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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 6-K
 
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the month of September, 2003

Commission File Number 1-15106
 

 
PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRAS
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

Brazilian Petroleum Corporation - PETROBRAS
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
 

Avenida República do Chile, 65
20035-900 - Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Federative Republic of Brazil
(Address of principal executive office)
 

 

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

Form 20-F ___X___ Form 40-F _______

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

Yes _______ No___X____


 



PETROBRAS ANNOUNCES FIRST HALF OF 2003 RESULTS
(Rio de Janeiro - September 10, 2003) - PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. -
PETROBRAS today announced its consolidated results stated in U.S. Dollars, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.



Our consolidated balance sheet for the first half of 2003 includes the balance sheets of Petrobras Energia Participaciones S.A. - PEPSA (formerly known as Pérez Companc S.A. (PECOM)) and of Petrolera Entre Lomas - PELSA (formerly known as Petrolera Pérez Companc S.A.) as of May 13, 2003, the date on which Argentina’s antitrust regulatory agency, the Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia (the National Agency for Defense of Competition, or CNDC) approved our acquisition of 58.62% of the shares of PEPSA and 39.67% of the shares of PELSA. Because we consolidated the financial statements of PEPSA and PELSA as of a date approximately one month before the close of our balance sheet date, the consolidation of PEPSA and PELSA did not have an effect on our statements of income. Therefore, our consolidated statements of income for the first half of 2003 do not include income statement information for PEPSA or PELSA. Our statements of income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 will include such information as of May 13, 2003.

COMMENTS FROM THE CEO, MR. JOSÉ EDUARDO DE BARROS DUTRA

In the first half of 2003, we effectively adapted our pricing policy in response to volatility in the prices of crude oil and oil products in the international markets.

The financial results for the first half of 2003 include a U.S.$ 226 million provision for losses related to our investments in thermoelectric power plants and a lower of cost or market adjustment in the amount of U.S.$ 114 million with respect to gas turbo-generators (turbines), which we originally expected to use in connection with our thermoelectric projects but which we no longer intend to use for such projects .

The increase in our average crude oil and natural gas production during the first half of 2003 to 2,146 thousand barrels per day represented an important operational achievement. In addition, we made important discoveries which we expect will have a positive impact on the quantity of our crude oil and natural gas reserves.

Our capital expenditures of U.S.$ 2,532 million in the first half of 2003 represented a 6.4% increase over capital expenditures of U.S.$ 2,379 million in the first half of 2002. Most of these expenditures were directed toward increasing our crude oil and natural gas production capacity. In line with our strategic objectives, we continued increasing the share of crude oil produced in Brazil and refined by us.

Our return to the international capital markets during the first half of 2003 represented a milestone in our financing objectives. During the first half of 2003, we raised U.S.$ 2.3 billion in corporate financings, and contracted an additional U.S.$ 1 billion through project finance arrangements. With the level of financing secured during the period, we have fulfilled the goals established in our investment program. Our successful financing program indicates not only consistent improvement in our ability to access capital markets, but also reinforces the confidence investors have shown in us and our ability to achieve positive financial results. It also reflects a significant improvement in the international perception of “Brazilian risk” and the success of the country’s current economic policies.

I would also like to highlight our notable achievements with regard to social responsibility, health, safety and the environment. We continue to reduce the number of fatalities, oil spills and other accidents resulting from our operations.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my belief in our ability to overcome the challenges we face. We will continue to contribute to the communities in which we operate, bringing progress and economic growth, respecting the environment and fulfilling our social obligations, without losing our focus on profitability and generation of shareholder value.

Financial Data

Financial Highlights

  U.S. $ million
(except earnings per share or unless otherwise noted)

  For the first half of
1Q-2003 2Q-2003 2Q-2002 Income statement data 2003 2002
9,578 10,408 8,829 Sales of products and services 19,986 16,305
7,043 7,387 6,014 Net operating revenues 14,430 10,743
156 160 (509) Financial income (expense), net 316 (389)
2,309 1,459 873 Net income 3,768 1,486
      Basic and diluted earnings per common and
preferred share
   
1.47 1.33 0.80 Before effect of change in accounting principle 2.80 1.37
2.11 1.33 0.80 After effect of change in accounting principle 3.44 1.37
      Other data    
56.1 47.5 50.4 Gross margin (%) (1) 51.7 49.2
32.8 19.8 14.5 Net margin (%) (2) 26.1 13.8
48 46 45 Net debt/(Net debt + Stockholders’ equity) (%)(3) 46 45
69 66 67 Debt to equity ratio (%)(4) 66 67

(1)

Gross margin is calculated as net operating revenues less cost of sales divided by net operating revenues.

(2)

Net margin is calculated as net income divided by net operating revenues.

(3)

Net debt includes short-term debt, long-term debt, capital lease obligations and project financings, less cash and cash equivalents and Junior Notes in the amount of U.S.$ 289 million.

(4)

Debt to equity ratio is calculated as current liabilities plus long-term liabilities divided by the sum of total liabilities and total stockholders’ equity.

U.S. $ million
Balance sheet data 06.30.2003 12.31.2002 % 06.30.2002
Total assets 45,727 32,018 42.8 33,186
Total debt (1) 18,911 14,680 28.8 13,447
     Current 3,238 1,986 63.0 2,032
     Long-term 15,673 12,694 23.5 11,415
Net debt(2) 13,023 11,229 16.0 8,991
Stockholders’ equity (3) 15,346 9,301 65.0 11,104
Total capitalization (3) (4) 34,257 23,981 42.9 24,551

(1)

Total debt includes short-term debt, long-term debt, capital lease obligations and project financings.

(2)

Net debt includes short-term debt, long-term debt, capital lease obligations and project financings, less cash and cash equivalents and Junior Notes in the amount of U.S.$ 289 million.

(3)

Stockholders’ equity includes unrecognized losses in the amount of U.S.$ 1,674 million as of June 30 of 2003, U.S.$ 1,361 million as of December 31, 2002 and U.S.$ 1,523 million as of June 30, 2002, in each case related to an “Amount not recognized as net periodic pension cost”.

(4)

Total capitalization means stockholders’ equity plus total debt

Our net debt totaled U.S. $13,023 million at June 30, 2003, a 16.0% increase from net debt of U.S. $ 11,229 million at December 31, 2002, primarily due to the inclusion of PEPSA’s net debt of U.S.$ 1,866 million in our net debt totals and our issuance of U.S. $750 million in debt in the international capital markets during the first half of 2003.

Our short-term debt increased by 63.0% from U.S.$ 1,986 million at December 31, 2002 to U.S.$ 3,238 million at June 30, 2003, primarily as a result of the inclusion of U.S. $ 481 million of PEPSA’s short term as part of our short term debt totals.

OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

  For the first half of
1Q-2003 2Q-2003 2Q-2002   2003  2002 
      Average daily crude and gas production    
1,613 1,775 1,564 Crude oil and NGLs (Mbpd) (1) 1,695 1,545
1,573 1,512 1,531 Brazil 1,543 1,510
40 263 33 International 152 35
1,698 2,226 1,686 Natural gas (Mmcfpd) (2) 1,962 1,686
1,494 1,452 1,560 Brazil 1,470 1,566
204 774 126 International 492 120
      Crude oil and NGL average sales price (U.S. dollars per bbl)    
29.68 25.21 23.19 Brazil 27.56 20.42
31.07 23.39 23.81 International 27.82 20.54
      Natural gas average sales price (U.S. dollars per Mcf)    
1.57 1.81 1.31 Brazil 1.69 1.38
1.72 1.03 1.37 International 1.67 1.33
      Lifting costs (U.S. dollars per boe)    
      Crude oil and natural gas - Brazil    
8.45 8.17 6.97 Including government take (3) 8.31 6.85
2.85 3.45 2.92 Excluding government take (3) 3.15 3.17
1.97 1.90 2.22 Crude oil and natural gas - International 1.93 1.99
      Refining costs (U.S. dollars per boe)    
0.98 1.11 1.03 Brazil 1.04 1.00
1.07 1.10 0.96 International 1.08 0.99
      Refining and marketing operations (Mbpd)    
2,047 2,085 2,022 Primary Processed Installed Capacity 2,085 2,022
      Brazil    
1,956 1,956 1,931 Installed capacity 1,956 1,931
1,623 1,605 1,624 Primary throughput 1,614 1,643
83% 82% 82% Utilization 83% 84%
      International    
91 129 91 Installed capacity 129 91
70 115 34 Primary throughput 88 47
70% 89% 79% Utilization 68% 68%
      Domestic crude oil as % of total feedstock    
80 82 77 Processed 81 79
      Imports (Mbpd)    
321 269 360 Crude oil imports 295 321
111 127 161 Oil product imports 119 148
72 95 50 Import of gas, alcohol and others 84 65
225 203 287 Crude oil exports 214 224
226
231
269
Oil product exports 228
205
53 57 15 Net imports 56 105

(1)

Includes production from shale oil reserves.

(2)

Does not include natural gas liquified. Includes reinjected gas.

(3)

Government take includes royalties, special government participation and rental of areas.

ANALYSIS OF OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

Exploration and Production

Domestic crude oil and natural gas production increased 2.2% to 1.543 thousand barrels per day for the first half of 2003 as compared to 1.510 thousand barrels per day for the first half of 2002, largely due to the start-up of six wells in the Marlim field, two wells in the Espadarte (ESPF) field and installation of the production system in the Marlim Sul field, which currently has ten producing wells. The start-up of FPSO Brazil in the Roncador field in December 2002, and the start-up of production in the Jubarte field in October 2002 and the Coral field in February 2003, also contributed to increased production in the first half of 2003.

In the first half of 2003, international crude oil and natural gas production increased 334.3% to 152 million cubic feet per day for the first half of 2003 as compared to 35 million cubic feet per day for the first half of 2002, principally due to the inclusion of production from Petrolera Santa Fe, PELSA and PEPSA in Argentina into our production results, and increased production in Bolivia resulting from increased demand for natural gas in that country during the period. Part of this increase was offset by the expected reduction in mature fields in Angola, Colombia and the United States.

Lifting Costs

Our lifting costs in Brazil, excluding government take decreased 0.63% in the first half of 2003 to US$ 3.15 per barrel of oil equivalent from US$ 3.17 per barrel of oil equivalent for the first half of 2002. This decrease mainly reflected the translation effect of costs incurred in local currency into U.S. dollars, as a result of the devaluation of the Real against the U.S. dollar and the decreased usage of contracted drilling rigs for exploration and drainage of crude oil in the Marlim, Albacora, Enchova, Linguado and Pampo fields.

Our lifting costs in Brazil, including government take, increased 21.3% to US$ 8.31 per barrel of oil equivalent for the first half of 2003 from US$ 6.85 per barrel of oil equivalent for the first half of 2002, due to the new special participation charge assessed to the greater volume of production from the Marlim Sul field. The increase was also a result of the inclusion of the Canto do Amaro and Roncador field in the list of fields subject to the special participation tax and to the increase in domestic reference prices for domestic crude oil.

Our international lifting costs decreased 3.0% to US$ 1.93 per barrel of oil equivalent for the first half of 2003, as compared to US$ 1.99 per barrel of oil equivalent for the first half of 2002. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in maintenance expenses at the Arauca field, and to lower consumption of natural gas and diesel oil at the Upia field, both in Colombia.

Refining costs

Domestic unit refining costs in the first half of 2003 increased 4.0% to US$ 1.04 per barrel of oil equivalent for the first half of 2003 as compared to US$ 1.00 per barrel of oil equivalent for the first half of 2002, mainly reflecting the translation effect of costs incurred in Reais into U.S. dollars resulting from the devaluation of the Real against the U.S. dollar.

In the first half of 2003, our international unit refining costs increased 9.1% to US$ 1.08 per barrel of oil equivalent for the first half of 2003, as compared to US$ 0.99 per barrel of oil equivalent for the first half of 2002, due to an increase in maintenance expenses and unscheduled stoppages expenses, as a consequence of a change in accounting principles adopted in November 2002 by our international subsidiaries to conform to accounting principles adopted by us for treatment of turnaround costs.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2003 COMPARED TO THE FIRST HALF OF 2002

The comparison between our results of operations for the first half of 2003, as compared to the first half of 2002, has been significantly impacted by the fact that the average Real/U.S. dollar exchange rate in the first half of 2003 was 32.5% higher than the average Real/U.S. dollar exchange rate in the first half of 2002. For ease we refer to this change in average exchange rate as the “32.5% decrease in the value of the Real against the U.S. dollar in the first half of 2003, as compared to the first half of 2002.”

Because we consolidated the financial statements of PEPSA and PELSA as of a date approximately one month before the close of our balance sheet date, the consolidation of PEPSA and PELSA did not have an effect on our statements of income. Therefore, our consolidated statements of income for the first half of 2003 do not include income statement information for PEPSA or PELSA

Revenues

Net operating revenues increased 34.3% to U.S.$ 14,430 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to net operating revenues of U.S.$ 10,743 million for the first half of 2002. This increase was primarily attributable to the increase in the price of certain oil products in the international markets (the average price of Brent crude oil, an international benchmark oil, increased 24.6% from U.S. $23.09 during the first half of 2002 to U.S. $ 28.77 during the first half of 2003), which increase was partially passed through to Brazilian consumers. The increase in net operating revenues was also attributable, to a lesser extent, to a 5.3% increase in sales volume outside Brazil, which includes both international sales and exports. These increases were partially offset by a 5.4% decrease in sales volume in the domestic market, primarily due to a decrease in Brazilian consumer demand. Consolidated sales of products and services increased 22.6% to U.S.$ 19,986 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to U.S.$ 16,305 million for the first half of 2002, primarily as a result of the increase in the price of certain oil products in the international markets.

Included in sales of products and services are the following amounts which we collected on behalf of the Brazilian federal or state governments:

Cost of sales

Cost of sales for the first half of 2003 increased 27.8% to U.S.$ 6,972 million, as compared to U.S.$ 5,456 million for the first half of 2002. This increase was principally a result of:

These increases were partially offset by:

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

We calculate depreciation, depletion and amortization relating to exploration and production assets on the basis of the units of production method. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses decreased 9.9% to U.S.$ 758 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to U.S.$ 841 million for the first half of 2002. This decrease was primarily attributable to the 32.5% decrease in the value of the Real against the U.S. dollar in the first half of 2003, as compared to the first half of 2002, and was partially offset by the effect of the 2.2% increase in production of crude oil and NGL.

Exploration, including exploratory dry holes

Exploration costs, including exploratory dry holes decreased 3.8% to U.S. $ 201 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to U.S.$ 209 million for the first half of 2002. This decrease was primarily attributable to the effect of the 32.5% decrease in the value of the Real against the U.S. dollar in the first half of 2003, as compared to the first half of 2002. The decrease in exploration costs, including exploratory dry holes, was partially offset by an increase of approximately U.S.$ 19 million in geological and geophysical expenses and U.S.$ 17 million of abandonment costs which had been recorded under depreciation, depletion and amortization in 2002.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 4.1% to U.S.$ 904 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to U.S.$ 943 million for the first half of 2002.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses increased 28.2% to U.S.$ 91 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to U.S.$ 71 million for the first half of 2002. This increase was primarily related to our additional investments in programs for environmental safety and deepwater and refining technologies of approximately U.S.$ 37 million, and was partially offset by the effect of the 32.5% decrease in the value of the Real against the U.S. dollar in the first half of 2003, as compared to the first half of 2002.

Equity in results of non-consolidated companies

Equity in results of non-consolidated companies increased to a gain of U.S.$ 102 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to a loss of U.S.$ 42 million for the first half of 2002. This increase was mainly attributable to a gain of U.S.$ 38 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to a loss of U.S.$ 42 million for the first half of 2002, related to the financial results of our equity investments in Compañia Mega, an Argentine company that is engaged in natural gas activities, and which was adversely affected by the devaluation of the Argentine Peso against the U.S. dollar in the first half of 2002. The increase in equity in results of non-consolidated companies was also attributable to a gain of U.S.$ 44 million during the first half of 2003 from our investments in natural gas distribution and petrochemical companies.

Financial income

We derive financial income from several sources, including:

Financial income decreased 68.4% to U.S.$ 213 million for the first half of 2003 as compared to U.S.$ 674 million for the first half of 2002. This decrease was primarily attributable to:

Financial expense

Financial expense increased 24.4% to U.S.$ 556 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to U.S.$ 447 million for the first half of 2002.This increase was primarily attributable to the increase in our debt.

Monetary and exchange variation on monetary assets and liabilities, net

Monetary and exchange variation on monetary assets and liabilities, net generated a gain of U.S.$ 659 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to a loss of U.S.$ 616 million for the first half of 2002. Approximately 89% of our indebtedness was denominated in foreign currencies during each of the first half of 2003 and the first half of 2002. The increase in monetary and exchange variation on monetary assets and liabilities, net was primarily attributable to the effect of a 23.0% appreciation of the Real against the U.S. dollar during the first half of 2003, as compared to an 18.4% devaluation of the Real against the U.S. dollar during the first half of 2002.

Employee benefit expense

Employee benefit expense consists of financial costs relating to pension and other post-retirement benefits. Our employee benefit expense remained constant at U.S.$ 262 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to the first half of 2002. The increase in the provision of U.S.$ 64 million resulting from the annual actuarial calculation of the pension plan liability, was offset by the effect of the 32.5% decrease in the value of the Real against the U.S. dollar in the first half of 2003, as compared to the first half of 2002.

Other taxes

Other taxes, consisting of miscellaneous value-added, transaction and sales taxes, decreased 18.0% to U.S.$ 146 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to U.S.$ 178 million for the first half of 2002. This decrease was primarily attributable to the 32.5% decrease in the value of the Real against the U.S. dollar in the first half of 2003, as compared to the first half of 2002, and was partially offset by an increase of U.S.$ 31 million in the CPMF, a tax payable in connection with certain financial transactions.

Other expenses, net

Other expenses, net are primarily composed of gains and losses recorded on sales of fixed assets, general advertising and marketing expenses and certain other non-recurring charges. Other expenses, net for the first half of 2003 increased to U.S.$ 580 million, as compared to an expense of U.S.$ 37 million for the first half of 2002. The most significant charges for the first half of 2003 were:

The most significant nonrecurring charge for the first half of 2002 was an expense of U.S.$ 49 million for contractual contingencies relating to thermoelectric power plants.

Income tax (expense) benefit

Income before income taxes, minority interest and accounting changes increased 112.0% from U.S.$ 2,315 million for the first half of 2002, to U.S.$ 4,907 million for the first half of 2003. As a result, we recorded an income tax expense of U.S.$ 1,644 million for the first half of 2003, a 78.1% increase from an expense of U.S.$ 923 million for the first half of 2002.

The reconciliation between the tax calculated based upon statutory tax rates to income tax expense and effective rates is shown in Note 5 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2003.

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

In the first quarter of 2003, we generated a gain of U.S.$697 million (net of U.S.$359 million of taxes) resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 143 - Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. The adjustment was due to the difference in the method of accruing site restoration costs under SFAS 143, as compared with the method required by SFAS 19 - Financial Accounting and Reporting by Oil and Gas Producing Companies. Under SFAS 19, we had accrued upstream site restoration costs ratably over the productive lives of the assets. Under SFAS 143, we record the fair value of asset retirement obligations as liabilities on a discounted basis when they are incurred, which is typically at the time the related assets are installed. The income adjustment described above resulted from reversing the higher liability accumulated under SFAS 19 in order to adjust it to a lower present value amount resulting from transition to SFAS 143. This amount being reversed in transaction, which was previously charged to operating earnings under SFAS 19, will again be charged to earnings under SFAS 143 in future years. Please see Note 3 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2003.

THE PETROLEUM AND ALCOHOL ACCOUNT

The Petroleum and Alcohol Account - Receivable from the Federal Government has been used to accumulate the impact on us of the federal government's regulatory policies for the Brazilian oil and gas industry.

According to legislation applicable to the Petroleum and Alcohol Account until December 31, 2001, we had the right to offset amounts owed to the federal government relating to the regulatory policies of the Brazilian oil and gas industry against the receivable that increased and decreased the Petroleum and Alcohol Account.

On June 30, 1998, the federal government issued National Treasury Bonds - Series H in our name, which were placed with a federal depositary to support the balance of this account. On June 27, 2003, the National Treasury Department Secretary issued Administrative Instruction 348, authorizing the cancellation of 138,791 NTN-H, expired on June 30, 2003 and held in guarantee of payment of an eventual negative balance in the Petroleum and Alcohol Account and the issue of new 138,791 NTN-H, with the same characteristics but expiring on June 30, 2004. The value of the outstanding bonds at June 30, 2003 was US$ 59 million.

The federal government certified the balance of the Petroleum and Alcohol Account as of June 30, 1998. The changes in the Petroleum and Alcohol Account in the period from July 1, 1998 to December 20, 2002 are subject to audits by the National Petroleum Agency - ANP, and the results of the audit will be the basis for the settlement of the account with the federal government. The settlement of accounts with the federal government, should have been completed by December 31, 2002, according to the provisions of Law No. 10453 of May 13, 2002, amended by Decree No. 4491 of November 29, 2002. On June 26, 2003, Provisional Measure 123, Article 11, extended the term of settlement of accounts involving reciprocal debts and credits between us and the federal government to June 30, 2004, and in so doing, automatically extended the term for certification of the outstanding balance in the Petroleum and Alcohol Account.

As a result of the deregulation of the Brazilian oil and gas market and applicable legislation, effective January 2, 2002, the Petroleum and Alcohol Account is no longer to be used to reimburse expenses related to the supply of oil products and alcohol to us and third parties.

The balance of the Petroleum and Alcohol Account at June 30, 2003 represents a credit to us against the federal government in the amount of U.S.$ 236 million, an increase of 29.7% or U.S.$ 54 million when compared with the balance at December 31, 2002.

The following summarizes the changes in the Petroleum and Alcohol Account for the first half of 2003:

  U.S. $ million
  June 30, 2003 
Beginning balance 182
Reimbursements to third parties 5
Translation Loss 49
Ending balance 236

TAX ASSESSMENT - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE OF RIO DE JANEIRO

The Internal Revenue Service of Rio de Janeiro based on Law No. 9,537/97, Article 2, considers that drilling and production platforms cannot be classified as sea-going vessels and therefore should not be chartered but leased. Based on this interpretation, overseas remittances for servicing chartering agreements would be subject to withholding tax at the rate of 15% or 25%.

The Internal Revenue Service filed two tax assessments against us in connection with withholding tax on foreign remittances (IRRF) of payments related to charter of vessels of movable platform types for the years 1998 and 1999 through 2002.

On June 27, 2003, the Internal Revenue Service served a tax assessment notice on us amounting to R$ 3,064 million (U.S $1,065 million) and covering the period from 1999 to 2002. Using the same arguments, on February 17, 2003, another tax assessment notice had already been issued for R$ 93 million (U.S. $ 32 million) with respect to 1998, against which, on March 20, 2003, we filed an appeal.

We disagree with the Internal Revenue Service’s interpretation as to charter contracts, given that the Federal Supreme Court has already ruled that, in the context of its judgment with respect to the IPI (Federal VAT) tax, offshore platforms are to be classified as sea-going vessels. Additionally, the 1994 and 1999 Income Tax Regulations support the “non-taxation” (RIR/1994) and the “zero tax rate” (RIR/1999) for the remittances in question.

On July 28, 2003, we appealed the June 27 tax assessment, and have yet to receive a response from the Internal Revenue Service.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In light of decreased demand and lower prices for electricity, in July 2003, we suspended our equity participation in the Termogaucha, Termoparaiba, Termoalagoas and Termosergipe thermoelectric power projects. The projects were expected to increase thermoelectric capacity by a combined 850 megawatts.

Over the last 12 months we have discovered approximately 4 billion barrels of crude oil and 419 billion cubic meters of natural gas (2.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent) in Brazil, representing a potentially recoverable total of 6.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent. The following information updates the results of ongoing evaluations in these fields which we had previously made public. Unless otherwise noted, it remains uncertain wheter the quantities discovered will ultimately prove to be commercially recoverable.

We discovered:

ACQUISITION OF AN INTEREST IN PETROBRAS ENERGIA PARTICIPACIONES S.A.- PEPSA (FORMERLY KNOWN AS PEREZ COMPANC S.A.) AND PETROLERA ENTRE LOMAS S.A.(FORMERLY KNOWN AS PETROLERA PEREZ COMPANC S.A.)

On October 17, 2002, we signed the Final Share Acquisition Agreement with the Perez Companc family and the Fundación Perez Companc, completing the acquisition of a controlling interest of Perez Companc S.A. ( currently known as Petrobras Energia Participaciones S.A - PEPSA) , and Petrolera Perez Companc S.A. ( currently known as Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A.). In October 2002, in accordance with Argentine legislation, the necessary documentation was submitted to the national antitrust agency (CNDC - Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia) in order to obtain approval for the transaction.

On May 13, 2003, the Argentine Antitrust Committee (Comissión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia), an agency reporting to the Argentine Secretariat of Competition, Deregulation and Consumer Protection (Secretaría de la Competencia, la Deregulación y la Defensa del Consumidor), approved the purchase of 58.62% of the capital stock of PEPSA and 39.67% of the capital stock of Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A capital stock by PETROBRAS Participações S.L., a company controlled by us. As a result of the purchase of a 39.67% interest in the capital stock of Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A, together with the pick-up of 58.62% of PEPSA’s interest in the capital stock of Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A, we have a controlling interest in PEL equal to 50.73% and thus has consolidated the entity.

The acquisition was consummated principally to expand our operations into geographical markets where we had little activity. By acquisition of PEPSA and Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A., we were able to gain immediate access to the Argentine market and brand recognition. The goodwill of US$178 generated by the transaction is attributed principally to downstream activities.

The purchase price to be paid for market value of PEPSA and Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A was based on an economic valuation model of expected future earnings of those companies, by means of an economic valuation that considered relevant factors including the potential effects of the economic situation of Argentina. We paid US$689 in cash and US$338 in bonds to the Perez-Companc family for the shares acquired of PEPSA and Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A.

The financial statements of PEPSA and Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A. were recorded using the purchase method of accounting and the financial statements of PEPSA and Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A. were included in the consolidated PETROBRAS financial statements, beginning since May 13, 2003. The purchase price for the of PEPSA and Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A. acquisition was allocated based on the fair market value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date as determined by independent appraisers.

The fair value of the net assets of PEPSA and Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A were based on undiscounted future cash flow models of PEPSA and Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A.

PEPSA operates primarily in the areas of oil field exploration and production, refining, transport and commercialization, electricity generation, transmission and distribution, and petrochemicals. Its activities are primarily conducted in Argentina, Bolívia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A. operates primarily in the oil and gas exploration and production industry in Argentina.

The following unaudited pro forma summary financial information presents the consolidated results of operations as if the acquisition of PEPSA and Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented:

(i) Consolidated Income Statements data for the six month period ended:

  2003
2002
  As reported
 

Pro forma
(unaudited)

As reported
 

Pro forma
(unaudited)

Net operation revenues 14,430 15,117 10,743 11,290
Costs and expenses (8,953) (9,395) (7,520) (7,932)
Financial expenses, net 316 166 (389) (1,066)
Others (886) (915) (519) (513)
Income tax expense (1,644) (1,641) (923) (922)
Minority interest (192) (234) 94 307
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles, net of taxes 697 698
Net income for the period 3,768 3,796 1,486 1,168
Basic and diluted
 earnings per share
3.44 3.46 1.37 1.07

(ii) Domestic and international reserves of crude oil and natural gas as of December 31, 2002:

  Oil (millions of barrels)
Gas (billions of cubic feet)
  As reported
Pro forma
As reported
Pro forma
Net proved developed reserves at December 31, 2002
  4,007.6 4,331.8 5,936.4 6,700.4
Net undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2002 4,947.3
5,217.0
3,536.4
4,085.6
 
  8,954.9 9,548.8 9,472.8 10,786.0

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

NET INCOME BY BUSINESS SEGMENT U.S. $ million
For the first half of
  2003 2002
Exploration and Production 3,532  1,631 
Supply 830  588 
Distribution 51  38 
Gas and Energy (235) (79)
International (1) 134  (29)
Corporate (340) (453)
Eliminations (204) (210)
 

Net income 3,768  1,486 
 

(1)

As of June 30, 2003, the international business segment includes the Argentine operations of Petrolera Santa Fe, which we acquired in October 2002, but excludes those of Perez Companc S.A. and Petrolera Perez Companc S.A., as the transfer of control of these entities was approved by the Argentine regulatory authorities until May 13, 2003.

Segment Information

The comparison between our results of operations has been significantly impacted by the Real’s devaluation against the U.S. dollar, due to the fact that the average exchange rate in the first half of 2003 was 32.5% higher than the average exchange rate in the first half of 2002.

Exploration and Production

Consolidated net income for our exploration and production segment increased 116.5% to U.S.$ 3,532 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to U.S.$ 1,631 million for the first half of 2002. This increase was primarily attributable to:

These effects were partially offset by a U.S.$ 528 million increase in cost of sales, primarily composed of:

Supply

Consolidated net income for our supply segment increased 41.1% to U.S.$830 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to U.S.$588 million for the first half of 2002.

This increase was primarily attributable to an increase of approximately U.S.$3,140 million in net operating revenues resulting from the increase in the average price of oil products in the domestic market, which increase was partially passed through Brazillian consumers.

This increase was partially offset by:

Gas and Energy

Consolidated net income for our Gas and Energy segment registered a net loss of U.S$ 235 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to a net loss of U.S.$ 79 million for the first half of 2002. This increase in net loss was primarily attributable to:

This decrease was partially offset by:

Distribution

Consolidated net income for our distribution segment increased 34.2% to U.S$ 51 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to consolidated net income of U.S$ 38 million for the first half of 2002. This increase was primarily attributable to:

This increase was partially offset by the increase of U.S$ 504 million in cost of sales, reflecting the increase of oil products prices to refineries.

International

Consolidated net income for our international segment increased to U.S.$ 134 million for the first half of 2003, as compared to a net loss of U.S.$ 29 million for the first half of 2002. This increase was primarily attributable to:

This increase was partially offset by a U.S.$ 134 million increase in cost of sales, mainly due to an increase in sales volumes.

Corporate

Consolidated loss for the units that make up our corporate segment decreased 33.2% to a net loss of U.S.$ 340 million during the first half of 2003, as compared to a net loss of U.S.$ 453 million during the first half of 2002. This decrease was primarily attributable to the 32.5% decrease in the value of the Real against the U.S. dollar in the first half of 2003, as compared to the first half of 2002, and was partially offset by the increase in income tax expenses during the first half of 2003.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

In the first half of 2003, we continued to prioritize capital expenditures directed towards the development of crude oil and natural gas production. Total capital expenditures were U.S.$ 2,532 million in the first half of 2003, representing a 6.4% increase from capital expenditures made in the first half of 2002. Of the capital expenditures incurred during the first half of 2003, U.S.$ 1,577 million (62.3%) were directed towards domestic exploration and production activities, which include our exploration and production segment and our project financings.

Activities

  U.S.$ million
First half of
  2003 2002
•    Exploration and Production 1,577  1,486 
•    Supply 608  362 
•    Distribution 49  95 
•    Gas and Energy 126  256 
•    International 116  121 
•    Corporate 56  59 
 

Total capital expenditures 2,532  2,379 
 

Many of our capital expenditures for the first half of 2003 and 2002 were made in connection with exploration and development projects in the Campos Basin, a number of which are being financed through project financings. Our capital expenditure budget for 2003 provided in our 2003 Annual Business Plan, including project finance, is U.S.$ 7.2 billion. Below are our material project financing expenditures by project for the first half of 2003 and 2002:

Activities

  U.S.$ million
First half of
Field 2003 2002
•    Albacora   42 
•    Espadarte / Voador / Marimbá – EVM 74 
•    Cabiúnas 10  10 
•    Pargo / Carapeba / Garoupa / Cherne – PCGC 11 
•    Nova Marlim 56 
•    Companhia Petrolífera Marlim   42 
•    Others   16 
 

  86  184 
 

In line with our objective of increasing production, we have signed 65 agreements to invest in exploration and production development areas where we have already made commercial discoveries.

Income Statement
(Unaudited)
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data)

  First semester of
1Q-2003 2Q-2003 2Q-2002   2003 2002



 

9,578  10,408  8,829  Sales of products and services 19,986  16,305 
      Less:
(1,387) (1,639) (1,366) Value-added and other taxes on sales and services (3,026) (2,596)
(1,148) (1,382) (1,449) CIDE (2,530) (2,966)



 

7,043  7,387  6,014  Net operating revenues 14,430  10,743 
 
(3,092) (3,880) (2,980) Cost of sales (6,972) (5,456)
(413) (345) (439) Depreciation, depletion and amortization (758) (841)
(67) (134) (110) Exploration, including exploratory dry holes (201) (209)
 
  (27)   Impairment (27)
 
(460) (444) (490) Selling, general and administrative expenses (904) (943)
(45) (46) (33) Research and development expenses (91) (71)



 

(4,077) (4,876) (4,052) Total costs and expenses (8,953) (7,520)
 
11  91  34  Equity in results of non-consolidated companies 102  (42)
227  (14) 387  Financial income 213  674 
(252) (304) (235) Financial expense (556) (447)
181  478  (661) Monetary and exchange variation on monetary assets and liabilities, net 659  (616)
(116) (146) (111) Employee benefit expense (262) (262)
(67) (79) (105) Other taxes (146) (178)
(296) (284) 23  Other expenses, net (580) (37)



 

(312) (258) (668)   (570) (908)
2,654  2,253  1,294  Income before income taxes and minority interests and accounting change 4,907  2,315 



 

      Income tax expense:
(916) (596) (451) Current (1,512) (785)
(67) (65) (115) Deferred (132) (138)



 

(983) (661) (566) Total income tax expense (1,644) (923)
 
(59) (133) 145  Minority interest in results of consolidated subsidiaries (192) 94 



 

1,612  1,459  873  Net income before accounting change effect 3,071  1,486 



 

697      Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income tax 697



 

2,309  1,459  873  Net income for the period 3,768  1,486 



 

      Weighted average number of shares outstanding
634,168,418  634,168,418  634,168,418  Common/ADS 634,168,418  634,168,418 
461,802,497  462,369,507  451,935,669  Preferred/ADS 462,369,507  451,935,669 
 
      Basic and diluted earnings per share
      Common/ADS and Preferred/ADS
1.47  1.33  0.80  Before effect of change in accounting principle 2.80  1.37 
2.11  1.33  0.80  After effect of change in accounting principle 3.44  1.37 



 

Selected Balance Sheet Data
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except for share data)

  As of
June 30,
2003
As of
December 31,
2002
 

  ( Unaudited )
Assets    
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 5,599  3,301 
Accounts receivable, net 2,827  2,267 
Inventories 3,317  2,540 
Other current assets 2,248  2,089 
 

Total current assets 13,991  10,197 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net 27,407  18,224 
Investments in non-consolidated companies and
Other investments 1,037  334 
 
Other assets
Petroleum and Alcohol Account – Receivable from
Federal Government 236  182 
Government securities 243  176 
Goodwill on PEPSA 183 
Unrecognized pension obligation 38  61 
Advances to suppliers 416  450 
Investment in Perez Companc S.A.   1,073 
Others 2,176  1,321 
 

Total other assets 3,292  3,263 
 
Total assets 45,727  32,018 
 

Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable 1,717  1,702 
Short-term debt 1,494  671 
Current portion of long-term debt 929  727 
Current portion of project financings 474  239 
Capital lease obligations 341  349 
Other current liabilities 4,105  3,257 
 

Total current liabilities 9,060  6,945 
 
Long-term liabilities
Employees postretirement benefitsbenefits 3,297  2,423 
Project financings 4,036  3,800 
Long-term debt 9,870  6,987 
Capital lease obligationsobligations 1,767  1,907 
Other liabilities 2,036  791 
 

Total long-term liabilities 21,006  15,908 
 
Minority interest 315  (136)
 
Stockholders' equity
Shares authorized and issued:
Preferred stock –2003 - 462,369,507 (2002 –451,935,669 shares) 2,973  2,459 
Common stock – 2003 and 2002 - 634,168,418 shares 4,289  3,761 
Reserves and others 8,084  3,081 
 

Total stockholders' equity 15,346  9,301 
 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 45,727  32,018 
 

Statement of Cash Flows Data
(Unaudited)
(in millions of U.S. dollars)

First half of
1Q-2003 2Q-2003 2Q-2002   2003 2002



 

      Cash flows from operating activities    
2,309  1,459  873  Net income for the period 3,768  1,486 
         Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities      
317  414  578  Depreciation, depletion and amortization 731  1,022 
34  111  67  Loss on property, plant and equipment 145  132 
92  (428) 702  Foreign exchange and monetary loss (336) 800 
(697)     Cumulative effect of accounting change, net
of income tax
(697)
122  161  (66) Others 283  81 
 
      Decrease (increase) in assets
(211) 133  (453) Accounts receivable, net (78) (693)
(7) (3) (67) Petroleum and Alcohol Account - Receivable from Federal Government (10) (57)
(366) 285  (431) Inventories (81) (660)
(90) 489  (204) Advances to suppliers 399  (283)
(158) (9) (490) Others (167) (402)
 
      Increase (decrease) in liabilities
(95) (299) 139  Trade accounts payable (394) 164 
   (223)    Taxes payable, other than income taxes (223) 310 
756  (532) 593  Income taxes 224 
250  (14) 342  Other liabilities 236  411 



 

2,256  1,544  1,583  Net cash provided by operating activities 3,800  2,311 



 

      Cash flows from investing activities
(875) (1,657) (1,279) Additions to property, plant and equipment (2,532) (2,379)
  231   Effect on cash from merger with subsidiaries and affiliates 231
(163) 126     Investments (37) (119)
(29) (169) (71) Others (198) (17)



 

(1,067) (1,469) (1,350) Net cash used in investing activities (2,536) (2,515)



 

 



 

(186) 392  (1,472) Cash flows from financing activities 206  (1,864)



 

1,003  467  (1,239) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,470  (2,068)



 

197  631  (900) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 828  (986)
 
3,301  4,501  6,445  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,301  7,360 



 

4,501  5,599  4,306  Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period 5,599  4,306 



 

Income Statement by Segment

First semester of 2003
U.S.$ million
E&P SUPPLY GAS & ENERGY INTERN. DISTRIB. CORPOR. ELIMIN. TOTAL
STATEMENT OF INCOME                
 
Net operating revenues to third parties 1,131  8,426  485  638  3,750        14,430 
Inter-segment net operating revenues 6,850  3,246  143  80  59     (10,378)   








Net operating revenues 7,981  11,672  628  718  3,809     (10,378) 14,430 
 
Cost of sales (2,717) (9,899) (408) (507) (3,479)    10,038  (6,972)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization (487) (159) (38) (51) (13) (10)    (758)
Exploration, including dry holes (217)       (11)          (228)
Selling, general and administrative expenses (66) (332) (79) (56) (177) (232) 38  (904)
Research and development expenses (45) (19) (6)       (21)    (91)








Cost and expenses (3,532) (10,409) (531) (625) (3,669) (263) 10,076  (8,953)
 
Results of non-consolidated companies    15  50  38     (1)    102 
Debt expenses, net (129) 121  24  (39) 336     316 
Employee benefit expense    (1)       (8) (253)    (262)
Other expenses, net (86) (154) (366) (1) (9) (110)    (726)








Income before income taxes and minority interest and accounting change 4,234  1,244  (216) 154  84  (291) (302) 4,907 
 
Income tax benefits (expense) (1,399) (398) 159  (23) (32) (49) 98  (1,644)
Minority interest    (16) (178) (1)       (192)








Income before accounting change 2,835  830  (235) 134  51  (340) (204) 3,071 
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income tax 697                    697 








Net income (loss) 3,532  830  (235) 134  51  (340) (204) 3,768 









First semester of 2002
U.S.$ million
E&P SUPPLY GAS & ENERGY INTERN. DISTRIB. CORPOR. ELIMIN. TOTAL
STATEMENT OF INCOME                
 
Net operating revenues to third parties 914  5,762  347  447  3,273      10,743
Inter-segment net operating revenues 4,900  2,770  89  38  63    (7,860)  








Net operating revenues 5,814  8,532  436  485  3,336    (7,860) 10,743
 
Cost of sales (2,189) (7,108) (327) (373) (2,976)   7,517 (5,456)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization (601) (113) (32) (49) (41) (5)   (841)
Exploration, including dry holes (186)     (23)       (209)
Selling, general and administrative expenses (38) (404) (26) (43) (229) (203)    (943)
Research and development expenses (33) (21) (2)       (15)    (71)








Cost and expenses (3,047) (7,646) (387) (488) (3,246) (223) 7,517  (7,520)
 
Results of non-consolidated companies   (1) 2 (43)       (42)
Debt expenses, net (234) (183) 25  (6)   (389)
Employee benefit expense           (262)   (262)
Other expenses, net (63) (64) 24  (8) (127) 14  (215)








Income before income taxes and minority interest 2,470  895  (196) 90  (618) (329) 2,315 
 
Income tax benefits (expense) (839) (301) (35) (32) (37) 202  119  (923)
Minority interest   (6) 152   (15) (37)   94








Net income 1,631  588  (79) (29) 38  (453) (210) 1,486 








Other Expenses, Net By Segment

First semester of 2003
U.S.$ million
E&P SUPPLY GAS & ENERGY INTERN. DISTRIB. CORPOR. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Provisions losses on financial exposure-Thermoplant     (205)         (205)
Institution Relations and Culture Projects    (1)          (38)    (39)
Unscheduled stoppages - plant and equipment (47) (34)                (81)
The Listing of P-34 (28)                   (28)
Losses as a result of Legal Proceedings (9) (22)          (28)    (59)
Result of hedge operations with oil & oil by-products    (11)                (11)
Rent revenues             9     9
Losses from alcohol inventory - prior years    (25)                (25)
Expenses for oil and oil by-product transport - prior years    (29)                (29)
Production costs - prior years (15)                   (15)
Adjustment to market value of turbines for the thermoelectric plants       (114)            (114)
Other taxes (5) (13) (6) (8) (23) (100)   (155)
Effect of accounting change
Others 18  (19) (41) 56    26 








  (86) (154) (366) (1) (9) (110)   (726)









First semester of 2002
U.S.$ million
E&P SUPPLY GAS & ENERGY INTERN. DISTRIB. CORPOR. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Contractual Contingencies with Thermoplants      (49)            (49)
Institution Relations and Culture Projects               (48)    (48)
Unscheduled stoppages - plant and equipment (49) (12)               (61)
Dividends                 
Losses as a result of Legal Proceedings (21) (5)          (17)    (43)
Petroleum & Alcohol Account Regularization               (6)    (6)
Other taxes    (13) (4) (4) (18) (137)    (176)
Others 32  (11) 28  10  81  14  161 








  (63) (64) 24  (8) (127) 14  (215)








Selected Balance Sheet Data by Segment

First semester of 2003
U.S.$ million
E&P SUPPLY GAS & ENERGY INTERN. DISTRIB. CORPOR. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Current assets 1,453  5,676  514  1,732  1,246  6,253  (2,883) 13,991 








Cash and cash equivalents 435  53  449  43  4,617     5,599 
Other currents assets 1,451  5,241  461  1,283  1,203  1,636  (2,883) 8,392 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net 15,516  4,279  2,665  4,160  404  383     27,407 








Investments in non-consolidated companies and other investments 281  149  496  21  81     1,037 








Non-current assets 916  260  547  281  200  3,364  (2,276) 3,292 








Petroleum and Alcohol Account                236     236 
Government securities held-to-maturity           243    243 
Other assets 916  260  547  281  200  2,885  (2,276) 2,813 








Total assets 17,894  10,496  3,875  6,669  1,871  10,081  (5,159) 45,727 








Selected Data for International Segment

First semester of 2003
U.S.$ million
INTERNATIONAL
E&P SUPPLY GAS & ENERGY DISTRIB. CORPOR. ELIMIN. TOTAL
INTERNATIONAL              
 
ASSETS 4,190  1,105  529  162  2,874  (2,191) 6,669 







STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
Net Operating Revenues 240  532  48  274  (382) 718 







Net operating revenues to third parties 90  220  48  274     638 
Inter-segment net operating revenues 150  312           (382) 80 







Net income 80  (4) 44  134 








Year ended December 31, 2002
U.S.$ million
E&P SUPPLY GAS & ENERGY INTERN. DISTRIB. CORPOR. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Current assets 1,181  4,323  819  736  973  3,124  (959) 10,197 








Cash and cash equivalents 509  16  211  59  2,505     3,301 
Other current assets 1,180  3,814  803  525  914  619  (959) 6,896 
 
Investments in non-consolidated companies and other investments 168  70  11  16  62     334 








Property, plant and equipment, net 11,611  3,186  1,881  1,024  296  226     18,224 








Non current assets 385  211  556  1,092  141  1,932  (1,054) 3,263 








Petroleum and Alcohol Account                182     182 
Government securities                176     176 
Other assets 385  211  556  1,092  141  1,574  (1,054) 2,905 








Total assets 13,184  7,888  3,326  2,863  1,426  5,344  (2,013) 32,018 









U.S.$ million
INTERNATIONAL
E&P SUPPLY GAS & ENERGY DISTRIB. CORPOR. ELIMIN. TOTAL
INTERNATIONAL              
 
ASSETS (As of December 31, 2002) 1,638  349  39  160  1,479  (802) 2,863 








STATEMENT OF INCOME
(First semester of 2002)
 
Net Operating Revenues 128  432  15  189     (279) 485 








Net operating revenues to third parties 38  205  15  189        447 
Inter-segment net operating revenues 90  227           (279) 38 








Net income 16  14     (24) (35)    (29)








       This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily dependent on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and that may be incapable of being realized. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.

For further information, please contact:


 

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

Date: September 10, 2003

 
PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A--PETROBRAS
By:
/S/  José Sergio Gabrielli de Azevedo

 
José Sergio Gabrielli de Azevedo
Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations Director
 

 

 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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