SBS

Business Context and Reporting Period

Company: Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo (SABESP)
Reporting Period: Second Quarter ended June 30, 2003 (Q2 2003)
Filing Type: Form 6-K (Unaudited Quarterly Information)
Business Overview: SABESP is a state-owned utility providing water treatment, distribution, and sewage collection/treatment services across 323 municipalities in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The company operates under long-term concessions, with the majority expiring between 2005 and 2030.

Key Financial Metrics

All figures in thousands of Brazilian Reais (R$) unless otherwise noted.

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

• Revenue Growth: Gross revenue increased 3.4% to R$ 1.014 billion, driven by an 8.22% tariff increase implemented in August 2002, despite a 1.4% decrease in total retail volume billed.
• Profitability Turnaround: The company reported a net income of R$ 332.6 million in Q2 2003, a significant improvement from a net loss of R$ 329.3 million in Q2 2002. This reversal was primarily due to a 14.1% appreciation of the Brazilian Real against the US Dollar, which reduced foreign exchange losses on debt.
• Expense Increases: Operating costs (Cost of Sales, Selling, and Admin) rose 13.7%. Key drivers included a 25.4% increase in salaries and charges (due to collective labor agreements and performance plans) and an 18.2% increase in electric power costs.
• Financial Expenses: Net financial expenses decreased significantly due to the favorable currency movement, offsetting higher interest costs on domestic loans.
• Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Credit write-offs increased 43.9% to R$ 41.3 million, reflecting a larger provision for probable losses compared to the prior year.

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

• Investment Funding: Management outlined funding for 2003 investments, including a Yen-denominated loan from JBIC (approx. R$ 600 million) and domestic financing from BNDES and Caixa Econômica Federal totaling up to R$ 49 million initially, with potential for R$ 275 million under the Pro-Sanitation Program.
• Debt Refinancing: The company issued US$ 225 million in Eurobonds in June 2003 to refinance maturing debt. It also renegotiated terms for its 3rd issue of debentures (R$ 413 million) and plans to renegotiate the 5th issue in October 2003.
• Legal and Tax Contingencies:
  • COFINS/PASEP: The company discontinued a lawsuit challenging tax law changes to enroll in the PAES (REFIS II) program, recording R$ 209.7 million in liabilities (R$ 26.5 million current, R$ 183.2 million long-term).
  • Concession Termination: Pending court decisions regarding compensation claims for terminated concessions in Diadema and Mauá (totaling approx. R$ 148.8 million in receivables).
  • State Government Receivables: Significant receivables from the State of São Paulo (GESP Agreement) totaling R$ 645 million (current and long-term) related to pension benefits and service invoices.
• Operational Outlook: The company continues to expand connections, with water connections up 1.7% and sewage connections up 6.0% year-over-year.

Key Facts for Investor Verification

• Currency Sensitivity: Verify the impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on net income, as the Q2 2003 profit was heavily influenced by the appreciation of the Real against the US Dollar.
• State Government Receivables: Assess the collectability of the R$ 645 million receivable from the State of São Paulo (GESP Agreement) and the timeline for the transfer of reservoir assets as partial payment.
• Tax Provisions: Monitor the status of the PAES (REFIS II) enrollment and the resolution of the COFINS/PASEP litigation, which resulted in a significant new liability.
• Debt Maturity: Review the schedule for debt repayments, particularly the US$ 200 million Eurobond refinancing and the upcoming renegotiation of the 5th debenture issue in October 2003.
• Cost Structure: Evaluate the sustainability of the 25.4% increase in salary and payroll charges and the 18.2% rise in electricity costs.