2004 - Grupo Carso
Transcription
2004 - Grupo Carso
Grupo Carso Annual Report 2004 Doménikos Theotokópoulos, El Greco The Tears of St. Peter 1587–96 oil on canvas The beautiful canvas of the artist at Museo Soumaya represents the Saint with a profound pain for his contrition. From his arm hang two great keys, iconographic attribute to guard Heaven’s Doors. His hands come together in an imploring way, and he gives a moving glance towards Christ. Table of Contents • Financial Highlights 1 • Relevant Businesses 2 • Letter from the Chairman of the Board 4 • Industrial Division 6 • Grupo Condumex 8 • Porcelanite 9 • Infrastructure and Construction 10 • Carso Infraestructura y Construcción 12 • Commercial and Consume Division 14 • Grupo Sanborns 16 • Sanborns/Sanborns Café 17 • Sears 18 • Mix Up/El Globo 19 • Cigatam 20 • Board of Directors 21 • Report of the Auditing, Finance and Planning Committee 22 • Report of the Evaluation and Compensation Committee 23 • Consolidated Financial Statements 24 Financial Highlights Thousands of pesos as of December 31, 2004, except for shares outstanding and earnings per share 2002 2004 56,748,792 59,627,609 69,721,304 Operating Income 7,651,411 7,587,855 9,035,114 Majority Net Income 2,230,573 2,071,620 6,708,580 EBITDA 9,915,790 9,942,998 11,506,471 Total Assets 68,764,099 69,369,695 76,231,140 Total Liabilities 38,698,256 38,002,297 39,997,467 Stockholders’ Equity 30,065,843 31,367,398 36,233,673 Shares Outstanding 910,987,905 837,460,500 797,436,418 Earnings per Share 2.4485 2.4737 8.4127 69,721 Sales 2003 80,000 64,000 48,000 Grupo Sanborns 31.9% Grupo Sanborns 36.3% Condumex 39.1% Condumex 35.7% Carso Infraestructura y Construcción 4.1% Carso Infraestructura y Construcción 3.6% Porcelanite Cigatam Others Sales Contribution by Subsidiary (percentage) 32,000 5.1% 17.9% 2.4% Porcelanite 7.4% Cigatam 9.1% Others 7.4% 16,000 0 02 03 04 Operating Income by Subsidiary Sales (percentage) (million pesos) 17% Increase in consolidated sales 1 Grupo Carso Industrial Grupo Carso plays an important role in various sectors of the domestic economy. Although Companies • Condumex • Porcelanite its primary business divisions Services / Products are: Industrial, Construction 2 and Infrastructure, and Commercial and Consumer, Carso also operates in other sectors such as automotive, railroad and mining industries. • Fiber optic cable • Design and installation of telecommunication networks • Installation of mobile phone radio bases • Construction cables • Installations • Copper products (strips, sheets, coils, tubes, pipes, valves) • Aluminum products (strips, coils, extruded shapes, etc.) • PVC (tubes, joints, water tanks, etc.) • Power Cable • Transformers • Magnet Wire • Power Plants • Ceramic tile Markets • Fixed and mobile phone companies in Mexico and Latin America • Construction industry, from housing to heavy construction. • Home Remodeling Domestic • Energy Related Companies Main Brands Relevant Businesses Construction and Infrastructure Companies • • • • • Carso Infraestructura y Construcción Swecomex Grupo PC Constructores Aguatl Precitubo Services / Products • Oil platform construction • Shopping Center, Industrial facilities, Corporate Buildings and Construction • Water treatment plants • Steel tubes Markets • Domestic oil related companies • Retail and Industrial Companies Main Brands Commercial and Consumer Companies • • • • Grupo Sanborns Sanborns Hermanos Sanborns Café Controladora y Administradora de Pastelerías • Promotora Musical • Dorian’s • Cigatam Services / Products • • • • • • Department Stores Store and Restaurant Restaurant Bakeries Music Stores Cigarettes Markets • Middle and high end segments • Low and high end segments Main Brands 3 Letter from the Chairman of the Board Economic Overview In 2004, the Gross Domestic Product rose by 4.4%, to stand at 7 trillion 635 billion current Pesos at year end. The growth of the GDP was mainly the result of the activities of the construction and communications and transportation sectors, with growth rates of 5.3% and 9.7% respectively. Mexico benefited from the recovered economy in the United States of America, which reflected a 3.9% increase in its Gross Domestic Product, contributing to a real 3.8% increase of the Mexican manufacturing industry. A strengthened economy resulted in the generation of jobs. In 2004, the total number of insured in the Mexican Social Security Institute rose by close to 539 thousand, but this growth did not offset the entry of new potential workers into the labor market, situation that reflected in a higher General Open Unemployment Rate, which rose from 3.3% in 2003 to 3.7% in 2004. 4 The exchange rate increased by 0.2% during the year, from 11.24 Pesos per Dollar at the close of 2003 to 11.26 at the close of 2004. The average parity presented a growth of 4.6%, rising from 10.78 Pesos per Dollar in 2003 to 11.28 in 2004. 2004 was characterized by a weak Dollar in respect to currencies of the rest of the world, owing mainly to the high fiscal and commercial deficit of the United States of America. Direct foreign investment rose by 57.3% in comparison with last year, reaching a record level for Mexico of 17 billion 688 million Dollars. The remittances to national territory in 2004 rose by 24.0% in comparison with last year, to reach 16 billion 613 million Dollars. The deficit in the current account stood at 8 billion 712 million Dollars, equivalent to 1.3% of the GDP. The Commercial Balance registered a deficit of 8 billion 530 million Dollars, 47.5% over the 2003 deficit. This increased deficit in commercial balance is explained by the 17.9% and 15.8% increase of imports of Consumables and Intermediate Goods, respectively, partially offset by the 27.2% rise of oil exports, particularly the Mexican Oil Mixture. The average price of the Mixture rose by 24.7% in 2004, from 24.83 Dollars per barrel in 2003 to 30.96 in 2004. In 2004, Banco de Mexico continued its restrictive monetary policy and the regimen of daily balances, moving the amount of the restriction a total of 9 times during the year, raising it from 25 million Pesos daily at the close of 2003 to a total of 69 million Pesos daily at the close of 2004. Banco de Mexico did not meet its inflation goal for 2004. The National Consumer’s Price Index rose 5.19% during the year, 121 basis points higher than the inflation registered in 2003. The maintenance by the Banco de Mexico of its restrictive monetary policy could not offset the higher prices of government services, which reflected in the 7.51% managed inflation in 2004. The underlying inflation was 3.80% during the year, an increase of 14 basis points with respect to the same indicator in 2003. The rate of CETEs at 28 days reflected an average level of 6.83% in 2004, 57 basis points higher than last year’s rate. The 28-day CETE closed the year 2004 at a rate of 8.61%, responding mainly to inflationary pressures prevailing at yearend. Relevant Economic Figures 2003 2004 1.3% 4.4% 3.98% 5.19% Dollar* 10.78 11.28 CETE* 6.26 6.83 PIB INPC *Annual average 2004 was a better year for Mexico in the economic scenario. For the future, the Nation must consolidate the macroeconomic stability it has reached and impel the economy’s internal sector. Grupo Carso Throughout 2004, Grupo Carso maintained the same dynamic as in the second semester of 2003, reporting growth in practically all its subsidiaries. The Mexican economy improved during the year and as previously mentioned, the macroeconomic variables continued to reflect solidity and stability. Nevertheless, we consider that it is imperative for Grupo Carso to adhere to and continue working on the strategy designed some years ago when we determined that the Group, given is characteristics, infrastructure and experience, should focus on four sectors: Telecommunications, Construction, Energy and Commercial. These sectors offer a sound diversification for the Group, and have been reflecting a growth rate higher than that of the economy. Moreover, from our point of view, they offer an interesting development potential for the future. As part of this strategy, this year we concluded the sale of the chemical division, disposing of 100% of Química Flúor and 40% of Grupo Primex. Grupo Carso continued restructuring its business in order to adhere more closely to the designed strategy and present the Group’s assets in a more orderly fashion through an industrial division that comprises Porcelanite and the new Grupo Condumex, which resulted from the acquisition of Nacobre and the merger with Empresas Frisco. A new division, headed up by the recently incorporated Carso Infraestructura y Construcción, S.A. de C.V., focus on infrastructure. The Group also has its Commercial and Consumer division, formed by Grupo Sanborns and Cigatam. The Group’s financial structure was strengthened not only by the higher generation of flow or EBITDA, but also by the continued reduction of liabilities, which resulted in a 3.9% reduction of the net debt. We continue working on the refinancing of the Group’s liabilities. In 2004, liabilities were refinanced via syndicated loans of approximately 600 million Dollars, extending the terms of the debt and reducing the costs of funding to the lowest level in the history of Grupo Carso. The finance programs via commercial paper and stock market certificates remained on course in the stock market. Consolidated sales amounted to 69 billion 721 million Pesos, a 16.9% increase over last year. Operating profit was 9 billion 035 million Pesos, a 19.1% increase over the previous year. Operating flow was 11 billion 506 million Pesos, 15.7% higher than in 2003. The higher operating results are due to the consolidated recovery of the industrial subsidiaries, the entry into new niches, mainly in the infrastructure sector and the orderly growth of the consumer section. The commercial and consumer sector subsidiaries maintained a stable dynamic, which was observed not only with the same store sales growth observed at the commercial formats, but with the increased expansion in national territory, through organic growth and acquisitions. Grupo Dorian’s was incorporated in the Grupo Sanborns investment portfolio in December 2004, contributing to the Grupo Carso portfolio a total of 71 stores through 4 formats well positioned in northwest Mexico, and approximately 167 thousand square meters of sales space. Moreover, Cigatam maintains its leadership in the cigarette industry, reflecting a moderate increase in volume and sales, despite the price raises that were implemented during the year. Industrial subsidiaries engaged in the manufactured products and service sectors reflected higher production volumes in general, particularly those related to the construction and telecommunications industries. Greater activity was observed in the energy sector with the announcement of public sector investment programs related to petroleum, energy generation and other infrastructure projects. The markets in which we participate represent interesting challenges and demand more efficiency every day. Once again, I express my appreciation to all our staff; the human capital of Grupo Carso is undoubtedly one of its most important assets. I again invite you, as I do every year, to use our best efforts to maintain our leadership position and remain as one of the nation’s most important industrial and commercial groups. I again express my appreciation to our shareholders for the trust they deposit in us, and reiterate to you my commitment to continue working for the benefit of our Grupo Carso. Thank you very much, Lic. Carlos Slim Domit Chairman of the Board 5 6 Industrial Division Carso Industrial showed a sales growth in its main divisions Grupo Carso’s industrial division is formed basically by two subsidiaries: Grupo Condumex, a company that resulted from the restructuring of the Group’s principal assets, and Porcelanite. In 2004, Condumex acquired the remainder of Industrias Nacobre shares, becoming the owner of 100% of said shares; subsequently it merged with Empresas Frisco. Grupo Condumex concentrates the divisions of the former Condumex, Nacobre and the mining and railroad divisions which were part of Frisco. Today, Grupo Condumex comprises the main manufacturing companies except for Porcelanite, which continues to be a direct subsidiary of Grupo Carso. The regrouping of the companies had no material effect on the level of the controlling company; its purpose is simply to obtain greater efficiency and take advantage of synergies. During the year, as part of the strategy to disincorporate non-strategic businesses and concentrate on the Grupo Carso divisions, Grupo Condumex sold 100% of its stake in Química Flúor and its 40% stake in Grupo Primex to Grupo Industrial Camesa. 7 35,000 21,000 14,000 7,000 03 04 Sales 16.4 27,260 20 28,000 0 Grupo Condumex 16 Grupo Condumex reported consolidated annual sales of 27 billion 260 million Pesos which, compared with 21 12 billion 784 million pesos last year, represented a 25% growth. The higher price of metals combined with 8 higher volumes, mainly in installations, fiber optics, copper cables and 4 mining helped to increase sales. The operating and EBITDA margins rose by approximately one percentage 04 0 point 03in comparison with 2003 results. year; the EBITDA margin, in turn, rose by 280 basis points. Volumes in the copper and PVC divisions increased by 4.1% and 8.1% in 2004. On the other hand, the aluminum division reported a 26.9% reduction in volume, but with better operating results. Ferrosur reported sales of 2 billion 245 million Pesos, 8.3% higher than 2003. Increased sales can be explained by the growth in volumes of the petrochemical, intermodal and industrial sectors. Operating profit rose by 11% in comparison with 2003, reaching 473 million Pesos with an operating margin of 21.1%, 60 basis points higher than 2003. (million pesos) Individually, Condumex reported sales of 18 billion 204 million Pesos, 25% above the 2003 figure, with operating and EBITDA margins of 10.9% and 13.9% respectively, 17% y 16% higher than last year’s results. 35,000 12 28,000 16.4 16 9 21,000 12 6 14,000 8 3 7,000 4 0 03 04 0 03 04 0 03 04 Operating Margin (%) Volume grew significantly in the Telecommunications division, particularly in fiber optics and installations, due to the demand of this division’s principal customers. 20 16.4 8 20 27,260 11.8 15 16 The Construction and Energy divisions reflected stable volumes in the power cables and metals divisions, while the volume of transformers and integrated projects diminished in comparison with last year. Milling volumes in the mining division rose by 59.6% over 2003. Minera Tayahua continued performing well, with higher production volumes and better ore grades. Sales of this division increased by 99% during the year, while the operating margin rose from 14.7% in 2003 to 17.3% in 2004. Greater volumes, combined with higher prices of metals, resulted in higher sales and improved operating results. 12 Volumes of auto parts rose by 23.5%, while volumes of automotive cable remained stable. There was a 5.3% reduction in the volume of harnesses in comparison with 2003. 8 4 0 03 04 EBITDA Margin (%) Nacobre reported a 23% increase of sales in comparison with 2003, with an operating margin of 8.8%, 230 basis points higher than the previous Capital investments during the year were approximately 99 million Dollars. 2004 was for Porcelanite a year of consolidation in the domestic market; it fortified its market presence which today is higher than 40%. Simultaneously, this year Porcelanite laid the foundation for strengthening the presence of its products outside national territory, by opening a new plant in northwestern Mexico which will allocate its production to the export market. 20 4,000 3,200 15 2,400 10 1,600 5 800 0 3,538 25 18.8 Porcelanite 02 03 04 0 02 03 04 Sales Sales of Porcelanite in 2004 rose by 3 billion 538 million Pesos, a 3.5% increase over last year. Operating profit was 664 million Pesos, a decrease of 13.3%, due to a 364 basis points lower sales margin in comparison with 2003. Operating flow (EBITDA) was 985 million Pesos, a 10.0% reduction, while the EBITDA margin stood at 27.8%. A more competitive environment as well as expenses related to the expansion of this subsidiary had a negative impact on the operating results of Porcelanite. (million pesos) The adhesive line produced by Solutec, a subsidiary of Porcelanite Holding, continues gaining an image and increasing its market participation. In 2004, Porcelanite made capital investments of approximately 56 million Dollars. 18.8 25 20 15 9 10 5 0 02 03 04 20 3,200 28 15 2,400 21 10 1,600 14 800 7 5 million Pesos of total sales 02 03 throughout 04 0 02 03 04 the year 3,538 $ 35 27.8 4,000 18.8 25 3,538 Operating Margin (%) 0 0 02 03 EBITDA Margin (%) 04 2,501 $ million pesos, total income obtained by CICSA during 2004 Carso Infraestructura y Construcción was incorporated in September 2004. It is a subsidiary that incorporates Grupo PC Constructores, a construction company already owned by Grupo Carso; Swecomex, which was a subsidiary of Condumex that in 2003 became involved in the PEMEX oil platform program; Precitubo, a steel pipe supplier; and finally Aguatl, a company that belonged to Empresas Frisco and that has been developing technology for water treatment plants. 10 The regrouping of the industrial businesses has no material effect at the consolidated level. Its purpose is to achieve a greater integration of the industrial companies, which will allow for greater efficiency of the Group and the possibility of taking advantage of synergies and new market opportunities in infrastructure and construction projects. 11 Infrastructure and Construction 2,400 20 16 1,800 1,200 600 0 Carso Infraestructura y Construcción 15.5 2,501 3,100 03 04 Sales two largest projects will not be concluded until 2006. Bids will be submitted this year for Swecomex to participate in other oil platforms. Carso Infraestructura y Construcción 12 reported consolidated annual sales of 2 billion 501 million Pesos. Operating 8 profit was 372 million Pesos during the year, and operating margin in respect to sales was 14.9%, while the 4 EBITDA stood at 15.5%. The infrastructure division will aim at continued participation in various types 0 of projects, 03 04 seeking to maintain its profitability levels at the 2004 figures. Grupo PC Constructores reported a significant backlog in December 2004. Among the projects being developed by the company are a 90,000 square meter building located in downtown Mexico City, at an estimated cost of 1 billion 200 million Pesos to be delivered in 4Q05. (million pesos) As to operating results of subsidiaries, Swecomex continues working on its existing projects. The first oil platform was completed and PEMEX has started to use it for its transportation needs. Another two platforms are scheduled to be delivered in mid3,100 2005, while it is expected that 20the 16 12 1,800 12 8 1,200 8 4 600 4 0 03 04 0 03 04 0 03 04 Operating Margin (%) 20 15.5 12 2,400 15.5 16 2,501 14.9 20 The Tepic – Villa Unión highway, consisting on the rehabilitation of an existing section of the road, and the construction of an additional one, at a total estimated cost of 2 billion 500 million Pesos. 16 12 8 388 $ 4 million pesos 0 03 EBITDA Margin (%) 04 Operating Flow of CICSA Regarding the water treatment plant business, the company obtained a contract in October to construct a water treatment plant in Saltillo, Coahuila at an approximate price of 435 million Pesos, a 2-year construction period and an 18-year operation period. Capital investments made during the year were approximately 10 million Dollars. At the end of 2004, CICSA completed the construction of the first oil platform 13 14 Commercial and Consumer Grupo Sanborns reported growth in all its commercial formats The commercial and consumer division of Grupo Carso is formed by Grupo Sanborns and its subsidiaries that altogether run almost 550 sale points, with more than 770 thousand square meters of sales area, and by Cigatam and Philip Morris Mexico, that respectively are the top cigarrette fabricant and seller in the national market. In 2004, consumption was more dynamic than the previous year due to a recovering economy, and notwithstanding that unemployment levels remained high and interest rates tended to rise throughout the year. 15 24,000 22,224 6,000 02 03 04 Sales (million pesos) 14.8 22,224 17.6 20 16 12 8 12,000 4 6,000 0 02 03 04 Operating Margin (%) 0 16 17.6 20 16 12 8 4 0 17.6 The annual sales of Grupo Sanborns amounted to 22 billion 224 million 12 Pesos, a 10.7% growth over the previous year. Operating profit was 3 billion 280 million Pesos, a 4.7% 8 growth. Operating margin was 14.8%, a reduction of 85 basis points in com4 parison with 2003. Operating flow (EBITDA) reached 3 billion 916 million during the year, a 4.3% rise 0 02 03 Pesos 04 over 2003. The EBITDA margin was 17.6%, 108 basis points below the 2003 margin. The greater consumption dynamism contributed to higher 20 30,000 sales, although increased promotional activity, necessary to maintain the 24,000 consumer’s 16preference for the Grupo Sanborns’ formats, was a factor that reduced the operating margin and 12 18,000 EBITDA in comparison with the previous year. 12,000 0 Grupo Sanborns 16 18,000 04 04 20 22,224 14.8 30,000 02 03 04 EBITDA Margin (%) Sears 48.5% Sanborns 37.5% Music Stores 7.4% El Globo 4.5% Other 2.1% Contribution to Total Sales 8 In an effort to fortify its position in the segments in4 which it participates, in December 2004, Grupo Sanborns acquired the Dorian’s Tijuana chain of 02 03 department 04 0stores, 02 with 03 04a significant presence in northwestern Mexico. Dorian’s operates 71 stores under the formats Dorian’s, Dax, Mas and Solo un Precio, which in the aggregate represent approximately 167 thousand square meters of sales floor. In 2004, Grupo Sanborns sustained the organic growth rhythm observed during recent years, expanding its principal formats and emphasizing the location of its new units. During the year, Grupo Sanborns maintained a solid financial structure, despite the increase in capital investments resulting from the acquisitions mentioned above. At yearend, the Company reflected a total debt of 4 billion 021 million Pesos. The net debt was reduced by 1 billion 134 million Pesos; at the close of 2004 it stood at 3 billion 295 million Pesos. In 2004, Grupo Sanborns made capital investments of 127 million US Dollars, represented mainly by the opening of new sale points as well as the acquisitions effected during the year. Sanborns and Sanborns Café 15 10,000 12 8,000 9 6,000 6 4,000 3 2,000 0 02 03 04 0 02 03 04 Sales (million pesos) 15 Same store sales grew 4.2% in the year 12 9 Combined sales of Sanborns and Sanborns Café were 8 billion 335 million Pesos, 7.0% higher than last year. Same store sales rose by 4.2% during the year. The operating profit was 849 million Pesos, an 11.0% growth over 2003. The operating margin increased by 36 basis points in comparison with the previous year. The 1 billion 83 million Pesos operating flow was 9.0% higher than that of 2003, with a 13.0% margin on sales, an increase of 24 basis points in comparison with last year. The improved operating results are a consequence of a change observed in the sales mixture, with a greater participation of exclusive products of Sanborns stores. 3 0 02 03 04 Operating Margin (%) 15 Sanborns maintained the growth trend in its credit cardholder base, reporting at the end of 2004 a 47.3% increase in the 12 number of active accounts. In 2004, four Sanborn Hermanos stores were 9 opened, totaling 130 units at the end of 2004. Moreover, 31 Sanborns Café were operating at yearend, with the opening 6of 1 new one and the closing of 4 units in 2004. 10,000 15 8,000 12 6,000 9 4,000 6 9% 3 0 17 6 2,000 02 03 04 02 03 04 Operating Flow0 growth 3 0 02 03 EBITDA Margin (%) 04 Sears 25 8,600 20 6,200 15 4,800 10 2,400 5 0 02 03 04 0 02 03 19.9 10,782 12,000 04 Sales 12 8 4 0 02 03 04 19.9 Operating Margin (%) 25 20 15 10 5 0 25 Same store sales rose up to 5.3% 16 18 12,000 19.9 17.7 20 10,782 (million pesos) 02 03 04 EBITDA Margin (%) 8,600 20 6,200 15 The recovery observed in domestic consumption in 2004 was reflected 4,800 10 in sales of Sears, which rose by 9.6% during the year, while same store 2,400 5 sales recovered by 5.3% in comparison with 2003. Operating profit increased by 7.3%, reaching 0 1 billion 02 03 904 04 million Pesos, while 0 02 03 During the year, 3 Sears stores were remodeled, while 2 new Sears stores were inaugurated, one in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and the other in Guadalajara, Jalisco. 04 operating flow of 2 billion 143 million Pesos represented a 5.3% growth. The reduction observed in operating margins is due mainly to the intense promotional activity required to compete in the department store sector. The Sears credit card continues to be an extraordinary sales instrument for this department store chain. At yearend, the number of active accounts was 1,103,880, a 25.5% increase over last year. The credit portfolio had a value at the close of 2004 of 5 billion 527 million Pesos, while the level of overdue portfolio remained low and stable throughout the year, closing at 1.28%. In 2004, approximately 63.3% of total Sears sales were made with the store’s Credit Card. 26% of growth in active accounts Mix-Up and El Globo MixUp Music Stores. 1,600 In 2004, the Grupo Sanborns music store division gained in strength as the distributor of the greatest and most varied musical offer in the country, which is complemented with the wide range of entertainment products, particularly video movies and video games. 1,200 800 400 0 03 04 11.6 (million pesos) 12.5 8.5 10.0 7.5 At yearend, this division operated 65 stores under the Mixup, No Problem, Tower Records and Discolandia formats. 5.0 2.5 0 02 19 El Globo 1,100 880 660 800 440 400 220 02 03 04 (%) Operating mixup EBITDA 1,200 0 03 Margins 994 2,000 At the end of 2004, Controladora y Administradora de Pastelerías 1,600 had 191 sale points distributed throughout the Country. 1,649 In 2004, 34 new sale points were added, which represented a much higher growth rhythm than that of previous years. The expansion of El Globo was observed mainly in northern Mexico, where an important growth potential exists. As another part of the El Globo expansion program, a franchise program was formally launched in 2004. 04 0 02 03 04 Sales 11.6 (million pesos) 12.5 20 17.1 10.0 25 8.5 7.5 15 5.0 10 2.5 5 11.8 Sales of this subsidiary in 2004 were 994 million Pesos, an 11.5% growth over last year, resulting mainly from the organic growth of El Globo. Operating profit was 117 million Pesos, a 14.4% reduction during the year. The EBITDA reached 170 million Pesos, a 7.1% drop in comparison with 2003. This drop in the operating results is the consequence of expenses incurred in preparing the expansion of El Globo to new regions. 02 Sales Total sales of this division were 1 billion 649 million Pesos during the year, an 8.4% increase in real terms, while same store sales rose by 5.2% over 2003. The operating profit increased by 19.7%, while the EBITDA grew by 14.5% in real terms in 2004. Controladora y Administradora de Pastelerías 1,649 2,000 0 02 03 04 0 02 03 Margins mixup 04 (%) Operating elglobo EBITDA Cigatam 10 12,000 8 9,000 6 6,000 4 3,000 2 0 02 03 04 0 7.6 12,501 15,000 02 03 04 Sales 6.6 15,000 6.4 12,000 4.8 9,000 3.2 1.6 0 02 03 04 Operating Margin (%) 10 8 Grupo Carso consolidates Cigatam’s 0 results 02 03 at04100%. 0 02 03 During 2004, Cigatam maintained its leadership position in the market, focused in the high price and low price segments. While market volumes decreased 1.6% during the year, Cigatam increased its estimated market share from 59.4% to 60.2%, 80 basis points higher than the previous year. Marlboro remained as the leading brand of the Mexican market, with a 100 basis points market share increase reaching over 45%. Expenditures and administered by the Secretary of Health. This contribution will be exempt of VAT and IEPS, and deductible from Income tax. The manufacturing company is responsible for the collection and payment of the contribution to the Fund, in this case Cigatam. 04 Cigatam posted sales of $12,501 million pesos, a 7.5% increase when compared to 2003; operating margin was 6.6%, 20 basis points lower than the previous year. During 2004, Cigatam’s fixed asset investments reached approximately US$18.0 million dollars, basically from investment in machinery and equipment, and building. As of January 1, 2004, excise tax rates increased for both filter and non-filter cigarettes from 107% to 110% and from 80% to 100% respectively. 6 4 2 0 8 Cigatam, a subsidiary of which Grupo 6 Carso owns 50.01%, is the cigarette manufacturer company that sells all 6,000 its production to Philip Morris 4 Mexico, an affiliate of which Grupo Carso owns 49.99%, for further com3,000 mercialization. 2 7.6 20 10 Cigatam increased its market share 7.6 8.0 12,501 (million pesos) 02 03 04 EBITDA Margin (%) The cigarette industry and the Federal Government entered into an agreement establishing the payment of a fee of 2.5 cents per cigarette sold in Mexico, starting in October 2004, to be contributed to the Fund for Protection Against Catastrophic 7.5% sales growth Board of Directors YEARS AS BOARD MEMBER* TYPE OF BOARD MEMBER** BOARD MEMBERS POSITION** CARLOS SLIM HELU COB Emeritus - Teléfonos de México COB Emeritus - Carso Global Telecom COB Emeritus - Grupo Financiero Inbursa COB Emeritus - America Móvil COB Emeritus - America Telecom COB Emeritus - Grupo Carso FIFTEEN Patrimonial Related CARLOS SLIM DOMIT COB -Grupo Carso COB - Grupo Sanborns CEO - Sanborn Hermanos COB - Teléfonos de México Vicechairman - Carso Global Telecom FOURTEEN Patrimonial Related ANTONIO COSIO ARIÑO CEO - Cía. Industrial de Tepeji del Río THIRTEEN Independent JAIME CHICO PARDO Vicechairman and CEO - Teléfonos de México COB - Carso Global Telecom FIFTEEN Related ARTURO ELIAS AYUB Director of Strategical Alliances, Comunication and Institutional Relations - Teléfonos de México SEVEN Related CLAUDIO X. GONZALEZ LAPORTE COB - Kimberly Clark de México FOURTEEN Independent RAFAEL MOISES KALACH MIZRAHI COB and CEO - Grupo Kaltex ELEVEN Independent JOSE KURI HARFUSH COB – Janel FIFTEEN Independent JUAN ANTONIO PEREZ SIMON COB - Sanborn Hermanos Vicechairman - Teléfonos de México FIFTEEN Independent BERNARDO QUINTANA ISAAC COB - Ingenieros Civiles Asociados (ICA) THIRTEEN Independent AGUSTIN SANTAMARINA VAZQUEZ Board Member - Santamarina y Steta THIRTEEN Independent PATRICK SLIM DOMIT Director of Retail - Teléfonos de México COB - America Móvil Vicechairman - Grupo Carso COB - Ferrosur COB - America Telecom NINE Patrimonial Related MARCO ANTONIO SLIM DOMIT COB - Grupo Financiero Inbursa FOURTEEN Patrimonial Related DANIEL HAJJ ABOUMRAD CEO - Carso Global Telecom CEO - America Móvil TEN ANTONIO COSIO PANDO General Manager - Cía. Industrial de Tepeji del Río THREE FERNANDO G. CHICO PARDO CEO - Promecap, S.C. FIFTEEN Independent EDUARDO VALDES ACRA CEO - Inversora Bursátil Vicechairman - Grupo Financiero Inbursa THIRTEEN Independent DAVID IBARRA MUÑOZ CEO - Despacho David Ibarra Muñoz THREE Independent ALEJANDRO ABOUMRAD GABRIEL COB - Porcelanite FOURTEEN Independent IGNACIO COBO GONZALEZ COB - Grupo Calinda THREE Independent ANTONIO GOMEZ GARCIA CEO - Porcelanite ONE Independent CARLOS HAJJ ABOUMRAD CEO - Artes Gráficas Unidas - Galas de México SEVEN Independent ALFONSO SALEM SLIM CEO - Hoteles Calinda CEO - PC Construcciones FOUR Independent JOSE HUMBERTO GUTIERREZ-OLVERA ZUBIZARRETA CEO - Grupo Carso CEO - Condumex FOURTEEN ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBERS STATUTORY AUDITOR CARLOS FRIAS LOPEZ ONE Member - PricewaterhouseCoopers Member - Colegio de Contadores Públicos de México, A.C. Board Member - Patronato del Museo de la Ciudad de México ALTERNATE STATUTORY AUDITOR CARLOS SERGIO CASAÑA ESPERON Member - PricewaterhouseCoopers ONE Comptroller - Grupo Condumex TWO Secretary of Board Members - Teléfonos de México FIFTEEN Secretary of Board Members - Grupo Condumex THREE TREASURER QUINTIN HUMBERTO BOTAS HERNANDEZ SECRETARY SERGIO F. MEDINA NORIEGA PRO-SECRETARY ALEJANDRO ARCHUNDIA BECERRA * Years as board member are considered since 1990, year of inscription in the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores. ** Based on board members information Related Independent Related 21 Report of the Auditing, Finance and Planning Committee February 21st, 2005 To the Board of Directors: As required by the Securities Market Law, the National Banking and Securities Commission’s general rules applicable to issuers and other participants in the securities market and the recommendations contained in the Code of Best Corporate Practices, we present the following activities report to the Board of Directors for the 2004 fiscal year. Audit The audit covered a review of the company’s accounting policies, procedures and practices as well as the financial information filed by Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. with the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, S.A. de C.V. and with the Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores, all supported by the internal audit department and external auditors. It was concluded that: (i) there is no need to submit to the consideration of the Board any change in the accounting policies, and (ii) the intermediate public financial information is prepared under the same accounting principles, criteria and practices as those used in preparing the annual report. The performance of the external auditors was analyzed, and it was determined that: a) the partner of the external auditing firm who certified the results of the company has been doing so for less than six years; b) the person who certified the audited financial statements of Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. is someone other than the company examiner; and c) the fees paid to the external auditing firm are adequate and account for less than 20% of its total income. In line with the internal control standards of Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V., the group is permanently supervised through its internal audit departments, which review and verify that any deviations are duly and promptly corrected. On the other hand, the external auditors presented to the company a letter of recomendations as a result of the revision they made; to date they have not requested any significant corrections. Additonally, we encomended the company’s administration to define and negotiate with the external auditors an evaluation about the internal controls implemented by Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. and its subsidiaries. The result of this evaluation must be presented to this auditing committee. 22 Therfore, we can conclude that the internal control system implemented by Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. has been found to satisfy the purpose for which it was created. The Group has implemented a control system, under which the internal auditors and the legal department verify at least once a year that all applicable legal precepts and regulations are complied with. There have been no adverse changes in the Group’s legal situation. Lastly, the financial statements at December 31, 2004 of Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. and its subsidiaries were studied and found to be satisfactory. Finance and Planning In the 2004 fiscal year, Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. and some of its subsidiaries made significant investments, financed in accordance with the Group’s medium- and long-term strategies. Periodic evaluations were made of the Group’s position to verify that it conformed to its strategic plan. The 2005 fiscal year budget was analyzed along with the financial projections considered for preparing it, which include major investments and financial transactions. They are considered to be viable and consistent with the Group’s investment and finance policies and strategies. As the intermediate support body of the Board of Directors, this Committee has prepared this report on the basis of information provided by Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. management and its external auditors. José Kuri Harfush Chairman Antonio Cosío Ariño Claudio X. González Laporte Rafael Moisés Kalach Mizrahi Juan Antonio Pérez Simón Report of the Evaluation and Compensation Committee March 7th, 2005 To the Board of Directors: In compliance with the rules of the National Banking and Security Commission’s applicable to issuers and to other participants in the securities market and the recommendations contained in the Code of Best Corporate Practices, we present our activities report to the Board for the 2004 fiscal year. On the basis of information provided to us by company management, we verified that in the 2004 fiscal period, Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. hired no top level officials. We also verified that the criteria for evaluating the performance of the director general and probable payments in the event of his separation from the Group conform to the guidelines approved by the Board of Directors, determining that no changes are needed in this respect. On the other hand, inasmuch as the company does not contemplate granting compensation packages to company directors and officers, there is no structure or policy of any kind to determine them; consequently we performed no activities in this respect. As the authorized intermediate support body of the Board of Directors, we present this activities report on the basis of information provided by company management and the Board itself. Carlos Slim Domit Chairman Jaime Chico Pardo Agustín Santamarina Vázquez 23 Report of External Auditors Mexico City, March 2, 2005 To the Stockholders of Grupo Carso, S. A. de C. V. and subsidiaries We have examined the consolidated balance sheets of Grupo Carso, S. A. de C. V. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, of changes in stockholders’ equity and of changes in financial position for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. The financial statements of certain subsidiaries whose assets and revenues represent 28% and 34% in 2004, and 28% and 37% in 2003, respectively, of the consolidated totals, were examined by other auditors, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for those subsidiaries, is based solely on the reports of the other auditors. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Mexico, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement and that they were prepared in accordance with Mexican generally accepted accounting principles. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by Management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 24 In our opinion, based on our examinations and on the reports of the other auditors referred to in the first paragraph above, the aforementioned consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Grupo Carso, S. A. de C. V. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of their operations, the changes in their consolidated stockholders’ equity and the changes in their consolidated financial position for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Mexico. PricewaterhouseCoopers L.C. Alberto Del Castillo V. Vilchis Audit Partner Report of Statutory Auditor (This report is a free translation from the original prepared in Spanish, which was issued to have effect only in Mexico) Mexico City, March 2, 2005 To the Stockholders of Grupo Carso, S. A. de C. V. In my capacity as Statutory Auditor and in compliance with Article 166 of the Mexican General Companies Law and of the Grupo Carso, S. A. de C. V. (the “Company”) by-laws, I hereby submit my report on the veracity, sufficiency and reasonableness of the balance sheet and the statements of income, of changes in stockholders’ equity and of changes in financial position, prepared by and under the responsibility of the Company’s Management, presented to you by the Board of Directors concerning the Company’s operations for the year ended December 31, 2004. I have attended the Stockholders’ and Board of Directors’ meetings of which I have been notified, and I have obtained from the directors and administrators the operating information, documentation and accounting records that I considered necessary to examine. My review was carried out in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Mexico. I have carefully reviewed the audit report of date March 2, 2005, issued by the Company’s external auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, S. C., in connection with the examination which they carried out, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Mexico, of the consolidated financial statements prepared by the Company’s Management. In my opinion, the accounting and reporting policies and criteria followed by the Company and applied by Management in preparing the financial statements mentioned above, presented to this board are appropriate and adequate and have been applied on a basis consistent with that of the previous year; therefore, such information correctly, fairly and adequately presents the financial position of Grupo Carso, S. A. de C. V. at December 31, 2004 and the results of its operations, the changes in its stockholders’ equity and the changes in its financial position for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Mexico. C.P. Carlos Frías López Statutory Auditor 25 Consolidated Balance Sheets Grupo Carso, S. A. de C. V. and Subsidiaries (Note 1) Amounts expressed in thousands of Mexican pesos (“Ps”) of December 31, 2004 purchasing power December 31, 2004 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and temporary investments Accounts receivable - Net (Note 4) Related parties (Note 5) Inventories - Net (Note 6) Advance payments Total current assets LONG-TERM ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE INVESTMENT IN SHARES OF ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (Note 2d.) 26 PROPERTY, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT: Buildings and leasehold improvements Machinery and equipment Transportation equipment Furniture and equipment Computer equipment Accumulated depreciation Land Construction in process OTHER ASSETS - Net: Concession to exploit and rehabilitate railways (Note 2g.iii) Valuation of convertible obligations (Note 1) Projected net asset derived from labor obligations (Note 9) Others Total assets The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Ps 3,504,597 13,027,565 1,394,485 13,872,529 520,797 2003 Ps 2,265,830 9,529,634 1,357,069 11,341,627 170,085 32,319,973 24,664,245 38,023 11,155 2,938,553 2,705,732 21,171,882 35,501,413 1,167,085 2,537,992 1,687,621 62,065,993 20,490,137 37,735,254 1,124,379 2,364,255 1,732,600 63,446,625 (34,003,964) 28,062,029 (34,835,948) 28,610,677 7,835,819 1,034,590 7,710,451 1,231,995 36,932,438 37,553,123 2,764,389 439,045 314,926 483,793 4,002,153 Ps 76,231,140 2,950,808 122,823 1,361,811 4,435,442 Ps 69,369,697 December 31, LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Short-term financing and current portion of long-term debt (Note 7) Suppliers Related parties (Note 5) Accounts payable and other accrued expenses Tax on processed tobacco Taxes payable Employees’ statutory profit sharing (Note 11) Total current liabilities LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Long-term debt (Note 7) Deferred income tax (Note 11) Deferred income - Net Total long-term liabilities Total liabilities 2004 Ps 7,701,875 5,851,513 351,345 3,527,187 1,445,365 306,441 445,113 19,628,839 11,487,621 8,683,660 197,347 20,368,628 39,997,467 2003 Ps 7,439,736 4,636,682 142,597 2,667,352 1,411,424 339,234 356,402 16,993,427 11,147,592 9,441,808 419,472 21,008,872 38,002,299 27 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Note 10): Capital stock Net premium on placement of shares Retained earnings Accumulated effect of deferred income tax Deficit in restatement of stockholders’ equity 5,946,707 1,936,770 59,098,699 (7,497,790) (30,498,626) 5,994,255 1,936,770 54,887,336 (7,497,790) (30,442,767) Total majority interest Minority interest 28,985,760 7,247,913 24,877,804 6,489,594 Total stockholders’ equity 36,233,673 31,367,398 Ps 76,231,140 Ps 69,369,697 COMMITMENTS (Note 13) CONTINGENCIES (Note 14) Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Consolidated Statements of Income Grupo Carso, S. A. de C. V. and Subsidiaries (Note 5) Amounts expressed in thousands of Mexican pesos (“Ps”) of December 31, 2004 purchasing power Year ended December 31, 2004 2003 Ps 69,721,304 (51,293,079) Ps 59,627,609 (43,135,304) 18,428,225 16,492,305 Sales and administration expenses (9,393,111) (8,904,451) Operating income 9,035,114 7,587,854 946,498 (2,461,284) 28,493 847,175 864,092 (2,643,310) (489,716) 771,573 (639,118) (1,497,361) 749,381 (136,609) (415,919) (141,057) (489,203) (382,976) (144,806) (46,203) 55,796 (1,063,188) 8,451,792 5,027,305 714,060 683,677 2,010,618 328,144 1,397,737 2,338,762 Net sales Cost of sales Gross profit Comprehensive financing cost: Interest income Interest expense Exchange income (loss) - Net Gain on monetary position 28 Other income (expenses) - Net Amortization of goodwill - Net (Note 2h.) Impairment of assets (Note 2i.) Special item - Reorganization of productive plants (Note 1) Income before provisions for income tax, employees’ statutory profit sharing and equity in the income of associated companies Provisions for (Note 11): Income tax Employees’ statutory profit sharing Year ended December 31, Income before equity in the income of associated companies Equity in the income of associated companies (Note 2d.) Income from continuing operations 2004 2003 7,054,055 2,688,543 987,593 930,225 8,041,648 3,618,768 Loss from discontinued operations (Note 1) (347,209) Effect at beginning of the year for changes in accounting principles - Net (Note 2i.) (316,053) Consolidated net income for the year Ps 8,041,648 Ps 2,955,506 Net income of majority interest Net income of minority interest Ps 6,708,580 1,333,068 Ps 2,071,620 883,886 Consolidated net income for the year Ps 8,041,648 Ps 2,955,506 Net income per common share (Note 2p.) Ps 8.22 Ps 2.44 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 29 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003 Grupo Carso, S. A. de C. V. and Subsidiaries (Note 10) Amounts expressed in thousands of Mexican pesos (“Ps”) of December 31, 2004 purchasing power Net premium on placement of shares Capital stock Balances at December 31, 2002 Repurchase of own shares Reduction in minority interest of subsidiaries due to share purchase Capital reduction and dividends in cash to majority and minority shareholders, and minority of subsidiaries Ps 6,029,875 Ps 1,936,770 (35,620) (35,620) Translation adjustment of the financial statements of subsidiaries resident abroad Gain on holding non-monetary assets of subsidiaries Effect at beginning of the year for changes in accounting principles - Net (Note 2j.) Consolidated net income for the year Comprehensive income (Note 2n.) Balances at December 31, 2003 30 Repurchase of own shares Reduction in minority interest of subsidiaries due to share purchase Dividends in cash to majority and minority shareholders, and minority of subsidiaries 5,994,255 1,936,770 (47,548) (47,548) Translation adjustment of the financial statements of subsidiaries resident abroad Loss on holding non-monetary assets of subsidiaries Consolidated net income for the year Comprehensive income (Note 2n.) Balances at December 31, 2004 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Ps 5,946,707 Ps 1,936,770 Retained earnings Ps 54,461,445 Accumulated effect of deferred income tax Ps (7,497,790) Deficit in restatement of stockholders’ equity Ps (30,984,043) Minority interest Ps Total stockholders’ equity 6,120,468 Ps 30,066,725 (188,815) (929,081) (188,815) (639,442) (465,485) (1,104,927) (1,532,903) (654,300) (2,222,823) 142,559 (18,490) 702,325 (3,019) 883,886 (115,845) 2,955,506 541,276 1,023,426 3,523,496 (30,442,767) 6,489,594 31,367,398 (112,542) (1,959,163) (112,542) (585,602) (406,432) (992,034) (2,497,217) (518,974) (3,063,739) (55,775) 1,333,068 5,017 (116,651) 8,041,648 1,277,293 7,930,014 7,247,913 Ps 36,233,673 (893,461) (18,490) 559,766 (112,826) 2,071,620 1,958,794 54,887,336 (7,497,790) (1,911,615) 5,017 (60,876) 6,708,580 6,708,580 Ps 59,098,699 (55,859) Ps (7,497,790) Ps (30,498,626) Ps 31 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Financial Position Grupo Carso, S. A. de C. V. and Subsidiaries Amounts expressed in thousands of Mexican pesos (“Ps”) of December 31, 2004 purchasing power Year ended December 31, Consolidated net income for the year Loss from discontinued operations Effect at beginning of the year for changes in accounting principles Income from continuing operations Ps Charges (credits) to income not affecting resources provided by operation: Depreciation and amortization Amortization of goodwill - Net Labor obligations Equity in the income of associated companies Deferred income tax and employees’ statutory profit sharing Impairment of assets Other non-cash items 32 Net change in working capital, except cash and temporary investments, and short and long term debts Resources provided by operations Financing: Increase (decrease) in short and long-term debts - Net Repurchase of own shares Capital reduction and dividends in cash to majority and minority shareholders, and minority of subsidiaries Resources used in financing activities Investment: Increase in permanent investments Acquisition of property, machinery and equipment - Net Acquisition of other assets - Net Dividends received from associated companies Reduction in minority interest of subsidiaries due to share purchase Translation adjustment of the financial statements of subsidiaries resident abroad Resources used in investment activities Increase (decrease) in cash and temporary investments Cash and temporary investments at beginning of year Cash and temporary investments at end of year The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 2003 2004 Operations: Ps 8,041,648 Ps 2,955,506 347,209 8,041,648 316,053 3,618,768 2,471,357 136,609 101,164 (987,593) (731,676) 415,919 (9,969) 1,395,811 2,355,143 382,976 103,017 (930,225) 53,072 144,806 166,636 2,275,425 (3,702,387) 5,735,072 (2,266,294) 3,627,899 976,292 (1,959,163) (399,621) (929,081) (992,034) (1,974,905) (1,104,927) (2,433,629) (336,010) (2,501,775) (439,045) 862,955 (231,919) (1,745,935) (238,799) 843,229 (112,542) (188,815) 5,017 (2,521,400) (18,490) (1,580,729) 1,238,767 2,265,830 (386,459) 2,652,289 3,504,597 Ps 2,265,830 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Grupo Carso, S. A. de C. V. and Subsidiaries DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003 Amounts expressed in thousands of Mexican pesos (“Ps”) of December 31, 2004 purchasing power, and in thousands of US dollars (“US$”), except for exchange rates and forwards and swaps prices NOTE 1 - HISTORY, NATURE AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY: The accompanying consolidated financial statements and their notes are a free translation from the originals prepared in Spanish, which were issued to have effect only in Mexico. Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. (“Grupo Carso”) is a controlling company incorporated under Mexican law on October 22, 1980, for a duration of 99 years. Grupo Carso operates mainly through its subsidiaries, of which it directly or indirectly holds most of the common nominative shares. Grupo Carso also has investments in associated companies in which it has significant management influence, although not out right control. The most representative being Philip Morris de México, S.A. de C.V. (“Philip Morris”) (49.99% shareholding). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include those of Grupo Carso and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”). The most significant of those subsidiaries are as follows: Percentage shareholding (%) 2004 2003 Operation of department stores, gift shops, record stores, restaurants, cafeterias, cake shops, and administration of commercial centers, through the following commercial brands, mainly: Sanborns, Sears, El Globo, Mixup. (1) 83.68 83.55 Manufacture and sale of products for the following industries: construction, automobile, energy, telecommunications, mining-metallurgy and chemicals (until June 2004) and railway transportation. (2) 99.57 99.74 Manufacture and sale of products derived from copper and aluminum and the respective alloys, as well as flexible tubes manufactured with vinyl polychloride. (3) - 99.75 99.96 99.96 50.01 50.01 Holder of shares of companies of the following sectors: property leasing, hotel, lithography and binding, printing and manufacturing of flexible packaging. (6) 100.00 100.00 Grupo Calinda, S. A. de C. V. and subsidiaries (“Calinda”) Hotel services. (6) 100.00 100.00 Carso Infraestructura y Construcción, S. A. de C. V. (“Cicsa”) Exploitation of different engineering branches, including projection and construction of all types of civil, industrial and electromagnetic works and installations. (7) 90.21 100.00 Comapany Grupo Sanborns, S. A. de C. V. and subsidiaries (“Sanborns”) Grupo Condumex, S. A. de C. V. [before Empresas Frisco, S. A. de C. V. (“Frisco”)] and subsidiaries (“Condumex”) Industrias Nacobre, S. A. de C. V. and subsidiaries (“Nacobre”) Porcelanite Holding, S. A. de C. V. and subsidiaries (“Porcelanite”) Principal activity Production and sale of coverings for floors, walls and similar surfaces. (4) Cigarros la Tabacalera Mexicana, S. A. Sharecropping of tobacco and manufacture de C. V. and subsidiary (“Cigatam”) of cigarettes. (5) Inmuebles Cantabria, S. A. de C. V. and subsidiaries (“Cantabria”) 33 (1) On December 1, 2003, Sanborns acquired 100% of the shares of JC Penny, S.A. de C.V. (“JC Penney”) for a total of Ps236,652. JC Penney is mainly engaged in operating six department stores that sell clothes, cosmetics, household and electrical appliances. At December 31, 2004, the investment is included in the figures shown in the consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2003, Company Management decided to show the acquisition of the JC Penney shares as an investment in shares at their historical value (Ps224,976), since it was in the process of determining their book value. On December 17, 2004, Sanborns acquired 100% of the shares of the companies operating as an economic unit known as “Dorian’s”, for a total of Ps855,242. At December 31, 2004, Company Management decided to show the acquisition of the Dorian’s shares as an investment in shares at historical value, since it is in the process of determining their book value. (2) At the General Extraordinary meetings held on November 15, 2004, the Stockholders approved the merger of Condumex and Frisco (affiliated companies), in effect as from December 1, 2004. Since both companies operate under the common control, the merger was recorded under the same method as would a pooling of interests. Given the drop in the international prices of the minerals produced, in the last few years two subsidiaries engaged in the mining-metallurgic industry went into temporary suspension of operations until the results of the respective exploration derive in exploitable reserves. Given the foregoing, there are currently idle assets in the mining segment for an approximate total of Ps171,219 and Ps266,120 in 2004 and 2003, respectively. On June 9, 2004, Frisco formalized the sale of 100% of the Química Flúor, S.A. de C.V. (“Química”) shares to Grupo Industrial Camesa, S.A. de C.V. (“Camesa”). Said operation was paid to Frisco through issuance of seven years obligations, which are subject to conversion into Camesa shares for a total of 12% of that company’s capital stock, at any given time within the term of the obligations. The nominal amount of convertible obligations is Ps288,000 and the fair value at the date of acquisition was Ps399,290. Additionally, Frisco reduced its debt by US$31,000, which is the amount of bank loans contracted by Química at that date. The above transaction generated a profit of Ps95,128, which is included in other income (expenses) - Net caption in the statement of income. Condumex subsequently sold the obligations in question in September 2004 to Grupo Carso. The value of such obligations at December 31, 2004 is Ps439,045. In September 2004, Condumex sold the shares of its subsidiaries Swecomex, S.A. de C.V., Aguatl, S.A. de C.V. and Precitubo, S.A. de C.V. to Cicsa, and as from that date they were no longer subsidiaries of Condumex. Those operations had no effect at the consolidated level, since it is an operation performed under common control. On December 29, 2004, Condumex sold the Grupo Primex, S.A. de C.V. (associated company) shares to Camesa, thus giving rise to income of Ps600,622, which is included in the statement of income under the other income (expenses) - Net caption. 34 (3) In 2004 and 2003, Grupo Carso sold Condumex 99.88% of the Nacobre shares. Said operation had no effect at the consolidated level, since it is an operation performed under common control. In the year ended December 31, 2003, production of primary aluminum for the Veracruz plant was discontinued - said plant is the property of a Nacobre subsidiary. The effect on the value of fixed assets due to discontinuation of said operation totaled Ps347,209, net of Income Tax and Employees’ Statutory Profit Sharing. Said amount is shown in the statement of income under the “Loss from discontinued operations” caption. Given the immateriality of said discontinuation on the enclosed consolidated financial statements, the financial statements were not restructured and therefore include no additional disclosures. In 2003, Nacobre recorded a Ps104,534 loss for the drop in the value of machinery and equipment no longer in use at some of the copper segment subsidiaries - said loss is included in the statement of income under the caption “impairment of assets” (see Note 2i.). The Company also had to make severance payments for reorganization of the Celaya and Tulpetlac plants totaling Ps46,203, which is included as a special item in the statement of income. (4) In February 2004, Porcelanite decided to suspend operations at its Santa Clara plant in the State of Mexico, thus transferring said operations to the State of Sonora plant. As a result of this, the Company recorded the respective restructuring expenses (mainly severance payments made to personnel and the drop in the value of its fixed assets) for a total of Ps74,880 in the statement of income as a special item. (5) In 2004 and 2003, Cigatam transferred its production operations of the Lerma plant in the State of Mexico to its Mexico City and Guadalajara plants. Restructuring expenses of Ps66,177 incurred in 2004 (mainly severance payments for personnel and extensions made to the plant) were recorded in income for the year as a special item, while Ps22,158 incurred in 2003 for the drop in the value of fixed assets is shown in the statement of income under the caption for “Effect at beginning of the year for changes in accounting principles” (see Note 2i.). (6) In 2003 Cantabria and Calinda made disbursements and sold fixed assets located in the Cancún hotel zone for a total of Ps482,555, thus giving rise to a Ps221,216 loss that is included under the caption other income (expenses) - Net in the statement of income. (7) In September 2004, through the acquisition of Swecomex, S. A. de C. V., Aguatl, S. A. de C. V. and Precitubo, S. A. de C. V. of Condumex and Grupo PC Constructores, S. A. de C. V. by PC Construcciones, S. A. de C. V. (a subsidiary of Cantabria), a new group was created for the construction of oil platforms, exploitation of the different engineering branches (which includes projecting and constructing all types of civil, industrial and electromechanical installations), and manufacturing, assembling, selling, repairing and servicing all types of heat exchangers and general industrial equipment. Construction of the oil platforms started in late 2003 by the Swecomex subsidiary (at that time a Condumex’s subsidiary). NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared based on Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in Mexico (“Mexican GAAP”). Mexican GAAP require that financial statements be expressed in constant pesos of the most recent date shown in the financial statements, in this case December 31, 2004, based on factors derived from the National Consumer Price Index (“NCPI”) published by the Banco de Mexico for domestic companies, and the NCPI of the country of origin of independent foreign companies, as well as at the exchange rate in effect on the latest close. The NCPI factor used to recognize the effects of inflation on the consolidated financial statements was 5.19% and 3.98% at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Below is a summary of the main accounting policies followed by the Company in preparing the consolidated financial statements, including the concepts, methods and criteria pertaining to recognition of the effects of inflation on the financial information. a. Consolidation - Significant balances and transactions carried out between the consolidating companies have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidation was carried out on the basis of audited financial statements of all the significant subsidiaries. For consolidation purposes, translation of the financial statements of the subsidiaries resident abroad is made on the basis of Statement B-15 of Mexican GAAP, issued by the Mexican Institute of Public Accountants (“MIPA”). The translation effect is shown in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity, under the caption deficit in restatement of stockholders’ equity. b. Investment in securities - The investments in securities include investments in debt and capital securities, which are initially recorded at acquisition cost, and subsequently restated to fair value, which approximates market value. Fair value is the amount for which a financial asset can be exchanged or a financial liability can be settled between interested willing parties in a freely competitive transaction. Investments in securities are subject to different types of risks, mainly those related to operating markets, interest rates, exchange rates and inherent credit and market liquidity risks. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, Company investments are mainly comprised of: investments in shares, Brems bonds, derivative credit instruments (see Note 8), government papers and other security instruments. c. Derivative financial instruments - Derivative financial instruments for negotiation or hedging purposes are used mainly to reduce the risk of adverse movements in a) interest rates, b) exchange rates for long-term debts, c) copper and aluminum prices, and d) gas prices. Realized and non-realized results on said investments, in the case of hedging operations, are recorded using the valuation method applied to hedged assets or liabilities and, in negotiation operations, are recorded at their realization value or fair value at the date of the sale or at the close of the period, respectively (see Note 8). d. Investment in shares of associated companies - The investment in shares of associated companies is valued by the equity method. Under that method, the acquisition cost of the shares is modified for the proportionate part of changes in stockholders’ equity accounts of investees occurring subsequent to the date of purchase. Company’s equity in the results of associated companies is shown separately in the statement of income. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the most significant associated firm was Philip Morris, which contributed 84% and 90%, respectively, to associated company results. e. Inventories - Inventories and cost of sales are recorded at replacement cost based on the lastly purchases or production costs of the period. Values thus determined do not exceed market value (see Note 6). Statement E-1, “Agriculture” issued by MIPA went into effect as from January 1, 2004, requires that biological and agricultural assets be valued at their fair value, less estimated sales point costs at the time of harvesting. Said fair value is determined based on the market price for the respective region. Adoption of the Statement had not significant effects on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. f. Property, machinery and equipment - Property, machinery and equipment of Mexican origin are stated at restated value, determined by applying factors derived from the NCPI to acquisition or construction cost. Machinery and equipment of foreign origin are restated by applying factors reflecting inflation for the country of origin at the date of valuation to historical cost stated in the currency of origin, and subsequently converted to Mexican pesos at the rate of exchange in effect at the close of the period. Depreciation is calculated by the straight-line method, based on the useful lives of the assets estimated by Management, on both acquisition or construction cost and on restatement increments. These useful lives are not mentioned, since they vary significantly due to the diversification of the business segments in which the group operates. The value of those assets is subject to an annual impairment evaluation (see Note 2i.). 35 g. Intangible assets - Intangible assets are recognized in the balance sheet provided they are identifiable, provide expected economic benefits and the Company has control over such benefits. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized and intangible assets with a definite life are amortized systematically, based on the best estimate of their useful life determined in accordance with the expected future economic benefits. The value of these assets is subject to an annual evaluation for impairment. (See Note 2i.). Intangible assets recorded by the Company are as follows: i. Research costs are recognized as expenses for the year in which they are incurred. Development costs (or incurred in the development phase of a project) are recorded as an intangible asset when they bear certain features. There are no significant assets in this regard. ii. Patents and trademarks represent payments made for use rights. There are no significant assets in this regard. iii. Ferrosur, S.A. de C.V. (“Ferrosur”), a subsidiary of Condumex, was issued a concession by the Federal Government in December 1998 to exploit the general South East railway route for a term of 50 years (with exclusivity rights in the first 30 years). Said period is renewable for an equal period of time provided certain conditions are met. The concession is amortized based on the straight-line method in the period the concession was granted, and is updated through application of NCPI factors to its award cost. iv. Exploration expenses and payments for assignment of rights over mining concessions are charged to income in the year in which they are paid. Development expenses incurred in mining lots for exploitation purposes are included in operating costs. h. Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of cost of shares of subsidiaries and associated companies over book value and negative goodwill represents the excess of book value over the cost of shares of subsidiaries and associated companies, both are expressed at restated value determined by applying NCPI factors to the original value, less accumulated amortization. Amortization (of goodwill or negative goodwill) is calculated by the straight-line method, applying the rates of 10% and 20% to restated balances, respectively; and their value are subject to an annual impairment evaluation (see Note 2i.). i. Impairment in the value of long-lived assets and their disposal - The Company Management implemented in advance the provisions of Statement C-15, “Impairment in the Value of Long- Lived Assets and their Disposal”, issued by the MIPA. This statement establishes, among other issues, the general criteria for identification and, if applicable, recording of impairment losses or the decrease in the value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets, including goodwill. The initial effect of adoption of the guidelines established in this Statement at December 31, 2003 generated a reduction in the value fixed assets of Ps462,199, which, after deducting income tax, amounts to Ps316,053 and is shown in the statement of income in the “Effect at beginning of the year for changes in accounting principles”. The effect for the year of impairment of fixed assets amounted to Ps415,919 and Ps144,806 in 2004 and 2003, respectively, and is shown as a separate item in the income statement. j. Liabilities, provisions, contingent assets and liabilities and commitments - The Company’s liabilities and the liability provisions recognized in the balance sheet represent present obligations whose settlement will probably require the use of economic resources. These provisions have been recorded based on Management’s best estimated of the amount needed to liquidate the present liability; however, actual results could differ from the provisions recognized. 36 As a result of adopting the aforementioned Statement, the Company recorded an ecological liability reserve amounting to Ps174,679, at December 31, 2003, to repair the environment in areas destined for mining exploitation, and a Ps115,845 charge to retained earnings net of taxes, as part of the accrued effect at the beginning of the year for previous obligations; Ps14,180 to deferred income tax and Ps49,076 to fixed assets, for future obligations, which is subject to depreciation rules based on the estimated life of the mine and to applicable impairment rules. In 2004, expenses totaling Ps6,612 were made to repair the environment, of which Ps5,274 were applied against the ecological liability reserve and Ps1,338 to results for future obligations. k. Deferred taxes - Income tax is recorded by the comprehensive method of assets and liabilities, which consists of recording deferred tax for all temporary differences between the book and tax values of assets and liabilities (see Note 11). Deferred employees’ statutory profit sharing is recorded only on the basis of temporary differences between the net book and tax profit for the period applicable for employees’ statutory profit sharing, which can be reasonably assumed to give rise to a liability or a benefit in the future. l. Labor obligations - The seniority premiums, which employees are entitled to receive upon termination of employment after 15 years of service, as well as obligations under employee retirement plans for certain subsidiaries, to which they do not contribute, are recorded as cost for the years in which the respective services are rendered, based on actuarial studies using the projected unit credit method (see Note 9). Other compensation based on seniority to which employees may be entitled in the event of dismissal or death, in accordance with the Federal Labor Law, is applied to income in the year in which it becomes payable. m. Stockholders’ equity - The capital stock, the net premium on the placement of shares, retained earnings and the accumulated effect of deferred tax represent the value of those items in terms of purchasing power at the close of the most recent period, and are determined by applying NCPI factors to the historical amounts. The deficit in restatement of stockholders’ equity mainly comprises the initial accumulated gain or loss on monetary position and the gain or loss from holding nonmonetary assets, stated in pesos of purchasing power at the close of the most recent period. n. Comprehensive income - The comprehensive income is represented by the net income plus the gain or loss from holding non-monetary assets, the translation adjustment arising in connection with foreign subsidiaries, and items required by specific accounting standards to be reflected in stockholders’ equity but which do not constitute capital contributions, reductions or distributions. It is restated on the basis of NCPI factors. o. Gain on monetary position -The gain on monetary position represents the inflationary gain, measured in terms of the NCPI, on net monthly monetary assets and liabilities for the year, stated in pesos of purchasing power for the most recent period. p. Earning per share - The earnings per share is the result of dividing the consolidated net profit for the year by the weighted average of shares outstanding. Average outstanding shares were 816,600,349 and 849,779,059 in 2004 and 2003, respectively. q. Recognition of income - Sales are recorded in the period in which the risks and benefits of inventories are transferred to the customers acquiring said items, which generally occurs when the goods are shipped to customers and they assume responsibility for them. Service income is recorded as services are rendered. Construction income is recorded as the work progresses. r. Foreign currency transactions and exchange differences - Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates on which operations are entered into. Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date; the related exchange differences between the date on which transactions are entered into and those on which they are settled are charged or credited to income (see Note 3). s. Use of estimations - Preparation of the consolidated financial statements as per Mexican GAAP required that Company Management prepare certain estimations that might affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ in such estimations. Estimations are determined based on reasonable bases. t. Reclassifications - Certain reclassifications have been made to 2003 figures in order to adapt them to the actual disclosures. u. New accounting pronouncements - The following Statements issued by the MIPA went into effect on January 1, 2005. - Statement B-7, “Business Acquisitions”. The provisions of this statement establish, among others, the purchase method as the only method of accounting for the acquisition business, changes to the accounting treatment of goodwill, eliminating its amortization as from the date on which that statement goes into effect and subjects it to deterioration rules on an annual basis. It also provides specific rules for acquisitions of minority interest and transfer or exchange of shares between entities of the same group. - Amendments to Statement C-2, “Financial Instruments”. The provisions contained in this statement require that the effects for valuation of instruments available for sale be recorded in stockholders’ equity and not in income for the year, and incorporates the rules to determine the effects of impairment in the value of financial instruments. - Statement C-10, “Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Operations”, which, aside from specifying recording, valuation and disclosure criteria applicable to derivative financial instruments, requires that effectiveness of risk hedging over cash flows and the net investment in subsidiaries located abroad be recorded under the comprehensive profit caption. - Amendments to Statement D-3, “Labor Obligations”, which establish the rules for valuing and recording liabilities generated by other compensation upon termination of the labor relationship. At the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements, Company Management has not determined the effect of adopting the aforementioned Statements, which could have a significant effect on the Company’s results. 37 NOTE 3 - FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION: At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had the following foreign currency assets and liabilities whose replacement cost is determined based primarily on US dollars: December 31, 2003 2004 Assets Liabilities Net short position US$ 315,110 (1,181,142) US$ (866,032) US$ 312,868 (1,131,391) US$ (818,523) At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the exchange rates were Ps11.2648 and Ps11.2360 per US dollar, respectively. At March 2, 2005, date of issuance of the audited consolidated financial statements, the exchange rate was Ps11.0965 per US dollar. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had contracted hedging against exchange risks (see Note 8). At December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximately 21% of inventories and machinery and equipment are of foreign origin. In 2004 and 2003, the Company performed operations in foreign currency, the most important of which are: Year ended December 31, 2004 38 Sales Interest income Other income Purchases Interest expense Others Net US$ US$ 556,703 818 415 (826,284) (27,865) (137,137) (433,350) 2003 US$ 453,879 1,211 32,984 (560,395) (25,584) (195,489) US$ (293,394) The Company has several subsidiaries abroad; however, their financial statements are not significant in relation to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. NOTE 4 - ANALYSIS OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE: December 31, 2004 Customers Sundry debtors Allowance for doubtful accounts Recoverable taxes Others Ps 11,184,195 1,407,474 12,591,669 (289,724) 12,301,945 566,242 159,378 Ps 13,027,565 2003 Ps Ps 8,345,483 701,675 9,047,158 (301,388) 8,745,770 503,262 280,602 9,529,634 NOTE 5 - ANALYSIS OF BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES: December 31, 2003 2004 Accounts receivable: Teléfonos de México, S. A. de C. V. Sinergia Soluciones Integrales de Energía, S. A. de C. V. América Movil, S. A. de C. V. Philip Morris Teléfonos del Noroeste, S. A. de C. V. Delphi Packard Electric Compañía de Teléfonos y Bienes Raíces, S. A. de C. V. Others Ps Ps Accounts payable: Grupo Primex, S. A. de C. V. Radiomóvil Dipsa, S. A. de C. V. Banco Inbursa, S. A. Seguros Inbursa, S. A. de C. V. Dana Corporation, Inc. Others 908,826 182,838 137,735 180 31,435 76,108 21,173 36,190 1,394,485 Ps Ps Ps Ps Ps 72,278 249,729 12,437 16,901 351,345 Ps 919,827 185,277 90,009 51,418 12,747 68,126 29,665 1,357,069 57,086 51,544 4,352 10,831 18,784 142,597 The principal transactions with related parties were as follows: Year ended December 31, Income: Sales* Disbursements: Purchases Expenses Interest * 2004 2003 Ps 19,334,889 Ps 17,692,098 Ps Ps 1,195,179 341,851 308,277 1,420,154 536,992 358,088 Includes sales of the subsidiary Cigatam to the associated company Philip Morris, which sells and distributes its products, amounting to Ps12,476,954 and Ps11,606,565 in 2004 and 2003, respectively. NOTE 6 - ANALYSIS OF INVENTORIES: December 31, 2003 2004 Raw materials Production in process Finished product Merchandise in stores Merchandise in transit Spare parts and other inventories Allowance for obsolete inventories Ps 5,025,381 828,805 1,375,753 4,204,045 256,710 2,489,406 14,180,100 (307,571) Ps 13,872,529 Ps 3,900,280 817,628 1,431,539 4,071,987 217,048 1,164,747 11,603,229 (261,602) Ps 11,341,627 39 NOTE 7 - SHORT TERM FINANCING AND LONG-TERM DEBT: Short-term debt is subject to variable interest rates. Interest rates at the close of December 2004 and 2003 were a weighted average of 9.28% and 6.09%, respectively, for local currency debt and 3.89% and 2.48%, respectively, for dollar debt. The short-term debt was comprised as follows: December 31, 2004 Commercial paper (1) Unsecured loans and other (2) Current portion of long-term debt Ps Ps 2,276,545 3,412,878 2,012,452 7,701,875 2003 Ps Ps 1,208,902 2,948,969 3,281,865 7,439,736 The long-term debt is subject to variable interest rates. Interest rates at the close of December 2004 and 2003 were a weighted average of 8.02% and 7.48% for local currency debt, respectively, and 2.77% and 2.64% for dollar debt, respectively. The long-term debt was comprised as follows: December 31, 2004 Syndicated loans in Mexican pesos and US Dollars at variable rates, expiring on a quarterly basis (3) Stock certificates and unsecured loans (2) and (4) Other long-term loans Less - Current portion Long-term debt 40 Ps 8,512,668 4,618,523 368,882 13,500,073 (2,012,452) Ps 11,487,621 2003 Ps 3,662,027 10,075,111 692,319 14,429,457 (3,281,865) Ps 11,147,592 The long term debt at December 31, 2004 matures as follows: Year ended December 31, 2006 2007 2008 2009 and after Ps Ps 3,565,107 3,876,801 3,076,768 968,945 11,487,621 (1) Includes promissory notes in Mexican pesos at short-term variable rates basically to finance working capital. Average discount rates were 8.92% and 8.25% for 2004 and 2003, respectively. (2) Includes short-term financing from Banco Inbursa, S.A. (related party) in Mexican pesos and foreign currencies at December 31, 2004 and 2003 of Ps1,156,698 and Ps346,495, and Ps1,552,591 and Ps1,837,099, respectively; and long-term financing of Ps225,165 and Ps461,432 and Ps1,183 and Ps1,772,062, respectively. The last maturity date is 2013. (3) Grupo Carso had contracted a syndicated loan of Ps1,800,000 in August 2001. The last maturity date for said loan was in August 2006. At the 2003 close, there was a balance payable of Ps1,050,000, which was fully prepaid in the first semester of 2004. In September 2002, Grupo Carso had contracted a syndicated loan of US$225,000, of which US$128,750 was contracted for a three-year term, with the last maturity date in September 2005, while the remaining US$96,250 were set for a five-year term with the last maturity date in September 2007. At the 2004 close, the balance payable for the three-year portion of the loan is US$109,438, and the balance for the five-year portion is US$96,250. In May 2004, Grupo Carso signed a syndicated three-year loan agreement for US$300,000, maturing in May 2007. In October 2004, Grupo Carso contracted a syndicated five-year loan for US$250,000, maturing in October 2009. (4) At December 31, 2004, Grupo Carso had set up a trust for the purposes of issuing stock certificates for up to Ps5,000,000. Revenue earned through the different issuance of such certificates, were used to cover obligations derived from unsecured loans. The four stock certificates are subject to the CETES average interest rate plus 1.27 percentage points. At the 2004 close, the balance of the Grupo Carso debt owed to the trust is Ps3,550,000, with the last maturity date in October 2008. The interest Grupo Carso is subject to is equal to that payable by the trust to holders of the stock certificates. The Grupo Carso subsidiaries have contracted variable rate and short/long term unsecured loans and loans for promoting exportations, with the last maturity date being 2013. The loan agreements establish the obligations to do and not to do, and require that, based on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, certain financial ratios be kept. All of those requirements are complied with at the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements. NOTE 8 - OPERATIONS WITH DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: Grupo Carso carried out operations with derivative financial instruments as coverage for its exposure risk. Those operations are summarized as follows: Exchange-rate forwards At December 31, 2004, the Company had signed dollar futures purchase - sale agreements, whose purchase position was US$945,000 at the agreed exchange rate of Ps11.3324 (weighted average) and a sale position US$25,000 at the agreed exchange rate of Ps11.4888 (weighted average). Said operations mature on March 16, 2005. The net effect of this type of operations carried out in 2004 and 2003 was for (Ps27,882) and Ps76,655, respectively, and is shown under the “Exchange income (loss) - Net” caption in the statement of income. At December 31, 2003, the Company had no contracts of this type in effect. Interest-rate swaps At December 31, 2004 and 2003, Grupo Carso had swap agreements amounting to Ps9,000,000 and Ps9,946,000, respectively, which means that it was subject to the exchange of interest every 28 days, paying average fixed rates of 9.85% and 10.08%, respectively, and collecting variable rates based on the twenty-eight-day Interbank Compensation Rate (“ICR”). Amounts under those contracts mature from January 2007 to March 2014, and the ICR at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was 8.95% and 6.29%, respectively. During 2004 and 2003, Grupo Carso paid Ps279,866 and Ps347,512, respectively, corresponding to net differences in rates, included under “Interest expense caption” in the statement of income. The effect of valuation at market prices of the agreements in which the counter-party has no hedging , totaling Ps1,791,592 and Ps3,353,200 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and required recording an asset and a liability of Ps113,070 and Ps124,178, respectively, and are shown in the “Accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued expenses” caption of the balance sheet. The net credit (charge) to income for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 was of Ps240,757 and (Ps90,385), respectively, and is shown under the “Interest income” and “Interest expense” captions, respectively, in the statement of income. During the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, Grupo Carso recorded Ps143,227 and Ps176,626 charged to income, corresponding to the present value of expected swap contract flows, which were cancelled in advance in order to negotiate new contracts with fixed rates suitable for current market conditions. That amount is included under “Interest expense” in the statements of income. At December 31, 2004, Grupo Carso had no such agreements in dollars, and at December 31, 2003 it had contracted swap agreements for a total of US$155,000. In 2004 and 2003, the Company had to change its interest rates every three months, thus paying average fixed rates of 2.96% and 2.84%, respectively, and collecting variable three-month LIBOR. In March 2004, the Company contracted a US$330,000 swap that was paid in advance in April 2004 - the original maturity date was March 2009. Contracts in effect at December 31, 2003 maturing in June and October 2008 were paid in advance in January and April 2004. The LIBOR at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was 2.56% and 1.15%, respectively. In 2004 and 2003, Grupo Carso paid net rate differences of Ps14,027 and Ps61,869, respectively, which are shown under the “Interest expense” caption in the statement of income. In the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, Grupo Carso recorded a profit in income of Ps109,505 and Ps262,959, respectively, which corresponded to the present value of expected flows of LIBOR swap agreements, which it then cancelled in advance. Said amount is shown under the “Interest income” caption in the statement of income. In 2004 and 2003, no assets or liabilities were recorded for market valuation, nor any effects in income derived from dollar swap agreements in effect on those dates, since the counterpart had been covered. At December 13, 2004, the Company cancelled two swaps in advance with a reference value of US$10,000 subject to the 4.38% interest rates (one for Fixed Interest Rates and the other for hedging), maturing on June 1, 2006. The Company paid a net exchange premium for cancellation of Ps3,038. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, said instruments gave rise to a charge to income of Ps9,803 and Ps43,116, respectively, which is included in the statement of income under the comprehensive financing cost caption. 41 Natural gas futures The Company has signed swap agreements for natural gas prices with Petróleos Mexicanos (“PEMEX”), at the average price of 4.5 US dollars per million British thermal units. Under those agreements, the Company acquires benefits or assumes costs based on natural gas consumption and on the difference between the price of natural gas in Southern Texas and the value covered under the agreement. The market value of such agreements is of approximately Ps1,108 million (Ps831 million nominal). Metal futures and swaps In 2004 and 2003, the Company signed futures and swap agreements, which were used to reduce the risk of adverse fluctuations in the price of copper and aluminum and to establish sales prices for certain customers. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, said derivative financial instruments gave rise to a credit to income of Ps21,243 and Ps1,498, respectively, which was included in the cost of sales. Additionally, futures agreements have been signed for the sale of silver, lead, zinc and lead swaps, which at December 31, 2004 gave rise to a charge to income of Ps189,439 that is included in the comprehensive financing cost. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company recorded an unrealized loss for open negotiation futures agreements of Ps19,538 and Ps58,319, respectively. At December 31, 2004, the Company has the following open futures and swap agreements: Instrument Metal Futures: Copper Lead Zinc Aluminum Silver Swaps: Copper Aluminum Lead 42 Volume Average cost in US $ Fair value at close in US$ Maturity date 9,513,995 (Tons) 9,375 (Tons) 11,875 (Tons) 25 (Tons) 2,910,000 (Oz) 1.33-1.40 (Lbs) 943.48-956.78 (Tons) 1068.75-1109.82 (Tons) 1805.00 (Tons) 6.75-7.70 (Oz) 1.43-1.45 (Lbs) 1018.75-1030.00 (Tons) 1245.50-1245.99 (Tons) 833.00 (Tons) 6.83-7.76 (Oz) January-November 2005 January-February 2005 January-February 2005 January 2005 March-December 2005 840 (Tons) 976 (Tons) 14.400 (Tons) 1.19-1.45 (Lbs) 1704.00 (Tons) 865.00-938.00 (Tons) 1.19-1.22 (Lbs) 1834.43-1849.55 (Tons) 869.71-971.29 (Tons) January 2005-January 2006 January-February 2005 January 2005-December 2006 Credit derivatives In March 2004, the Company contracted a credit derivative financial instrument (“Credit Linked OTL Deposit Transaction” or “Credit Default Swap” or “CDS”) related to an initial investment of US$50,000 maturing in March 2009, subject to the LIBOR plus 2.65 percentage points. Said credit derivative allows the CDS counterpart to transfer to the Company the risk of failing to comply with a specific credit portfolio issued by related parties. Therefore, at the maturity date of the CDS, the counterpart will pay the Company the initial investment, less the amount of the portfolio that may have not been complied with. At December 31, 2004, the Company estimates there will be no unfavorable effects. NOTE 9 - LABOR OBLIGATIONS: The Company had established non-contributory employee retirement plans for certain subsidiaries employees. The benefits under those plans are mainly based on years of service and remuneration upon retirement. The respective obligations and costs, as well as those corresponding to seniority premiums to which employees may be entitled upon termination of employment after 15 years of service, are recorded based on actuarial studies prepared by independent experts, in most cases, through contributions to an irrevocable trust fund. The plans are based on actuarial calculations using the projected unit credit method under the following guidelines: - Use of real rates to determine the liabilities and costs of pension plans and seniority premium. - Retirement benefits are based mainly on years of service, age and salary of employee at retirement date. - Re-expression of the net cost for the period and existing liability, as per inflation recorded in the period. Following is a summary of the principal financial data pertaining to those plans: December 31, Projected benefit obligations Plan assets at market value Fund position Unamortized transition (liability) asset Unamortized variations in assumptions and adjustments Unamortized plan modifications Additional liability Projected net asset derived from labor obligations Ps Ps 2004 2003 (1,696,411) 2,159,976 463,565 (35,007) (193,914) 83,306 (3,024) 314,926 Ps (1,794,749) 1,751,101 (43,648) 18,966 (34,211) 344,111 (162,395) Ps 122,823 The net cost for the period as recorded in income is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2004 Financial cost Labor cost Interest on plan assets Amortization of the transition item and others Ps Ps 83,895 98,626 (94,979) 13,622 101,164 2003 Ps Ps 76,084 89,964 (77,255) 14,224 103,017 In 2004 and 2003, the Company contributed Ps44,499 and Ps50,604 to the funds, respectively. Amendments to the plans, variations in assumptions and adjustments for experience, as well as the transition liability are amortized over the average remaining labor life of employees who are expected to receive the benefits of the plan, which varies depending on each Company entity. NOTE 10 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: At the General Ordinary Meetings held on April 21, 2004 and April 28, 2003, the stockholders agreed to: a. Dividend payments in cash of Ps585,602 and Ps639,442, respectively, for which purposes Ps0.70 was paid per each share to nominal value (adjusted for the number of shares at the time of payment for repurchase of own shares), payable in two installments at Ps0.35 per share, on May 20 and November 18, 2004 and 2003, respectively, from the Reinvested After-tax Earnings Account (“CUFINRE”) and the After-tax Earnings Account (“CUFIN”). b. It was agreed to establish a maximum of Ps3,000,000 and Ps2,000,000 (nominal) as from the date of the meeting for the purchase of own shares over the remaining part of 2004 and 2003, respectively. At the Extraordinary Meeting of April 28, 2003, the stockholders agreed to reformulate articles VII, VIII, IX, XIII, XIV, XX, XXII, XXIV and XXV of the Company’s by-laws, and add Transitory article XX Bis and a heading in Article XXXVI, mainly to amend the respective texts in regard to the “General rules applicable to acquisitions of securities that must be disclosed and public biddings for security purchases” and to the “General provisions applicable to issuers of securities and the other participants of the stock market”, both issued by the National Banking and Securities Commission. 43 At December 31, 2004, Grupo Carso’s subscribed and paid-in capital stock was composed as follows: Description Shares* 915,000,000 (117,563,582) 797,436,418 Amount Series “A1”, representing the fixed portion of the capital stock with no withdrawal rights Repurchased shares in treasury Historical capital Restatement increment Capital stock Ps Ps 1,058,036 (135,941) 922,095 5,024,612 5,946,707 * Ordinary nominative shares, with no par value. The profit for the period is subject to the legal provision requiring that at least 5% of the profit for each period be set aside to increase the legal reserve until it is the equivalent of 20% of the capital stock. At December 31, 2004, Grupo Carso’s legal reserve was Ps381,635 (nominal value) and covers the aforementioned parameter. This amount is included in “Retained earnings”. Dividends are free of income tax if paid from the CUFIN. Dividends exceeding the CUFIN are subject to a tax equivalent to 42.85%, 40.84% or 38.91% if paid in 2005, 2006 or 2007 and after, respectively. That tax is payable by the Company and may be credited against its income tax for the period or for the following two periods. Dividends paid from previously taxed profits are not subject to tax withholding. In the event of a capital reduction, the excess of capital over capital contributions, the latter restated in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Law, are accorded the same tax treatment as dividends. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the CUFIN and the capital contributions account amounted to Ps19,120,486 and Ps5,635,175; and Ps18,202,250 and Ps6,124,728, respectively, determined in accordance with the current tax provisions. NOTE 11 - INCOME TAX (“IT”), ASSET TAX (“AT”), EMPLOYEES’ STATUTORY PROFIT SHARING (“ESPS”) AND EXCISE TAX (“IEPS”): 44 Grupo Carso has been authorized to consolidate for IT and AT purposes as the controlling company since 1994. In 2004 and 2003, Grupo Carso determined a consolidated tax profit of Ps702, 657 and Ps2,403,585, respectively. The taxes corresponding to said tax profits were covered with advance payments made by the controlling and controlled companies. The IT provision shown in the statement of income differs from the amount determined by applying the 33% and 34% rates for 2004 and 2003, respectively, to the profit before IT and ESPS provisions in the consolidated statement of income, basically due to: i) permanent differences derived from recognition of the effects of inflation on different bases and non-deductible expenses, ii) certain active temporary differences, whose reversion is uncertain, arising from the amortization of active goodwill; and additionally in 2004, iii) for the benefit of a deferred asset derived from recognition of the tax loss on the sale of shares dating back to 2004 and prior years, as per the favorable ruling handed down to the Company and some of its subsidiaries on June 30, 2004 as a result of the request for an injunction filed at the First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice in relation to the unconstitutionality of not being able to credit tax losses from the sale of shares, iv) for the benefit of deducting ESPS paid by certain subsidiaries and v) for the percentages that will be applicable in the years the items giving rise to deferred IT will be deductible and/or accrued, as per the amendments to the IT Law approved on November 13, 2004, which specifies that in 2005, the general rate is to be 30% and will be gradually reduced by 1% a year until it reaches 28% in 2007. The income tax provision was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2004 Income tax currently payable Deferred income tax Total provision Ps Ps 1,504,694 (790,634) 714,060 2003 Ps Ps 1,920,421 90,197 2,010,618 The main temporary differences on which deferred income tax was recorded were as follows: December 31, 2003 2004 Temporary investments in shares Accounts receivable from installment sales Inventories - Net Property, machinery and equipment - Net Goodwill amortized Asset revaluation allowances Tax loss carry forwards Others Applicable income tax rate Recoverable AT Deferred income tax (CUFIN reinvested over the long term) Deferred income tax liability - Net Ps 18,508 2,702,604 12,926,540 17,942,872 123 (847,112) (3,311,002) 2,111,200 31,543,733 30% 9,463,120 (875,211) 8,587,909 95,751 Ps 8,683,660 Ps 34,038 3,775,918 10,336,256 18,165,957 1,438,387 (1,119,838) (1,608,628) (818,920) 30,203,170 33% 9,967,046 (718,234) 9,248,812 192,996 Ps 9,441,808 From the deferred IT balance payable recorded on December 31, 2004 and 2003, Ps32,486 and Ps28,664, respectively, has been charged directly to the deficit in restatement of stockholders’ equity, since said amounts derive from temporary differences that are identified with the result of holding non-monetary assets of the subsidiaries (inventories and real property, machinery and equipment). AT is subject to 1.8% on the net amount of certain assets and liabilities, only when it exceeds IT payable. Certain subsidiaries have incurred in AT under applicable tax provisions - said tax is expected to be recovered in future years. AT may be recovered up to the excess of IT over AT in the following ten years. ESPS is calculated by applying the procedures established in the IT law. In calculating that item, no consideration is given to the effects of inflation of tax purposes or to the unamortized tax losses. The provisions for ESPS were as follows: December 31, 2004 ESPS currently payable Deferred ESPS Total provision Ps Ps 624,719 58,958 683,677 2003 Ps Ps 365,269 (37,125) 328,144 Cigarettes sales are subject to IEPS tax. Cigatam paid the respective monthly 110% and 107% tax rates for cigarettes with filters and 100% and 80% for cigarettes without filters in 2004 and 2003, respectively. As from January 1, 2005, it must pay the respective monthly tax at the 110% rate for both types of cigarettes (with and without filters). 45 NOTE 12 - INFORMATION BY SEGMENT: The Company administers and evaluates its operations through a number of operating segments, the most representative of which are: tobacco, ceramic covering, copper and aluminum derivatives, products for the automobile, construction and telecommunications industries, commercial, mining and infrastructure and construction. Those operating segments are administered and controlled independently, since they operate with different products in several markets. Following is certain condensed financial information at December 31, 2004 and 2003, for the business segments operated by Grupo Carso. Tobacco Products for the automobile, construction and telecommunications industries Copper and aluminum derivatives Ceramic covering 2004 46 Net sales Ps 12,501,478 Ps 3,538,265 Ps 6,524,422 Ps 18,203,973 Operating income Ps Ps Ps 575,265 Ps 1,977,218 823,501 664,274 Consolidated net income for the year Ps 484,248 Ps 364,904 Ps 146,904 Ps 1,871,782 Depreciation and amortization Ps 124,099 Ps 320,944 Ps 351,647 Ps 554,941 Amortization of goodwill - Net Ps Ps 27,675 Ps Ps 75,200 Investments in shares of associated companies Ps Ps Ps 145 Ps Total assets Ps 4,048,909 Ps 6,784,608 Ps 9,032,601 Ps 17,540,864 Total liabilities Ps 2,748,857 Ps 3,889,349 Ps 4,396,941 Ps 10,016,580 Net sales Ps 11,631,954 Ps 3,417,485 Ps 5,309,953 Ps 14,137,921 Operating income Ps 791,795 Ps 765,964 Ps 349,487 Ps 1,651,286 Consolidated net income (loss) for the year Ps 403,190 Ps 356,573 Ps (389,216) Ps 585,455 Depreciation and amortization Ps 152,529 Ps 329,300 Ps 264,148 Ps 489,122 Amortization of goodwill - Net Ps Ps 18,248 Ps Ps 53,443 Investments in shares of associated companies Ps Ps Ps Ps 692,083 Total assets Ps 4,057,573 Ps 6,346,176 Ps 9,060,947 Ps 15,596,902 Total liabilities Ps 2,794,707 Ps 3,674,427 Ps 4,670,733 Ps 2003 153 The Company operates in different geographical zones and has distribution channels in Mexico, the US and other countries though industrial plants, sales offices or representatives. Below is a breakdown of net sales per geographical area: Year ended December 31 2004 Geographical zone North America Central, South America and Caribbean Europe Rest of the world Total Exportation Mexico Net sales 2003 Amount Sales % Amount Sales % Ps 4,817,417 1,391,699 486,084 18,501 6.91 2.00 0.70 0.02 Ps 4,175,145 746,970 404,552 19,441 7.00 1.25 0.68 0.03 6,713,701 9.63 5,346,108 8.96 63,007,603 90.37 54,281,501 91.04 Ps 69,721,304 100 Ps59,627,609 100 The Company has a great variety of customers, based on type of product and service. Cigatam recorded sales made to Philip Morris (associated company) equivalent to 17.9% and 19.5% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2004 and 2003, respectively (see Note 5). No other customer represents more than 10% of net sales; however, the Company offers its products and services to the following industries: Energy, Automobile, Telecommunications, Mining, Chemicals, Cement, Grains, Construction, Electronics and to the general public. 5,797,516 Commercial Mining Infrastructure and construction Other and eliminations Total Ps 22,224,128 Ps 3,516,200 Ps 2,500,694 Ps 712,144 Ps 69,721,304 Ps 3,280,137 Ps 679,200 Ps 371,744 Ps 663,775 Ps 9,035,114 Ps 2,628,927 Ps 168,100 Ps 208,428 Ps 2,168,355 Ps 8,041,648 Ps 636,210 Ps 263,200 Ps 16,170 Ps 204,146 Ps 2,471,357 Ps (78,375) Ps 36,100 Ps Ps 76,009 Ps 136,609 Ps 1,558,979 Ps 95,648 Ps Ps 1,283,781 Ps 2,938,553 Ps 25,998,126 Ps 7,255,300 Ps 2,067,149 Ps 3,503,583 Ps 76,231,140 Ps 13,716,201 Ps 4,226,000 Ps 1,670,580 Ps (667,041) Ps 39,997,467 Ps 20,070,143 Ps 2,713,872 Ps 645,164 Ps 1,701,117 Ps 59,627,609 Ps 3,131,878 Ps 319,080 Ps 54,952 Ps 523,412 Ps 7,587,854 Ps 1,777,855 Ps (503,618) Ps 18,622 Ps 706,645 Ps 2,955,506 Ps 621,910 Ps 311,681 Ps 8,460 Ps 177,993 Ps 2,355,143 Ps 131,679 Ps 64,400 Ps Ps 115,206 Ps 382,976 Ps 942,894 Ps 105,710 Ps Ps 964,892 Ps 2,705,732 Ps 23,903,422 Ps 7,420,411 Ps 696,947 Ps 2,287,319 Ps 69,369,697 Ps 13,999,636 Ps 5,038,179 Ps 453,243 Ps 1,573,858 Ps 38,002,299 NOTE 13 - COMMITMENTS: Under an agreement signed on December 20, 2001, Sears extended its trademark licensing agreement for a period of 10 years as from April 17, 2002. That license specifies the payment of 1% on all income from the sale of merchandise for which use of the Sears name is permitted, both in its company name and in its stores, as well as for exploitation of trademarks owned by Sears Roebuck and Company, principally Craftsman and Kenmore. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, Sanborns has signed agreements with suppliers for the remodeling and construction of some of its stores. The amount of commitments contracted for the foregoing purposes is approximately Ps258,861 and Ps118,214, respectively. Sanborns has signed leasing agreements for 411 of its stores (Sears, Sanborn Hermanos, Sanborns Café, Mix-up, Discolandia and Pastelerías El Globo). Those leasing agreements have been set for compulsory terms of 2 to 20 years. Total rent paid in 2004 and 2003 was Ps463,572 and Ps581,167, respectively. Also, Sanborns has signed agreements as lessor with terms fluctuating between 1 to 15 years, while rent income in 2004 and 2003 was Ps363,158 and Ps331,569, respectively. The new provisions of the agreement signed by the Ministry of Health and the Tobacco Industry went into effect as from August 1, 2004. That agreement establishes that 2.5 cents of one peso per cigarette sold as from October 1 to December 31, 2005 is to be contributed to the Trust of the Social Health Protection System. As from January 1, 2006, the ratio will be 3.5 cents per cigarette sold until September 30, 2006, and from October 1, 2006, 5.0 cents per cigarette sold until December 31, 2006, on which the contributions to the Trust will stop. At December 31, 2004, contributions to the Trust total Ps187,037. 47 In 2004 and 2003, the Company made temporary importations of raw materials under the program for temporary importation of goods for the production of items for export (“PITEX”) authorized by the Ministry of Commerce, whose customs duties have been guaranteed by the Company under the above program. The Company must and is complying with the requirements of the program. At December 31, 2004, Condumex signed as collateral for loans contracted by Sinergia Soluciones Integrales de Energía, S.A. de C.V. (associated company) for US$19,228 and US$3,446, maturing in 8 and 5 years, respectively. Under the Ferrosur concession, the Government has the right to receive a payment by the Company equal to 0.5% of its gross income in the first 15 years of the concession period and 1.25% in the remaining years of the concession period. In 2004 and 2003, expenses in this regard totaled Ps10,973 and Ps7,875, respectively. Ferrosur has investment commitments in connection with the terms of the “Business Plan” forming part of the concession agreement that include, among others, compliance with the investment budget for rolling equipment, machinery and equipment, signs and communications, railroads, different structures and maintenance. In 2004 and 2003, Ps286,450 and Ps377,632, respectively, were invested in the rehabilitation of railroads and in the acquisition of rolling equipment. Under the business plan, investments of Ps342,678 should be made in 2005. In 2004, Condumex, Nacobre and Porcelanite signed a natural gas purchase agreement with Pemex Gas and Petroquímica Básica, whereby the subsidiaries must purchase, based on an annual consumption program, the necessary gigacalories for their production. Said agreements will be in effect until conclusion of the Transitory Regime of General Terms and Conditions for First-hand Sales of Natural Gas; in the meantime, they will be automatically renewed for yearly periods, except when any of the parties issues notification of cancellation to the other, at least 90 days in advance before December 31, of the year in question. The price per gigacalory of natural gas is determined monthly as per specific procedures stated in an Exhibit to the agreement based on the arithmetical average of the estimates of the Texas Eastern Transmission Corp. South Texas Index or the EPGT Texas Pipeline, L.P. - Texas. In connection with these agreements, the companies signed master agreements for coverage of the price of natural gas (see Note 8). NOTE 14 - CONTINGENCIES: 48 In January 2000, COC Services, LTD (“COC Services”) filed a lawsuit against CompUSA, Inc. (“CompUSA”) in Dallas, Texas, for a number of contractual and civil liability claims derived from a letter of intention related to franchises in Mexico. Parties also sued in this connection are Grupo Carso, Sanborns and Carlos Slim Helú, among others (“Co-sued parties”). After legal procedures finalized on May 18, 2001, the judge handed down a sentence of US$121.5 million against the sued parties. On August 26, 2004, the appeals court handed down a unanimous sentence of three judges in favor of the Co-sued parties. The appeals court revoked the 2001 decision issued by the judge and resolved that COC Services has no right to any compensations whatsoever. The appeals court disallowed the argument of COC Services to the effect that CompUSA failed to comply with its commitment to open stores in Mexico, and concluded there was never an agreement between COC Services and CompUSA and found no evidence that the Co-sued parties had participated in any form of an agreement. COC Services requested a reconsideration of said decision from the appeals court, which was rejected; and may also seek other resources of defense in the supreme court of the State of Texas. Certain subsidiaries have filed legal procedures with the respective authorities for different reasons, mainly for contributions and for recovery of long-term accounts receivable. It is the opinion of the Company’s officers and attorneys that a large portion of those matters will be resolved favorably; otherwise, the result would not substantially affect the financial position or the result of operations. Investor Relations Jorge Serrano Esponda jserranoe@inbursa.com Jesús Granillo Rodríguez jgranill@inbursa.com.mx Design: SIGNI, S.C. / Printing: Artes Graficas Panorama ADR’s Information Symbol: GPOVY Change: 2 stocks: 1 ADR CUSIP Number: 400485207 Market: OTC Depositary Bank: The Bank of New York Investor Relations P.O. Box 11258 Church Street Station New York, NY 10286-1258 Phone: 1-888-BNY-ADRS (269-2377) Phone: (International) 1-610-312-5315 E-mail: shareowner-svcs@bankofny.com Grupo Carso Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 255 Col. Ampliación Granada México, D.F. 11520 gcarso.com.mx
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