Untitled Document


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 6-K
 
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the month of March, 2005

Commission File Number 001-14489
 

 
TELE CENTRO OESTE CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações Holding Company
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
 

SCS - Quadra 2, Bloco C, Edifício Anexo-Telebrasília Celular
-7° Andar, Brasília, D.F.
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____


MANAGEMENT'S REPORT

The management of Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. - TCO , a company resulting from the joint venture between Telefónica Móviles S.A. and Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A., operating under the brand name VIVO, is submitting Management's Report and the Company's financial statements, together with the independent auditors and audit committee reports for fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, in compliance with the provisions in the law and bylaws.

1. POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

2004 was marked by the strong growth in Brazil 's economy. Not only did preliminary projections point to an increase in GDP ("Produto Interno Bruto") of around 5%, its best performance since 1994, but there was also rise in the levels of employment, consumption and industrial output. But despite the drop in the inflation rate as compared to the year before, it was higher than the goal targeted by the Brazilian Government, albeit still within the 2.5% margin of error established by National Monetary Council. The Consumer Price Index (IPCA) closed the year at 7.6%, as against the targeted 5.5%. In response to the pressure of inflation, Brazilian Central Bank created a very stringent monetary policy characterized by successive increases in the effective basic interest rate (SELIC) throughout the second half of the year, reverting the downward trend of the first half, to 17.74% at year's end, up 1.42% on the 2003 figure.

Main highlights on the international scenario were the devaluation of the U.S. dollar against the euro and main worldwide currencies, the record increase in oil prices, with a slight end-of-year drop, the reelection of the U.S. president and the onset of the proclaimed escalation of U.S. interest rates.

The U.S. dollar rate fell 8% in relation to the Brazilian real, to R$2.6544 to US$1.00, this being the second year this appreciation has occurred. The appreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar was due not only to the dollar devaluation on the international market, but also to the entry of new foreign investments into Brazil , and especially to a record surplus trade balance.

The foreign market continued to rate Brazil positively. Brazil 's risk dropped by almost 20% in the year, to 379 points, the lowest score since October 1997. The C-Bond closed the year at a trading value of 102% of its face value, and Global 40 at 119%.

Taking full advantage of the rekindling of the domestic economy and consolidation of mobile phone operators on the Brazilian market and consequent rising competition, the Brazilian mobile phone market grew by a significant 41.5%, boasting over 65.6 million customers.

THE WORLDWIDE MOBILE TELEPHONY BUSINESS

The world mobile telephony market expanded 18.6% and 20.3%, respectively in 2002 and 2003. Growth in 2004 is expected to be about the same, to the tune of 20%. Following the same trend of the year before, Nigeria , Russia and India are expected to be the markets posting the highest growth rates - 130%, 91% and 69%, respectively.

In 2004, worldwide mobile penetration is expected to reach 33%, up 5% on the 2003 figure. In the third quarter of 2004 worldwide mobile penetration was 32%, which is more than the 23% penetration registered by fixed telephones around the world. In some countries mobile penetration has exceeded 100%, such as in Sweden , Italy and Israel , which have been reported 108%, 106% and 105% mobile penetration, respectively.

THE MOBILE TELEPHONY BUSINESS IN BRAZIL

2004 registered a strong expansion in the Brazilian mobile business triggered principally by the strong competition pressure among operators, which broke down the barriers to new services and toppled service prices. The year closed with a total 65.6 million lines, reporting 41.5% growth in the year.

Expectations point to a slight slowdown in the growth of the mobile business in 2005, due mainly to the already high mobile penetration and operator concern in stepping up business profitability.

VIVO maintained its leadership position on the Brazilian mobile market, with a 40.5% market share at the end of the year.

Net additions in 2004 totaled 19.2 million, up 67% on net additions registered in 2003. The last quarter of the year reported the highest volume of net additions in the year, totaling 7.4 million new lines, up 35% from the last quarter in 2003.

Due to the mobile industry's strong growth in 2004, mobile penetration reached 36.6%, which is higher than in 2003 by 10%. Consequently, mobile penetration was 14% higher than that registered by fixed telephones in Brazil , of 22% at the end of 2004.

Data services usage also rose in Brazil in 2004. Revenues produced in Brazil from data transmission accounted for 2% of ARPU in the third quarter of 2003, but had reached 4% in the third quarter of 2004. As was the case in developed markets like Europe and some Asian countries, demand for data services is expected to continue to grow significantly during 2005. This growth may be spurred by the diversity of solutions and service applications provided by mobile phone access to data.

REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

No significant changes occurred in the regulatory environment in 2004 other than the alteration in the negotiating system of the SMP operator network usage value (VU-M), introduced in July 2004.

In addition, in order to enhance competition among companies that exploit telecommunication services and promote the diversification of quality services at reasonable prices to the public , the Brazilian Telecommunication Authority (ANATEL) took steps to fix interconnection rates and the prices of products offered based on the cost model. One of the steps taken by ANATEL in June and July 2004 was to submit proposed changes in the regulations governing interconnections, account separation and allocation and industrial dedicated line exploitation to "public consultation " . The deadline for accepting suggestions was October 18, 2004, and the Company sent a broad range of discussions on the proposals submitted by ANATEL.

2. MARKETING STRATEGY

The Company's strategy in 2004 was based on two fundamental principles:

•  Maintenance of its market leadership.

•  Growth while striving for profitability with a view to a maximization of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and its margin.

These principles were translated into a marketing strategy that aimed at:

•  To maintain VIVO's lead position in product and service quality and coverage, and an ongoing focus on capturing new customers and securing high-value customer loyalty.

•  To reduce the churn rate (number of disconnected customers from the customer base in relation to the average number of active subscribers) through structured and focused actions especially targeted at the corporate, youth and high-potential customer segments, which are continually being targeted by our competitors.

•  To introduce innovative products and services nationwide and worldwide in order to leverage its institutional image and cause VIVO to become the best known brand on the domestic mobile telecommunication market.

•  To implement actions that encourage use of services through publicity and promotional campaigns, particularly those aimed at prepaid card recharging.

•  To streamline the structure and enhancing the quality of call center and local store customer services.

•  To exploit its competitive edge in coverage by reinforcing actions such as CDMA technology innovation, with migration from TDMA to CDMA, and adoption of CDMA 1xRTT in several capital cities and municipalities within its geographical operations area.

PLANS AND CAMPAIGNS

The Company developed a strong customer capturing policy based on aggressive mass-oriented promotions and actions targeting specific business segments. Most promotions sought to lure prepaid and postpaid plan customers through combined efforts that stimulate intranet traffic, data services usage, selective handset price rebates (postpaid plan promotions offering rebates pegged to service plan value) and a choice of favorite numbers at discount rates.

During the course of the year several incentives were created to pitch battle against the competition and increase VIVO's market share, the most relevant among which were " Seja Vivo Agora " (Be VIVO Now) and " Mude pra Vivo " (Change to VIVO), in which progressive discounts on handsets were offered to competitors postpaid plan subscribers.

Simultaneously with the acquisition campaigns, VIVO worked on price perception of the market in general and also of its customer base. There was a complete repositioning of the plan portfolio in view of new players arriving in its area of operations, which offered tariff discounts and aggressive subsidies as a key sales leverage.

2004 started with a summer promotion entitled " Seu VIVO Pode Sair de Graça " (You Could Get Your VIVO for Free), whose underlying concept was a handset that would be free since its cost would be refunded in the form of on-net free-call bonus. In March, the campaign " Te Considero Pra Caramba " (I Really Dig You) proposed to create an on-net calling habit by offering a free-call bonus and special rates, and stepped up use of SMS, MMS and voice mail services (with a strong impact on the youth segment).

In May, the promotion " Dia das Mães VIVO " (Mother's Day VIVO) was designed to create a customer habit of making daily cell phone calls (daily free-call bonus), including to fixed phones in order to stimulate incoming traffic. The Company also launched a postpaid minute plan, " Atração Irresistível " (Irresistible Attraction), also in May, designed to attract and capture the loyalty of high-value customers that had been targeted by the competition throughout the year. In mid-June, the campaign " Te Quero Muito " (I Want You So Much) has been initiated in an attempt to encourage intranet calls, in line with the "VIVO Community" concept.

As from July, several promotions offering escalating handset rebates pegged to postpaid minute plans (" Promoção Sonho de Consumo " - Consumer Dream Promotion) were launched resulting in the acquisition of high-potential customers. This segment was leveraged as a result of the launching of a new portfolio of postpaid plans. " VIVO Família " (VIVO Family), launched in July, allows users to share minute-plan and include family dependents, many of which had previously been prepaid plan subscribers. The purpose of this campaign was to take advantage of opportunities offered by the customer base, foster the community concept and capture high-value customer loyalty.

In the prepaid business, " VIVO Boa Hora " (VIVO Good Time) has been initiated in August, a plan which provides better rates in periods in which the customers use the phone more often, and also allows customers to choose a day in the week when they can call at reduced rates and also to select five favorite numbers they can call at reduced rates.

Father's Day was also celebrated with a promotion " Dia dos Pais " featuring several draws, including a car and on-net free-call bonuses, as well as the offer of services such as SMS, MMS and voice mail. In September, " 500 Minutos por R$1 " (500 Minutes for R$1) campaign was launched (every month for one year) mainly targeting postpaid subscribers, to buttress the launching of the "family plan".

In October it was the time to support the launching of the " VIVO Boa Hora " and its attributes with a " 5 Amigos " (5 Mates) campaign (local calls with a 50% abatement). In November a customer acquisition campaign was organized featuring special discounts for service-compatible handsets to urge the use of the service " VIVO Encontra " (VIVO Locates). The target publics of this action were A/B classes (young adult and high potential user segments). Also in November VIVO made a special long-distance call offer to postpaid subscribers in partnership with Telefônica. This promotion enabled customers subscribing to postpaid plans or exchanging their handsets for new ones to make VIVO-to-VIVO long-distance calls at local rates for one year.

The last campaign of the year was " Natal VIVO " (Christmas VIVO), which worked on price perception and the VIVO Community concept (reduced two-way rate and free-call bonus to be given as gifts to VIVO friends), and encouraged on-net calls (bonus). The Christmas campaign was boosted due to the launching of two other plans, " VIVO Pós-Turbinado " (Boosted Post VIVO), a mass market oriented minute plan, and " VIVO Pós-Top " (Top Post VIVO), in which handsets were provided at escalating discounts according to the plans elected by high-value customers, with the "additional 500-minutes for R$1.00" promotion included.

In 2004, VIVO centered its efforts on establishing and enhancing its technological competitive edge by launching innovative services. Its portfolio of personal and corporate solutions has expanded significantly. Two of these programs were exclusive worldwide launchings: the alternative reality game " VIVO em Ação " (VIVO in Action) and " VIVO Agenda " (VIVO Agenda) service.

VIVO em Ação (VIVO in Action): This was the first multimedia alternative reality game (ARG) to be organized on a worldwide scale and lasted 50 days. Approximately 1.5 million subscribers took part in the game as detectives searching for stolen cell prototypes. To find the clues, subscribers accessed VIVO services such as " Portal de Voz ", " Chat Wap ", " Cupido SMS " and " Quiz SMS ", as well as the Internet and e-mails.

VIVO Agenda (VIVO Agenda): Enables customers to save their phone book entries with a VIVO server. Thus, if their handsets are lost, stolen or changed they can retrieve the information. Users can also add, exclude or alter phone book entries via the VIVO site and opt for automatic or manual synchronization. The first allows users to configure phone book synchronization intervals without their interference and the other provides for programmed phone book synchronization. Information inputted to the VIVO Agenda are encrypted so that only owners have access to it.

VIVO Encontra (VIVO Finds): Provides high precision locating services through combined use of GPS satellites and VIVO's CDMA 1x network cell stations. This solution comprises three optional services: a) VIVO Localiza (VIVO Locates) - provides the exact location of any user on a map, provided the user authorizes the search. b) VIVO Aqui Perto (VIVO Nearby) - enables subscribers to locate commercial establishments such as bars, restaurants and movie theaters that are shown on the map. The search can be made by category, name, address or how near the user is to the desired establishment. c) VIVO Onde Estou? (VIVO Where Am I?) - locates the user's own handset, giving the street, number, district and city where the handset is located and a map.

Olho VIVO: Provides real time image viewing from certain user-selected web cams. This was the first time videostreaming was applied in Latin America .

VIVO Zap 3G: A step up from the ZAP service, that provides broadband Internet access. It was initially launched in São Paulo , Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba , where the first network sections having Evolution-Data Optimized - EV-DO technology are located, and provides data transmission at a speed of 2.4 megabits per second in laptops or PDAs.

VIVO Avisa (VIVO Informs): This service provides call identification if your phone were disconnected, as well as number of attempted calls, call dates and times.

Mobile Booking & Check-In: This is a service that enables customers to purchase air tickets and check in for Gol Linhas Aéreas from their cell phones.

CORPORATE SERVICES

The principal new services added in 2004 to the portfolio of applications catering especially to corporate customer needs were the following:

VIVO Direto (VIVO Direct): A quick connection service over the cell phone that is similar to radio communications, but has the benefit of a wider coverage, better prices and enhanced voice and signal quality.

VIVO Ordens de Serviço (VIVO Service Orders): This is the Company's permanent means of contact with its field team members and of sending, updating and following up on service orders.

VIVO Entregas (VIVO Delivery): Designed to automate ordering, sending, updating and management processes at companies engaged in delivery services. It provides delivery routes and enables the Company to follow up on deliveries, change routes and issue new orders.

VIVO Segurança (VIVO Security): A similar service to Olho VIVO but aimed at providing better corporate security, showing the security video images on cell phones.

VIVO Vendas (VIVO Sales): A service whereby salesmen transmit orders to companies from outside Company premises, as well as consult information on customers, products, inventory, etc., from mobile devices such as PDAs.

VIVO Pesquisa (VIVO Research): Enables researchers to automate data collection and processing and to follow up on results on-line.

3. BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

TCO is the holding company that controls operators Telegoiás Celular S.A., Telemat Celular S.A., Telems Celular S.A., Teleron Celular S.A., Teleacre Celular S.A., which were collectively referred to as "Area 7" , Norte Brasil Telecom S.A. ("NBT"), former "Area 8" , and TCO IP, another company that offered solutions to the data services market via Internet Protocol - IP. The Company, besides acting as a holding company, operates in the same manner as its controlled companies, being authorized to provide Personal Communications Services (SMP) in the Federal District . Its controlled companies operate in the States of Goiás and Tocantins, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia and Acre, and through NBT in the States of Roraima, Amapá, Pará, Amazonas and Maranhão.

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

At the end of 2004, TCO reported a 41.5% increase in its customer base, totaling 5,820 customers, and a 51.3% market share, thus maintaining its lead position and proving the effectiveness of its strategy, which was to invest in coverage, innovation, service quality with a view to guaranteeing customers' high cost-benefit ratio in a market marked by high competition.

The figures below show TCO's operating performance:


The ARPU (average revenue per user) posted in 2004 of R$32.0 was lower than that registered in 2003 due to the expansion of the total customer base and increase in prepaid customers to total customer base ratio (MIX), as well as a drop in MOU (average monthly minutes of usage per subscriber) which was reported at 87.0.

SAC (subscriber acquisition cost) reached R$108.4 in 2004, with the increase in relation to 2003 due to stronger competition, customized campaigns targeting postpaid subscribers, and technology migration. It is important to mention that in the fourth quarter of the year, the Company registered an increase in the "entry barrier".

The registered penetration level in 2004 was 34.8%, indicating that there is still potential growth in the market.

INFRASTRUCTURE - NETWORK

Great progress was made in 1xRTT technology coverage in 2004. This technology was made available in 226 municipalities of TCO's operations area, 164 of which in the Center-West Region, including Cuiabá, Campo Grande, Palmas, Porto Velho, Rio Branco and others, through the coverage provided by TCO; 62 in the North Region, including municipalities such as Manaus, Belém, São Luís, Boa Vista, Macapá and others, through NBT.

On December 31, 2004, TCO's mobile phone network, which operates on TDMA, CDMA and 1xRTT digital technology and analog technology, covered 40.7% of the municipalities, or 76.5% of the population in its concession area. Its network included 34 switch centers, 1,587 cell stations and 25 pieces of other equipment.

DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

On December 31, 2004 TCO owned 71 purchase points, in addition to an efficient network of authorized dealers, both exclusive and nonexclusive, comprised of around 1,824 storefronts that can handle sales of services and handsets.

Its own stores and points of purchase represent 4% of TCO's total capillarity, and its authorized dealers, made up of retailers and wholesalers, account for the remaining 96%. Authorized dealers that work exclusively for TCO make up 78% of the points of purchase.

There are over 61,000 points of purchase where users can recharge prepaid cards. These include operator stores, authorized dealers, lottery shops, sundry physical and virtual card distributors such as small shops, drugstores, newspaper stands, bookstores, bakeries, gas stations, bars and restaurants. Electronic recharging is also made by a number of banks. The advantage in this type of recharging lies in the fact that it is easier and more convenient, with less cost to the Company.

ROAMING

Today, VIVO subscribers have free access to over 100 countries, where they retain their own phone numbers and make the borrowed handset an extension of their own cell phones, when necessary.

For domestic roaming, VIVO extended its roaming agreements with companies that operate in other Brazilian states to provide customers with nationwide coverage.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

In 2004, Information Systems area focused on projects aimed at reinforcing information systems, developing products and services for personal and corporate markets, and enhancing infrastructure.

All major applications are either currently being consolidated as in the case of billing, front-office, prepaid, data warehouse , accounting and management, among others, or have already been concluded as in the case of mediation, interconnection and co-billing. We have also finished our new Data Processing Center, where the new systems are installed and where some of the unconsolidated applications migrated to, offering a modern, safe and efficient technological environment.

QUALITY PROGRAM

One of the strategic goals established by the Company was to implement a process management system that would be awarded ISO 9001:2000 certification. The model implemented has the following features:

•  A process management base that uses the ISO 9001:2000 benchmark with a stress on performance measurement.

•  Development of a corporate culture that drives for process improvement as a means of increasing customer satisfaction.

•  Skills upgrading of more than 13% of the employees through courses such as Quality Coordinator, Internal Quality Auditor and Problem Analysis and Solution Method.

Our Quality Policy is in line with our Mission statement, and serves as a guideline for initiatives related to Quality Program, Process and Improvement Management. As put by the CEO, its content is the main focal point for all collaborators: " To satisfy and capture the loyalty of customers through the quality and innovation of products and services offered by dedicated and skilled professionals. To maintain a leadership position with increasing profitability, while generating shareholder value and driving for an ongoing improvement in processes and results. To strengthen the image of a Company that contributes towards the development of the society ".

On November 30, 2004, the Company was recommended by Bureau Veritas Quality International - BVQI for ISO 9001:2000 certification, and is certified by Brazilian INMETRO and internationally by UKAS in England for "Planning, Product and Service Development and Mobile Communications Customer Services, involving: Customer Capturing and Service, Revenue Management, Network Implementation, Management and Maintenance, Finance, Budget and Management Control".

Quality management adopted a system whereby it undergoes internal and external quality audits every six months.

In addition, we also managed to retain the quality certification for the collection, consolidation and sending of personal communications services quality indicators (PGMQ SMP) awarded in August 2003 by BVQI . This certificate complies with the requirements for migration to SMP, the basic guidelines of which are found in the Regulations on Personal Communications Service Quality Indicators provided for under the ANATEL Resolution .

4. CUSTOMER SERVICES

Generally, 2004 was marked by increasing competition on the mobile telephony market, which was felt by the customer services department due to the significant increase in the number of calls made to the call centers as a result of intensified promotions and actions designed to capture customer loyalty, retention and profitability. In 2004 the average monthly number of calls made to the TCO customer relations center was 6.5 million.

To meet this growing demand, the Company created new forms of optimizing services. The Voice Answering Unit (URA), which was implemented to provide information on prepaid plan credits and balances, received an average 7.9 million inquiries every month, with a 100% electronic retention rate. The promotional URA was introduced in 2004, having registered 2.5 million calls in December, when demand was very high.

As part of its strategy to standardize VIVO operators' customer relations, 100% of our customer services was outsourced, although we still have full control and manage these service so as to ensure the quality of services provided around 24 hours per day by call centers .

The National VIVO Portal on the Internet, which was created in 2004, received an average of 1 million visitors a month at the TCO page, lending greater agility and facility to customer relations with VIVO.

In 2004, VIVO's customer services were a mark of distinction because of the prizes this department was awarded: "Best Internet System" and "Best Own and Outsourced Active/Receiving Call Center Operation", by the Brazilian Telemarketing Association (ABT); "B2B Quality Standard", by B2B magazine; and "Modern Consumer Prize for Customer Service Excellence", by Consumidor Moderno magazine.

To measure its customers' level of satisfaction with VIVO's customer services, the Company hired a specialized company, Indicator GFK, to conduct a broad study on the Company. TCO scored 8.45, which is more than the average 7.98 points registered by the mobile telephony market.

5. ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

The financial statements as of December 31, 2003 were reclassified, as applicable, for comparison purposes:

In R$ million

2004

2003

Var. (%)

Net operating revenue

2,210.4

1,958.9

12.8 

Operating costs and expenses

1,529.1

1,411.2

8.4 

EBITDA

891.4

742.5

20.1 

Income for the current year

507.1

463.4

9.4 

Loans and financing

226.3

348.1

(35.0)


OPERATING REVENUE

The net operating revenue of TCO was R$2,210.4 million in 2004, against R$1,958.9 million in 2003, thus recording a 12.8% increase which was mainly due to the 41.5% growth in the total customer base.

The net operating revenue from services increased by 13.4% in 2004 in relation to 2003, from R$1,657.4 million to R$1,879.5 million, despite being still impacted by the SMP (B&K and CSP) effect, due to the growth in the average customer base and the change in the customers mix, with increased market share of prepaid customers.

The net operating revenue from sales of products increased by 9.8% in relation to 2003, from R$301.5 million to R$330.9 million, due to the intense commercial activity.

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

The operating costs increased by 8.4%, totaling R$1,529.1 million in 2004, against R$1,411.2 million in 2003, which was due, mainly, to the increase in the cost of products as a result of the intense commercial activity.

EBITDA

TCO's EBITDA was R$891.4 million in 2004, a 20.1% growth, the equivalent to 40.3% on the total net operating revenue, 2.4% higher than in 2003, when the EBITDA was R$742.5 million, showing the Company's efficient generation of cash from its operating assets.

The EBITDA is calculated as follows:

 

R$ thousand

 

 

Operating income (*)

661,503

Financial income (*)

19.,792

Depreciation and amortization (**)

210,060

 

891,355

(*) See statement of income.
(**) See statement of changes in financial position.

INCOME FOR THE CURRENT YEAR

TCO's net income was R$507.1 million in 2004, against R$463.4 million in 2003. The improvement in the Company's income was due to the efforts made to reduce costs, even though with intense commercial activity in order to fight competition.

LOANS AND FINANCING

By the end of 2004, the Company's debt was R$226.3 million, of which 36.6% were denominated in foreign currency and protected by hedge transactions, while in the end of 2003 the debt recorded R$348.1 million. The reduction in the Company's debt was mainly due to the settlement of financial liabilities out of the surplus cash available.

The indebtedness recorded on December 31, 2004 was offset by cash and financial investments (R$951.2 million) and by derivative assets and liabilities (R$20.7 million in net liabilities), resulting in a net cash position of R$704.2 million.

6. INVESTMENTS - CAPEX (CAPITAL EXPENDITURES)

The Company continued with its projects for improvement and expansion of the capacity of services rendered, increase of the CDMA 1xRTT network in substitution for the TDMA network in TCO, evolution and expansion of the covered area of 1xRTT in GT, expansion of own transmission routes, systems centralization and integration (invoicing, collection and CRM, among others), development of new data transmission services and opening and renovation of sales points, recording a total investment of R$419.3 million.

7. CAPITAL MARKET

The São Paulo Stock Exchange index (IBOVESPA) posted 26,196 points at the year end. In 2004, the IBOVESPA increased by 17.8%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average - DJIA increased by 3.2%. The average daily volume of transactions traded at São Paulo Stock Exchange (BOVESPA) in 2004 was R$1,221.3 million, recording a 49.3% increase in relation to 2003.

TCO shares started being traded at BOVESPA on September 21, 1998, under codes TCOC3 (common shares) and TCOC4 (preferred shares), and at New York Stock Exchange - NYSE on November 16, 1998, under the code TRO (American Depositary Receipts - ADRs).

In 2004, the renegotiation of TCO at shares at the BOVESPA recorded an average daily amount of R$377.2 thousand for common shares and R$16.2 million for preferred shares. On December 30, 2004, the market value of registered common shares and registered preferred shares was, respectively, R$12.90 and R$8.73 per lot of one thousand shares.


At NYSE, the ADRs were traded at the year end for the price of US$9.87, recording a total trading volume of 27,823,321 outstanding ADRs, which 0.2% appreciation. A total of 76.5 million ADRs were traded in 2004, representing an average amount of US$750.7 million.

 

Per thousand shares

2004

2003

Profit

1.31

1.22

Equity value

6.31

4.10

ADR prices in US$ (1:3.000 preferred shares)

9.87

9.85

Preferred shares prices (*)

8.73

9.61

Common shares prices (*)

12.90

8.48

(*) Closing price in the last session of the year at BOVESPA.

The Company's capital stock in December 2004 was R$792,965,581.63, represented by 129,458,666,783 common shares and 257,206,308,185 preferred shares .

The Company's Board of Directors approved interests on own capital in the total amount of R$82,000,000.00 (R$0.215292 per lot of one thousand common and preferred shares) to be credited, with 15% withheld income tax, resulting in total net interests of R$69,700,000.00 (R$0.182998 per lot of one thousand common and preferred shares, except for shareholders able to evidence their immune or tax-exempted status). The corresponding credit was posted in the Company's accounting records on December 31, 2004.

CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING

The corporate restructuring involving Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. and its controlled companies Telegoiás Celular S.A., Telems Celular S.A., Telemat Celular S.A., Teleacre Celular S.A. and Teleron Celular S.A. was completed on June 30, 2004. Such restructuring allows an advance in the capitalization conditions of TCO and its respective operators, as well as an improvement in the companies' cash flow, as a result of the tax benefit, in the approximate amount of R$511 million, which was generated by the amortization, in the next five years, of the premium paid by TCP upon the acquisition of TCO. The transaction did not entail any change in the ownership structure of TCO and its operators, except for the fact that the operators became wholly-owned subsidiaries of TCO.

PUBLIC OFFERING OF SHARES

The Voluntary Public Offering of Shares (OPA) for acquisition of preferred shares in TCO by TCP was completed on October 8, 2004. The number of shares offered in the OPA auction exceeded the maximum number to be acquired by TCP (84,252,534,000 shares). Considering this fact, each shareholder who adhered to the OPA received, by reason of the apportionment, for each share being offered, 0.5547 preferred share issued by TCO and acquired by the Company. After the OPA, TCP held 32.76% of all the preferred shares, representing an increase from 28.86% to 50.65% of its interest in the total capital stock of TCO.

OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE

8. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

INVESTOR RELATIONS

TCO has been working with the constant purpose of improving its corporate governance practices, upon promoting a professional management and awarding equal treatment to all its shareholders.

In order to keep the capital market informed about the Company's operations, meetings were conducted along the year 2004 with analysts and investors, as well as several events have been accomplished. Further, TCO keeps information and communication channels available by telephone, e-mail and website ( www.vivo.com.br/ri ), which was reformulated, containing updated information about the Company's operations.

SARBANES-OXLEY

This law applies to companies that trade securities on the U.S. market. To this effect, the Company has been taking the necessary actions in order to comply with its requirements.

CODE OF ETHICS

Upon adopting the Code of Ethics for Financial Officers, the Company aims at enforcing the compliance with laws, regulations and other applicable rules, on an honest, accurate and ethical basis. Said code applies only to the Executive Vice-President of Finance, Planning and Control, the Chief Financial Officer, the Accounting Officer, the Controller, and/or persons exercising similar duties in the Company (collectively referred to as "Financial Officers").

POLICY FOR DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT ACT OR FACT AND
DISCLOSURE COMMITTEE

The Policy for Disclosure of Relevant Act or Fact was set up by the Board of Directors of TCO in compliance with article 16 of CVM Instruction No. 358, of January 3, 2002.

The ultimate responsibility for the disclosure of relevant information, act or fact is incumbent upon the CEO, the CFO and the Investor Relations Officer, the first two of them being responsible for authorizing the information to be disclosed, while the Investor Relations Officer is responsible for the communication itself of the relevant information, under the terms of the provisions in the Relevant Act or Fact Policy and in CVM Instructions No. 358/02 and No. 369/02.

Said disclosures are reviewed by the Disclosure Committee in support to the CEO and CFO. The Disclosure Committee is responsible for processing the disclosure of information, Relevant Acts and Facts of the Company, ensuring quality disclosure of information, as well as for the implementation of the Disclosure Procedures and Controls.

The Disclosure Committee reports directly to the CEO and to the CFO and comprises one coordinator and ten members (representing the Investor Relations, Controls, Corporate Communication, Accounting, Financial, Mergers and Acquisitions, Communication and Publicity and Compliance Officers, as well as the General Secretary and the Legal Officer), and has the duty of evaluating the need to outsource services (such as auditors, legal counsels and other independent consultants), in order to warrant adequate support to the disclosure process.

AUDIT AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

The Audit and Control Committee is a collegiate body, subordinated to the Board of Directors of the Company, made up of four of its effective members and being governed by the rules set forth in its bylaws, in conformity with the resolutions made by the Board of Directors, and under the terms and limits of the applicable laws and of the articles of incorporation of the Company.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors of TCO is made up of ten members. The directors are elected for three-
-year terms of office by the General Meeting of Shareholders, which is also empowered to dismiss them. Reelection is permitted.

Meetings of the Board of Directors are regularly held once in every quarter period and specially held whenever necessary. None of its members occupies an executive position and one of its members is an independent director.

STATUTORY AUDIT COUNCIL

The Statutory Audit Council comprises three members elected by the General Meeting of Shareholders for a one-year term of office.

The Statutory Audit Council has a permanent nature and holds regular meetings once in every quarter period and special meetings whenever called by the chairman of the Board of Directors or by two members of the Statutory Audit Council.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS' COMMITTEE

The Company has eight Executive Officers, who may or may not be shareholders, all Brazilian residents elected by the Board of Directors, for three-year terms of office, for the positions of Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice-President of Operations, Executive Vice-President of Finance, Planning and Control, Executive Vice-President of Marketing and Innovation, Vice-President of Technology and Networks, Vice-President of Compliance and Corporate Relations, Vice-President of IT, Product and Services Engineering, and Vice-President of Customers. One same executive officer may hold more than one position, but no executive officer may be a member of the Board of Directors.

 

9. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

VIVO has entered into agreements with the CEFET-RS university and with the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul State (UFRGS). Such agreements allow VIVO laboratories to be created at the university premises, wherein new technology research and development projects are performed, providing support/stimulation to the Company's technological innovation processes. In addition, said agreements make the relationship between VIVO and the Brazilian society closer.

Another agreement was entered into in the end of 2004 with the Research and Development Center (CPqD), for evaluation and studies of new technologies.


10. HUMAN RESOURCES

The Company believes that personal realization is the basis for the development of its strategies and for achieving differentiated results.

As a result of a co-participation process, which involved all the leaderships, the Company managed to conclude the review of its Corporate Guidelines in August 2004.

TALENT ATTRACTION AND RETENTION

Marked by a significant attraction appeal, the Company is holding its 3 rd Trainees Program, which allows potential young workers to become acquainted with the main areas of activity of the Company. In order to retain talents, actions have been carried out such as the Coaching Program, which is implemented with a group of executives/key position employees of the organization towards developing organizational and personnel management competences, programs for international training of key workers of the Company made possible by the technical-cultural integration between the two shareholder groups - Portugal Telecom and Telefónica Móviles. The achievement of new performance levels is shared by means of variable compensation and profit-sharing programs, which totaled about R$50 million in 2004, for all the companies operating under "VIVO" brand, for fiscal year 2003.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT

The highly competitive market and the need to keep leadership have continued to demand efforts and investments from the Company in continuously developing its professionals, with some R$6.5 million being invested by "VIVO" companies in 2004. This was one of the most significant factors that contributed to the increased competitiveness of "VIVO" companies.

IN-COMPANY ENVIRONMENT

Special attention has been devoted to the organizational environment, as it became evident with the creation of the Endomarketing area, which has the mission of strategically unifying and consolidating internal communication and internal marketing actions. Due to the diversity of workers, the Company focused its efforts on finding a "North" for the communication, based on carefully and specially prepared diagnosis.

Actions towards reinforcing corporate culture are designed to consolidate the Company's image as a large plural community. Internal integration is a key factor for achieving such goal and, therefore, several events have been held involving workers of different hierarchic levels.

Essential for establishing a good internal environment, health and life quality have continued to deserve special attention, since the Company believes that its workers' welfare is a critical factor for the Company's success, for which reason investments are effected with the purpose of making all employees aware of prevention practices. The Company's health management policy was awarded the ADVB 2004 Top RH prize, thus evidencing the effectiveness of said policy with the Company's workers and their families, not only due to the quality of the health plans made available to the workers but also to the assistance based on pro-activity and personal care through preventive actions and campaigns.

Workers are also asked to answer questions in connection with a climate research, which is a powerful communication tool in which they freely voice their opinion about labor relations and in-company environment. The action plan arising out of the research started being gradually applied throughout 2004, as an advance in the purpose of joint work between the top management and the labor staff in the search for excellence and leadership.

LABOR STAFF

The total labor count in the end of 2004 was 1,357, against 1,510 in December 2003, a 10.1% reduction, which was performed on a criterion basis, in order to avoid quality loss. Sales force increased by 43.4%.

The distribution per activity is as follows:

Area of Activity

2004

2003

Var. (%)

Technical and Operations

308

389

(20.8)

Marketing and Sales

519

362

43.4 

Customer Assistance

285

392

(27.3)

Financial and Administrative Support

245

367

(33.2)

TOTAL

1,357

1,510

(10.1)

Adhesion to the Private Pension Plans represented 85.5% of the total labor count, which means 929 workers.

 

11. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

VIVO Institute is an association made up by VIVO operators. Having succeeded to the projects that were developed through former Telefônica Foundation's Instituto Brasil Digital, VIVO Institute was born in July 2004, with the purpose of being aligned with and extend VIVO's social responsibility work to all the States in which the Company operates.

After VIVO Institute was created, the focus of VIVO's actions in the social area was redefined; as a result, education and environment became priority areas. Today, there are some 50 projects in progress and more than 200 thousand people directly assisted by them.

2004 SUMMARY

•  Launching of VIVO Institute.

•  Publication of the first VIVO Corporate Responsibility Report (in a summary version, distributed to all VIVO workers).

•  About 40 projects have been supported and more than 200 thousand people assisted. Among them, the following are worthy of mention: " SuperAção Jovem " (Young Super Action) in partnership with Ayrton Senna Institute (SP, SC, PA, MS and DF); " Pastoral da Criança " (Children's Pastoral Program) (MA, PA, GO, RO, AM, TO, MT and MS); " Eco-Vídeo Biblioteca " (Eco-Video Library) (GO); " Cooperativa de Mulheres Costureiras de São Bartolomeu " (Co-operative Society of Sewing Women of São Bartolomeu) (BA); " Acelera Goiás " (Speed-up Goiás), " Acelera Tocantins " (Speed-up Tocantins) and " Se Liga Tocantins " (Wake-up Tocantins), all of them in partnership with Ayrton Senna Institute; " Banco da Providência " (Providence Bank) (RJ); " Projeto Água Viva " (Live Water Project) (RJ); " Jovens Talentos " (Young Talent) (ES); " Projeto de Esporte na Ilha Criança " (Sports Program in Children's Island) (SC); and " Projeto Guri " (Guri Project) (SP).

•  Launching of VIVO Voluntary Program, with its action focused on visual deficiency and performance of Vaccination, Clothing, Children's Day and Christmas campaigns.

•  Support and participation of VIVO Institute in the industry events, among them the 10 th National Forum of Entrepreneurial Citizenship (RJ), Environment Quality Symposium (RS), II Environment Education Exhibition and Workshop (PR), Unesco 2004 Prize (DF), II Companies' Social Responsibility Workshop (MS), and I Social Responsibility Workshop (RJ).

 

12. PRIZES

The Company was awarded several prizes in 2004, among which the following are worthy of mention:

•  Largest ICMS Taxpayers in 2004 - VIVO GO won the prize awarded by "O Popular" newspaper and by the State of Goiás Department of Finance as the 5 th largest corporate ICMS taxpayer.

•  Exame Magazine's Largest and Best Companies Prize - VIVO Goiás won the prize awarded by Exame magazine as the best mobile telephony company in the State, for the 3 rd consecutive year.

•  Modern Consumer Prize 2004 - VIVO was awarded a prize for the quality of its customer assistance in the cellular telephone industry.

•  Top of Marketing ADVB 2004 - VIVO was awarded prizes for four success "cases" (" São Paulo Fashion Week ", " VIVO Open Air ", " Recarga Premiada " (Rewarded Reload) and " VIVO ao VIVO " (Live VIVO)) by ADVB.

•  Top of Mind 2004 Prize - VIVO is the mostly remembered brand in its branch of activity pursuant to Folha de São Paulo newspaper.

•  August 2004 Reliable Brands Prize - VIVO was elected the most reliable brand in the cellular phone industry by the readers of Seleções magazine.


13. INDEPENDENT AUDIT

The policy of Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. towards its independent auditors as regards respect to the rendering of services not related to external audit is substantiated on principles that protect auditor's independence. Such principles are based on the fact that the auditor should not audit his own work, nor exercise management functions or act as a legal counsel for his customer.

In compliance with CVM Instruction No. 381/03, Company's management informs that our independent auditor - Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes - did not provide any services in fiscal year 2004 other than independent audit to Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. and its controlled companies.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Company's and its controlled companies' policies prohibit their independent auditors to be retained for rendering services that entail conflict of interest or loss of objectiveness thereof. Additionally, any relationship between the Company (or its Directors/Officers) and the independent auditors causing loss of independence is forbidden.

 

14. OUTLOOKS AND FUTURE PLANS

From a macroeconomic viewpoint, it is anticipated that Brazilian economy in 2005 will keep the upward trend of growth started in 2004, stimulated by the increase in employment level and internal demand and by the world economy growth.

As far as cellular telephony is concerned, it is estimated that the growth will, once again, exceed by far the average growth of the economy. A strong competition scenario is expected for 2005, as a consequence of consolidation of the current competitors, continuance of the focus on the data business, aiming at increasing the ARPU, search for synergies and scale economies and customer retention and fidelity campaigns and actions.

Within this context, the Company intends to keep a leadership position on the Brazilian market, stimulating its growth, attempting to provide differentiated services through the constant development of new technologies and integrated solutions and minimize the strong competition effects through excellence of services and leadership in price, coverage area and innovation, in addition to offering high quality services and products designed to meet and exceed our customers' expectations.

 

15. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The management of Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. wishes to thank our shareholders, customers, suppliers and financial institutions for their cooperation and faith in us, and the employees, in particular, to whose devotion to the job and efforts we owe the results we have presented above.

Management

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A.

Brasília - DF

1. We have audited the accompanying individual (holding company) and consolidated balance sheets of Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity (holding company), and changes in financial position for the years then ended, all expressed in Brazilian reais and prepared under the responsibility of Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements.

2. Our audits were conducted in accordance with auditing standards in Brazil and comprised: (a) planning of the work, taking into consideration the significance of the balances, volume of transactions, and the accounting and internal control systems of the Company and its subsidiaries; (b) checking, on a test basis, the evidence and records that support the amounts and accounting information disclosed; and (c) evaluating the significant accounting practices and estimates adopted by Company's management and its subsidiaries, as well as the presentation of the financial statements taken as a whole.

3.  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to in paragraph 1 present fairly, in all material respects, the individual and consolidated financial position of Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the results of their operations, the changes in shareholders' equity (holding company) and the changes in financial position for the years then ended, in conformity with the accounting practices adopted in Brazil.

4.  The additional information for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 in respect to the statements of cash flows are presented to allow additional analyses and are not required as a part of the basic financial statements. We have audited such information according to the auditing procedures mentioned in paragraph 2 and, in our opinion, they are properly presented, in all material respects, with regard to the financial statements taken as a whole.

5.  The accompanying financial statements are an adaptation and a translation of the financial statements originally issued in Portuguese and have been prepared into English for the convenience of readers outside Brazil .

São Paulo , February 16, 2005

DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU

José Domingos do Prado

Auditores Independentes

Engagement Partner

BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)                
ASSETS Holding Company Consolidated
12,31,04 12,31,03 12,31,04 12,31,03
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
67,634
107,516
951,186
972,054
Trade accounts receivable, net
104,561
98,349
477,135
398,253
Inventory
39,210
22,718
193,510
79,076
Deferred and recoverable taxes
79,436
31,817
274,382
150,011
Prepaid expenses
18,030
2,914
39,960
12,274
Other current assets
124,449
100,582
28,145
6,565
433,320
363,896
1,964,318
1,618,233
NONCURRENT ASSETS
Intercompany credits
46,216
4,301
-
-
Deferred and recoverable taxes
203,743
31,022
459,445
55,264
Derivatives
-
44
-
87
Prepaid expenses
1,284
-
11,486
-
Other noncurrent assets
28,229
56,818
30,072
58,134
279,472
92,185
501,003
113,485
PERMANENT ASSETS
Investment
1,901,494
1,280,369
4,196
4,588
Property, plant and equipment
281,362
247,355
1,104,290
891,030
Deferred assets
-
-
21,848
26,910
2,182,856
1,527,724
1,130,334
922,528
TOTAL ASSETS
2,895,648
1,983,805
3,595,655
2,654,246

 

LIABILITIES Holding Company Consolidated
12,31,04 12,31,03 12,31,04 12,31,03
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payroll and related accruals
10,089
11,159
21,447
20,326
Suppliers and trade accounts payable
86,257
64,142
467,382
276,261
Taxes payable
30,318
35,451
102,885
133,345
Loans and financing
25,441
26,783
102,727
135,042
Interest on shareholders' equity and dividends
138,278
127,916
144,395
135,119
Derivatives
5,707
2,943
13,930
9,426
Provision for contingencies
1,392
-
5,473
-
Other liabilities
13,029
5,360
27,922
21,972
310,511
273,754
886,161
731,491
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Loans and financing
15,059
43,435
123,557
223,098
Provision for contingencies
123,420
105,166
128,644
109,373
Derivatives
3,198
3,011
6,811
5,667
Other liabilities
1,832
2,227
8,854
3,356
143,509
153,839
267,866
341,494
MINORITY INTERESTS
-
-
-
25,049
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock
792,966
570,095
792,966
570,095
Treasury stock
(49,109)
(49,162)
(49,109)
(49,162)
Capital reserves
574,922
114,380
574,922
114,380
Surplus reserve
857,524
655,574
857,524
655,574
Retained earnings
265,199
265,199
265,199
265,199
2,441,502
1,556,086
2,441,502
1,556,086
FUNDS FOR CAPITALIZATION
126
126
126
126
TOTAL LIABILITIES
2,895,648
1,983,805
3,595,655
2,654,246

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003
(In thousands of Brazilian reais, except net income per thousand shares)            
Holding Company Consolidated
2004 2003 2004 2003
GROSS OPERATING REVENUE
Telecommunication services
560,792
537,001
2,462,907
2,103,805
Sales of goods
94,940
76,325
486,778
383,471
655,732
613,326
2,949,685
2,487,276
DEDUCTIONS FROM GROSS REVENUE
(151,914)
(121,043)
(739,259)
(528,366)
NET OPERATING INCOME
503,818
492,283
2,210,426
1,958,910
Cost of services rendered
(83,748)
(131,097)
(354,463)
(513,996)
Cost of goods sold
(114,065)
(82,380)
(555,946)
(390,026)
GROSS PROFIT
306,005
278,806
1,300,017
1,054,888
OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSES)
Selling expenses
(138,089)
(68,643)
(472,710)
(300,516)
General and administrative expenses
(60,993)
(105,349)
(149,102)
(193,258)
Other operating income
66,150
52,961
65,313
32,879
Other operating expenses
(21,349)
(15,779)
(62,223)
(46,342)
Equity pick-up
428,825
374,095
-
-
274,544
237,285
(618,722)
(507,237)
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE FINANCIAL
INCOME (EXPENSES)
580,549
516,091
681,295
547,651
Financial expenses
(41,284)
(105,206)
(96,309)
(178,793)
Declared interest on shareholders' equity payable
(82,000)
(130,000)
(82,000)
(130,000)
Financial income
16,083
101,707
158,517
290,463
Declared interest on shareholders' equity receivable
90,300
113,266
-
-
OPERATING INCOME
563,648
495,858
661,503
529,321
Nonoperating expenses, net
(4,744)
(6,872)
(9,066)
(6,364)
INCOME BEFORE TAXES AND MINORITY INTERESTS
558,904
488,986
652,437
522,957
Income and social contribution taxes
(41,956)
(42,312)
(224,175)
(181,089)
Minority shareholders
-
-
(3,211)
(8,460)
INCOME BEFORE REVERSAL OF INTEREST ON
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
516,948
446,674
425,051
333,408
Reversal of interest on shareholders' equity
(8,300)
16,734
82,000
130,000
NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR
508,648
463,408
507,051
463,408
NET INCOME PER THOUSAND SHARES - R$
1,3355
1,2167
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (HOLDING COMPANY)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)                                      
Capital reserves Surplus reserve
Capital
stock
paid-up
Treasury stock
Interest
on work
in
progress
Goodwill
Special
goodwill reserve
Tax incentives
Statutory reserve
Reserve
for
expansion
Retained earnings
Total
shareholders'
equity
BALANCES AT DECEMBER 31, 2002
534,046
(49,162)
4,505
37,533
72,189
153
58,688
263,477
297,094
1,218,523
Determined interest on shareholders' equity
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,155
4,155
Capital increase with retained earnings
36,049
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(36,049)
-
Net income for the year
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
463,408
463,408
Appropriation proposed to the General Meeting:
Statutory reserve
-
-
-
-
-
-
23,171
-
(23,171)
-
Interest on shareholders' equity
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(130,000)
(130,000)
Reserve for expansion
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
310,238
(310,238)
-
BALANCES AT DECEMBER 31, 2003
570,095
(49,162)
4,505
37,533
72,189
153
81,859
573,715
265,199
1,556,086
Capital increase with reserves -
Special Meeting of March 30, 2004
194,416
-
-
-
(19,078)
-
-
(175,338)
-
-
Reversal of goodwill reserve
-
-
-
-
(31,168)
-
-
-
-
(31,168)
Asset - merger of WXYZ0059 Holdings S,A,
-
-
-
-
511,061
-
-
-
-
511,061
Capital increase - Special Meeting of June 30, 2004
28,555
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
28,555
Capital reduction - Special Meeting of June 30, 2004
(100)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(100)
Treasury stock
-
53
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
53
Tax loss on merged goodwill
-
-
-
-
(273)
-
-
-
-
(273)
Determined interest on shareholders' equity
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,744
1,744
Net income for the year
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
508,648
508,648
Appropriation proposed to the General Meeting:
Statutory reserve
-
-
-
-
-
-
25,432
-
(25,432)
-
Dividends
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(51,104)
(51,104)
Interest on shareholders' equity
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(82,000)
(82,000)
Reserve for expansion
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
351,856
(351,856)
-
BALANCES AT DECEMBER 31, 2004
792,966
(49,109)
4,505
37,533
532,731
153
107,291
750,233
265,199
2,441,502
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements,

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)              
Holding Company Consolidated
2004 2003 2004 2003
SOURCES OF FUNDS
Net income in the year
508,648
463,408
507,051
463,408
Minority interest
-
-
3,211
8,460
Expenses (revenues) that do no affect the net working capital:
Depreciation and amortization
64,510
63,684
210,060
194,782
Equity pick-up
(428,825)
(374,095)
-
-
Monetary and exchange variation on noncurrent assets and long-term liabilities
(481)
(1,487)
2,570
(317)
Sales of property, plant and equipment
615
6,688
10,730
19,421
Increase in provision for contingencies
19,237
10,527
22,529
10,269
Negative goodwill (goodwill) in the acquisition of interest in subsidiaries
435
(252)
-
-
Negative goodwill in the acquisition of interest in Norte Brasil Telecom S.A.
-
2,282
-
2,282
Determined interest on shareholders' equity at subsidiaries
-
1,400
-
1,400
Increase (decrease) in social security liabilities
(1,597)
1,366
(2,643)
2,346
Provision for investment loss - TCO IP
5,045
4,730
-
-
Funds provided by operating activities
167,587
178,251
753,508
702,051
From shareholders:
Impact of merged assets on net working capital
44,903
-
102,212
-
Treasury stock
53
-
53
-
Determined interest on shareholders' equity
1,744
4,155
2,451
4,155
46,700
4,155
104,716
4,155
From third parties:
Long-term loans and financing
-
-
5,187
9,972
Interest on shareholders' equity and dividends received
116,001
149,419
-
-
Transfer of long-term to current liabilities
49,560
1,270
112,719
16,404
Transfer of current to noncurrent assets
-
1,366
-
2,346
Decrease in noncurrent assets
-
13,198
-
20,095
Increase in long-term liabilities
87
-
675
-
165,648
165,253
118,581
48,817
Total sources
379,935
347,659
976,805
755,023
USES OF FUNDS
Additions to investment
239
4,126
1,169
-
Additions to property, plant and equipment
96,456
79,581
418,417
207,644
Additions to deferred assets
-
-
154
-
Transfer of long-term to current liabilities
27,664
35,494
106,272
89,137
Transfer of current to noncurrent assets
-
21,978
-
23,028
Increase in noncurrent assets
88,722
-
122,916
-
Decrease in long-term liabilities
983
31,326
3,258
8,328
Capital reductions
100
-
100
-
Interest on shareholders' equity
82,000
130,000
82,000
134,363
Proposed dividends
51,104
-
51,104
-
From minority shareholders
-
-
-
4,377
Total uses
347,268
302,505
785,390
466,877
INCREASE IN NET WORKING CAPITAL
32,667
45,154
191,415
288,146
CHANGES TO NET WORKING CAPITAL
Current assets:
Beginning of the year
363,896
454,877
1,618,233
1,313,436
End of the year
433,320
363,896
1,964,318
1,618,233
69,424
(90,981)
346,085
304,797
Current liabilities:
Beginning of the year
273,754
409,889
731,491
714,840
End of the year
310,511
273,754
886,161
731,491
36,757
(136,135)
154,670
16,651
INCREASE IN NET WORKING CAPITAL
32,667
45,154
191,415
288,146
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)      
Consolidated
2004 2003
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income in the year
507,051
463,408
Adjustments to reconcile net income with cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
210,060
194,782
Minority shareholders
3,211
8,460
Monetary and exchange variation and charges of loans and financing
26,004
(58,427)
Loss in the sale of property, plant and equipment
10,730
18,894
Increase in provision for contingencies
28,001
10,418
Social security obligations
(2,643)
2,346
Provision for doubtful accounts
68,338
47,134
Increase in accounts receivable
(147,220)
(217,131)
Increase in deferred and recoverable taxes
(17,764)
(36,709)
Increase in inventories
(114,434)
(30,707)
Increase in other current assets
(80,139)
(10,973)
(Increase) decrease in other noncurrent assets
16,576
(1,504)
Decrease in derivatives - assets
87
53,217
Increase in payroll and related accruals
1,121
8,298
Increase in suppliers and trade accounts payable
191,121
121,872
Increase (decrease) in taxes payable
(30,460)
31,346
Increase in other current liabilities
5,950
7,655
Decrease in provision for contingencies
(3,257)
(149)
Increase in derivatives - liabilities
5,648
13,253
Increase in other long-term liabilities
175
-
Net cash provided by operating activities
678,156
625,483
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to investment
(1,169)
-
Acquisition of shares of minority shareholders at subsidiaries
-
(2,096)
Negotiable instruments
-
712,135
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(418,417)
(207,644)
Additions to deferred assets
(154)
-
Income on the sale of assets
-
527
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(419,740)
502,922
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayment of loans and financing
(163,047)
(285,504)
New loans and financing obtained
5,187
64,319
Interest on shareholders' equity and dividends paid
(121,377)
(93,669)
Decrease in capital stock
(100)
-
Treasury stock
53
-
Net cash used in financing activities
(279,284)
(314,854)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(20,868)
813,551
At the beginning of the year
972,054
158,503
At the end of the year
951,186
972,054
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A.

Financial Statements for the Years Ended

December 31, 2004 and 2003 and

Independent Auditors' Report

 

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes



TELE CENTRO OESTE CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003

(Amounts expressed in thousands of Brazilian reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 

1.  OPERATING CONTEXT

Tele Centro Oeste Celular Participações S.A. ("TCO" or "Company") is a publicly-held company, whose controlling shareholder, as of December 31, 2004, is Telesp Celular Participações ("TCP") (86.19% of the voting capital stock and 50.65% of the total capital stock).

The Company is the controlling shareholder of the operators Telegoiás Celular S.A. ("Telegoiás"), Telemat Celular S.A. ("Telemat"), Telems Celular S.A. ("Telems"), Teleron Celular S.A. ("Teleron"), Teleacre Celular S.A. ("Teleacre") and Norte Brasil Telecom S.A. ("NBT").

The Company provides mobile telephone services in the Federal District area, including activities necessary or useful to the provision of these services, through an authorization granted to it valid until July 24, 2006. Its subsidiaries also provide mobile telephone services as follows:

Subsidiary

Interest held
  - %  

Operation area

Expiration date
of authorization

 

 

 

 

Telegoiás

100.00

Goiás and Tocantins

10.29.08

Telemat

100.00

Mato Grosso

03.30.09

Telems

100.00

Mato Grosso do Sul

09.28.09

Teleron

100.00

Rondônia

07.21.09

Teleacre

100.00

Acre

07.15.09

NBT

100.00

Amazonas, Roraima, Amapá, Pará and Maranhão

11.29.13

The mentioned authorizations are renewable once for 15 years, by means of the payment of annual rates of, approximately, 1% of operating annual revenues.

The business of the Company and its subsidiaries operators of mobile telephone services, including related services, are regulated by the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) ("Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações"), the telecommunication industry regulator in accordance with Law No. 9,472, of July 16, 1997, and respective regulations, decrees, decisions and plans.

As of July 6, 2003, the operators implemented the Carriers Selection Code (CSP) ("Código de Seleção da Prestadora"), by which customers became to choose their carrier for national (VC2 and VC3) and international long-distance services, in compliance with the rules of Personal Mobile Service (SMP) ("Serviço Móvel Pessoal"). The operators no longer receive VC2 and VC3 revenues; instead, they receive interconnection fees for the use of their network on these calls.

Increase in TCP interest in TCO

The Tender Offer (OPA) ("Oferta Pública Voluntária") for acquisition of Company's preferred shares by its controlling shareholder TCP was completed on October 8, 2004. The number of shares offered in the auction exceeded the limit to be acquired by TCP (84,252,534,000 shares). Consequently, due to the proration, each shareholder that accepted the OPA had, for each share offered, 0.5547 preferred share issued by the Company acquired by TCP. After the OPA, TCP became owner of 32.76% of TCO total preferred shares.

 

2.  PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements have been prepared pursuant to accounting practices established by the Brazilian Corporate Law, rules applicable to telecommunication services providers and accounting rules and procedures set forth by the Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM) ("Comissão de Valores Mobiliários").

The consolidated financial statements include balances and transactions of the holding company and its subsidiaries. All balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated.

The financial statements as of December 31, 2003 have been reclassified, as applicable, for comparability.

 

3.  SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING PRACTICES

a)  Cash and cash equivalents

Represent the balances existing in cash and banks and financial investments with immediate liquidity, showed at cost, added by earned gain until balance sheet date.

b)  Accounts receivables

Billed amounts are appraised at charge value on the date the service is rendered. Unbilled services rendered to customers until the date of the balance sheet and receivables related to the handsets and accessories sales are also included.

c)  Provision for doubtful accounts

It is constituted for credits which chances of recovery are considered remote.

d)  Conversion of transactions in foreign currency

Transactions in foreign currency are recorded using the exchange rate on transaction date and the relevant balances are adjusted until balance sheet date, and the exchange variation is recorded as income. The exchange variation and gains on foreign currency derivative contracts are determined and recorded monthly, irrespectively of the settlement expiration dates.

e) Inventories

They are represented by cellular handsets, accessories and maintenance supplies appraised at purchase average cost. A provision has been constituted to adjust the realization amount over costs of those cellular handsets considered obsolete or which amount exceed that usually traded within a reasonable period of time.

f)  Prepaid expenses

They are showed by the amounts actually disbursed but not yet incurred.

g) Other assets

The subsidy practiced on sales of terminals to accredited agents are deferred as of 2004 and recognized as income as those terminals are enabled.

h)  Investments

The permanent corporate interest in subsidiaries is recorded by equity pick-up method. Subsidiaries' accounting practices are consistent with those adopted by the holding company.

i)  Property, plant and equipment

It is showed by acquisition or construction cost less accrued depreciation, calculated on a straight-line basis, which relevant rates are in accordance with the estimated useful lives of the assets. The expenses incurred for repair and maintenance representing improvement, capacity increase or useful life are capitalized, while others are recorded in the income for the year. The provisions for cost to be incurred for disassembling towers and equipment in leased property, discounted at current value, is capitalized and amortized over the equipment useful life, which shall not exceed the term of lease agreements.

j)  Deferred

Refers to preoperating revenues and expenses of subsidiary NBT, amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years.

It was recorded as deferred asset the goodwill concerning own stores, which is amortized over five years, effectiveness term of the agreement.

k) Income and social contribution taxes

They are calculated and recorded based on actual tax rates in force. Deferred taxes attributable to temporary differences, tax loss and social contribution carryforwards are recorded assuming their future realization.

l)  Loans and financing

They are adjusted by the monetary and/or exchange variation and interest incurred until balance sheet date.

m)  FISTEL rate

The amount of FISTEL rate ("Fundo de Fiscalização das Telecomunicações") paid on validation service to new customers, generated monthly over the year, is deferred as of 2004 and amortized over the estimated period of customer fidelization, equal to 24 months.

n)  Provision for contingencies

It is determined based on legal counsels and management opinions, as to the probable outcome of pending issues, and is adjusted until balance sheet date at probable loss value, subject to the nature of each contingency.

o)  Provision for pension plan

The actuarial liabilities are calculated based on the projected unit credit cost method, and relevant assets are presented at their fair market value. Actuarial gains and losses were recorded immediately in income for the year (Note 29).

p)  Recognition of revenues

Services revenue is recognized as services are rendered, being the billing made monthly. The unbilled revenue between the last billing date and the end of the month is recognized in the month in which the service is rendered. The revenues concerning sales of prepaid cellular minutes are deferred and recognized in the income as such services are actually rendered.

q)  Financial income and expenses

They represent interest and monetary and exchange variations resulting from financial investment, loan and financing obtained and granted. Exchange gains and losses in derivative instruments are included.

r)  Derivatives

The Company and its subsidiaries have derivative contracts with the purpose of managing their exposure to interest rate and exchange rates fluctuation regarding their cash flow in foreign currency. Those derivatives are recorded at the exchange rate in force on balance sheet date. Gains and losses, whether realized or not, calculated exclusively based on agreed conditions, are recorded as financial expense or income.

s)  Employees' profit sharing

Provisions are made to recognize expense regarding employees' profit sharing program.

t)  Use of estimate

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and adopt assumptions at its reasonable discretion that affect the amounts presented as assets and liabilities, as well as revenue, costs and expenses amounts. Actual amounts may differ from those estimated.

u)  Net income per thousand shares

It is calculated based on the number of outstanding shares on the balance sheet date.

 

4.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and banks

15,873

8,494

 

57,190

24,690

Financial investments

51,761

99,022

 

893,996

947,364

Total

67,634

107,516

 

951,186

972,054

Financial investments refer to fixed rate transactions, indexed at CDI ("Certificado de Depósitos Interbancários") variation, a Brazilian interbank market rate, with immediate liquidity.

 

5.  TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unbilled amounts for services rendered

18,884

17,877

 

65,85 9

61,300

Billed amounts

43,428

44,681

 

180,907

159,560

Interconnection

28,667

26,604

 

134,564

117,876

Goods sold

21,060

17,612

 

129,563

93,345

Provision for doubtful accounts

(7,478 )

(8,425 )

 

(33,758 )

(33,828 )

Total

104,561

98,349

 

477,135

398,253

There are no customers who contribute to with more than 10% of net accounts receivable as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, except for amounts receivable from Brasil Telecom S.A., which represent approximately 16% and 17% of consolidated net trade accounts receivable as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Changes in the provision for doubtful accounts are as follows:

 

Holding Company

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of the year

8,425 

4,734 

 

33,828 

26,594 

Complement of provision

15,952 

11,532 

 

68,338 

47,134 

Write-off

( 16,899 )

(7,841 )

 

( 68,408 )

( 39,900 )

Balance at end of the year

7,478  

]8,425  

 

33,758  

33,828  


6.  INVENTORIES

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cellular handsets

33,857 

18,388 

 

178,884 

65,490 

Accessories and other

6,680 

4,707 

 

22,681 

14,915 

Provision for obsolescence

(1,327 )

(377 )

 

(8,055 )

(1,329 )

Total

39,210  

22,718  

 

193,510  

79,076  

 

7.  DEFERRED AND RECOVERABLE TAXES

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid income and social contribution taxes

7,409

6,555

 

33,647

42,309

IRRF

10,349

6,234

 

57,808

28,689

Recoverable ICMS (State VAT)

17,308

12,730

 

82,446

54,866

Recoverable PIS and COFINS (taxes on revenue) and other

5,323

166

 

32,048

273

Total recoverable taxes

40,389

25,685

 

205,949

126,137

 

 

 

 

 

 

ICMS on deferred sales

1,410

509

 

7,355

3,228

Deferred income and social contribution taxes

241,380

36,645

 

520,523

75,910

Total

283,179

62,839

 

733,827

205,275

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

79,436

31,817

 

274,382

150,011

Noncurrent

203,743

31,022

 

459,445

55,264

The main components of deferred income and social contribution taxes are as follows:

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merged tax credit

198,320

6,359

 

451,437

21,943

Provision:

 

 

 

 

 

Obsolescence

451

128

 

2,739

452

Contingencies

30,950

24,270

 

34,114

25,701

Doubtful accounts

2,542

2,864

 

11,478

11,501

Suppliers

5,200

3,015

 

18,031

15,326

Other amounts

3,917

9

 

2,724

987

Total

241,380

36,645

 

520,523

75,910

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

46,707

14,668

 

104,016

52,883

Noncurrent

194,673

21,977

 

416,507

23,027


Deferred taxes have been recorded based on the assumption of their future realization, as follows:

a)  Merged tax credit: consists of net balance of goodwill and provision to maintain the integrity of shareholders' equity (Note 30); its realization occurs with the amortization of TCO and its subsidiaries goodwill, which will expire on June 30, 2009.

b)  Temporary differences: will be realized upon payment of the accruals and effective losses on bad debts or realization of inventories.

Technical studies of feasibility approved by the Company and its subsidiaries' Board of Directors indicate the full recovery of recognized deferred tax amounts, in accordance with the definition of CVM Instruction No. 371.

The estimate schedule for realization of deferred taxes is as follows:

  Year  

Holding Company

Consolidated

 

 

 

2005

46,707

104,016

2006

44,903

102,212

2007

44,903

102,212

2008 (on)

104,867

212,083

Total

241,380

520,523

CVM Instruction No. 371 requires that studies shall be carried out from time to time to give grounds to the maintenance of accounted amounts. The subsidiary TCO IP did not recognize deferred income and social contribution taxes on tax loss and temporary differences, due to the absence of taxable profit projections.

 

8.  PREPAID EXPENSES

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

Establishment inspection fee (TFI)

4,202

-

 

34,399

-

Financial charges

302

471

 

652

1,036

Insurance premium

88

70

 

304

224

Advertising

14,074

2,091

 

14,159

9,587

Other

648

282

 

1,932

1,427

Total

19,314

2,914

 

51,446

12,274

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

18,030

2,914

 

39,960

12,274

Noncurrent

1,284

-

 

11,486

-


9.  OTHER ASSETS

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judicial deposits

12,483

12,347

 

14,383

13,660

Advances for acquisition of shares

15,584

44,461

 

15,584

44,461

Advances to employees

895

2,258

 

1,940

4,126

Subsidy on product sale

3,585

-

 

15,119

-

Credit with related companies

9,756

-

 

1,327

-

Interest on shareholders' equity

102,457

97,636

 

-

-

Other assets

7,918

698

 

9,864

2,452

Total

152,678

157,400

 

58,217

64,699

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

124,449

100,582

 

28,145

6,565

Noncurrent

28,229

56,818

 

30,072

58,134

 

10.  INVESTMENTS

a) Interest in subsidiaries

Subsidiaries

Total
interest - %

 

Total shares
(in thousands)

 

Shareholders'
  equity on  

 

Net income (loss) in

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telegoiás

100.00

 

6,735

 

747,039 

493,207 

 

182,375 

151,504  

Telemat

1 00.00

 

711

 

451,355  

285,334  

 

111,040  

90,051 

Telems

100.00

 

1,266

 

328,517  

223,012  

 

76,582  

66,264 

Teleron

100.00

 

727

 

103,792  

69,269  

 

15,227  

23,070 

Teleacre

100.00

 

1,987

 

54,364  

37,314  

 

9,677  

11,879 

NBT

100.00

 

72,001

 

223,024  

197,276  

 

35,539  

39,787 

TCO IP (*)

99.99

 

999

 

(9,965)

(4,920)

 

(5,045)

(4,730)

(*) TCO IP provided telecommunication services, Internet access and solutions development and other services. On August 16, 2004, by means of ANATEL Act No. 45,941, the extinction of the authorization of multimedia communication services was established. The authorization waiver does not exempt TCO IP from its obligations with third parties.

b) Composition and changes

 

  Holding Company  

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in subsidiaries

1,605,960 

1,233,609 

 

Goodwill in investment acquisition, net

20,701  

53,430  

 

5,117  

6,678  

Tax benefit transferred to subsidiaries (Note 30)

286,548  

-  

 

-  

-  

Negative goodwill in the acquisition of NBT interest

(2,282)

(2,282)

 

(2,282)

(2,282)

Advance for future capital increase - TCO IP

510  

510  

 

-  

-  

Provision for investment loss - TCO IP

(9,965)

(4,920)

 

-  

-  

Other investments

22  

22  

 

1,361  

192  

Investment balance

1,901,494  

1,280,369  

 

4,196  

4,588  

Changes in investments of the holding company for the years ended on December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

Beginning balance of the investment net of provision for losses

1,280,369 

1,061,288 

Equity pick-up

428,825 

374,095 

Interest on shareholders' equity and dividends paid

(116,001)

(149,419)

Increase in TCP interest in subsidiaries

28,555 

Goodwill (negative goodwill) in investment acquisition

(435)

253 

Tax benefit transferred to subsidiaries (Note 30)

286,548 

Provision for investment loss

(5,045)

(4,730)

Investment in subsidiaries

239 

1,843 

Dividends and determined interest on shareholders' equity in the subsidary

(1,400)

Goodwill amortization in investment acquisition

(1,561 )

(1,561 )

Ending balance of investment net of provision for losses

1,901,494  

1,280,369  

The goodwill and negative goodwill in the net amount of R$2,835 (R$4,396 in 2003) refer to:

NBT

a)  Goodwill in the acquisition of 45% of equity interest of NBT in Inepar S.A. ("Inepar") in May 1999 and capital increase in June 2000 by the Company in the amount of R$6,054.

b)  The accrued amortization amounted to R$2,657.

c)  Negative goodwill of 1.67% of equity interest of NBT in Inepar in June 2003, in the amount of R$2,282.

Telegoiás

a)  Goodwill in the acquisition of Telegoiás shares in the market, in November 2001, in the amount of R$4,774.

b)  The accrued amortization amounted to R$3,054.

The goodwill regarding NBT and Telegoiás will be amortized over ten and five years, respectively.

11.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

a) Composition

 

 

 

Holding Company

 

 

 

  12.31.04  

 

  12.31.03  

 

Annual
depreciation 
rate - %

 

Cost

Accrued
depreciation

Property, plant
and equipment, net

 

Property, plant
and equipment, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transmission equipment

14.29

 

329,731

(237,765)

91,966

 

91,632

Switching equipment

1 0

 

100,767

(43,284)

57,483

 

51,095

Infrastructure

5 to 10

 

71,085

(46,314)

24,771

 

29,020

Land

-

 

2,185

2,185

 

2,185

Rights to software use

20

 

66,917

(33,116)

33,801

 

25,921

Buildings

4

 

12,749

(6,204)

6,545

 

6,262

Terminal equipment

(*)

 

23,690

(18,725)

4,965

 

2,176

Other assets

5 to 20

 

35,218

(19,352)

15,866

 

14,785

Properties and work in progress

-

 

43,780

-  

43,780

 

24,279

Total

 

 

686,122

( 404,760 )

281,362

 

247,355

 

 

 

 

  Consolidated  

 

 

 

12.31.04  
 

  12.31.03  

 

Annual
depreciation 
rate - %

 

Cost

Accrued
depreciation

Property, plant
and equipment, net

 

Property, plant
and equipment, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transmission equipment

14.29

 

961,790

(569,247)

392,543

 

346,389

Switching equipment

10

 

336,881

127,678)

209,203

 

169,606

Infrastructure

5 to 10

 

189,784

(82,881)

106,903

 

106,664

Land

-

 

7,859

7,859

 

7,898

Rights to software use

20

 

209,592

(83,602)

125,990

 

76,594

Buildings

4

 

33,484

(9,237)

24,247

 

20,550

Terminal equipment

(*)

 

59,896

(38,408)

21,488

 

7,675

Concession license

6.90

 

60,550

(21,886)

38,664

 

43,042

Other assets

5 to 20

 

78,328

(35,658)

42,670

 

34,919

Properties and work in progress

-

 

134,723

-  

134,723

 

77,693

Total

 

 

2,072,887

( 968,597 )

1,104,290

 

891,030

(*) As of 2004, the useful life of terminal equipment was reduced from 24 to 18 months, in order to fit into the representativeness of the transactions. The consolidated effect of such change resulted in an addition in the depreciation recorded until December 2004 in the amount of R$3,567.

b) Rentals

The Company and its subsidiaries lease equipment and property by means of a number of agreements with several maturity dates. On December 31, 2004, annual rental expenses of these transactions were:

  Year  

Consolidated

 

 

2005

6,896

2006

5,185

2007

3,939

2008

2,833

2009

1,511

2010 on

2,111

Total minimum payments

22,475

 

12.  DEFERRED

 

  Consolidated  

 

Annual
amortization
  rate - %  

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

Preoperating expenses:

 

 

 

Financial expenses

10

16,701 

16,701 

General and administrative expenses

10

27,9 91  

27,991  

Goodwill

20

154  

-  

 

 

44,846  

44,692  

Accumulated amortization

 

( 22,998 )

( 17,782 )

Total

 

21,848  

26,910  

13.  TRADE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suppliers

73,007

45,303

 

390,710

192,335

Interconnection/connection

4,372

7,079

 

17,958

26,715

SMP transfer (*)

5,265

8,761

 

37,361

36,035

Other

3,613

2,999

 

21,353

21,176

Total

86,257

64,142

 

467,382

276,261

(*) Refers to long-distance services (VC2 and VC3 calls) to be transferred to operators due to the migration to SMP system (Note 1).


14.  TAXES, RATES AND CONTRIBUTIONS

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

ICMS

15,867

13,261

 

66,798

57,242

Income and social contribution taxes

-

-

 

-

23

PIS and COFINS

12,186

8,472

 

24,853

16,718

FISTEL

992

12,594

 

6,956

55,832

FUST and FUNTTEL

325

313

 

1,587

1,219

Other taxes, rates and contributions

948

811

 

2,691

2,311

Total

30,318

35,451

 

102,885

133,345

15.  LOANS AND FINANCING

a) Composition of debt

 

 

 

 

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

  Description  

Currency

  Interest  

  Maturity  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BNDES

R$

TJLP + interest
3.5% to 4% p.a.

01/15/06 to
01/15/08

 

6,725

11,821

 

125,981

171,067

Export Development
Canada - EDC

US$

LIBOR 6m +
interest of 3.9%
to 5% p. a.

11/22/05 to
12/14/06

 

33,454

57,784

 

71,158

125,509

Teleproduzir (*)

R$

Interest of 0.2%
p.m.

07/31/12

 

-

-

 

15,159

9,972

Resolution No. 2,770

US$

Average interest
7.41% p.a.

11/29/04

 

-

205

 

-

1,755

BNDES - currency
basket

UMBNDES

UMBNDES
basket variation
+ 3.5% p.a.

01/15/08

 

-

-

 

11,232

15,987

FINIMP

US$

LIBOR +
interest of 2% to
7% p.a.

05/14/04

 

-

-

 

-

29,705

Other

R$

Column 20 -
FGV

10/31/08

 

-

-

 

1,523

1,845

Interest

 

 

 

 

321

408

 

1,231

2,300

Total

 

 

 

 

40,500

70,218

 

226,284

358,140

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

 

 

 

25,441

26,783

 

102,727

135,042

Noncurrent

 

 

 

 

15,059

43,435

 

123,557

223,098

(*) Refers to the long-term installment of the benefit of Programa Teleproduzir resulting from the covenant with the Government of Goiás State concerning the payment of the ICMS. This covenant sets forth that the benefit on ICMS will be paid in 84 monthly installments, with a grace period of 12 months from benefit closing date, occurred in July 2004.

b) Repayment schedule

The long-term portion of loans and financing matures as follows:

  Year  

Holding Company

Consolidated

 

 

 

2006

15,059

70,678

2007

-

40,040

2008 on

-

12,839

Total

15,059

123,557


c) Restrictive covenants

The Company and its subsidiaries entered into loans and financing agreements with "Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social - BNDES" and Export Development Canada - EDC, whose balances of principal on December 31, 2004 were R$137,213 and R$71,158, respectively. On such date, the Company and its subsidiaries reached several economical and financial indexes established in agreement.

d) Guarantees

  Banks  

  Guarantees  

 

 

BNDES TCO Operators

15% of receivables and CDB pledging the amount equivalent to the next installment falling due

BNDES NBT

100% of receivables and CDB pledging the amount equivalent to the next two installments falling due

EDC

TCO and other subsidiaries guarantee

Other loans and financing

TCO guarantee

e) Hedge - Consolidated

On December 31, 2004, the Company and its subsidiaries had exchange contracts with notional amounts of US$31,327 thousand (US$61,239 thousand in 2003) to cover its obligations against exchange fluctuation. As of this date, the Company and its subsidiaries recorded an accrued and unrealized net loss of R$20,741 (R$15,006 in 2003) on these contracts represented by a balance of R$20,741 in liabilities (R$87 in assets and R$15,093 in liabilities in 2003), of which R$13,930 (R$9,426 in 2003) current and R$6,811 (R$5,667 in 2003) long term.

16.  DIVIDENDS AND INTEREST ON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY PAYABLE

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on shareholders' equity TCP

35,838

32,392

 

35,838

32,392

Interest on shareholders' equity minority shareholders

45,869

89,143

 

50,439

93,875

Dividends TCP

26,276

-

 

26,276

-

Dividends minority shareholders

30,295

6,381

 

31,842

8,852

Total

138,278

127,916

 

144,395

135,119

 

17.  OTHER OBLIGATIONS

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid services

5,186

2,037

 

19,061

11,826

Provision loyalty program

975

340

 

2,089

870

Pension fund

84

1,681

 

167

2,810

Liabilities with related companies

6,868

2,983

 

6,567

9,276

Other

1,748

546

 

8,892

546

Total

14,861

7,587

 

36,776

25,328

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

13,029

5,360

 

27,922

21,972

Noncurrent

1,832

2,227

 

8,854

3,356

The Company and its subsidiaries have loyalty programs in which the calls are transformed into points for future exchange for handsets. Accumulated points are reserved as they are obtained considering redemption historical data, accumulated points and point average cost. Upon redemption of handsets by customers, the reserve is reduced.

18.  PROVISION FOR CONTINGENCIES

The Company and its subsidiaries have administrative and judicial contingencies including labor, tax and civil claims, which relevant accounting provision was made in relation to claims considered as probable losses.

The composition of the provision balance is as follows:

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

TELEBRÁS

113,062

94,931

 

113,062

94,931

Labor

78

176

 

895

598

Civil

2,084

534

 

8,549

2,653

Tax

9,588

9,525

 

11,611

11,191

Total

124,812

105,166

 

134,117

109,373

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

1,392

-

 

5,473

-

Long term

123,420

105,166

 

128,644

109,373

Changes in the provision for doubtful accounts are as follows:

 

Holding Company

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance in January 1

105,166 

94,639 

 

109,373 

99,104 

Additional provision, net of reversal

2,499 

(1,964)

 

9,871 

(2,084)

Monetary variation

18,130 

12,502 

 

18,130 

12,502 

Payments, net of reclassifications

(983 )

(11 )

 

(3,257 )

(149 )

Ending balance in December 31

124,812  

105,166  

 

134,117  

109,373  

18.1. TELEBRÁS

They are related to original loans entered into with Telecomunicações Brasileiras S.A. - TELEBRÁS, which, pursuant to exhibit II of the Spin-off Report of February 28, 1998, approved by the General Meeting held in May 1998, should be assigned to the relevant holding company of Telegoiás and Telebrasília Celular S.A.

Taking into account the failure in the allocation of the respective loans upon the spin-off, the Company suspended the payments and has adjusted the debt by the General Market Price Index (IGP-M) variation, added interest of 6% per year.

In June 1999, the Company filed an action claiming that the assets relating to those liabilities are owned by it, as well as their respective accessories, in addition to damages for installments paid.

On August 1, 2001, a decision was rendered considering groundless the Company's claims in the declaratory action. On October 8, 2001, however, the Company filed an appeal and the appellate courts considered the appeal groundless and uphold the decision rendered at lower court. The Company filed a new appeal which decision is pending before the Superior Court of Justice.

Based on the opinion of the Company's legal counsels, the chances of loss are considered probable as for the merits of the case and possible in relation to the adjustment index. On December 31, 2004, the nonreserved difference between the original agreement rate and the adjustment made as described above is estimate in R$7,188 (R$31,669 in 2003).

18.2. Tax

18.2.1. Probable loss

Based on the opinion of its legal counsels and tax consultants, the subsidiary NBT recognized a provision in the amount of R$1,445, on December 31, 2004, for Delinquency Notices issued by National Institute of Social Security (INSS), which have been challenged by NBT.

18.2.2. Probable loss

Based on the opinion of its legal counsels and tax consultants, management believes that settlement of the following issues shall not represent a relevant adverse affect on its financial situation and, except for Employees' Profit Sharing Program (PIS) and Social Contribution on Billing (COFINS) (item c) below), it did not recognize any provision in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004.

In the case in which the chance of loss is classified as possible, the amount involved is R$48,495 in relation to the following issues:

a) State VAT (ICMS)

TCO and its subsidiaries NBT, Teleacre, Telems and Telegoiás received delinquency notices amounting to R$23,108, which main objects are: (i) ICMS on certain services unrelated to telecommunication services; (ii) ICMS on international calls, originated in Brazil; (iii) lack of proportional reversal of ICMS credit concerning permanent assets used to provide communication services and/or outflow of exempted or nontaxable goods; (iv) ICMS on gratuitous provision of telecommunication services, characterized by credit gifts to be used in prepaid service plan; (v) noninclusion in ICMS tax basis of the fine and delay interest charged to defaulting customers; (vi) alleged noncompliance with accessory obligations; and (vii) others related to goods sold.

b) Tax on Services (ISS)

The subsidiary NBT received a delinquency notice issued by the Municipality of Boa Vista (PR), in which the ISS payment on related services (detailed account, choice of a specific line, line replacement, line transfer, call waiting, conference, call identification, call blocking, contract transfer, temporary transfer - follow-me), for the period from October 2000 to May 2002. The amount of this contingency, as of December 31, 2004, is equivalent to R$543.

The subsidiary Telems received a similar delinquency notice concerning the period from May 1998 to March 2001, whose amount, as of December 31, 2004, is equivalent to R$370.

Likewise, the subsidiary Telemat received a delinquency notice in the amount of R$295 that was issued by the Municipality of Rondonópolis .

c) PIS and COFINS

On November 27, 1998, Law No. 9,718 changed the calculation of PIS and COFINS, as follows: (i) increased COFINS rate from 2% to 3%; (ii) authorized the deduction of up to 1/3 of the amount of COFINS from the amount of the Social Contribution on Net Income (CSLL); and, as well as, (iii) increased, indirectly, COFINS and PIS payable by the Company and its subsidiaries, establishing the addition of surplus revenue for COFINS and PIS tax basis.

In the opinion of legal counsels, this increase is based on nonconstitutional grounds, considering that: (i) article 195 of the Brazilian Constitution, in force upon publication of Law No. 9,718/98, set forth that PIS and COFINS would only be levied on payroll, billing and profits; (ii) the Federal Government used an inadequate means to increase PIS and COFINS, an ordinary law instead of a complementary law; and (iii) the period of 90 days as of publication to enforce the law failed to be observed.

TCO petitioned a write of mandamus challenging the legality of the requirements provided for in Law No. 9,718/98, and, with the purpose of suspending the tax credit liability, the principal amounts determined have been recognized and a deposit in court has been made amounting to approximately R$9,525, and, consequently, no additional disbursement shall be necessary.

In view of the changes introduced by Laws No. 10,637/02 and No. 10,833/03, TCO now includes surplus revenue for PIS and COFINS tax basis.

d) Corporate Income Tax (IRPJ), Income and Tax Withholdings Return (IRRF) and CSLL

The subsidiary Telems received a delinquency notice in the amount of R$2,529, in which the amount paid to FINOR throughout civil year 1998 was not recognized as utilization of the tax payable in tax incentive, but as utilization in own resources and/or voluntary subscription, which, therefore, became liability as for tax income purposes, pursuant to article 4 of Law No. 9,532/97. The legality of such notice has been challenged by Telems.

The subsidiary Telemat received delinquency notices in the aggregate amount of R$7,631, whose objects are: (i) offset alleged as inappropriate; (ii) failure to withhold IRRF; and (iii) alleged tax debt determined based on Declaration of Federal Contributions and Taxes (DCTFs) submitted by the Company. Taking into account their inappropriateness, the Company is challenging those collections.

18.3. Labor and civil

Include several labor and civil claims, for which a reserve has been provided as shown above, in an amount considered to be sufficient to cover probable losses.

In the cases in which the chance of loss is classified as possible, the amount involved is R$15,218 (R$5,505 in 2003) for civil claims and R$2,417 (R$1,149 in 2003) for labor claims.

 

19.  LEASING (CONSOLIDATED)

The Company and its subsidiaries have leasing agreements. The expenses recorded in 2004 were R$3,644 (R$4,043 in 2003). The amount to be paid as a result of such agreements adjusted at the exchange rate in force on December 31, 2004 is R$617 (R$3,704 in 2003). The balance will be paid in bimonthly and quarterly installments pursuant to the agreements up to June 2005.


20.  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

a) Capital stock

On March 30, 2004, the Company increased the capital stock in R$175,338, without issuing new shares, by means of the capitalization of revenue reserves exceeding the capital stock on March 31, 2004, and in R$19,078 with the issuance of 2,247,062 common shares, by means of the capitalization of the tax benefit realized in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

On June 30, 2004, the Company increased the capital stock in R$28,555 and decreased it in R$100 due to the Company's restructuring. Thus, the capital stock on December 31, 2004 is R$792,966, comprised by shares without par value as follows:


  Lot per thousand shares  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

Common shares

129,458,667 

126,433,338 

Preferred shares

257,206,308 

252,766,698 

Treasury shares

(5,787,050 )

(5,791,394 )

Total

380,877,925  

373,408,642  

b) Treasury shares

On December 31, 2004, the treasury shares amounted to 5,787,050 thousand shares, of which 5,784,963 thousand common shares and 2,087 thousand preferred shares (5,791,394 thousand common shares in 2003).

c) Special goodwill reserve

This provision refers to the constitution of a special reserve of the goodwill resulting from the corporate restructuring of the Company, which will be capitalized in favor of the holding company, upon actual realization of the tax benefit.

d) Revenues reserve

i) Statutory reserve

The statutory reserve is based on 5% of the annual net income until such reserve reaches 20% of the total paid up capital stock or 30% of the capital stock added by capital reserves, and from then on, the allocation of such reserves shall no longer be mandatory. The purpose of this reserve is to keep the integrity of the capital stock and may only be used to offset losses or increase the capital stock.

ii) Retained earnings for expansion

The special reserve for expansion and modernization is based on the capital budget prepared by management, which shows the requirement of funds for investment projects for the next years.

e) Dividends

Unless otherwise provided for in article 12 of the bylaws, preferred shares has no voting right, being assured to them the priority in capital reimbursement, without premium, right to receive dividend to be paid, equivalent to at least 25% of the net income of the year, calculated pursuant to article 202 of the Corporate Law, with priority to receive nonaccumulative minimum dividends, equivalent to the higher of:

(i) 6% per year on the amount resulting from the division of the subscribed capital by the aggregate amount of the Company's shares; or

(ii) 3% per year on the amount resulting from the division of the shareholders' equity by the aggregate amount of the Company's shares, as well as the right to profit sharing paid in conditions equal to common shares, after being assured to them a dividend equal to the preferred minimum established to preferred shares.

Dividends payable before being allocated to interest on shareholders' equity have been calculated as follows:

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

Net income for the year

508,648 

463,408 

Allocation to statutory reserve

(25,432 )

(23,171 )

Adjusted net income

483,216  

440,237  

Statutory minimum dividend

120,804  

110,059  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross interest on shareholders' equity

82,000 

130,000 

IRFF on interest on shareholders' equity

( 12,300 )

(19,500 )

Interest on shareholders' equity net

69,700 

110,500 

Additional dividend

51,104  

-  

 

120,804  

110,500  

 

 

 

Number of shares (lot per thousand shares):

 

 

  Common

123,673,704 

120,641,944 

  Preferred

257,204,221  

252,766,698  

 

380,877,925  

373,408,642  

 

 

 

Dividends and interest on shareholders' equity net for
the year:

 

 

  Common

39,226 

35,701 

  Preferred

81,578 

74,799 

 

 

 

Dividends and interest on shareholders' equity per thousand shares (Brazilian reais)

0.3172 

0.2947 


21. NET OPERATING REVENUE

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subscription

47,508 

49,467 

 

149,526 

148,316  

Usage

273,283 

268,273 

 

1,244,52 3  

1,065,664 

Additional call charges

9,032  

10,435  

 

38,746  

30,827 

Interconnection

199,820  

192,133  

 

872,095  

776,814 

Data services

20,592  

10,674  

 

118,462  

60,778 

Other services

10,557  

6,019  

 

39,555  

21,406  

Gross revenue from services

560,792  

537,001  

 

2,462,907  

2,103,805 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ICMS

(83,119)

(77,034)

 

(391,942)

(328,796)

PIS and COFINS

(19,514)

(18,734)

 

(85,181)

(72,877)

ISS

(133)

-  

 

(706)

Discounts granted

(19,923 )

(7,570 )

 

(105,577 )

(44,677 )

Net revenue from services

438,103  

433,663

 

1,879,501  

1,657,455  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of handsets and accessories

94,940  

76,325  

 

486,778  

383,471 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ICMS

(15,635)

(13,794)

 

(85,996)

(62,940)

PIS and COFINS

(8,572)

(3,532)

 

(46,988)

(18,213)

Discounts granted

(2)

(379)

 

(138)

(863)

Return of goods

(5,016 )

-  

 

(22,731 )

-  

Net revenue from sale of handsets and accessories

65,715  

58,620  

 

330,925  

301,455  

Total net operating revenue

503,818  

492,283  

 

2,210,426  

1,958,910  

There are no customers who account for more than 10% of gross operating revenue in 2004 and 2003, except for Brasil Telecom S.A., fixed line service provider, which contributed to approximately 23% and 19% of gross operating revenue in 2004 and 2003, respectively, particularly in relation to interconnection revenue.

 

22.  COST OF SERVICE AND SELLING

 

  Holding Company  

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel

(6,354)

(7,468)

 

(21,759)

(18,752)

Supplies

(808)

(1,471)

 

(3,708)

(4,199)

Third-party services

(8,806)

(8,744)

 

(35,516)

(40,112)

Connection means

(2,145)

(6,733)

 

(25,065)

(36,885)

Rental/insurance/condominium

(5,490)

(3,582)

 

(15,935)

(13,710)

Interconnection

(9,402)

(34,608)

 

(72,915)

(147,137)

Taxes, rates and contributions

(1,808)

(17,957)

 

(12,331)

(85,036)

Depreciation and amortization

(47,873)

(49,312)

 

(158,377)

(161,201)

Other input

(1,062 )

(1,222 )

 

(8,857 )

(6,964 )

Cost of services rendered

(83,748)

(131,097)

 

(354,463)

(513,996)

Cost of goods sold

( 114,065 )

(82,380 )

 

( 555,946 )

( 390,026 )

Total

( 197,813 )

( 213,477 )

 

( 910,409 )

( 904,022 )


23. SELLING EXPENSES

 

 Holding Company 

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel

(20,923)

(8,093)

 

(68,411)

(36,222)

Supplies

(2,051)

(688)

 

(7,885)

(4,435)

Third-party services (*)

(90,598)

(42,714)

 

(296,443)

(194,808)

Rental/insurance/condominium

(2,853)

(2,680)

 

(8,389)

(7,379)

Taxes, rates and contributions

(149)

(53)

 

(563)

(183)

Depreciation and amortization

(5,139)

(1,904)

 

(22,235)

(7,797)

Provision for doubtful accounts

(15,952)

(11,532)

 

(68,338)

(47,134)

Other input

(424 )

(979 )

 

(446 )

(2,558 )

Total

( 138,089 )

( 68,643 )

 

( 472,710 )

( 300,516 )

(*) Includes expenses with advertising in the amount of R$32,058 in the holding company and R$72,635 in the consolidated statement (R$12,871 and R$48,079, respectively, in 2003).

 

24.  GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 

Holding Company

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel

(24,564)

(43,205)

 

(51,428)

(64,946)

Supplies

(1,478)

(1,796)

 

(3,113)

(3,985)

Third-party services

(22,241)

(41,302)

 

(56,045)

(87,343)

Rental/insurance/condominium

(2,422)

(5,635)

 

(8,599)

(9,204)

Taxes, rates and contributions

(349)

(2,350)

 

(2,027)

(3,065)

Depreciation and amortization

(9,937)

(10,907)

 

(27,887)

(24,223)

Other input

(2 )

(154 )

 

(3 )

(492 )

Total

( 60,993 )

( 105,349 )

 

( 149,102 )

( 193,258 )

 

25.  OTHER OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSES)

 

Holding Company

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income:

 

 

 

 

 

  Fines

7,080 

5,328 

 

27,819 

22,168 

  Recovered expenses

2,044 

219 

 

3,612 

602 

  Reversal of provisions

2,675 

 

2,659 

5,869 

  Corporate services

40,706 

44,161 

 

  Other

16,313  

578  

 

31,223  

4,240  

Total

66,150  

52,961  

 

65,313  

32,879  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

  Provision for contingencies

(2,506)

(711)

 

(12,530)

(3,622)

  Amortization of the goodwill of Telegoiás and NBT

(1,561)

(1,561)

 

(1,561)

(1,561)

  FUST

(2,286)

(2,375)

 

(9,741)

(8,796)

  FUNTTEL

(1,121)

(1,188)

 

(4,849)

(4,393)

  ICMS on other expenses

(829)

(4,014)

 

(2,084)

(10,370)

  PIS and COFINS on other income

(5,117)

(2,765)

 

(8,987)

(4,625)

  Other federal, state and local taxes

(3,512)

(410)

 

(5,164)

(1,731)

  Gifts and sponsorship

(3,373)

(2,680)

 

(14,926)

(10,937)

  Other

(1,044 )

(75 )

 

(2,381 )

(307 )

Total

( 21,349 )

( 15,779 )

 

( 62,223 )

( 46,342 )

Total net

44,801  

37,182  

 

3,090  

( 13,463 )

 

26.  FINANCIAL INCOME (EXPENSES)

 

Holding Company

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial income:

 

 

 

 

 

  Interest income

24,872 

53,134 

 

173,881 

230,630 

  Monetary/exchange variation on assets

2,118 

59,061 

 

5,100 

79,812 

  PIS/COFINS on financial income

( 10,907 )

(10,488 )

 

(20,464 )

(19,979 )

Total

16,083  

101,707  

 

158,517  

290,463  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

  Interest expense

(12,119)

(35,716)

 

(49,712)

(82,776)

  Monetary/exchange variation on liabilities

(18,178)

(1,087)

 

(25,656)

(3,364)

  Derivative transactions, net

( 10,987 )

(68,403 )

 

( 20,941 )

(92,653 )

Total

( 41,284 )

( 105,206 )

 

(96,309 )

( 178,793 )

Financial income (expenses), net

( 25,201 )

(3,499 )

 

62,208  

111,670  


27.  INCOME AND SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION TAXES

The Company and its subsidiaries estimate and pay monthly the installments of income and social contribution taxes on accrual basis. The subsidiary TCO IP shows a tax loss; however, tax credits have not been recognized taking into account the nonexistence of earnings. Deferred taxes are recognized on temporary differences (Note 7). The composition of income and social contribution tax expense is as follows:

 

Holding Company

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

2004

2003

 

 
 
 
 
 

Income tax

(26,372)

(25,689)

 

(157,911)

(116,793)

Social contribution

(9,498)

(9,365)

 

(57,888)

(43,242)

Deferred income tax

(4,475)

(5,337)

 

(6,159)

(15,481)

Deferred social contribution

(1,611 )

(1,921 )

 

(2,217 )

(5,573 )

Total

( 41,956 )

( 42,312 )

 

( 224,175 )

( 181,089 )

The reconciliation of taxes on income reported and the amounts calculated at the combined statutory rate of 34% are as follows:

 

Holding Company

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before taxes and interests

558,904  

488,986  

 

652,437  

522,957  

Income and social contribution taxes based on the official rate

(190,027)

(166,255)

 

(221,828)

(177,805)

Permanent additions:

 

 

 

 

 

  Nondeductible expenses

(1,115)

(1,609)

 

(7,991)

(4,117)

  Other additions

(3,322)

(2,556)

 

(2,224)

(1,424)

Permanent exclusions:

 

 

 

 

 

  Integrity of shareholders' equity spin-off

4,776 

 

4,776 

  Equity pick-up

145,801 

127,192 

 

  Other exclusions

1,931  

916  

 

3,092  

2,257  

Tax expense

(41,956 )

(42,312 )

 

( 224,175 )

( 181,089 )

 

28.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (CONSOLIDATED)

a) Risk considerations

The Company and its subsidiaries provide mobile telephone services in the States of Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia, Acre , Amazonas, Roraima, Amapá, Pará, Maranhão and Distrito Federal, pursuant to the authorization granted by the Federal Government. The operators are also engaged in the purchase and sale of handsets through their own sales networks and distribution channels, thus fostering their essential activities.

The major market risks to which the Company and its subsidiaries are exposed in exercising their activities include:

•  Credit risk: resulting from any difficulty in collecting telecommunication services provided to customers and revenues from sale of handsets to distribution networks, as well as the risk relating to swap transactions.

•  Interest rate risk: resulting from debt and premiums on derivative instruments contracted at floating rates and involving the risk of increase in financial expenses as a result of an unfavorable upward trend in interest rates (mainly LIBOR and CDI).

•  Currency risk: related to debt and premiums on derivative instruments contracted in foreign currency and associated to potential losses to the Company resulting from adverse exchange rate fluctuations.

The Company and its subsidiaries have been actively managing and mitigating risks inherent to their operations by means of comprehensive operating initiatives, procedures and policies.

Credit risk

Credit risk from providing telecommunication services is minimized by strictly monitoring the customer portfolio and actively addressing delinquent receivables by means of clear policies relating to the concession of postpaid services. The Company and its subsidiaries' customers use 84% (77% in 2003) prepaid services that require pre-loading, thus not representing a credit risk.

Credit risk from the sale of handsets is managed by following a conservative credit granting which encompasses the use of advanced risk management methods that include applying credit scoring techniques, analyzing potential customer's balance sheet, and making inquires of credit protection agencies' database. In addition, an automatic control system has been implemented with the distribution of the Company's software ERP for consistent transactions.

The Company and its subsidiaries are also exposed to credit risk arising out of its financial investments and receivables from swap transactions. The Company and its subsidiaries make efforts to diversify such exposure among first class financial institutions.

Interest rate risk

The Company and its subsidiaries are also exposed to fluctuations in the Long-term Interest Rate (TJLP) on financing from BNDES. As of December 31, 2004, the balance of principal of these transactions amounted to R$125,981 (R$171,067 in 2003).

The Company and its subsidiaries are exposed to interest rate risk, due to exchange derivative transactions and borrowings contracted in Brazilian reais associated with the cost of CDI rates. However, the balance of those financial investments also indexed at CDI partially neutralizes such effect.

Foreign currency-denominated loans are also exposed to interest rate risk (LIBOR) associated with foreign loans. As of December 31, 2004, these transactions amounted to US$26,808 thousand (US$53,722 thousand in 2003).

Currency risk

The Company and its subsidiaries utilize derivative instruments to protect themselves against the currency risk on foreign currency-denominated loans. The instruments usually used are swap, option and forward contracts.

The Company and its subsidiaries' net exposure to currency risk as of December 31, 2004 is shown in the table below:

 

In thousands of US$

 

 

Loans and financing - US$

(26,979)

Loans and financing - UMBNDES (*)

(4,251)

Hedge instruments

31,327  

Net exposure

97  

(*) UMBNDES is a monetary unit prepared by BNDES, composed by a foreign currency basket, and the U.S. dollar is the main reason because the Company and its subsidiaries consider it as U.S. dollar in its analysis of risk coverage relating to exchange rate fluctuations.

b) Derivative instruments

The Company and its subsidiaries record derivative gains and losses as a component of financial expenses or income.

Book and market values of loans and financing and derivative instruments are estimated as follows:

 

Book value

Market value

Unrealized gains

 

 

 

 

Loans and financing

(226,284)

(223,788)

2,496

Derivative instruments

(20,741 )

(17,437 )

3,304

Total

( 247,025 )

( 241,225 )

5,800

c) Market value of financial instruments

The market value of loans and financing and derivative instruments were determined based on the discounted cash flows, using available projected interest rate information.

Market values have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Accordingly, the estimates presented above are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market. The use of different market assumptions may have a material effect on estimates.

 

29.  POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

TCO and its subsidiaries, together with the companies of former TELEBRÁS system, sponsor private pension and health care plans covering retired employees, managed by Sistel Social Security Foundation (SISTEL) ("Fundação Sistel de Seguridade Social"). Until December 1999, all sponsors of SISTEL managed plans participated jointly in all plans then existing. On December 28, 1999, the sponsors of SISTEL managed plans agreed with new conditions to create retirement individual plans to each sponsor (PBS-TCO) and maintenance of the joint participation just to those members that have already being assisted in such condition as of January 31, 2000 (PBS-A), resulting in a restructuring proposal to SISTEL bylaws and regulation, approved by the Complementary Social Security Secretary on January 13, 2000.

As a result of the exclusion of the joint participation as of December 1999, TCO and its subsidiaries sponsor a benefit plan called PBS-TCO. In addition to complementary retirement plan, the Company and its subsidiaries take part in a multisponsored health care plan covering retired employees and their dependents, at a shared cost (PAMA).

The contributions to PBS-TCO are determined based on actuarial studies conducted by independent actuaries pursuant to the rules in force in Brazil . The cost determination basis of capitalization and contribution paid by the sponsor is 13.5% on payroll of its employees who participate in the plan, of which 12.0% are allocated to PBS-TCO plan cost and 1.5% to PAMA.

Employees participating in those benefit plans (PBS-TCO) have the option to migrate to TCO Prev Plan, offered to other employees that do not participate in PBS-TCO, as well as to all new employees.

Employees of TCO and its subsidiaries participate, in 99%, in the existing individual contribution plan called TCO Prev, created by SISTEL in August 2000. TCO Prev receives contributions made by participants (employees) and sponsors, credited to participants' individual accounts. TCO and its subsidiaries account for the cost of all associated administrative and maintenance expenses, including participants' risks of death and disability.

The contributions of the Company to TCO Prev are equal to participants', ranging between 1% and 8% on participation salary, pursuant to the percentage chosen by participant.

During 2004, TCO made contributions to PBS-TCO in the amount of R$3, and to TCO Prev in the amount of R$1,079 (R$4 and R$1,355 in 2003).

TCO and its subsidiaries choose to recognize actuarial liabilities pursuant to CVM Resolution No. 371, of December 13, 2000, directly in the shareholders' equity on December 31, 2001, net of any corresponding tax effect. The projected unit credit cost method was used in the actuarial appraisal. For multisponsored plans (PAMA and PBS-A), proration of assets plans was made based on the actuarial liability of the Company in relation to the aggregate actuarial liability of the plan.

The following table demonstrates the composition of the provision for retirement benefit plans and health care plans to retired employees as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, in addition to other information required by CVM Resolution No. 371/00 on such plans.

Plan

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

 

TCO Prev

 

-

2,471

PAMA

 

167

339

Total

 

167

2,810

a) Conciliation of assets and liabilities

 

  12.31.04  

 

TCO Prev (ii)

PAMA (i)

PBS-TCO (ii)

PBS-A (i) (ii)

 

 

 

 

 

Total actuarial liabilities

40,545 

665 

1,808 

3,183 

Assets fair value

( 41,635 )

( 498 )

( 1,931 )

( 4,139 )

Liabilities (assets) net

(1,090 )

167  

(123 )

(956 )

 

 

  12.31.03  

 

TCO Prev

PAMA (i)

PBS-TCO (ii)

PBS-A (i) (ii)

 

 

 

 

 

Total actuarial liabilities

36,143 

777 

1,737 

3,053 

Assets fair value

( 33,672 )

( 438 )

( 1,884 )

( 3,647 )

Liabilities (assets) net

2,471  

339  

(147 )

(594 )

(i) Refers to the proportional participation of the Company and its subsidiaries in multisponsored plans - PAMA and PBS-A - assets and liabilities.

(ii) Although TCP Prev, PBS-TCO and PBS-A show a surplus on December 31, 2004 (PBS-TCO and PBS-A in 2003), no assets were recognized by sponsors due to the legal impossibility to reimburse said surplus, in addition to the nonexistence of a possible reduction of sponsor's contribution in the future.

b) Plan cost for the year

 

  2004  

 

TCO Prev

PAMA

PBS-TCO

PBS-A

 

 

 

 

 

Current service cost

1,254

2

4

-

Interest cost

4,034

86

189

332

Total

5,288

88

193

332

c) Changes in net actuarial liabilities (assets)

 

  2004  

 

TCO Prev

PAMA

PBS-TCO

PBS-A

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities (assets) net on 12.31.03

2,471 

339 

(147)

(594)

Recognized actuarial losses (gains) for the year

(7,770)

(259)

(167)

(694)

Sponsor's contributions for the year

(1,079)

(1)

(2)

Expenses 2004

5,288  

88  

193  

332  

Liabilities (assets) net in the balance sheet

( 1,090 )

167  

( 123 )

( 956 )

d) Changes in actuarial liabilities

 

  2004  

 

TCO Prev

PAMA

PBS-TCO

PBS-A

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial liabilities on 12.31.03

36,143 

777 

1,737 

3,053 

Current service cost

1,254  

2  

4  

-  

Interest on actuarial liabilities

4,034  

86  

189  

332  

Benefits paid

(527)

(40)

(141)

(237)

Actuarial (gains) losses

(359 )

( 160 )

19  

35  

Actuarial liabilities on 12.31.04

40,545  

665  

1,808  

3,183  

e) Changes in plans' assets

 

  2004  

 

TCO Prev

PAMA

PBS-TCO

PBS-A

 

 

 

 

 

Plan assets fair value on 12.31.03

33,672 

438 

1,884 

3,647 

Benefits paid

(527)

(40)

(141)

(237)

Sponsor's contributions

1,079 

Plan earnings

7,411  

99  

185  

729  

Plan assets fair value on 12.31.04

41,635  

498  

1,931  

4,139  

f) Estimate expense 2005

 

TCO Prev

PAMA

PBS-TCO

PBS-A

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

1,219 

Interest cost on actuarial liabilities

4,538 

74 

196 

346 

Estimate assets earnings

( 5,750 )

( 80 )

( 256 )

( 490 )

Total

7  

(5 )

(57 )

( 144 )

g) Actuarial presumptions

 

  12.31.04  

 

TCO Prev

PAMA

PBS-TCO

PBS-A

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate used at current value of actuarial liabilities

11.30% p.a.

11.30% p.a.

11.30% p.a.

11.30% p.a.

Estimate return rate on plan assets

13.75% p.a.

16.40% p.a.

13.75% p.a.

12.20% p.a.

Future salary growth rate

7.10% p.a.

7.10% p.a.

7.10% p.a.

7.10% p.a.

Medical costs growth rate

N/A

8.15% p.a.

N/A

N/A

Benefits growth rate

5.00% p.a.

5.00% p.a.

5.00% p.a.

5.00% p.a.

Mortality table

UP84 with 1 year with increase in hazard

UP84 with 1 year with increase in hazard

UP84 with 1 year with increase in hazard

UP84 with 1 year with increase in hazard

Disability table

Mercer

Mercer

Mercer

N/A

 

 

12.31.03

 

TCO Prev

PAMA

PBS-TCO

PBS-A

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate used at current value of actuarial liabilities

11.30% p.a.

11.30% p.a.

11.30% p.a.

11.30% p.a.

Estimate return rate on plan assets

11.83% p.a.

11.30% p.a.

11.83% p.a.

11.30% p.a.

Future salary growth rate

7.10% p.a.

7.10% p.a.

7.10% p.a.

7.10% p.a.

Medical costs growth rate

N/A

8.15% p.a.

N/A

N/A

Benefits growth rate

5.00% p.a.

5.00% p.a.

5.00% p.a.

5.00% p.a.

Mortality table

UP84 with 1 year with increase in hazard

UP84 with 1 year with increase in hazard

UP84 with 1 year with increase in hazard

UP84 with 1 year with increase in hazard

Disability table

Mercer

Mercer

Mercer

N/A

 

30.  CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING

On May 13, 2004, the Board of Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries approved a corporate restructuring for the transfer to the Company and its subsidiaries of the goodwill paid by TCP in the acquisition of TCO controlling interest, which, on May 31, 2004, amounted to R$1,503,121.

Prior to the merger of the goodwill by the Company, a reserve has been constituted to maintain the merging company's shareholders' equity in the amount of R$992,060. Thus, net assets merged by Company amount to R$511,061, which essentially represent the tax benefit resulting from the deductibility of the mentioned goodwill upon being merged by the Company and its subsidiaries.

The merged net assets will be amortized over approximately five years, which had as consideration a special goodwill reserve to be transferred to the capital account in favor of the holding company upon actual realization of the tax benefit, being assured to other shareholders an interest in these capital increases, and, in such event, the proceeds so determined will be paid to TCP.

On June 30, 2004, the transfer of a portion of the net assets to its subsidiaries was approved based on appraisal reports prepared by independent experts, and described as follows:

Company

Goodwill

Reserve - merged

Net amount

 

 

 

 

Telemat

248,558

(164,048)

84,510

Telegoiás

352,025

(232,336)

119,689

Telems

144,078

(95,092)

48,986

Teleron

68,775

(45,392)

23,383

Teleacre

29,353

(19,373 )

9,980

Sum spin off

842,789

(556,241)

286,548

Balance TCO

660,332

( 435,819 )

224,513

Total

1,503,121

( 992,060)

511,061

Concurrently to the transfer of a portion of the net assets to the subsidiaries, it has been approved the proposal to merge shares of the subsidiaries held by minority shareholders, who received shares of the Company in the proportion set forth in an appraisal report at current market prepared by independent experts. The transfer of the interest in the subsidiaries resulted in a capital increase of R$28,555.

Accounting records kept for corporate and tax purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries have specific accounts relating to merged goodwill and reserve and corresponding amortization, reversal and tax credit, which balances as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

  Holding Company  

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

Balance sheet:

 

 

 

 

 

  Goodwill - merged

583,293

18,703

 

1,327,756

64,538

  Reserve - merged

( 384,973 )

( 12,344 )

 

(876,319 )

( 42,595 )

Net equivalent to the merged tax credit

198,320

6,359

 

451,437

21,943

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Holding Company  

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

2004

2003

Income:

 

 

 

 

 

  Goodwill amortization

(95,742)

(18,703)

 

(239,903)

(64,538)

  Reversal of reserve

63,190 

12,344 

 

158,336 

42,595 

  Tax credit

32,552  

6,359  

 

81,567  

21,943  

Effect on income

-  

-  

 

-  

-  

In accordance with the above-mentioned information, the goodwill amortization, net of the reversal of reserve and corresponding tax credit, results in a null effect on income and, consequently, on the calculation basis of statutory minimum dividends. In order to demonstrate the financial and equity situation of the Company and its subsidiaries in the financial statements, the net value of R$451,437, on December 31, 2004 (R$21,943 in 2003), which essentially represents the balance of the merged tax credit, was classified in the balance sheet in noncurrent and realizable assets as deferred taxes (see Note 7).


31.  MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION

During 2004 and 2003, management compensation amounted to R$2,135 and R$2,767 in the consolidated and R$1,750 and R$2,633 in the holding company, respectively, and recognized as general and administrative expenses.

 

32.  TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

The main transactions with unconsolidated related parties are as follows:

a) Use of network and long-distance (roaming) cellular communication - these transactions involve companies owned by the same group: Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A., Telerj Celular S.A., Telest Celular S.A., Telebahia Celular S.A., Telergipe Celular S.A., Telesp Celular S.A., Global Telecom S.A. and Celular CRT S.A. Certain of these transactions were established based on contracts between TELEBRÁS and the operating concessionaires before privatization under the terms established by ANATEL. As of July 2003, users became to choose their carrier for long-distance calls.

b) Corporate services provision is passed on to companies of the same controlling group at the cost effectively incurred for these services.

c) The amounts payable to related companies refer to loan transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries.

A summary of balances and transactions with unconsolidated related parties is as follows:

 

  Consolidated  

 

12.31.04

12.31.03

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

  Trade accounts receivables

11,841 

415 

  Credit with related companies

1,327 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

  Trade accounts payable

18,361 

6,312 

  Liabilities with related companies

6,567 

9,276 

 

 

 

 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

  Revenue from telecommunications services:

 

 

    Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A.

62,723 

35,412 

    Celular CRT

243 

    Tele Leste and subsidiaries

86 

    Tele Sudeste and subsidiaries

320 

    TCP and subsidiaries

-  

1,253  

Balance at year ending

62,723  

37,314  


 

  Consolidated  

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

  Cost of service and selling:

 

 

    Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A.

(38)

    Celular CRT

(223)

    Tele Leste and subsidiaries

(125)

    Tele Sudeste and subsidiaries

(438)

    TCP and subsidiaries

-  

(1,054 )

Balance at year ending

-  

( 1,878 )

 

 

 

  Selling expenses:

 

 

    Atento Brasil S.A.

(29,414)

    Mobitel S.A.

(7,545 )

(995 )

Balance at year ending

( 36,959 )

(995 )

 

 

 

  General and administrative expenses:

 

 

    Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A.

(705)

(322 )

Balance at year ending

(705 )

(322 )

 

 

Recovery of expenses with proration joint venture - Brasilcel:

 

 

  Celular CRT

855 

320 

  Tele Leste and subsidiaries

384 

618 

  TCP and subsidiaries

3,858 

1,318 

  Tele Sudeste and subsidiaries

1,562  

154  

Balance at year ending

6,659  

2,410  

 

 

 

  Expenses with proration joint venture - Brasilcel:

 

 

    Celular CRT

(1,589)

(724)

    Tele Leste and subsidiaries

(1,747)

(780)

    TCP and subsidiaries

(46,255)

(15,405)

    Tele Sudeste and subsidiaries

( 15,543 )

(9,485 )

Balance at year ending

( 65,134 )

( 26,394 )

 

33  INSURANCE (CONSOLIDATED)

The Company and its subsidiaries maintain a monitoring policy of risks inherent to its operations. On December 31, 2004, the Companies had insurance contracts in force to cover operating risks, general liability and health care, etc. The management of the Company and its subsidiaries is of the opinion that these values are sufficient to cover any losses. The main assets, liabilities or interest covered by insurance and respective amounts are as follows:

  Modality  

 

  Amounts insured  

 

 

 

Operating risks

 

R$796,320,000

General civil liability

 

R$5,822,000

Vehicle (officers fleet)

 

Fipe table and R$200,000 for DC/DM

Vehicle (operational fleet)

 

R$200,000 for DC/DM

 

34. AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS - ADRs PROGRAM

On November 16, 1998, the Company started to trade ADRs at the New York Stock Exchange - NYSE, with the following characteristics:

•  Type of shares: preferred.

•  Each ADR represents 3,000 preferred shares.

•  The shares are traded as ADRs with the code "TRO" at the New York Stock Exchange - NYSE.

•  Depositary bank abroad: The Bank of New York.

•  Custodian bank in Brazil : Banco Itaú S.A.




SIGNATURE

  

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

Date: March 23, 2005

 
 
TELE CENTRO OESTE CELLULAR HOLDING COMPANY
By:
/S/  Arcadio Luis Martinez Garcia

 
Arcadio Luis Martinez Garcia
Investor Relations Officer
 
  
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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