which such decision was taken, the dissenting or
non-voting shareholders may also exercise their withdrawal right.
91
If there is a resolution to (a) merge or consolidate us
with another company; (b) incorporação de
ações; (c) participate in a group of
companies, as defined under the Brazilian corporation law, or
(d) acquire control of another company, the withdrawal
rights are exercisable only if our shares do not satisfy certain
tests of liquidity and dispersal of the type or class of shares
in the market at the time of the general meeting.
Only holders of shares adversely affected by the changes
mentioned in the first and second items above may withdraw their
shares.
The right of withdrawal lapses 30 days after publication of
the minutes of the relevant general shareholders meeting
that approved the corporate actions described above. In the case
of the changes mentioned in the first and second items above,
the resolution is subject to confirmation by the preferred
shareholders, which must be obtained at a special meeting held
within one year. In those cases, the 30-day term is counted from
the date of publication of the minutes of the special meeting.
We would be entitled to reconsider any action triggering
appraisal rights within 10 days following the expiration of
such rights if the redemption of shares of dissenting or
non-voting shareholders would jeopardize our financial
stability. Shares to be purchased by us from the dissenting or
non-voting shareholders exercising appraisal rights will be
valued at an amount equal to the lesser of the ratable portion
attributable to such shares of our shareholders equity as
shown on the last balance sheet approved at a general
shareholders meeting (book value) and the ratable portion
attributable to such shares of the economic value of the
company, pursuant to an appraisal report produced in accordance
with the provisions of the Brazilian corporation law. If more
than 60 days have elapsed since the date of such balance
sheet, dissenting shareholders may require that the book value
of their shares be calculated on the basis of a new balance
sheet. As a general rule, shareholders who acquire their shares
after the first notice convening the general shareholders
meeting or after the relevant press release concerning the
meeting is published will not be entitled to appraisal rights.
For purposes of the right of withdrawal, the concept of
dissenting shareholder, under the Brazilian
corporation law, includes not only those shareholders who vote
against a specific resolution, but also those who abstain from
voting, who fail to attend the shareholders meeting or who do
not have voting rights. The concept of dissenting
shareholder under the Brazilian corporation law differs
from that of dissenting shareholder under Delaware
law, under which a dissenting shareholder is generally a
shareholder who objects to a proposed corporate action and
demands payment for his or her shares before such action is
voted upon.
Preemptive Rights
Each of our shareholders generally has a preemptive right to
subscribe for shares or convertible securities in any capital
increases, in proportion to its shareholdings. A minimum period
of 30 days, unless a shorter period is established by our
board of directors, following the publication of notice of the
capital increase is allowed for the exercise of the right and
the right is negotiable. In the event of a capital increase
which would maintain or increase the proportion of capital
represented by preferred shares, holders of ADSs or preferred
shares would have preemptive rights to subscribe only to newly
issued preferred shares. In the event of a capital increase
which would reduce the proportion of capital represented by
preferred shares, holders of ADSs or preferred shares would have
preemptive rights to subscribe for preferred shares, in
proportion to their shareholdings, and for common shares, only
to the extent necessary to prevent dilution of their equity
participation. (See Risks Relating to the ADSs and Our
Preferred SharesHolders of ADSs may be unable to exercise
preemptive rights with respect to our preferred shares).
Our by-laws provide that our board of directors may, within the
limit of its authorized capital, withdraw preemptive rights to
existing shareholders in connection with an increase in share
capital through sale in stock exchanges, public offerings or
public exchange offers. In addition, Brazilian corporation law
provides that the granting or exercise of stock options pursuant
to certain stock option plans is not subject to preemptive
rights. Shareholders of corporations incorporated under the laws
of the State of Delaware generally do not have preemptive rights
unless set forth specifically in such corporations
charters.
92
Voting Rights
Each common share entitles its holder to one vote at our
shareholders meetings. Preferred shares have no voting
rights, except that each preferred share entitles its holder to
one vote at our shareholders meeting to decide on certain
specific matters, such as (a) any transformation of the
company into another corporate type; (b) any merger,
consolidation or spin-off of the company; (c) approval of
any transactions between the company and its controlling
shareholder or parties related to the controlling shareholder;
(d) approval of any evaluation of assets to be delivered to
the company in payment for shares issued in a capital increase;
(e) appointment of an expert to ascertain the fair value of
the company in connection with any deregistration and delisting
tender offer; (f) any changes to these voting rights; and
(g) approval of a change of our corporate purpose. Holders
of preferred shares are entitled to attend shareholders
meetings and to participate in the discussions. The Brazilian
corporation law provides that non-voting shares, such as
preferred shares, may acquire voting rights if the company fails
to distribute fixed or minimum dividends in connection with such
shares for three consecutive fiscal years and will retain such
voting rights until the distribution of such fixed or minimum
dividends. Because our preferred shares are not entitled to the
payment of any fixed or minimum dividend, holders of our
preferred shares cannot acquire voting rights as a result of our
failure to distribute dividends. (See Risks Relating to
the ADSs and Our Preferred SharesYou and the holders of
the preferred shares may not receive any dividends).
According to the Brazilian corporation law, any change in the
preferences or rights of our preferred shares, or the creation
of a class of shares having priority over our preferred shares,
unless such change is authorized by our by-laws, would require
the approval of our preferred shareholders in a special
shareholders meeting in addition to approval by a majority
of the holders of our outstanding voting shares. The holders of
preferred shares would vote as a class at the special meeting.
The Brazilian corporation law grants (i) holders of
preferred shares without voting rights (or with restricted
voting rights) representing 10% of the total issued capital
stock, and (ii) holders of our common shares that are not
part of the controlling group, and represent at least 15% of the
voting capital stock, the right to appoint a member to the board
of directors, by voting during the annual shareholders
meeting. If none of our non-controlling holders of common or
preferred shares meets the respective thresholds described
above, holders of preferred or common shares representing at
least 10% of the share capital would be able to combine their
holdings to appoint one member and an alternate to our board of
directors. Such rights may only be exercised by those
shareholders who prove that they have held the required stake
with no interruption during at least the three months directly
preceding our annual shareholders meeting. Until 2005, the board
members that may be elected by the preferred shareholders as
described above must be chosen from a list of three names
indicated by our controlling shareholders.
Holders of common shares are entitled to certain rights that
cannot be amended by changes in the by-laws or at a general
shareholders meeting, which include (i) the right to
vote at general shareholders meetings; (ii) the right
to participate in distributions of dividends and interest on
capital and to share in the remaining assets of the company in
the event of liquidation; (iii) preemptive rights in
certain circumstances; and (iv) the right to withdraw from
the company in certain cases. In addition to those rights, the
by-laws or a majority of the voting shareholders may establish
additional rights and, likewise, remove them. Currently, our
by-laws do not establish any rights in addition to those already
set forth by the Brazilian corporation law. The Level 2 of
Differentiated Corporate Governance Practices, which we will
comply with, provides for the granting of voting rights to
holders of preferred shares in connection with certain matters,
including corporate restructurings, mergers and related party
transactions.
Controlling shareholders may nominate and elect a majority of
the members of the board of directors of Brazilian companies. In
a Brazilian company, management is not entitled to nominate
directors for election by the shareholders. Non-controlling
shareholders and holders of non-voting shares are entitled to
elect representatives to the board, as described above. Holders
of a threshold percentage of the voting shares may also request,
up to 48 hours prior to any general shareholders
meeting, that the election of directors be subject to cumulative
voting. The threshold percentage required for cumulative voting
for a corporation such as ours is
93
currently 5% of the outstanding shares. Shareholders who vote to
elect a representative of the non-controlling shareholders may
not cast cumulative votes to elect other members of the board.
Conversion Right
Our shareholders may, at any time, convert common shares into
preferred shares, at the rate of one common share to one
preferred share, to the extent such shares are duly paid and
provided that the amount of preferred shares does not exceed 50%
of the total amount of shares issued. Any request for conversion
must be delivered to our board of executive officers and, once
accepted by the board of executive officers, must be confirmed
by our board of directors at the first meeting after the date of
the request for conversion.
Special and General Meetings
Unlike the laws governing corporations incorporated under the
laws of the State of Delaware, the Brazilian corporation law
does not allow shareholders to approve matters by written
consent obtained as a response to a consent solicitation
procedure. All matters subject to approval by the shareholders
must be approved in a general meeting, duly convened pursuant to
the provisions of Brazilian corporation law. Shareholders may be
represented at a shareholders meeting by attorneys-in-fact
who are (i) shareholders of the corporation, (ii) a
Brazilian attorney, (iii) a member of management or
(iv) a financial institution.
General and special shareholders meetings may be called by
publication of a notice in the Diário Oficial do Estado
de São Paulo and in a newspaper of general circulation
in our principal place of business at least 15 days prior
to the meeting. Special meetings are convened in the same manner
as general shareholders meetings and may occur immediately
before or after a general meeting.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Differently from companies incorporated under the laws of the
State of Delaware, Brazilian companies generally do not employ
poison pill provisions to prevent hostile takeovers.
As most Brazilian companies have clearly identified controlling
shareholders, hostile takeovers are highly unusual and no
developed body of case law addresses the limits on the ability
of management to prevent or deter potential hostile bidders. The
Brazilian corporation law and our by-laws require any party that
acquires our control to extend a tender offer for common and
preferred shares held by non-controlling shareholders at the
same purchase price paid to the controlling shareholder.
Arbitration
In connection with our listing with Level 2 of
Differentiated Corporate Governance Practices, we and our
controlling shareholders, directors and officers have undertaken
to refer to arbitration any and all disputes arising out of the
Level 2 rules or any other corporate matters. See
Market Information. Under our by-laws, any disputes
among us, our shareholders and our management with respect to
the application of Level 2 rules, the Brazilian Corporate
Law or the application of the rules and regulations regarding
Brazilian capital markets, will be resolved by arbitration
conducted pursuant to the BOVESPA Arbitration Rules. Any
disputes among shareholders, including holders of ADSs, and
disputes between us and shareholders, including holders of ADSs,
will be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the BOVESPA
Arbitration Rules.
Form and Transfer
Because our preferred shares are in registered book-entry form,
Banco Itaú S.A., as registrar, must effect any transfer of
shares by an entry made in its books, in which it debits the
share account of the transferor and credits the share account of
the transferee. When our shares are acquired or sold on a
Brazilian stock exchange, the transfer is effected on the
records of our registrar by a representative of a brokerage firm
or the stock exchanges clearing system. Transfers of
shares by a foreign investor are executed in the same way by
that investors local agent on the investors behalf
except that, if the original investment were registered with the
Central Bank pursuant to Resolution No. 2,689, the foreign
investor should also seek amendment through its local agent, if
necessary, of the electronic registration to reflect the new
ownership. The BOVESPA
94
operates a clearinghouse through CBLC. The fact that such shares
are subject to custody with the relevant stock exchange will be
reflected in our registry of shareholders. Each participating
shareholder will, in turn, be registered in the register of our
beneficial shareholders that is maintained by CBLC and will be
treated in the same way as registered shareholders.
95
DIVIDENDS AND DIVIDEND POLICY
Amounts Available for Distribution
At each annual general shareholders meeting, our board of
directors is required to propose how our earnings for the
preceding fiscal year are to be allocated. For purposes of
Brazilian corporation law, a companys non-consolidated net
income after federal income tax and social contribution on net
income for such fiscal year, net of any accumulated losses from
prior fiscal years and amounts allocated to employees and
managements participation in earnings, represents its
income for such fiscal year. In accordance with the
Brazilian corporation law, an amount equal to the companys
income, as adjusted (the distributable
amount), will be available for distribution to
shareholders in any particular year. The distributable amount
will be affected by the following:
|
|
|
|
|
reduced by amounts allocated to the legal reserve; |
|
|
|
reduced by amounts allocated to the statutory reserve, if any; |
|
|
|
reduced by amounts allocated to the contingency reserve, if any; |
|
|
|
reduced by amounts allocated to the unrealized profits reserve
established by the company in compliance with applicable law (as
discussed below); |
|
|
|
reduced by amounts allocated to the reserve for investment
projects (as discussed below); and |
|
|
|
increased by reversals of reserves recorded in prior years. |
Our by-laws do not provide for statutory or contingency
reserves. Under the Brazilian corporation law and according to
our by-laws, we are required to maintain a legal
reserve to which we must allocate 5% of our
income for each fiscal year until the amount of the
reserve equals 20% of paid-in capital. We are not required to
make any allocations to our legal reserve in respect of any
fiscal year in which such reserve, when added to our capital
reserves, exceeds 30% of our capital. Accumulated losses, if
any, may be charged against the legal reserve. Other than that,
the legal reserve can only be used to increase our capital. The
legal reserve is subject to approval by the shareholders voting
at the annual shareholders meeting and may be transferred
to capital but is not available for the payment of dividends in
subsequent years. Our calculation of net income and allocations
to reserves for any fiscal year are determined on the basis of
our non-consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance
with the Brazilian corporation law.
Under the Brazilian corporation law, a portion of a
corporations income may be allocated for
discretionary appropriations for plant expansion and other fixed
or working capital investment projects, the amount of which is
based on a capital budget previously presented by management and
approved by the shareholders in a general shareholders
meeting. After completion of the relevant capital projects, the
company may retain the appropriation until shareholders vote to
transfer all or a portion of the reserve to capital or retained
earnings. The Brazilian corporation law provides that, if a
project to which the reserve for investment projects account is
allocated has a term exceeding one year, the budget related to
the project must be submitted to the shareholders meeting
each fiscal year until the relevant investment is completed.
Under the Brazilian corporation law, the amount by which the
mandatory distribution exceeds the realized portion
of net income for any particular year may be allocated to the
unrealized profits reserve and the mandatory distribution may be
limited to the realized portion of net income. The
realized portion of net income is the amount by
which income exceeds the sum of (a) our net
positive results, if any, from the equity method of accounting
for earnings and losses of our subsidiaries and certain
affiliates, and (b) the profits, gains or income obtained
on transactions maturing after the end of the following fiscal
year. As amounts allocated to the unrealized income reserve are
realized in subsequent years, such amounts must be added to the
dividend payment relating to the year of realization.
Under Brazilian tax legislation, a portion of the income taxes
payable may also be transferred to a general fiscal
incentive reserve in amounts equivalent to the reduction
in the companys income tax liability which
96
results from the option to deposit part of that liability into
investment in approved projects in investment incentive regions
established by government.
Under the Brazilian corporation law, any company may create a
statutory reserve, which reserve must be described
in the companys by-laws. Those by-laws which authorize the
allocation of a percentage of a companys net income to the
statutory reserve must also indicate the purpose, the criteria
for allocation and the maximum amount of the reserve. The
Brazilian corporation law provides that all discretionary
allocations of income, including the unrealized
profits reserve and the reserve for investment projects, are
subject to approval by the shareholders voting at the general
shareholders meeting and may be transferred to capital or
used for the payment of dividends in subsequent years. The
fiscal incentive reserve and the legal reserve are also subject
to approval by the shareholders voting at the general
shareholders meeting and may be transferred to capital or
used to absorb losses, but are not available for the payment of
dividends in subsequent years.
The amounts available for distribution may be further increased
by a reversion of the contingency reserve for anticipated losses
constituted in prior years but not realized. Allocations to the
contingency reserve are also subject to approval by the
shareholders voting at the general shareholders meeting. The
amounts available for distribution are determined on the basis
of our non-consolidated financial statements prepared in
accordance with Brazilian GAAP.
The balance of the profit reserve accounts, except for the
contingency reserve and unrealized profits reserve, may not
exceed the share capital. If this happens, a shareholders
meeting must resolve whether the excess will be applied to pay
in the subscribed and unpaid capital, to increase and pay in the
subscribed stock capital or to distribute dividends.
Pursuant to Law No. 10,303, net income unallocated to the
accounts mentioned above must be distributed as dividends.
Mandatory Distribution
The Brazilian corporation law generally requires that the
by-laws of each Brazilian corporation specify a minimum
percentage of the amounts available for distribution by such
corporation for each fiscal year that must be distributed to
shareholders as dividends, also known as the mandatory
distribution.
The mandatory distribution is based on a percentage of adjusted
non-consolidated net income, not lower than 25%, rather than a
fixed monetary amount per share. If the by-laws of a corporation
are silent in this regard, the percentage is deemed to be 50%.
Under our by-laws, at least 25% of our adjusted non-consolidated
net income, as calculated under Brazilian GAAP and adjusted
under the Brazilian corporation law (which differs significantly
from net income as calculated under U.S. GAAP), for the
preceding fiscal year must be distributed as a mandatory annual
dividend. Adjusted net income means the distributable amount
after any deductions for the legal reserve and contingency
reserves and any reversals of the contingency reserves created
in previous fiscal years. The Brazilian corporation law,
however, permits a publicly held company, such as we are, to
suspend the mandatory distribution of dividends in any fiscal
year in which the board of directors reports to the
shareholders meeting that the distribution would be
inadvisable in view of the companys financial condition.
The suspension is subject to the approval at the
shareholders meeting and review by members of the fiscal
committee. While the law does not establish the circumstances in
which payment of the mandatory dividend would be
inadvisable based on the companys financial
condition, it is generally agreed that a company need not pay
the mandatory dividend if such payment threatens the existence
of the company as a going concern or harms its normal course of
operations. In the case of publicly held corporations, the board
of directors must file a justification for such suspension with
the CVM within five days of the relevant general meeting. If the
mandatory dividend is not paid and funds are available, those
funds shall be attributed to a special reserve account. If not
absorbed by subsequent losses, those funds shall be paid out as
dividends as soon as the financial condition of the company
permits.
97
Payment of Dividends
We are required by the Brazilian corporation law to hold an
annual general shareholders meeting by no later than
April 30 of each year, at which time, among other things,
the shareholders have to decide on the payment of an annual
dividend. Additionally, interim dividends may be declared by the
board of directors. Any holder of record of shares at the time
of a dividend declaration is entitled to receive dividends.
Dividends on shares held through depositaries are paid to the
depositary for further distribution to the shareholders. Under
the Brazilian corporation law, dividends are generally required
to be paid to the holder of record on a dividend declaration
date within 60 days following the date the dividend was
declared, unless a shareholders resolution sets forth
another date of payment, which, in either case, must occur prior
to the end of the fiscal year in which such dividend was
declared. Pursuant to our by-laws, unclaimed dividends do not
bear interest, are not monetarily adjusted and revert to us
three years after dividends were declared. See Description
of American Depositary Shares.
In general, shareholders who are not residents of Brazil must
register their equity investment with the Central Bank to have
dividends, sales proceeds or other amounts with respect to their
shares eligible to be remitted outside Brazil. The preferred
shares underlying the ADSs are held in Brazil by Banco Itaú
S.A., also known as the custodian, as agent for the depositary,
that is the registered owner on the records of the registrar for
our shares. The current registrar is Banco Itaú S.A. The
depositary registers the preferred shares underlying the ADSs
with the Central Bank and, therefore, is able to have dividends,
sales proceeds or other amounts with respect to the preferred
shares remitted outside Brazil.
Payments of cash dividends and distributions, if any, are made
in reais to the custodian on behalf of the depositary,
which then converts such proceeds into U.S. dollars and
causes such U.S. dollars to be delivered to the depositary
for distribution to holders of ADSs. In the event that the
custodian is unable to convert immediately the Brazilian
currency received as dividends into U.S. dollars, the
amount of U.S. dollars payable to holders of ADSs may be
adversely affected by depreciations of the Brazilian currency
that occur before the dividends are converted. Under the current
Brazilian corporation law, dividends paid to persons who are not
Brazilian residents, including holders of ADSs, will not be
subject to Brazilian withholding tax, except for dividends
declared based on profits generated prior to December 31,
1995, which will be subject to Brazilian withholding income tax
at varying tax rates. See Taxation Brazilian Tax
Considerations.
Holders of ADSs have the benefit of the electronic registration
obtained from the Central Bank, which permits the depositary and
the custodian to convert dividends and other distributions or
sales proceeds with respect to the preferred shares represented
by ADSs into foreign currency and remits the proceeds outside
Brazil. In the event the holder exchanges the ADSs for preferred
shares, the holder will be entitled to continue to rely on the
depositarys certificate of registration for five business
days after the exchange. Thereafter, in order to convert foreign
currency and remit outside Brazil the sales proceeds or
distributions with respect to the preferred shares, the holder
must obtain a new certificate of registration in its own name
that will permit the conversion and remittance of such payments
through the commercial rate exchange market. See
Description of Capital Stock Regulation of Foreign
Investment and Exchange Controls.
If the holder is not a duly qualified investor and does not
obtain an electronic certificate of foreign capital
registration, a special authorization from the Central Bank must
be obtained in order to remit from Brazil any payments with
respect to the preferred shares through the commercial rate
exchange market. Without this special authorization, the holder
may currently remit payments with respect to the preferred
shares through the floating rate exchange market, although no
assurance can be given that the floating rate exchange market
will be accessible for these purposes in the future.
In addition, a holder who is not a duly qualified investor and
who has not obtained an electronic certificate of foreign
capital registration or a special authorization from the Central
Bank may remit these payments by international transfer of
Brazilian currency pursuant to Central Bank Resolution
No. 1,946, dated July 29, 1992, and Central Bank
Circular No. 2,677, dated April 10, 1996. The
subsequent conversion of such Brazilian currency into
U.S. dollars may be made by international financial
institutions under a mechanism currently available in the
floating rate exchange market. However, we cannot assure you
that this mechanism will exist or be available at the time
payments with respect to the preferred shares are made.
98
Under current Brazilian legislation, the federal government may
impose temporary restrictions of foreign capital abroad in the
event of a serious imbalance or an anticipated serious imbalance
of Brazils balance of payments.
Interest Attributable to Shareholders Equity
Under Brazilian tax legislation effective January 1, 1996,
Brazilian companies are permitted to pay interest to
holders of equity securities and treat such payments as an
expense for Brazilian income tax purposes and, beginning in
1998, for social contribution purposes. The purpose of the tax
law change is to encourage the use of equity investment, as
opposed to debt, to finance corporate activities. Payment of
such interest may be made at the discretion of our board of
directors, subject to the approval of the shareholders at a
general shareholders meeting. The amount of any such
notional interest payment to holders of equity
securities is generally limited in respect of any particular
year to the greater of:
|
|
|
|
|
50% of net income (after the deduction of the provisions for
social contribution on net profits but before taking into
account the provision for income tax and the interest
attributable to shareholders equity) for the period in
respect of which the payment is made; or |
|
|
|
50% of the sum of retained earnings and profit reserves as of
the beginning of the year in respect of which such payment is
made. |
For Brazilian GAAP accounting purposes, although the interest
charge must be reflected in the statement of operations to be
tax deductible, the charge is reversed before calculating net
income in the statutory financial statements and deducted from
shareholders equity in a manner similar to a dividend. Any
payment of interest in respect of preferred shares (including
the ADSs) is subject to Brazilian withholding tax at the rate of
15%, or 25% in the case of a shareholder domiciled in a tax
haven (see Taxation Brazilian Tax
Considerations). If such payments are accounted for, at
their net value, as part of any mandatory dividend, the tax is
paid by the company on behalf of its shareholders, upon
distribution of the interest. In case we distribute interest
attributed to shareholders equity in any year, and that
distribution is not accounted for as part of mandatory
distribution, Brazilian income tax would be borne by the
shareholders. For U.S. GAAP accounting purposes, interest
attributable to shareholders equity is reflected as a
dividend payment.
Under our by-laws, interest attributable to shareholders
equity may be treated as a dividend for purposes of the
mandatory dividend.
The following table sets forth the distributions out of net
income that we made or will make to our shareholders in respect
of our 2002, 2003 and 2004 net income. All these amounts
distributed or to be distributed were or will be in the form of
interest attributed to shareholders equity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payment | |
|
Payment | |
|
Aggregate | |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
Payment | |
|
per | |
|
per | |
|
Amount | |
|
Pay-out | |
December 31, |
|
Dates | |
|
Share | |
|
ADS | |
|
Distributed(1) | |
|
Ratio(2) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2002
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ |
|
|
|
R$ |
|
|
|
R$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
March 2004 |
|
|
R$ |
0.16 |
|
|
R$ |
0.32 |
|
|
R$ |
26.5 |
|
|
|
25.0 |
% |
2004
|
|
|
April 2005 |
|
|
R$ |
0.32 |
|
|
R$ |
0.64 |
|
|
R$ |
60.7 |
|
|
|
25.0 |
% |
|
|
(1) |
In millions of reais. |
(2) |
Represents distribution divided by net income, as calculated
under Brazilian GAAP and adjusted under the Brazilian
corporation law. |
99
Dividend Policy
We intend to declare and pay dividends and/or interest
attributed to shareholders equity, as required by the
Brazilian corporation law and our by-laws. Our board of
directors may approve the distribution of dividends and/or
interest attributed to shareholders equity, calculated
based on our non-consolidated semiannual or quarterly financial
statements. The declaration of annual dividends, including
dividends in excess of the mandatory distribution, requires
approval by the vote of the majority of the holders of our
common shares. The amount of any distributions will depend on
many factors, such as our results of operations, financial
condition, cash requirements, prospects and other factors deemed
relevant by our board of directors and shareholders. Within the
context of our tax planning, we may in the future continue
determining that it is to our benefit to distribute interest
attributed to shareholders equity.
100
DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
American Depositary Receipts
The Bank of New York, as depositary, will execute and deliver
the ADRs. Each ADR is a certificate evidencing a specific number
of American Depositary Shares, also referred to as ADSs. Each
ADS will represent two preferred shares (or a right to receive
two preferred shares) deposited with the principal São
Paulo office of Banco Itaú S.A., as custodian for the
depositary in Brazil. Each ADS will also represent any other
securities, cash or other property which may be held by the
depositary. The depositarys office at which the ADRs will
be administered is located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New
York 10286.
You may hold ADSs either directly (by having an ADR registered
in your name) or indirectly through your broker or other
financial institution. If you hold ADSs directly, you are an ADR
holder. This description assumes you hold your ADSs directly. If
you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of
your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights
of ADR holders described in this section. You should consult
with your broker or financial institution to find out what those
procedures are.
As an ADR holder, we will not treat you as one of our
shareholders and you will not have shareholder rights. Brazilian
law governs shareholder rights. The depositary will be the
holder of the preferred shares underlying your ADSs. As a holder
of ADRs, you will have ADR holder rights. A deposit agreement
among us, the depositary and you, as an ADR holder, and the
beneficial owners of ADRs sets out ADR holder rights as well as
the rights and obligations of the depositary. New York law
governs the deposit agreement and the ADRs.
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the
deposit agreement. For more complete information, you should
read the entire deposit agreement and the form of ADR. See
Where You Can Find More Information for directions
on how to obtain copies of those documents.
Dividends and Other Distributions
|
|
|
How will you receive dividends and other distributions on
the shares? |
The depositary has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or
other distributions it or the custodian receives on preferred
shares or other deposited securities, after deducting its fees
and expenses described below. You will receive these
distributions in proportion to the number of preferred shares
your ADSs represent.
|
|
|
|
|
Cash. The depositary will convert any cash dividend or
other cash distribution we pay on the preferred shares into
U.S. dollars, if it can do so on a reasonable basis and can
transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States. If that is
not possible or if any government approval is needed and cannot
be obtained, the deposit agreement allows the depositary to
distribute the foreign currency only to those ADR holders to
whom it is possible to do so. It will hold the foreign currency
it cannot convert for the account of the ADR holders who have
not been paid. It will not invest the foreign currency and it
will not be liable for any interest. |
|
|
|
|
|
Before making a distribution, the depositary will deduct any
withholding taxes that must be paid. See Taxation.
It will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents and
will round fractional cents to the nearest whole cent. If the
exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary
cannot convert the foreign currency, you may lose some or all of
the value of the distribution. |
|
|
|
|
|
Shares. The depositary may distribute additional ADSs
representing any preferred shares we distribute as a dividend or
free distribution. The depositary will only distribute whole
ADSs. It will sell preferred shares, which would require it to
deliver a fractional ADS and distribute the net proceeds in the
same way as it does with cash. If the depositary does not
distribute additional ADSs, the outstanding ADSs will also
represent the new preferred shares. |
|
|
|
Rights to purchase additional preferred shares. If we
offer holders of our securities any rights to subscribe for
additional preferred shares or any other rights, the depositary
may make these rights |
101
|
|
|
|
|
available to you. If the depositary decides it is not legal and
practical to make the rights available but that it is practical
to sell the rights, the depositary will use reasonable efforts
to sell the rights and distribute the proceeds in the same way
as it does with cash. The depositary will allow rights that are
not distributed or sold to lapse. In that case, you will
receive no value for them. |
|
|
|
|
|
If the depositary makes rights to purchase preferred shares
available to you, it will exercise the rights and purchase the
preferred shares on your behalf. The depositary will then
deposit the shares and deliver ADSs to you. It will only
exercise rights if you pay it the exercise price and any other
charges the rights require you to pay. |
|
|
|
U.S. securities laws may restrict transfers and
cancellation of the ADSs representing preferred shares purchased
upon exercise of rights. For example, you may not be able to
trade these ADSs freely in the United States. In this case, the
depositary may deliver restricted depositary shares that have
the same terms as the ADRs described in this section except for
changes needed to put the necessary restrictions in place. |
|
|
|
|
|
Other Distributions. The depositary will send to you
anything else we distribute on deposited securities by any means
it thinks is legal, fair and practical. If it cannot make the
distribution in that way, the depositary has a choice. It may
decide to sell what we distributed and distribute the net
proceeds, in the same way as it does with cash. Or, it may
decide to hold what we distributed, in which case ADSs will also
represent the newly distributed property. However, the
depositary is not required to distribute any securities (other
than ADSs) to you unless it receives satisfactory evidence from
us that it is legal to make that distribution. |
The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is
unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any
ADR holders. We have no obligation to register ADSs, preferred
shares, rights or other securities under the Securities Act. We
also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the
distribution of ADRs, preferred shares, rights or anything else
to ADR holders. (See Risk Factors Risks Relating to
the ADSs and Our Preferred Shares). This means that you
may not receive the distributions we make on our preferred
shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for
us to make them available to you.
Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation
The depositary will deliver ADSs if you or your broker deposits
preferred shares or evidence of rights to receive preferred
shares with the custodian. Upon payment of its fees and expenses
and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock
transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will register the
appropriate number of ADSs in the names you request and will
deliver the ADRs at its office to the persons you request.
|
|
|
How do ADS holders cancel ADSs and obtain shares? |
If you surrender ADSs to the depositary, upon payment of its
fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp
taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will
deliver the preferred shares and any other deposited securities
underlying the surrendered ADSs to you or a person you designate
at the office of the custodian. Or, at your request, risk and
expense, the depositary will deliver the deposited securities at
its office, if feasible.
Voting Rights
You may instruct the depositary to vote the shares underlying
your ADRs. If we ask for your instructions, the depositary will
notify you of the upcoming vote and arrange to deliver our
voting materials to you. The materials will describe the matters
to be voted on and explain how you may instruct the depositary
to vote the shares or other deposited securities underlying your
ADRs as you direct by a specified date. For instructions to
102
be valid, the depositary must receive them on or before the date
specified. The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject
to Brazilian law and the provisions of our by-laws, to vote or
to have its agents vote the shares or other deposited securities
as you instruct. Otherwise, you will not be able to exercise
your right to vote unless you withdraw the shares. However, you
may not know about the meeting far enough in advance to withdraw
the shares. We will use our best efforts to request that the
depositary notify you of upcoming votes and ask for your
instructions.
Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
Persons depositing preferred shares or ADR
holders must pay:
|
|
For: |
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)
|
|
Issuance of ADSs, including issuances
resulting from a distribution of preferred shares or rights or
other property |
|
|
|
Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of
withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates |
|
$.02 (or less) per ADS (to the extent not prohibited by the
rules of any stock exchange on which the ADSs are listed for
trading)
|
|
Any cash distribution to you |
|
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities
distributed to you had been preferred shares and the shares had
been deposited for issuance of ADSs
|
|
Distribution of securities distributed to
holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the
depositary to ADR holders |
|
$.02 (or less) per ADS per calendar year (to the extent the
depositary has not collected a cash distribution fee of
$.02 per ADS during the year) (to the extent not prohibited
by the rules of any stock exchange on which the ADSs are listed
for trading)
|
|
Depositary services |
|
Registration or transfer fees
|
|
Transfer and registration of preferred shares
on our preferred share register to or from the name of the
depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw preferred
shares. |
|
Expenses of the depositary in converting foreign currency to
U.S. dollars
|
|
|
|
Expenses of the depositary
|
|
Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions
(when expressly provided in the deposit agreement) |
|
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the
custodian have to pay on any ADR or preferred share underlying
an ADR, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or
withholding taxes
|
|
|
|
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for
servicing the deposited securities
|
|
No charges of this type are currently made in
the Brazilian market |
Payment of Taxes
The depositary may deduct the amount of any taxes owed from any
payments to you. It may also sell deposited securities, by
public or private sale, to pay any taxes owed. You will remain
liable if the proceeds of the sale are not enough to pay the
taxes. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if
appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and
pay to you any proceeds, or send to you any property, remaining
after it has paid the taxes.
103
Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers
|
|
|
If we: |
|
Then: |
Change the nominal or par value of our
preferred shares
|
|
The cash, shares or other securities received by the depositary
will become deposited securities. Each ADS will automatically
represent its equal share of the new deposited securities. |
Reclassify, split up or consolidate any of
the deposited securities
|
|
|
|
Distribute securities on the preferred shares
that are not distributed to you
|
|
The depositary may distribute some or all of the cash, shares or
other securities it received. It may also deliver new ADRs or
ask you to surrender your outstanding ADRs in exchange for new
ADRs identifying the new deposited securities. |
Recapitalize, reorganize, merge, liquidate,
sell all or substantially all of our assets, or take any similar
action
|
|
|
Amendment and Termination
|
|
|
How may the deposit agreement be amended? |
We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement
and the ADRs without your consent for any reason. If an
amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes
and other governmental charges or expenses of the depositary for
registration fees, facsimile costs, delivery charges or similar
items, or prejudices a substantial right of ADR holders, it will
not become effective for outstanding ADRs until 30 days
after the depositary notifies ADR holders of the amendment.
At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are
considered, by continuing to hold your ADR, to agree to the
amendment and to be bound by the ADRs and the deposit agreement
as amended.
|
|
|
How may the deposit agreement be terminated? |
The depositary will terminate the deposit agreement if we ask it
to do so. The depositary may also terminate the deposit
agreement if the depositary has told us that it would like to
resign and we have not appointed a new depositary bank within
60 days. In either case, the depositary must notify you at
least 30 days before termination.
After termination, the depositary and its agents will do the
following under the deposit agreement but nothing else:
(a) advise you that the deposit agreement is terminated,
(b) collect distributions on the deposited securities,
(c) sell rights and other property, and (d) deliver
preferred shares and other deposited securities upon
cancellation of ADRs. One year after termination, the depositary
may sell any remaining deposited securities by public or private
sale. After that, the depositary will hold the money it received
on the sale, as well as any other cash it is holding under the
deposit agreement for the pro rata benefit of the ADR
holders that have not surrendered their ADRs. It will not invest
the money and has no liability for interest. The
depositarys only obligations will be to account for the
money and other cash. After termination our only obligations
will be to indemnify the depositary and to pay fees and expenses
of the depositary that we agreed to pay.
104
Limitations on Obligations and Liability
|
|
|
Limits on our Obligations and the Obligations of the
Depositary; Limits on Liability to Holders of ADRs |
The deposit agreement expressly limits our obligations and the
obligations of the depositary. It also limits our liability and
the liability of the depositary. We and the depositary:
|
|
|
|
|
are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in
the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith; |
|
|
|
are not liable if either of us is prevented or delayed by law or
circumstances beyond our control from performing our obligations
under the deposit agreement; |
|
|
|
are not liable if either of us exercises discretion permitted
under the deposit agreement; |
|
|
|
have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other
proceeding related to the ADRs or the deposit agreement on your
behalf or on behalf of any other party; and |
|
|
|
may rely upon any documents we believe in good faith to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party. |
In the deposit agreement, we agree to indemnify the depositary
for acting as depositary, except for losses caused by the
depositarys own negligence or bad faith, and the
depositary agrees to indemnify us for losses resulting from its
negligence or bad faith.
Requirements for Depositary Actions
Before the depositary will deliver or register a transfer of an
ADR, make a distribution on an ADR, or permit withdrawal of
preferred shares, the depositary may require:
|
|
|
|
|
payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental
charges and transfer or registration fees charged by third
parties for the transfer of any preferred shares or other
deposited securities; |
|
|
|
satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any
signature or other information it deems necessary; and |
|
|
|
compliance with regulations it may establish, from time to time,
consistent with the deposit agreement, including presentation of
transfer documents. |
The depositary may refuse to deliver ADSs or register transfers
of ADSs generally when the transfer books of the depositary or
our transfer books are closed or at any time if the depositary
or we think it advisable to do so.
Your Right to Receive the Preferred Shares Underlying your
ADRs
You have the right to surrender your ADSs and withdraw the
underlying preferred shares at any time except:
|
|
|
|
|
When temporary delays arise because: (i) the depositary has
closed its transfer books or we have closed our transfer books;
(ii) the transfer of preferred shares is blocked to permit
voting at a shareholders meeting; or (iii) we are
paying a dividend on our preferred shares. |
|
|
|
When you owe money to pay fees, taxes and similar charges. |
|
|
|
When it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply
with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to ADRs or
to the withdrawal of preferred shares or other deposited
securities. |
This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other
provision of the deposit agreement.
105
Pre-release of ADRs
The deposit agreement permits the depositary to deliver ADSs
before deposit of the underlying preferred shares. This is
called a pre-release of the ADSs. The depositary may also
deliver preferred shares upon cancellation of pre-released ADSs
(even if the ADSs are surrendered before the pre-release
transaction has been closed out). A pre-release is closed out as
soon as the underlying preferred shares are delivered to the
depositary. The depositary may receive ADRs instead of preferred
shares to close out a pre-release. The depositary may
pre-release ADSs only under the following conditions:
(a) before or at the time of the pre-release, the person to
whom the pre-release is being made represents to the depositary
in writing that it or its customer owns the preferred shares or
ADSs to be deposited; (b) the pre-release is fully
collateralized with cash or other collateral that the depositary
considers appropriate; and (c) the depositary must be able
to close out the pre-release on not more than five business
days notice. In addition, the depositary will limit the
number of ADSs that may be outstanding at any time as a result
of pre-release, although the depositary may disregard the limit
from time to time, if it thinks it is appropriate to do so. We
intend to limit pre-release at our discretion.
106
TAXATION
The following discussion addresses the material Brazilian and
United States federal income tax consequences of acquiring,
holding and disposing of our preferred shares or ADSs.
This discussion is not a comprehensive discussion of all the tax
considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase
our preferred shares or ADSs and is not applicable to all
categories of investors, some of which may be subject to special
rules, and does not specifically address all of the Brazilian
and United States federal income tax considerations applicable
to any particular holder. It is based upon the tax laws of
Brazil and the United States as in effect on the date of this
prospectus, which are subject to change, possibly with
retroactive effect, and to differing interpretations. Each
prospective purchaser is urged to consult its own tax advisor
about the particular Brazilian and United States federal income
tax consequences to it of an investment in our preferred shares
or ADSs. This discussion is also based upon the representations
of the depositary and on the assumption that each obligation in
the deposit agreement among us, The Bank of New York, as
depositary, and the registered holders and beneficial owners of
our ADSs, and any related documents, will be performed in
accordance with its terms.
Although there presently is no income tax treaty between Brazil
and the United States, the tax authorities of the two countries
have had discussions that may culminate in such a treaty. We
cannot assure you, however, as to whether or when a treaty will
enter into force or how it will affect holders of our preferred
shares or ADSs.
Material Brazilian Tax Considerations
The following discussion, in the opinion of Mattos Filho, Veiga
Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados addresses the
material Brazilian tax consequences of the acquisition,
ownership and disposition of our preferred shares or ADSs by a
holder that is not domiciled in Brazil for purposes of Brazilian
taxation and which has registered its investment in such
securities with the Central Bank as a U.S. dollar
investment (in each case, a Non-Brazilian Holder). Pursuant to
Brazilian law, investors may invest in the preferred shares
under Resolution No. 2,689.
Resolution No. 2,689 allows foreign investors to invest in
almost all financial assets and to engage in almost all
transactions available in the Brazilian financial and capital
markets, provided that some requirements are fulfilled. In
accordance with Resolution No. 2,689, the definition of
foreign investor includes individuals, legal entities, mutual
funds and other collective investment entities, domiciled or
headquartered abroad.
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2,689, foreign investors must:
(a) appoint at least one representative in Brazil with
powers to perform actions relating to the foreign investment;
(b) complete the appropriate foreign investor registration
form; (c) register as a foreign investor with the Brazilian
securities commission; and (d) register the foreign
investment with the Central Bank.
Securities and other financial assets held by foreign investors
pursuant to Resolution No. 2,689 must be registered or
maintained in deposit accounts or under the custody of an entity
duly licensed by the Central Bank or the CVM. In addition,
securities trading is restricted to transactions carried out in
the stock exchanges or organized over-the-counter markets
licensed by the CVM, except for transfers resulting from a
corporate reorganization, occurring upon the death of an
investor by operation of law or will or as a consequence of the
delisting of the relevant shares from a stock exchange and the
cancellation of the registration with the CVM.
Taxation of Dividends. Dividends, including dividends in
kind, paid by us to the depository in respect of the preferred
shares underlying the ADSs or to a Non-Brazilian Holder in
respect of preferred shares generally will not be subject to
Brazilian income withholding tax. Dividends relating to profits
generated prior to December 31, 1995 are subject to a
Brazilian withholding tax of 15% to 25% according to the tax
legislation applicable to each corresponding year. As from
January 1, 1996, stock dividends relating to profits are
also not subject to withholding tax in Brazil.
107
Taxation of Gains. Gains realized outside Brazil by a
non-Brazilian holder on the disposition of ADSs to another
non-Brazilian holder are not subject to Brazilian tax. According
to Law No. 10,833, enacted on December 29, 2003, or
Law No. 10,833, the disposition of assets located in Brazil
by a non-Brazilian holder, whether to other non-Brazilian
holders or Brazilian holders, may become subject to taxation in
Brazil. Although we believe that the ADSs do not fall within the
definition of assets located in Brazil for purposes of Law
No. 10,833, considering the general and unclear scope of
such provisions and the lack of a judicial court ruling in
respect thereto, we are unable to predict whether such
understanding will ultimately prevail in the courts of Brazil.
For purposes of Brazilian taxation, there are two types of
Non-Brazilian Holders of preferred shares or ADSs:
(a) Non-Brazilian Holders that are not resident or
domiciled in a tax haven jurisdiction (i.e., a country or
location that does not impose income tax or where the maximum
income tax rate is lower than 20% or where the internal
legislation imposes restrictions to disclosure of shareholding
composition or the ownership of the investment), and that, in
the case of holders of preferred shares, are registered before
the Central Bank and the CVM to invest in Brazil in accordance
with Resolution No. 2,689; and (b) other Non-Brazilian
Holders, which include any and all non-residents of Brazil who
invest in equity securities of Brazilian companies through any
other means and all types of investor that are located in tax
haven jurisdiction. The investors mentioned in item
(a) above are subject to a favorable tax regime in Brazil,
as described below.
The deposit of preferred shares in exchange for ADSs may be
subject to Brazilian tax on capital gains at the rate of 15%, or
25% in the case of investors domiciled in a tax haven
jurisdiction, if the amount previously registered with the
Central Bank as a foreign investment in the preferred shares is
lower than (a) the average price per preferred share on a
Brazilian stock exchange on which the greatest number of such
shares were sold on the day of deposit; or (b) if no
preferred shares were sold on that day, the average price on the
Brazilian stock exchange on which the greatest number of
preferred shares were sold in the 15 trading sessions
immediately preceding such deposit. In such case, the difference
between the amount previously registered and the average price
of the preferred shares calculated as above will be considered
to be a capital gain. Such taxation is not applicable in case of
investors registered under Resolution No. 2,689 which are
not located in a tax haven jurisdiction, which are currently tax
exempt from income tax in such transaction.
The withdrawal of ADSs in exchange for preferred shares is not
subject to Brazilian tax. Upon receipt of the underlying
preferred shares, a Non-Brazilian Holder registered under
Resolution No. 2,689 will be entitled to register the
U.S. dollar value of such shares with the Central Bank as
described below.
As a general rule, Non-Brazilian Holders registered under
Resolution No. 2,689 which are not located in a tax haven
jurisdiction are subject to income tax at a rate of 15% on gains
realized on sales or exchanges of preferred shares outside a
Brazilian stock exchange. With reference to proceeds of a
redemption or of a liquidating distribution with respect to the
preferred shares, the difference between the amount effectively
received by the shareholder and the amount of the corresponding
acquisition cost of the preferred shares redeemed or liquidated
will be also subject to income tax at a rate of 15% once such
transactions are treated as a sale or exchange not carried out
on a Brazilian stock exchange. Gains realized arising from
transactions on a Brazilian stock exchange by an investor
registered under Resolution No. 2,689 which is not located
in a tax haven jurisdiction are exempt from Brazilian income
tax. This preferential treatment under Resolution No. 2,689
does not apply to Non-Brazilian Holders of the preferred shares
or ADSs that are resident in a tax haven jurisdiction in
accordance with Law No. 9,959 of January 27, 2000, in
which case gains realized on transactions performed by such
holder on the Brazilian stock exchange are subject to the tax
rate that is applicable to a Brazilian resident. Pursuant to Law
No. 11,033 of December 21, 2004, the rate applicable
to Brazilian residents in transactions entered into as of
January 1, 2005 was established at 15%, being also subject
to a withholding tax of 0.005% (to be offset against tax due on
eventual capital gains).
Therefore, non-Brazilian Holders are subject to income tax at a
rate of 15% on gains realized on sales or exchanges in Brazil of
preferred shares that occur on a Brazilian stock exchange,
unless such sale is made by a Non-Brazilian Holder which is not
resident in a tax haven jurisdiction, and (a) such a sale
is made within five business days of the withdrawal of such
preferred shares in exchange for ADSs and the proceeds of such
sale
108
are remitted abroad within such five-day period, or
(b) such a sale is made under Resolution No. 2,689 by
Non-Brazilian Holders which register with the CVM. In these two
cases the transaction will be tax exempt.
The gain realized as a result of a transaction on a
Brazilian stock exchange is the difference between the amount in
Brazilian currency realized on the sale or exchange of the
shares and their acquisition cost, without any correction for
inflation. The gain realized as a result of a
transaction that occurs other than on a Brazilian stock
exchange, with shares that are registered under a certificate of
registration of investment (other than under Resolution
No. 2,689), will be calculated based on the foreign
currency amount registered with the Central Bank, which will be
translated into reais at the commercial market rate as of
the date of such sale or exchange. There can be no assurance
that the current preferential treatment for holders of ADSs and
Non-Brazilian Holders of preferred shares under Resolution
No. 2,689 will continue or will not be changed in the
future.
Any exercise of preemptive rights relating to the preferred
shares or ADSs will not be subject to Brazilian taxation. Any
gain on the sale or assignment of preemptive rights relating to
preferred shares by the depositary on behalf of holders of ADSs
will be subject to Brazilian income taxation according to the
same rules applicable to the sale or disposition of preferred
shares.
Distributions of Interest Attributable to Shareholders
Equity. In accordance with Law No. 9,249, dated
December 26, 1995, as amended, Brazilian corporations may
make payments to shareholders characterized as distributions of
interest on the companys shareholders equity. Such
interest is calculated by reference to the TJLP as determined by
the Central Bank from time to time and cannot exceed the greater
of:
|
|
|
|
|
50% of net income (after social contribution on profits and
before taking such distribution and any deductions for corporate
income tax into account) for the period in respect of which the
payment is made; or |
|
|
|
50% of the sum of retained profits and profits reserves. |
Distributions of interest on shareholders equity in
respect of the preferred shares paid to shareholders who are
either Brazilian residents or Non-Brazilian Residents, including
holders of ADSs, are subject to Brazilian income withholding tax
at the rate of 15%, or 25% in case of shareholders domiciled in
a tax haven jurisdiction, and shall be deductible by us as long
as the payment of a distribution of interest is approved by our
shareholders. The distribution of interest on shareholders
equity may be determined by our board of directors. We cannot
assure you that our board of directors will not determine that
future distributions of profits may be made by means of interest
on shareholders equity instead of by means of dividends.
The amounts paid as distribution of interest on
shareholders equity are deductible for corporation income
tax and social contribution on profit, both of which are taxes
levied on our profits, as far as the limits and rules described
above are observed by us.
Other Relevant Brazilian Taxes
There are no Brazilian inheritance, gift or succession taxes
applicable to the ownership, transfer or disposition of
preferred shares or ADSs by a Non-Brazilian Holder except for
gift and inheritance taxes which are levied by some states of
Brazil on gifts made or inheritances bestowed by individuals or
entities not resident or domiciled in Brazil or domiciled within
the state to individuals or entities resident or domiciled
within such state in Brazil. There are no Brazilian stamp,
issue, registration or similar taxes or duties payable by
holders of preferred shares or ADSs.
Pursuant to Decree 4,494 of December 3, 2002, the
conversion into foreign currency or the conversion into
Brazilian currency of the proceeds received by a Brazilian
entity from a foreign investment in the Brazilian securities
market, including those in connection with the investment in the
preferred shares and ADSs and those made under Resolution
No. 2,689, is potentially subject to an exchange
transactions tax (Imposto Sobre Operações
Financeiras IOF/ Câmbio), although at present the
rate of such tax is generally zero percent. Under Law
No. 8,894 of June 21, 1994, or Law No. 8,894,
such IOF tax rate may be increased
109
at any time to a maximum of 25%, but any such increase will only
be applicable to transactions occurring after such increase
becomes effective.
Law No. 8,894 creates the Tax on Bonds and Securities
Transactions (IOF/ Títulos), which may be imposed on
any transactions involving bonds and securities effected in
Brazil, even if the transactions are performed on a Brazilian
stock exchange. As a general rule, the rate of this tax is
currently zero but the executive branch may increase such rate
up to 1.5% per day, but only with respect to future
transactions.
Financial transfers are taxed by the Contribuição
Provisória sobre Movimentação Financeira, or
CPMF, at a rate of 0.38%. The CPMF is levied upon the remittance
of proceeds on the amount converted in reais of the
transaction and is required to be withheld by the financial
institution that carries out the transaction. Currently, the
funds transferred from a bank account to acquire shares on the
Brazilian stock exchange are exempt from CPMF. The funds
transferred abroad resulting from the disposal of the shares on
the Brazilian stock exchange are also exempt from CPMF.
Registered Capital. The amount of an investment in
preferred shares held by a Non-Brazilian Holder who qualifies
under Resolution No. 2,689 and obtains registration with
the CVM, or by the depositary, as the depositary representing
such holder, is eligible for registration with the Central Bank.
Such registration allows the remittance outside of Brazil of any
proceeds of distributions on the shares, and amounts realized
with respect to disposition of such shares. The amounts received
in Brazilian currency are converted into foreign currency
through the use of the commercial market rate. The registered
capital for preferred shares purchased in the form of ADSs or
purchased in Brazil, and deposited with the depositary in
exchange for ADSs will be equal to their purchase price (in
U.S. dollars) to the purchaser. The registered capital for
preferred shares that are withdrawn upon surrender of ADSs, as
applicable, will be the U.S. dollar equivalent of the
average price of preferred shares, as applicable, on a Brazilian
stock exchange on which the greatest number of such preferred
shares, as applicable, was sold on the day of withdrawal. If no
preferred shares, as applicable, were sold on such day, the
registered capital will refer to the average price on the
Brazilian stock exchange on which the greatest number of
preferred shares, as applicable, were sold in the 15 trading
sessions immediately preceding such withdrawal. The
U.S. dollar value of the preferred shares, as applicable,
is determined on the basis of the average commercial market rate
quoted by the Central Bank on such date or, if the average price
of preferred shares is determined under the last preceding
sentence, the average of such average quoted rates on the same
15 dates used to determine the average price of the preferred
shares.
A Non-Brazilian Holder of preferred shares may experience delays
in effecting such action, which may delay remittances abroad.
Such a delay may adversely affect the amount, in
U.S. dollars, received by the Non-Brazilian Holder.
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion, in the opinion of Shearman &
Sterling LLP, and subject to the limitations herein, describes
the material United States federal income tax consequences of
purchasing, holding and disposing of our preferred shares or
ADSs. This discussion applies only to beneficial owners of ADSs
or preferred shares that are U.S. Holders, as
defined below. This discussion is based on the
U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the
Code, its legislative history, existing final, temporary and
proposed Treasury Regulations, administrative pronouncements by
the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, and judicial
decisions, all as currently in effect and all of which are
subject to change (possibly on a retroactive basis) and to
different interpretations.
This discussion does not purport to address all United States
federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a
particular holder and you are urged to consult your own tax
advisor regarding your specific tax situation. The discussion
applies only to U.S. Holders who hold preferred shares or
ADSs as capital assets (generally, property held for
investment) under the Code and does not address the tax
consequences that may be relevant to U.S. Holders in
special tax situations including, for example:
|
|
|
|
|
insurance companies; |
|
|
|
tax-exempt organizations; |
110
|
|
|
|
|
broker-dealers; |
|
|
|
traders in securities that elect to mark to market; |
|
|
|
banks or other financial institutions; |
|
|
|
holders whose functional currency is not the United States
dollar; |
|
|
|
United States expatriates; |
|
|
|
holders that hold our preferred shares or ADSs as part of a
hedge, straddle or conversion transaction; or |
|
|
|
holders that own, directly, indirectly, or constructively, 10%
or more of the total combined voting power, if any, of our
preferred shares or ADSs. |
Except where specifically described below, this discussion
assumes that we are not a passive foreign investment company, or
PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes. Please see
the discussion under Taxation of
U.S. Holders Passive Foreign Investment Company
Rules below. Further, this discussion does not address the
alternative minimum tax consequences of holding preferred shares
or ADSs or the indirect consequences to holders of equity
interests in partnerships or other entities that own our
preferred shares or ADSs. In addition, this discussion does not
address the state, local and foreign tax consequences of holding
our preferred shares or ADSs.
You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the United
States federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax
consequences of purchasing, owning, and disposing of our
preferred shares or ADSs in your particular circumstances.
You are a U.S. Holder if you are a beneficial
owner of preferred shares or ADSs and you are for United States
federal income tax purposes:
|
|
|
|
|
an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
|
|
|
a corporation, or any other entity taxable as a corporation,
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States
or any state thereof, including the District of Columbia; |
|
|
|
an estate the income of which is subject to United States
federal income tax regardless of its source; or |
|
|
|
a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise
primary supervision over its administration and one or more
United States persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust (or otherwise if the trust
has a valid election in effect under current Treasury
regulations to be treated as a United States person). |
If a partnership holds preferred shares or ADSs, the tax
treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of
the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. A
prospective investor who is a partner of a partnership holding
our preferred shares or ADSs should consult its own tax advisor.
For United States federal income tax purposes, a
U.S. Holder of an ADS will be treated as the beneficial
owner of the preferred shares represented by the ADS.
|
|
|
Distributions on preferred shares or ADSs |
Cash distributions (including amounts withheld to pay Brazilian
withholding taxes and distributions of notional interest charges
on shareholders equity, but excluding distributions in
redemption of the preferred shares treated as exchanges or sales
under the Code) made by us to or for the account of a
U.S. Holder with respect to preferred shares or ADSs
generally will be taxable to such U.S. Holder as ordinary
dividend income when such distribution is paid, actually or
constructively, out of our current or accumulated earnings and
profits (as determined for United States federal income tax
purposes). Distributions in excess of our current or accumulated
earnings and profits will be treated first as a non-taxable
return of capital reducing such U.S. Holders adjusted
tax basis in the preferred shares or ADSs. Any distribution in
excess of such tax basis
111
will be treated as capital gain and will be either long-term or
short-term capital gain depending upon whether the
U.S. Holder held the preferred shares or ADSs for more than
one year. As used below, the term dividend means a
distribution that constitutes a dividend for U.S. federal
income tax purposes.
A U.S. Holder will be entitled, subject to a number of
complex limitations and conditions, to claim a United States
foreign tax credit in respect of any Brazilian withholding taxes
imposed on dividends received on preferred shares or ADSs.
U.S. Holders who do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit
may instead claim a deduction in respect of such withholding
taxes. Dividends received with respect to the preferred shares
or ADSs will be treated as foreign source income, which may be
relevant in calculating such U.S. Holders United
States foreign tax credit limitation. Holders are urged to
consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the
foreign tax credit in their particular circumstances. The IRS
has expressed concern that intermediaries in connection with
depository arrangements may be taking actions that are
inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by United
States persons who are holding depositary shares. Accordingly,
investors should be aware that the discussion above regarding
the ability to credit Brazilian withholding tax on dividends
could be affected by future action taken by the IRS.
Dividends paid by us generally will not be eligible for the
dividends received deduction available under the Code to certain
United States corporation shareholders. Subject to certain
exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the
U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by certain
U.S. Holders (including individuals) prior to
January 1, 2009 with respect to the ADSs will be subject to
taxation at a maximum rate of 15% if the dividends represent
qualified dividend income. Dividends paid on the
ADSs will be treated as qualified dividend income if
(i) the ADSs are readily tradable on an established
securities market in the United States and (ii) we were not
in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid,
and are not in the year in which the dividend is paid a passive
foreign investment company (PFIC). Our ADSs are
listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and therefore the ADSs
will qualify as readily tradable on an established securities
market in the United States so long as they are so listed.
However, no assurances can be given that the ADSs will be or
remain readily tradable. Subject to the discussion of passive
foreign investment company rules below, based upon the nature of
our current and projected income, assets and activities, we do
not believe the preferred shares or the ADSs have been, nor do
we expect them to be, shares of a PFIC for United States federal
income tax purposes.
Based on existing guidance, it is not entirely clear whether
dividends received with respect to the preferred shares will be
treated as qualified dividends, because the preferred shares are
not themselves listed on a United States exchange. In addition,
the United States Treasury Department has announced its
intention to promulgate rules pursuant to which holders of ADSs
or preferred stock and intermediaries through whom such
securities are held will be permitted to rely on certifications
from issuers to establish that dividends are treated as
qualified dividends. Because such procedures have not yet been
issued, we are not certain that we will be able to comply with
them. U.S. Holders of ADSs and preferred shares should
consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the
reduced dividend tax rate in the light of their own particular
circumstances.
The amount of any cash distribution paid in Brazilian currency
will equal the U.S. dollar value of the distribution,
calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect at the
time the distribution is received by the depositary (in the case
of ADSs) or by the U.S. Holder (in the case of preferred
shares held directly by such U.S. Holder), regardless of
whether the payment is in fact converted to U.S. dollars at
that time. A U.S. Holder should not recognize any foreign
currency gain or loss in respect of such distribution if such
Brazilian currency is converted into U.S. dollars on the
date received. If the Brazilian currency is not converted into
U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, however, gain or loss
may be recognized upon a subsequent sale or other disposition of
the Brazilian currency. Such foreign currency gain or loss, if
any, will be United States source ordinary income or loss.
Because our preferred shares will not be treated as
preferred stock for purposes of Section 305 of
the Code, distributions to U.S. Holders of additional
shares of our non-preferred stock or preemptive
rights relating to such non-preferred stock with
respect to their preferred shares or ADSs that are made as part
of
112
a pro rata distribution to all shareholders in most instances
will not be subject to United States federal income tax.
|
|
|
Sale or exchange of shares or ADSs |
Deposits and withdrawals of preferred shares by
U.S. Holders in exchange for ADSs will not result in the
realization of gain or loss for United States federal income tax
purposes.
A U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss
upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of
preferred shares or ADSs measured by the difference between the
amount realized and the U.S. Holders adjusted tax
basis in the preferred shares or ADSs. Any gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the preferred shares or ADSs
have been held for more than one year. Long-term capital gains
of certain U.S. holders (including individuals) are
eligible for reduced rates of United States federal income
taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to
certain limitations under the Code.
If a Brazilian tax is withheld on the sale or other disposition
of a preferred share or ADS, the amount realized by a
U.S. Holder will include the gross amount of the proceeds
of that sale or other disposition before deduction of the
Brazilian tax. Capital gain or loss, if any, realized by a
U.S. Holder on the sale, exchange or other taxable
disposition of a preferred share or ADS generally will be
treated as United States source income or loss for United States
foreign tax credit purposes. Consequently, in the case of a
disposition of a preferred share that is subject to Brazilian
tax imposed on the gain (or, in the case of a deposit, in
exchange for an ADS or preferred share, as the case may be, that
is not registered pursuant to Resolution No. 2,689, on
which a Brazilian capital gains tax is imposed (see
Taxation of Gains)), the U.S. Holder may
not be able to benefit from the foreign tax credit for that
Brazilian tax unless the U.S. Holder can apply the credit
against United States federal income tax payable on other income
from foreign sources in the appropriate income category.
Alternatively, the U.S. Holder may take a deduction for the
Brazilian tax.
|
|
|
Passive foreign investment company rules |
In general, a foreign corporation is a PFIC with respect to a
U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which the
U.S. Holder holds stock in the foreign corporation, at
least 75% of its gross income is passive income or at least 50%
of the value of its assets (determined on the basis of a
quarterly average) produce passive income or are held for the
production of passive income. For this purpose, passive income
generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest,
rents, royalties and gains from the disposition of investment
assets (subject to various exceptions). Based upon the nature of
our current and projected income, assets and activities, we do
not believe the preferred shares or ADSs are, nor do we expect
them to be, shares of a PFIC for United States federal income
tax purposes. However, the determination of whether the
preferred shares or ADSs constitute shares of a PFIC is a
factual determination made annually and thus may be subject to
change. Because these determinations are based on the nature of
our income and assets from time to time, and involve the
application of complex tax rules, no assurances can be provided
that we will not be considered a PFIC for the current or any
past or future tax year.
If, contrary to the discussion above, we are treated as a PFIC,
a U.S. Holder would be subject to special rules (and may be
subject to increased tax liability and form filing requirements)
with respect to (a) any gain realized on the sale or other
disposition of preferred shares or ADSs, and (b) any
excess distribution made by us to the
U.S. Holder (generally, any distribution during a taxable
year in which distributions to the U.S. Holder on the
preferred shares or ADSs exceed 125% of the average annual
distributions the U.S. Holder received on the preferred
shares or ADSs during the preceding three taxable years or, if
shorter, the U.S. Holders holding period for the
preferred shares or ADSs). Under those rules, (a) the gain
or excess distribution would be allocated ratably over the
U.S. Holders holding period for the preferred shares
or ADSs, (b) the amount allocated to the taxable year in
which the gain or excess distribution is realized and to taxable
years before the first day on which we became a PFIC would be
taxable as ordinary income, (c) the amount allocated to
each prior year in which we were a PFIC would be subject to
United States federal income tax at the highest tax rate in
effect for that year and (d) the interest charge generally
applicable to underpayments of
113
United States federal income tax would be imposed in respect of
the tax attributable to each prior year in which we were a PFIC.
A U.S. Holder who owns preferred shares or ADSs during any
taxable year we are a PFIC must file IRS Form 8621. In
general, if we are treated as a PFIC, the rules described above
can be avoided by a U.S. Holder that elects to be subject
to a mark-to-market regime for stock in a PFIC. A
U.S. Holder may elect mark-to-market treatment for its
preferred shares or ADSs, provided the preferred shares or ADSs,
for purposes of the rules, constitute marketable
stock as defined in Treasury Regulations. A
U.S. Holder electing the mark-to-market regime generally
would compute gain or loss at the end of each taxable year as if
the preferred shares or ADSs had been sold at fair market value.
Any gain recognized by the U.S. Holder under mark-to-market
treatment, or on an actual sale, would be treated as ordinary
income, and the U.S. Holder would be allowed an ordinary
deduction for any decrease in the value of preferred shares or
ADSs as of the end of any taxable year, and for any loss
recognized on an actual sale, but only to the extent, in each
case, of previously included market-to-market income not offset
by previously deducted decreases in value. Any loss on an actual
sale of preferred shares or ADSs would be a capital loss to the
extent in excess of previously included mark-to-market income
not offset by previously deducted decreases in value. A
U.S. Holders tax basis in preferred shares or ADSs
would increase or decrease by gain or loss taken into account
under the mark-to-market regime. A market-to-market election is
generally irrevocable.
If we are deemed to be a PFIC for a taxable year, dividends on
our ADSs would not be qualified dividend income
subject to preferential rates of Unites States federal income
tax, as described above. See Certain United States Federal
Income Tax Consequences Distributions on preferred shares
or ADSs.
|
|
|
Backup withholding and information reporting |
In general, dividends on preferred shares or ADSs, and payments
of the proceeds of a sale, exchange or other disposition of
preferred shares or ADSs, paid within the United States or
through certain United States-related financial intermediaries
to a U.S. Holder are subject to information reporting and
may be subject to backup withholding at a current maximum rate
of 28% unless the holder (i) is a corporation or other
exempt recipient or (ii) provides an accurate taxpayer
identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption
from backup withholding has occurred.
You generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under
the backup withholding rules that exceed your United States
federal income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the
IRS. The amount of any backup withholding tax from a payment to
a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the
U.S. Holders United States federal income tax
liability, provided that the required information is furnished
to the IRS.
114
UNDERWRITERS
Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an
underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, the
international underwriters named below, for whom Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated is acting as representative,
have severally agreed to purchase, and we and the selling
shareholder have agreed to sell to them, severally, the number
of ADSs indicated below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Number of ADSs | |
|
|
| |
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
|
|
|
2,793,000 |
|
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
|
|
|
1,396,500 |
|
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
|
|
|
837,900 |
|
Santander Investment Securities Inc.
|
|
|
558,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
5,586,000 |
|
We have also entered into a Brazilian underwriting agreement
with Banco Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S.A., Banco Santander
Brasil S.A. and Banco Itaú BBA S.A., providing for the
concurrent offer and sale of 3,528,000 preferred shares in
a public offering in Brazil.
The international underwriters and the Brazilian underwriters
have entered into an intersyndicate agreement providing for the
coordination of their activities. Under the intersyndicate
agreement, the international underwriters and the Brazilian
underwriters are permitted to purchase and sell preferred shares
among each other and may also engage in stabilization
activities. Under the terms of the intersyndicate agreement:
|
|
|
|
|
the international underwriters, and any bank, broker or dealer
to whom they sell ADSs, will not offer to sell or resell ADSs to
any person whom they believe to be a Brazilian person or to any
person whom they believe intends to resell ADSs to a Brazilian
person; and |
|
|
|
the Brazilian underwriters, and any bank, broker or dealer to
whom they sell preferred shares, will offer to sell or resell
preferred shares only to persons whom they believe to be
Brazilian persons and to persons whom they believe intend to
resell preferred shares only to Brazilian persons. |
The closing of this offering and the Brazilian offering are
conditioned upon one another.
The international underwriters are offering our ADSs subject to
their acceptance of the ADSs from us and the selling shareholder
and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides
that the obligations of the several international underwriters
to pay for and accept delivery of the ADSs offered by this
prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters
by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The
international underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all
of our ADSs offered by this prospectus if any of such ADSs are
taken. However, the international underwriters are not required
to take or pay for the ADSs covered by the international
underwriters over-allotment option described below.
The per ADS price of ADSs sold by the international underwriters
shall be the public offering price listed on the cover page of
this prospectus, in United States dollars, less an amount not
greater than the per ADS amount of the concession to dealers
described below.
The international underwriters initially propose to offer part
of our ADSs directly to the public at the public offering price
listed on the cover page of this prospectus and part to certain
dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of
US$0.725 an ADS, less than the public offering price. After the
initial offering of our ADSs, the offering price and other
selling terms may from time to time be varied by the
representatives.
We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for
30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to
an aggregate of 2,205,000 additional preferred shares at the
public offering price listed on the cover page of this
prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The
underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of
covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the
offering of
115
the ADSs offered by this prospectus, of which no more than 15%
of the ADSs sold by the underwriters that are NASD members will
be used to cover over-allotments sold by those members. To the
extent the option is exercised, each underwriter will become
obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
approximately the same percentage of the additional preferred
shares as the number of preferred shares they are purchasing in
this offering, without accounting for the over-allotment option,
bears to the total number of preferred shares being offered. If
the underwriters option is exercised in full, the total
price to the public would be US$235,655,700, the total
underwriters discounts and commissions would be
US$9,426,228 and total proceeds to us and the selling
shareholder would be US$226,229,472. The underwriting discounts
and commissions are subject to a 15% Brazilian withholding tax
that will be borne by us and the selling shareholder,
respectively.
The following table shows the per ADS and total underwriting
discounts and commissions to be paid by us and the selling
shareholder assuming no exercise and full exercise of the
over-allotment option.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No Exercise (On | |
|
Full Exercise (On | |
|
|
Per ADS | |
|
an Aggregate Basis) | |
|
an Aggregate Basis) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Gross proceeds
|
|
$ |
27.88 |
|
|
$ |
204,918,000 |
|
|
$ |
235,655,700 |
|
Underwriting discount
|
|
$ |
1.12 |
|
|
$ |
8,196,720 |
|
|
$ |
9,426,228 |
|
Proceeds, before expenses, to us
|
|
$ |
26.76 |
|
|
$ |
73,881,701 |
|
|
$ |
103,389,893 |
|
Proceeds, before expenses, to selling shareholder
|
|
$ |
26.76 |
|
|
$ |
122,839,579 |
|
|
$ |
122,839,579 |
|
The international underwriters have informed us that they do not
intend sales to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of
the total number of our ADSs offered by them.
The ADSs trade on the NYSE under the symbol GOL. The
preferred shares trade on the BOVESPA under the symbol
GOLL4.
We, our directors and executive officers and Aeropar
Participações S.A., Comporte Participações
S.A. and BSSF Air Holdings LLC have agreed that, without the
prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated on behalf of the international underwriters, we and
they will not, during the period ending 90 days after the
date of this prospectus:
|
|
|
|
|
offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or
contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell,
grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or
otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of
our ADSs or preferred shares or any securities convertible into
or exercisable or exchangeable for our ADSs or preferred shares; |
|
|
|
file any registration Statement with the SEC or the CVM relating
to the offering of any of our ADSs or preferred shares or any
securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
our ADSs or preferred shares; or |
|
|
|
enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to
another person, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of our ADSs or preferred shares |
whether any transaction described above is to be settled by
delivery of our ADSs or preferred shares or such other
securities, in cash or otherwise.
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, if (a) during the
last 17 days of the 90-day restricted period, we issue an
earnings release, or (b) prior to the expiration of the
90-day restricted period, we announce that we will release
earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last
day of the 90-day period, the restrictions described above shall
continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period
beginning on the date of the issuance of the earnings release.
The restrictions described in the previous three paragraphs do
not apply to:
|
|
|
|
|
the sale of our ADSs or preferred shares to the international
underwriters or the Brazilian underwriters; |
116
|
|
|
|
|
the issuance by us of our ADSs or preferred shares upon the
exercise of an option or a warrant or the conversion of a
security outstanding on the date of this prospectus of which the
international underwriters have been advised in writing; or |
|
|
|
transactions by any person other than us and the selling
shareholder relating to our ADSs or preferred shares or other
securities acquired in open market transactions after the
completion of the offering of the ADSs and the preferred shares. |
In order to facilitate the offering of our ADSs, Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated may engage in transactions
that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of our
ADSs. Specifically, the international underwriters may
over-allot in connection with the offering, creating a short
position in our ADSs for their own account. In addition, to
cover over-allotments or to stabilize the price of our ADSs, the
international underwriters may bid for, and purchase, our ADSs
in the open market. Finally, the international underwriters may
reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a
dealer for distributing our ADSs in the offering, if the
syndicate repurchases our previously distributed ADSs in
transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in
stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities
may stabilize or maintain the market price of our ADSs above
independent market levels. Similarly, Banco Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter S.A. may, in order to facilitate the offering of our
preferred shares in Brazil, engage in transactions that
stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of our
preferred shares. The underwriters are not required to engage in
these activities, and may end any of these activities at any
time.
From time to time, the international underwriters and the
Brazilian underwriters have provided, and continue to provide,
investment banking and commercial banking services to us.
We, the selling shareholder and the international underwriters
have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
117
EXPENSES OF THE GLOBAL OFFERING
We estimate that our expenses in connection with the global
offering, other than underwriting discounts and commissions,
will be as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of | |
|
|
Amount | |
|
Net Proceeds of | |
Expenses |
|
(in US$) | |
|
This Offering(%) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee
|
|
|
38,575 |
|
|
|
0.05% |
|
NYSE listing fees
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
0.08% |
|
NASD, Inc. filing fee
|
|
|
33,275 |
|
|
|
0.05% |
|
Brazilian fees, including CVM and BOVESPA fees
|
|
|
60,700 |
|
|
|
0.08% |
|
Printing and engraving expenses
|
|
|
65,000 |
|
|
|
0.09% |
|
Legal fees and expenses
|
|
|
510,000 |
|
|
|
0.70% |
|
Accountant fees and expenses
|
|
|
260,000 |
|
|
|
0.35% |
|
Miscellaneous costs
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
|
0.11% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
US$ |
1,107,550 |
|
|
|
1.51% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All amounts in the table are estimated except the Securities and
Exchange Commission registration fee, the NYSE listing fee, the
NASD filing fee and the Brazilian CVM and BOVESPA fees. BSSF Air
Holdings LLC has agreed to reimburse us for 50% of the
expenses in connection with the global offering, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions. Underwriting discounts
and commissions will be paid by us and BSSF Air
Holdings LLC in proportion to the number of shares each is
offering in the global offering.
The depositary has agreed to pay some of these expenses on our
behalf, subject to the closing of the global offering.
The total underwriting discounts and commissions that we are
required to pay will be US$3,078,404, or 4.0% of the gross
proceeds from the preferred shares we are offering in the global
offering.
118
VALIDITY OF SECURITIES
The validity of the ADSs will be passed upon for us by
Shearman & Sterling LLP, New York, New York and for the
underwriters by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP,
New York, New York. The validity of the preferred shares and
other matters governed by Brazilian law will be passed upon for
us by Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados,
São Paulo, Brazil. Certain matters of Brazilian law will be
passed upon for the underwriters by Souza, Cescon, Avedissian,
Barrieu & Flesch Advogados, São Paulo, Brazil.
EXPERTS
Ernst & Young Auditores Independentes S.S., independent
auditors, have audited our consolidated financial statements at
December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2004, as set forth in
their report. We have included our consolidated financial
statements in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration
statement in reliance on Ernst & Young Auditores
Independentes S.S.s report, given on their authority as
experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the Commission a registration statement
(including amendments and exhibits to the registration
statement) on Form F-1 under the Securities Act. This
prospectus, which is part of the registration statement, does
not contain all of the information set forth in the registration
statement and the exhibits and schedules to the registration
statement. For further information, we refer you to the
registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as
part of the registration statement. If a document has been filed
as an exhibit to the registration statement, we refer you to the
copy of the document that has been filed. Each statement in this
prospectus relating to a document filed as an exhibit is
qualified in all respects by the filed exhibit.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the
U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which is also known
as the Exchange Act. Accordingly, we are required to file
reports and other information with the Commission, including
annual reports on Form 20-F and reports on Form 6-K.
You may inspect and copy reports and other information to be
filed with the Commission at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington D.C. 20549 and at the Commissions regional
offices at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago Illinois 60661, and 233 Broadway, New York, New
York 10279. Copies of the materials may be obtained from the
Public Reference Room of the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates.
The public may obtain information on the operation of the
Commissions Public Reference Room by calling the
Commission in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition,
the Commission maintains an internet website at
http://www.sec.gov, from which you can electronically access the
registration statement and its materials.
As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to the same
disclosure requirements as a domestic U.S. registrant under
the Exchange Act. For example, we are not required to prepare
and issue quarterly reports. However, we furnish our
shareholders with annual reports containing financial statements
audited by our independent auditors and make available to our
shareholders quarterly reports containing unaudited financial
data for the first three quarters of each fiscal year. We file
quarterly financial statements with the Commission within two
months of the end of the first three quarters of our fiscal
year, and we file annual reports on Form 20-F within the
time period required by the Commission, which is currently six
months from December 31, the end of our fiscal year.
We will send the depositary a copy of all notices that we give
relating to meetings of our shareholders or to distributions to
shareholders or the offering of rights and a copy of any other
report or communication that we make generally available to our
shareholders. The depositary will make all these notices,
reports and communications that it receives from us available
for inspection by registered holders of ADSs at its office. The
depositary will mail copies of those notices, reports and
communications to you if we ask the depositary to do so and
furnish sufficient copies of materials for that purpose.
119
We also file financial statements and other periodic reports
with the CVM located at Rua Sete de Setembro, 111, Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20159-900, Brazil.
ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS AGAINST FOREIGN PERSONS
We are incorporated under the laws of Brazil. BSSF Air Holdings
LLC was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware.
Substantially all of our assets and those of the selling
shareholder are located outside the United States. The majority
of our directors and all our officers and certain advisors named
herein reside in Brazil. As a result, it may not be possible for
investors to effect service of process within the United States
upon such persons or to enforce against them or us in United
States courts judgments predicated upon the civil liability
provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States.
We have been advised by our Brazilian counsel, Mattos Filho,
Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados, that judgments of
United States courts for civil liabilities based upon the
federal securities laws of the United States may be, subject to
the requirements described below, enforced in Brazil. A judgment
against us, the selling shareholder or the persons described
above obtained outside Brazil would be enforceable in Brazil
without reconsideration of the merits, upon confirmation of that
judgment by the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice. That
confirmation will occur if the foreign judgment:
|
|
|
|
|
fulfills all formalities required for its enforceability under
the laws of the country where the foreign judgment is granted, |
|
|
|
is issued by a competent court after proper service of process
is made in accordance with Brazilian law, |
|
|
|
is not subject to appeal, |
|
|
|
is for the payment of a sum certain, |
|
|
|
is authenticated by a Brazilian consular office in the country
where the foreign judgment is issued and is accompanied by a
sworn translation into Portuguese, and |
|
|
|
is not contrary to Brazilian national sovereignty, public policy
or public morality. |
We cannot assure you that the confirmation process described
above will be conducted in a timely manner or that Brazilian
courts would enforce a monetary judgment for violation of the
United States securities laws with respect to the ADSs and the
preferred shares represented thereby.
We have been further advised by our Brazilian counsel that:
|
|
|
|
|
original actions based on the federal securities laws of the
United States may be brought in Brazilian courts and that,
subject to applicable law, Brazilian courts may enforce
liabilities in such actions against us, our directors, our
executive officers, the selling shareholder and the advisors
named in this prospectus; and |
|
|
|
the ability of a judgment creditor or the other persons named
above to satisfy a judgment by attaching certain assets of ours
or any of the selling shareholder, respectively, is limited by
provisions of Brazilian law. |
A plaintiff (whether Brazilian or non-Brazilian) residing
outside Brazil during the course of litigation in Brazil must
provide a bond to guarantee court costs and legal fees if the
plaintiff owns no real property in Brazil that could secure such
payment. The bond must have a value sufficient to satisfy the
payment of court fees and defendants attorney fees, as
determined by the Brazilian judge. This requirement does not
apply to the enforcement of foreign judgments which have been
duly confirmed by the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice.
120
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
|
|
F-2 |
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
|
|
F-3 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Income
|
|
|
F-5 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
F-6 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity
|
|
|
F-7 |
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
F-8 |
|
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (formerly known as
Gol Transportes Aéreos S.A.) and subsidiaries as
of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated
statements of income, shareholders equity and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an
audit of the Companys internal controls over financial
reporting. An audit includes consideration of internal control
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. and
subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
Ernst & Young
Auditores Independentes S.S.
CRC-2SP015199/ O-1
|
|
|
Adilson Birolli Gonzalez
|
|
Maria Helena Pettersson |
Partner
|
|
Partner |
São Paulo, Brazil
February 22, 2005
F-2
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
into thousands | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
of US$ | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
R |
$146,291 |
|
|
R |
$405,730 |
|
|
US$ |
152,852 |
|
|
Short-term investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
443,361 |
|
|
|
167,029 |
|
|
Receivables, less allowance (2003R$3,760;
2004R$3,547, US$1,336)
|
|
|
240,576 |
|
|
|
386,370 |
|
|
|
145,558 |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
13,570 |
|
|
|
21,038 |
|
|
|
7,926 |
|
|
Recoverable taxes and current deferred tax
|
|
|
20,118 |
|
|
|
10,657 |
|
|
|
4,015 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
12,043 |
|
|
|
34,184 |
|
|
|
12,878 |
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
3,812 |
|
|
|
3,389 |
|
|
|
1,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
R |
$436,410 |
|
|
R |
$1,304,729 |
|
|
US$ |
491,535 |
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-delivery deposits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,447 |
|
|
|
16,368 |
|
|
Flight equipment
|
|
|
75,514 |
|
|
|
102,197 |
|
|
|
38,501 |
|
|
Other property and equipment
|
|
|
14,463 |
|
|
|
29,703 |
|
|
|
11,190 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89,977 |
|
|
|
175,347 |
|
|
|
66,059 |
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(22,795 |
) |
|
|
(43,989 |
) |
|
|
(16,572 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
67,182 |
|
|
|
131,358 |
|
|
|
49,487 |
|
Other assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits for aircraft leasing contracts
|
|
|
18,621 |
|
|
|
22,884 |
|
|
|
8,621 |
|
|
Prepaid aircraft and engine maintenance
|
|
|
162,295 |
|
|
|
266,532 |
|
|
|
100,411 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
511 |
|
|
|
8,781 |
|
|
|
3,307 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other assets
|
|
|
181,427 |
|
|
|
298,197 |
|
|
|
112,339 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
R |
$685,019 |
|
|
R |
$1,734,284 |
|
|
US$ |
653,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements.
F-3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
into thousands | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
of US$ | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
R$ |
48,605 |
|
|
R$ |
36,436 |
|
|
US$ |
13,727 |
|
Air traffic liability
|
|
|
123,393 |
|
|
|
159,891 |
|
|
|
60,236 |
|
Payroll and related charges
|
|
|
34,959 |
|
|
|
51,041 |
|
|
|
19,229 |
|
Operating leases payable
|
|
|
10,099 |
|
|
|
10,107 |
|
|
|
3,808 |
|
Short-term borrowings
|
|
|
38,906 |
|
|
|
118,349 |
|
|
|
44,586 |
|
Sales tax and landing fees
|
|
|
21,200 |
|
|
|
51,515 |
|
|
|
19,407 |
|
Insurance premium payable
|
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
24,060 |
|
|
|
9,064 |
|
Dividends payable
|
|
|
26,504 |
|
|
|
60,676 |
|
|
|
22,858 |
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
4,597 |
|
|
|
5,739 |
|
|
|
2,162 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
R$ |
308,327 |
|
|
R$ |
517,814 |
|
|
US$ |
195,077 |
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term vendor payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,238 |
|
|
|
3,480 |
|
Deferred income taxes, net
|
|
|
47,236 |
|
|
|
44,493 |
|
|
|
16,762 |
|
Provisions for contingencies
|
|
|
8,570 |
|
|
|
10,351 |
|
|
|
3,900 |
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
6,147 |
|
|
|
3,935 |
|
|
|
1,482 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ |
61,953 |
|
|
R$ |
68,017 |
|
|
US$ |
25,624 |
|
Commitments and
Contingences
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred shares, Class A and Class B, no par value,
52,592,985 shares, issued and outstanding in 2003;
78,094,747 undesignated preferred shares, no par value, issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2004
|
|
|
94,200 |
|
|
|
564,634 |
|
|
|
212,716 |
|
Common shares, no par value, 116,200,000 shares, issued and
outstanding in 2003 and 109,448,497 shares, no par value,
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004
|
|
|
41,500 |
|
|
|
41,500 |
|
|
|
15,634 |
|
Additional paid in capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,305 |
|
|
|
18,575 |
|
Deferred compensation expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,059 |
) |
|
|
(3,790 |
) |
Appropriated retained earnings
|
|
|
5,579 |
|
|
|
18,352 |
|
|
|
6,914 |
|
Unappropriated retained earnings
|
|
|
173,460 |
|
|
|
484,721 |
|
|
|
182,611 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
R$ |
314,739 |
|
|
R$ |
1,148,453 |
|
|
US$ |
432,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
R$ |
685,019 |
|
|
R$ |
1,734,284 |
|
|
US$ |
653,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements.
F-4
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In Thousands of Brazilian Reais, except per share
amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
into thousands | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of US$ | |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Passenger
|
|
R$ |
643,549 |
|
|
R$ |
1,339,191 |
|
|
R$ |
1,875,475 |
|
|
US$ |
706,553 |
|
|
Cargo and Other
|
|
|
34,330 |
|
|
|
61,399 |
|
|
|
85,411 |
|
|
|
32,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net operating revenues
|
|
|
677,879 |
|
|
|
1,400,590 |
|
|
|
1,960,886 |
|
|
|
738,730 |
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries, wages and benefits
|
|
|
77,855 |
|
|
|
137,638 |
|
|
|
183,037 |
|
|
|
68,956 |
|
|
Aircraft fuel
|
|
|
160,537 |
|
|
|
308,244 |
|
|
|
459,192 |
|
|
|
172,993 |
|
|
Aircraft rent
|
|
|
130,755 |
|
|
|
188,841 |
|
|
|
195,504 |
|
|
|
73,653 |
|
|
Aircraft insurance
|
|
|
23,186 |
|
|
|
25,850 |
|
|
|
25,575 |
|
|
|
9,635 |
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
96,626 |
|
|
|
191,280 |
|
|
|
261,756 |
|
|
|
98,612 |
|
|
Landing fees
|
|
|
32,758 |
|
|
|
47,924 |
|
|
|
57,393 |
|
|
|
21,622 |
|
|
Aircraft and traffic servicing
|
|
|
47,381 |
|
|
|
58,710 |
|
|
|
74.825 |
|
|
|
28.189 |
|
|
Maintenance materials and repairs
|
|
|
16,160 |
|
|
|
42,039 |
|
|
|
51,796 |
|
|
|
19,513 |
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
7,885 |
|
|
|
13,844 |
|
|
|
21,242 |
|
|
|
8,003 |
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
22,654 |
|
|
|
44,494 |
|
|
|
54,265 |
|
|
|
20,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
615,797 |
|
|
|
1,058,864 |
|
|
|
1,384,585 |
|
|
|
521,619 |
|
Operating income
|
|
|
62,082 |
|
|
|
341,726 |
|
|
|
576,301 |
|
|
|
217,111 |
|
Other expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(16,530 |
) |
|
|
(20,910 |
) |
|
|
(13,445 |
) |
|
|
(5,065 |
) |
|
Capitalized interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,216 |
|
|
|
1,212 |
|
|
Exchange variation gain (loss)
|
|
|
8,943 |
|
|
|
(16,938 |
) |
|
|
(5,926 |
) |
|
|
(2,233 |
) |
|
Gain (loss) on derivatives
|
|
|
5,599 |
|
|
|
(29,876 |
) |
|
|
2,432 |
|
|
|
916 |
|
|
Financial income on cash equivalents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,815 |
|
|
|
34,159 |
|
|
|
12,869 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(7,095 |
) |
|
|
(11,682 |
) |
|
|
(9,457 |
) |
|
|
(3,564 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
52,999 |
|
|
|
264,135 |
|
|
|
587,280 |
|
|
|
221,247 |
|
Income taxes current
|
|
|
(1,396 |
) |
|
|
(60,747 |
) |
|
|
(165,710 |
) |
|
|
(62,428 |
) |
Income taxes deferred
|
|
|
(16,246 |
) |
|
|
(27,929 |
) |
|
|
(36,860 |
) |
|
|
(13,886 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
R$ |
35,357 |
|
|
R$ |
175,459 |
|
|
R$ |
384,710 |
|
|
US$ |
144,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share, basic
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
2.14 |
|
|
|
0.81 |
|
Earnings per share, diluted
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
2.13 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In Thousands of Brazilian Reais)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
into thousands | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of US$ | |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
R$ |
35,357 |
|
|
R$ |
175,459 |
|
|
R$ |
384,710 |
|
|
US$ |
144,933 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,058 |
|
|
|
3,789 |
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
7,885 |
|
|
|
13,844 |
|
|
|
21,242 |
|
|
|
8,003 |
|
|
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable
|
|
|
1,305 |
|
|
|
2,455 |
|
|
|
(213 |
) |
|
|
(80 |
) |
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
16,246 |
|
|
|
27,929 |
|
|
|
36,860 |
|
|
|
13,886 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables
|
|
|
(54,866 |
) |
|
|
(137,785 |
) |
|
|
(145,581 |
) |
|
|
(54,845 |
) |
|
Inventories
|
|
|
(6,672 |
) |
|
|
3,275 |
|
|
|
(7,468 |
) |
|
|
(2,813 |
) |
|
Prepaid expenses, other assets and recoverable taxes
|
|
|
(9,551 |
) |
|
|
(16,684 |
) |
|
|
(20,527 |
) |
|
|
(7,733 |
) |
|
Accounts payable and long-term vendor payable
|
|
|
17,257 |
|
|
|
6,145 |
|
|
|
(2,931 |
) |
|
|
(1,104 |
) |
|
Deposits for aircraft and engine maintenance
|
|
|
(82,771 |
) |
|
|
(62,409 |
) |
|
|
(104,237 |
) |
|
|
(39,270 |
) |
|
Operating leases payable
|
|
|
31,446 |
|
|
|
(21,347 |
) |
|
|
(2,204 |
) |
|
|
(830 |
) |
|
Air traffic liability
|
|
|
44,227 |
|
|
|
52,829 |
|
|
|
36,498 |
|
|
|
13,750 |
|
|
Payroll and related charges
|
|
|
6,496 |
|
|
|
23,727 |
|
|
|
16,082 |
|
|
|
6,059 |
|
|
Sales tax and landing fees, insurance premium payable, dividends
payable and other liabilities
|
|
|
10,664 |
|
|
|
17,797 |
|
|
|
51,804 |
|
|
|
19,516 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
17,023 |
|
|
|
85,235 |
|
|
|
274,093 |
|
|
|
103,261 |
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits for aircraft leasing contracts
|
|
|
(12,079 |
) |
|
|
3,473 |
|
|
|
(4,263 |
) |
|
|
(1,606 |
) |
|
Acquisition of property and equipment
|
|
|
(22,400 |
) |
|
|
(42,736 |
) |
|
|
(41,971 |
) |
|
|
(15,812 |
) |
|
Pre-delivery deposits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(43,447 |
) |
|
|
(16,368 |
) |
|
Purchase of short-term securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(443,361 |
) |
|
|
(167,029 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(34,479 |
) |
|
|
(39,263 |
) |
|
|
(533,042 |
) |
|
|
(200,815 |
) |
Cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short term borrowings, net
|
|
|
(14,245 |
) |
|
|
16,106 |
|
|
|
79,443 |
|
|
|
29,929 |
|
|
Issuance of common and preferred shares
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
|
94,200 |
|
|
|
470,434 |
|
|
|
177,228 |
|
|
Tax benefit contributed by shareholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,187 |
|
|
|
10,995 |
|
|
Obligations with related parties
|
|
|
19,497 |
|
|
|
(19,439 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(60,676 |
) |
|
|
(22,859 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
21,752 |
|
|
|
90,867 |
|
|
|
518,388 |
|
|
|
195,293 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
4,296 |
|
|
|
136,839 |
|
|
|
259,439 |
|
|
|
97,739 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
|
|
|
5,156 |
|
|
|
9,452 |
|
|
|
146,291 |
|
|
|
55,113 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
|
|
R$ |
9,452 |
|
|
R$ |
146,291 |
|
|
R$ |
405,730 |
|
|
US$ |
152,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid
|
|
R$ |
19,267 |
|
|
R$ |
20,910 |
|
|
R$ |
12,223 |
|
|
US$ |
4,605 |
|
Income taxes paid
|
|
R$ |
4,568 |
|
|
R$ |
73,454 |
|
|
R$ |
162,663 |
|
|
US$ |
61,281 |
|
Disclosure of non cash transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax benefit contributed by shareholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ |
29,188 |
|
|
US$ |
10,996 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Expressed in Thousands of Brazilian Reais, except for share
information)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shares | |
|
Preferred Shares | |
|
Additional | |
|
|
|
Retained earnings | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
Paid in | |
|
Deferred | |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Shares | |
|
Amount | |
|
Shares | |
|
Amount | |
|
capital | |
|
compensation | |
|
Appropriated | |
|
Unappropriated | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance at December 31, 2001
|
|
|
70,000,000 |
|
|
R$ |
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ |
(5,274 |
) |
|
R$ |
19,726 |
|
Net income and comprehensive income for the year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,357 |
|
|
|
35,357 |
|
Issuance of common shares
|
|
|
46,200,000 |
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2002
|
|
|
116,200,000 |
|
|
|
41,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ |
30,083 |
|
|
R$ |
71,583 |
|
Net income and comprehensive income for the year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175,459 |
|
|
|
175,459 |
|
Transfer to appropriated retained earnings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,579 |
|
|
|
(5,579 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Issuance of preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,592,985 |
|
|
|
94,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
94,200 |
|
Dividends accrued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(26,503 |
) |
|
|
(26,503 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2003
|
|
|
116,200,000 |
|
|
R$ |
41,500 |
|
|
|
52,592,985 |
|
|
R $ |
94,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ |
5,579 |
|
|
R$ |
173,460 |
|
|
R$ |
314,739 |
|
Formation of holding company
|
|
|
224 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange of common shares to preferred shares, net
|
|
|
(6,751,719 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,751,719 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange of preferred shares class A to common shares, net
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares not exchanged in the reorganization
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax benefit contributed by shareholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,188 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,188 |
|
Deferred compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,117 |
|
|
|
(20,117 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Proceeds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,750,000 |
|
|
|
459,185 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
459,185 |
|
Deferred income taxes on issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,249 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,249 |
|
Amortization of deferred compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,058 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,058 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
384,710 |
|
|
|
384,710 |
|
Dividends payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(60,676 |
) |
|
|
(60,676 |
) |
Transfer to appropriated retained earnings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,773 |
|
|
|
(12,773 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004
|
|
|
109,448,497 |
|
|
R$ |
41,500 |
|
|
|
78,094,746 |
|
|
R$ |
564,634 |
|
|
R$ |
49,305 |
|
|
R$ |
(10,059 |
) |
|
R$ |
18,352 |
|
|
R$ |
484,721 |
|
|
R$ |
1,148,453 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 translated into thousands of
US$
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,634 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
212,716 |
|
|
$ |
18,575 |
|
|
$ |
(3,790 |
) |
|
$ |
6,914 |
|
|
$ |
182,611 |
|
|
$ |
432,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net income for the year
|
|
|
384,710 |
|
|
|
175,459 |
|
|
|
35,357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
R$ |
384,710 |
|
|
R$ |
175,459 |
|
|
R$ |
35,357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements.
F-7
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (the Company or GLAI)
is the parent company of GOL Transportes Aéreos S.A. (GOL),
the only low-fare, low-cost airline operating in Brazil
providing frequent service on routes between all of
Brazils major cities. GOL focuses on increasing the growth
and profitability of its business by popularizing air travel and
stimulating and meeting demand for simple, safe and affordable
air travel in South America for both business and leisure
passengers, while having among the lowest costs in the airline
industry worldwide.
On March 29, 2004, GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A.
became the parent company of GOL pursuant to a reorganization
plan approved by the shareholders of GOL. The Company was
incorporated by issuing 224 common shares to Aeropar
Participações S.A. and 56 preferred shares to Comporte
Participações S.A. for an aggregate amount of one
hundred reais. In accordance with the reorganization plan, all
outstanding common and preferred shares of GOL (except for 14
common shares and 8 class B preferred shares of GOL held by
members of GOLs board of directors) were contributed to
the Company in exchange for the applicable number of common or
preferred shares of the Company. The 116,199,986 common shares
of GOL were exchanged for 109,448,267 common shares and
6,751,719 preferred shares of the Company. The 29,050,000
preferred shares class A of GOL were exchanged for
29,049,994 preferred shares and 6 common shares of the Company.
The 23,542,977 preferred shares class B of GOL were
exchanged for 23,542,977 preferred shares of the Company. The
reorganization did not impact the operations or financial
condition of GOL in any respect as of December 31, 2003 and
as such, does not result in new basis of accounting.
On May 25, 2004, the shareholders approved a 2.80 for 1
stock split for all outstanding common and preferred shares. As
a result of the stock split, the aggregate number of preferred
shares and common shares outstanding was increased to
168,793,243. As of May 25, 2004, the Company had 59,344,746
preferred and 109,448,497 common shares. All share and earnings
per share information for all periods presented have been
restated to give retroactive effect to the May 25, 2004
stock split. Also, on the same date shareholders approved
amendments to the Companys bylaws whereby holders of
common shares may convert their shares into preferred shares, at
the rate of one common share to one preferred share, to the
extent such shares are duly paid in and provided that the amount
of preferred shares does not exceed 50% of the total amount of
shares issued. Any request for conversion must be delivered to
the board of executive officers and, once accepted by the board
of executive officers, must be confirmed by the board of
directors at the first meeting after the date of the request for
conversion.
On May 24, 2004, the Company formed GOL Finance LLP for the
purpose of facilitating cross-border transactions, including the
lease and the purchase of aircraft. GOL Finance LLP, whose
capital at December 31, 2004 was R$70,928, is based in the
United Kingdom.
On June 29, 2004, the Company concluded its initial public
offering (IPO) by issuing 18,750,000 preferred shares and
receiving proceeds in the amount of R$459,185 net of the
issuance costs of R$37,050.
The Companys principal subsidiary, GOL, was incorporated
on August 1, 2000 and its main purpose is to provide
regular domestic air transportation services for passengers,
cargo and mail in Brazil, under the concession regime as
authorized by the Civil Air Transportation Office DAC of
the Ministry of Aviation through Ordinance No. 1109/ DGAC
of August 18, 2000.
GOL commenced operations on January 15, 2001 and, as of
December 31, 2004, operated 27 aircraft, consisting of 18
Boeing 737-700, 4 Boeing 737-800 Next Generation and 5 Boeing
737-300 aircraft. During 2004, the Company inaugurated 9 new
destinations (Foz do Iguaçu (PR), Joinville (SC), Caxias do
Sul (RS), Uberlândia (MG), Teresina (PI), Porto Velho (RO),
Rio Branco (AC), Aracajú (SE) and Buenos
F-8
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
Aires, Argentina increasing the number of cities being served to
36 (2003 27) and operating from 38 airports in Brazil and
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In May 2004, GOL signed an Aircraft General Terms Agreement with
The Boeing Company for firm orders of 15 737-800 Next
Generation aircraft, as well as furnishing equipment,
training, services and other support matters. Under this
agreement the Company has options to purchase an additional 28
737-800 Next Generation aircraft that are exercisable
between 2005 and 2010. At December 31, 2004 the Company had
exercised two purchase options with the Boeing Company
increasing its firm orders to 17. The U.S. Exim Bank has
agreed to provide a guarantee for long-term financing of up to
85% of the value of the aircraft purchased from Boeing. The
Companys intention is to finance the remaining portion
with the proceeds from the issuance of equity and with cash
flows from operations. The acquisition of aircraft requires
pre-delivery deposits during the construction phase of each
aircraft.
In October 2004, the Company received approval from the
Comissão de Estudos Relativos à Navegação
Aérea (CERNAI) to start regular international flights
to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and initiated the operations on
December 22, 2004.
The following table sets forth the ownership and percentages of
the Companys voting (common) and non-voting (preferred)
shares as at December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common | |
|
Preferred | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Aeropar Participações S.A.
|
|
|
100% |
|
|
|
40.3% |
|
|
|
75.2% |
|
Comporte Participações S.A.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.3% |
|
|
|
1.8% |
|
BSSF Air Holdings LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.1% |
|
|
|
5.4% |
|
Public Market
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42.3% |
|
|
|
17.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100% |
|
|
|
100% |
|
|
|
100% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Áurea Administrações e Participações
S.A. and Comporte Participações S.A. are entities
controlled by members of the board of directors of the Company.
Aeropar Participações S.A. is a subsidiary of
Áurea Administrações e Participações
S.A.
BSSF Air Holdings LLC. is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of
AIG Brazil Special Situations Fund.
|
|
2. |
Summary of significant accounting policies |
These financial statements were prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
(US GAAP), using Brazilian Reais as the functional and reporting
currency. The accounting principles adopted under US GAAP differ
in certain respects from accounting principles generally
accepted in Brazil (Brazilian GAAP), which the Company uses to
prepare its statutory financial statements.
Basis of consolidation. The consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of GOL Linhas Aéreas
Inteligentes S.A. and its subsidiaries, GOL Transportes
Aéreos S.A. and GOL Finance LLP. All significant
intercompany balances have been eliminated.
Use of estimates. The preparation of financial
statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported
in the financial statements and disclosures in the accompanying
notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term
investments. The Companys short-term investment
portfolio consists of traditional fixed maturities securities,
which are readily convertible into cash and are primarily highly
liquid in nature. Certain of the investments which have original
maturities of 90 days or less, when
F-9
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
purchased, are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Other
short-term investments are classified as trading securities, as
defined by the FASB Statement 115, Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and are
carried at their fair values based upon the quoted market prices
at period end. Accordingly, changes in values of such
investments are included in interest income.
Inventories. Inventories consist of expendable
aircraft spare parts and supplies. These items are stated at
average acquisition cost and are charged to expense when used.
An allowance for obsolescence is provided over the remaining
estimated useful life of the related aircraft. These allowances
are based on management estimates, which are subject to change.
Property and equipment. Property and equipment are
recorded at cost and are depreciated to estimated residual
values over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line
method. Interest related to predelivery deposits to acquire new
aircraft is capitalized. The estimated useful lives for property
and equipment are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Useful Life | |
|
|
| |
Leaseholds improvements
|
|
Lower of lease term or useful life |
Maintenance and engineering equipment
|
|
|
10 years |
|
Communication and meteorological equipment
|
|
|
5 years |
|
Computer hardware and software
|
|
|
5 years |
|
Measurement of Asset Impairments. In accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (SFAS 144), the Company
records impairment charges on long-lived assets used in
operations when events and circumstances indicate that the
assets may be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated
to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying
amount of those assets. If impairment occurs, any loss is
measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its net
book value.
Maintenance and repair costs. Regular aircraft and
engine maintenance and repair costs, including the overhaul of
aircraft components, for owned and leased flight equipment, are
charged to operating expenses as incurred.
Revenue Recognition. Passenger revenue is
recognized either when transportation is provided or when the
ticket expires unused. Tickets sold but not yet used are
included in the accompanying balance sheets as air traffic
liability. Revenue from the shipment of cargo is recognized when
transportation is provided. Other revenue includes charter
services, ticket change fees and other incidental services, and
is recognized when the service is performed. The Companys
revenues are net of certain taxes, including state value-added
and other state and federal taxes that are collected from
customers and transferred to the appropriate government
entities. Sales taxes in 2002, 2003 and 2004 was R$37,693,
R$96,803 and R$93,763, respectively.
Advertising. Advertising costs, which are included
in sales and marketing, are expensed as incurred. Advertising
expense in 2002, 2003 and 2004 were R$16,684, R$25,396 and
R$31,798, respectively.
Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided
under the liability method and reflect the net tax effects of
temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and
liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial
statements. A valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets is
provided unless realizability is judged by the Company to be
more likely than not.
F-10
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
Derivative contracts. To help mitigate the
Companys overall foreign currency and fuel volatility
risks, the Company primarily uses foreign exchange and fuel
contracts. The contracts are recorded at current market value on
the balance sheet with any gains or losses recorded in financial
expense.
Foreign currency transactions. Transactions in
foreign currency are recorded at the prevailing exchange rate at
the time of the related transactions. Exchange differences are
recognized in the statements of operations as they occur and are
recorded in financial expense.
Accounting for stock-based compensation. The
Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and
related interpretations. Compensation expense for a stock option
grant is recognized if the exercise price is less than the fair
value of our stock on the grant date. The following table
illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per common and
preferred share as if the fair value method to measure
stock-based compensation had been applied as required under the
disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net Income, as reported
|
|
|
175,459 |
|
|
|
384,710 |
|
Add: Stock-based employee compensation using intrinsic value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,058 |
|
Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation expense determined
under the fair value method
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,969 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income
|
|
|
175,459 |
|
|
|
384,799 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per common and preferred shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic as reported
|
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
2.14 |
|
|
Basic pro forma
|
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
2.14 |
|
|
Diluted as reported
|
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
2.13 |
|
|
Diluted pro forma
|
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
2.13 |
|
The fair value for these stock options was estimated at the date
of grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model assuming
an expected dividend yield of 2%, expected volatility of
approximately 37%, weighted average risk-free interest rate of
16%, and an expected average life of two years.
US$ dollar amounts. The U.S. dollar amounts
are included solely for the convenience of the reader and have
been translated at the rate of R$2.6544 = US$1.00, the
official exchange rate issued by the Brazilian Central Bank as
of December 31, 2004. This translation should not be
construed to imply that the Brazilian reais amounts represent,
or have been or could be converted into, equivalent amounts in
U.S. dollars.
Reclassifications. Certain balance sheet and
statement of income amounts have been reclassified to conform to
current years presentation.
|
|
3. |
Recent accounting pronouncements |
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payment, (SFAS 123(R)), which is a revision of
FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation. SFAS 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion
No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and
amends FASB Statement No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows.
Generally, the approach in SFAS 123(R) is similar to the
approach described in SFAS 123. However, SFAS 123(R)
requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants
of employee stock options, to be recognized
F-11
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma
disclosure is no longer an alternative. SFAS 123(R) must be
adopted no later than July 1, 2005.
As permitted by SFAS 123, the Company currently accounts
for share-based payments to employees using Opinion 25s
intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognizes
compensation cost for employee stock options equal to their
intrinsic values at the award date. Accordingly, the adoption of
SFAS 123(R)s fair value method will impact the
Companys results of operations, although it will have no
impact on the Companys overall financial position. The
impact of adoption cannot be predicted at this time because it
will depend on levels of share-based payments granted in the
future. However, had the Company adopted SFAS 123(R) in
prior periods, the impact of that standard would have
approximated the impact of SFAS 123 as described in the
disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per share in
Note 2.
|
|
4. |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
into thousands | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
of US$2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
1,456 |
|
|
|
7,275 |
|
|
|
2,741 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in local currency
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial investment funds
|
|
|
72,811 |
|
|
|
32,482 |
|
|
|
12,237 |
|
|
Managed account
|
|
|
16,049 |
|
|
|
199,170 |
|
|
|
75,034 |
|
|
Bank Deposit Certificates CDBs
|
|
|
55,669 |
|
|
|
140,233 |
|
|
|
52,830 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
144,529 |
|
|
|
371,885 |
|
|
|
140,101 |
|
Investments in foreign currency
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Investment Funds and Public Securities
|
|
|
306 |
|
|
|
26,570 |
|
|
|
10,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
146,291 |
|
|
|
405,730 |
|
|
|
152,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Managed account
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
443,361 |
|
|
|
167,029 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
146,291 |
|
|
|
849,091 |
|
|
|
319,881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys short-term investment in Bank Deposit
Certificates (CDBs) has average earnings of approximately
1.28% per month, net of taxes, based on the CDI variation
(Interbank Deposit Certificate), the redemption of which may
occur at any time. At December 31, 2004, of the total
investment amount in CDB, R$49,600 was linked to loan sureties
with the banks Santander and Banco do Brasil.
Investment funds have average earnings of approximately
0.91% per month, net of taxes. Earnings of the quotas
redeemed in less than 30 days, before income tax levy, as
from the investment date, are subject to Tax on Financial
Operations (IOF).
F-12
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
The managed account offers daily liquidity and is managed by a
third party. The breakdown of the managed account portfolio as
of December 31, 2004 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
into thousands | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
of US$2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Cash and cash equivalent
|
|
|
16,049 |
|
|
|
199,170 |
|
|
|
75,034 |
|
Short-term investment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank Deposit Certificates CDB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
146,048 |
|
|
|
55,021 |
|
|
Public securities (LFT, LTN and LFTO)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
286,930 |
|
|
|
108,096 |
|
|
OverNight
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,383 |
|
|
|
3,912 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
443,361 |
|
|
|
167,029 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total managed account
|
|
|
16,049 |
|
|
|
642,531 |
|
|
|
242,063 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
into thousands | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
of US$2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Credit cards net of commissions
|
|
|
215,343 |
|
|
|
348,306 |
|
|
|
131,219 |
|
Account holders cargo and tickets
|
|
|
2,831 |
|
|
|
4,573 |
|
|
|
1,723 |
|
Travel agencies
|
|
|
25,194 |
|
|
|
33,013 |
|
|
|
12,437 |
|
Other
|
|
|
968 |
|
|
|
4,025 |
|
|
|
1,516 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
244,336 |
|
|
|
389,917 |
|
|
|
146,895 |
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
(3,760 |
) |
|
|
(3,547 |
) |
|
|
(1,336 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
240,576 |
|
|
|
386,370 |
|
|
|
145,559 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2004, the credit card receivables,
amounting to R$50,700, were pledged as guarantee of the Banco
Bradesco overdraft account.
There were no charge-offs of allowance for doubtful accounts
during 2003 and the charge off during 2004 was $189.
Deposits for aircraft leasing contracts. All the
Companys aircraft are leased under operating leasing
contracts. As required by the leasing contracts, the Company
made certain U.S. dollar deposits as a guarantee to the
leasing companies. These deposits are non-interest bearing and
refundable at the end of the respective lease agreements.
Deposits for aircraft and engine maintenance.
U.S. dollar deposits for aircraft and engine maintenance as
stipulated in the respective lease agreements are made to
specific accounts in the name of the lessor responsible for the
maintenance services. Certain required aircraft and engine
maintenance, as stipulated in the respective lease agreement,
are funded from these deposits. The Company is required to pay
the lessor for maintenance expenditures that exceed deposited
amounts. The Company can apply deposits amounts that exceed
maintenance expenditures to the final lease payment. These
deposits are non-interest bearing.
F-13
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
At December 31, 2004, the Company had six revolving lines
of credit. One of the revolving lines of credit is secured by
the Companys credit card receivables and allows for
borrowings of up to R$50,700. As of December 31, 2004,
there were no outstanding borrowings under this facility. The
Banco do Brasil and Safra credit facilities allow for combined
borrowings of up to R$105,000. Another two revolving credit
facilities (Banco Santander and Banco do Brasil) are secured by
a Company investment in a bank certificate of deposit and allow
for borrowings of up to R$49,600.
The outstanding amounts under the Companys credit
facilities as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit | |
|
|
|
|
|
into thousands | |
Contract |
|
Interest Rate | |
|
Guarantee | |
|
Limit | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
of US$2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Banco Safra
|
|
|
108,5% of CDI |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
91,507 |
|
|
|
34,474 |
|
Banco Santander
|
|
|
109% of CDI |
|
|
|
Certificate of deposit |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,746 |
|
|
|
7,816 |
|
Unibanco
|
|
|
CDI + 0,0673 a.m. |
|
|
|
Guarantee clean |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,019 |
|
|
|
384 |
|
Banco do Brasil
|
|
|
108% of CDI |
|
|
|
Certificate of deposit |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banco do Brasil
|
|
|
105% of CDI |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,077 |
|
|
|
1,912 |
|
Banco Bradesco
|
|
|
104% of CDI |
|
|
|
Credit card receivables |
|
|
|
50,700 |
|
|
|
34,906 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,906 |
|
|
|
118,349 |
|
|
|
44,586 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The weighted average annual interest rate for these Reais-based
short-term borrowings at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was
17.7% and 20%, respectively.
|
|
8. |
Transactions with related parties |
The Company has an exclusive bus transportation agreement with
related companies Breda Transpotes e Serviços S.A and
Expresso União Ltda. During 2004, the Company paid R$195
and R$772.
The Company also has a five-year office space lease agreement
with Áurea Administração e
Participações S.A. for the lease of our headquarters
located at Rua Tamoios, 246 in São Paulo. The lease
agreement provides for monthly payments, adjusted by the IGP-M
inflation index.
F-14
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
Transactions with related parties and amounts receivable
(payable) are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2003 | |
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Account balance | |
|
Account balance | |
|
|
Nature of | |
|
Receivable | |
|
Income | |
|
Receivable | |
|
Income | |
|
|
transaction | |
|
(payable) | |
|
(Expenses) | |
|
(payable) | |
|
(Expenses) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Loans of debentures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Áurea Administração e Participações S.A
|
|
|
Loans |
|
|
|
(270 |
) |
|
|
(2,069 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Serviços Gráficos Ltda.
|
|
|
Services rendered |
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(188 |
) |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(172 |
) |
|
Breda Transportes e Serviços S.A.
|
|
|
Services rendered |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
(772 |
) |
|
Expresso União Ltda.
|
|
|
Services rendered |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(195 |
) |
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Viação Piracicabana Ltda.
|
|
|
Services rendered |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
Breda Transportes e Serviços S.A.
|
|
|
Services rendered |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
Áurea Administração e Participações
S.A.
|
|
|
Services rendered |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
Lease of headquarter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Áurea Administração e Participações
S.A.
|
|
|
Rental |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(300 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
(262 |
) |
|
|
9. |
Long-term vendor payable |
The Company renegotiated the terms of the loan agreement with
Petrobrás Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. to supply
fuel, maturing on April 30, 2006, and whose balance was
R$9,238 at December 31, 2004, recorded at a historical
purchase price and updated by Consumer Price Index (IPC).
On March 29, 2004, GLAI became the parent company of GOL
pursuant to a reorganization plan approved by the shareholders
of GOL. In accordance with the reorganization plan, all
outstanding common and preferred shares of GOL (except for 14
common shares and 8 class B preferred shares of GOL held by
members of GOLs board of directors) were contributed to
the Company in exchange for common and preferred shares of the
Company. The 116,199,986 common shares of GOL were exchanged for
109,448,267 common shares and 6,751,719 preferred shares of the
Company. The 29,050,000 class A preferred shares of GOL
were exchanged for 29,049,994 preferred shares and 6 common
shares of the Company. The 23,542,977 preferred shares
class B of GOL were exchanged for 23,542,977 preferred
shares of the Company. The preferred shares outstanding have no
class designation. The rights and voting privileges of the
common shares of the Company remain the same as those previously
described above for GOL. The preferred shares of the Company are
not convertible into any other security and are non-voting,
except under the limited circumstances provided under Brazilian
law as discussed above. The aggregate liquidation preference,
including the adjustment by the IGP-M inflation index, and
divided rights discussed above remain unchanged.
F-15
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had
109,448,497 shares of common stock and
59,344,746 shares of preferred stock authorized, issued and
outstanding. According to the Companys by-laws, the
capital can be increased up to R$1,000,000 through the issuance
of common or preferred shares.
On May 25, 2004, the shareholders approved a 2.80 for 1
stock split for all outstanding common and preferred shares. As
a result of the stock split, the aggregate number of preferred
shares and common shares outstanding was increased to
168,793,243. All share and earnings per share information for
all periods presented have been restated to give retroactive
effect to the May 25, 2004 stock split. Also, on the same
date the shareholders approved amendments to the Companys
bylaws whereby holders of common shares may convert their shares
into preferred shares, at the rate of one common share to one
preferred share, to the extent such shares are duly paid and
provided that the amount of preferred shares does not exceed 50%
of the total amount of shares issued. Any request for conversion
must be delivered to the board of executive officers and, once
accepted by the board of executive officers, must be confirmed
by the board of directors at the first meeting after the date of
the request of conversion. On May 25, 2004, the board of
directors authorized the issuance of up to 20,325,734 preferred
shares.
On June 29, 2004, the Company concluded its initial public
offering on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and The São
Paulo Stock Exchange (Bovespa) issuing 18,750,000 preferred
shares for R$26.57 per share and receiving proceeds in the
amount of R$459,305, net of the issuance costs of R$37,050.
Additionally, R$386,593 of proceeds were remitted to BSSF Air
Holdings LLC and Comporte Participações in connection
with their sale of 14,300,000 preferred shares in the initial
public offering.
The Companys bylaws provide for a mandatory minimum
dividend to common and preferred shareholders in the aggregate
of at least 25% of annual net distributable income determined in
accordance with Brazilian corporation law. The December 31,
2004 dividend was R$60,676 (R$26,503 in 2003). The dividends
payable are included in current liabilities and ratification for
payment will be made at the annual shareholders meeting.
|
|
|
Appropriated retained earnings |
Under the Brazilian corporation law and according to its
by-laws, the Company is required to maintain a legal
reserve to which it must allocate 5% of its net income,
less accumulated losses as determined in accordance with
Brazilian GAAP for each fiscal year until the amount of the
reserve equals 20% of paid-in capital. Accumulated losses, if
any, may be charged against the legal reserve. The legal reserve
can only be used to increase the capital of the Company. The
legal reserve is subject to approval by the shareholders voting
at the annual shareholders meeting and may be transferred to
capital but is not available for the payment of dividends in
subsequent years. At December 31, 2004, the allocation of
retained earnings related to the legal reserve was R$12,773.
|
|
|
Unappropriated retained earnings |
The balance of R$484,723 is pending approval by the Annual
General Meeting in order to meet the Company investment plan and
the increase in working capital.
At shareholders meetings held on May 25 and December 9,
2004, the Companys shareholders approved an executive
stock option plan for key senior executive officers. Initially,
937,412 of the Companys preferred shares have been
reserved for issuance under this plan. The Company issued to
executive officers stock options
F-16
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
to purchase up to 937,412 of its preferred shares at an exercise
price of R$3.04 per share. Fifty percent of the options
vested on October 25, 2004, with the remaining 50% vesting
at the end of each quarter ending subsequent to October 25,
2004, on a pro rata basis, through the second quarter of 2006.
Each option will expire two years after the vesting date. The
fair value of option at the date of the grant was R$24.50. Under
the plan, there were 507,765 exercisable shares at
December 31, 2004. In connection with the initial grant of
preferred stock options, the Company recorded deferred stock
compensation of R$20.1 million, representing the difference
between the exercise price of the options and the deemed fair
value of the preferred stock. The amount of the amortization
expense for the year ended December 31, 2004 was R$10,058.
At a shareholders meeting held on December 9, 2004, the
Companys shareholders approved a stock option plan for
employees. Under this plan the stock options granted to
employees cannot exceed 5% of total outstanding shares. The
exercise price of the stock options is determined based on the
average market quote of the last 60 trading days, the options
vest at a rate of 1/5 per year, and can be exercised up to
10 years after the grant date. At December 31, 2004,
no options had been issued under this plan.
|
|
12. |
Lease and other commitments |
The Company leases all aircraft, as well as airport terminal
space, other airport facilities, office space and other
equipment. At December 31, 2004, the Company leased 27
aircraft under operating leases (as compared to 22 aircraft at
December 31, 2003), with initial lease term expiration
dates ranging from 2006 to 2011.
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating
leases are denominated in US dollars. Such leases with
initial or remaining terms in excess of one year at
December 31, 2004 in thousands of US dollars were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ | |
|
US$ | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Aircraft | |
|
Other | |
|
Total | |
|
Aircraft | |
|
Other | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2005
|
|
|
188,998 |
|
|
|
11,756 |
|
|
|
200,754 |
|
|
|
71,202 |
|
|
|
4,429 |
|
|
|
75,631 |
|
2006
|
|
|
187,162 |
|
|
|
10,485 |
|
|
|
197,647 |
|
|
|
70,510 |
|
|
|
3,950 |
|
|
|
74,460 |
|
2007
|
|
|
174,614 |
|
|
|
9,213 |
|
|
|
183,827 |
|
|
|
65,783 |
|
|
|
3,471 |
|
|
|
69,254 |
|
2008
|
|
|
99,426 |
|
|
|
8,653 |
|
|
|
108,079 |
|
|
|
37,457 |
|
|
|
3,260 |
|
|
|
40,717 |
|
2009
|
|
|
57,330 |
|
|
|
5,171 |
|
|
|
62,501 |
|
|
|
21,598 |
|
|
|
1,948 |
|
|
|
23,546 |
|
After 2009
|
|
|
3,942 |
|
|
|
2,554 |
|
|
|
6,496 |
|
|
|
1,485 |
|
|
|
962 |
|
|
|
2,447 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total minimum Lease payments
|
|
|
711,472 |
|
|
|
47,832 |
|
|
|
759,304 |
|
|
|
268,035 |
|
|
|
18,020 |
|
|
|
286,055 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the second and third quarter of 2004, the Company entered
into two and three year operating lease agreements for Boeing
737-300 aircraft which will be used to meet Companys short
term capacity needs while the Company awaits delivery of its new
737-800 aircraft. The aircraft were delivered in July,
September, October and December 2004. The Company was not
required to make any aircraft leasing contract deposits for
these aircraft.
On May 17, 2004, the Company signed a contract with The
Boeing Company for the purchase of up to 43 737-800 Next
Generation aircraft, under which the Company currently has 17
firm orders and 28 options. The firm orders, with an approximate
value of R$2,997,000 based on the aircraft list price
(corresponding to approximately US$1,129 million), have
delivery dates between 2006 and 2010. The Company has made two
deposits in the amount of US$14.3 million (R$38,850)
related to the orders described above. The options are
exerciseable for deliveries between 2005 and 2010. The Company
makes payments for aircraft acquisition utilizing the procedures
from IPO, cash flow from operations, short-term credit lines and
supplier financing.
F-17
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
The future annual payments for the 43 aircraft, including both
firm orders and options, based on the aircraft list price, at
December 31, 2004, and calculated at the year-end exchange
rate, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation into | |
|
|
|
|
thousands of | |
|
|
|
|
US$2004 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
2005
|
|
|
83,598 |
|
|
|
31,494 |
|
2006
|
|
|
511,110 |
|
|
|
192,552 |
|
2007
|
|
|
2,609,857 |
|
|
|
983,219 |
|
2008
|
|
|
2,176,791 |
|
|
|
820,069 |
|
2009
|
|
|
1,625,788 |
|
|
|
612,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
7,007,144 |
|
|
|
2,639,822 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company plans to finance up to 85% of the value of purchased
aircraft with long-term financing guaranteed by the
U.S. Exim Bank.
The Company has a non-cancelable agreement for the use of the
Open Skies system for selling tickets. This agreement expires in
2014, and can be extended at the Companys option. The
total future payment under this agreement is dependent upon the
number of passengers transported and has a minimum annual
payment of R$332. In 2004, the amount paid related to the use of
the Open Skies was R$15,081, (R$11,011 in 2003).
During 2004, the Company purchased letters of credit to
guarantee certain US dollar lease payments. At December 31,
2004, approximately R$17,126 of the Companys accounts
receivable was collateral for outstanding letters of credit.
At December 31, 2004 the reserves for contingent losses are
summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation into | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
thousands of | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
US$2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Labor claims
|
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
Civil claims
|
|
|
665 |
|
|
|
1,281 |
|
|
|
483 |
|
Fiscal claims
|
|
|
7,700 |
|
|
|
8,781 |
|
|
|
3,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,570 |
|
|
|
10,351 |
|
|
|
3,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are certain judicial proceedings against the Company
pending judgment for unpaid ICMS on aircraft imports via leasing
operations. Based on the opinion of its legal advisors that an
unfavorable outcome on such proceedings is not probable, the
Company has not established a reserve for this matter.
The Company is party to legal proceedings and claims that arise
during the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of
these lawsuits and proceedings cannot be predicted with
certainty and could have a material adverse effect on the
Companys financial position, results of operations and
cash flows, it is the Companys opinion, after consulting
with its outside counsel, that the ultimate disposition on such
suits will not have a material adverse effect on its financial
position, results of operation or cash flows. The fiscal claims
reserve for contingent losses represents the total exposure of
loss, including interests and penalties.
F-18
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
|
|
14. |
Financial instruments and concentration of risk |
At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Companys primary
monetary assets were cash equivalents, short-term investments
and assets related to aircraft leasing operations. The
Companys primary monetary liabilities were related to
aircraft leasing operations. All monetary assets other than
those related to aircraft leasing operations included in the
balance sheet are stated at amounts that approximate their fair
values.
Financial instruments that expose the Company to credit risk
involve mainly cash equivalents, short-term investments and
accounts receivable. Credit risk on accounts receivable relates
to amounts receivable from the major international credit card
companies. These receivables are short-term and the majority of
them settle within 30 days.
The Companys revenue is generated in Brazilian reais (and
a small portion in Argentine pesos from flights between
Argentina and Brazil), however its liabilities, particularly
those related to aircraft leasing, are US dollar-denominated.
The Companys currency exchange exposure at
December 31, 2004 is as set forth below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation into | |
|
|
|
|
thousands of | |
|
|
R$ | |
|
US$2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(450 |
) |
|
|
(170 |
) |
|
Guarantee deposits on aircraft leasing contracts
|
|
|
(33,559 |
) |
|
|
(12,643 |
) |
|
Prepaid expenses of leasing
|
|
|
(9,885 |
) |
|
|
(3,724 |
) |
|
Advances to suppliers
|
|
|
(5,984 |
) |
|
|
(2,254 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total obligation in U.S. dollars
|
|
|
(49,878 |
) |
|
|
(18,791 |
) |
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign suppliers
|
|
|
8,218 |
|
|
|
3,096 |
|
|
Leasing payable
|
|
|
14,044 |
|
|
|
5,291 |
|
|
Hedge transactions
|
|
|
2,600 |
|
|
|
980 |
|
|
Insurance premium payable
|
|
|
24,060 |
|
|
|
9,064 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,922 |
|
|
|
18,431 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange exposure
|
|
|
(956 |
) |
|
|
(360 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-balance sheet transactions exposure
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operational leasing contracts
|
|
|
759,304 |
|
|
|
286,055 |
|
|
Aircraft commitments
|
|
|
2,997,000 |
|
|
|
1,129,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total exchange exposure
|
|
|
3,755,348 |
|
|
|
1,414,695 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange exposure related to amounts payable arising from these
leasing operations is managed together with commercial hedging
strategies. At December 31, 2004 and 2003 there were no
outstanding hedging contracts.
The Company is exposed to the effect of changes in the price and
availability of aircraft fuel. To manage these risks, the
Company enters into crude oil option and swap agreements. Prices
for crude oil are highly correlated to jet fuel, making crude
oil derivatives effective at offsetting jet fuel prices to
provide some short-term protection against a sharp increase in
average fuel price. These derivatives do not qualify as hedges
for
F-19
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
financial reporting purposes and changes in fair value of such
derivative contracts was R$1,466 during 2004, which was recorded
as financial income.
At December 31, 2004, the Company had derivative contracts
to buy up to 120,000 barrels of crude oil in the nominal
amount of US$5.1 million and fair value of
US$5.2 million with a one-month term.
The Companys acquisition of fuel and oil is made
substantially from one supplier which represents approximately
95% of total fuel and oil expenses.
a) Deferred income taxes
The Deferred income taxes computation is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation into | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
thousands of | |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
US$2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax benefit contributed by shareholders
|
|
R$ |
|
|
|
R$ |
|
|
|
R$ |
25,296 |
|
|
US$ |
9,530 |
|
|
Contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,913 |
|
|
|
3,519 |
|
|
|
1,326 |
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,943 |
|
|
|
1,109 |
|
|
Accounting principles BR GAAP/ US GAAP differences, net
|
|
|
9,790 |
|
|
|
3,060 |
|
|
|
11,589 |
|
|
|
4,366 |
|
|
Temporarily differences
|
|
|
700 |
|
|
|
1,753 |
|
|
|
244 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets
|
|
|
10,490 |
|
|
|
7,726 |
|
|
|
43,591 |
|
|
|
16,423 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
(194 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,093 |
) |
|
|
(412 |
) |
|
Provision for maintenance
|
|
|
(212 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance deposits
|
|
|
(26,330 |
) |
|
|
(51,902 |
) |
|
|
(86,991 |
) |
|
|
(32,773 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(26,736 |
) |
|
|
(51,902 |
) |
|
|
(88,084 |
) |
|
|
(33,185 |
) |
Current deferred taxes assets
|
|
|
9,790 |
|
|
|
3,060 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax liabilities
|
|
R$ |
(26,036 |
) |
|
R$ |
(47,236 |
) |
|
R$ |
(44,493 |
) |
|
US$ |
(16,762 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
b) Income statement
The following current and deferred income taxes amounts were
recorded in the statement of operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation into | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
thousands of | |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
US$2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Current
|
|
R$ |
1,396 |
|
|
R$ |
60,747 |
|
|
R$ |
165,710 |
|
|
US$ |
62,428 |
|
Deferred expense
|
|
|
16,246 |
|
|
|
27,929 |
|
|
|
36,860 |
|
|
|
13,886 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R$ |
17,642 |
|
|
R$ |
88,676 |
|
|
R$ |
202,570 |
|
|
US$ |
76,314 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes in Brazil include federal income tax and social
contribution. The composite and effective tax rates were 34% for
each of 2002, 2003 and 2004. During the year ended
December 31, 2002, the Company incurred net losses, so no
income taxes were payable. Such losses were utilized in 2003 and
2004.
F-20
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
The reconciliation of the reported income tax and social
contribution and the amount determined by applying the composite
fiscal rate at December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, is as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation into | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
thousands of | |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
US$2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Income before income taxes
|
|
R$ |
52,999 |
|
|
R$ |
264,135 |
|
|
R$ |
587,280 |
|
|
US$ |
221,247 |
|
Nominal composite rate
|
|
|
34 |
% |
|
|
34 |
% |
|
|
34 |
% |
|
|
34 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax by the nominal rate
|
|
|
18,020 |
|
|
|
89,806 |
|
|
|
199,675 |
|
|
|
75,224 |
|
Stock option compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,420 |
|
|
|
1,288 |
|
Other
|
|
|
(378 |
) |
|
|
(1,130 |
) |
|
|
(525 |
) |
|
|
(198 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes expense
|
|
R$ |
17,642 |
|
|
R$ |
88,676 |
|
|
R$ |
202,570 |
|
|
US$ |
76,314 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In connection with the Companys March 29, 2004
reorganization, the Extraordinary General Meeting of the
Companys shareholders approved the merger of BSSF II
Holdings Ltda. into GOL. The preferred shares previously owned
by BSSF II Holdings Ltda. were cancelled and reissued to
BSSF Air Holdings Ltd. With this merger, the Company acquired
the right to amortize for Brazilian local statutory and tax
purposes a goodwill premium of approximately R$86 million
generated from BSSF II Holdings Ltd. acquisition of its
ownership in GOL. The amortization of this premium for local
statutory and tax purposes will result in a future tax benefit
for the Company over an estimated period of up to
five years. The R$29.2 million tax benefit of the
goodwill premium has been recorded as a deferred tax asset with
a corresponding increase to additional paid in capital. As the
Company realizes the tax benefit of the goodwill premium in
accordance with the Brazilian Corporation Law, the Company will
issue shares (pro rata both common and preferred) up to the
amount of the tax benefit realized each year. At the time of the
issuance of shares, the additional paid in capital is
transferred to capital.
Income tax returns are subject to review by the income tax
authorities over a period of five years from the calendar year
in which the returns are filed pursuant to applicable
legislation and may subject the Company to assessments.
The Companys preferred shares are not entitled to receive
any fixed dividends. Rather, the preferred shareholders are
entitled to receive dividends per share in the same amount of
the dividends per share paid to holders of the common shares.
However, our preferred shares are entitled to the receive
distributions prior to holders of the common shares.
Consequently, basic earnings per share are computed by dividing
income by the weighted average number of all classes of shares
outstanding during the year. Preferred shares are excluded
during any loss period. The diluted preferred shares are
computed including the executive employee stock options
calculated using the treasury-stock method as they were granted
at an exercise price less that the market price of the shares.
F-21
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Numerator
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income applicable to common and preferred shareholders for
basic and diluted earnings per share
|
|
R$ |
35,357 |
|
|
R$ |
175,459 |
|
|
R$ |
384,710 |
|
Denominator
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
|
|
|
98,267,867 |
|
|
|
164,410,236 |
|
|
|
179,730,743 |
|
Effective of dilutive securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive stock options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
826,268 |
|
|
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed
conversions for diluted earnings per shares
|
|
|
98,267,867 |
|
|
|
164,410,236 |
|
|
|
180,557,011 |
|
In January 2005, the Company signed new operating leases for two
Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft and two Boeing 737-300
aircraft that are expected to be delivered during the first and
second quarters of 2005.
On January 19, 2005, the Compensation Committee, as
established in the Companys Stock Option Plan, approved
the issuance of 75,854 stock options to employees to purchase
Companys preferred shares at an exercise price of
R$33.06 per share.
On January 27 and February 22, 2005, the Company announced
it had signed a contract with Boeing to exercise nine more
purchase options for 737-800 Next Generation aircraft. With
these new agreements, the Company increased the number of firm
orders to a total of 26 aircraft, which will be delivered
between 2006 and 2010.
On February 3, 2004, the Company increased the size of its
737-800 Next Generation aircraft order with Boeing by 20
purchase options. With the new options, the Company has
increased the maximum size of its order to 63 aircraft. The
new optioned aircraft would be available for delivery between
2006 and 2010.
|
|
18. |
Quarterly financial data (Unaudited) |
Quarterly results of operations for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003, are summarized below (in
thousands, except per share amounts).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First | |
|
Second | |
|
Third | |
|
Fourth | |
2004 |
|
Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net operating revenues
|
|
$ |
433,092 |
|
|
$ |
385,526 |
|
|
$ |
517,233 |
|
|
$ |
625,034 |
|
Operating income
|
|
$ |
135,615 |
|
|
$ |
92,775 |
|
|
$ |
162,023 |
|
|
$ |
185,889 |
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
90,656 |
|
|
$ |
73,229 |
|
|
$ |
96,900 |
|
|
$ |
123,925 |
|
Earnings per share, basic
|
|
|
0.54 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
0.52 |
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
Earnings per share, diluted
|
|
|
0.54 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
F-22
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First | |
|
Second | |
|
Third | |
|
Fourth | |
2003 |
|
Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net operating revenues
|
|
$ |
260,639 |
|
|
$ |
381,877 |
|
|
$ |
402,950 |
|
|
$ |
418,124 |
|
Operating income
|
|
$ |
8,814 |
|
|
$ |
72,792 |
|
|
$ |
149,875 |
|
|
$ |
110,245 |
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
(7,885 |
) |
|
$ |
22,507 |
|
|
$ |
96,735 |
|
|
$ |
64,102 |
|
Earnings per share, basic
|
|
|
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
0.57 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
|
Earnings per share, diluted
|
|
|
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
0.57 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
|
The sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not
equal the annual amount reported because per share amounts are
computed independently for each quarter and for the full year
based on respective weighted-average common shares outstanding
and other dilutive potential common shares.
F-23
[Inside Back Cover Art: Graphic (center): Photo collage
including pictures of Gol aircraft, personnel, and facilities]